bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gypsum Effect on the Aggregate Size and Geometry of Three Sodic Soils Under Reclamation
Authors: Lebron I. , Suarez D. L. , Yoshida T.
Published: May 2016

Reclamation of sodic soils is imperative in many areas where deterioration of land and water resources is in progress. While the chemical mechanisms involved in the reclamation of sodic soils are well described and understood, the in situ physical processes undergoing during the salt leaching and cation substitution are normally not taken into consideration. Three sodic soils mixed with different amounts of gypsum were packed in columns and leached under saturated conditions for a period of time between 1 and 3 mo. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) was measured and a thin section was prepared for each of the columns. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image analysis to measure the size and shape of the aggregates and the pores, and correlated these with chemical and physical parameters. We divided the area by the perimeter (A/P) to quantify the size and A/P2 to express geometry for both aggregates and pores. The size of the aggregates had a good correlation with the exchangeable Na percentage (ESP), bulk density, pore size, and Ksat There was no significant relationship between pore size and texture, indicating that transport models using particle‐size distribution to infer porosity may not be successful in predicting water transport in soils under reclamation. The linear relationship between aggregate size and pore size indicates that the pore space is determined by the packing of the aggregates not the individual particles, this relationship may have implications not only for water transport but for modeling hydraulic properties in general.
Morphological diversity in fourteen cultivars Tiron village, Kediri, Indonesia
Authors: Nur Azis , Boga Andri
Published: May 2016

Tiron village, Kediri is one of central mangoes in Indonesia. Many cultivar
of mangoes encountered at this location. This study aims to look at the
diversity of mango cultivars in the Tiron Village, Kediri, Indonesia. Mangoes
diversity is based on qualitative and quantitative character of each
cultivar. The diversity among cultivar indicated by the standard deviation
and variance in the eleven quantitative characters of mango. Mango cultivars
categorized by phylogeny morphological characters. The method used for
phylogeny analysis is an UPGMA method (unweighted pair group method with
arithmetic mean). Phylogenic analysis is based by the qualitative character
of the plant. The results showed there were fourteen cultivars of mango in
the village of Tiron Kediri have high diversity. Fourteen mango cultivars
were categorized four groups. Based on a qualitative character, there are
four classes of mango. The first group is the Katul, Podang Urang, and Podang
Lumut. The second group is the Gadung, Jaran, Madu, Endog, Pakel, Dodonilo,
Ireng, Lanang and Cantek. Santok Kapur into groups to form groups of three
and Kopyor fourth. The high diversity in the village mango Tiron Kediri
potential for resource in situ germplasm.
Microsatelite diversity of Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Croatian shepherd dog Tornjak
Authors: Softic Almira , Velija Katica , Ramic Jasmin , Bajrovic Kasim , Radosavljevic Gabrijela , Lasic Lejla , Kalamujic Belma , Sakic Vedad , Pojskic Naris
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the first estimation of polymorphism of the
Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog Tornjak in Bosnia and
Herzegovina using 10 microsatellite loci, which are an integral part of
StockMarks? for Canine Genotyping Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA,
USA). Ten microsatellite loci used in this study are appropriate for
assessing the genetic diversity for this breed. Measures of genetic
diversity were estimated based on allelic and genotypic calculations,
observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosities, deviations from
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and polymorphism information content (PIC). The
lowest genetic diversity was estimated for locus PEZ20, and the highest for
PEZ6 locus. Observed and expected mean heterozygosities were 0.7261 and
0.7392, respectively. Statistically significant deviation (p<0.05) from
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was found for PEZ1, PEZ12, PEZ3 and PEZ6 loci.
The PIC values suggested that all markers (100%) are very informative (PIC >
0.5) in terms of their suitability for genetic diversity studies. When all
observed parameters are taken into account (observed and expected
heterozygosities, PIC, number of detective and effective alleles, number of
detected and maximum possible genotypes, major allele frequency and major
allele frequency index), we can conclude that PEZ6 locus shows the highest
genetic diversity while PEZ3 displays the lowest. However, assuming values
of observed and expected heterozygosities, as well as PIC, we consider loci
PEZ20 to be the least diverse, but this locus has more effective alleles and
more genotypes present than PEZ3. These preliminary results are the first
genetic diversity survey of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog
Tornjak in Bosnia and Herzegovina and could be useful to the dog breeders in
designing and managing breeding strategies. Summarizing the information
above, we can conclude that the population of the
Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog Tornjak from B&H is not affected
by substantial loss of genetic diversity. Results of our study indicate
presence of reasonably high level of genetic variability and lead to a
better understanding of this dog breed.
Evaluation of genetic diversity of cultivated tea clones (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) in the eastern black sea coast by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRS)
Authors: Beris Fatih , Pehlivan Necla , Kac Melike , Haznedar Ayhan , Coşkun Fatih , Sandalli Cemal
Published: May 2016

Tea is the most globally consumed drink after spring water and an important
breeding plant with high economical value in Turkey. In half a century,
various kinds of tea cultivars have been bred in Turkey to improve the
quality and yield of tea plants. Since tea reproduces sexually, tea fields
vary in quality. Thus, determining the genetic diversity and relationship of
the plants to support breeding and cultivation is important. In this study we
aimed to determine the genetic diversity of tea cultivars breeding in the
Eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey and the genetic relationship between them,
to verify whether the qualitative morphological designations of the clones
are genetically true by the ISSR markers. Herein, the genetic diversity and
relationships of 18 Turkish tea cultivars were determined using 15 ISSR
markers with sizes ranging from 250 to 3000 base pairs. The similarity
indices among these cultivars were between 0.456 and 0.743. Based on cluster
analysis using UPGMA, some of tea cultivars originating from the same
geographical position were found to be clustered closely. Our data provide
valuable information and a useful basis to assist selection and cloning
experiments of tea cultivars and also help farmers to find elite parental
clones for tea breeding in the Eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey.
Assessment of genetic diversity and estimation of genetic parameters for remobilization related traits of wheat under drought conditions
Authors: Farshadfar Ezatollah , Amiri Reza
Published: May 2016

In order to evaluate genetic variability and estimation of remobilization
related traits in wheat using biometrical genetic techniques an experiment
was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replicates
under post-anthesis drought stress conditions in the Campus of Agriculture
and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran during 2011-2012
cropping season. The results of analysis of variance showed significant
differences between the genotypes for all studied traits except current
photosynthesis (CP) and current photosynthesis share into kernel yield
(CPSKY). High genetic gain and broad sense heritability estimates were
observed for penultimate remobilization share into kernel yield (PenRSKY) and
internodes remobilization share into kernel yield (IRSKY) indicating high
genetic potential, low effect of environment and predominant role of additive
gene effect on their expression. Spike dry matter remobilization (SDMR),
spike dry matter remobilization efficiency (SDMRE) and spike remobilization
share into kernel yield (SRSKY) exhibited the highest phenotypic and genetic
positive correlation with kernel yield (KY). Moreover, the highest genotypic
and phenotypic covariance was observed between kernel yield (KY) and SDMR,
CP, SDMRE and SRSKY, respectively. The highest environmental covariance was
identified between kernel yield (KY), peduncle dry matter remobilization
(PedDMR) and penultimate dry matter remobilization (PenDMR), respectively.
High co-heritability was detected between SDMRE and PedDMR, PedDMRE and
PenDMR and between peduncle remobilization share into kernel yield (PedRSKY)
and internodes dry matter remobilization efficiency (IDMRE), suggesting that
selection of either of the traits would simultaneously affect the others,
positively.
Molecular analysis of commercial date palm cultivars in Lybia using ISSR and SRAP PCR-based markers
Authors: Khalifa Noha , Shehata Maher , Abodoma Ahmed , Alkumbezy Abdullah
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the molecular structure of the date palm (Phoenix
dactylifera L.) despite its importance as invaluable drought tolerant crop.
Intervarietal variation and cultivar identification are crucial for breeding
and gene bank conservation of this plant worldwide. In this work, two PCR
based marker systems (ISSR and SRAP) were applied on top quality eight
commercial cultivars in Libya (Umfetity, Bekrary, Alhamraya, Sufeer Genab,
Alsaeedy Show, Farag Barameel, Majhool Alheelo and Alkhadraya). DNA
variations were explored using eleven ISSR and nine combinations of SRAP
markers. All markers used generated polymorphic bands among the different
cultivars that can be used as molecular markers for their differentiation.
The genetic distance between cultivars was also estimated from banding
patterns. Our results indicate that ISSR and SRAP systems can efficiently
identify and differentiate between the selected cultivars. This work can be
used as a model to establish a road map for all date palm cultivars
worldwide.
Morpho- biochemical evaluation of Brassica rapa sub-species for salt tolerance
Authors: Jan Sohail , Shinwari Zabta , Rabbani Malik
Published: May 2016

Salt stress is one of the key abiotic stresses that affect both the
qualitative and quantitative characters of many Brassica rapa sub-species by
disturbing its normal morphobiochemical processes. Therefore, the present
research work was designed to study the effect of different NaCl events (0,
50,100 and 150 mmol) on morphological and biochemical characters and to
screen salt tolerant genotypes among brown, yellow and toria types of B. rapa
sub-species. The plants were grown in test tubes with addition of four level
of NaCl (0, 50,100 and 150 mmol). The effect of salinity on shoot and root
length, shoot/ root fresh and dry weight, relative water content (RWC),
proline and chlorophyll a, b, a+b contents was recorded after 4 weeks of
sowing. The genotype 22861 (brown type) showed excellent morphological and
biochemical performance at all stress levels followed by Toria-Sathi and
Toria-A respectively as compared to Check variety TS-1. The genotype 26158
(yellow type) gave very poor performance and retard growth. The %RWC values
and chlorophyll a, b and a+b contents were decreased several folds with the
increase of salt concentration. While, the proline contents was increased
with raising of salt stress. The brown and toria types showed maximum
tolerance to salt stress at early germination stages as compare to yellows
one. The present study will serve as model to develop quick salt tolerant
genotypes among different plant sub-species against salt stress.
The association between adiponectin and ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms with obesity among young Jordanian women
Authors: Alomari Mahmoud , Khabour Omar , Abu Obaid
Published: May 2016

Obesity is a risk for multiple diseases and an independent cause of morbidity
and mortality with staggering global rates. Adiponectin is an
adipocyte-derived peptide associated with reduced obesity. In this study, the
effect of ADIPOQ gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on obesity and
adiponectin relationship was examined. The study was conducted on 389 adult
females. Obesity was measured using body weight, BMI, percent body fat, and
waist and hip ratio. ADIPOQ G276T and I164T SNPs were genotyped using RFLP
procedure. Adiponectin plasma levels were quantified using ELISA technique.
Adiponectin correlated with all obesity measures (p<0.05). However, when
divided according to genotypes, adiponectin remained correlating (p<0.05)
with obesity measures in the participants with GT of the G276T SNP but not
(p>0.05) with GG and TT of the G276T SNP. With respect to` I164T SNP, the
correlations between adiponectin and obesity measures remained in all
genotypes except with W/H ratio and %Bf remained in the participants with CC
genotype and with W/H ratio in CT/TT genotypes. Further analyses reveled that
adiponectin was lower (p<0.05) in the participants with GT versus the GG and
TT genotypes of G276T SNP. The data confirms the effect of adiponectin for
obesity. It also shows the importance of ADIPOQ SNPs in the relationship
between adiponectin and obesity in young adult females.
Estimation of the influence of hypoglycemia and body mass index on health-related quality of life, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cvetanovic Goran , Stojiljkovic Marija , Miljkovic Mirjana
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. Recent data have shown that obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have more commonly impaired glycemic control and complication such as neuropathy as well as a higher mortality rate than normal body weight patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to quantify patient-reported rates of hypoglycemia, determine body mass index (BMI) and evaluate their association with health-related quality of life (HRQL) estimated by EuroQoL-EQ 5-dimensional (EQ-5D) questionnaire in individuals with T2DM after adjusting for age, duration of diabetes mellitus and presence of late diabetes complications. Methods. This clinical-epidemiological cross sectional study involved 269 consecutively selected adult patients of both sexes with T2DM duration longer than one year. The standardized Serbian version of the EQ-5D 3 level version ? EQ-5D-3L questionnaire with a visual analogue scale-VAS (EQ-VAS), was used to assess respondents? HRQL and utility values. Results. The average age of participants was 65.1 ? 9.3 years; hypoglycemia was registered in 71.0%, obesity in 43.9% and chronic complications in 88.8% of the patients. Half of the patients did not reach the target value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) < 7.0%. Patients that experienced episodes of hypoglycemia years compared to those with good glycemic control were significantly younger at diagnosis (54.19 vs 57.59 years, respectively) and less likely to be graduated at tertiary school (7.3% vs 35.1%, respectively). They had higher mean EQ-5D subscale score (pain/discomfort: 1.86 vs 1.68, respectively), lower VAS (55.99 vs 62.44) and EQ- 5D index (0.85 vs 0.87, respectively). Obese patients were more likely to be female with higher systolic and diastolic pressure, triglycerides, waist circumference, subscale score (anxiety/depression 2.01 vs 1.80) and rates of hypoglycemia per year. After adjusting for confounders, the presence of hypoglycemia had 2,035 greater odds for experienced problems related to pain/discomfort. The unit increase of BMI had 1.05 greater odds for experienced problems related to mobility and anxiety/depression. Hypoglycemia was associated with significantly lower levels of the VAS score (b = - 0.13). Increasing of BMI was associated with significantly lower EQ-5D index value (b = -1.78). The rates of hypoglycemia were not associated with VAS score and EQ-5D index values. Conclusion. Results demonstrated a significant association of hypoglycemia and obesity with impaired HRQL determined by the EQ-5D questionnaire. Lifestyle measures aimed to reduce obesity and hypoglycemia together with optimal diabetic therapy regiment can markedly improve patients' HRQL.
Cataplexy in a patient treated for prolactinoma: Case report
Authors: Nikolic-Djurovic Marina , Pereira Alberto , Jemuovic Zvezdana , Pavlovic Dragan , Jankovic Dragana , Petakov Milan , Civcic Milorad , Vasovic Olga , Damjanovic Svetozar
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Isolated cataplexy, without the presence of narcolepsy, is a relatively rare condition, and can be regarded as attacks of motor inhibition with loss of muscle tone and areflexia. The diagnosis of cataplexy relies on the clinical presentation and medical history and it is rarely confirmed by video-polygraph. We here described a female patient treated for prolactinoma who developed isolated cataplexy. Case report. A 53-year-old female treated with bromocriptine for a macroprolactinoma presented with sudden episodes of weakness and toneless legs leading to falls and injuries on several occasions. Cardiovascular evaluation was completely normal. Psychiatric evaluation showed no psychotic phenomenology or suicidal ideas. Pituitary imaging showed empty sella with a remnant sellar mass with infra- and parasellar extension. Neurological examination revealed mild obstructive sleep hypopnea/apnea. Electroencephalographic monitoring during sleep and awakening did not show appearance of epi potentials. HLA haplotyping was positive for HLADR3,16; DR51;DQ1 allele, confirming a diagnosis of isolated cataplexy. Treatment included tricyclic antidepressants and reduction of bromocriptine dosage with resolution of cataplexy. Conclusion. We reported the first case of isolated cataplexy most probably associated with dopamine agonist treatment for prolactinoma.
Analgesic efficacy and safety of four different anesthesia/postoperative analgesia protocols in patients following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kendrisic Mirjana , Surbatovic Maja , Djordjevic Dragan , Trifunovic Bratislav , Jevdjic Jasna
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. Hip replacement surgery can initiate significant postoperative pain caused by bone alterations, implant, and soft tissue or nerve injuries. Postoperative analgesia using regional techniques has been shown to have numerous advantages over the intravenous use of morphine. However, numerous side effects and complications of postoperative continuous epidural analgesia have been reported recently. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to investigate whether continuous lumbar plexus block can be a safe and efficacious alternative for postoperative analgesia in comparison with epidural analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (PCA morphine) for hip arthroplasty. Methods. This prospective study included 60 patients, scheduled for total hip arthroplasty. Patients were randomized into 4 groups: the group central nerve block ? epidural (CNB), the group peripheral nerve block ? lumbar plexus block (PNB), the group spinal anesthesia-PCA morphine (SAM) and the group general anesthesia-PCA morphine (GAM). The quality of analgesia and side effects (hypotension, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention) were recorded in all groups at 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery. Pain scores were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), both at rest and on moving. Results. Our findings demonstrated that the use of a continuous lumbar plexus block provides effective analgesia at rest and on moving, during 24 h after hip arthroplasty. Pain scores varied significantly among the groups 4 h postoperatively (F = 21.827; p < 0.01), 12 h postoperatively (F = 41.925; p < 0.01) and 24 h postoperatively (F = 33.768; p < 0.01) with the highest scores ? 3 in the GAM group. Patients from the PNB group had satisfactory analgesia, comparable with patients from the CNB group. The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the PNB group 12 h after the operation (?2 = 9.712; p < 0.01). The incidence of urine retention was significantly different 12 h after the operation, with a presence only in the CNB group, with the incidence of 33.3% (?2 = 16.365; p < 0.01). In all studied groups, the incidence of hypotension was not significantly different postoperatively. Conclusion. Administration of postoperative analgesia using continuous lumbar plexus block produces satisfactory analgesia with a low incidence of side effects when compared to epidural analgesia or parenteral opioids following hip arthroplasty.
Children's perceptions of smile esthetics and their influence on social judgment
Authors: Rossini Gabriele , Parrini Simone , Castroflorio Tommaso , Fortini Arturo , Deregibus Andrea , Debernardi Cesare L.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To define a threshold of acceptance of smile esthetics for children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search in the medical literature (PubMed, PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine's Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Google Scholar, and LILACs) was performed to identify all peer-reviewed papers reporting data regarding the evaluation of children's and adolescents' perceptions of dental esthetic factors. The search was conducted using a research strategy based on keywords such as “children,” “adolescents,” “smile aesthetics perception,” “smile aesthetics evaluation.” Studies analyzing smile esthetics involving at least 10 observers younger than 18 years of age were selected.

Results:

Among the 1667 analyzed articles, five studies were selected for the final review process. No study included in the review analyzed perception of smile anomalies in a quantitative or qualitative way, thus no threshold was identified for smile features. Among the analyzed samples, unaltered smiles were always significantly associated with better evaluation scores when compared with altered smiles.

Conclusions:

Smile esthetics influence social perception during childhood and adolescence. However, thresholds of smile esthetic acceptance in children and adolescents are still not available.
Is the recent emergence of mephedrone injecting in the United Kingdom associated with elevated risk behaviours and blood borne virus infection?
Authors: Hope Vivian D , Cullen Katelyn J , Smith Josie , Jessop Lucy , Parry John , Ncube Fortune
Published: May 2016

The recent, and rapid, emergence of injection of the short-acting stimulant mephedrone (4-methylmethcathione) has resulted in concerns about increased infection risks among people who inject drugs (PWID). Data from the bio-behavioural surveillance of PWID in the United Kingdom were analysed to examine the impact of mephedrone injection on infections among PWID. During the year preceding the survey, 8.0% of PWID (163/2,047) had injected mephedrone. In multivariable analyses, those injecting mephedrone were younger, less likely to have injected opiates, and more likely to have injected cocaine or amphetamines, used needle/syringe programmes or sexual health clinics, been recruited in Wales and Northern Ireland or shared needles/syringes. There were no differences in sexual risks. Those injecting mephedrone more often had hepatitis C antibodies (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–2.12), human immunodeficiency virus (AOR = 5.43; 95% CI: 1.90–15.5) and overdosed (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.12–2.57). There were no differences in the frequency of injecting site infections or prevalence of hepatitis B. The elevated levels of risk and infections are a concern considering its recent emergence. Mephedrone injection may currently be focused among higher-risk or more vulnerable groups. Targeted responses are needed to prevent an increase in harm.
Entropy and the Self-Organization of Information and Value
Authors: Feistel Rainer , Ebeling Werner
Published: May 2016

Adam Smith, Charles Darwin, Rudolf Clausius, and Léon Brillouin considered certain “values” as key quantities in their descriptions of market competition, natural selection, thermodynamic processes, and information exchange, respectively. None of those values can be computed from elementary properties of the particular object they are attributed to, but rather values represent emergent, irreducible properties. In this paper, such values are jointly understood as information values in certain contexts. For this aim, structural information is distinguished from symbolic information. While the first can be associated with arbitrary physical processes or structures, the latter requires conventions which govern encoding and decoding of the symbols which form a message. As a value of energy, Clausius’ entropy is a universal measure of the structural information contained in a thermodynamic system. The structural information of a message, in contrast to its meaning, can be evaluated by Shannon’s entropy of communication. Symbolic information is found only in the realm of life, such as in animal behavior, human sociology, science, or technology, and is often cooperatively valuated by competition. Ritualization is described here as a universal scenario for the self-organization of symbols by which symbolic information emerges from structural information in the course of evolution processes. Emergent symbolic information exhibits the novel fundamental code symmetry which prevents the meaning of a message from being reducible to the physical structure of its carrier. While symbols turn arbitrary during the ritualization transition, their structures preserve information about their evolution history.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Diabetes Mellitus—A Population Based Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Qin Yuchen , Wang Rui , Ma Xiuqiang , Zhao Yanfang , Lu Jian , Wu Cheng , He Jia
Published: May 2016

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in Shanghai, China. A sample of 3600 residents aged from 18 to 80 years selected by a randomized stratified multiple-stage sampling method in Shanghai was investigated, with blood samples collected. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol), or previous diagnosis by a physician. Adequate control of diabetes was taken as a level of HbA1c < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) among people with treated diabetes. Multivariable regression analysis was used to explore associated factors for diabetes and prediabetes. In the 3136 participants suitable for analysis, the prevalences of diabetes, prediabetes, and previously diagnosed diabetes were 15.91%, 37.37%, and 4.46%, respectively. Among those with diabetes, only 28.06% were aware of their condition, 25.85% were currently undergoing medication treatment, and 12.42% achieved glycaemic control. Logistic regression showed that old age, preobesity, obesity, elevated triglyceride (TG), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and lower education level were associated with an increased risk of diabetes; old age, obesity, elevated TG, and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were associated with an increased risk of prediabetes, while male sex and rural residence were associated with a decreased risk of prediabetes. In summary, the state of diabetes in China is alarming; the rates of awareness, treatment, and control were relatively low. More efforts should be made to promote the prevention and control of diabetes in china.
Health-Related Behaviors in Swimming Pool Users: Influence of Knowledge of Regulations and Awareness of Health Risks
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Dallolio Laura , Marotta Manfredo , Raggi Alessandra , Di Onofrio Valeria , Liguori Giorgio , Toni Francesco , Leoni Erica
Published: May 2016

Background: Swimming pool attendance exposes users to infection and chemical risks that could be largely reduced with the adoption of healthy behaviors. This study aims to investigate if the knowledge of swimming pool regulations and awareness of health risks can be associated with users’ health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from two different target groups of swimming users: 184 adults and 184 children/adolescents. The association between specific variables and patterns of behaviors and knowledge was assessed through multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Although more than 80% of both groups declared they knew the regulations, compliance with healthy behaviors was often unsatisfactory, especially in adolescents and youth. In the children/adolescents group, healthy behaviors significantly increased with the frequency of attendance per week. In both groups, compliance increased with educational level (of parents for children/adolescents), while no positive association was observed between viewing the regulations and adopting appropriate behaviors. In the adult group, a higher knowledge/awareness of health risks was related to decreased odds of at least one unhealthy behavior. Conclusions: Guaranteeing the public display of regulations in swimming facilities is not sufficient to promote and change health-related behaviors. Much more attention should be given to educational interventions aimed to increase knowledge of health risks and the awareness that bathers are directly responsible for their own well-being.
Predicting MicroRNA Biomarkers for Cancer Using Phylogenetic Tree and Microarray Analysis
Authors: Wang Hsiuying
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are shown to be involved in the initiation and progression of cancers in the literature, and the expression of miRNAs is used as an important cancer prognostic tool. The aim of this study is to predict high-confidence miRNA biomarkers for cancer. We adopt a method that combines miRNA phylogenetic structure and miRNA microarray data analysis to discover high-confidence miRNA biomarkers for colon, prostate, pancreatic, lung, breast, bladder and kidney cancers. There are 53 miRNAs selected through this method that either have potential to involve a single cancer’s development or to involve several cancers’ development. These miRNAs can be used as high-confidence miRNA biomarkers of these seven investigated cancers for further experiment validation. miR-17, miR-20, miR-106a, miR-106b, miR-92, miR-25, miR-16, miR-195 and miR-143 are selected to involve a single cancer’s development in these seven cancers. They have the potential to be useful miRNA biomarkers when the result can be confirmed by experiments.
Influence of Hybridizing Flax and Hemp-Agave Fibers with Glass Fiber as Reinforcement in a Polyurethane Composite
Authors: Pandey Pankaj , Bajwa Dilpreet , Ulven Chad , Bajwa Sreekala
Published: May 2016

In this study, six combinations of flax, hemp, and glass fiber were investigated for a hybrid reinforcement system in a polyurethane (PU) composite. The natural fibers were combined with glass fibers in a PU composite in order to achieve a better mechanical reinforcement in the composite material. The effect of fiber hybridization in PU composites was evaluated through physical and mechanical properties such as water absorption (WA), specific gravity (SG), coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE), flexural and compression properties, and hardness. The mechanical properties of hybridized samples showed mixed trends compared to the unhybridized samples, but hybridization with glass fiber reduced water absorption by 37% and 43% for flax and hemp-agave PU composites respectively.
The Structure and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Bulk Ultrafine-Grained Cobalt Prepared Using High-Energy Ball Milling in Combination with Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Marek Ivo , Vojtěch Dalibor , Michalcová Alena , Kubatík Tomáš
Published: May 2016

In this study, bulk ultrafine-grained and micro-crystalline cobalt was prepared using a combination of high-energy ball milling and subsequent spark plasma sintering. The average grain sizes of the ultrafine-grained and micro-crystalline materials were 200 nm and 1 μm, respectively. Mechanical properties such as the compressive yield strength, the ultimate compressive strength, the maximum compressive deformation and the Vickers hardness were studied and compared with those of a coarse-grained as-cast cobalt reference sample. The bulk ultrafine-grained sample showed an ultra-high compressive yield strength that was greater than 1 GPa, which is discussed with respect to the preparation technique and a structural investigation.
Improved Aptamers for the Diagnosis and Potential Treatment of HER2-Positive Cancer
Authors: Gijs Marlies , Penner Gregory , Blackler Garth , Impens Nathalie , Baatout Sarah , Luxen André , Aerts An
Published: May 2016

Aptamers provide a potential source of alternative targeting molecules for existing antibody diagnostics and therapeutics. In this work, we selected novel DNA aptamers targeting the HER2 receptor by an adherent whole-cell SELEX approach. Individual aptamers were identified by next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Two aptamers, HeA2_1 and HeA2_3, were shown to bind the HER2 protein with affinities in the nanomolar range. In addition, both aptamers were able to bind with high specificity to HER2-overexpressing cells and HER2-positive tumor tissue samples. Furthermore, we demonstrated that aptamer HeA2_3 is being internalized into cancer cells and has an inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth and viability. In the end, we selected novel DNA aptamers with great potential for the diagnosis and possible treatment of HER2-positive cancer.
The Making of Sustainable Urban Development: A Synthesis Framework
Authors: Tang Hui-Ting , Lee Yuh-Ming
Published: May 2016

In a time of rapid climate change and environmental degradation, planning and building an ecologically sustainable environment have become imperative. In particular, urban settlements, as a densely populated built environment, are the center of attention. This study aims to build a clear and concise synthesis of sustainable urban development not only to serve as an essential reference for decision and policy makers, but also encourage more strategically organized sustainability efforts. The extensive similarities between environmental planning and a policy-making/decision-making/problem-solving process will be carefully examined to confirm the fundamental need to build a synthesis. Major global urban sustainability rankings/standards will be presented, discussed, and integrated to produce a holistic synthesis with ten themes and three dimensions. The study will assemble disparate information across time, space, and disciplines to guide and to facilitate sustainable urban development in which both environmental concerns and human wellbeing are addressed.
ON SOLUTIONS OF BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM FOR FOURTH-ORDER BEAM EQUATIONS
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar , Rach Randolph , Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we consider the fourth-order linear differential equation u(4) +f(x)u = g(x) subject to the mixed boundary conditions u(0) = u(1) = u‘‘(0) = u‘‘(1) = 0. We first establish sufficient conditions on f(x) that guarantee a unique solution of this problem in the Hilbert space by using an a priori estimate. Accurate analytic solutions in series forms are obtained by a new variation of the Duan-Rach modified Adomian decomposition method (DRMA), and then extend this approach to some boundary value problems of fourth-order nonlinear beam equations. Also, a comparison of the two approximate solutions by the ADM with the Green function approach is presented.
A Decision Model on Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Strategies
Authors: Marí Jesús , Coduras Alicia
Published: May 2016

The role of companies in today's society has been radically transformed, especially in developed economies. The stakeholders have deposited on companies different expectations compared to some years ago. Furthermore, this transformation has led to the establishment of new internal models of corporate governance depending on the intensity of the impact of demand for social action coming from the stakeholders interacting with firms. The aim of this work is to offer a decision model on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and business strategies. This model constitutes a tool that can be adopted by firms, no matter their operational sector, to establish their particular coordinates with respect to their CSR actions and social commitment. Using this tool, companies can update their particular situation taking decisions to change those aspects influencing this position and improving their social integration, if it is perceived as non-aligned with its aspirations of success, efficiency or adequateness.
Implementation of a Social Innovation Model for Economic Value Creation
Authors: Muñiz Avila Edgar , Rodríguez-Aceves Lucia , Flores-Castro Mario Adrián
Published: May 2016

This chapter reviews and discusses the multidimensionality of social innovation literature and relates it to some aspects of economic value creation. Moreover, it proposes a model for micro-businesses creation as a solution to reduce asset poverty. The model, characterized as a social innovation, was adapted to an academic program at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, which is one of the largest private universities in Mexico. The results of the pilot implementation clearly showed a positive impact in the increase in sales, job creation, and –consequently– the creation of economic value. Finally, the chapter highlights social innovation as an important input for governmental economic plans because the development level of a country is more important than its economic growth.
Promoting Social and Solidarity Economy through Big Data
Authors: López David De la Antonia
Published: May 2016

The aim of this chapter is to describe how to implement a strategy of Big Data to boost Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). Because of reduction of prices in ICT systems, computing technology has changed and new techniques for distributed computing are the mainstream. With the evolution, it is now possible to manage immense volumes of data that previously could have only been handled by supercomputers at great expense. Through better analysis of the large volumes of data that are becoming available, there is the potential for making faster advances and improving the profitability of many enterprises. Thus, large companies can invest more money into these tools and consequently have more opportunities in obtaining good results. This new situation will widen the gap between large and small organizations, mainly those organizations of modest economic capacity as those that belong to SSE. Therefore, in this research we have made a complete development of software, techniques and tools for implementing a Big Data in SSE. It will help them to narrow the gap with large organizations.
Social Entrepreneurship Taxonomy
Authors: Guerra Alicia Guerra , Sánchez de Gómez Lyda
Published: May 2016

Regardless of the bubbling social entrepreneurship research, a generally accepted concept for this term. In fact, the current limited conceptual framework undermines the bases of this entrepreneurship and hinders rigorous scientific progress in this area of study. In this paper, the authors attempt to fix the conceptual framework of the social enterprise, for which we have opted for an integrated, broad open view of the concept, given the heterogeneous nature of its agents and its continuous evolution, as well as the type of social enterprises that may be inferred from it. They close by exploring the keys to success of these enterprises, certain specific factors of which only a few are shared by traditional enterprises. By applying a qualitative and quantitative methodology, which they triangulate, this analysis is implemented for Extremadura (Spain), a region that embarks on fostering social entrepreneurship based on the current view in a territory with a thin social enterprise network.
Social Responsibility of Healthcare Organizations and the Role of the Nurse
Authors: Grandón Katiuska Lidice Reynaldos , Reinoso Lissette Alejandra Avilés
Published: May 2016

Exploring the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implies a must for holistic and regulatory approaches to business ethics. Professionals, executives and employees must demonstrate ethical-based behavior in healthcare. So, the first commitment of the nurse must be caring patients, as without caring them, nurses lose their professional identity. As a result, universities should support the teaching of ethics, while stimulating CSR and values derived from practical training. Experience shows that the methodology of “service learning” seeks to promote the committed participation of students in the teaching-learning process, while delivering a quality service to the community. Correctly inserted into an experience-based pedagogical frame, ethics strengthens critical thinking, problem solving, and encourages solidarity.
The Electronic Obsolescence as an Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Cardona Diego Lopez , Hoyos Rocío del S. Tabares
Published: May 2016

The chapter contains the concepts of Social Entrepreneurship, Planned and Perceived Obsolescence, Corporate Social Responsibility, the legal framework for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) waste, and Reverse Logistics, as theoretical support from different authors. Applied to Manizales, Colombia, the study was conducted with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The information was collected through surveys and interviews with 26 entrepreneurs and 331 households' consumers to know the type of appliances, how they buy, change and use them, and the chain of intermediaries. With planned and perceived obsolescence, products lose their life in a short time, are dumped as Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and collected by people of low educational and economic level that survive in precarious conditions. Due to these results and conclusions, we offer in the chapter the opportunity to generate proposals for their inclusion and social development.
The Role of Technology in Improving Quality of Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Thindwa Harriet
Published: May 2016

Students are the future of any country. They are the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. If teaching quality is undermined, so is the country's overall education system, and therefore, so is a country's future. In this chapter, the role of technology in improving quality of teaching in higher education, which has been declining over the years internationally including in the US, is reviewed. Databases EBSCOhost and Academic Search Complete were employed in this review. Empirical studies have revealed that e-learning technologies such as Moodle improve teaching quality. Given the advancement in technology, institutions of higher learning the world over are challenged to embrace technology as a strategy to engage students and enhance learning.
Designing Authentic Field-Based Experiences with Immigrant Students through One University and Urban School Partnership
Authors: Kolano Lan Quach , Childers-McKee Cherese
Published: May 2016

In an effort to create a meaningful clinical experience for undergraduate pre-service teachers, this chapter explores how authentic interactions with English Language Learners (ELLs) within university-school partnerships work to foster pre-service teachers' feelings of multicultural efficacy. Qualitative data were collected through reflective journals, case study projects, and archival data. Analysis of data from participants' reactions to the clinical experience suggests that multiple factors intersected to create a positive, authentic field experience for participants. Emergent themes included the impact of sociological mindfulness and the power of students' stories and lived experiences on shaping teacher beliefs. The data suggests that establishing a partner school with strong leadership that embraces diversity and supports ELLs and creating structured field experience in which participants engage in mentoring/tutoring relationships with ELLs is critical to this process. Implications for teacher educators and teacher education programs are discussed.
Game Network Analysis
Authors: Foster Aroutis N. , Shah Mamta , Duvall Matthew
Published: May 2016

Teachers report experiencing frustrating issues in using games for instructional purposes. Teachers' inability to use games is further compounded by the lack of teacher education or professional development programs that focus on developing teacher competence in adopting game-based learning, particularly at the pre-service level. Thus, in this chapter, the Game Network Analysis (GaNA) framework is presented as a methodological approach developed to aid teachers in teaching and learning with games in educational contexts. The application of GaNA is highlighted through case studies with pre-service and in-service teachers. The case studies illustrate how GaNA, through a focus on game analysis, game integration, and ecological conditions impacting game use, can empower teachers to adopt game-based learning in a systematic, but adaptive manner. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future directions for teacher educators and educational researchers who are interested in developing teachers' knowledge and skills in game-based learning.
An Investigation of a Computer Training Company's Migration to a New Distance Learning Platform and the Implementation of an Online Professional Development Program
Authors: Rudd Denis , Bernadowski Carianne
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study was to determine if the Training Partner Program was successful in preparing trainers to use a new distance learning platform. Results indicate the program was a success in improving self-efficacy, engagement, and collaboration among trainers. Additionally, characteristics of online trainers are identified. Online learning in higher education, business training, and elementary/secondary schools is increasing exponentially and developing effective professional development programs to prepare instructors is of paramount importance. The current study provides valuable insight for any training managers or educators developing activities and exercises to train their faculty on distance learning software and systems.
Integrating Technology in Nurse Education
Authors: Wright Vivian H. , Davis Anjanetta
Published: May 2016

This chapter explores how nurse educators can better integrate technology in their professional development, teaching and learning, and clinical experiences in a purposeful and meaningful manner. The authors explore how and why nurse educators should be mindful of the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) in developing teaching and learning plans. The authors contend that nurse educators should consider and employ TPACK on a routine basis, so that using technology purposefully becomes the traditional approach in one's teaching. Examples of how technology can become more meaningful in three areas that nurse educators routinely work within are: professional development, teaching, and clinical experiences.
Pre-Service Teachers and Technology Integration
Authors: Mulder David J.
Published: May 2016

The current generation of young teachers entering the profession is often presumed to have an easy comfort with and seemingly innate understanding of technology. Prensky (2001) has gone so far as to name them “digital natives” and has claimed that members of the millennial generation “think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors” (p. 1). However, recent studies in several English-speaking western nations call the millennial generation's innately skillful use of technology into question, and some studies of millennial teachers indicate that they are, in fact, no better at integrating technology into their teaching than their colleagues from other generations. Rogers' (2003) diffusion of innovations theory provides an alternative to the digital native/digital immigrant approach for explaining teachers' technology integration habits. Based on this approach, suggestions for teacher educators are recommended for training millennial teachers to integrate technology and pedagogy.