bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a dashboard to meet the needs of residents in a competency-based training program: A design-based research project
Authors: Carey Robert , Wilson Grayson , Bandi Venkat , Mondal Debajyoti , Martin Lynsey , Woods Rob , Chan Teresa , Thoma Brent
Published: September 2020

Background: Canadian specialty programs are implementing Competence By Design, a competency-based medical education (CBME) program which requires frequent assessments of entrustable professional activities. To be used for learning, the large amount of assessment data needs to be interpreted by residents, but little work has been done to determine how visualizing and interacting with this data can be supported. Within the University of Saskatchewan emergency medicine residency program, we sought to determine how our residents’ CBME assessment data should be presented to support their learning and to develop a dashboard that meets our residents’ needs.

Methods: We utilized a design-based research process to identify and address resident needs surrounding the presentation of their assessment data. Data was collected within the emergency medicine residency program at the University of Saskatchewan via four resident focus groups held over 10 months. Focus group discussions were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify resident needs. This guided the development of a dashboard which contained elements (data, analytics, and visualizations) that support their interpretation of the data. The identified needs are described using quotes from the focus groups as well as visualizations of the dashboard elements.

Results: Resident needs were classified under three themes: (1) Provide guidance through the assessment program, (2) Present workplace-based assessment data, and (3) Present other assessment data. Seventeen dashboard elements were designed to address these needs.

Conclusions: Our design-based research process identified resident needs and developed dashboard elements to meet them. This work will inform the creation and evolution of CBME assessment dashboards designed to support resident learning.
Modeling and Networked Control of Two-rigid link Robot Arm
Authors: Mohamed Vall Ould Mohamed
Published: September 2020

A networked control system (NCS) is one in which controller(s), actuator(s),and sensor(s)exchange command signals and data through a limited-bandwidth communication network that may be used by other applications, devices, and control systems. Compared to classical wired controlled systems, NCSs possess many advantages. In this paper, we propose the modeling and networked control of two-rigid link robot arm. To deal with the time delays that may occur during communication between the components of the system through the network, a model of the system was first determined, and second, PID controllers were designed based on the obtained model and using the stability region boundary locus technique. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach, numerical simulations were conducted using TrueTime, Simscape, SimMechanics, and Simulink with the MATLAB environment
Medicine detection with Low Frequency Electromagnetic Signals
Authors: Vasilaki Erietta , Antonidakis Emmanouel
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new, non-invasive method to detect molecular structures inside materials . There have been different methods to detect molecular structures such as Chromatography, Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnet Resonance. A brief description of these methods is presented and how they are used. Then the new method is presented using an apparatus emitting low frequency electromagnetic signals. This paper presents how the frequencies are found, that are used to detect molecular structures. The method was applied for finding the frequencies of four pain-reliever medication. Discussion follows on the results. Conclusions are drawn and further work is proposed
Identifikasi Permasalahan Pembelajaran IPA Pada Siswa Kelas III SDN Buluh 3 Socah
Authors: Cherly Ana Safira  , Agung Setyawan  , Tyasmiarni Citrawati
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini adalah studi awal dalam Identifikasi permasalahan yang dihadapi pada mata pelajaran IPA siswa kelas III di SDN Buluh 3 Socah. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengidentifikasi hasil belajar IPA pada siswa kelas III SDN Buluh 3 Socah dan upaya untuk mengatasi permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh siswa dan guru. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif deskriptif. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas III di SDN Buluh 3 Socah yang terdiri dari 30 siswa. Sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan sampling jenuh yang merupakan semua anggota populasi digunakan sebagai sampel. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah wawancara, observasi dan tes. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu pedoman wawancara, pedoman observasi, dan lembar tes. Berdasarkan hasil observasi di kelas III menunjukkan proses pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran konvensional. Sedangkan hasil tes menunjukkan hasil belajar siswa pada muatan pelajaran IPA presentase ketuntasannya 17% yaitu hanya ada 5 siswa dari 30 siswa yang lulus diatas KKM. Hal itu menunjukkan hasil belajar siswa rendah.
MARKETIZATION ALLOCATION, LAND PRICE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAND SPECULATION, CHINA
Authors: Zhang Juanfeng , Yu Ting , Li Lele , Zhang Danxia , Zhao Guochao , Wen Haizhen
Published: September 2020

Land value appreciation in the urbanization process has triggered market speculation. The Land Bank System strengthens local governments’
ability to control land supply and distribution rights. Local governments are considered close stakeholders. Under the pressure of guaranteeing economic growth
and promotion, local governments have increased their dependence on land finances. It is important for investors to understand the local governments’ behaviors,
and draw up business strategies. This study aims to examine the influencing factors and formation mechanism of local government land hoarding. The research
hypothesis was tested by collating provincial-level panel data of China from 2004 to 2015 and using dynamic panel data estimated by the Generalized Method of
Moments (GMM). A significant positive correlation was found between residential land price and land hoarding area by local governments. Land speculation in the
eastern region is also more pronounced than that in central and western regions. In addition, empirical studies have found a correlation between the degree of
government intervention and local government land hoarding behavior. The higher the degree of government intervention, the less land sold through bid invitation,
auction, and listing, which are linked to the corresponding hoarding land area.
Study of Eclipses for Redback Pulsar J1227–4853
Authors: Kudale Sanjay , Roy Jayanta , Bhattacharyya Bhaswati , Stappers Ben , Chengalur Jayaram
Published: September 2020

We present a multifrequency study of eclipse properties of a transitional redback millisecond pulsar J1227−4853 discovered in 2014 with the GMRT. Emission from this pulsar is eclipsed at 607 MHz for about 37% of its orbit around the superior conjunction. We observe eclipse ingress and egress transitions that last for 12% and 15% of its orbit, respectively, resulting in only 36% of the orbit being unaffected by eclipsing material. We report an excess dispersion measure (DM) at eclipse boundaries of 0.079(3) pc cm−3, and the corresponding electron column density (N

e
) is 24.4(8) × 1016 cm−2. Simultaneous timing and imaging studies suggest that the eclipses in J1227−4853 are not caused by temporal smearing due to excess dispersion and scattering but could be caused by removal of pulsar flux due to cyclotron absorption of the pulsed signal by intra-binary material constraining the companion’s magnetic field. Additionally, near the inferior conjunction at orbital phases 0.71 and 0.82 the pulsed emission is significantly delayed, which is associated with a fading of the pulsed and continuum flux densities. At orbital phase ∼0.82, we measure a change in DM of 0.035(3) pc cm−3 and N

e
of 10.8(8) × 1016 cm−2 associated with a dimming of up to ∼30% of the peak flux density. Such flux fading around a fixed orbital phase is not reported for other eclipsing binaries. Moreover, this event around the inferior conjunction could be caused by absorption of the pulsed signal by fragmented blobs of plasma generated from mass loss through the L2 Lagrangian point.
Dynamics of Late-stage Reconnection in the 2017 September 10 Solar Flare
Authors: French Ryan J. , Matthews Sarah A. , van Driel-Gesztelyi Lidia , Long David M. , Judge Philip G.
Published: September 2020

In this multi-instrument paper, we search for evidence of sustained magnetic reconnection far beyond the impulsive phase of the X8.2-class solar flare on 2017 September 10. Using Hinode/EIS, CoMP, SDO/AIA, K-Cor, Hinode/XRT, RHESSI, and IRIS, we study the late-stage evolution of the flare dynamics and topology, comparing signatures of reconnection with those expected from the standard solar flare model. Examining previously unpublished EIS data, we present the evolution of nonthermal velocity and temperature within the famous plasma sheet structure, for the first four hours of the flare’s duration. On even longer timescales, we use differential emission measures and polarization data to study the longevity of the flare’s plasma sheet and cusp structure, discovering that the plasma sheet is still visible in observations of CoMP linear polarization on 2017 September 11, long after its last appearance in EUV. We deduce that magnetic reconnection of some form is still ongoing at this time—27 hr after flare onset.
Secular Gravitational Instability of Drifting Dust in Protoplanetary Disks: Formation of Dusty Rings without Significant Gas Substructures
Authors: Tominaga Ryosuke T. , Takahashi Sanemichi Z. , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro
Published: September 2020

Secular gravitational instability (GI) is one promising mechanism for creating annular substructures and planetesimals in protoplanetary disks. We perform numerical simulations of secular GI in a radially extended disk with inwardly drifting dust grains. The results show that, even in the presence of dust diffusion, dust rings form via secular GI while the dust grains are moving inward, and the dust surface density increases by a factor of 10. Once secular GI develops into a nonlinear regime, the total mass of the resultant rings can be a significant fraction of the dust disk mass. In this way, a large amount of drifting dust grains can be collected in the dusty rings and stored for planetesimal formation. In contrast to the emergence of remarkable dust substructures, secular GI does not create significant gas substructures. This result indicates that observations of a gas density profile near the disk midplane enable us to distinguish the mechanisms for creating the annular substructures in the observed disks. The resultant rings start decaying once they enter the inner region stable to secular GI. Because the ring-gap contrast smoothly decreases, it seems possible that the rings are observed even in the stable region. We also discuss the likely outcome of the nonlinear growth and indicate the possibility that a significantly developed region of secular GI may appear as a gap-like substructure in dust continuum emission as dust growth into larger solid bodies and planetesimal formation reduce the total emissivity.
Notes on the genus Ophryosporus (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) in Chile
Authors: Merklinger Felix F. , Luebert Federico
Published: September 2020

OphryosporusMeyen is reviewed for Chile and an updated species list for the country based on herbarium records and literature review is presented. A key to the Chilean species is provided and a distribution range of taxa is indicated based on herbarium records and our own collections. We include several lectotypifications as well as an epitypification ofOphryosporus hoppii. The presence of two species,O. hoppiiandO. floribundus, formerly accepted for Chile, is questioned and their actual distribution discussed.
Class and nation in the age of populism: The forward march of labour restarted?
Authors: de Miranda Alvaro
Published: September 2020

To portray populism purely as a threat to democracy is to fail to recognise that it expresses widespread feelings of discontent with the current system, which is in systemic crisis. This has expressed itself through both anti-foreigner (nationalist) and anti-elites (class) sentiment.
The left needs to focus on a class-based strategy, and to organise in particular among the new working class, which is ethnically diverse and composed mostly of well-educated service workers in London and the large cities. Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn sought to mobilise these constituencies,
as well as their more traditional constituencies, along class lines. Though they did not succeed electorally, in the longer run, the fact that the new working class is predominantly young and increasingly attracted by an alternative and socialist vision of economy and society may be a cause
for some optimism.
Reliability and Change in Erosion Measurements by High-resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography in a Longitudinal Dataset of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Finzel Stephanie , Manske Sarah L. , Barnabe Cheryl C.M. , Burghardt Andrew J. , Marotte Hubert , Scharmga Andrea , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Chapurlat Roland , Engelke Klaus , Li Xiaojuan , van Teeffelen Bente C.J. , Conaghan Philip G. , Stok Kathryn S.
Published: September 2020

Objective.

The aim of this multireader exercise was to assess the reliability and change over time of erosion measurements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).

Methods.

HR-pQCT scans of 23 patients with RA were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Four experienced readers examined the dorsal, palmar, radial, and ulnar surfaces of the metacarpal head (MH) and phalangeal base (PB) of the second and third digits, blinded to time order. In total, 368 surfaces (23 patients´ 16 surfaces) were evaluated per timepoint to characterize cortical breaks as pathological (erosion) or physiological, and to quantify erosion width and depth. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), percentage agreement, and Light k; change over time was defined by means ± SD of erosion numbers and dimensions.

Results.

ICC for the mean measurements of width and depth of the pathological breaks ranged between 0.819–0.883, and 0.771–0.907, respectively. Most physiological cortical breaks were found at the palmar PB, whereas most pathological cortical breaks were located at the radial MH. There was a significant increase in both the numbers and the dimensions of erosions between baseline and follow-up (P= 0.0001 for erosion numbers, width, and depth in axial plane;P= 0.001 for depth in perpendicular plane).

Conclusion.

This exercise confirmed good reliability of HR-pQCT erosion measurements and their ability to detect change over time.
Whole-body MRI Quantification for Assessment of Bone Lesions in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis Patients Treated With Pamidronate: A Prevalence, Reproducibility, and Responsiveness Study
Authors: Panwar Jyoti , Tolend Mirkamal , Lim Lillian , Tse Shirley M. , Doria Andrea S. , Laxer Ronald M. , Stimec Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the interreader reliability in detecting and scoring the inflammatory bone lesions in pediatric patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) by using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), and (2) to evaluate the responsiveness of the MRI-detected CNO lesions to pamidronate therapy.

Methods

Eighty-eight WB-MRI examinations were independently reviewed and scored by 2 radiologists blinded to clinical details in 32 retrospectively enrolled pediatric patients with CNO. Inflammatory bone lesions, soft tissue abnormality, and bony structural changes were scored before and after pamidronate therapy. Lesion responsiveness was calculated by using standardized response mean and interreader reliability was assessed by k statistics.

Results

There was good to excellent interreader agreement for the detection and quantification of bone lesions. After the first cycle of pamidronate in all 32 patients, 96 of the 279 lesions (34%; after excluding 108 lesions of hand and feet) resolved, whereas in a subset of 11 patients with 2 or more cycles, 76% of lesions resolved after the second cycle. Twenty-one (7.5%) lesions worsened and 46 (16.4%) new lesions developed after 1 cycle in all 32 patients. In these 11 patients, the number of worsened lesions reduced to 2 (2%) and new lesions to 14 (14.9%) after the second cycle as detected on MRI. Vertebral lesions had the highest response to treatment.

Conclusion

WB-MRI is a reliable tool for objective quantification and assessment of response to treatment of pediatric CNO bone lesions and could be used to monitor disease activity for clinical and research purposes.
Expression pattern of olfactory receptor genes in human cumulus cells as an indicator for competent oocyte selection
Authors: DAEI-FARSHBAF Neda , AFLATOONIAN Reza , AMJADI Fatemeh-Sadat , TALEAHMAD Sara , ASHRAFI Mahnaz , BAKHTIYARI Mehrdad
Published: September 2020

Odorant or olfactory receptors are mainly localized in the olfactory epithelium for the perception of different odors. Interestingly, many ectopic olfactory receptors with low expression levels have recently been found in nonolfactory tissues to involve in local functions. Therefore, we investigated the probable role of the olfactory signaling pathway in the surrounding microenvironment of oocyte. This study included 22 women in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. The expression of olfactory target molecules in cumulus cells surrounding the growing and mature oocytes was evaluated by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, integrated bioinformatics analyses were carried out and 6 ectopic olfactory receptors were selected for further evaluation. The initiation of olfactory transduction cascade in cumulus cells of competent oocytes was confirmed by analyzing the expression of adenylyl cyclase type 3 and olfactory market protein. Moreover, the expression pattern of the selected olfactory receptors was evaluated and OR10H2 was selected due to a high level of expression in mature fertile oocytes. We suggested that OR10H2 could be considered as a reliable biomarker for oocyte selection in assisted reproduction technique programs. However, further studies are required to elucidate the role of olfactory transduction cascade in embryo quality and implantation.
Hyracoidea from the Middle Miocene hominoid locality of Paşalar (NW Turkey)
Authors: PICKFORD Martin , MAYDA Serdar , ALPAGUT Berna , DEMİREL Fatma Arzu , ŞARBAK Ayşegül , KAYA Tümel Tanju
Published: September 2020

Previously available samples of Hyracoidea from Paşalar (MN 6, Middle Miocene), Turkey, have indicated the presence of Pliohyracidae at the site, but the material was too scanty for confident identification. The single upper molar, an upper molar ectoloph fragment and an ascending ramal fragment were too uninformative for determining the taxonomic identity of the fossils, although several names have been proposed in the literature. Additional fossils collected from Paşalar include upper and lower premolars, which help to tie down the affinities of this hyracoid. They are attributed to the genus Prohyrax, but were not named specifically, even though they are somewhat larger than the largest previously described species, Prohyrax hendeyi, from basal Middle Miocene deposits in Namibia. The presence of cingulids on the lower cheek teeth and the strong parastyle in the upper premolars from Paşalar represent important similarities to the other species of Prohyrax, to the exclusion of other genera of Pliohyracidae.
Après la crise du Covid : vers la démarche participative d’équipe
Authors: Colombat Philippe , Altmeyer Antonia , Bauchetet Chantal
Published: September 2020

La souffrance au travail dans le monde médical est une triste actualité cette année avec la crise du coronavirus, mais également avec les conséquences des restructurations successives et répétitives du système de santé qui, au nom de l’équilibre budgétaire, semblent oublier l’augmentation du nombre de maladies chroniques et le vieillissement de la population. En contrepartie, la qualité de vie au travail (QVT) est une préoccupation majeure du gouvernement actuel avec la mise en place de la stratégie de la QVT des personnels de santé. Depuis une trentaine d’années, l’association francophone des soins oncologiques de support 1 (AFSOS) propose un modèle organisationnel de service pour améliorer la QVT des soignants : la démarche participative.
Rôle de la confiance, de la croyance et du sacré dans le soin de la trachéotomie de l’enfant
Authors: Simon François , Rebichon Caroline , Thierry Briac
Published: September 2020

L’art médical est basé sur la connaissance scientifique mais aussi sur la relation humaine entre le patient et son médecin. La relation de confiance qui s’établit au fil des consultations est primordiale pour une bonne prise en charge médicale. Plus la confiance est forte, plus celle-ci peut se muer en une croyance ou une foi dans le médecin. Parallèlement, le vocabulaire et les représentations du sacré sont fréquentes dans le soin et l’accompagnement médical, avec le recours à des rituels lors des protocoles de soins et au rôle d’exégète du médecin. Cette analogie avec le sacré et la croyance est particulièrement présente concernant la trachéotomie de l’enfant, tant la canule de trachéotomie concentre des sentiments ambivalents d’angoisse, de crainte, de respect et parfois d’attachement.
Comment favoriser l’adoption de la pratique avancée dans un service de soin hospitalier ? Une approche par la sociologie de la traduction
Authors: Alphonse-Tilloy Isabelle , Devienne Emilie
Published: September 2020

Les innovations organisationnelles à l’hôpital sont considérées par les autorités de tutelle comme la pierre angulaire de la transformation du système de santé. L’introduction d’une pratique avancée dans une organisation de soin constitue un changement profond en bouleversant les frontières professionnelles. Une recherche-intervention menée au sein d’un service de soin hospitalier a permis d’observer et d’accompagner le processus d’intégration d’une Infirmière de Pratique Avancée au regard de la sociologie de la traduction et du management polyphonique du changement. La recherche permet d’identifier les facteurs facilitant le processus de traduction. Ils sont relatifs à l’adaptabilité de l’instrumentation de gestion, la pluralité des registres d’action du cadre de santé et l’existence de ressources de proximité.
« Designer » la Régulation Émotionnelle Collective aux Urgences : l’incontournable compétence de demain
Authors: Monier Hélène
Published: September 2020

Une étude de cas menée dans un service d’Urgences suscite un étonnement par rapport aux théories disponibles sur le sujet des émotions et de la régulation des affects en contexte de care, et fait émerger un concept, absent de la littérature. Afin de compenser le défaut, l’incomplétude ou l’ambiguïté des règles émotionnelles officielles, les urgentistes peinent à construire et à faire vivre des règles autonomes, socio-émotionnelles, dans les groupes restreints de travail. Des entretiens et un travail ethnographique d’immersion nous conduisent à discerner l’expression de régulations émotionnelles au sens de Gross (1998), collectives. Cet article a pour objectif de définir le concept de Régulation Émotionnelle Collective (REC), associant la théorie de la régulation émotionnelle de Gross (1998) en psychologie, à celle de la régulation sociale (TRS) de Reynaud (1988) en sociologie des organisations. Les cadres de santé détiennent un rôle majeur de déploiement de leurs compétences émotionnelles, afin de comprendre et de réguler les émotions vécues et travaillées par les urgentistes. « Designer » et animer la REC permet de produire le « petit sens » au quotidien, et fait écho à l’importance du soutien social préservant la santé et favorisant la qualité de service.
Imaging of Acute Abdominal Pain in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Riedesel Erica L. , John Susan D. , Linam Leann E.
Published: September 2020

Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint in pediatrics. Although age and location of pain can help focus differential diagnosis, imaging plays an essential role in clinical evaluation. In this review, we discuss the optimal imaging approach to pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain and important imaging findings in the most common causes of abdominal pain in the pediatric population.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2020;49(9):e380–e388.]
De Malines à Auschwitz
Authors: Schram Laurence
Published: September 2020

Après le rattachement des départements du Nord et du Pas-de-Calais au Commandement militaire pour la Belgique et le Nord de la France, le sort des Juifs et des Tsiganes de ces régions se trouve étroitement lié. Lors de la mise en œuvre de la déportation raciale, tous convergent vers le camp de rassemblement établi dans la caserne Dossin à Malines, en Belgique.En fonction de leur catégorie (Juifs sans aucune protection, Juifs protégés par leur nationalité, Tsiganes), le moment de leur arrestation, leurs conditions de détention à Dossin et le lieu de leur destination finale varient fortement. Cette approche microhistorique permet de mettre en lumière les variantes des persécutions raciales en fonction d’une classification imposée par les nazis.
Alexandre Raby, un roubaisien parmi d’autres ?
Authors: Gardon Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2020

Enseigner l’histoire de la Shoah en s’appuyant sur le parcours d’Alexandre Raby, commerçant roubaisien, immigré juif né en Russie en 1888, déporté et assassiné à Birkenau en 1943 est un choix didactique. Cette démarche permet d’inscrire l’histoire de la Shoah dans le territoire des établissements scolaires, de l’ancrer dans la réalité sensible des élèves. Alexandre, Élie, Peirel, Zélig et les autres peuplent nos archives, leurs traces sont accessibles à qui les cherche car ce travail d’historien est réalisable avec et pour les élèves.
Development of the Design and Fabrication System for Planar Cam Mechanisms
Authors: Hoang Pham Huy , Ngoc Le Quang
Published: September 2020

Cam mechanisms are used as the control system in several industrial fields such as filling and canning, textiles, automotive. This paper introduces the development of a software for designing planar cam mechanism adapting the dynamic and kinematic requirements. The designed cam profile is then changed into numerical data used to generate the machine codes served for CNC-based fabrication. Traditional cam design is very complicated and has accumulated errors. The envelope theory and inverse method are utilized to perform constraint in pressure angle and motion. The smallest cam radius is then determined in a non-linear optimization adapting the constraints. The paper also presents the design of a CNC machine for cam profile fabrication. The design includes the control system and the circuit board. The CNC control program is built to receive numerical data from cam design section, to simulate the cam profile fabrication and then to fabricate. The optimal design and fabrication are applied to the cam mechanisms with knife-edge/roller reciprocating/oscilating followers. The verification shows that the designed and fabricated cam adapts the requirement of accuracy.
Design and Manufacturing of a Non-Standard Chain Parts for a Chain Conveyor for a Harvest Shallot: A Case Study
Authors: Phi Cao Hung , Van Nguyen Thai , Ky Le Hong
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a complete case study for designing and manufacturing chain parts for chain conveyor use for a harvest shallot for a real. The process of harvesting shallot in Vietnam is being done manually. Mechanization, automation of the harvest process has been demanded by farmers. In the harvest shallot equipment, the chain conveyor system is used to handling the desired orbit to the packing position. Shallots are uneven in size, distributed in a certain size range. Chain conveyor systems with the chain was non-standardized were choiced. Therefore, a complete design is required to meet requirement. The design procedures are: (1) calculation of the expected loads that exert on the chain during operation, (2) selection of materials, (3) designing the different parts of the chain taking into account safety, assembly process and economic considerations. The final design was justified and validated. The chain of chain conveyor system is working properly and safety under real conditions.
Measuring the levels of sources of ICT self-efficacy among the Humanities and Social Sciences undergraduates in Sri Lanka
Authors: Alahakoon Champa N. K. , Somaratne S.
Published: September 2020

Measuring the levels of sources of ICT self-efficacy of undergraduates in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) of universities especially in Sri Lanka has not been adequately explored. In this study, therefore it is aimed to make an effort to address this important issue. The main objective of this research study was to identify the levels of the factors that are affecting the ICT self-efficacy among the HSS undergraduates in Sri Lanka and the differences between the factors based on the university. The survey research design was employed and final year HSS undergraduates from four universities were selected randomly, out of ten universities where HSS streams are taught. The sample included 604 undergraduates. Data gathered through structured questionnaire was piloted and validated. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The results identified four factors affected with the efficacy level of the undergraduates. It indicated that the ICT Self-efficacy levels and ICT Anxiety were varying between less (22%) and highest (50%) across universities. Factors such as ICT Training (27%) and Library Support provided (32%) by the universities were also in the lowest level. The ICT Self-efficacy was low (29%) among students who used the library ‘rarely’ (< 2 per week) and average level of anxiety 47%. ICT Anxiety and ICT Self-efficacy were the most strongly correlated factors in the study (-0.144, p = 0.01). However, the gender was largely diluted and not correlated with self-efficacy. The introduction of effective Library Support and ICT Training would help reduce the higher levels of ICT Anxiety and improve the ICT Self-efficacy level among undergraduates. The study recommends conducting a cross-sectional, longitudinal research study to better understand the levels of ICT Anxiety, ICT Training and the Library Support.
Product/Service diversification through direct, indirect and additional services: librarian’s perspective in Sri Lankan Universities
Authors: Arachchige J. J. G.
Published: September 2020

In the prevailing competitive environment, libraries seem difficult to survive with traditional information services. Many of business organizations seem to practice multidimensional businesses and expand their profit potentials through diversification. Getting experience from business sector organizations, university libraries need to strategize the service delivery and retain the users through diversification of the product/service. Diversification can be implemented through innovation of directly related library services, indirectly related services and additional services probably not related to the typical library service but would be possible to provide by the library (out of the box). This paper investigates the Sri Lankan university librarians’ perspective towards the implementation of such services in their libraries. The study also examines the possible barriers for the diversification. The paper involved the conceptual analysis and sample survey with library practitioners. Findings indicate that university libraries in Sri Lanka are providing diversity of services and have made many attempts to diversify them through ‘direct library services’, ‘indirect library services’ and ‘additional services’. Relatively higher potential is shown with regard to directly and indirectly related services but the diversification through additional services indicated very low. The librarians face challenges for diversification stretching out through administrative factors, knowledge deficiencies, organizational environment and attitudinal issues of library managers.
A review of research progress and projection of future publication trend amongst the science stream academics of University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Authors: Latha U. , Lakshman Iresha M.
Published: September 2020

An increase in emphasis on research productivity evaluation can be discerned commonly in higher educational institutions world over. As far as the Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna is concerned such an in depth study had not been done. This bibliometric study analyzed the research publications produced by the academics of Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna. The objective of this study is to empirically measure the research output during the time period of 2003 to 2018 to find out the department wise output, year wise publication output, authorship pattern and degree of collaboration, media of research communication, relative growth rate, doubling time and to forecast future publication trend of academics. The year wise publication output shows an increasing pattern. But the output growth is not uniform. Findings revealed that Faculty of Science has produced 1359 publications with an annual average of 85 and with the maximum of 139 during the study period. The highest number of publications is from the Department of Zoology (22%). The Department of Botany shows second highest number with 21% of the publications. The lowest number is from the Department of Fisheries (4%). The research output from departments of Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Chemistry are more or less the same. Mean value of the degree of collaboration of authors during the overall sixteen years is found to be 0.84. Single author publications are less (15%) than collaborative effort (85%). Abstract form of publications is more in number 836 (61%). Journal article is 501 (37%) and Book form is 22 (2%). A uniform dropping pattern was observed in the mean relative growth rate (RGR) from 0.439 to 0.122 considering four year blocks from 2003 to 2018. The mean doubling time showed an increasing tendency through each consecutive block of four year period. It ranged from 0.89 in the first block to 5.80 in the last block of a total of sixteen year time span. The forecast for 2025 based on least square estimate the number of publications should be 186 if status remains unchanged. Thus Faculty of Science has to endeavor and orient their research efforts more towards publishing journal articles than short communications and giving priority towards interdisciplinary research to obtain greater impacts with the vision of establishing excellence of the institution.
Morphology and the position of the pterion in a Sri Lankan population
Authors: Disanayake J. , Sampath H. , Manawaratne R. , Nawarathna G. , Disanayake M. , Peiris R. , Nanayakkara D.
Published: September 2020

Objective: The present study was conducted to describe the morphology of the pterion, and its position in an adult Sri Lankan population. Materials and methods: Fifty eight pteria of twenty nine adult skulls of known gender in a Sri Lankan population were analyzed to determine the sutural morphology of the pterion, and its precise location in relation to the posterolateral aspect of the frontozygomatic suture, midpoint of the zygomatic arch, anterior and superior most point of the external auditory meatus, and the inferior most point of the mastoid process. Results: The predominant type of pterion observed was sphenoparietal (82.5%), followed by stellate (8.7%), frontotemporal (5.3%), and epipteric types (3.5%). The mean distances from the center of the pterion to the frontozygomatic suture were measured as 31.11 ± 5.02 mm and 26.98 ± 3.45 mm; to the zygomatic arch, 38.92 ± 3.55 mm and 36.16 ± 3.83 mm; to the mastoid process, 81.54 ± 4.62 mm and 77.79 ± 3.88 mm; and to the external acoustic meatus, 53.62 ± 2.58 mm and 51.91 ± 2.98 mm, in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The pterion in the males was positioned at a higher point from the zygomatic arch than in females while sphenoparietal type of pterion predominates in the Sri Lankan population.
Environmental impact of diluted bitumen
Authors: Ahad J M E
Published: September 2020

To transport it by pipeline, bitumen is blended with lighter hydrocarbon fractions, yielding a less viscous, diluted bitumen ('dilbit').
Although often considered safer than other means of transport (i.e., railways, barges), a number of incidents have highlighted the potential environment risk caused by dilbit pipeline rupture.
There are few detailed investigations into the fate and transport of dilbit in the environment, particularly shallow groundwater systems - a knowledge gap identified over five years ago.
Permafrost solute concentrations in an active gravel pit: half-time results
Authors: Gammon P
Published: September 2020

The geochemistry resulting from permafrost freeze-thaw processes are poorly understood. This EGP activity aims to refine our current understanding of these processes by investigating the geochemistry of a gravel pit associated with the building of the Inuvik to
Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH). Construction-related water monitoring demonstrated that mining resulted in elevated concentrations for multiple elements in pit surface waters. Newly developed sampling techniques have added groundwater samples to surface water data. These demonstrate that there has been
no amelioration of the high solute concentrations in either surface-or ground-water. The source of the high concentrations is local melting permafrost, although how the permafrost became so rich in solutes remains unclear. There are likely multiple ongoing water-rock interactions driven by these
permafrost reactions. Unfortunately the water data is now orphaned because the companion ice could not be sampled due to COVID19 travel restrictions.
Effects of the Incorporation of Alpha-Tocopherol as Antioxidant on Biological and Physicochemical Properties of Calcium Hydroxide Associated with Bioactive Vehicle
Authors: De Souza Vitor , Zaniboni Joissi Ferrari , Escalante-Otárola Wilfredo Gustavo , Matsumoto Mariza Akemi , Bighetti Claudia Cristina , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: September 2020

Aim: The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of 10% alpha-tocopherol (10AT) or 20% alpha-tocopherol (20AT) incorporation on biological compatibility, pH, and calcium release of calcium hydroxide (CH) paste associated with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Materials and Methods: Four groups were evaluated: CH, CH-CHX, CH-CHX-10AT, and CH-CHX-20AT. For biological compatibility test, polyethylene tubes containing several pastes were implanted in Wistar rats' subcutaneous tissue (n = 28). After 48 h and 7, 14, and 21 days postimplantation, the specimens were removed and subjected to histologic and histomorphometric analysis. The number of inflammatory cells was evaluated. For pH and calcium release analysis, the pastes were placed individually (n = 10) in plastic tubes and immersed in deionized water. The calcium release and pH changes were evaluated in 24 and 48 h and 7, 14, and 21 days. All data were submitted to Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05). Results: Concerning biological compatibility, all materials shown a similar decidual response (P > 0.05). In the first hours, there was as increase in the number of inflammatory cells, inducing an expressive inflammatory response. After 14 days, inflammation reaction decreased and collagen fiber was organized for the tested pastes (P = 0.05). The pH analysis of the groups maintained the same relationship during the different periods evaluated: the CH and CH-CHX groups showed higher values and were similar to each other (P > 0.05), followed by the CH-CHX-10AT and CH-CHX-20 AT groups. Regarding the amount of calcium ions, in the initial (24 hours) and final (21 days) periods, the groups did not present differences between them (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The 10AT or 20AT, as an antioxidant agent, incorporation to CH and 2% CHX paste negatively affected biological and physicochemical properties.
Knowledge and Perception about Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Habit — A Survey
Authors: Sushanthi L Casilda , Santhanam Archana , Sherlin Herald J. , Jayaraj Gifrina , Don Kanchi Ravi
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Nicotiana tabacum, a South American herb, is the main source of tobacco. The use of tobacco for medicinal purposes emerged in the 1400s, and later in 1800–1900, the presence of nicotine in tobacco was discovered, leading to tobacco abuse. Apart from tobacco use, manufacturing tobacco, packaging, and even disposal of cigarette butts and packages have an environmental effect. Tobacco is available in different types from manufactured cigarettes, hookahs, bidis, cigars, cheroots, and chewing tobacco. The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of health risks associated with tobacco habit in tobacco users. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among tobacco users visiting a private dental institution. A total of 100 participants were involved, and a questionnaire containing 21 closed-ended questions was prepared and distributed online using Google Survey Forms. The responses were collected, tabulated in excel, and statistically analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test was done to assess the knowledge of the participants regarding the health risks of tobacco. Results: The majority of the participants smoked everyday for the past 3–10 years. Manufactured cigarettes were predominantly used among the 100 participants. The majority of the participants were aware that smoking causes lung and heart diseases in adults. Most of the participants were also aware of passive smoking. Conclusion: Immense programs regarding disposal of cigarette butts and awareness in young adults should be practiced to reduce the consumption of tobacco.
Enterococcus faecalis-Induced Nuclear Factor-Kappa Beta and Osteocalcin Expressions in Rat's Periapical Tissue Damage
Authors: Mooduto Latief , Sunariani Jenny , Samadi Karlina , Ardany Dwi W Frans , Kartini S Yulianti , Bachtiar Boy Muchlis , Bachtiar Endang Winiati
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims: Nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) is a member of the transcription factor family, and it plays a key role in coordinating the expression of genes in many chronic inflammatory diseases. The main etiology of endodontic treatment failure is caused by bacteria in root canal, including Enterococcus faecalis. The aim of this study to determine NF-κβ and osteocalcin expressions during the periapical tissue damage due to induction of E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four male rats were randomly divided into two main groups, each of which had three subgroups. In Group C (control), every tooth was induced only by sterile brain–heart infusion broth (BHIb). Group C had three subgroups, namely Group C3 with 3 days inductionprocess, Group C10 with 10 days induction process, and Group C21 with 21 days induction process. In Group T, every tooth was induced by 10 μl of BHI-b E. faecalis ATCC212 (106 CFU). Similarly, Group T also had three subgroups, namely Group T3 with 3 days induction process, Group T10 with 10 days induction process, and Group T21 with 21 days induction process. The animals were sacrificed based on their group schedule and then prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examinations of periapical tissue. Afterward, the expressions of NF-κβ and osteocalcin were calculated on the light microscope. Results: The results revealed that the number of cells expressed of NF-κβ and osteocalcin increased significantly in all sub-groups of Group B induced by E. faecalis compared to the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the number of cells expressed NF-κβ and osteocalcin increase during the periapical tissue damage induced by E. faecalis.
Correlation of Gingival Phenotype and Schneiderian Membrane Thickness: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kajan Zahra Dalili , Maleki Dina , Soleimani Bahareh Afjeh , Malekzadeh Meysam
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose: Gingival phenotype (GP) can be measured in patient's clinical evaluations to predict the Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT). Materials and Methods: In this analytic observational cross-sectional study, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 310 patients requiring implant surgery in the first or second molar area of maxilla were selected. The GP was determined by inserting a periodontal probe into gingival sulcus. If the outline of the underlying periodontal probe could be seen through the gingival, it was categorized as thin; if not, it was recorded as thick. The examiner measured SMT by calculating the average thickness of the Schneiderian membrane in three sequent cuts of CBCT images. All analyses were performed using SPSS Version 24 software. To analyze the data, independent samples test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were performed. The level of significance was set at P = 0.05. Results: Age had no statistically significant relation with SMT and GP (P = 0.666 and P = 0.842, respectively). The difference of SMT among males and females was not statistically significant (P = 0.196). In terms of GP, males and females were statistically significantly different such that females had thin GP more frequently compared to males (P = 0.003). SMT was statistically significantly thinner in patients with thin GP compared to those with thick GP (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: It may be suggested that GP is an important clinical predictor for SMT, particularly if CBCT evaluations or histological examinations are not possible.
The Liouville property and random walks on topological groups
Authors: Schneider Friedrich Martin , Thom Andreas
Published: September 2020

We study harmonic functions and Poisson boundaries for Borel probability measures on general (i.e., not necessarily locally compact) topological groups, and we prove that a second-countable topological group is amenable if and only if it admits a fully supported, regular Borel probability measure with trivial Poisson boundary. This generalizes work of Kaimanovich–Vershik and Rosenblatt, confirms a general topological version of Furstenberg’s conjecture, and entails a characterization of the amenability of isometry groups in terms of the Liouville property for induced actions. Moreover, our result has non-trivial consequences concerning Liouville actions of discrete groups on countable sets.
Squeezing Lagrangian tori in dimension 4
Authors: Hind Richard , Opshtein Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Let

\mathbb C^2

be the standard symplectic vector space and

L(a,b) \subset \mathbb C^2

be the product Lagrangian torus, that is, a product of two circles of areas

a

and

b

in

\mathbb C

. We give a complete answer to the question of finding the minimal ball into which these Lagrangians may be squeezed by a Hamiltonian flow. The result is that there is full rigidity when

a \leq b \leq 2a

, which disappears almost completely when

b > 2a

.