bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of argon plasma sheet in the etching process of calcium carbonate crystals for AFM tests
Authors: Moczała Magdalena , Karpińska Miriam , Poznar Monika , Dobryszycki Piotr , Sikora Andrzej
Published: April 2018

This paper presents utilization of argon plasma for gradual etching of calcium carbonate crystals. The plasma treatment has been chosen as it appears to be the technique that enables removal of following material layers, thus, the access to the inside of crystals is possible. Examples of investigations of the morphology and mechanical properties of surfaces of calcium carbonate crystals are presented. The impact of plasma treatment has been verified in terms of roughness and volume changes investigated using atomic force microscopy technique in a multi-step experiment. Therefore, we were able to observe the crystal degradation process, revealing the spatial inhomogeneity of the calcium carbonate crystals resulting from their core-shell structure.
Optical characterizations of two-dimensional materials using nonlinear optical microscopies of CARS, TPEF, and SHG
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Yajun , Xu Xuefeng , Zhou Yi , Chen Maodu , Sun Mengtao
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we employ the nonlinear optical microscopies of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy, two-photon excitation fluorescence, and second harmonic generation to characterize the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. With these nonlinear optical microscopy methods, we can not only clearly observe the surface topography of 2D materials but also reveal the quality of 2D materials. These nonlinear optical microscopies offer great potential for characterization of the properties of 2D materials.
Channel Simulation in Quantum Metrology
Authors: Laurenza Riccardo , Lupo Cosmo , Spedalieri Gaetana , Braunstein Samuel L. , Pirandola Stefano
Published: April 2018

In this review we discuss how channel simulation can be used to simplify the most general protocols of quantum parameter estimation, where unlimited entanglement and adaptive joint operations may be employed. Whenever the unknown parameter encoded in a quantum channel is completely transferred in an environmental program state simulating the channel, the optimal adaptive estimation cannot beat the standard quantum limit. In this setting, we elucidate the crucial role of quantum teleportation as a primitive operation which allows one to completely reduce adaptive protocols over suitable teleportation-covariant channels and derive matching upper and lower bounds for parameter estimation. For these channels,wemay express the quantum Cramér Rao bound directly in terms of their Choi matrices. Our review considers both discrete- and continuous-variable systems, also presenting some new results for bosonic Gaussian channels using an alternative sub-optimal simulation. It is an open problem to design simulations for quantum channels that achieve the Heisenberg limit.
Structure, mechanism, and performance evaluation of natural gas hydrate kinetic inhibitors
Authors: Shahnazar Sheida , Bagheri Samira , TermehYousefi Amin , Mehrmashhadi Javad , Abd Karim Mohd Sayuti , Kadri Nahrizul Adib
Published: April 2018

Ice-like crystal compounds, which are formed in low-temperature and high-pressure thermodynamic conditions and composed of a combination of water molecules and guest gas molecules, are called gas hydrates. Since its discovery and recognition as the responsible component for blockage of oil and gas transformation line, hydrate has been under extensive review by scientists. In particular, the inhibition techniques of hydrate crystals have been updated in order to reach the more economically and practically feasible methods. So far, kinetic hydrate inhibition has been considered as one of the most effective techniques over the past decade. This review is intended to classify the recent studies regarding kinetic hydrate inhibitors, their structure, mechanism, and techniques for their performance evaluation. In addition, this communication further analyzes the areas that are more in demand to be considered in future research.
Maps preserving matrices of extremal scrambling index
Authors: Guterman A.E. , Maksaev A.M.
Published: April 2018

In this paper we characterize surjective linear maps on matrices over antinegative semirings that preserve the set of matrices with maximal or minimal positive values of the scrambling index.
Comparison of Linear Temperature Corrections and Activation Energy Temperature Corrections for Electrical Resistivity Measurements of Concrete
Authors: Coyle Alex T. , Spragg Robert P. , Suraneni Prannoy , Amirkhanian Armen N. , Weiss William J.
Published: April 2018

Electrical resistivity measurements are increasingly being used as measurements for concrete acceptance in practice. It has been shown that these measurements are sensitive to temperature. This paper examines the influence of temperature on electrical resistivity measurements in concrete. Two temperature correction approaches that are commonly used by researchers and practitioners were evaluated: a linear temperature correction approach (α) and an activation energy–based temperature correction approach (Ea-cond). These approaches were compared with each other and their predictive capabilities were assessed using measured data from various concrete mixtures. It was found that for cases of low temperature sensitivity (low values of α or Ea-cond), the predictions obtained with α and with Ea-cond were similar. However, the Ea-cond approach was found to provide more accurate corrections (lower error) than corrections using α for measurements conducted at lower temperatures and for systems with higher temperature sensitivities (high values of α or Ea-cond). For saturated concrete specimens, both the linear (α) and activation energy (Ea-cond) approaches are acceptable, whereas the use of the Ea-cond approach provides better predictive capabilities in sealed concrete specimens, especially at low temperatures. The average values for Ea-cond were found to be 29.8 kJ/mol for sealed specimens and 15.8 kJ/mol for saturated specimens, and corresponding average values of α are 3.25 %/°C and 2.00 %/°C, respectively. The values for Ea-cond for saturated specimens are closer to what is expected of a pore solution on its own.
The Pet Plant Project: Treating Plant Blindness by Making Plants Personal
Authors: Krosnick Shawn E. , Baker Julie C. , Moore Kelly R.
Published: April 2018

“Plant blindness” is defined as the failure to appreciate the fundamental importance of plants. To address this phenomenon, we created the Pet Plant Project (P3) where students grow an unknown plant from seed, monitor development, and relate lecture concepts to their plant on a daily basis. A qualitative survey was administered and analyzed to evaluate student responses to the experience. Themes in the analysis, identified across 209 student-participants at Tennessee Tech University, included positive reinforcement of lecture material, a new-found appreciation for plants, responsibility and pride related to plant care, a continued desire to grow plants, and more. Statistical results included: 73% of students noticed plants more after the project; 76% planned to grow plants in the future; and 68% made a connection with their own plant that bolstered engagement in course materials.
The Ecological Interactions Olympiad: A Classroom Activity for Reinforcing Scientific Knowledge
Authors: Cocoletzi Vásquez Eliezer , Ivonne Ramos-Robles Michelle , Morales-Linares Jonas
Published: April 2018

Different methods and strategies for teaching scientific knowledge have been proposed and integrated within existing classroom dynamics. These represent opportunities for reinforcing and teaching scientific concepts in the classroom, especially in ways that students can easily understand. In this article, we propose a dynamic classroom activity for teaching ecological interactions between plants and frugivorous birds, as an example. This same model could also be used or adapted to teach diverse ecological concepts to students. This teaching strategy is divided into two parts: (1) a theoretical class, and (2) a group activity that we called The Ecological Interactions Olympiad. We describe this method step-by-step and provide suggestions for applying it to other scientific topics. The aim of using such learning strategies is to increase the attention and interest of young students in scientific topics and to improve their critical thinking skills and awareness of the events and interactions that occur in nature, which could ultimately contribute to the conservation of nature.
The Innovative Use of Mathematica to Teach Biodiversity
Authors: Davis-Berg Elizabeth C. , Jordan Daniel R.
Published: April 2018

We investigated using Mathematica to create an interactive exercise that allows students to explore biological concepts. Exporting these active learning experiences to the Wolfram Computable Document Format (CDF) lets students enter data and modify parameters with only a browser plug-in and without needing to know how to use Mathematica. This exercise enhances student understanding by allowing them to focus on the biological concepts and visualize the data and calculations without the tedium of hand computation. In this article, we will highlight an interactive version of a biodiversity laboratory that explores Simpson's Diversity Index. Students are walked through sample calculations with a small data set, and then analyze a larger data set, which is presented as a set of interactive graphs and automatic calculations so that they can explore the data to answer questions. For our non-major audience, this laboratory leads to a more sophisticated discussion without getting stuck on the calculations. We will present the exercise and assessment results.
An Adaptation of Anfinsen's Protein-Folding Experiment for Classroom Investigation
Authors: Lau Kwok-chi , Hiu-Fung Lo Anthony , Wong Kam-bo
Published: April 2018

The study adapts Anfinsen's Nobel-winning experiment of protein folding into biology investigation for secondary and college students. This experiment is significant for secondary and college science learning not only for its associations with some core concepts in biology, but also for its rich nature of science and science practices. The lab procedure of the original experiment was modified to be accessible to secondary biology teachers and students. A detailed lab manual and task sheet are available.
Simulating Biomagnification to Illustrate Trophic Pyramids in the Middle School Classroom
Authors: Schlussel Adeline , Rhoades Alexander , Neiles Kelly Y. , Elliott Samantha L.
Published: April 2018

Biomagnification influences the movement of environmental contaminants and relates to food chains and the transfer of matter in ecosystems, concepts that are found in the Next Generation Science Standards. Consequently, we developed a hands-on, discussion-based activity for the middle school science classroom to demonstrate biomagnification and connect it to food webs and trophic pyramids. Each student represents an aquatic organism, and together students simulate the consumption and excretion processes in an aquatic food chain. This simulation demonstrates how certain environmental contaminants accumulate within organisms and ultimately become concentrated in predators at the top of the food chain.
Building Order: Unified Cityscapes and Elite Collaboration in Roman Asia Minor
Authors: Ryan Garrett
Published: April 2018

In mid-imperial (late first to mid-third century) Asia Minor, visually unified cityscapes played a critical role in the strategies local elites used to bolster their corporate authority. The construction of formalized public spaces facilitated the display of wealth and status in the traditionally isonomic world of civic politics. The rhetorical practice of describing cities as physical and socio-cultural unities demonstrated a community's – and especially its leading citizens' – possession of qualities instrumental in competition with local rivals. As presented in the context of public ritual, finally, harmonious urban landscapes were used to convince travelling imperial officials that cities and their elites conformed to Roman expectations.
Hypothêkai: On Wisdom Sayings and Wisdom Poems
Authors: Horne Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

Scholars have long recognized that hypothêkai, or instructional wisdom sayings, served as building blocks for larger structures of Greek wisdom poetry. Yet the mechanism that gets from saying to poem has never been traced in detail. If the transition involves more than piling sayings on top of each other, what intervenes? Focusing on the archaic hexametrical tradition of Homer and Hesiod, the paper develops a repertory of variations and expansions by which the primary genre, the hypothêkê speech-act, is transformed into a secondary genre—the larger-scale wisdom constructions we find in various Homeric speeches and much if not all of the Works and Days. The paper first argues for a precise formal description of the hypothêkê saying in the archaic hexameter; it then develops a toolbox of variations on the saying's basic form. Finally, the toolbox is put to work in order to read a forty-verse excerpt of Hesiod's Almanac.
Primary high-grade calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thyroid: a very rare cancer
Authors: Chorny Joseph A , Orrego John J , Cameselle-Teijeiro José Manuel
Published: April 2018

Most medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) are low grade and produce calcitonin. There are some calcitonin-negative MTCs that produce only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Rarely, MTCs are negative for calcitonin and CGRP peptides, but contain their corresponding mRNAs. Primary thyroid neuroendocrine neoplasms other than MTCs are extremely rare. We describe a primary high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma that was negative for CGRP and calcitonin at both the protein and mRNA levels. A 42-year-old woman presented with a rapidly enlarging thyroid mass replacing most of the left lobe and isthmus. A computed tomography-guided core-needle biopsy was performed. The tumor was composed of sheets of small-to-medium sized epithelial cells. The cells were immunoreactive for pancytokeratin, synaptophysin, CD56 and thyroid transcription factor-1, but negative for CK7, CK20, CD45, CD99, ERG, chromogranin A, thyroglobulin, calcitonin, CGRP and carcinoembryonic antigen. The Ki-67 proliferation index was ~90%. In situ hybridization was negative for calcitonin mRNA. The patient was initially diagnosed as having a small cell carcinoma. She was treated with cisplatin and etoposide (VP16), followed by radiation therapy. Given the excellent clinical course, the tumor was reviewed and reclassified as a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (non-small-cell type). Heretofore, only a few other similar high-grade neuroendocrine tumors with negative markers of C-cell derivation have been reported. In our case, the patient is cancer free five years after diagnosis, but in the other cases, the outcome was poor.

Learning points:

There are neuroendocrine carcinomas of the thyroid that do not produce calcitonin or calcitonin gene-related peptide.

This category of calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine carcinomas is heterogeneous, consisting of low- and high-grade tumors.

The high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas of the thyroid are rare and generally have a poor prognosis. They are divided into small cell and non-small cell or large cell types.
Phenylmethimazole abrogates diet-induced inflammation, glucose intolerance and NAFLD
Authors: Patton Ashley , Church Tyler , Wilson Caroline , Thuma Jean , Goetz Douglas J , Berryman Darlene E , List Edward O , Schwartz Frank , McCall Kelly D
Published: April 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of both metabolic and inflammatory diseases and has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. High-fat (HF) diets promote an increased uptake and storage of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides (TGs) in hepatocytes, which initiates steatosis and induces lipotoxicity, inflammation and insulin resistance. Activation and signaling of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by FFAs induces inflammation evident in NAFLD and insulin resistance. Currently, there are no effective treatments to specifically target inflammation associated with this disease. We have established the efficacy of phenylmethimazole (C10) to prevent lipopolysaccharide and palmitate-induced TLR4 signaling. Because TLR4 is a key mediator in pro-inflammatory responses, it is a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD. Here, we show that treatment with C10 inhibits HF diet-induced inflammation in both liver and mesenteric adipose tissue measured by a decrease in mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, C10 treatment improves glucose tolerance and hepatic steatosis despite the development of obesity due to HF diet feeding. Administration of C10 after 16 weeks of HF diet feeding reversed glucose intolerance, hepatic inflammation, and improved hepatic steatosis. Thus, our findings establish C10 as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of NAFLD.
A Catalogue of Putative cis-Regulatory Interactions Between Long Non-coding RNAs and Proximal Coding Genes Based on Correlative Analysis Across Diverse Human Tumors
Authors: Basu Swaraj , Larsson Erik
Published: April 2018

Antisense transcripts and other long non-coding RNAs are pervasive in mammalian cells, and some of these molecules have been proposed to regulate proximal protein-coding genes in cis. For example, non-coding transcription can contribute to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in cancer, and antisense transcripts have been implicated in the epigenetic inactivation of imprinted genes. However, our knowledge is still limited and more such regulatory interactions likely await discovery. Here, we make use of available gene expression data from a large compendium of human tumors to generate hypotheses regarding non-coding-to-coding cis-regulatory relationships with emphasis on negative associations, as these are less likely to arise for reasons other than cis-regulation. We document a large number of possible regulatory interactions, including 193 coding/non-coding pairs that show expression patterns compatible with negative cis-regulation. Importantly, by this approach we capture several known cases, and many of the involved coding genes have known roles in cancer. Our study provides a large catalog of putative non-coding/coding cis-regulatory pairs that may serve as a basis for further experimental validation and characterization.
Fixed point results for ordered S-G-contractions in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Vetro Francesca
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we prove existence and uniqueness of fixed point in the setting of ordered metric spaces. Precisely, we combine the recent notions of (F,φ)-contraction and Z-contraction in order to introduce the notion of ordered S-G-contraction. Then we use the notion of ordered S-G-contraction to show existence and uniqueness of fixed point. We stress that the notion of ordered S-G-contraction includes different types of ordered contractive conditions in the existing literature. Also, we give some examples and additional results in ordered partial metric spaces to support the new theory.
Peroral low-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection of human microbiota-associated mice — a subacute ileitis model to unravel pathogen–host interactions
Authors: Heimesaat Markus M. , Escher Ulrike , Grunau Anne , Fiebiger Ulrike , Bereswill Stefan
Published: April 2018

Within 1 week following high-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection, mice develop lethal necrotizing ileitis. However, data from a subacute T. gondii-induced ileitis model are scarce. Therefore, mice harboring a human gut microbiota were perorally infected with one cyst of T. gondii. Within 9 days post-infection, the intestinal microbiota composition shifted towards higher loads of commensal enterobacteria and enterococci. Following T. gondii infection, mice were clinically only mildly affected, whereas ≈60% of mice displayed fecal blood and mild-to-moderate ileal histopathological changes. Intestinal inflammation was further characterized by increased apoptotic intestinal epithelial cells, which were accompanied by elevated proliferating gut epithelial cell numbers. As compared to naive controls, infected mice displayed elevated numbers of intestinal T lymphocytes and regulatory T-cells and increased pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. Remarkably, T. gondii-induced apoptotic and pro-inflammatory immune responses were not restricted to the gut, but could also be observed in extra-intestinal compartments including kidney, liver, and lung. Strikingly, low-dose T. gondii infection resulted in increased serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the here presented subacute ileitis model following peroral low-dose T. gondii infection of humanized mice allows for detailed investigations of the molecular mechanism underlying the “ménage à trois” of pathogens, human gut microbiota, and immunity.
Introduction
Authors: Mazierska Ewa , Győri Zsolt
Published: April 2018

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ЗЕРНОБОБОВЫЕ КУЛЬТУРЫ – СПРОС РАСТЕТ. Часть 2.
Authors: ФАДЕЕВ Л
Published: April 2018

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ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ФАКТОРІВ, ЩО ВПЛИВАЮТЬ НА ОРГАНІЗАЦІЮ ПРОЦЕСУ ЗБЕРІГАННЯ ДРІБНОНАСІННЄВИХ ОЛІЙНИХ КУЛЬТУР
Authors: Овсянникова л. к. , СОКОЛОВСЬКА О. Г. , ВАЛЕВСЬКА Л. О.
Published: April 2018

В статті проведено дослідження зміни кислотного, перекисного та йодного чисел дрібнонасіннєвих олійних куль-тур у діапазоні температури зберігання 5…25 °С та тривалості зберігання до 12 місяців. Встановлено, що з факторів, щовпливають на величину поглинання води насінням, визначаючими є анатомічна будова і хімічний склад зерна. При однако-вих температурі і відносній вологості повітря основні і покривні тканини насіння поглинають з повітря різну кількістьвологи.Показано, що чим вище олійність насіння, тим нижче їх рівноважна вологість, тому у високоолійному насіннівміст вологи в гідрофільній частині вищий. Для олійного насіння вологість гідрофільної частини значно вище за сумарнувологість. Хімічний склад гідрофільної частини насіння різних культур різний, тому їх вологопоглинаюча здатність не од-накова. Проте в цілому для всіх культур загальна зворотна залежність між вмістом олії в насінні і рівноважною вологіс-тю зберігається.Величина рівноважної вологості насіння залежить від розмірів насіння: рівноважна вологість у дрібного насінняменше, ніж у крупних, унаслідок відносного збільшеної поверхні насіння.Отримані дані можна використовувати при виборі умов при закладанні дрібнонасіннєвих олійних культур на дов-готривале зберігання.Для зберігання насіння олійних культур має значення не тільки вміст сирого жиру, а також жирокислотний склад олії,перш за все вміст ненасичених жирних кислот. Псування макової олії при несприятливих умовах зберігання починається під впливомферменту ліпази, яка розщеплює жир на гліцерин і вільні жирні кислоти. Вільні жирні кислоти можуть вступати в реакцію з киснемі далі розщеплюватися, при цьому утворюються проміжні продукти – гідроперекиси, які можуть руйнуватися далі до альдегідів,кетонів та простих жирних кислот. Саме вторинні продукти окислення зумовлюють зниження харчової цінності олії і її псування.Окислювальні процеси протікають в основному в ненасичених жирних кислотах, а жирокислотний склад насіння муку на 90 % скла-дається з ненасичених жирних кислот.При зберіганні дрібнонасіннєвих культур протягом 12 місяців показники їх якості не перевищували нормованихзначень.
TENDENCIES AND PECULIARITIES OF SHRIMP FEED PRODUCTION
Authors: FIHURSKA LIUDMYLA V.
Published: April 2018

Aquaculture is food sector, which is growing rapidly in the last 25 years with annual growth rate 8,2 . One of the mostperspective branches of aquaculture is shrimp farming. The cost of feeds is up to 80% of the cost of shrimp breeding, so providingthe industry with high-quality feeds is the important goal of the feed industry in all over the world. The theoretical research was devotedto the task of compound shrimp feed production. In order to satisfy shrimp requirements, shrimp feeding systems were shown.Existing shrimp breeding systems are shown as different from the type of reservoirs (static / running water, indoor or outdoor), feedingmethods, and the species of grown shrimp. Features of the nutritional standards for freshwater and saltwater shrimps were analyzed.Nutrient requirements of shrimp have been changed through shrimp life-cycle. The shrimp life-cycle was shown.World leaders-producers of compound mixed feeds for shrimps were shown. The analysis of pellet size and nutritional valueof compound mixed feeds of crude protein content in prestart, starter, grower and finish periods of cultivation and in accordancewith the system of cultivation and feeding shrimp (intensive, extensive, semi-intensive) is carried out. The requirements for the contentof main minerals, vitamins and restrictions to the content of crude fiber are given. Traditional ingredients are described. Bindersand preservatives, which are used for shrimp feeds, are shown and subscribed. In raw material the main problem is the need to ensurehigh protein content in the shrimp feed recipes. Because of many factors, fish meal quantity should be reduced in recipes. Becauseof its attractive amino acid content, availability and relatively affordable price, soybean meal and soy concentrates have receivedincreasing attention as substitutes for marine animal meals.The features of technological lines and processes of production of mixed feeds for shrimp are shown.Еhe advantages and disadvantages of using the two most common processes of production of shrimp feeds (pelleting andextrusion), despite the relatively high cost extrusion, undoubtedly, is the main process of shrimp feed production.At the same time, there are challenges, which need to be overcome by the industry for effective further development: toproduce environmentally friendly feeds, to conduct further studies in order to clarify the required nutritional value of shrimp feedand add amino acids, feed enzymes, chemo-attractants, probiotics, and immunostimulants, to provide the necessary water stability ofpellets, and to increase feed conversion rate, develop regional, national, or international guidelines and codes of practices for bothfeed manufacturing practices and feed management practices, reduce fish meal in shrimp feed recipes.Despite the existence of problems, shrimp production is growing and the production of feed for their feeding has a greatpotential as an important source of animal protein in human nutrition.
IMPROVING METHODOLOGY OF RISK IDENTIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL DANGEROUS
Authors: BOCHKOVSKYI A. P. , SAPOZHNIKOVA N. Yu.
Published: April 2018

In the paper, according to the analysis of statistical data, correlation between the amount of occupational injuries and occupationaldiseases in Ukraine within last 5 years is defined. Also, using methodology of the International Labor Organizationcorrelcation between the amount of accident fatalities and general number of accidents in Ukraine and EU countries (Austria, GreatBritain, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Hungry, Finland, France) is defined. It is shown that in spite of the positive dynamicsof decreasing amount of occupational injuries, the number of occupational diseases in Ukraine always increases. The comparativeanalysis of the ratio of the number of accident fatalities to the total number of registered accidents showed that, on average, Ukraineexceeds the EU countries by this indicator by 100 times.It is noted, that such negative indicators (in particular, increasing amount of occupational diseases), may occure because ofimperfect methodology for identifying the risks of professional dangerous.Also, it is ascertained that basing on the existed methodology, the identefication process of occupational dangerous isquite subjective, which reduces objectivity of conducting quantitative assessment. In order to eliminate defined drawnbacks it is firsttime proposed to use corresponding integral criterion to conduct the process of quantitative risk assessmentTo solve this problem authors formulate and propose an algorithm of improving methodology of a process of analysing dangerousand harmful production effects (DHPE) which are the mainest reasons of occupational dangerous.The proposed algorithm includes implementation of four following successive steps: DHPE identification, indication of theirmaximum allowed threshold of concentrations (levels), identification of the sources of identified DHPE, esimation of consequencesof manifestation.The improved proposed methodology allows indentify risks of occurrence occupational dangerous in systems "humantechnicalsystem-environment" even on the phase of its designing when dangerous and harmful manufactured factors are unknownyet.
Perception of the Degree of Importance of Teacher’s Professional Competences from the Perspective of Teacher and Head Teacher in the Evaluation Process of Educational Efficiency
Authors: Stranovská Eva , Lalinská Mária , Boboňová Ivana
Published: April 2018

The research study concentrates on the detection of perception of the degree of importance of selected teacher’s professional competences in the teacher’s evaluation process, i.e. teacher’s success in teaching. Perception of the degree of importance of professional competences of teachers is realized depending on the variables teacher versus head teacher and the degree of importance (1–5). We set up the hypothesis that there are differences in the perception of the importance degree of teacher’s professional competences with respect to teacher and head teacher. We based our assumption on Frey’s evaluation theory, or diagnosis of teacher’s competences and Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The research was conducted with 730 respondents from among teachers and 146 respondents from among head teachers of primary and secondary schools in Slovakia during the period from September 2015 to January 2016. Teacher’s perception of the degree of importance of teacher’s professional competences we surveyed using the Teacher’s competence assessment questionnaire for teachers and the head teacher’s perception of the degree of importance teacher’s professional competences using the Teacher’ competence assessment questionnaire for head teachers. The questionnaires were developed within the research project APVV-14-0446 Evaluation of teacher’s competences. We found out that the teachers’ and head teachers’ perception of the degree of importance of various teachers’ professional competences is different. The perception differs in the following professional competences: can identify psychological and social factors of pupil’s learning, can plan and implement their own professional development, can use material resources in the teaching process.
Investigation into Teachers’ European Competences
Authors: Jucevičienė Palmira
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, more than ever before, development of the European competences has become extremely important. These competences are especially significant for the young generation, thus they became an important field for education researchers. The European competences are of particular importance to teachers who not only use them as citizens, but also influence others to develop them.

In order to develop the European competences Europe as a learning environment is necessary and it is being purposefully developed: the European Commission has established a broad range of programmes which help teachers to develop the necessary competences. Projects in the area have produced a significant amount of knowledge as asset which may be and is applied for the better Europe. The knowledge has become an open source of information for the teachers in the development of their European competences.

The aim of the current paper is to reveal what specific European competences teachers from EU countries recognize by self-reflection as an “asset in-use” in their professional daily lives. A survey was used as the main research method supported by the analysis of the scholarly literature.
Signs of Critical Reflection in Mathematical Experiential Learning Contexts
Authors: Grabauskienė Vaiva , Mockaitytė-Rastenienė Oksana
Published: April 2018

In this article, we analyzed reflections of undergraduate students of Primary school education and also the reflections of gifted primary school children. The reflections were collected in those two subsamples separately, while learning Math in experiential way. For the suitability to observe critical reorganization of mathematical images, the scaling as a subject was chosen.

The process of learning in adults has a feature to encompass the critical reflection approach for the problem solving. The aim of our study was to shed light on differences and similarities between adults and gifted primary school children in mathematical reasoning.

We used the following methods: case study; observation; audio recordings; and qualitative analysis (i. e. content analysis). In whole study, 13 undergraduate students and 16 gifted children from III–IV grades took a part.

The results indicate that the main insights in the mathematical content were made while comparing measurements of different dimensions. The similarities between adults and children were found in how critical reorganization of mathematical images was done. The difference occurred in the extent of reasoning abstraction. Gifted children already at primary school years were able to formulate logical explanations into mathematical rules. However, for the children to make critical reflections, the experiential basis (practice) is obligatory. In contrast, adults used abstract reasoning even in experiential (practical) situations.
Didactic Principles of Visualization of Mathematical Concepts in Primary Education
Authors: Urban Maryia , Murauyova Halina , Gadzaova Sviatlana
Published: April 2018

Illustrations are traditionally used in primary education to explain mathematical reasoning, however, not every visual representation facilitates understanding of mathematical ideas. Therefore, the search for effective forms of visual representation of concepts is a topical issue of didactics. The purpose of the research, the results of which are presented in this article, is the development, substantiation of the didactic principles of concept visualization through the use of educational modeling and their implementation in the educational materials in Mathematics for primary school.
Ethnicity and Occupational Differences in the Transforming Homogenous Culture: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Minelgaitė Inga , Blažytė Giedrė , Littrell Romie F.
Published: April 2018

This article presents empiric research on respondents’ self-identification of ethnicity in such culturally homogenous country as Lithuania and comparisons among three occupational sectors: education, healthcare and business. The results reveal the difficulty when attempting to self-identity ethnicity resulting in high nonresponse rate. Furthermore, results indicate effects of occupational background of the respondent and influence of EU membership on the perceived ethnicity. The contextualisation of results within social and historical context of the country is outlined, as well as methodological implications.
The Relationship between Professional Burnout and Management Competencies: The Case of Social Pedagogues in Lithuania
Authors: Rupšienė Liudmila , Skukauskaitė Audra , Baranauskienė Ingrida , Tiškuvienė Lina
Published: April 2018

In this paper we examine relationships between teacher burnout and their management competencies and address the calls to expand individual-focused burnout theories by including other factors. We focus on educators called “social pedagogues” in Lithuania. Because this profession includes teaching and social work responsibilities, the case Lithuanian social pedagogues can expand theoretical and practical understandings of supporting varied teacher educational roles and responsibilities. 103 randomly selected Lithuanian social pedagogues were asked to complete a burnout and management competency scales. Correlational analyses revealed the existence between burnout and management competencies, particularly impacting burnout in the personal accomplishment dimension. Analyses suggest that the burnout problem may in part be addressed by providing educators with management training.
Student’s Cultural Experience in Higher Education in England, Germany and Lithuania as a Preco
Authors: Šadauskas Vilius
Published: April 2018

Higher education today faces intensive transformation processes more than ever before. The Bologna Process program has been a big boost for student self-identification as a particular academic member of the community. It is reasonable to assert that young people studying in higher education institutions should be the most active in the changes affecting the higher education system, responding to the general public. The real situation is different, and the lack of student response raises the question of student identity and self-identification as specific members of higher education communities. This leads to the discussion whether in the case of uncontrolled dispersal of higher education one of the negative consequences can be seen as the weakening of students’ academic identity. This determines the problem formulated by the article – the significance of the surrounding socio-cultural environment and the public discourse on the formation of students’ academic identity in different countries (England, Germany and Lithuania). In order to understand behavioural patterns of students in Lithuania the comparative analysis, based on the methodological approach of R. Budd was made. Data of 14 interviews from Lithuanian classical and specialized universities were analysed and statements were made, when summarized giving the overall thinking concept of Lithuanian students that emerged as a result of interaction between particular, specific to Lithuanian social discourse to high education and inner cultural and behavioural models.
Strategies for Developing 6–8 Year-Old Children’s Singing Intonation
Authors: Davidova Jelena , Zavadska Galina , Rauduvaitė Asta , Chuang Ming-Jen
Published: April 2018

On the basis of the diagnostic study carried out in the framework of the international project “Coordination between 6–8 Year-Old Children’s Musical Hearing and Vocal Apparatus during the Process of Singing: Comparative Study in Latvia, Lithuania and Taiwan” the following problems were defined for those involved in the experiment in Latvia: children’s voice diapason and intonation (undeveloped voice diapason, which does not at large surpass quarto-tertian; inaccurate intonation of melody, bordering “speaking voice”; intonation of the general ascending and descending movement of melody by inaccurate inner filling), typical cases of inaccurate intonation in the process of singing at every age group of children; as well as strategies and didactic material was elaborated for forming and developing singing intonation at different stages of 6–8 year-old children in the framework of case study.
Phase II Study of Everolimus in Metastatic Malignant Melanoma (NCCTG-N0377, Alliance)
Authors: Vera Aguilera Jesus , Rao Ravi D. , Allred Jacob B. , Suman Vera J. , Windschitl Harold E. , Kaur Judith S. , Maples William J. , Lowe Val J. , Creagan Edward T. , Erickson Lori A. , Markovic Svetomir
Published: April 2018

Lessons Learned

Everolimus does not have sufficient activity to justify its use as single agent in metastatic melanoma. Patients treated with 10 mg per day dose were most likely to require dose reductions. Everolimus appeared to reduce the numbers of regulatory T cells in approximately half of the treated patients; unfortunately, these effects were not correlated with clinical outcomes.

Background

Everolimus (RAD-001) is an orally active rapamycin analogue shown in preclinical data to produce cytostatic cell inhibition, which may be potentially beneficial in treating melanoma. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma (MM).

Methods

This study included two cohorts; cohort 1 received 30 mg of everolimus by mouth (PO) weekly, and cohort 2 was dosed with 10 mg of everolimus PO daily. The endpoints of the study were safety, 16-week progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and measures of immunomodulatory/antiangiogenic properties with therapy. Tumor samples before therapy and at week 8 of treatment were analyzed. Peripheral blood plasma or mononuclear cell isolates collected prior to therapy and at weeks 8 and 16 and at time of tumor progression were analyzed for vascular endothelial growth factor and regulatory T-cell (Treg) measurements.

Results

A total of 53 patients were enrolled in cohort 1 (n = 24) and cohort 2 (n = 29). Only 2 patients of the first 20 patients enrolled in cohort 2 had treatment responses (25%; 95% confidence interval, 8.6%–49.1%); this result did not allow full accrual to cohort 2, as the study was terminated for futility. Median OS was 12.2 months for cohort 1 versus 8.1 months in cohort 2; no PFS advantage was seen in either group (2.1 months vs. 1.8 months). Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 4 myocardial ischemia (3.4%); grade 3 fatigue, mucositis, and hyperglycemia (10.3%); and anorexia and anemia (6.9%). Everolimus significantly reduced the number of Tregs in approximately half of the treated patients; however, these effects were not correlated with clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Everolimus does not have sufficient single-agent activity in MM; however, we have identified evidence of biological activity to provide a potential rationale for future combination studies.
Morphology control of colloidal silver bio-nanoparticles leaves shape using Sesbania sesban
Authors: Naeimi Atena , Saeednia Samira
Published: April 2018

Sesbania sesban extract solution (SSL) was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The effect of time on the formation of nanoparticles was investigated using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The AgNPs were synthesized after 25 min and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average sizes of nanoparticles were estimated to be between 10 and 30 nm. The XRD of AgNPs, after 4 months, showed the stability of nanoparticles in air. The effects of silver nitrate concentrations and SSL concentrations on the morphology and size of synthesized AgNPs were observed by SEM.
Performance of double-row piles retaining excavation beneath existing underground space
Authors: Yu Feng , Xie Zheng-bing , Duan Nuo , Liu Nian-wu , Shan Hua-feng
Published: April 2018

Further excavation beneath constructed underground space offers a material-saving solution to supplement vertically utilisable space in developed urban regions. Under such circumstances, the existing and newly added retaining piles are combined to form a double-row retaining system with shorter piles facing excavation. A large-scale test chamber was established to simulate the working performance of this particular retaining system during supplementary excavation. A series of tests were grouped and compared with respect to a few key arguments on pile behaviour. Involved parameters included the pile embedment, the row spacing and the excavation depth. The studies reveal that considerable bending moment is generated in the existing piles during further excavation; and its magnitude varies inversely with the embedment of the new piles but positively with the row spacing. Presence of the existing piles gives an advantage to the new piles; thus, their absence results in an abrupt increase in bending moment and a dangerous situation of the new piles. Furthermore, the plane position of the individual retaining pile puts a significant effect on the pile's bending moment. The presented research and related implications are expected to support rational design of retaining structures towards further excavation for underground space extension.
Tool Tip: Using Google Docs to Encourage Collaborative Learning Outside of Class
Authors: McClintic Katie
Published: April 2018

How many times have we, as teachers, waded through a stack of grading, working to provide valuable feedback on homework assignments, only to have students give our comments a cursory glance before stuffing it into their already crammed backpacks? I have seen this time and again in my own classes, always thinking that there has to be a better, more effective way to encourage students to become more reflective about their work. I began to reflect on the assignments I was giving, and the lines of communication between teacher and student that develop through the homework. In the traditional method of pen-on-paper assignments, teachers create the activity as a way to elicit specific practice of a particular skill, opening the dialogue. Then each student completes the work and submits the assignment, thus responding to the initial questions from the teacher. The final step in this communication cycle comes with the teacher providing feedback on the student’s work, thus ending the dialogue. In this structure, the student is responding only to the teacher, attempting to give the teacher the correct answer to the question.
On Computer-Assisted Language Learning and the AEC
Authors: Berardo Marcellino
Published: April 2018

In this essay I add to the discussion on CALL, LEO, and technology use at the AEC. I begin with a brief discussion of CALL and LEO and then survey issues and challenges relevant to the broader field of computer-assisted language learning. Before I conclude with some additional uses of CALL-related technology at the AEC, I offer the beginnings of a pedagogical agenda for the AEC that incorporates CALL.
Using Weebly to Create E-Portfolios
Authors: Parkes Summer , McClintic Katie , Stamer-Peterson Melissa
Published: April 2018

In an effort to engage in Computer Assisted Language Learning in the classroom, Katie McClintic and Summer Peixoto were inspired to use digital portfolios, or ePortfolios, while taking classes for TESOL certification in online teaching from TESOL, Inc. Katie went through the ePortfolio creation process for the online course and is now using the same principles with her KAUST class this semester as a culminating project for their college prep year experience at KU. Similarly, last year Summer created a blended learning online hybrid course centered on portfolio building for Kansai students to illustrate their learning experiences over the course of 2013. Throughout this six-week course, Melissa Stamer-Peterson’s role was to assist in the classroom and give feedback on student portfolios. As members of the LEO team, Summer, Melissa, and Katie are attempting to lead by example by incorporating technology into their courses and pursuing professional development opportunities that include the use of CALL in daily instruction and special programs.
Teaching English for Academic Purposes in the KU Academic Accelerator Program
Authors: Berardo Marcellino , Smith Herrod Kellie
Published: April 2018

The Kansas University Academic Accelerator Program (KUAAP) is new to the University and brings with it a reconceptualization of the first year experience for newly arrived international students who have not yet fulfilled the University’s English as a second language requirements. In their first two terms, international students in KUAAP take classes in English for academic purposes (EAP) alongside General Education (Gen Ed) courses. By their third term, students no longer take EAP classes.
Incorporating Pronunciation in Day-to-Day Activities
Authors: Dam Mai Ly Linh
Published: April 2018

Teaching pronunciation by itself is hard to do without context; it should be related to specific lessons. Moreover, pronunciation is a necessary component for students in everyday and academic tasks. This presentation offers warm-up activities that EFL instructors can use on a daily basis to help students develop pronunciation skills.