bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da qualidade de aprendizagem no ambiente virtual (Moodle) em saúde bucal, na perspectiva dos discentes
Authors: Dos Santos Camila Mello , Bulgarelli Patricia Tavora , Frichembruder Karla , Colvara Beatriz Carriconde , Hugo Fernando Neves
Published: March 2018

A oferta de cursos a distância implica no acompanhamento e na avaliação de seu processo de ensino. A avaliação de processos educacionais visa capturar suas lacunas e permitir, através de um ciclo de reflexão e ação estratégica, avançar na qualidade de sua construção. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a percepção da qualidade do processo de aprendizagem realizada por meio de pesquisa de opinião. Participaram 332 alunos concluintes de seis cursos de educação permanente a distância em áreas obrigatórias aos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas. O instrumento utilizado foi o Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey (COLLES), que consiste em 24 questões agrupadas em seis dimensões: relevância, reflexão crítica, interação, apoio dos tutores, apoio dos colegas e compreensão. As respostas foram em escala do tipo Likert, de cinco pontos, variando de quase nunca a quase sempre. Os dados foram computados e apresentados como frequências absolutas e relativas. Os resultados revelaram que, para maioria (85,3%) dos participantes, os cursos foram relevantes para a prática da profissão. A reflexão crítica foi realizada frequentemente (43,2%) sobre o conteúdo do curso. De acordo com 39,1% dos estudantes, o tutor estimulou a reflexão sobre as atividades do curso. Resultados piores foram obtidos em interatividade, dimensão na qual apenas 13,5% se dispuseram a explicar suas ideias e 44,3% quase nunca pediram explicações sobre as ideias dos colegas. O estudo permitiu observar que os alunos percebem favoravelmente quatro das seis dimensões, entretanto há necessidade de reorientação das atividades para melhoria da interatividade e de movimento colaborativo.
Optimization of cultural conditions for anaerobically treated distillery effluent bioremediation by an isolate Pseudomonas putida SAG45
Authors: Rani Anita , Saharan Baljeet Singh
Published: March 2018

The present study deals with the decolourisation and detoxification of distillery effluent by an isolate SAG45. Soil samples were collected from the affected disposal sites of distillery effluent treatment plant. The isolate showed the highest bioremediation of 79.5% within 4 days of cultivation in the melanoidin pigment broth. The isolate showed higher decolourisation at pH 8.0 and temperature 37 oC. However, it gives 58.9% decolourisation with 5% (v/v) distillery effluent within 8 days. Toxicity test was also carried out to assess the toxicity of distillery effluent on seed germination.
Seasonal variation in phytoplankton of Tadoba lake, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Distt. Chandrapur (MS), India
Authors: Telkhade P. M. , Dahegaonkar N. R. , Khinchi P. J. , Rohankar L. H. , Zade S. B.
Published: March 2018

Tadoba lake is the major lake in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reservoir (TATR) in the Chandrapur district, in eastern Maharashtra which represent a unique habitat for wildlife in central India and oldest National Park of the state. The lake is free from human activities. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the population of planktonic algae of the lake from June-2006 to May-2007. The study of phytoplanktonic diversity revealed the presence of 35 species belonging to four major groups, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Myxophyceae and Euglenophyceae among which Bacillariophyceae was dominant. The rich floral diversity indicates high productive nature of pond.
Organic matter depositional microenvironment in deltaic channel deposits of Mahanadi river, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Farooqui Anjum , Karudu T. Karuna , Reddy D. Rajasekhara , Mishra Ravi
Published: March 2018

Quantitative and qualitative variations in microscopic plant organic matter assemblages and its preservation state in deltaic channel deposits of Mahanadi River was correlated with the depositional environment in the ecosystem in order to prepare a modern analogue for use in palaeoenvironment studies. For this, palynological and palynofacies study was carried out in 57 surface sediment samples from Birupa river System, Kathjodi-Debi River system and Kuakhai River System constituting Upper, Middle and Lower Deltaic part of Mahanadi river. Theapex of the delta shows dominance of Spirogyra algae indicating high nutrient, low energy shallow ecosystem during most of the year and recharged only during monsoons. The depositional environment is anoxic to dysoxic in the central and south-eastern part of the Middle Deltaic Plain (MDP) and Lower Deltaic Plain (LDP) indicated by high percentage of nearby palynomorphs, Particulate Organic Matter (POM) and algal or fungal spores. The northern part of the delta show high POM preservation only in the estuarine area in LDP but high Amorphous Organic Matter (MOA) in MDP. The sediment here is deposited under dysoxic to oxic fluvial conditions. Thus, the monsoon intensity, direction of fluvial discharge, and the landward extent of sea water incursion through river mouths inducing bottom water salinity play an important role in defining the magnitude of POM and its preservation in the shallow Mahanadi deltaic ecosystem.
Neuromuscular systems in the fifth instar larva of silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae): II- Abdominal musculature and its innervation
Authors: Sivaprasad S. , Muralimohan P.
Published: March 2018

The gross organisation of abdominal musculature and its innervation by segmental ganglionic nerves were studied in the fifth instar larva of Bombyx mori. The musculature comprises dorsal, ventral and lateral groups of muscles, represented as external and internal layers. The dorsal group includes musculi dorsales interni mediales (DIM), musculi dorsales externi mediales (DEM), musculi dorsales interni laterals (DIL) and musculi dorsales externi laterales (DEL). The ventral group includes musculi ventrales interni mediales (VIM), musculi ventralesexterni mediales (VEM), musculi ventrales interni laterales (VIL) and musculi ventrales externi laterales (VEL). The lateral group is represented by musculi laterales interni (LI) and musculi laterales externi (LE). The abdominal muscles are innervated by the dorsal (DN) and ventral (VN) nerves of abdominal ganglia. The DN innervates ventral internal, lateral internal and both dorsal external and internal muscles, while the VN innervates ventral external and lateral muscles. The sensory branches of DN and VN innervate the bodywall in the dorsal and ventral regions respectively with a sort of overlapping in the lateral region. The neuromuscular integration and intersegmental coordination in the abdominal region is discussed with reference to locomotion in the silkworm larva.
Community structure and diversity of a tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur region, India
Authors: Khurana Poonam
Published: March 2018

The present study deals with quantitative analysis of vegetation of forest area in Hastinapur, India. A total 3 sites were selected for the study. The values of density and total basal area for different species ranged from 0.5 Ind100m-2 to 2.2 and 16.50 cm2tree-1 to 1055.0cm2tree-1. Most of the species on different sites were randomly and regularly distributed, none of the species were found with contagious distribution. The values of Cd and H’ were ranged from 0.003 to 0.035 and 0.000 to 0.014.
Effect of varied calcium concentrations on serum calcium, sodium, potassium and protein value during the different phases of reproductive cycle in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Singh K. , Gupta O.P.
Published: March 2018

The serum, calcium, sodium, potassium and protein value were measured during different phases of reproductive cycle in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) due to effect of varied calcium concentrations. The calcium value was higher then and Potassium value Protein during spawning period pointing a more demand of calcium which is necessary for the functioning of a enzyme thereby also helps in hardening of eggs while protein meets an extra energy demand during this period. An increase in serum, sodium level was also observed during spawning period than pre and post-spawning.
Prevalence of Eomenacanthus stramineus (Insecta, Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Menoponidae) on poultry birds (Gallus gallus F. Domesticus) of Jaunpur
Authors: Singh Suneel Kumar , Man Sur , Saxena A. K. , Maurya Nisha , Chandra Suresh
Published: March 2018

A total of 1,020 poultry birds belonging to twelve different localities of Jaunpur district were surveyed during May 2006 to April 2007 to record the prevalence rate of Eomenacanthus stramineus. Prevalence of E. stramineus was noted more or less similar in both the sexes (Male – 38% and Female – 39%). Maximum birds bore very low infestation (32%) while only 7% birds exhibited very heavily infestation. Host sex, feather colour and locality had negligible effect on prevalence rate. However, prevalence rate remained slightly higher on birds with poor plumage/health. Significant positive correlation existed between mean monthly prevalence rate and mean monthly temperature as well as photoperiod. Mean monthly incidence rate were recorded higher during summer (May and June) as compared to winter months.
Cadmium induced histopathological changes in the stomach and small intestine of Swiss albino mice Mus musculus
Authors: Mohapatra Animesh K. , Kumari Poonam , Datta Shivika
Published: March 2018

The results on the effect of oral administration of cadmium chloride on the histomorphology of the stomach and small intestine of Swiss albino mice revealed severe histopathological effects in the tissues of both stomach and small intestine. There is marked atrophy of musculature, and disintegration of sub-mucosal and mucosal tissues, distortion of villi with disintegration of mucosal epithelial cells characterized by cytoplasmic vacuolization, nuclear pycnosis and nuclear fragmentation. A significant damage in the Brunner’s gland and crypts of Liberkuhn has been observed.
The enigma of speech and language acquisition in human - A genetic approach
Authors: Kundu Jayanta Kumar , Pratihar Suman , Nath Rudra Prasad
Published: March 2018

The use of language is one of the most vital traits that distinguish human from other species. The gene FOXP2 (fork head box P2) is relevant to the human ability to develop language. FOXP2 is situated on human chromosome 7q31, and its major splice form encodes a protein of 715 amino acids. It contains a glutamine rich region consisting of two adjacent polyglutamine tracts, encoded by mixtures of CAG and CAA repeats. Two functional copy of FOXP2 seem to be required for acquisition of normal language in human. The chimpanzee, gorilla and the rhesus macaque FOXP2 proteins are all identical to each other and carry only one difference from the mouse and two differences from the human protein, whereas the orangutan two differences from the mouse and three from humans. This gene is also important on particular aspects of cognition awareness or grammatical processing.
Essential phospholipids protection against mercury uptake and histopathological changes in the intestine of fish, Oreochromis mossambicus (Trewavas)
Authors: Kothari Suresh , Choughule Neha
Published: March 2018

Histochemical examination of fingerlings and adults of freshwater teleost Oreochromis mossambicus (Trewavas) exposed to sublethal concentration of HgCl2 (0.15 mg/l) for 30 days revealed considerable uptake of mercury by their respective intestines. Simultaneous co-administration of Essential phospholipids (EPL) along with food to the fishes, significantly supressed mercury uptake by the intestinal tissues, except the goblet cells which were still loaded with Hg in both stages. Due to accumulated mercury visible histopathological damage was seen in muscle layers, lamina propria and basement membrane of columnar cells. No noticeable damage in intestine was seen, when EPL was simultaneously fed to fishes along with HgCl2 exposure. Results suggest that EPL plays prophylactic role against metal uptake and structural damage in fish intestine exposed to inorganic mercury.
RAPD-PCR based genomic characterization of two populations of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera : Culicidae)
Authors: Kaura T. , Kaushal P. , Bansal M. , Chaudhry S.
Published: March 2018

The present paper deals with the RAPD-PCR based genomic characterization of Culex quinquefasciatus Say which is a major vector of filariasis in several parts of the Indian subcontinent. One population of the test organism used in the study was procured from Goa (pop.A) while the other (pop.B) was collected from a village Nadasahib (20 kms from Chandigarh). The RAPD-PCR amplification of whole body homogenate of freshly hatched individual specimens was carried out by using three random primers: primer I- 5’- GTCCCGACGA – 3’; primer II- 5’– TGATCCCTGG – 3’ and primer III- 5’- GTGACGTAGG – 3’. Primer I produced 5 distinct bands from the DNA of pop. A, whose base composition ranged from 200-1000 bp. Likewise, 7 bands ranging from 130-750 bp and 4 bands ranging from 270-950 bp were generated with primers II and III respectively. In case of pop.B, a total of 8 bands ranging from 200-1000 bp were generated with primer I. Similarly, a total of 6 bands ranging from 250-900 bp with primer II and 4 bands ranging from 180-950 bp with primer III were produced. Based on the bandsharing coefficient and the application of Nearest Neighbour Joining (NJ) analysis it was found that primer Iwas more suitable for detecting genomic differences at the species and generic levels while primer II was ideal for detecting variations in the number of bp in RAPD generated bands among different populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Biochemical and spectroscopic changes in phycobiliproteins of the protein-rich Cyanobacterium, Spirulina fusiformis induced by UV-B radiation
Authors: Prasad Vishwanath
Published: March 2018

The present study indicated that the Increase in UV-B exposure ( 312.67 nm, 2.5 Wm-2) to Spirulina fusiformis, a highly protein-rich (60-71%) helically coiled, unicellular, polymorphous cyanobacterium not only bleached phycocyanin (PC) but also decreased its content Absorption spectra of UV-B treated culture showed significant decline in the absorbance at the peak 620nm indicating the presence of PC. The absorbance decreased by increasing UV-B exposure. One hour simultaneous UV-B+PAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) exposure protected 33 percent damage of phycocyanin.
Prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis in a school of low socio-economy area in Rampur (U.P), India
Authors: Rashmi Archna , Bansal Nayanci , Arya Gaurav , Ahmad Aftab
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of head louse Pediculus humanus capitis on the school children of a low socio-economy area of Rampur, India was found to be 56% (n=300). Female children appeared lousier. However, the hygienic condition and their density appeared to have negligible effect on head louse.
Contamination of Asian herbal drugs : Need for its critical evaluation
Authors: Gupta K.K. , Prasad G. , Chopra A.K. , Khanna D.R.
Published: March 2018

Herbal drugs have been used as remedies for the treatment of large number of humans, ailments since ancient times as the traditional medicine system; India has a glorious past, having first documented record of fully developed medical science known as Ayurveda written by several ancient Rishi’s. Major groups of indigenous system of medicine are based on herbal drugs. A survey made by WHO indicated that about 80% of the world population relies on herbal drugs. Herbal drugs are becoming more popularized and important even in the developednations with hope of their non-toxicity and may play a role of substitute to overcome the problems of multi drug resistant pathogens. Cultivation of drug plants has been started in large scale without considering the land quality and in certain cases irrigation with waste water. Application of different fungicides, pesticides in that specific field or in neighboring fields may be directly deposited superficially or may be absorbed by the plant system. Therefore in the present situation possibilities of the Asian herbal drugs, contaminated with large number of toxic components cannot be ignored which may severely hurt human life in place of healing or curing.These contaminants may be either alone or in combination and may be originated intrinsically, extrinsically and deliberately. Certain contaminants may be highly toxic and may cause severe adverse effect in the human system. Some of the important contaminants are the heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, copper and pesticides. Adulteration of modern drugs to enhance drug potency and heterogenous microbial population including human pathogens may contaminate both raw and powdered herbal drugs. Among these contaminants, microbial contamination seems more severe and may be due to their dual action on the drug i.e. utilization of medicinally important chemical components as nutrients and in certain cases by producing certain mycotoxins, which may be even carcinogenic under certain conditions . Critical evaluation of both raw and powdered herbal drugs for contaminants is the urgent need of the time in order to provide safety measures in herbal health care medicine.
A study of fresh water protozoans with special reference to their abundance and ecology
Authors: Ahmad Tabrez , Sharma A. K.
Published: March 2018

Ecologically protozoa represent a model of interacting communities that exhibit various characters of structure and function of a micro-ecosystem and also an important component of food-chain. The present paper presents the first record of taxonomic composition and abundance of fresh water protozoans from ponds and Gomti River of Lucknow, U.P. India. A total forty seven protozoans were observed, studied thoroughly and identified. Total ten strains of flagellates, sixteen of amoebae, two testaceans; two heliozoans and seventeen different strains of ciliates were observed.
Eco-dyeing of silk with Dhavdi flowers and its fastness evaluation
Authors: Srivastava Meenu , Udawat Preeti
Published: March 2018

The present study is based on the process development for colouring of silk yarns with Dhavdi flowers using selected mordants to study its effects on colour fastness properties and optimization of different extraction conditions, duration and concentration for better dye and its shades. The results revealed that aqueous medium was suitable for extraction of dye from pink petals of Dhavdi flowers for one hour. The shades of midbuff, sand stone ,coffee and olive green brown were obtained by taking 4 g dried powder of dhavdi dye for dyeing 1 gram of silk material for 45 minutes. All the four mordants were found suitable for application on silk, 10 % of alum, 3 % of chrome, 2 % of copper sulphate and 3% ferrous sulphate were found to produce best shades on silk material. Post mordanting had resulted in darker shades in all the mordant. Simultaneous mordanting method was found best in case of chrome mordant. Excellent to outstanding fastness to sunlight was found in all mordanted samples. There was absolutely no staining in washed samples. Colour change was not found in the samples subjected to crocking in both dry and wet conditions except in case of ferrous mordanted samples,. The colour was stable as shown by their higher resistance towards acidic and alkaline perspiration. Hence, the dye obtained from Dhavdi flowers proved to be extremely good and can be recommended for dyeing silk fabric.
Neuromuscular systems in the fifth instar larva of silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae): I-Cephalothoracic musculature and its innervation
Authors: Sivaprasad S. , Muralimohan P.
Published: March 2018

The cephalo-thoracic musculature of the fifth instar larva of Bombyx mori comprises distinct groups of segmental muscle bands arranged in a stereotyped pattern. It includes dorsal, ventral, tergopleural, tergocoxal, lateral intersegmental, pleurosternal, sternocoxal, pleurocoxal and spiracular muscles. The cephalothoracic segments are innervated by the nerves of brain, suboesophageal ganglion (SG) and three thoracic ganglia (TG1, TG2, TG3).The brain gives nerves for compound eyes, antennae, labrum, frontal ganglion and the integument in the head. The SG, TG1,TG2,and TG3 give out a pair of lateral segmental nerves each, called the dorsal (DN) and ventral (VN) nerves. The DN of SG innervates muscles in the cephalic region, while its VN innervates muscles in the prothorax. The DN of thoracic ganglia innervates muscles in the dorsal, lateral and ventral regions of the hemi-segment while the VN innervates muscles in the ventral region. The innervation pattern indicates the presence of mixed nerves and multiple innervations that facilitate coordinated body movements and locomotion.
Развитие солнечной вспышки из анализа спектральных линий и солнечные космические лучи
Authors: Подгорный И.М. , Подгорный А.И.
Published: March 2018

100-летние исследования космических лучей (КЛ) не привели к пониманию физики ускорения частиц. Ускорение в ударных волнах остается недоказанной гипотезой. Протоны на Солнце ускоряются до энергии ∼20 ГэВ. Вычисленный для ускорения во вспышечном токовом слое в короне и измеренный на нейтронных мониторах спектры совпадают при скорости пересоединения 107 см/с. Нет никаких оснований полагать, что механизмы ускорения галактических и солнечных космических лучей различны. Протоны от западных вспышек  приходят без столкновений вдоль линии магнитного поля с запаздыванием равным времени пролета. Фотографии в спектральных линиях ионизованного железа показывают образование предвспышечного состояния. Из исследований эмиссии линий высокоионизованных ионов железа следует, что условия для появления вспышки создаются в короне над активной областью, когда численное МГД-моделирование демонстрирует накопление энергии для вспышки над активной областью в токовом слое. Резкое локальное увеличение температуры короны при вспышке до 20 МК демонстрируют спектральные линии 17-18 раз ионизованного железа.
Система глобального тока в активной области
Authors: Фурсяк Ю.А. , Абраменко В.И.
Published: March 2018

По SHARP-магнитограммам трех компонент полного вектора магнитного поля, полученным по данным наблюдений HMI/SDO, нами исследованы магнитные поля и вертикальные электрические токи области NOAA 12473.

 Первый этап работы предусматривал вычисление и анализ структуры вертикальных электрических токов в фотосфере исследуемой активной области (АО). Расчет вертикальных токов выполнялся интегральным методом с использованием данных о Bx- и By-компонентах вектора магнитного поля области. Вычисленные токи оказались более мелкоструктурными, чем магнитные поля, и хорошо сбалансированными (разбаланс 0.022 %). Низкий разбаланс токов позволил сделать вывод о замкнутости локальных токовых структур в низких петлях.

 На втором этапе нами восстановлено потенциальное магнитное поле и проведено сравнение потенциального поля с наблюдаемым горизонтальным магнитным полем исследуемой АО. Выявлена регулярная вихревая структура непотенциальной компоненты наблюдаемого магнитного поля вокруг лидера АО, связанная с наличием глобального электрического тока. Глобальный ток в лидере области оказался положительным по знаку (направленным на наблюдателя) и равным 6 × 1012 А по абсолютной величине. Учитывая низкий разбаланс токов в области, можно предположить, что глобальный ток замыкается через хромосферу и корону на остальной части АО и может быть связан с непотенциальностью магнитных полей в верхних слоях атмосферы Солнца.
Зондирование космической плазмы радиоимпульсами пульсаров в проекте "Радиоастрон"
Authors: Фадеев Е.Н. , Андрианов А.С. , Зуга В.А. , Попов М.В. , Рудницкий А.Г. , Смирнова Т.В. , Согласнов В.А. , Шишов В.И.
Published: March 2018

Наземно-космический интерферометр "Радиоастрон" обладает непревзойденной разрешающей способностью. С его помощью были определены размеры кружков рассеяния в направлении 6 пульсаров: B0329+54, B0525+21, B1641-45, B1749-28, B1919+21, B1933+16. Наблюдения проводились на частотах 324 и 1668 МГц.  Нами были определены также характерные масштабы мерцаний по времени и по частоте. Было показано, что в направлении всех пульсаров межзвездная среда распределена неоднородно, и были определены расстояния до эффективных рассеивающих экранов.

В результате анализа вторичного спектра пульсара B1933+16 на частоте 1668 МГц были выявлены две параболические дуги, которые соответствуют двум рассеивающим экранам.
Ионизационная структура протопланетных дисков
Authors: Кочина О.В. , Акимкин В.В.
Published: March 2018

В работе представлено исследование ионизационной структуры протопланетных дисков с детальным учетом зарядки пылинок. В работе объединены два подхода к расчету ионизационной структуры дисков. Одна из представленных моделей (Ивлев и др., 2016) позволяет детально рассчитывать степень ионизации среды, где основная рекомбинация происходит на поверхности пылинок. В разреженной атмосфере диска и на его периферии основная рекомбинация происходит в газовой фазе, что определяет необходимость использования системы уравнений химической кинетики (Кочина, Вибе, 2014; Акимкин и др., 2013). Объединение данных подходов позволяет прослеживать степень ионизации среды по всему объему диска. Главным отличием от уже существующих моделей является отсутствие искусственных априорных предположений о функции распределения пылинок по размерам и зарядам. Описанные методы позволяют исследовать развитие магниторотационной неустойчивости, коагуляцию заряженной пыли и химическую структуру протопланетных дисков. Методы были объединены, исследовано влияние учета кратного заряда пылинок на химическую эволюцию некоторых компонент.
Первые результаты наблюдений на 2.5-метровом телескопе ГАИШ МГУ
Authors: Черепащук А.М.
Published: March 2018

Описаны характеристики недавно введенной в строй Кавказской горной обсерватории ГАИШ МГУ и представлены первые результаты наблюдений на 2.5-метровом телескопе этой обсерватории.
Cryoprotective Effect of Glycerol Concentrations on Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gallus Murghi) Spermatozoa
Authors: Rakha Bushra Allah , Ansari Muhammad Sajjad , Akhter Shamim , Blesbois Elisabeth
Published: March 2018

Semen cryopreservation protocols for wild avian species need to be optimised in order to achieve optimum post-thaw sperm quality and fertility. The present study was designed to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of different glycerol concentrations (11%, 15% and 20%) on post-thaw quality, recovery rates, absolute livability index and fertility of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen. Semen was collected from eight mature cocks and cryopreserved for storage at −196 °C. Frozen semen was thawed at 37 °C for 30 s and assessed for motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity at 0, 2 and 4 h incubation at 37 °C. Percentages of motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded higher (P<0.05) post-thaw at 0, 2 and 4 h at 37 °C with 20% glycerol compared to 15% and 11% glycerol. Likewise, recovery rates (%) of aforementioned parameters after cryopreservation and absolute livability index were observed highest (P<0.05) with 20% glycerol. By comparing values of R2 after multivariate regression analysis, least negative effects of hours of incubation were observed on semen quality in extenders with 20% glycerol followed by 15% and 11% glycerol. The fertility outcomes (number of fertile eggs, fertility [%], number of hatched chicks, percent hatch and hatchability of fertilised eggs) were recorded higher (P<0.05) with 20% glycerol followed by 15% and 11% glycerol. It is concluded that the concentration of 20% glycerol gives the best cryoprotection for quality and fertility of Indian Red Jungle Fowl semen.
Historicizing Early 1980s Greek ‘Denunciation Movies’
Authors: Zestanakis Panagiotis
Published: March 2018

This article explores representations of youth, masculinity, family and modernity in ‘denunciation movies’, a film genre criticizing juvenile lifestyles that experienced noticeable success in early-1980s Greece. Based on six movies launched between 1981 and 1983 the article approaches denunciation movies as documents expressing sociocultural developments and as presenting a darker view than the frequent more optimistic characterization of the period. Scrutinizing the historicity of the movies, the article examines representations of ‘youth’ and the ‘city’, highlighting politics of consumption, sexuality and family relations. Finally, it investigates how music was used as a medium of critique of foreign cultural influences.
Rock ’n’ Roll, Tango, and Italian Boogie-Woogie: Transnational Music and Immigrant Life in Buenos Aires
Authors: Liberatori Abril
Published: March 2018

This article explores the immigration experiences of Italian migrants from the Campani region who travelled to and settled in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It does so by exploring their relationship to popular music throughout three periods in Argentine history: the rise of tango leading up to the First World War; the post-Second World War boom of ‘pop’ music and media; and the politicized Rock'n'Roll of the ensuing decades. Using these three periods as reference, the article argues that immigrants from the Campania region used music as a ripe field for negotiating and developing ideas of ethnic identity that traversed borders and oceans and created a transnational musical exchange.
Sensitivity of Numerical Weather Prediction to the Choice of Variable for Atmospheric Moisture Analysis into the Brazilian Global Model Data Assimilation System
Authors: Campos Thamiris , Sapucci Luiz , Lima Wagner , Ferreira Douglas
Published: March 2018

Due to the high spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric water vapor associated with the deficient methodologies used in its quantification and the imperfect physics parameterizations incorporated in the models, there are significant uncertainties in characterizing the moisture field. The process responsible for incorporating the information provided by observation into the numerical weather prediction is denominated data assimilation. The best result in atmospheric moisture depend on the correct choice of the moisture control variable. Normalized relative humidity and pseudo-relative humidity are the variables usually used by the main weather prediction centers. The objective of this study is to assess the sensibility of the Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies to choose moisture control variable in the data assimilation scheme. Experiments using these variables are carried out. The results show that the pseudo-relative humidity improves the variables that depend on temperature values but damage the moisture field. The opposite results show when the simulation used the normalized relative humidity. These experiments suggest that the pseudo-relative humidity should be used in the cyclical process of data assimilation and the normalized relative humidity should be used in non-cyclic process (e.g., nowcasting application in high resolution).
A Recognition Method of the Hydrophobicity Class of Composite Insulators Based on Features Optimization and Experimental Verification
Authors: Yang Lin , Bi Jikai , Hao Yanpeng , Nian Lupeng , Zhou Zijun , Li Licheng , Liao Yifan , Zhang Fuzeng
Published: March 2018

The hydrophobicity of composite insulators is a great significance to the safe and stable operation of transmission lines. In this paper, a recognition method of the hydrophobicity class (HC) of composite insulators based on features optimization was proposed. Through the spray method, many hydrophobic images of water droplets on the insulator surface at various hydrophobicity classes (HCs) were taken. After processing of the hydrophobic images, seven features were extracted: the number n, mean eccentricity Eav and coverage rate k1 of the water droplets, and the coverage rate k2, perimeter Lmax, shape factor fc, and eccentricity Emax of the maximum water droplet. Then, the maximum value Δxmax, the minimum value Δxmin, and the average value Δxav of the change rate of each feature value between adjacent HCs, and the volatility Δs of each feature value, were used as the evaluation indexes for features optimization. After this features optimization, the five features that are most closely related to the HC were obtained. Lastly, a recognition model of the HC with the five features as input and the seven HCs as output was established. When compared with the spray method and the contact angle method, the correct rate of the proposed recognition method was 98.1% and 95.2%, respectively. The influence of subjective factors on the spray method was effectively overcome.
Lack of Substantial Post-Cessation Weight Increase in Electronic Cigarettes Users
Authors: Russo Cristina , Cibella Fabio , Mondati Enrico , Caponnetto Pasquale , Frazzetto Evelise , Caruso Massimo , Caci Grazia , Polosa Riccardo
Published: March 2018

Minimization of post-cessation weight gain in quitters is important, but existing approaches (e.g., antismoking medications) shows only limited success. We investigated changes in body weight in smokers who quit or reduced substantially their cigarette consumption by switching to electronic cigarettes (ECs) use. Body weight and smoking/vaping history were extracted from medical records of smokers and ex-smokers to match three study groups: (1) regular EC users on at least two consecutive follow-up visits; (2) regular smokers (and not using ECs); (3) subjects who reported sustained smoking abstinence after completing a cessation program. Review of their medical records was conducted at two follow-up visits at 6- (F/U 6m) and 12-months (F/U 12m). A total of 86 EC users, 93 regular smokers, and 44 quitters were studied. In the EC users study group, cigarettes/day use decreased from 21.1 at baseline to 1.8 at F/U 12m (p < 0.0001). Dual usage was reported by approximately 50% of EC users. Both within factor (time, p < 0.0001) and between factor (study groups, p < 0.0001) produced significant effect on weight (% change from baseline), with a significant 4.8% weight gain from baseline in the quitters study group at F/U 12m. For the EC users, weight gain at F/U 12m was only 1.5% of baseline. There was no evidence of post-cessation weight increase in those who reduced substantially cigarette consumption by switching to ECs (i.e., dual users) and only modest post-cessation weight increase was reported in exclusive EC users at F/U 12m. By reducing weight gain and tobacco consumption, EC-based interventions may promote an overall improvement in quality of life.
Patternable Poly(chloro-p-xylylene) Film with Tunable Surface Wettability Prepared by Temperature and Humidity Treatment on a Polydimethylsiloxane/Silica Coating
Authors: Yu Yonglian , Shao Hong , He Zhoukun , Tang Changyu , Yang Jian , Li Yongsheng , Wang Cong , Li Xiuyun , Shuai Maobing , Mei Jun
Published: March 2018

Poly(chloro-p-xylylene) (PPXC) film has a water contact angle (WCA) of only about 84°. It is necessary to improve its hydrophobicity to prevent liquid water droplets from corroding or electrically shorting metallic circuits of semiconductor devices, sensors, microelectronics, and so on. Herein, we reported a facile approach to improve its surface hydrophobicity by varying surface pattern structures under different temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions on a thermal curable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and hydrophobic silica (SiO2) nanoparticle coating. Three distinct large-scale surface patterns were obtained mainly depending on the contents of SiO2 nanoparticles. The regularity of patterns was mainly controlled by the temperature and RH conditions. By changing the pattern structures, the surface wettability of PPXC film could be improved and its WCA was increased from 84° to 168°, displaying a superhydrophobic state. Meanwhile, it could be observed that water droplets on PPXC film with superhydrophobicity were transited from a “Wenzel” state to a “Cassie” state. The PPXC film with different surface patterns of 200 μm × 200 μm and the improved surface hydrophobicity showed wide application potentials in self-cleaning, electronic engineering, micro-contact printing, cell biology, and tissue engineering.
Evaluating the Applications of the Near-Infrared Region in Mapping Foliar N in the Miombo Woodlands
Authors: Mutowo Godfrey , Mutanga Onisimo , Masocha Mhosisi
Published: March 2018

Remote sensing has been widely used to estimate the distribution of foliar nitrogen (N) in a cost-effective manner. Although hyperspectral remote sensing targeting the red edge and shortwave infrared regions has proved successful at estimating foliar N, research has recently shifted to include exploring the benefits of using the near-infrared (NIR) region, especially when using broadband sensing. Bootstrapped random forest regression analysis was applied on Sentinel 2 data to test the significance of using the NIR in foliar N estimation in miombo woodlands. The results revealed a low ranking for individual NIR bands, but the ranking improved when spectral indices were used. In addition, the results indicated a marginal increase in the normalised root mean square error of prediction (nRMSE) from 11.35% N when all bands were used to 11.69% N when the NIR bands were excluded from the model. Bootstrapping results show higher accuracy and better consistency in the prediction of foliar N using combined spectral indices and individual bands. This study therefore underscores the significance of spectral indices to increase the NIR region’s importance in estimating the distribution of foliar N as a key indicator of ecosystem health at the landscape scale in miombo systems.
A CREATIVE ALLIANCE BETWEEN LEARNER AUTONOMY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY TEACHERS’ BELIEFS
Authors: YASMIN Musarat , SOHAIL Ayesha
Published: March 2018

Learner autonomy has been a focus of research for last three decades. Not only the nature of phenomenon was investigated but also its role in foreign language learning attracted researchers’ interests. The present paper examines the mutual creative relationship between learner autonomy and target foreign language acquisition. Following an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs of 16 university teachers of English language teaching in four public sector universities of province Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed a close creative connection between learner autonomy and English language learning. Teachers believed that autonomy in learners accelerates language learning. Major aspects of learner autonomy were reported fulfilling the perceived needs of foreign language learning. The study implied that fostering of autonomy in learners accelerates target language proficiency.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Alqatawenah Aymn Sulieman
Published: March 2018

Transformational leadership is considered one of the main leadership styles that influence organizational and individual outcomes to achieve competitive advantage. This study aims to identify the relationship between some dimensions of transformational leadership namely: Idealized Influence, Inspirational motivation, Intellectual stimulation and empowerment, and change management in Jordanian Insurance companies. A questionnaire was developed to investigate the dimensions of the study and was applied to a sample that consisted of 500 respondents. SPSS package was utilized to analyze the quantitative data. The study has concluded that the dimensions of the transformational leadership (Idealized Influence, Inspirational motivation, Intellectual stimulation and Empowerment) and change management are available in Jordanian Insurance companies. The study contributes by recommending organizations to conduct and organize training courses to enhance the capability of the workers by promoting empowerment’s behaviors, also taking into account the individual differences between the employees, particularly in assigning work and tasks.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN HEALTH SECTOR: A CASE STUDY IN THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN MEDAN, INDONESIA
Authors: Lubis Arlina Nurbaity
Published: March 2018

Contemporary society demands that every organization operate with a sense of social responsibility. Many organizations now include corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in their work programs. In the health sector, however, the role of CSR has not been studied as intensively as in private corporations because the services provided by the health sector are already valued as directly serving humanity. This research aims to evaluate the impact of CSR on the health sector, specifically on government hospitals. This model was developed by analyzing the influence of CSR on hospital reputation, customer loyalty, and hospital values. By answering questionnaires, a total of 200 hospital patients from four government hospitals participated in the study. The proposed model was evaluated using path analysis with AMOS tools. The results of this study provide empirical evidence that overall, CSR positively affects the reputation of the hospital, patient loyalty, and hospital value. Although there is a direct negative effect of CSR on hospital value, the larger influence of indirect effect that occurs through the mediating role of reputation and patient loyalty variables shows that CSR is able to increase the hospital value. Practically, these results imply that CSR should be applied as a strategic tool in improving the value of the hospital.
CONSTITUTIVE AND DEPICTIVE CREATIVITIES IN PHILOSOPHY AND CRITICAL THINKING
Authors: YI Huiyuhl
Published: March 2018

This paper expounds two types of creativities in philosophy while exploring several influential philosophical views and thought experiments. The two types of creativities include constitutive creativity and depictive creativity. Constitutive creativity refers to the capabilities required for constructing theoretical equipment or tools needed to constitute the core of a given philosophical thought. It can be assessed in terms of the appropriateness of the theoretical apparatuses used in the target idea. The embodiment of constitutive creativity is often coupled with depictive creativity. Depictive creativity refers to the abilities to cite striking examples or build narratives that support the issue at hand. The assessment of depictive creativity depends on the ingenuity of the examples or stories insofar as they positively contribute to the establishment of the desired conclusion. While elucidating the notions of constitutive and depictive creativities by examining several examples in the literature of philosophy, I highlight that critical thinking operates as the cornerstone on top of which both types of creativities may be built.
Multiwavelength Observations of the Blazar BL Lacertae: A New Fast TeV Gamma-Ray Flare
Authors: Abeysekara A. U. , Benbow W. , Bird R. , Brantseg T. , Brose R. , Buchovecky M. , Buckley J. H. , Bugaev V. , Connolly M. P. , Cui W. , Daniel M. K. , Falcone A. , Feng Q. , Finley J. P. , Fortson L. , Furniss A. , Gillanders G. H. , Gunawardhana I. , Hütten M. , Hanna D. , Hervet O. , Holder J. , Hughes G. , Humensky T. B. , Johnson C. A. , Kaaret P. , Kar P. , Kertzman M. , Krennrich F. , Lang M. J. , Lin T. T. Y. , McArthur S. , Moriarty P. , Mukherjee R. , O’Brien S. , Ong R. A. , Otte A. N. , Park N. , Petrashyk A. , Pohl M. , Pueschel E. , Quinn J. , Ragan K. , Reynolds P. T. , Richards G. T. , Roache E. , Rulten C. , Sadeh I. , Santander M. , Sembroski G. H. , Shahinyan K. , Wakely S. P. , Weinstein A. , Wells R. M. , Wilcox P. , Williams D. A. , Zitzer B. ,   (The VERITAS Collaboration), Jorstad S. G. , Marscher A. P. , Lister M. L. , Kovalev Y. Y. , Pushkarev A. B. , Savolainen T. , Agudo I. , Molina S. N. , Gómez J. L. , Larionov V. M. , Borman G. A. , Mokrushina A. A. , Tornikoski M. , Lähteenmäki A. , Chamani W. , Enestam S. , Kiehlmann S. , Hovatta T. , Smith P. S. , Pontrelli P.
Published: March 2018

Combined with measurements made by very-long-baseline interferometry, the observations of fast TeV gamma-ray flares probe the structure and emission mechanism of blazar jets. However, only a handful of such flares have been detected to date, and only within the last few years have these flares been observed from lower-frequency-peaked BL Lac objects and flat-spectrum radio quasars. We report on a fast TeV gamma-ray flare from the blazar BL Lacertae observed by the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS). with a rise time of ∼2.3 hr and a decay time of ∼36 min. The peak flux above 200 GeV is (4.2 ± 0.6) × 10−6 photon m−2 s−1 measured with a 4-minute-binned light curve, corresponding to ∼180% of the flux that is observed from the Crab Nebula above the same energy threshold. Variability contemporaneous with the TeV gamma-ray flare was observed in GeV gamma-ray, X-ray, and optical flux, as well as in optical and radio polarization. Additionally, a possible moving emission feature with superluminal apparent velocity was identified in Very Long Baseline Array observations at 43 GHz, potentially passing the radio core of the jet around the time of the gamma-ray flare. We discuss the constraints on the size, Lorentz factor, and location of the emitting region of the flare, and the interpretations with several theoretical models that invoke relativistic plasma passing stationary shocks.
Identification of endophytic fungi from leaves of Pandanaceae based on their morphotypes and DNA sequence data from southern Thailand
Authors: Tibpromma Saowaluck , Hyde Kevin D. , Bhat Jayarama D. , Mortimer Peter E. , Xu Jianchu , Promputtha Itthayakorn , Doilom Mingkwan , Yang Jun-Bo , Tang Alvin M. C. , Karunarathna Samantha C.
Published: March 2018

The authors established the taxonomic status of endophytic fungi associated with leaves of Pandanaceae collected from southern Thailand. Morphotypes were initially identified based on their characteristics in culture and species level identification was done based on both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data. Twenty-two isolates from healthy leaves were categorised into eight morphotypes. Appropriate universal primers were used to amplify specific gene regions and phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify these endophytes and established relationships with extant fungi. The authors identified both ascomycete and basidiomycete species, including one new genus, seven new species and nine known species. Morphological descriptions, colour plates and phylogenies are given for each taxon.
L’acquisition du langage au cours de la première année de vie : le cas des nourrissons bilingues
Authors: Bijeljac-Babic Ranka
Published: March 2018

Une grande majorité de ces enfants acquiert deux ou plusieurs langues simultanément. Comprendre l’acquisition simultanée de deux langues au cours de la première année est un enjeu scientifique important face aux questions qui se posent tant au niveau théorique que pratique et éducatif sur la façon dont deux langues coexistent et se développent dans la tête des petits bilingues. Par exemple, les étapes d’acquisition chez l’enfant bilingue sont-elles les mêmes ou sont-elles différentes de celles de l’enfant monolingue ? Dans l’article qui suit, nous présenterons un aperçu des recherches réalisées sur l’acquisition des langues en milieu bilingue au cours de la première année.