bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Differential Effects of Resveratrol and trans-ε-Viniferin on the GABA-Induced Current in GABAA Receptor Subtypes Expressed in Xenopus Laevis Oocytes
Authors: Groundwater Paul William , Hamid Kaiser , Ng Irene , Tallapragada Vikram J. , Hibbs David E. , Hanrahan Jane
Published: March 2016

Purpose: The natural products resveratrol and trans-ε-viniferin have been reported to have many beneficial effects, which include the enhancement of cognition and memory. There have been no studies which have reported the effects of these compounds on the different GABAA receptor subtypes and this study aimed to address this. Methods: The effects of both resveratrol, and its dimer, trans-ε-viniferin, have been investigated on different GABAA receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Results: Resveratrol induced a current of 22 ± 3.53 nA in the α1β2γ2L subtype of the GABAA receptor (but not in the α5β3γ2L and α2β2γ2L subtypes) when applied alone. It also positively modulated the GABA-induced current (IGABA) in α1β2γ2L receptors, in adose-dependent manner (EC50 58.24 μM). The effects of resveratrol were not sensitive to the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. trans-ε-Viniferin exhibited a different pattern of activity to resveratrol; it alone had no effect on any of the subtypes, but it did negatively modulate the GABA-induced current (IGABA) in all three subtypes. The greatest inhibition was found in the α1β2γ2L subtype (IC50 5.79 μM), with the inhibition in the α2β2γ2L (IC50 of 19.08 μM) and α5β3γ2L (IC50 of 21.05 μM) subtypes being similar. The effects of trans-ε-viniferin in α1β2γ2L and α2β2γ2L receptors werealso not sensitive to the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil while, in the α5β3γ2L subtype the effect was not sensitive to the inverse agonist L-655,708, indicating different binding sites for this molecule. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that both resveratrol and trans-ε-viniferin modulate the GABA-induced current in different ways, and that trans-ε-viniferin may be a lead compound for the discovery of agents which selectively inhibit the GABA-induced current in α1-containing subtypes.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Emerging Significance of Flavonoids as P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors in Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Bansal Tripta , Jaggi Manu , Khar Roop , Talegaonkar Sushama
Published: March 2016

Chemotherapy forms the mainstay of cancer treatment particularly for patients who do not respond to local excision or radiation treatment. However, cancer treatment by drugs is seriously limited by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) associated multi-drug resistance (MDR) in various tumor cells. On the other hand, it is now widely recognized that P-gp also influences drug transport across various biological membranes. P-gp transporter is widely present in the luminal surface of enterocytes, biliary canalicular surface of hepatocytes, apical surface of proximal tubular cells of kidney, endothelial cells of blood brain barrier, etc. thus affecting absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics. Clinical significance of above mentioned carrier is appreciated from the fact that more than fifty percent of existing anti-cancer drugs undergo inhibitable and saturable P-gp mediated efflux. Consequently, there is an increasing trend to optimize pharmacokinetics, enhance antitumour activity and reduce systemic toxicity of existing anti-cancer drugs by inhibiting P-gp mediated transport.

Although a wide variety of P-gp inhibitors have been discovered, research efforts are underway to identify the most appropriate one. Flavonoids (polyphenolic herbal constituents) form the third generation, non-pharmaceutical category of P-gp inhibitors. The effects produced by some of these components are found to be comparable to those of well-known P-gp inhibitors verapamil and cyclosporine. Identification of effective P-gp modulator among herbal compounds have an added advantage of being safe, thereby making them ideal candidates for bioavailability enhancement, tissue-penetration (e.g. blood brain barrier (BBB)), decreasing biliary excretion and multi-drug resistance modulating agents. The dual effects, i.e. P-gp modulation and antitumor activity, of these herbal derivatives may synergistically act in cancer chemotherapy. This paper presents an overview of the investigations on the feasibility and application of flavonoids as P-gp modulators for improved efficacy of anti-cancer drugs like taxanes, anthracyclines, epipodophyllotoxins, camptothecins and vinca alkaloids. The review also focuses on flavonoid-drug interactions as well as the reversal activity of flavonoids useful against MDR. In addition, the experimental models which could be used for investigation on P-gp mediated efflux are also discussed.
Pharmacodynamics of Rocuronium in Cholestatic Patients with or without Hepatocellular Injury : Normal Onset Time of Initial Dose and Prolonged Duration Time After Repeated Doses
Authors: Yang Jian-jun , Wang Yong-guang , Zhang Zhuan , Zhang Zhi-jie , Liu Jin , Xu Jian-guo
Published: March 2016

Purpose. A prospective controlled study was designed to observe the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in cholestatic patients with or without hepatocellular injury. Methods. Sixty patients undergoing abdominal surgery were allocated into three groups: group I had 20 cholestatic patients with hepatocellular injury; group II had 20 cholestatic patients without hepatocellular injury, and group III (control group) had 20 patients without hepatic disease. Anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl, all patients received rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg for initial dose followed by intermittent repeated administration of rocuronium 0.15 mg/kg. The twitch high of adductor pollicis muscle was monitored by acceleromyography. The onset time of the initial dose, the duration time of the initial and the repeated doses, and the recovery index were observed. Results. The onset and the duration time of the initial dose had no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). After administration of the 5th dose, the duration time of the repeated doses was significantly prolonged than that of the 2nd dose in group I

(31±8 versus 22±4 min) and group II (28±5 versus 21±4 min) (P0.05). The recovery index of rocuronium was longer in group I (48±13 min) and group II (46±9 min) than that in group III (24±5 min) (P
Inhibition of Human Efflux Transporter ABCC2 (MRP2) by Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System: Influences of Concentration and Combination of Excipients
Authors: Li Liang , Yi Tao , Lam Christopher Wai-kei
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: This study investigated influences of concentration and combination of excipients, commonly used in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), on inhibition of human efflux transporter ABCC2 (MRP2). METHODS: Ten commonly used excipients of SEDDS with inhibitory effect on MRP2 including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, Maisine® 35-1, β-cyclodextrin, Labrasol®, Pluronic® F68, PEG 2000, PEG 400 and Transcutol® were studied with the Caco-2 cell model. Six excipients with inhibitory effect including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, PEG 2000, PEG 400 and Transcutol® were further analyzed using the MRP2 vesicle assay and ATPase activity assay. Ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure scutellarin as the MRP2 substrate. RESULTS: In studying concentration-dependent effects, five excipients including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, Maisine® 35-1 and β-cyclodextrin showed concentration-dependent decrease in efflux ratio of scutellarin. The other five excipients did not show such phenomenon, and their inhibitory effects were restricted to be above to certain critical or minimum concentrations. In studying combined effects, PEG 2000 and Pluronic® F127 both showed combined effect with Cremophor® EL on inhibiting MRP2. However, some combinations of excipients such as PEG 400　and Transcutol® with Cremophor® EL increased the scutellarin efflux ratio and decreased the transport of scutellarin and ATPase activity, compared to Cremophor® EL alone. CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that appropriate choice of excipients according to their concentration-dependent and combined effects on MRP2 inhibition can facilitate formulation of SEDDS for improving the bioavailability of drugs that are MRP2 substrates. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Extraction and Analysis of Methadone in Exhaled Breath Condensate Using a Validated LC-UV Method
Authors: Khoubnasabjafari Maryam , Ansarin Khalil , Jouyban-Gharamaleki Vahid , Panahi-Azar Vahid , Shayanfar Ali , Mohammadzadeh Laya , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: March 2016

Purpose. A combined microextraction and separation method is presented for the determination of methadone in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) which is a promising non-invasive biological component for monitoring drug concentrations. Methods. In this work, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and ultrasonic liquid–liquid microextraction (ULLME) procedure coupled with a validated liquid chromatography method were used for analysis of methadone in EBC collected using an in-house cold trap setup. The method has been validated according to the FDA guidelines using EBC-spiked samples and tested on a number of EBC samples collected from patients. Results. The best DLLME conditions involved the use of a disperser solvent of methanol (1 mL), extraction solvent of chloroform (200 mL), EBC sample pH of 10.0 and centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes. The conditions for ULLME were 150 mL of chloroform and the samples were sonicated for 4 minutes. The method was validated over the concentration range of 0.5–10 mg/L-1 in EBC. Inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy were less than 5 % where the acceptable levels are less than 20%.  Furthermore, the validated method was successfully applied for the determination of methadone in patients’ EBC samples. Conclusions. The outcomes indicate that the developed LC-UV combined with DLLME and/or ULLME extraction methods can be employed for the extraction and separation of methadone in EBC samples. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
The Role of Xenobiotic Transporters in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
Authors: Chemuturi Nagendra , Yanez Jaime A
Published: March 2016

The eye is a very complex sensory organ consisting of numerous structures to coordinate the function of sight. It has a series of physical and chemical barriers to help maintain its homeostasis, and mediate environmental exposures. Transporters in the eye play a very important role in maintaining homeostasis by facilitating the movement of ions, nutrients and xenobiotics to various tissues in the eye, especially to non-vascular tissues like the lens and cornea. They also ensure proper cell signaling by shuttling neurotransmitters within the retina. Thus, they are expected to play an important role in determining the ocular exposure of drugs and other pharmacotherapeutics. However, the role of ocular transporters in ophthalmic drug delivery and their clinical relevance has not been well characterized. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current evidence in the literature on ocular drug transporters and their role in ocular drug delivery, with the emphasis predominantly on their role in ocular pharmacokinetics. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW.  Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.
The Impact of Electronic Prescribing on the Professionalization of Community Pharmacists: A Qualitative Study of Pharmacists’ Perception
Authors: Motulsky Aude , Winslade Nancy , Tamblyn Robyn , Sicotte Claude
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To understand how the technology of electronic prescription (e Rx) can transform the community pharmacist’s role through its effects on professionalization. We define professionalization as a pharmaceutical practice centred on clinical activities and made possible by the establishment of professional pharmaceutical services.

Methods. We asked 12 community pharmacists who had participated in an e Rx pilot project in the Canadian province of Quebec to fill out a qualitative survey on their experience. We then analyzed the pharmacists’ perceptions of this new technology using a conceptual framework based on the Davenport typology that presents an exhaustive list of mechanisms, specific to Information Technologies, and thus e-Rx, that can potentially modify information management process and then the role of pharmacists.

Results. The pharmacists identified five main mechanisms by which e Rx could affect the professionalization of community pharmacists: analytical capabilities of the pharmacist and physician, dissemination of knowledge, integration of process tasks, process automation and elimination of intermediaries. These mechanisms can assist pharmacists in exercising their professional judgement by improving the quality of available information and facilitate the execution of prescriptions by improving the quality of orders. E Rx technology can also strengthen pharmacists’ credibility as medication specialists in the eyes of both patients and physicians. Thus, e Rx can become a collaborative technology to the extent that it improves collaboration between community pharmacists and prescribing physicians. However, the potential benefits of this technology would appear to depend on its characteristics and how prescribing physicians use it.

Conclusions. E-Rx proposes ways of working and communicating that were previously unimaginable. These new possibilities pave the way for transformations that can significantly increase the professionalization of community pharmacists. The results of this study indicate that community pharmacists have a favourable opinion of e Rx, believing it can be an ally in their professionalization.
The Glucosamine Controversy; A Pharmacokinetic Issue
Authors: Aghazadeh-Habashi Ali , Jamali Fakhreddin
Published: March 2016

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a naturally occurring aminosugar that is widely used to treat osteoarthritis despite controversial clinical trial results. Animal studies, on the other hand, unequivocally suggest anti-inflammatory and disease modifying effects for GlcN. Many explanations have been offered as to the root of the controversy. They include superiority of a crystalline sulphate salt over HCl, industry bias, insensitive assessment metrics and poor methodology. Herein, we rule out a difference in bioequivalence between GlcN salts and that of chemically equivalent doses and suggest additional factors; i.e., inconsistency in the chemical potency of some products used, under-dosing of patients as well as variable and erratic bioavailability indices for the lack of GlcN efficacy observed in some studies. Clinical trials using higher doses of pharmaceutical grade GlcN or formulations with greater bioavailability should yield positive results.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE SOFTWARES EM PROGRAMAS BRASILEIROS DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM ENFERMAGEM: PESQUISA DOCUMENTAL
Authors: Medeiros Stephanie , Pereira Camila , Assis Yole , Tourinho Francis , Santos Viviane
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Caracterizar as dissertações e teses disponíveis no Banco de Teses da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior que versam sobre o desenvolvimento de software para a área da saúde e enfermagem. Método: Pesquisa documental realizada através de um protocolo estruturado com os indicadores: nível acadêmico; local do estudo; ano de publicação; subárea do conhecimento; desenho metodológico; temática abordada. Resultados e Discussão: Foram encontrados 37 estudos, entre teses e dissertações, e a partir dos critérios de inclusão foram selecionados oito estudos. O perfil dos estudos demonstrou que 62,5% são referentes ao mestrado; a maioria foi publicada no ano de 2009; 62,5% desenvolvidos no estado de São Paulo; 50% fez referencia ao termo geral “enfermagem”; 25% são pesquisas metodológicas; e 50% tratam da criação de sistemas informatizados utilizados como metodologias de ensino. Conclusão: A pós-graduação em enfermagem no país está buscando desenvolver mais estudos relacionados à temática abordada, verificando-se também a necessidade de se avaliar futuramente as publicações em periódicos provenientes dos estudos analisados.
MOBIDOCTOR: UMA APLICAÇÃO MÓVEL PARA ACESSO AO REGISTRO ELETRÔNICO DE SAÚDE DE PACIENTES
Authors: Paz Leandro Ferreira , Maran Vinicius , Machado Alencar , Weber Juliano Gomes
Published: March 2016

As informações geradas nos Registros Eletrônicos de Saúde (RES) são essenciais no auxílio à tomada de decisões por parte de médicos e enfermeiros. No entanto, a burocracia, a dificuldade e o tempo gasto no acesso às informações de pacientes dificultam o trabalho dos profissionais de saúde. Desta forma, faz-se necessária a definição de uma arquitetura que, aliada a tecnologias provenientes da Computação Ubíqua, pode fornecer informações a profissionais de saúde de forma ágil em relação às soluções atuais. Este trabalho propõe uma arquitetura de software denominada MobiDoctor para dispositivos móveis que possibilita a consulta de informações médicas utilizando conceitos e tecnologias provenientes da Computação Ubíqua. Como resultado, obteve-se um sistema adaptável ao perfil do usuário, devido à utilização de um modelo de contexto do tipo chave-valor, que auxilia o profissional clínico no diagnóstico dos pacientes e com a mobilidade do aplicativo teve também como resultado rapidez no acesso às informações clínicas dos enfermos.
USO DE JATO DE PLASMA A PRESSÃO ATMOSFÉRICA PARA REALIZAR MODIFICAÇÕES DE SUPERFÍCIE DO TITÂNIO
Authors: Nascimento Neto Arlindo Balbino do , Souza Ivan Alves de , Fernandes Cleophatra Aquino , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros , Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino de Brito
Published: March 2016

Pesquisas na busca por materiais com melhor desempenho para aplicações biomédicas são constantes. Assim, estudos recentes buscam o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas para modificações de superfícies. O plasma a baixa pressão vem se destacando pela sua versatilidade e por ser ambientalmente correto, obtendo-se bons resultados na modificação das propriedades físico-químicas dos materiais. Porém, esta técnica necessita de um sistema de vácuo de alto custo e não é capaz de gerar modificações superficiais em regiões pontuais. Além disso, limita seu uso em materiais poliméricos e termosensíveis, devido às altas temperaturas do processo. Diante disso, foram criadas novas técnicas capazes de gerar um plasma frio a pressão atmosférica (APPJ). Com o objetivo de realizar tratamentos superficiais em biomateriais em regiões pontuais, foi construído um protótipo capaz de gerar um jato de plasma frio. O protótipo gerador de plasma consiste em uma fonte de alta tensão, um braço suporte, um porta amostra e uma ponteira por onde passa o argônio ionizado. Dentro desta ponteira existe um tubo dielétrico e dois eletrodos. Tratou-se disco de titânio grau II polido e verificou-se modificações superficiais do titânio. Para verificar o comprimento dos jatos foi utilizado o software Image Pro Plus. As modificações na superfície do titânio foram verificadas por microscopia óptica (MO) e de força atômica (MFA). Foi possível concluir que o jato de plasma próximo à temperatura ambiente e a pressão atmosférica foi capaz de provocar modificações superficiais no titânio.
Measuring The Factors Involved In The Time Spent In Educational Childcare
Authors: Medina Maria-Angeles , Fernandez-Aviles Gema
Published: March 2016

Parents play an extremely important role in their childrens lives and a plethora of research indicates that parents involvement is significantly related to positive child outcomes: Boys who feel that their parents devote time, especially to talk to them about their worries, school work and social lives, almost all emerge as motivated and optimistic men. More specifically, parents involvement in childrens education at age 7 predicts higher educational attainment by age 20, in both boys and girls. Thus, parents involvement in children's education being considered a core factor for success in undergraduate education, in this paper we study the effect of parental socio-educational level on the time they spend in primary educational childcare (reading to children, teaching children, assistance with homework, attending meetings at a child's school, etc.). Given the low rate of success in the Spanish undergraduate education, we focus on the Spanish case. We focus on the Spanish case because we suspect that this factor can be one of the reasons for the low rate of success in the universities. Our study is based on the data provided by the Spanish Time Use Survey 2009-2010.
Implementing Pragmatism And John Deweys Educational Philosophy In Jordanian Public Schools
Authors: Khasawneh Omar M. , Miqdadi Ruba M. , Hijazi Abdulhakeem Y.
Published: March 2016

The teachings and writings of John Dewey, an American philosopher and educator, offer insightful influences on contemporary education, not only in the United States but also worldwide. His philosophy of education, commonly referred to as Pragmatism, focused on learning by doing as an alternative to rote knowledge and strict teaching. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which this philosophical thought is implemented in Jordanian public schools according to Jordanian teachers. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. The findings reveal that Jordanian teachers believe Pragmatism is implemented in Jordan to a moderate degree.
Reliability Analysis Of An Evaluation Rubric For University Accounting Students: A Learning Activity About Database Use
Authors: Ciudad-Gomez Adelaida , Valverde-Berrocoso Jesus
Published: March 2016

This study aims to analyze the reliability of the internal consistency of a rubric proposal to evaluate an undergraduate university course activity. The analysis is carried out within a model of training and competency assessment.The study involved 47 second-year students enrolled in the course entitled Statements Business Information as part of their Degree in Finance and Accounting programmed.To evaluate the internal consistency of their rubrics, the authors have used Cronbach's Alpha. In all, they worked with 72 cases for a total of four analyzed variables.The results show that the rubric headings proposed have good internal consistency (? = 0.771) so that the different items can be said to be interrelated and can therefore be combined into a single total score. Taking these results into account, it can be concluded that the rubric is a reliable instrument for assessing the achievement attained by students through the use the criteria evaluated by the proposed activity.
The Interpretation Of In Context Verbal Probability Expressions Used In International Accounting Standards: A Comparison Of English And Chinese Students Studying At English Speaking Universities
Authors: Salleh Safrul Izani Mohd , Gardner John C. , Sulong Zunaidah , McGowan, Jr. Carl B.
Published: March 2016

This study examines the differences in the interpretation of ten in context verbal probability expressions used in accounting standards between native Chinese speaking and native English speaking accounting students in United Kingdom universities. The study assesses the degree of grouping factors consensus on the numerical interpretation of the probability expressions. Unlike previous studies, this study uses subjects who share a common language (English), respond to a survey written in the common language, and are being educated in that common language. The results show that native culture and language are not significant factors in explaining differences between accounting students in their interpretation of in context verbal probability expressions. Future research comparing Chinese students in China with Chinese students at English speaking universities would be useful in evaluating the extent that common language and cultural differences has on the results.
Influence Of Host Community On Industrial Relations Practices And Policies: A Survey Of Agbara Community And Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN)
Authors: Chidi Christopher O. , Shadare Oluseyi A.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the influence of host community on industrial relations practices and policies using Agbara community and Power Holding Company of Nigeria PLC as a case. The study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 120 samples were drawn from the population using the simple random sampling technique in which case every member of the population was given an equal and independent chance of being chosen. However, 75 questionnaires were returned upon which the data analysis was based. This was supplemented with the interwiew method. The response rate is 62.5%. With respect to the reliability of the instrument, the coefficient alpha or Cronbachs alpha is 0.73, which implies that the instrument is 73% reliable. The data analysis was carried out with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Chi-square statistical technique was used to test the hypotheses at 5% level of significance. In testing the first hypothesis that PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are independent of its host community, the following variables were subjected to Chi-square test: 1) PHCN industrial relations policies are influenced by public opinion through the use of suggestion schemes (?2= 33.07 with 4 df; p < .05) and 2) customs/traditions of host community influence PHCN industrial relations policies (?2 = 60.93 with 4 df; p < .05). In testing the second hypothesis, the result of the chi-square test shows that an inclusive stakeholders approach is often used in resolving matters of mutual interest involving host community and PHCN (?2 = 54.23 with 3 df; p < .05). These results are statistically significant. Therefore, there is evidence to reject the null hypotheses and to conclude that PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are dependent or contingent on its host community. PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are influenced by its host community. The authors therefore recommend the inclusion of the host community as one of the actors in industrial relations. This was relegated to the background by Dunlop (1958) in his categorization of actors in industrial relations.
Ethics And Corporal Punishment Within The Schools Across The Globe
Authors: Rajdev Usha
Published: March 2016

This paper contains cultural anthropological research on various discipline measures used within the classrooms in India, United Kingdom, China, Africa, and the United States. My recent visit to schools in India on study abroad programs prompted my desire to research across the globe different methods of classroom management discipline conducted within the schools. Findings suggest that corporal punishment is being favored among most countries. Hitting or yelling at a child, a common practice in some schools is not ethically acceptable by me, as an educator, nor by my students who witnessed several incidences whilst in India. We were caught in the ethics verses culturally acceptable norm dilemma. The purpose of this paper is not to devise specific discipline measures at this juncture, but rather to investigate the acceptable practices within the classrooms in the above stated countries. Implications for this only further my ethical obligations and challenges that lie ahead.
Elementary School Mathematics Teacher Trainees Metacognitive Awareness Levels: Turkey Case
Authors: Memnun Dilek Sezgin , Hart Lynn Cecilia
Published: March 2016

The aim of this research is to determine the metacognitive awareness levels of elementary mathematics teacher trainees and to investigate whether their awareness differs according to gender and class level. We also investigate the relationship between the metacognitive awareness levels of trainee mathematics teachers and their overall performance course grades. The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, developed by Schraw and Dennison (1994) and adapted into Turkish by Ak?n, Abac? and tin (2007), was implemented with a total of 153 mathematics teacher trainees. Analysis of the data collected suggests that most of the mathematics teacher trainees have a high level of metacognitive awareness. There was no significant difference between the metacognitive awareness levels of mathematics teacher trainees by gender or by class levels. There was a low level, positive relationship between their metacognitive awareness levels and their overall performance on university course grades.
Examination Phase Of The Masters Thesis: A Plausible Cause Of Delayed Completion Of Graduate Studies At Makerere University, Uganda
Authors: Oonyu Joseph C. , Wamala Robert
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the influence of the examination stage of student theses on the completion time of graduate studies at Makerere University, Uganda. The assessment is based on the administrative data of 504 Masters degree students in the 2000 to 2008 enrollment cohorts at the School of Education, Makerere University. The total elapsed time from submission of a thesis for evaluation to a viva voce was adopted as a measure of the examination period. Additionally, the period from viva voce to submission of the final thesis was investigated. The analysis included frequency distribution, summary statistics, and a Pearson Chi-square test. A median examination period of 11 months (range, 155), in the results, is a lengthy one when compared to the two-year stipulated duration of Masters studies at the University. Subsequently, the fact that about six in every ten students (59.9%) submits a final thesis beyond a months period after a viva points to further delays in the review process of students reports. No significant variations in the submission period were observed by student characteristics. In sum, the findings underscore the need to strengthen administrative support systems, particularly aspects related to the review process of students reports, to ensure students timely completion of graduate programs.
Transformational Leadership Characteristics Necessary For Todays Leaders In Higher Education
Authors: Basham Lloyd Moman
Published: March 2016

This study is concerned with the traits and characteristics of presidents of institutions of higher education who are considered transformational leaders.The study adds current data to the published and perceived characterization of leaders in higher education and their approaches to changing the learning environment at their institutions.This study addresses the significance and current widespread appeal of transformational leadership and its practical application to higher education; but equally important, it profiles the group and individual qualities that are necessary for individuals to have, as their acumen, in order to introduce a climate of change utilizing transformational leadership.
Matching The International Federation Of Accountants International Education Guideline 11 To AIS Textbooks: An Examination Of The Current State Of Topic Coverage
Authors: Krippel Greg , Moody Janette
Published: March 2016

The challenges for professors teaching the AIS course are numerous as the breadth of information technology [IT] topics to be covered continues to expand, leaving the question of which topics are of most importance. For the majority of AIS professors, the AIS text is the primary guide on these decisions. This paper reviews the contents of eleven well-regarded AIS texts through the framework of the IT knowledge components suggested by the International Federation of Accountants [IFAC]. The findings suggest that current AIS texts are addressing many of the IFAC broad areas of knowledge, although with varying emphasis on selected topics. The analysis presented here will be useful in determining not only which text may best fit the AIS professors needs, but also in identifying when supplemental materials may be required to provide additional topic coverage.
One Companys Experience With Accounting Information System Changes: An Analysis Of Managers Satisfaction
Authors: Weisenfeld Leslie W. , Killough Larry N.
Published: March 2016

During the past ten years management accounting has been frequently criticized by many researchers, who have then suggested ways to improve management accounting systems. As a result various companies have modified their accounting information systems by incorporating some of the suggested changes. Unfortunately, little research has been presented which analyzes managers' reactions to management accounting system changes (Bamber, 1993). This paper provides an overview of a company that upgraded its accounting information system by adopting some of the suggested changes. Results from questionnaires administered before the change, shortly after the change, and about one year after the change were used to provide a comparison of managers' reactions to the changes. The company, in this study, incorporated various changes suggested in the literature by providing managers with real-time databases and involving managers during the development of the new system. In response to the changes, the managers indicated they were more satisfied with the accounting department and the data provided and they now focused more on production quantity then previously. Therefore, the company appears to have successfully implemented changes in their accounting information system, which improved managers satisfaction with the system.
Agglomeration Externalities and Sectoral Employment Growth in Cities
Authors: Doner Ayse Saime
Published: March 2016

Firms benefit some external effects resulting from the concentration of economic activities in certain regions. These effects called “agglomeration economies” or “agglomeration externalities” are mainly divided into three categories – MAR, Jacobs and Porter externalities –, and regarded as the determinant factors of regional economic development and growth. This study analyzes the impact of agglomeration externalities on employment growth using Turkish data of 43 sectors operating in 81 Turkish cities between years 2001 and 2007. OLS regression analyses are repeated for each sector. As far as the MAR externalities are concerned, their impact on employment growth is found negative in 23 sectors while Jacobs externalities have significant and positive effects only on 4 sectors, most of which are from service sectors. As for Porter externalities, they prove to have positive effect on the regional employment growth for 16 sectors. Moreover, urbanization externalities are found to affect the regional growth positively in 4 sectors and negatively in 1 sector. While the impact of the initial level of regional labor supply is found positive, the initial level of regional employment level has negative effect on employment growth. Finally, the share of high education level in cities is found to have almost no effect on regional growth.
Consumo de alcohol, sustancias ilegales y violencia hacia la pareja en una muestra de maltratadores en tratamiento psicológico
Authors: Redondo Rodríguez Natalia , Graña Gómez José Luis
Published: March 2016

Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las características de consumo de alcohol y sustancias ilegales en una muestra de 572 maltratadores en tratamiento por orden judicial. Los resultados indican que la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol en el último año fue de 89,3%, mientras que dentro de las sustancias ilegales las prevalencias más altas fueron para cannabis (27,8%) seguido de cocaína (20,3%). Con el objetivo de analizar el posible efecto del consumo sobre los niveles de perpetración y victimización de agresiones hacia la pareja, se dividió la muestra en 4 grupos: no consumidores (16,3%), consumidores de alcohol (58,6%), consumidores de drogas ilegales (3,5%) y consumidores de alcohol y drogas ilegales (21,7%), encontrándose que el grupo de los no consumidores y el de los consumidores de alcohol son los que presentan los niveles más bajos en perpetración de agresiones psicológicas, físicas y sexuales y victimización de agresiones psicológicas y físicas, mientras que el grupo de consumidores de alcohol e ilegales es el que presenta los niveles más elevados. Los resultados hallados ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de evaluar el consumo de sustancias a la hora de diseñar protocolos de intervención con maltratadores.
Abstinencia a los 12 meses de un programa multicomponente para dejar de fumar
Authors: Raich Antònia , Martínez-Sánchez Jose Maria , Marquilles Emili , Rubio Lídia , Fu Marcela , Fernández Esteve
Published: March 2016

El tabaquismo es una de las causas de morbimortalidad más importantes en los países desarrollados. Uno de los objetivos prioritarios de los programas de salud pública es la disminución de su prevalencia lo que implica que millones de personas dejen de fumar, sin embargo los programas de cesación a menudo tienen resultados discretos, especialmente con algunos grupos de población. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la eficacia de un tratamiento de cesación tabáquica multicomponente realizado en una unidad de tabaquismo hospitalaria. Fue realizado en la Unidad de Tabaquismo del Hospital de Manresa, e incluyó 314 pacientes (91,4% presentaban un nivel de dependencia medio o alto). Se observó que el nivel de estudios, no convivir con fumadores, seguir la terapia multicomponente y utilizar tratamiento farmacológico son factores relevantes en el éxito al dejar de fumar. La tasa de abstinencia no se asocia con otras características como el sexo, la edad, las características del hábito tabáquico o el presentar antecedentes psiquiátricos. La combinación del tratamiento farmacológico y psicológico aumentó las tasas de éxito en la terapia multicomponente. La terapia psicológica única también obtuvo resultados positivos aunque más modestos.
Epidemiología del abuso de alcohol entre la población inmigrante en España
Authors: Sordo Luis , Indave Blanca Iciar , Pulido Jose , Molist Gemma , Rosales-Statkus María Elena , Ruíz-García Mónica , Barrio Gregorio
Published: March 2016

A pesar del gran incremento de la población inmigrante en los últimos años, su uso de alcohol está poco estudiado. Se describe la epidemiología del consumo de riesgo de alcohol en la población inmigrante residente en España, frente a la nativa. Se emplearon datos de 22188 respondentes a la Encuesta Europea de Salud de 2009, de los que 3162 eran extranjeros. Como indicadores de consumo problemático se usó la prevalencia de consumo excesivo promedio y el consumo excesivo episódico. Se realizaron análisis descriptivo de la población, determinación de zonas de procedencia con mayor consumo de alcohol y factores relacionados para cada tipo de consumo separando población inmigrante de autóctona. El perfil sociodemográfico del inmigrante fue heterogéneo, aunque predominantemente de entre 35 y 54 años, que vive en familia y trabaja. Se consideraron bebedores excesivos promedio al 3,4% de los inmigrantes por el 3,2% de los nativos, y bebedores excesivos episódicos en el último año el 8,9% frente al 10%. Los inmigrantes procedentes de Europa del Norte y del Oeste, y América latina, países andinos, fueron aquellos que presentaron mayores razones de prevalencia de bebedores de riesgo que la población nativa. Por el contrario, proceder de África fue un factor protector. De los factores relacionados con un mayor consumo, destaca el desempleo, siendo más relevante en la población inmigrante. El consumo excesivo de alcohol en inmigrantes es muy heterogéneo, debiendo adecuarse las intervenciones sobre el mismo a su situación social, diferentes entornos y áreas de procedencia.
¿Añadir un anestésico al spray bucal de nicotina aumentaría las tasas de abstinencia tabáquica? ¿Se justifica por ello iniciar un proyecto de investigación?
Authors: De Granda-Orive José Ignacio , Solano-Reina Segismundo , Jiménez-Ruiz Carlos A.
Published: March 2016

Carta al editor.
Manejo de pacientes dependientes de opiáceos: Comparación del coste asociado al uso de buprenorfina/naloxona o metadona, y sus interacciones con tratamientos concomitantes para comorbilidades infecciosas o psiquiátricas
Authors: Roncero Carlos , Domínguez-Hernández Raquel , Díaz Tomás , Fernández José Manuel , Forcada Rafael , Martínez José Manuel , Seijo Pedro , Terán Antonio , Oyagüez Itziar
Published: March 2016

El objetivo fue estimar en pacientes con dependencia a opiáceos (DO), el coste anual del manejo de interacciones del tratamiento sustitutivo con buprenorfina/naloxona (Suboxone®) (B/N) o metadona, asociado con tratamientos concomitantes por comorbilidades infecciosas (VIH) o psiquiátricas. Se realizó un análisis de costes (€, 2013), del tratamiento sustitutivo y del manejo de interacciones. El coste del tratamiento de B/N incluyó costes farmacológicos, elaboración, distribución y dispensación, en función del régimen de administración (centro asistencial o domiciliaria) y del tipo y frecuencia de dispensación (centro asistencial o farmacia), y visitas al especialista para prescripción. El coste de tratamiento con metadona incluyó, además, frascos monodosis, coste de custodia en farmacia, determinación en orina y visitas a enfermería. Se identificaron las interacciones para determinar los recursos sanitarios adicionales consumidos por la administración conjunta del tratamiento sustitutivo y concomitante (antirretrovirales, bactericidas/antifúngicos, antipsicóticos, ansiolíticos, antidepresivos y anticonvulsivos). El coste anual/paciente estimado del tratamiento sustitutivo fue de 1.525,97€ (B/N) y 1.467,29€ (metadona). El coste promedio anual/paciente estimado del manejo de interacciones fue de 257,07€ (infecciosas), 114,03€ (psiquiátricas) y 185,55€ (ambas) con metadona, y de 7,90€ con B/N por comorbilidades psiquiátricas. El coste total anual/paciente estimado de B/N fue 1.525,97€, 1.533,87€ y 1.533,87€ comparado con 1.724,35€, 1.581,32€ y 1.652,84€ de metadona, en pacientes que presentan comorbilidad infecciosa, psiquiátrica o ambas, respectivamente. Comparado con metadona, el coste total por paciente con DO de B/N fue menor (47,45€-198,38€ anuales) derivado de la diferencia del coste por manejo de interacciones del tratamiento concomitante de las comorbilidades infecciosas y/o psiquiátricas.
Application of Frequency-dependent Traveltime Tomography and Full Waveform Inversion to Realistic Near-surface Seismic Refraction Data
Authors: Chen Jianxiong , Zelt Colin A.
Published: March 2016

We present a synthetic test that uses a workflow consisting of a new frequency-dependent traveltime tomography (FDTT) method to provide a starting model for full waveform inversion (FWI) for near-surface seismic velocity estimation from refraction data. Commonly used ray-theory-based traveltime tomography methods may not be valid in the near surface given the likelihood of relatively large seismic wavelengths compared to the length scales of heterogeneities that are possible in the near surface. FDTT makes use of the frequency content in the seismic waves in both the forward and inverse modeling steps. In this application to a near-surface benchmark model, the results show that FDTT can better recover the magnitude of velocity anomalies than infinite frequency (ray-theory) traveltime tomography (IFTT). FWI can fail by converging to a local minimum when there is an absence of sufficiently low frequency data and an accurate starting model, either of which, if present, can provide long-wavelength constraints on the inverted velocity model. Both IFTT and FDTT models can serve as adequate starting models for FWI. However, FWI produces significantly better results starting from the FDTT model as compared to the IFTT model when low frequency data are not available. The final FWI models provide wavelength-scale structures allowing for direct geologic interpretation from the velocity model itself, demonstrating the effectiveness of FDTT and FWI in near-surface studies given the modest experiment and data requirements of refraction surveys.
Degradation of nicosulfuron by a novel isolated bacterial strain Klebsiella sp. Y1: condition optimization, kinetics and degradation pathway
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Yongmei
Published: March 2016

A novel bacterial strain Klebsiella sp. Y1 was isolated from the soil of a constructed wetland, and it was identified based on the 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The co-metabolic degradation of nicosulfuron with glucose by Klebsiella sp. Y1 was investigated. The response surface methodology analysis indicated that the optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, for the degradation of nicosulfuron. Under the optimal conditions, the degradation of nicosulfuron fitted Haldane kinetics model well. The removal of nicosulfuron was triggered by the acidification of glucose, which accelerated the hydrolysis of nicosulfuron. Then, the C–N bond of the sulfonylurea bridge was attacked and cleaved. Finally, the detected intermediate 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine was further biodegraded.
The Austro-Hungarian occupation regime in Serbia and its break-down in 1918
Authors: Djordjevic Dimitrije
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses the occupation of Serbia during the First World War by
Austro-Hungarian forces. The first partial occupation was short-lived as the
Serbian army repelled the aggressors after the Battle of Kolubara in late
1914, but the second one lasted from fall 1915 until the end of the Great
War. The Austro-Hungarian occupation zone in Serbia covered the largest
share of Serbia?s territory and it was organised in the shape of the
Military Governorate on the pattern of Austro-Hungarian occupation of part
of Poland. The invaders did not reach a clear decision as to what to do with
Serbian territory in post-war period and that gave rise to considerable
frictions between Austro-Hungarian and German interests in the Balkans, then
between Austrian and Hungarian interests and, finally, between military and
civilian authorities within Military Governorate. Throughout the occupation
Serbia was exposed to ruthless economic exploitation and her population
suffered much both from devastation and from large-scale repression
(including deportations, internments and denationalisation) on the part of
the occupation regime.
The role of concentration camps in the policies of the independent state of Croatia (NDH) in 1941
Authors: Koljanin Milan
Published: March 2016

The paper based on archival, published and press sources, and relevant
literature presents the ideological basis and enforcement of the Croatian
policy of the extermination of the Serbs and Jews in the Independent State of
Croatia (NDH) which had its place within the New Order of Europe. Soon after
the establishment of the NDH in April 1941, the destruction process was
partially centralised in a network of camps centred at Gospic. After the
outbreak of a mass Serb uprising and the dissolution of the Gospic camp, a
new and much larger system of camps centred at Jasenovac operated as an
extermination and concentration camp from the end of August 1941 until the
end of the war. In November 1941, the mass internment of undesirable
population groups was provided for by law, whereby the destruction process
was given a ?legal? form.