bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Residual Astigmatism After Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation Reported in an Online Toric Intraocular Lens Back-calculator
Authors: Potvin Richard , Kramer Brent A. , Hardten David R. , Berdahl John P.
Published: June 2018

PURPOSE:

To evaluate factors associated with residual astigmatism after toric intraocular lens implantation based on data from an online toric intraocular lens (IOL) back-calculator.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective data review of an online toric IOL back-calculator, which allows users to input preoperative toric planning information and postoperative lens orientation and refractive results. These data were used to determine the optimal orientation of the IOL to minimize residual refractive astigmatism. Aggregate data were extracted from this calculator to investigate factors associated with relative magnitudes of residual astigmatic refractive error after implantation of toric IOLs.

RESULTS:

A total of 3,159 validated records with an average reported postoperative refractive astigmatism of 1.85 diopters (D) were analyzed; 566 included data allowing calculation of surgically induced astigmatism. The relative magnitude of reported residual astigmatism appeared similar whether a femtosecond laser system was used or not. Significant differences relative to the use of intraoperative aberrometry were observed, as were differences by toric calculator. Higher measured surgically induced astigmatism was most associated with higher levels of reported residual astigmatism. A significant potential decrease in the mean refractive astigmatism was expected with IOL reorientation; in 1,416 cases (44.8%), the expected residual refractive astigmatism after lens reorientation was less than 0.50 D, with a mean reduction of 56% ± 31%.

CONCLUSIONS:

When present after cataract surgery, higher levels of residual refractive astigmatism were most associated with large differences in measured preoperative to postoperative keratometry. To a lesser degree, intraoperative aberrometry was associated with lower levels.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(6):366–371.]
Comparison of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy With or Without Mitomycin C in Mild to Moderate Myopia
Authors: Adib-Moghaddam Soheil , Soleyman-Jahi Saeed , Tefagh Ghazale , Tofighi Salar , Grentzelos Michael A. , Kymionis George D.
Published: June 2018

PURPOSE:

To compare efficacy and safety of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with or without mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with mild to moderate myopia.

METHODS:

Patients with mild to moderate myopia (≤ −5.50 diopters [D]) underwent single-step transepithelial PRK using the Amaris laser (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Total ablation depth (epithelium and stroma) was 160
μ
m or less. The right eye of each patient was treated with 0.02% MMC for 10 seconds, whereas the left eye did not receive any MMC. Corneal haze, endothelial cell indices, refraction, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and higher order aberrations were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS:

In this comparative case series, 71 patients (16 men and 55 women; 142 eyes) were enrolled. Mean patient age was 27.97 ± 5.74 years. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent of patients' right and left eyes were −3.20 ± 1.20 and −3.30 ± 1.20 diopters, respectively (
P
= .70); other preoperative visual parameters were also comparable. Incidence of 2+ grade of haze was detected in 1 (2.5%) right and 2 (5.0%) left eyes (
P
> .99) 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Incidence of 1+ degree of haze was also comparable. No eye developed 3+ degrees or more of haze. One year postoperatively, both eyes achieved comparable refraction, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and higher order aberrations, and no greater than trace haze was detected. MMC-treated eyes suffered a greater loss of endothelial cell density (
P
< .001) and showed higher variance in cell size (
P
= .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Single-step transepithelial PRK with or without MMC showed similar efficacy and incidence of haze in eyes with mild to moderate myopia with total ablation depths of 160
μ
m or less. However, MMC-treated eyes showed a worse profile of endothelial cell indices. Applications of MMC in this subgroup of patients may be reconsidered.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(6):400–407.]
Corneal Epithelial Remodeling After Standard Epithelium-off Corneal Cross-linking in Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: Lautert Jeferson , Doshi Dharmil , Price Francis W. , Price Marianne O.
Published: June 2018

PURPOSE:

To evaluate remodeling of the corneal epithelium after epithelium-off corneal cross-linking (CXL).

METHODS:

In this prospective single-center study, 93 eyes of 93 patients with progressive keratoconus underwent standard CXL. The maximum keratometry was assessed before and after CXL with Scheimpflug imaging, and the epithelial thickness profile across the central 5 mm of the cornea was assessed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography anterior segment imaging.

RESULTS:

The mean patient age was 27 ± 11 years; 76 patients (81%) were male and 17 (19%) were female. Between baseline and 6 months after CXL, the mean corneal maximum keratometry flattened from 58.90 to 57.80 diopters (
P
< .0001). The mean minimum epithelial thickness increased slightly (from 41 ± 6 to 42 ± 7
μ
m,
P
= .12), whereas the mean maximum epithelial thickness decreased slightly (from 65 ± 6 to 64 ± 7
μ
m,
P
= .067), reducing the net difference between the minimum and maximum epithelial thickness (from 24 ± 9 to 22 ± 9
μ
m,
P
= .0023). The difference between the minimum and maximum epithelial thickness was strongly positively correlated with the maximum keratometry reading at baseline (
R
2
= 0.38) and at 6 months after CXL (
R
2
= 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS:

Epithelium-off CXL resulted in modest regularization of the epithelial thickness profile across the central 5 mm of the cornea at 6 months. This could slightly mask flattening of the underlying stroma.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(6):408–412.]
Biomechanical Properties of Human Cornea Tested by Two-Dimensional Extensiometry Ex Vivo in Fellow Eyes: Femtosecond Laser–Assisted LASIK Versus SMILE
Authors: Spiru Bogdan , Kling Sabine , Hafezi Farhad , Sekundo Walter
Published: June 2018

PURPOSE:

To investigate the biomechanical properties of the ex vivo human cornea after flap-based versus cap-based laser refractive surgery in the same donor.

METHODS:

In this experimental study, 11 pairs of human corneas unsuitable for transplantation were equally divided into two groups. Corneas from the right eye were treated with femtosecond laser–assisted LASIK (FSLASIK) and corneas from the left eye with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Pachymetry was measured in each eye directly before laser refractive surgery. All corneas were subjected to a refractive correction of −10.00 diopters (D) sphere and −0.75 D cylinder at 0° with a 7-mm zone, using either a 110-
μ
m flap (FS-LASIK) or 130-
μ
m cap (SMILE). For two-dimensional biomechanical measurements, corneoscleral buttons underwent two testing cycles (preconditioning stress-strain curve from 0.03 to 9.0 N and stress-relaxation at 9.0 N during 120 sec) to analyze the elastic and viscoelastic material properties. The effective elastic modulus was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a confidence interval of 95%.

RESULTS:

In stress-strain measurements, the effective elastic modulus was 1.47 times higher (
P
= .003) after SMILE (median = 8.22 [interquartile range = 4.76] MPa) compared to FS-LASIK (median = 5.59 [inter-quartile range = 2.77] MPa). The effect size was large (
r
= 0.83). No significant differences (
P
= .658) were observed among stress-relaxation measurements, with a mean remaining stress of 181 ± 31 kPa after SMILE and 177 ± 26 kPa after FS-LASIK after relaxation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared to a flap-based procedure such as FS-LASIK, the SMILE technique can be considered superior in terms of biomechanical stability, when measured experimentally in ex vivo human fellow eye corneas.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(6):419–423.]
Subjective Visual Performance and Objective Optical Quality With Intraocular Lens Glistening and Surface Light Scattering
Authors: Luo Furong , Bao Xuan , Qin Yingyan , Hou Min , Wu Mingxing
Published: June 2018

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the long-term effect of glistenings and surface light scattering of intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual and optical performance after cataract surgery.

METHODS:

Pseudophakic eyes that underwent standard phacoemulsification and two types of hydrophobic acrylic spherical IOL implantation without complications for at least 5 years were included in this retrospective study. Participants were divided into the glistenings, surface light scattering, and control groups according to the current condition of the IOLs. Then participants received a follow-up examination including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), contrast sensitivity, straylight, and intraocular higher order aberrations, as well as point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF).

RESULTS:

A total of 140 eyes were included in the study. UDVA, CDVA, and glare sensitivity were not significantly different among the three groups (
P
> .05). However, compared with the control group, the IOLs of the glistenings and surface light scattering groups were associated with significantly lower contrast sensitivity under no glare conditions. Furthermore, eye with glistenings exhibited the highest straylight value (
P
< .05), whereas no difference was found between the surface light scattering and control groups. In contrast to the control group, the spherical aberration increased and the mean values of PSF and MTF decreased in the glistenings and surface light scattering groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both glistenings and surface light scattering tend to impair subjective visual performance, such as contrast sensitivity, and potentially affect objective optical quality, including straylight, spherical aberration, PSF, and MTF.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(6):372–378.]
A Novel Solution for Scaling Video Shot Boundary Detection Based on Hadoop
Authors: Dib Ahmed , Sellami Mokhtar
Published: June 2018

Shot Boundary Detection (SBD) is an important step required by CBVIR systems. In order to perform scalable SBD, a MapReduce based solution is proposed. So, instead of handling consecutive frames in a sequential manner, they can be processed in a fully parallel way. Usually, in the sequential case, descriptors of consecutive frames are compared and shot boundaries are detected if significant variations have occurred. It seems simple, but it can take centuries to processes immense multimedia datasets. Then, based on the transitivity of similarity relation, resemblance measurement between distant frames is calculated, and shout boundaries are extracted respectively by Mapper and Reducer routines. The experiment results show that the proposed solution outperforms the sequential traditional methods and can be applied to a large-scale multimedia datasets.
An Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Detecting Distributed Predicates
Authors: Al Maghayreh Eslam
Published: June 2018

Developing correct dependable distributed applications is a difficult task. The techniques developed to detect distributed predicates can be used to verify the satisfaction of specific properties (represented as predicates) in a given run of a distributed application. These techniques have several applications including the verification of the correctness of a particular implementation of a distributed system (runtime verification). Due to concurrency, the number of states to be considered in detecting a distributed predicate is exponential. This article investigates the effectiveness of using a meta-heuristic algorithm in solving the problem of detecting distributed predicates. Namely, the authors have used the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm to develop an algorithm to detect distributed predicates. The conducted experiments demonstrate that the ABC-based detection algorithm has a better performance compared with the traditional state enumeration-based detection algorithm.
Big Data Analytics in Undergraduate Advertising Curricula
Authors: Yang Kenneth C. C. , Kang Yowei
Published: June 2018

The rapid ascent of data-driven advertising practices has allowed advertising professionals to develop highly-targeted and personalized advertising campaigns. The success of data-driven advertising relies on if future professionals are proficient with basics of Big Data analytics. However, past research of undergraduate advertising curricula around the world has shown that higher education institutions tend to fall behind in offering the most up-to-dated training for advertising students. Findings have shown that undergraduate advertising programs have slowly taken advantage of the potential of the data analytics tools and techniques. This trend is observed among higher education institutions around the world. Practical, research, and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Mandate for Higher Ed Leaders
Authors: Clevenger Morgan R.
Published: June 2018

Funding in higher education continues to be volatile and complex, so senior leaders must support fundraising, resource development, and innovation among a host of other key roles. The goal is creating win-win relationships with partners and the institution. There is a new ecology that requires senior leaders—across campus—to have a toolbox full of behaviors with expertise to be effective.
Production of health-friendly, ready-to-serve fruit drinks from under-utilized local fruits from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sarananda K. H. , Thillakawardane T. U. , Alexander B.
Published: June 2018

Five under-utilized fruits, namely Mauritius Plum (Flacourtia inermis Roxb.), Ceylon Olive (Elaeocarpus serratus L.), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), Woodapple (Limonia acidissima L.) and Soursop (Annona muricata L.) were used to produce Ready-To-Serve Fruit Drinks (RTSFDs) while preserving the physical, nutrient and functional properties of the original fruits. The products were developed without added artificial colour, flavour or preservative, but with required shelf-life suitable for market circulation and to ensure high consumer acceptance as a tasty and healthy natural drink. Successful extraction of natural colour, aroma and flavour of the fruits into water was a success with high consumer acceptance. Safe preparation method, maintenance of high acidity levels and safe packaging helped to achieve a long shelf life of 18 months. The newly developed RTSFDs were cost effective and also received high scores on sensory parameters (taste, odour, colour and overall acceptability). Nutritional parameters of RTSFDs such as carbohydrates, protein, total fat and minerals were in the range of 5.98 – 8.22, 0.01- 0.38, 0-0.18 and 1.00 – 1.86 g/100 ml, respectively. Vitamin C, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of RTSFDs ranged between 0.15 – 0.70 mg/100 ml, 12.53 - 14.57 GAE mg/100 ml and 6.11 – 7.23, respectively. The production cost of RTSFDs of Mauritius Plum, Ceylon Olive, Tamarind and Woodapple ranged between Sri Lanka Rs 40–50 per unit (250 ml in sealed returnable glass bottle) with a profit margin varying from Rs. 31-39 per unit. Product of Soursop had the highest production cost with the lowest profit margin. Hence, the newly developed RTSFDs could be categorized as low-cost, healthy natural beverages.
Proceedings of the 64th Congress of the Italian Embryological Group (GEI)
Authors: Editors Guest
Published: June 2018

Guest Editors: Mario Pestarino, Annamaria CiminiProceedings of the 64th Congress of the Italian Embryological Group (GEI) - L’Aquila, 11-14 June 2018
Grey water footprint reduction in irrigated crop production: effect of nitrogen application rate, nitrogen form, tillage practice and irrigation strategy
Authors: Chukalla Abebe D. , Krol Maarten S. , Hoekstra Arjen Y.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Grey water footprint (WF) reduction is essential given the increasing water
pollution associated with food production and the limited assimilation
capacity of fresh water. Fertilizer application can contribute significantly
to the grey WF as a result of nutrient leaching to groundwater and runoff to
streams. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of the nitrogen
application rate (from 25 to 300 kg N ha−1), nitrogen form (inorganic N
or manure N), tillage practice (conventional or no-tillage) and irrigation
strategy (full or deficit irrigation) on the nitrogen load to groundwater and
surface water, crop yield and the N-related grey water footprint of crop
production by a systematic model-based assessment. As a case study, we
consider irrigated maize grown in Spain on loam soil in a semi-arid
environment, whereby we simulate the 20-year period 1993–2012. The water
and nitrogen balances of the soil and plant growth at the field scale were
simulated with the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender (APEX) model.
As a reference management package, we assume
the use of inorganic N (nitrate), conventional tillage and full irrigation.
For this reference, the grey WF at a usual N application rate of
300 kg N ha−1 (with crop yield of 11.1 t ha−1) is 1100 m3 t−1,
which can be reduced by 91 % towards 95 m3 t−1 when the N
application rate is reduced to 50 kg N ha−1 (with a yield of 3.7 t ha−1).
The grey WF can be further reduced to 75 m3 t−1 by
shifting the management package to manure N and deficit irrigation (with crop
yield of 3.5 t ha−1). Although water pollution can thus be reduced
dramatically, this comes together with a great yield reduction, and a much
lower water productivity (larger green plus blue WF) as well. The overall
(green, blue and grey) WF per tonne is found to be minimal at an N
application rate of 150 kg N ha−1, with manure, no-tillage and deficit
irrigation (with crop yield of 9.3 t ha−1). The paper shows that there
is a trade-off between grey WF and crop yield, as well as a trade-off between
reducing water pollution (grey WF) and water consumption (green and blue WF).
Applying manure instead of inorganic N and deficit instead of full irrigation
are measures that reduce both water pollution and water consumption with a
16 % loss in yield.
The Influence of Personal Religiosity Level against Corruption Behaviour in the Province of Bangka Belitung Islands
Authors: Labolo Muhadam , - Alma'arif , Khadafi Muhammad Riqqo
Published: June 2018

The purpose of current study was to analyze the relationship between religion and ccorruption behavior. Corruption was a major problem that constantly being a disease to the third world country, included Indonesia. The magnitude of problems made the Government of Indonesia kept pressing the of corruption case consciously that already existed. Indonesia's corruption index in last few years continued to undergo the improvements though there have no significant changes. Through a theory stated religion could bring a positive implication for corruption behavior and also brought a negative impact on the corruption behavior of a person. The influence of personal religiosity level in the subsequent discussion was used a quantitative-explorative approach integrated with the qualitative-descriptive approach (mixed approach). The study was conducted in Bangka Belitung Islands Province aimed to find out and analyzed the issues. The results of processed data showed that people in Province of Bangka Belitung Islands have a high level of personal religiosity. Other findings showed that the influence of religion is important in reducing the level of corruption in the middle of the community. In the other hand, the society noted a giving of gifts to apparatus of government was a reasonable thing with a couple of notes. The result of the analysis showed the personal religiosity level in religion was still formed as ritualistic.  Values and norms existed in society are generally influenced by the ethics and culture in an area, religious piety still not in touch with the daily attitude and behavior of a person. Furthermore, it was also making some of society became tolerant of the law or rules.
Anti-Corruption Policies in Mongolia
Authors: Khash-Erdene Urangoo , Lee Julak
Published: June 2018

Since the 1990s, when Mongolia has transited to democracy and market economy, which began to reform all parts of society, corruption has become a serious issue. Though corruption does not trigger a fear like violent crimes, it is a very dangerous phenomenon that spreads all sectors of society in a hidden way, and there is no particular victim of corruption, but the society.Nowadays, the main obstacle to socio-economic growth in developing countries is corruption. Therefore, it is essential to know the nature, causes, characteristics, and structures of corruption in order to develop and implement an effective anti-corruption program.There is a need to fight against political and high-level corruption in Mongolia, as a country developing nation’s economy based on the mining sector. This article looks at the corruption situation in Mongolia, its factors, causes and methods, the results of surveys on anti-corruption activities in Mongolia, and the nation’s experience in fighting corruption.The article compares, summarizes and analyses studies the reports conducted by the Independent Authority Against Corruption of Mongolia, a nationwide survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption in Mongolia 2017, and other works of research institutions, and analysts.Corruption as a pressing issue of Mongolian society remains a cause for concern at both the administrative and elite levels paralyzing Mongolian decision making. The enforcement of anti-corruption policies is itself marred by corrupt practices and threats of mutual exposure.There is an increasing need to educate the public and to propagate the view of zero-tolerance for corruption and bribery throughout the society. Also it is essential to increase transparency in political activities, and the willingness of politicians in fighting against corruption.
Nurses’ Perception of Pain in People With Dementia: A Philosophical Overview
Authors: Rababa Mohammad , Bani-Khair Baker M.
Published: June 2018

Pain perception is a very complicated phenomenon in dementia care. Both rationalists and empiricists strived to reach to an understanding of pain perception. Rationalists such as Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes made some contributions in knowledge development of the concept of pain perception. Empiricists discussed how sensory experience, evidence based practice, tradition, and systematic approach of thinking could affect the knowledge attainment of pain perception. Nurse researchers would investigate both philosophical traditions in order to have comprehensive understanding of pain perception and facilitate nurses’ decisions to treat pain in people with dementia.
Preparedness Assessment for Disaster Management Among Dhahran Al Janoub General Hospital Staff During Hazm Storm Support 1436/2015
Authors: Ali Shammah Ahmed
Published: June 2018

The hospital staff need to be competent to utilize the disaster plan to cope up with an emergency situation. Therefore, the present study has aimed to assess the knowledge of hospital staff of Dhahran Al Janoub General Hospital regarding the disaster management during Hazm Storm Support 1436/2015 in Saudi Arabia. The study has employed quantitative research design to assess the disaster management of hospital staff by recruiting 84 individuals (physicians, nurses, technicians, officers, and housekeepers) from Dhahran Al Janoub General Hospital. A questionnaire was given to respondents to gather information about disaster management. The obtained data was analysed using SPSS through chi-square analysis. The study results clearly depicted that the hospital staff with fewer years of experience had lesser knowledge about the disaster assessment as compared to the experienced employees. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between different job categories in the hospital and the level of knowledge about presence or absence of the emergency response plan. However, there was a statistically significant association found between different job professions and level of awareness regarding presence or absence of hospital command centres. The study concluded that the knowledge of emergency preparedness among the hospital staff was moderate and the hospital staff should participate and seek opportunities to prepare assessment for disaster management.
Performance Analysis of Multinational M&A of Listed Companies--Based on Zipf Stock Price-Fundamentals Dynamic Evaluation Model’s Construction
Authors: Liu Wenjie
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the multinational M&A of listed companies are taken as the research objects. The Stock Price-Fundamentals Dynamic Evaluation Model (SF-DEM) based on Zipf’s law is constructed. Through the complementary cumulative distribution, we analyze the stock price and fundamentals distribution and changes of listed companies before and after multinational M&A. The two-way fixed effect model is introduced to verify the SF-DEM model. The research shows that multinational M&A have got a positive response from the market. Short-term average cumulative abnormal rate of return reached 2.8% after the announcement day, which had a long-term synergy and promoted companies’ value; As investors expected that high-priced stocks have a poorer growth and higher thresholds, multinational M&A have a significant and lasting effect on the low-priced companies, while the impact on high-priced stocks is small and short; 80% of the price changes were determined by fundamentals, and reached 85% after M&A. Multinational M&A enhances investors’ expectations and then shows the value investment trends. 80/20 law is not affected by M&A, companies have strong heterogeneity and large differences.
Fathers’ Childhood Experiences, Adult Mental Health Problems and Perceptions of Interactions With Their 36 Month-Old Children
Authors: Mermelshtine Roni , Barnes Jacqueline
Published: June 2018

Perceptions of poor care in the family of origin can relate to adverse mental health and poor adaptation for mothers but there is less evidence about fathers. This study investigated the relevance of fathers’ recollections of their own parents (Generation 1) for their (Generation 2) current mental health symptoms and for interactions with their 3-year-old children (Generations 2/3), in a community sample of 482 British fathers. Recollections of G1 maternal and paternal behaviour were associated in uncontrolled correlations with G2 paternal mental health, but taking family social class and maternal (G2) mental health into account they did not significantly predict G2 fathers’ mental health symptoms at 36 months postpartum, though a trend remained for G1 paternal care. Significant predictors were paternal depression symptoms in the first year postpartum and G2 mothers’ current mental health. Predictors of more dysfunctional father-child (G2/G3) interactions at 36 months postpartum were working class status, recall of more G1 maternal controlling behaviour and more concurrent paternal mental health symptoms; predictors of less G2/G3 dysfunction were G2 paternal use of more positive discipline. Potential implications of the results for parenting support and advice are discussed, recognising that intergenerational transmission of parent-child relationships is likely for fathers.
Justicia, capacidades diversas y acceso igualitario a las tecnologías de la información y comunicación: el impacto de la desigualdad relativa en el cuidado de la salud
Authors: De Ortúzar Urrutia María Graciela
Published: June 2018

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el marco filosófico de justicia social (Sen-Nussbaum) que se aplica en derechos humanos para fundamentar el acceso igualitario a las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) y tecnologías asistivas (TA) de personas con capacidades diversas, considerado este acceso como uno de los determinantes sociales del derecho a la salud. La hipótesis que inspira esta investigación tiene como eje subrayar que el no acceso igualitario a TIC y a TA origina —en la mayoría de los casos— no sólo la misma situación de ‘discapacidad’ por entorno social desfavorable, sino que también incide en la salud psicosocial del citado grupo como consecuencia del estrés crónico generado por la desigualdad relativa. Este enfoque social integral, vincula las necesidades individuales, familiares y del medio ambiente con el fin de identificar mejor los problemas complejos de inclusión y acceso a la salud de las personas y/o grupos en sociedades no igualitarias, para no descuidar las enfermedades psicosociales producto de diferencias sociales y estigmatizaciones. Se trata de brindar un marco de justicia social en políticas públicas integrales e interseccionales, que tenga en cuenta las implicancias del acceso y uso social adaptado de TIC en personas con capacidades diversas en sociedades no igualitarias.
Programa de Integración Escolar en Chile: brechas y desafíos para la implementación de un programa de educación inclusiva
Authors: Tamayo Rozas Mauro , Carvallo Arrau María Florencia , Sánchez Cornejo Magdalena , Besoaín-Saldaña Álvaro , Rebolledo Sanhueza Jame
Published: June 2018

Construir sociedades inclusivas que no dejen a nadie atrás e incluyan a todos sus miembros es una obligación ética. Desarrollar programas de educación inclusiva permite asegurar igualdad de oportunidades en una de las etapas más críticas del desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la implementación del Programa de Integración Escolar (PIE) en sus distintas dimensiones y zonas de Chile. Se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo y transversal midiendo la percepción de los coordinadores del programa en escuelas municipales y subvencionadas del país a través de una encuesta vía web. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple de escuelas, obteniendo la respuesta de 1742 establecimientos educacionales con PIE. Se identificaron mayores niveles de implementación del programa en las áreas de trabajo interdisciplinar y formación integral, aspectos curriculares e institucionales. Por su parte, en la implementación de accesibilidad, desarrollo de ajustes razonables y participación de la comunidad educativa se identificaron deficiencias. Del mismo modo, existen diferencias entre las zonas de Chile, siendo la macrozona Norte la que presenta menor avance. Si bien hay resultados positivos en el equipo de trabajo y desarrollo institucional, el desarrollo de condiciones objetivas y la participación aún es una tarea pendiente en la implementación del PIE.
“Por que meu filho reprova?” Estudo sobre o vínculo parental e a reprovação escolar
Authors: Richter Paola Do Carmo , Ghedin Dienifer Aline Mattos , Marin Angela Helena
Published: June 2018

Investigou-se a relação entre o vínculo parental de adolescentes com e sem histórico de reprovação escolar a partir de um delineamento correlacional e comparativo, de caráter quantitativo e transversal. Participaram 140 adolescentes matriculados em escolas municipais de São Leopoldo/RS, que responderam um Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos, Teste Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e Parental Bonding Instrument. Os resultados indicaram que o número de reprovações da mãe esteve positivamente associado ao número de reprovações do filho, assim como as dimensões cuidado do pai e da mãe ao potencial intelectual do filho. As dimensões cuidado e proteção do pai e mãe relacionaram-se negativamente com o número de reprovações do filho. Também houve diferença entre os grupos na dimensão cuidado do pai. Tais resultados destacam a importância da participação dos pais no processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos filhos.
Različni patofiziološki učinki onesnaževal v zunanjem zraku na telesna tkiva
Authors: Perčič Simona , Otorepec Peter , Kukec Andreja
Published: June 2018

Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution is a serious and common public health concern associated with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are many published studies about the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in response of the body tissues to outdoor air pollution exposure. The aim of our review was to investigate the problem of outdoor air pollution and health effects of pathological mechanisms, with specific goal to point out public health intervention strategies based upon a clearer understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of outdoor air pollution. A systematic literature review was carried out in two bibliographic databases, Science Direct and PubMed, in the period from January 1995 to December 2015. We conducted a systematic analysis of 95 studies, 43 of them being review studies and 52 original studies. The systematic analysis was done in three steps, for each body tissue separately (respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurologic diseases and diabetes mellitus). This insight into literature review may help foster more effective preventive measures at the public health level as well as potential intervention strategies based upon a clearer understanding of the involved pathways.
Zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia in a pregnant woman with tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jug Jure , Jan Matevž , Ružič Medvešček Nadja , Fabjan Vodušek Vesna
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Occurrence of tachycardias increase during pregnancy in line with the increased propensity to ectopic activity.Case presentation: We present a case of a 30-year-old woman in the 18th week of pregnancy with atrial tachycardia and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy that was successfully treated with zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation.Discussion: The described method is safe and efficient and could be used in the future when drug refractory tachycardias occur during pregnancy.
Gendered Terrorism: The Link Between Sex and Organized Violence
Authors: Noonan Regina Theresa
Published: June 2018

Scholars cite religion, foreign occupation, economic destitution, and lack of opportunity as reasons for terrorism, but gender and masculinity are nearly absent from the conversation. Does masculinity shape the societal structures that foster terrorism? Examining the Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) in Northern Ireland demonstrates how masculinity establishes the physical spaces that radicalize men and exclude women. It is the force that propels group radicalization and tears apart societies. In scholarship, masculinity is obscured by colonialism and nationalism, but examining masculinity closer illuminates societal constructions that have deep, violent, and political consequences.
The Art of Citizenship: Roman Cultural Identity in Cicero’s Pro Archia Poeta
Authors: Pressman Fisher Wallace
Published: June 2018

This paper examines Cicero’s Pro Archia Poeta Oratio and the author’s implicit and explicit views on how Roman cultural identity is constructed. While the speech itself is the legal defense of the poet Archias’ claim to Roman citizenship, it also situates the debate of legal citizenship within a broader context of Roman cultural identity. More specifically, it is argued that the oration allows Cicero to emphasize the combination of artes, in this context replacing the literal definition of “skill” or “art" with a foundational and necessary Roman virtue, and humanitas as a means of describing the role education plays in creating Roman identity. For Cicero, the combination of artes and humanitas results in a type of education oriented toward characteristic Roman virtues like honor, glory and public service, which serves as the basis for his definition of Roman cultural identity. This argument comes primarily from the deconstruction of the oration and the examination of specific passages to identify key themes and expressions, and combining this analysis with recent academic scholarship on Cicero’s orations.
Academic Drift in China’s Universities of Applied Technology
Authors: Jing Wei , Welch Anthony
Published: June 2018

The priority attached to innovation in China means that its universities are seen as a major pillar of innovation. But with respect to the new Universities of Applied Technology (UATs), their original mission of strengthening industry collaboration is subverted by the persistence of perverse incentives, whichmake them emulate research universities rather than fulfil their original purpose.
Competitive Strategies of Vietnamese Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Ngoc Do Minh
Published: June 2018

The Higher Educational Reform Agenda (HERA) for the period 2006–2020 is an arduous effort of the Vietnamese government to overhaul the country’s centralized higher educational system, which fails to meet the needs of the country’s market economy and lags far behind international standards. For now, the strategies of Vietnamese universities and colleges are mainly driven by government planning. As theAgenda is nearing its end and tertiary institutions have completed a pilot project from 2014 to 2017 as part of HERA, it is time for Vietnamese higher education institutions to start reflecting on competitive strategies to prepare for necessary changes moving forward, ensuring their sustainable development and existence.
Correlation of Neutron-Based Strain Imaging and Mechanical Behavior of Armor Steel
Welds Produced with the Hybrid Laser Arc Welding Process
Authors: Sowards Jeffrey W. , Hussey Daniel S. , Jacobson David L. , Ream Stan , Williams Paul
Published: June 2018

Bragg edge neutron transmission imaging was used to characterize the spatial
distribution of thermally induced residual strains in a steel armor plate welded with a
hybrid laser arc process. This residual strain distribution was compared to the spatial
development of mechanical strain during uniaxial deformation. By correlating the strain
measurements of both methods, the failure mechanism was determined in armor welds joined
with this process. Weld failure consistently occurred in the subcritical heat-affected
zone where mechanical strain accumulation in softened martensitic parent material was
superimposed upon the weld region containing the highest residual thermally induced
strain.
N-glycosylation in the protease domain of trypsin-like serine proteases mediates calnexin-assisted protein folding
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Shuo , Wang Juejin , Chen Shenghan , Sun Xue-Long , Wu Qingyu
Published: June 2018

Trypsin-like serine proteases are essential in physiological processes. Studies have shown that N-glycans are important for serine protease expression and secretion, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we report a common mechanism of N-glycosylation in the protease domains of corin, enteropeptidase and prothrombin in calnexin-mediated glycoprotein folding and extracellular expression. This mechanism, which is independent of calreticulin and operates in a domain-autonomous manner, involves two steps: direct calnexin binding to target proteins and subsequent calnexin binding to monoglucosylated N-glycans. Elimination of N-glycosylation sites in the protease domains of corin, enteropeptidase and prothrombin inhibits corin and enteropeptidase cell surface expression and prothrombin secretion in transfected HEK293 cells. Similarly, knocking down calnexin expression in cultured cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes reduced corin cell surface expression and prothrombin secretion, respectively. Our results suggest that this may be a general mechanism in the trypsin-like serine proteases with N-glycosylation sites in their protease domains.
Pretreating mesenchymal stem cells with electrical stimulation causes sustained long-lasting pro-osteogenic effects
Authors: Eischen-Loges Maria , Oliveira Karla M.C. , Bhavsar Mit B. , Barker John H. , Leppik Liudmila
Published: June 2018

Background

Electrical stimulation (ES) has a long history of successful use in the clinical treatment of refractory, non-healing bone fractures and has recently been proposed as an adjunct to bone tissue-engineering treatments to optimize their therapeutic potential. This idea emerged from ES’s demonstrated positive effects on stem cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and adherence to scaffolds, all cell behaviors recognized to be advantageous in Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE). In previousin vitroexperiments we demonstrated that direct current ES, administered daily, accelerates Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation. In the present study, we sought to define the optimal ES regimen for maximizing this pro-osteogenic effect.

Methods

Rat bone marrow-derived MSC were exposed to 100 mV/mm, 1 hr/day for three, seven, and 14 days, then osteogenic differentiation was assessed at Day 14 of culture by measuring collagen production, calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic marker gene expression.

Results

We found that exposing MSC to ES for three days had minimal effect, while seven and 14 days resulted in increased osteogenic differentiation, as indicated by significant increases in collagen and calcium deposits, and expression of osteogenic marker genesCol1a1,Osteopontin,OsterixandCalmodulin. We also found that cells treated with ES for seven days, maintained this pro-osteogenic activity long (for at least seven days) after discontinuing ES exposure.

Discussion

This study showed that while three days of ES is insufficient to solicit pro-osteogenic effects, seven and 14 days significantly increases osteogenic differentiation. Importantly, we found that cells treated with ES for only seven days, maintained this pro-osteogenic activity long after discontinuing ES exposure. This sustained positive osteogenic effect is likely due to the enhanced expression ofRunX2andCalmodulinwe observed. This prolonged positive osteogenic effect, long after discontinuing ES treatment, if incorporated into BTE treatment protocols, could potentially improve outcomes and in doing so help BTE achieve its full therapeutic potential.
Expressional and functional interactions of two Apis cerana cerana olfactory receptors
Authors: Guo Lina , Zhao Huiting , Jiang Yusuo
Published: June 2018

Apis cerana cerana relies on its sensitive olfactory system to perform foraging activities in the surrounding environment. Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a primary requirement for odorant recognition and coding. However, the molecular recognition of volatile compounds with ORs in A. cerana cerana is still not clear. Hence, in the present study, we achieved transient transfection and cell surface expression of A. cerana cerana ORs (AcerOr1 and AcerOr2; AcerOr2 is orthologous to the co-receptor) in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. AcerOr2 narrowly responded to N-(4-ethylphenyl)-2-((4-ethyl-5-(3-pyridinyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl) thio) acetamide (VUAA1), whereas AcerOr1 was sensitive to eugenol, lauric acid, ocimene, 1-nonanol, linolenic acid, hexyl acetate, undecanoic acid, 1-octyl alcohol, and nerol. Of the compounds tested, AcerOr1 showed the highest sensitivity to these odorants with EC50 values of 10−7 and 10−8 M, and AcerOr2 recognized VUAA1 with higher sensitivity [EC50 = (6.621 ± 0.26) × 10−8]. These results indicate that AcerOr2 is an essential gene for olfactory signaling, and AcerOr1 is a broadly tuned receptor. We discovered ligands that were useful for probing receptor activity during odor stimulation and validated three of them by electroantennography. The response increased with concentration of the odorant. The present study provides insight into the mechanism of olfactory discrimination in A. cerana cerana.
Unfamiliar face matching with photographs of infants and children
Authors: Kramer Robin S.S. , Mulgrew Jerrica , Reynolds Michael G.
Published: June 2018

Background

Infants and children travel using passports that are typically valid for five years (e.g. Canada, United Kingdom, United States and Australia). These individuals may also need to be identified using images taken from videos and other sources in forensic situations including child exploitation cases. However, few researchers have examined how useful these images are as a means of identification.

Methods

We investigated the effectiveness of photo identification for infants and children using a face matching task, where participants were presented with two images simultaneously and asked whether the images depicted the same child or two different children. In Experiment 1, both images showed an infant (<1 year old), whereas in Experiment 2, one image again showed an infant but the second image of the child was taken at 4–5 years of age. In Experiments 3a and 3b, we asked participants to complete shortened versions of both these tasks (selecting the most difficult trials) as well as the short version Glasgow face matching test. Finally, in Experiment 4, we investigated whether information regarding the sex of the infants and children could be accurately perceived from the images.

Results

In Experiment 1, we found low levels of performance (72% accuracy) for matching two infant photos. For Experiment 2, performance was lower still (64% accuracy) when infant and child images were presented, given the significant changes in appearance that occur over the first five years of life. In Experiments 3a and 3b, when participants completed both these tasks, as well as a measure of adult face matching ability, we found lowest performance for the two infant tasks, along with mixed evidence of within-person correlations in sensitivities across all three tasks. The use of only same-sex pairings on mismatch trials, in comparison with random pairings, had little effect on performance measures. In Experiment 4, accuracy when judging the sex of infants was at chance levels for one image set and above chance (although still low) for the other set. As expected, participants were able to judge the sex of children (aged 4–5) from their faces.

Discussion

Identity matching with infant and child images resulted in low levels of performance, which were significantly worse than for an adult face matching task. Taken together, the results of the experiments presented here provide evidence that child facial photographs are ineffective for use in real-world identification.
The Organic Crystalline Materials of Vision: Structure–Function Considerations from the Nanometer to the Millimeter Scale
Authors: Palmer Benjamin A. , Gur Dvir , Weiner Steve , Addadi Lia , Oron Dan
Published: June 2018

Vision mechanisms in animals, especially those living in water, are diverse. Many eyes have reflective elements that consist of multilayers of nanometer‐sized crystalline plates, composed of organic molecules. The crystal multilayer assemblies owe their enhanced reflectivity to the high refractive indices of the crystals in preferred crystallographic directions. The high refractive indices are due to the molecular arrangements in their crystal structures. Herein, data regarding these difficult‐to‐characterize crystals are reviewed. This is followed by a discussion on the function of these crystalline assemblies, especially in visual systems whose anatomy has been well characterized under close to in vivo conditions. Three test cases are presented, and then the relations between the reflecting crystalline components and their functions, including the relations between molecular structure, crystal structure, and reflecting properties are discussed. Some of the underlying mechanisms are also discussed, and finally open questions in the field are identified.