bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enseignants des langues internationales au Canada et recherche en multilinguisme : un aperçu en Ontario
Authors: Ambrosio Laura
Published: June 2015

L’apprentissage, l’enseignement et l’évaluation des langues secondes et étrangères sont des questions de recherche au coeur des préoccupations sociolinguistiques et des politiques internationales touchant la promotion du multilinguisme et de la réalité langagière pluraliste d’aujourd’hui. Les programmes d’enseignement des langues internationales sont un facteur déterminant du maintien de la langue maternelle pour plusieurs communautés d’immigrants au Canada. La capacité de conserver et de transmettre ce patrimoine correspond à un élément d’intégration sociale et culturelle fondamental tant pour les nouveaux résidents canadiens que pour les Canadiens jouissant d’une double nationalité. Le Programme des langues classiques (latin et grec) et internationales est destiné notamment aux étudiants qui n’ont aucune connaissance préalable d’une langue internationale et à ceux qui désirent poursuivre un cheminement acquis par leur expérience personnelle. Le programme a été mis en oeuvre au Canada en 1977 par le ministère de l’Éducation de l’Ontario, afin de répondre à des besoins d’enseignement et d’apprentissage de langues autres que le français langue seconde ou l’anglais langue seconde. C’est dans un cadre descriptif que s’inscrit notre recherche, qui est axée sur une réalité ontarienne. Nous désirons partager les résultats d’un sondage d’opinion mené auprès d’une communauté d’enseignants des langues internationales. Cet instrument a pour but principal une meilleure compréhension des perspectives de ces enseignants et des ressources à leur disposition, afin de mieux préciser l’incidence du maintien et de la connaissance d’une troisième langue dans un pays bilingue comme le Canada.
Reporting progress on the human right to water and sanitation through JMP and GLAAS
Authors: Flores Baquero Óscar , Jiménez Alejandro , Pérez-Foguet Agustí
Published: June 2015

International institutions have the authority to monitor States' compliance with the Human Right to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) but the necessary tools for this task are not yet ready. The human development sector has a wider experience of using information about progress, which provides a perfect opportunity to develop this further. The World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring programme (JMP) and the UN Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) data sets could be used for those with a mandate to monitor the right, contributing to this challenge. Consequently, the information they offer has been analysed through a human rights lens. A matrix has been constructed to specifically identify to what extent their data sets could be combined to monitor HRWS in a broad sense. The JMP-led post-2015 proposal makes a considerable contribution to outcome indicators for measuring right-holders’ enjoyment of the right, and GLAAS adds structural and process outcome indicators to measure duty-bearers’ conduct. However, there are still some critical gaps if both UN Water platforms are to be used to report progress on HRWS. Finally, the article suggests some ideas concerning the way these shortcomings could be addressed.
Efficacy of Benzocaine 20% Topical Anesthetic Compared to Placebo Prior to Administration of Local Anesthesia in the Oral Cavity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Freiras Guilherme Camponogara , Pozzobon Roselaine Terezinha , Blaya Diego Segatto , Moreira Carlos Heitor
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of a topical anesthetic to a placebo on pain perception during administration of local anesthesia in 2 regions of the oral cavity. A split-mouth, double-blind, randomized clinical trial design was used. Thirty-eight subjects, ages 18–50 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II, received 4 anesthetic injections each in regions corresponding to the posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSA) and greater palatine nerve (GPN), totaling 152 sites analyzed. The side of the mouth where the topical anesthetic (benzocaine 20%) or the placebo was to be applied was chosen by a flip of a coin. The needle used was 27G, and the anesthetic used for administration of local anesthesia was 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. After receiving the administration of local anesthesia, each patient reported pain perception on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 100-mm length. The results showed that the topical anesthetic and the placebo had similar effects: there was no statistically significant VAS difference between the PSA and the GPN pain ratings. A higher value on the VAS for the anesthesia of the GPN, relative to the PSA, was observed for both groups. Regarding gender, male patients had higher values on the VAS compared with female patients, but these differences were not meaningful. The topical anesthetic and the placebo had similar effects on pain perception for injection of local anesthesia for the PSA and GPN.
Airway Assessment for Office Sedation/Anesthesia
Authors: Rosenberg Morton B. , Phero James C.
Published: June 2015

Whenever a patient is about to receive sedation or general anesthesia, no matter what the technique, the preoperative assessment of the airway is one of the most important steps in ensuring patient safety and positive outcomes. This article, Part III in the series on airway management, is directed at the ambulatory office practice and focuses on predicting the success of advanced airway rescue techniques.
Describing Profiles of Instructional Practice
Authors: Halpin Peter F. , Kieffer Michael J.
Published: June 2015

The authors outline the application of latent class analysis (LCA) to classroom observational instruments. LCA offers diagnostic information about teachers’ instructional strengths and weaknesses, along with estimates of measurement error for individual teachers, while remaining relatively straightforward to implement and interpret. It is discussed how the methodology can support formative feedback to educators and facilitate research into the associations between instructional practices and student outcomes. The approach is illustrated with a secondary analysis of data from the Measures of Effective Teaching study, focusing on middle school literacy instruction.
Untersuchung struktureller Veränderungen durch Überrollbeanspruchung mittels röntgenografischer Methoden
Authors: Beer O. , Fella J.
Published: June 2015

Kurzfassung

Wälzlagerkomponenten sind im Betrieb im Bereich der Kontaktzonen hohen dynamischen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Übersteigen diese Belastungen werkstofftypische Grenzen, so können von den Zonen maximaler Materialbeanspruchung Ermüdungsvorgänge ausgehen, die die Lebensdauer der Lager begrenzen. Durch gezieltes Einbringen von oberflächennahen Eigenspannungen kann die Lebensdauer von Wälzlagerkomponenten merklich erhöht werden. Hierzu wurden bei FAG Aerospace umfangreiche Prüfstandsversuche mit Lagerkomponenten aus dem warmfesten Stahl M50 (80MoCrV42-16) durchgeführt. Neben statistischen Auswertungen von Prüfstandsversuchen erfolgte auch eine Untersuchung gelaufener Teile mittels metallografischer und röntgenografischer Methoden. Durch die Anwendung röntgenografischer Untersuchungsmethoden können strukturelle Veränderungen mit hoher Empfindlichkeit erkannt und die Wirksamkeit lebensdauersteigender Maßnahmen schon nach relativ kurzen Testläufen abgeschätzt werden.
U.S. Civil Air Show Crashes, 1993 to 2013
Authors: Ballard Sarah-Blythe , Osorio Victor B.
Published: June 2015

This study provides new public health data about U.S. civil air shows. Risk factors for fatalities in civil air show crashes were analyzed. The value of the FIA score in predicting fatal outcomes was evaluated. With the use of the FAA's General Aviation and Air Taxi Survey and the National Transportation Safety Board's data, the incidence of civil air show crashes from 1993 to 2013 was calculated. Fatality risk factors for crashes were analyzed by means of regression methods. The FIA index was validated to predict fatal outcomes by using the factors of fire, instrument conditions, and away-from-airport location, and was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The civil air show crash rate was 31 crashes per 1,000 civil air events. Of the 174 civil air show crashes that occurred during the study period, 91 (52%) involved at least one fatality; on average, 1.1 people died per fatal crash. Fatalities were associated with four major risk factors: fire [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.4 to 20.6, P < .001], pilot error (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 1.8 to 14.5, P = .002), aerobatic flight (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.6 to 8.2, P = .002), and off-airport location (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.5 to 7.5, P = .003). The area under the FIA score's ROC curve was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.78). Civil air show crashes were marked by a high risk of fatal outcomes to pilots in aerobatic performances but rare mass casualties. The FIA score was not a valid measurement of fatal risk in civil air show crashes.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics in Identification of Aircraft–Bird Strikes
Authors: Conkling Tara J. , Martin James A. , Belant Jerrold L. , DeVault Travis L.
Published: June 2015

A primary concern for human–wildlife interactions is the potential impacts resulting from wildlife (primarily birds) collisions with aircraft. The identification of species responsible for collisions with aircraft is necessary so that airport management can develop effective strategies to reduce strikes with those species. Of particular importance in developing such strategies is the identification of regional, seasonal, and temporal patterns in collisions with unidentified bird species that may limit the effectiveness of regional habitat management to reduce bird strikes. The authors analyzed 105,529 U.S. civil aviation strike records from 1990 to 2012 in the FAA's National Wildlife Strike Database to examine patterns of collisions involving unidentified birds. Factors that affected identification were airport certification class, FAA region, mass of struck species, state species richness (if damage was reported), and interactive effects between the last four factors. Identification varied by region and declined with increasing species richness; this identification was greater for general aviation (GA) airports and the mass of struck species, especially when damage was reported. Species identification might be improved by increasing reporting efforts relative to species richness, especially by GA airport managers and operations staff, who may have a higher propensity of reporting bird strikes, and by collecting more field-based data on avian populations. The results can provide guidance for the development of airport management and personnel training.
Evaluation of Pavement Preservation and Maintenance Activities at General Aviation Airports in Texas
Authors: Humphries Evan , Lee Soon-Jae
Published: June 2015

General aviation (GA) airports play an important role in the national transportation system by accommodating emergencies and providing for agricultural, recreational, and other operations. GA airports account for almost 90% of the airports in the Texas Airport System Plan. To protect their initial investment in asphalt and concrete pavements, GA airports are expected to perform routine pavement maintenance. For this case study of pavement maintenance practices at GA airports in Texas, GA airport managers were contacted and interviewed about treatments used at their facilities and about the process of having the work done. Respondents were asked to rank the effectiveness of specific maintenance treatments for asphalt and concrete pavements on a Likert-type scale, as well as marking type, retexturing methods, and rubber and contaminant removal methods. Information about the level at which pavement maintenance decisions were made, the process, and the additional data desired (specifically about pavements) was obtained through open-ended questions. The results show that crack sealing and slurry sealing are the two most commonly used maintenance treatments—in a reactive manner. The results also indicate that most GA airport managers rely on the Aviation Division of the Texas Department of Transportation or an engineering firm to manage the airfield pavement and do not take an active approach to implementing routine preventive maintenance. This reliance was the result of two factors: (a) level of knowledge, of both the airport managers and those approving funding, and (b) availability of funding. Opportunities for cooperation and education to address deficiencies exist within the current system.
Is Your Flight Really on Time?
Authors: Penn Richard , Garrow Laurie A. , Newman Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2015

The majority of studies on airline delays have been based on databases that contain information only about the final delay outcome associated with a flight; that is, did a flight arrive early or late at the gate and, if so, by how many minutes? This paper uses a database from FlightStats that contains information on the timing of airline notifications of delays to customers. Specifically, the delay notification strategies of six U.S. airlines are compared, and the timing and accuracy of their delay forecasts are analyzed with data from 2010. Results show that airlines use different delay notification strategies. AirTran and Southwest announce delays more frequently throughout the flight departure process, whereas American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta, and JetBlue announce the majority of their delays in two distinct periods before departure. Results also indicate that “no news is bad news” in the sense that the closer to departure that a delay is first announced, the more likely it is to be a long delay. An assessment of forecasting accuracy reveals that the majority of airlines consistently underforecast delays; the two notable exceptions are JetBlue and AirTran. The timing and accuracy of delay forecasts has important implications for airports, particularly as it relates to their ability to develop contingency plans for irregular operations.
Endoscopic transnasal approach for resection of locally aggressive tumors in the orbit
Authors: Shin Masahiro , Kondo Kenji , Hanakita Shunya , Suzukawa Keigo , Kin Taichi , Shojima Masaaki , Nakagawa Daichi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

In recent years, application of endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETS) has been expanded to orbital lesions, and preliminary results have started to be published for medially located soft mass lesions. However, reports on experience with endoscopic intraorbital surgery aimed at resection of invasive skull base tumors remains quite limited. This report presents the authors’ experience with ETS for locally aggressive tumors involving the orbit.

METHODS

ETS was performed for 15 cases of aggressive tumors involving the orbit: 5 meningiomas (meningothelial, n = 3; atypical, n = 1; anaplastic, n = 1), 4 chordomas, 2 chondrosarcomas, and 4 others (metastasis from systemic myxofibrosarcoma, schwannoma, inverted papilloma, and acinic cell carcinoma, n = 1 each). Among these, 9 tumors were located outside the periorbita and 6 inside the periorbita. In 6 intraperiosteal tumors, 5 were intraconal lesions, of which 3 arose in the muscle cone (anaplastic meningioma, optic sheath meningioma, and metastatic myxofibrosarcoma), and 2 meningothelial meningioma had invaded from the sphenoid ridge or the cavernous sinus into the muscle cone through the optic canal and the superior orbital fissure. A case of schwannoma originated around the cavernous sinus and pterygopalatine fossa and extended extraconally into the periorbita. Intraoperatively, ethmoid air cells and the lamina papyracea were removed, and extraperiosteal tumors were safely approached. For intraperiosteal tumors, the periorbita was widely opened, and the tumors were approached through the surgical window between the rectus and oblique muscles.

RESULTS

Gross-total resection was achieved for 12 of the 15 tumors, including 2 intraconal lesions. After surgery, exophthalmos resolved in all 8 patients with this symptom, and diplopia resolved in 5 of 6 patients. Improvement of visual symptoms was reported by 4 of 5 patients with loss of visual acuity or constriction of the visual field. Postoperatively, 1 patient showed mild, transient worsening of existing facial dysesthesia, and another showed transient ptosis and mild hypesthesia of the forehead on the affected side. All those symptoms resolved within 3 months. No patients showed enophthalmos, worsening of diplopia or visual function, or impairment of olfaction after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

ETS appears acceptable as a less-invasive alternative for treating aggressive tumors involving the orbit. For extraperiosteal tumors, gross-total removal can generally be achieved without neurological complications. For intraperiosteal tumors, surgical indications should be carefully discussed, considering the relationship between the tumor and normal anatomy. Wide opening of the periorbital window is advocated to create a sufficient surgical pathway between the extraocular muscles, allowing a balance between functional preservation and successful tumor resection.
Cerebellar cavernous malformation in pediatric patients: defining clinical, neuroimaging, and therapeutic characteristics
Authors: Knerlich-Lukoschus Friederike , Steinbok Paul , Dunham Christopher , Cochrane David Douglas
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Cerebellar cavernous malformations (CCMs) have not been specifically described in the pediatric age group. Authors of this study, after considering the published literature, describe the characteristic clinical, radiological, and surgical features of CCM in children.

METHOSDS

Patients younger than 18 years of age who were known to have CCM and had undergone surgery between 1992 and 2014 at the authors’ institution were reviewed. Pediatric CCM cases reported in the literature (case reports and cases included in series on CMs in the pediatric age group) were also analyzed for specific features of this entity.

RESULTS

Four male patients and 1 female patient (2.5–14 years of age) with CCM presented acutely with severe headache followed by cerebellar dysfunction. In all patients, neuroimaging (cranial CT and MRI) demonstrated hemorrhagic cerebellar lesions with heterogeneous T1 and T2 signal intensities and hyperintense blooming on susceptibility-weighted imaging. The lesions reached large sizes exhibiting spherical, cystic, and often “pseudotumoral” morphology. In 3 patients, developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) were found. In 4 of the 5 patients, the CCMs and hematomas were totally removed. All patients had a clinically excellent functional outcome without surgical complication and with complete resolution of their presenting symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebellar CMs occur in all pediatric age groups and display characteristic clinical and imaging features. In children, CCMs reach large sizes and can result in massive hemorrhage, often leading to a possible diagnosis of hemorrhage into a tumor. An associated DVA is quite common. Surgery is a safe and efficient treatment option with excellent outcomes in patients.
Improvement of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Soil Properties by Growing Different Green Crops
Authors: Saha Ashim Kumar , Biswas Apu , Khan Abdul Qayyum , Farazi Md. Mohashin , Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: June 2015

Long-term tea cultivation has led to degradation of the soil. Old tea soils require rehabilitation for restoring soil health. Soil rehabilitation by growing different green crops can break the chain of monoculture of tea. An experiment was conducted at The Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) Farm during 2008-2011 to find out the efficiency of different green crops on the improvement of soil properties. Four green crops such as Guatemala, Citronella, Mimosa and Calopogonium were grown to develop the nutritional value of the degraded tea soil. Soil samples were collected and analyzed before and at the end of experiment. Soil pH was increased in all four green crops treated plots with the highest increase in Citronella treated plots (from 4.1 to 4.5). Highest content of organic carbon (1.19%) and total nitrogen (0.119%) were found in Mimosa and Calopogonium treated plots, respectively. Concentration of available phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in all green crops treated plots were above the critical values, while available potassium content was above the critical value in Guatemala, Citronella and Mimosa treated plots. Changes in soil pH and available potassium were significant, while changes in organic carbon content, total nitrogen and available calcium were insignificant. Changes in available phosphorus and magnesium were significant. The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 34-38
CLAW AFFECTIONS OF DAIRY COWS IN AN ORGANIZED DAIRY FARM
Authors: Talukdar MMAA , Alam MM , Mohammed Y , Hossain MA
Published: June 2015

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh dairy farm to study the incidence of claw affections in dairy cow during the period from January to April 2004. A total of 142 cattle were investigated. These animals were studied under 5 groups: Group I (n = 46), age <1 year; Group II (n = 44), age <3 years; Group III (n = 15), age >3 years; Group IV (n = 31), age <4 years and Group V (n = 6), age >5 years. Out of 142 cattle, 27 animals were found to be affected with various claw lesions, the incidence being 19.01%. Hindlimbs are more frequently subjected to claw affections than the forelimbs. Hoof overgrowth and sole ulcer were the most predominant claw affections (22.22% each) followed by interdigital hyperplasia (18.52%), sand crack (18.52%), interdigital dermatitis (7.41%), heel erosion (7.41%) and white line disease (3.70%). Lactating cows of over 4 years were more vulnerable to claw affections as compared to pregnant and dry cows. Calves and heifers had low incidence of claw affections.
CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS WITH THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF PARASITIC BOTTLE JAW SYNDROME IN CALVES
Authors: Hossain KA , Samad MA , Islam MA , Bhuiyan AA
Published: June 2015

This study was conducted to study the etiology, clinical findings and therapeutic management of bottle jaw affected calves, which were brought for treatment at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Veterinary Clinic during the period from July to December 2002. During this period, a total of 15 bottle jaw affected calves of either sex and aged between 6 to 12 months were selected and utilized for this study. Parasitological examination of the faeces samples of each of the 15 calves showed significantly higher incidence of mixed (80%) than single type of gastrointestinal helminth infection. Of the 15 calves examined, of which 13 (86.67%) calves were affected with Fasciola gigantica, 10 (66.67%) with Paramphistomum sp. and 7 (46.67%) calves with gastrointestinal nematodes. The highest infection rate was found with Fasciola gigantica and lowest with gastro-intestinal nematodes. History and clinical examination of these calves revealed malnutrition and the clinical signs recorded were normal rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate, loss of appetite (66.67%), rough hair coat (80.00%), pale conjunctival mucosa (86.67%), dehydration (100%), loss of body condition (100%), weakness (80%), dullness (46.67%), depression (60%), pot-belly (40%) and diarrhea (86.67%). The Tetranid® (tetramisole plus oxyclozanide) was found to be highly effective against both the flukes and gastrointestinal nematodes. Fenbendazole (Peraclear®, Techno Drugs) was highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes which were associated with bottle jaw in calves. Treatment with anthelmintics followed by hematinic drugs resulted 100% recovery of parasitic bottle jaw cases in calves within 28th day of treatment. Therefore, bottle jaw syndrome in calves, caused by gastro-intestinal helminths, could be successfully treated with anthelmintics with supportive treatment with any effective haematinic drugs.
PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS (PPR) IN GOATS
Authors: Khan MR , Haider MG , Alam KJ , Hossain MG , Chowdhury SMZH , Hossain MM
Published: June 2015

In pathological investigation of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a total of 11 Black Bengal goats of both sexes about 6-12 months old were included. Six goats out of 11 were suspected to be of natural infection with PPR and 5 goats used for experimentation. Four experimental goats out of 5 were inoculated with PPR virus isolated from natural outbreak and one was used as uninoculated control. The diagnosis of PPR virus infection both in natural outbreak and experimental cases were based on clinical signs, gross pathology, histopathology and ELISA test for confirmation of the PPR virus. Clinical signs included anorexia, depression, fever (106 ± 1°F), oculonasal discharges, diarrhoea with soiled hind quarter, sunken eyes, coughing, respiratory distress and prostration and/or death in natural cases. In experimental infection the goats showed the 5 phases of PPR virus infection cycle which included varying incubation period, prodromal phase, pneumonic phase, diarrhoeic phase and prostration and/or death. Average duration of incubation period was 4 days, prodromal phase 3 days, the pneumonic phase and diarrhoeic phase started at day 5 and 7 of inoculation, respectively and continued till death. Necropsy of both natural and experimental goats revealed stomatitis, congested and/or consolidated pneumonic lungs, generalized enlargement of lymphnodes accompanied with necrosis and congestion of some lymphnodes, atrophied congested spleen and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Congestion of the urinary bladder, uterus and vagina in experimental goats and intestinal intussusception in dead goats of natural infection were also found. Histopathological study of both natural and experimental cases revealed congestion and edema of lungs in some cases but in other cases there were network of fibrin infiltrated with neutrophils, formation of syncytia, gaint cell and presence of pink color bacterial colony. There was infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells within the alveoli, bronchioles, alveolar wall and interstitium of lungs. Lymphoid organs showed necrosis and depletion of lymphoid cell; congestion, morionuclear and neutrophilic infiltration in the lamina propria and submucosa of the abomasum, intestine, uterus and urinary bladder; loss of intestinal villi; congestion of cortical blood vessels and glomeruli of kidneys were recorded. Samples of both natural and experimental cases were confirmed as PPR by ELISA test. In this investigation, it was observed that clinical signs, gross and microscopic findings were more severe in experimental PPR infected cases than that of natural cases.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis G Virus IgG antibody among blood donors, pregnant women, neonates and apparently healthy population
Authors: Showkath Mohammad Sohel , Chowdhury Osul Ahmed , Das Shantanu , Fatema Kaniz , Das Kanti Priyo , Khan Md Mesbah Uddin
Published: June 2015

This cross sectional and observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, during the period from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2012 with a view to explore the seropositivity of Hepatitis G virus (HGV) in blood donors, pregnant women, new born and apparently healthy subjects. For this purpose 45 blood donors, 45 pregnant women, 45 new born babies of same mothers and 45 apparently healthy subjects were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The HGV antibody was measured in venous blood from blood donor, pregnant women and apparently healthy subjects; and cord blood from newborn babies with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The mean age of the blood donors, pregnant women and healthy subjects was 24.9 (SD ± 3.5) years; 24.9 (SD ± 3.5) years and 22.1 (SD ± 1.5) years respectively. The overall seropositivity of HGV was 3 (1.7%). The seropostivity of HGV of blood donors, new born babies and healthy subjects was 1 (2.2%) in each group but no HGV antibody positivity among the pregnant women (p=0.797). Among the male patients 2 (2.2%) patients were seropositive for HGV; while in female patients, 1 (1.1%) patient was seropositive for HGV (p=0.547). Among the patients with previous blood transfusion 1 (1.9%) patient was seropositive for HGV; while among patients without previous blood transfusion 2 (1.6%) patients were seropositive for HGV (p=0.882). This study yielded that there is high prevalence of HGV seropositivity among population in this region of Bangladesh. So, screening of blood units for HGV would deserve consideration.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(1): 28-31
A Taxonomy for Teaching Transfer Skills in the Danish VET System
Authors: Aarkrog Vibe
Published: June 2015

The article deals with transfer in the dual Danish VET system. Transfer is defined as the process of applying knowledge and skills acquired in an educational situation to working life. The existence of many identical elements in both training and transfer situations is known as ‘near transfer‘, and is most readily achieved when training is conducted within company premises. Students find the relevance of their theoretical training to in-company-based application highly motivating. Cognitively, transfer is facilitated by the concrete similarities between training and its application. However, the purpose of school-based education is to develop the students’ mastery of ‘far transfer‘, i.e., their ability to apply knowledge and skills to a broad range of situations. Therefore the pedagogy of VET should provide a progression from near to far transfer. The aim of this article is to describe and discuss some of the pedagogical challenges for VET of near and far transfer.
Vurderingspraksis i yrkesfag
Authors: Aakre Bjørn Magne
Published: June 2015

Artikkelen er et bidrag til temaet vurdering i yrkesfag, og legger særlig vekt på vurdering som ledd i utvikling av faglighet forklart som en syntese av kunnskaper, ferdigheter og generell kompetanse. Videre gir teksten noen betraktninger om yrkesfagene i dagens opplæring, og de spesielle utfordringer som er knyttet til vurdering for læring slik prinsippet nå er nedfelt i lov, forskrift og læreplanverk. Med støtte i erfaring, eksempler, praksis og forskning drøftes mulighetene for ny og bedre vurderingspraksis i yrkesfagene. Til slutt drøftes mulighetene for utvikling av faglighet med støtte ”Lesson Study”, eller “jugyou kenkyuu”, som mulig tilnærming i yrkesfag. Utfordringer knyttet til elever med spesielle behov tas også opp. I tillegg drøftes yrkesfagene i et internasjonalt perspektiv med blant annet referanse til World Skills, og yrkesfagenes organisering i noen utvalgte land.
Reformed firefighter training program in Sweden: conflicting instructor conceptions of professional learning
Authors: Holmgren Robert
Published: June 2015

In 2003, the content and form of Swedish firefighter training were reformed. New curricula and guidelines were implemented, instructors from different fields of knowledge were recruited and the training program was extended. In this study, 29 instructors were interviewed with a view to identifying and analyzing the salient conceptions of professional learning among them and how their conceptions have been affected by, and have affected, the implementation of the new training program. The results show that the dominant conception among fire and rescue instructors continues to be adaptation-oriented, and that it has not changed significantly, despite revised training goals and challenges from the development-oriented attitude prevalent among the risk and safety instructors. It is also shown that this fundamental contradiction between instructor conceptions is manifested in several dilemmas and conflicts during the negotiation and implementation phases of the new training program.
Att bedöma lärarstudenters yrkesskicklighet
Authors: Johansson Margreth , Palla Marta
Published: June 2015

Jag var inte nervös när jag höll lektionen men nu är jag lite nervös, eftersom jag aldrig har ansvarat för ett trepartssamtal, det har alltid läraren från högskolan gjort. Jag har i varje fall skrivit en agenda och jag vill gärna börja med att prata om både planeringen och undervisningen. Därefter vill jag diskutera utifrån kursens lärandemål och min professionella roll. Jag har tagit med mig planeringsmatrisen och VFU-omdömet. Jag kommer att prata om vad jag har lärt mig och vilka nyvunna insikter som jag fått under denna sista VFU-period. Ja, mina nyvunna insikter har faktiskt förändrats under resans gång. Jag tänker mer på eleverna och deras lärande i stället för min egen ledarroll. Idag känner jag mig betydelsefull som lärare.

Denna artikel handlar om bedömning av lärarstudenters yrkesskicklighet under den verksamhetsförlagda delen av utbildningen, VFU. Enligt Hegender (2007) är bedömningskriterier ett ”mischmasch” av teori och praktik. Om så är fallet finns det anledning att fundera över, vilka aspekter av yrkesskicklighet man kan få syn på och vilka stödstrukturer som kan användas vid bedömning. Ovanstående citat är ett exempel på hur lärarstudenter i slutfasen av utbildningen kan inleda ett trepartssamtal. Trepartssamtal är en av fyra stödstrukturer, som vi har utformat och prövat. Vår bedömningsmatris (figur 3) består av stödstrukturer som är avgränsade och beskrivna bedömningskriterier. Artikeln avser att svara på frågan: Vad bedömningsmatrisen ifråga kan bidra med vid pedagogisk bedömning av studenters yrkesskicklighet. Tre utvecklingsprojekt genomfördes under år 2009-2012 i samarbete med handledare och lärarutbildare från högskolan samt blivande förskolelärare, fritidspedagoger, grund- och gymnasielärare. De blivande lärarna/pedagogerna var i slutfasen av utbildningen, där det allmänna utbildningsområdet, AU3, behandlas. Utvecklingsprojekten har delvis finansierats av LärandeResursCentrum, LRC, Högskolan Kristianstad.
Effect of Construction Land Expansion on Energy-Related Carbon Emissions: Empirical Analysis of China and Its Provinces from 2001 to 2011
Authors: Deng Xuankai , Yu Yanhua , Liu Yanfang
Published: June 2015

Construction land expansion significantly affects energy-related carbon emissions. This paper analyzed the effect of construction land expansion on energy-related carbon emissions in China and its provinces from 2001 to 2011 by using the logarithmic mean Divisia index method. We divided the study into two intervals (2001–2006 and 2006–2011) and categorized the 30 provinces of China into eight zones. Results indicated that construction land expansion exerted the second largest positive effect on carbon emission growth in China and in the 30 provinces from 2001 to 2011. The north, east, and south coastal regions as well as the middle Yellow River region, were the highly affected regions in the same period. Between the two study intervals, the effect of construction land expansion on carbon emissions decreased in China and in the coastal regions, but increased in inland regions. The Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Chongqing, Ningxia, and Xinjiang provinces, which are concentrated in the north, east, and south coastal regions, were selected for the reduction of carbon emissions by controlling construction land expansion.
Research on a Novel Power Inductor-Based Bidirectional Lossless Equalization Circuit for Series-Connected Battery Packs
Authors: Guo Xiangwei , Kang Longyun , Huang Zhizhen , Yao Yuan , Yang Huizhou
Published: June 2015

Cell balancing plays an important role in preserving the life of series-connected battery packs; without a suitable balancing system, the individual cell voltages will differ over time, and the battery pack capacity will decrease quickly. This paper presents a novel power inductor-based bidirectional lossless equalization circuit. This circuit consists of several balancing sub-circuits, which allow the dynamic adjustment of the equalization path and equalization threshold. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the proposed circuit, which features a simple control method, fast balancing, and a large equalization current, exhibits outstanding equalization performance.
Comparison of Selective Laser Melted Titanium and Magnesium Implants Coated with PCL
Authors: Matena Julia , Petersen Svea , Gieseke Matthias , Teske Michael , Beyerbach Martin , Kampmann Andreas , Escobar Hugo , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Haferkamp Heinz , Nolte Ingo
Published: June 2015

Degradable implant material for bone remodeling that corresponds to the physiological stability of bone has still not been developed. Promising degradable materials with good mechanical properties are magnesium and magnesium alloys. However, excessive gas production due to corrosion can lower the biocompatibility. In the present study we used the polymer coating polycaprolactone (PCL), intended to lower the corrosion rate of magnesium. Additionally, improvement of implant geometry can increase bone remodeling. Porous structures are known to support vessel ingrowth and thus increase osseointegration. With the selective laser melting (SLM) process, defined open porous structures can be created. Recently, highly reactive magnesium has also been processed by SLM. We performed studies with a flat magnesium layer and with porous magnesium implants coated with polymers. The SLM produced magnesium was compared with the titanium alloy TiAl6V4, as titanium is already established for the SLM-process. For testing the biocompatibility, we used primary murine osteoblasts. Results showed a reduced corrosion rate and good biocompatibility of the SLM produced magnesium with PCL coating.
Lipid Nanoparticles for Ocular Gene Delivery
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Rajala Ammaji , Rajala Raju
Published: June 2015

Lipids contain hydrocarbons and are the building blocks of cells. Lipids can naturally form themselves into nano-films and nano-structures, micelles, reverse micelles, and liposomes. Micelles or reverse micelles are monolayer structures, whereas liposomes are bilayer structures. Liposomes have been recognized as carriers for drug delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles and lipoplex (liposome-polycation-DNA complex), also called lipid nanoparticles, are currently used to deliver drugs and genes to ocular tissues. A solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) is typically spherical, and possesses a solid lipid core matrix that can solubilize lipophilic molecules. The lipid nanoparticle, called the liposome protamine/DNA lipoplex (LPD), is electrostatically assembled from cationic liposomes and an anionic protamine-DNA complex. The LPD nanoparticles contain a highly condensed DNA core surrounded by lipid bilayers. SLNs are extensively used to deliver drugs to the cornea. LPD nanoparticles are used to target the retina. Age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy are the most common retinal diseases in humans. There have also been promising results achieved recently with LPD nanoparticles to deliver functional genes and micro RNA to treat retinal diseases. Here, we review recent advances in ocular drug and gene delivery employing lipid nanoparticles.
Effects of Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum Infection on the Metabolism of Ginsenosides in American Ginseng Roots
Authors: Jiao Xiaolin , Lu Xiaohong , Chen Amanda , Luo Yi , Hao Jianjun , Gao Weiwei
Published: June 2015

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is a highly valuable herb widely used for medicinal treatments. Its pharmacologically important compounds are the ginsenosides, which are secondary metabolites in American ginseng root. The concentrations of ginsenoside in roots can be changed by fungal infection, but it is unclear what specific root tissues are impacted and whether the change is systemic. In this study, American ginseng roots were inoculated with two fungal pathogens (Fusarium solani or F. oxysporum) and the levels of six ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1) were then measured in the phloem and xylem around the discolored lesions and adjacent healthy areas of the root. Results indicated that the growth of Fusarium spp. was strictly limited to phloem, and correspondingly the ginsenoside concentration was only altered in this infected phloem. The concentration of Rg1, Rd, and Rc significantly changed in phloem tissues where F. solani was inoculated, while only Rg1 and Rd changed significantly after F. oxysporum inoculation. However, no changes of any ginsenoside occurred in either xylem or phloem tissue adjacent to the inoculation point. In addition, when two Fusarium spp. were grown on ginsenoside-amended Czapek medium, the majority of ginsenosides were depleted. Therefore, pathogenic Fusarium spp. may reduce ginsenoside levels by consuming them.
Preparation, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Study of Xiangfu Siwu Decoction Essential Oil/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Xi Junzuan , Qian Dawei , Duan Jinao , Liu Pei , Zhu Zhenhua , Guo Jianming , Zhang Yang , Pan Ying
Published: June 2015

Xiang-Fu-Si-Wu Decoction (XFSWD), a famous Chinese herbal formula, is considered an effective prescription for treating primary dysmenorrhea. The essential oil is a significant effective ingredient of XFSWD. However, its volatility, instability and poor water-solubility influence its pharmacodynamic effects. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) has the intrinsic ability to form specific inclusion complexes with such drugs to enhance their stability, solubility and bioavailability. The aim of this study was thus to compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics and the oral bioavailability of XFSWD essential oil (XEO) and its β-CD inclusion complex after oral administration to rats. A simple, rapid, and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of five active components of XEO in rat plasma. The in vivo data showed that XEO/β-CD inclusion complex displayed higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), longer half-time (T1/2) and bigger area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–24 h). These results demonstrated that the formation of β-CD inclusion complex has significantly increased the oral bioavailability of the drugs in rats than free oil.
Antitumor Activities of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Vinardell Maria , Mitjans Montserrat
Published: June 2015

Nanoparticles have received much attention recently due to their use in cancer therapy. Studies have shown that different metal oxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. In some cases, such anticancer activity has been demonstrated to hold for the nanoparticle alone or in combination with different therapies, such as photocatalytic therapy or some anticancer drugs. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been shown to have this activity alone or when loaded with an anticancer drug, such as doxorubicin. Other nanoparticles that show cytotoxic effects on cancer cells include cobalt oxide, iron oxide and copper oxide. The antitumor mechanism could work through the generation of reactive oxygen species or apoptosis and necrosis, among other possibilities. Here, we review the most significant antitumor results obtained with different metal oxide nanoparticles.
Quercetin Decreases Claudin-2 Expression Mediated by Up-Regulation of microRNA miR-16 in Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Sonoki Hiroyuki , Sato Tomonari , Endo Satoshi , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Yamaguchi Masahiko , Yamazaki Yasuhiro , Sugatani Junko , Ikari Akira
Published: June 2015

Claudin-2 is highly expressed in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Knockdown of claudin-2 decreases cell proliferation and migration. Claudin-2 may be a novel target for lung adenocarcinoma. However, there are no physiologically active substances of foods which decrease claudin-2 expression. We here found that quercetin, a flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables, time- and concentration-dependently decreases claudin-2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. In the present study, we examined what regulatory mechanism is involved in the decrease in claudin-2 expression by quercetin. Claudin-2 expression was decreased by LY-294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, and U0126, a MEK inhibitor. These drugs inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2, which are downstream targets of PI3-K and MEK, respectively. In contrast, quercetin did not inhibit the phosphorylation. Both LY-294002 and U0126 inhibited promoter activity of claudin-2, but quercetin did not. The stability of claudin-2 mRNA was decreased by quercetin. Quercetin increased the expression of microRNA miR-16. An inhibitor of miR-16 rescued quercetin-induced decrease in the claudin-2 expression. These results suggest that quercetin decreases claudin-2 expression mediated by up-regulation of miR-16 expression and instability of claudin-2 mRNA in lung adenocarcinoma cells.
I Eat Healthier Than You: Differences in Healthy and Unhealthy Food Choices for Oneself and for Others
Authors: Sproesser Gudrun , Kohlbrenner Verena , Schupp Harald , Renner Britta
Published: June 2015

The present study investigated self-other biases in actual eating behavior based on the observation of three different eating situations. To capture the complexity of real life food choices within a well-controlled setting, an ecologically valid fake food buffet with 72 different foods was employed. Sixty participants chose a healthy, a typical, and an unhealthy meal for themselves and for an average peer. We found that the typical meal for the self was more similar to the healthy than to the unhealthy meal in terms of energy content: The mean difference between the typical and healthy meals was MΔ = 1368 kJ (327 kcal) as compared to a mean difference between the typical and unhealthy meals of MΔ = 3075 kJ (735 kcal). Moreover, there was evidence that people apply asymmetrical standards for themselves and others: Participants chose more energy for a peer than for themselves (M = 4983 kJ or 1191 kcal on average for the peers’ meals vs. M = 3929 kJ or 939 kcal on average for the own meals) and more high-caloric food items for a typical meal, indicating a self-other bias. This comparatively positive self-view is in stark contrast to epidemiological data indicating overall unhealthy eating habits and demands further examination of its consequences for behavior change.