bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee’s Performance in a Commission for General Election of Banten Province, an Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Bahri Syaeful , Akbar Ma’ruf , Tunas Billy , Kadiman Sukemi
Published: July 2019

The importance of employee performance research in a Commission for General Election of Banten Province-Indonesia as the main problem in this research based on empirical data that we obtained from the General Election Commission in Banten Provincial Office, data shows that employee performance is not optimal yet. The state of the art of this research can be stated that this study supports the results of other studies conducted previously on the Effect of Leadership Integrity, Team Cohesiveness and Task Commitment on Employee Performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the Effect of Leadership Integrity, Team Cohesiveness and Task Commitment on Employee Performance of the General Election Commission in Banten Province. Quantitative research has been applied to this study, the respondents were employees of the Banten Provincial Election Commission. The random sampling technique was selected. The primary data, questionnaires, and tests were analyzed by path analysis. The research found that there is the Influence of Leadership Integrity, Team Cohesiveness and Task Commitment on the Employee Performance of the General Election Commission in Banten Province, Indonesia. Some recommendations are given a consideration factor in other similar organizations.
Parental Participation in Provision of Infrastructural Facilities and Their Influence on Students’ Performance in Public Day Secondary Schools in Gem Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Sika James Ochieng
Published: July 2019

The role of parents was seen as the missing link in provision of infrastructural facilities leading to achievement of desirable performance as the government fulfilled her mandate of providing free education through the Free Day Secondary Education funds. Descriptive survey design was used. The study population included 20 principals, 184 teachers, 776 parents and 776 students. The respondents who were sampled through purposive, incidental and random sampling method included principals, parents, teachers’ and form four students. The study shows there was a significant relationship between Provision of Infrastructural Facilities and students’ performance (R = .594; p < .001). The results of the regression indicated that parents’ participation in provision of Infrastructural Facilities explained 35.2% of the variance in students’ performance (R2 =.352, F (1, 239) = 130.105, p < .001). It was found that parents’ participation in provision of Infrastructural Facilities significantly predicted performance of MFIs (B = .376; p < .001). By replacing the significant coefficients into the equation connecting parents’ participation in provision of Infrastructural Facilities with students’ performance, the equation becomes Y=24,768+ 0.376X2 +:έ. Library, toilets and laboratory in day secondary schools were found to be inadequate hence affecting their performance. The study recommends that parents should be involved in infrastructure development secondary schools as this could influence academic achievement.
Multiparasitism among Schoolchildren of Akonolinga, Nyong et Mfoumou Division, Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Oyono Martin Gael , Lehman Leopold Gustave , Fosso Samuel , Bilong Charles Félix Bilong
Published: July 2019

In general, school-age children are the most vulnerable to parasitic infections and are particularly exposed to multi-parasitism and its potential consequences. This study aimed at determining the intensity of multi-parasitism in Nyong et Mfoumou Division. A cross-sectional study took place from September 2017 to July 2018 among pupils of five (05) government schools from the Nyong et Mfoumou Division. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined for protozoan cysts, helminth eggs and larva while blood samples were collected for detection of Plasmodium sp. and filarial blood stages. In addition, socio-demographic information were documented. In total, 416 schoolchildren were recruited; out of which 309 (74.28%) were infected by at least one parasite species. 13 parasite species were found: 03 blood parasites and 10 intestinal parasites. Plasmodium falciparum was the main blood parasite (37.26%). Amongst intestinal parasites, Entamoeba coli were the most common among protozoa (29.33%) and Ascaris lumbricoides among helminths (21.39%). The frequency of multi-parasitism was 44.47% and the average species reach was 1.43 ± 0.01 per individual. Four types of multi-parasitism were found (bi-parasitism, tri-parasitism, quadri-parasitism and penta-parasitism); the bi-parasitism (26.68%) was the most common. Significantly statistic associations were found between parasite species such as: Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura can be explained by the same means of transmission. Association between Ascaris lumbricoides and Mansonella perstans could be a synergic interaction between these parasites. We conclude that the intensity of multiparasitism among schoolchildren in Nyong et Mfoumou Division is high with predominance in rural areas.
Identification of Psychological Characteristics of Flat Feet Preschool Children Using Projective Methods
Authors: Halmatov Sultanberk
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, the problem of prevention and correction of various diseases in preschool children has becomeparticularly relevant. This is due, first of all, the presence of a large number of preschoolers (84.9%) with differentdeviations in the state of health and with pathologies in the development of the musculoskeletal system in particular.The problem of studying the psychological characteristics of preschool children with orthopedic diseases seems to bequite relevant, although in contemporary scientific literature this issue has not been adequately reflected. The aim ofthe research is to identify the psychological characteristics of children of preschool age with a diagnosis of "flat feet"with the help of projective methods. The study was conducted among pupils of preschool educational institutions inMoscow, who are diagnosed with "flat feet" and conditionally healthy children (SWAD, WAD). The average age ofthe subjects was 6 years. As a result of the research, it has been found that children with a diagnosis of "flat feet",already in preschool age have certain changes in the emotional sphere, especially an increased level of anxiety andfear.
Gansang Stone Inscriptions: A New Discovery That May Change the History of the Tai-Kadai Ethnic Groups
Authors: Han Jianghua
Published: July 2019

The discovery of the Gansang stone inscriptions is the most important ancient character discovery in China since that of the oracle-bone inscriptions. It has had a major impact on research on ancient characters in China, and it will also have serious consequences for the study of human civilization. The discovery makes it possible to rewrite the history of the ancient Tai-Kadai ethnic groups in Southwest China, which were previously thought to have no direct written history. Radiocarbon dating of the stone tablets indicates that the Gansang stone inscriptions have a history of about 3,000 years. Scholars agree that the Gansang stone inscriptions display an ancient ideographic writing system of the ancient Tai-Kadai ethnic groups and that they date to almost the same era as the oracle-bone inscriptions. While the position of stroke movements in the inscriptions has been determined, it is unclear whether the texts are arranged from left to right or right to left. A comparative analysis of the Gansang stone inscriptions, the oracle-bone inscriptions, the Shuishu writing system, and the ancient Yi writing system indicates that the Gansang stone inscriptions recorded people’s apparel, architecture, residence, eating habits, transportation, hunting activities, war, raising livestock, sacrifice, divination, astronomy, and calendar.
Gestión de la marca Ciudad de México (CDMX) y su impacto económico
Authors: Carrillo Sanchez Laura Grisel
Published: July 2019

Ante la globalización, los gobiernos y las empresas turísticas  buscan generar ventajas competitivas que las distingan del resto del mercado. En este documento se explora la manera en que la gestión de la marca de la Ciudad de México (CDMX) apoya esta búsqueda de competitividad, considerando el entorno, su composición y relaciones.Se emplea una metodología de análisis documental, exploratorio y transversal que permite comparar la gestión de la marca CDMX,  con su posicionamiento y la  derrama económica en  cuanto a la hotelería, dada la necesidad de análisis de los resultados económicos para considerar la viabilidad del producto.
Análisis del mensaje publicitario
Authors: Gordillo-Rodriguez Maria-Teresa
Published: July 2019

Este volumen se configura como un manual de herramientas para el análisis semiótico del mensaje publicitario. En concreto, ofrece las claves para analizar un mensaje publicitario centrado esencialmente en su significado. Una de las principales aportaciones de la obra es que trata de orientar al lector sobre cómo llegar a los significados profundos de los anuncios a través de elementos observables en el mismo. En efecto, el libro consigue con éxito ordenar y sistematizar distintas aproximaciones a la Semiótica de la Publicidad.
Parametric modeling of microbial fuel cells
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Krishnamurthy Balaji
Published: July 2019

Microbial fuel cells use bacteria to generate electrical energy and are used for lower power density applications. This paper studies the effect of operational parameters on the performance of a microbial fuel cell. The effect of length of the anode compartment, inlet acetate concentration, acetate flow rate, temperature, thickness of the membrane and bio-film conductivity on the performance of the fuel cell is modeled. The thickness of the membrane is found to play a very limiting role in affecting the performance of the fuel cell. However, the length of the anode compartment, acetate flow rate and bio-film conductivity are found to play a significant role in the performance of the fuel cell. Model results are compared with experimental data and found to compare well.
Assessment of students’ mental health assessment in positive and negative aspect. Mental health inventory (IZP)
Authors: Kluczyńska Sylwia , Witkowska Ewa , Zabłocka-Żytka Lidia , Czabała Jan Czesław , Sokołowska Ewa
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a standardized inventory assessing the mental health of young adults. The originality of the proposed approach lies in the fact that the inventory refers to both the positive and negative dimension of mental health. 405 students were examined, including 292 women and 113 men. When assessing the accuracy of the newly created instrument, the covariance of its results with the results of other tools measuring mental health or its aspects: General Health Questionnaire GHQ-28; Questionnaire for Quality of Life Assessment WHOQL-BREF; Questionnaire of Life Orientation by A. Antonowsky was assessed. Additionally, the covariance of personality traits defined by the Big Five Model as well as a temperamental dimensions of Regulative Temperament Theory was assessed. An analysis of the factor structure of the questionnaire was also performed. Although the results of the factor analysis indicate a unidimensional structure of the IZP, the correlation between its two dimensions equals -0.65. In addition, there was a correlation between both the positive dimension of mental health and negative health with neuroticism and emotional reactivity. The results of analyzes of personality and temperamental measures with data obtained using the Mental Health Inventory suggest the utility of the tool in the assessment of mental health indicators in both negative and positive aspect.
The Dilemma of Psychology: Objective without an Object?
Authors: Lind Georg
Published: July 2019

Anyone who seeks the service of psychology (which translates to “science of the mind”) faces a persisting dilemma. One has to choose between two psychologies: “Subjective”, also called “qualitative”, psychologists believe that the focus on studying the internal structure of the human mind will provide important insights needed in therapy and education. Yet the human mind, they argue, can be studied only with subjective methods like clinical interview, not with standardized tests. In contrast, “objective” or “quantitative”, psychologists argue that if psychology wants to be recognized as a science, it must enlist only objective methods of measurement. Yet this excludes, they argue, the study of internal psychological factors of the human mind. While the subjective approach is based on psychological assumptions regarding the nature of the target measurement object, the objective approach is based on purely statis-tical theories.
Must we really have to abandon psychological objects like intellectual and moral capaci-ties if we want our measurement to be objective? In this paper I show that both approaches are based on questionable theories about the relationship between visible behavior on the one side and psychological objects on the other. I also show that we can measure psychological traits objectively and validly if we use an experimental approach. Experimental Question-naires can be used in all fields of psychology in which testable theories about the nature of its object have been developed. We have successfully used this new approach, for example, for the construction and validation of the Moral Competence Test (MCT).
Multiculturalism as a new ethical challenge for polish school and academic psychologists
Authors: Anczyk Adam , Grzymała-Moszczyńska Halina , Krzysztof-Świderska Agnieszka , Prusak Jacek
Published: July 2019

The article allows to get to know the precise guidelines regarding the ethics in two changing areas in the work of school psychologists: in scientific research and in school practice. These areas undergo cyclic changes, not only due to the development of humanities and numerous reforms of educational system, but also because of an increasing multiculturalism of Polish society. It can be stated, that the changes in schooling system reflect the most current social problems, therefore they deserve a special distinction from other areas of psychological practice. In the following article we describe the newest guidelines of the European Commission regarding the ethics of psychological research, we also open a discussion about chosen ethical dilemmas, which can be encountered by a school psychologist in an era of increasing multiculturalism.
An ethical-professional code of a psychologist – a critical analysis of chosen issues
Authors: Kucharski Jarosław
Published: July 2019

The article contains a critical analysis of the Code of Ethics for Psychologists by the Polish Psychological Association, which is in place from year 1991 to 2018. The aim of the article is to point to inadequate, unclear, or leading to incoherent interpretations regulations found in this Code. The first part of the text describes functions and also benefits as well as dangers connected with ethical codes in general. The second part is an analysis looking for inaccuracies and incoherencies in the Code’s content. At the end, there are illustrated the main issues requiring an update or a thorough change in the future versions of the Code’s approach to capture the norms of psychologists’ profession.
The amendment of the Code of Ethics for Psychologists by the Polish Psychological Association
Authors: Bogatyńska-Kucharska Anna , Steć Małgorzata , Sikora Katarzyna , Szafrański Marcin
Published: July 2019

In December 2018, the General Assembly of PTP Delegates has accepted the new Code of Ethics of the Psychologists of the Polish Psychological Society and accepted the concept of a three-level system of ethical regulation. The proposal was supported by environmental and expert consultations. The first level is the newly adopted Code, presenting general ethical principles and the rights of clients, as well as the rights of psychologists. Regulations from this level relate to all professionals regardless of the specific areas of the professional performance, due to the fact they are all based on key values for each psychologist. Currently, work is underway to create ethical regulations from the second level, and hence individual psychological activities. The third level will include the detailed standards of psychologists’ work.
Psychological and ethical contexts of diagnosis of hearing children of deaf parents
Authors: Wiśniewska Dominika
Published: July 2019

Ethical and methodologically correct diagnosis of a child hearing Deaf parents requires a specialist with extensive knowledge. In every society there are people who use the visual-spatial language – they are deaf people. They are perceived by the majority as disabled people, less frequently as a cultural minority. The adoption of a particular attitude towards the perception of deafness determines the context of the psychologist’s assessment. Diagnosis in such a specific situation shouldbe viewed from the perspective of a child hearing as a bi-cultural person, a descendant of a Deaf parent – a representative of the Deaf culture and himself a psychologist representing the cultural majority of hearing people.
ENG ZASTOSOWANIE TERAPII REMINISCENCYJNEJ U OSÓB STARSZYCH W TURYSTYCE MEDYCZNEJ
Authors: Orzechowski Rafał
Published: July 2019

Cel. Ocena możliwości wykorzystania terapii reminiscencyjnej w ramach turystyki zdrowotnej. Metoda. Analiza danych wtórnych dotyczących efektywności stosowania terapii reminiscencyjnej u osób starszych. Zaprezentowanie wniosków wyciągniętych z analizy porównawczej artykułów omawiających możliwości poprawienia sytuacji osób starszych: zarówno cierpiących na choroby pogarszające ich zdolności kognitywne, jak i odczuwających dyskomfort psychiczny. Wyniki. Rezultaty terapii reminiscencyjnych wykorzystujących wizualną stymulację pamięci osób starszych sugerują możliwość wywoływania „efektu reminiscencji” u osób starszych nie tylko za pomocą fotografii, ale także wyjazdów zorganizowanych bezpośrednio w miejsca mogące wywołać taki efekt. Ograniczenia badań i wnioskowania. Nie odnaleziono artykułów, omawiających możliwości wykorzystania „terapii reminiscencyjnej” w kontekście turystyki medycznej. Implikacje praktyczne. Prognozowany wzrost liczby osób starszych może stanowi podstawę do szerszego zainteresowania się tworzeniem produktów turystycznych ukierunkowanych na zaspokojenie potrzeb osób uskarżających się na problemy z pamięcią. Oryginalność. Przedstawienie możliwości zastosowania efektu reminiscencji nie tylko w kontekście czynnika wywołującego wspomnienia osobiste zachęcające do odbywania podróży, ale także jako metody pozwalającej poprawić jakość życia ludzi starszych, poprzez zastosowanie terapii reminiscencyjnej poza obszarem placówek terapeutycznych. Rodzaj pracy. Artykuł ma charakter przeglądowy. Słowa kluczowe: terapia reminiscencyjna, turystyka medyczna, efekt reminiscencji, pamięć
Getting (Un-)Hitched
Authors: Sadler Brook J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2019

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges. Although I concur that same-sex couples should have the right to marry if anyone does, I argue that civil marriage is an unjust institution. By examining the claims employed in the majority opinion, I expose the Court’s romanticized, patriarchal view of marriage. I critique four central claims: (1) that marriage is central to individual autonomy and liberty; (2) that civil marriage is uniquely valuable; (3) that marriage “safeguards” children and families; and (4) that marriage is fundamental to civil society.
Respects of Dependence
Authors: Paoletti Michele Paolini ,   University of South Bohemia
Published: July 2019

In this paper I consider respects of dependence, namely, the fact that some entities depend on other entities in some respect or another. In the first section, I provide a characterization of contemporary debates on dependence based on respects of dependence. I also single out seven desiderata a good theory of dependence should satisfy and three ways of interpreting respects of dependence. In the second section, I criticize two such ways and, in the third section, I defend the remaining option, namely, that respects of dependence correspond to different dependence-relations between entities (e.g., existence-dependence, identity-dependence, and so on). In the fourth section, I develop my theory of Respect-of-Dependence (RD ) Relations in order to distinguish between partial and full dependence and between specific and generic dependence, and to qualify RD -relations in temporal and modal terms. Finally, in the last section, I anticipate and reply to three objections against dependence pluralism.
Distinct ipRGC subpopulations mediate light’s acute and circadian effects on body temperature and sleep
Authors: Rupp Alan C , Ren Michelle , Altimus Cara M , Fernandez Diego C , Richardson Melissa , Turek Fred , Hattar Samer , Schmidt Tiffany M
Published: July 2019

The light environment greatly impacts human alertness, mood, and cognition by both acute regulation of physiology and indirect alignment of circadian rhythms. These processes require the melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), but the relevant downstream brain areas involved remain elusive. ipRGCs project widely in the brain, including to the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Here we show that body temperature and sleep responses to acute light exposure are absent after genetic ablation of all ipRGCs except a subpopulation that projects to the SCN. Furthermore, by chemogenetic activation of the ipRGCs that avoid the SCN, we show that these cells are sufficient for acute changes in body temperature. Our results challenge the idea that the SCN is a major relay for the acute effects of light on non-image forming behaviors and identify the sensory cells that initiate light’s profound effects on body temperature and sleep.
Peptide-based NTA(Ni)-nanodiscs for studying membrane enhanced FGFR1 kinase activities
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zhu Lei , Zhang Xueli , Wu Bo , Zhu Ping , Zhao Hongxin , Wang Junfeng
Published: July 2019

Tyrosine autophosphorylation plays a crucial regulatory role in the kinase activities of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and in the recruitment and activation of downstream intracellular signaling pathways. Biophysical and biochemical investigations of FGFR kinase domains in membrane environments offer key insights into phosphorylation mechanisms. Hence, we constructed nickel chelating nanodiscs based on a 22-residue peptide. The spontaneous anchoring of N-terminal His6-tagged FGFR1c kinase domain (FGFR1K) onto peptide nanodiscs grants FGFR1K orientations occurring on native plasma membranes. Following membrane incorporation, the autophosphorylation of FGFR1K, as exemplified by Y653 and Y654 in the A-loop and the total tyrosine phosphorylation, increase significantly. This in vitro reconstitution system may be applicable to studies of other membrane associated phenomena.
Adoption of Recommended Fertilizer dose in Farmer’s Field of Bangladesh
Authors: Mou Tamanna Haque , Islam Md. Matiul , Ahmed Mohammad Bashir
Published: July 2019

The study was conducted to explore the farmer’s level of adoption of recommended fertilizer dose in the field. A survey was conducted at Batiaghata upazila of Khulna, Bangladesh during January to February in 2019 on purposive randomly selected 120 respondents in respect of selected twelve variables. The selected variables (characteristics of the respondents) were age, educational qualification, family size, farming experience, annual family income, farm size, organizational participation, agricultural training, cosmopolitanism, extension contact, attitude and practice. Two aspects of adoption i.e., innovativeness (time dimension) and extent of adoption (spatial dimension) of recommended fertilizer dose were considered as the focus variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software version 20.0. To explore the relationship between the concerned variables Pearson’s Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation (r) for ratio data and Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (ρ) for ordinal data were employed. The result showed that majority of the  respondents were old aged (41.7%), had secondary level of education (56.70%), belonged to small family size (50%), had high annual family income (66.7%) and high farming experience (40%) with small farm size (76.67%). Majority of the respondents had low organizational participation (44.16%), low contact with extension agent (57.5%) and medium cosmopolitanism (57.5%) and had no agricultural training (59.2%). Findings also revealed that majority of the respondents (62.5%) showed high positive attitude towards adoption of recommended fertilizer dose. About half of the respondents (43.3%) belonged to medium practice category of recommended fertilizer dose in the field. Considering the innovativeness still 45.83% of the respondents belonged to late majority to laggard category of innovation diffusion, and still 36.66% land is not under recommended fertilizer dose application which significantly differ from the amount of land under recommended fertilizer dose application. Among 120 respondents there was no innovator. Among twelve variables age and farming experience had significant positive relation with their innovativeness, and educational qualification, annual family income, farm size and extension contact had significant positive relation with their extent of adoption of recommended fertilizer dose. Thus, it might be concluded that, the remaining farmers should be motivated to adopt and the remaining land should be practically taken under proper application of recommended fertilizer dose to sustain agricultural production in the field.
Capabilities for Use of Improved Catfish Production Technologies among Fish Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Okeke M. N. , Mbah E. N. , Enibe D. O.
Published: July 2019

The survey was conducted to assess use of improved catfish production technologies among fish farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample of 50 different fish farmers in Delta State using questionnaire. Frequency, percentage and mean score were used in analyzing data for the study. Results indicated that majority (70.0%) of the respondents were male, 40.0% were between  the ages of 25 and 34 years, 72.0% were married, 60.0% had a household size of 6-10 persons, 50.0% got an annual income of above ₦300,000 with 92.0% having formal education. Sources of funds for the respondents were personal savings (60.0%), friends/relations (20.0%), cooperative society (12.0%) and loans from banks (8.0%). Findings showed that improved catfish production technologies used by the respondents included fortification of cat fish feeds using root and tuber crops (M= 2.2), improved techniques in pond construction and maintenance (M= 1.7), non-conventional feed stuff for catfish (M= 1.6), fertilization and liming of catfish pond (M= 1.6), improving water quality in catfish culture (M= 1.3), prevention and control of catfish diseases (M=1.0), among others. Also, constraints to use of improved catfish production technologies were inadequate processing and storage facilities (M= 2.5), disease infestation (M= 2.3), high cost of feeds (M= 2.2), high cost of inputs (M= 2.1), inadequate funds (M= 2.1), poor market network (M= 2.0), etc. The study recommended that financial institutions should ensure timely availability of credit facilities to enable catfish farmers make provision for improved processing and storage facilities in order to boost their productivity.
The Impacts of Future Orientation and Financial Literacy on Personal Financial Management Practices among Generation Y in Malaysia: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Ansar Rudy , Karim Mohd Rahimie Abd , Osman Zaiton , Fahmi Muhamad Shameer
Published: July 2019

This paper investigated the relationship between future orientation and financial literacy toward personal financial management practices among Generation Y in Malaysia, particularly amongst those who were born between 1981 and 2001 coming from Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Penang. A total of 146 valid questionnaires were used for the analysis carried out in this paper. Data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The outcomes displayed that future orientation and financial literacy have significantly positive effect on personal financial management practices. Nonetheless, gender does not have a moderating role between financial literacy and future orientation on personal financial management practices among Generation Y in Malaysia. The study’s outputs may serve as guidelines by the Malaysian government agencies and policy makers, apart from extending the body of knowledge to shed some light on personal financial management practices. The findings of the study also offer an alternative approach in addressing the escalating bankruptcy issues faced by Generation Y in Malaysia.
Which form of Chinese Characters is More Beneficial to Education: Research of the Influencing Factors Based on Aliquot Linear Regression
Authors: Zhuang Mei-Er , Pan Wen-Tsao , Luo Hui-Dan
Published: July 2019

There are two forms of Chinese characters, the simplified and the complex form. The simplified Chinese characters are widely used in most parts of China, while the complex form are still used in several parts of China, namely Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Some studies proposed that the complex Chinese characters are conducive to improving the learning effects, but some scholars hold opposite views. In order to further explore the role of different forms of Chinese characters in field of education, this paper studied the factors affecting the learning effects and willingness of students who use simplified Chinese characters for a long time. With the questionnaire experiment and the aliquot linear regression method, data were collected, processed and analyzed. This analysis shows the complex Chinese characters have an impact on certain students' learning effects and willingness, while some will learn better using simplified characters. These differences vary from person to person due to individual’s specific situation, which provides some suggestions to education practice.
The Effect of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors on the Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Imam Khomeini Hospital's, Ahvaz, Iran Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Dehdashtian Masoud , Feghhi Mostafa , Aramesh Mohammad Reza , Malakian Arash , Abbaspour Mohammad Reza , Altayeb Seyed Mohammad Hassan , Khosrevi Ali
Published: July 2019

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature infants, and it is characterized by the development of vascular proliferation due to hyperoxia, down regulation of Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and death of endothelial cells. We hypothesized that inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme suppresses retinal vasoconstriction and prevent ROP.

Study Design: 109 newborns with respiratory distress syndrome treated with oxygen with early gestational age (GA) ≤30 weeks and birth weight (BW) ≤1500 g were randomized into two groups, 52 patients in sildenafil and 50 patients in placebo group were studied, Group sildenafil (as case group) and placebo Group (as control group), sildenafil was administered via nasogastric tube. Occurrence of ROP phase 1 as primary outcome and stage 2-5 ROP, duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy and duration of hospitalization as secondary outcomes were assessed.

Results: There was no differences between the two group in demographic characteristics. ROP phase 1 was seen in 11(22%) and 7(14%) of placebo and interventional group, respectively. Stage 3 ROP was not seen in any of the patients.

Conclusion: Sildenafil therapy did not affect ROP development in premature infants treated with oxygen. May be due to our exclusion criteria (BW less than 1000g) and this fact that there is a high incidence of ROP in extremely low birth weight neonates, we didn’t find any significant difference. More studies with larger population and expanded criteria are needed to find the effect of sildenafil on ROP.
Ultrasmooth and Photoresist‐Free Micropore‐Based EGaIn Molecular Junctions: Fabrication and How Roughness Determines Voltage Response
Authors: Karuppannan Senthil Kumar , Hongting Hu , Troadec Cedric , Vilan Ayelet , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: July 2019

In molecular electronics, it is critical to minimize the sources that can result in defective electrodes, such as contaminations related to the fabrication process (photoresist and organic residues) or roughening of the electrode during etching, because these defects hamper the formation of well‐organized molecular structures. Junctions based on micropores are desirable as they are scalable, but micropores are not fabricated on ultrasmooth template‐stripped electrodes, and may suffer from stray capacitances and leakage currents across the insulating matrix. A method is reported to fabricate micropores in AlOx
on template‐stripped Au based on a two‐step etch process so that the Au surface is not in direct contact with photoresistance during the fabrication process. These junctions do not suffer from stray capacitances or leakage currents, enable temperature variable measurements down to 8.5 K, have excellent current retention characteristics, and are stable for at least 2 months. By analyzing the normalized differential conductance curves and detailed comparison against junctions with cone‐shaped tips of EGaIn and EGaIn stabilized in a through‐hole in polydimethylsiloxane, how the surface roughness of top electrodes affects the effective contact area, influences the symmetry of the response of the junctions, and how the electrical characteristics scale with molecular length are established.
Graphene‐Based Fibers: Recent Advances in Preparation and Application
Authors: Xu Tong , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2019

Graphene‐based fibers (GBFs) are macroscopic 1D assemblies formed by using microscopic 2D graphene sheets as building blocks. Their unique structure exhibits the same merits as graphene such as low weight, high specific surface area, excellent mechanical/electrical properties, and ease of functionalization. Furthermore, the fibrous nature of GBFs is intrinsically compatible with existing textile technologies, making them suitable for applications in flexible and wearable electronics. Recently, novel synthetic methods have endowed GBFs with new structures and functions, further improving their mechanical and electrical properties. These improvements have rapidly bridged the gaps between laboratory demonstrations and real‐life applications in fiber‐shaped batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemical sensors. Recent advances in the fabrication, optimization, and application of GBFs are systematically reviewed and a perspective on their future development is given.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Six‐Membered P,O‐Heterocycles via Hydration/Intramolecular Cyclization Cascade Reaction
Authors: Zhang Shan , Cheng Haiyang , Mo Sheng , Yin Shiwei , Zhang Zunting , Wang Tao
Published: July 2019

Herein, we report the synthesis of six‐membered P,O‐heterocycles from dialkynylphosphine oxides. By using gold(I) complexes, the chemoselectivity of the reaction was switched from literature‐reported double hydration to a hydration/intramolecular cyclization cascade. Control experiments indicated that the first alkyne hydration product is an intermediate of the reaction. In addition, a density functional theory (DFT) calculation allowed to rationalize the observed chemoselectivity.

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Advances in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Selective Functionalization of Inert C−O Bonds Assisted by Directing Groups
Authors: Lin Cong , Gao Fei , Shen Liang
Published: July 2019

The catalytic transformation of C−O bonds plays an irreplaceable role in nature and the synthetic world due to the most widespread and naturally rich nature of such chemical bonds. In recent years, the transition metal‐catalyzed direct functionalization of C−O bonds shows a high potential synthetic value to construct C−C or C−X bonds, and much progress has been made in the realm of C−O bond activation assisted by directing groups. This review summarizes the recent significant achievements in directing group‐assisted transition metal‐catalyzed functionalization of inert C−O bonds with highly regioselectivity.

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Are buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) cytotypes spatially and ecologically differentiated?
Authors: Hadle Jacob J. , Russell F. Leland , Beck James B.
Published: July 2019

Premise

Although autopolyploidy is common among dominant Great Plains grasses, the distribution of cytotypes within a given species is typically poorly understood. This study aims to establish the geographic distribution of cytotypes within buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) and to assess whether individual cytotypes have differing ecological tolerances.

Methods

A range‐wide set of 578B. dactyloidesindividuals was obtained through field collecting and sampling from herbarium specimens. The cytotype of each sample was estimated by determining allele numbers at 13 simple sequence repeat loci, a strategy that was assessed by comparing estimated to known cytotype in 79 chromosome‐counted samples. Ecological differentiation between the dominant tetraploid and hexaploid cytotypes was assessed with analyses of macroclimatic variables.

Results

Simple sequence repeat variation accurately estimated cytotype in 89% of samples from which a chromosome count had been obtained. Applying this approach to samples of unknown ploidy established that diploids and pentaploids are rare, with the common tetraploid and hexaploid cytotypes generally occurring in sites to the north/west (tetraploid) or south/east (hexaploid) portions of the species range. BothMANOVAand niche modeling approaches identified significant but subtle differences in macroclimatic conditions at the set of locations occupied by these two dominant cytotypes.

Conclusions

Incorporating chromosome count vouchers and cytotype‐estimated herbarium records allowed us to perform the largest study of cytotype niche differentiation to date. Buffalograss cytotypes differ greatly in frequency, the common tetraploid and hexaploid cytotypes are non‐randomly distributed, and these two cytotypes are subtly ecologically differentiated.
Factors affecting salivary α‐amylase levels measured with a handheld biosensor and a standard laboratory assay
Authors: Tangprasert Kanlayanee , Jantaratnotai Nattinee , Pachimsawat Praewpat
Published: July 2019

Objectives

A handheld biosensor for measuring salivary α‐amylase (sAA) was developed for convenient on‐site measurement. Previous studies reported some discrepancies in sAA levels measured with a biosensor and a standard assay. This study aimed to compare sAA levels measured with three different methods and the factors affecting its levels.

Methods

Thirty‐eight participants collected saliva two times for three measurements. First, the collector strip was placed under the tongue for 2 minutes, then the strip was used to measure sAA level on‐site immediately (intraoral biosensor; method 1). Then, a participant pooled the saliva for 4 minutes and collected the saliva into the tube which was aliquoted to measure in a laboratory with a handheld biosensor (extraoral biosensor; method 2) and with a standard enzyme kinetic assay (EKA; method 3). Additional experiments were carried out to compare the levels of sAA measured with differences in pooling time and positioning of the collector strip.

Results

A high correlation of sAA levels between an extraoral and an EKA measurement (r = 0.989) was observed, while sAA levels measured with an intraoral method showed a significant but weaker correlation with either an EKA (r = 0.475) or an extraoral method (r = 0.436). Saliva pooling time and positioning of the collector strip significantly affected sAA levels.

Conclusions

A handheld biosensor is valid to measure sAA levels extraorally. For an intraoral measurement, pooling time and positioning of the collector strip need to be taken into account.
Studies of proteasome inhibition and apoptosis induction in triple‐negative breast cancer cells by novel amino acid–polypyridine–copper complex
Authors: Li Dongdong , Wang Luyao , Yagüe Ernesto , Dai Linlin , Zhao Xiumei , Yang Zibo , Zhi Shuang , Hu Yunhui
Published: July 2019

An innovative ternary copper(II) complex, [Cu(Cl‐PIP)(Tyr)Cl]n, has been synthesized and characterized using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. X‐ray crystallography indicates that the Cu atom is five‐coordinated in a square‐pyramidal configuration. The unit forms a one‐dimensional chain along the crystallographic c‐axis. The complex was screened for cytotoxicity against a panel of eight human cancer cell lines, namely MDA‐MB‐231, CAL‐51, K562, HeLa, SGC‐7901, A549, MCF‐7 and SMMC‐7721. The best anticancer activity was obtained with triple‐negative breast cancer CAL‐51 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines, with IC50 values in the range 0.035–0.10 μM, and this was better than using carboplatin. The complex inhibits proteasomal chymotrypsin‐like activity, and docking studies reveal its interaction with 20S proteasome. In addition, the complex causes accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation, indicating its great potential as a novel therapy for triple‐negative breast cancer.
Template process for engineering the photoluminescence of PVK and PPV‐based nanowires
Authors: Mbarek Mohamed , Garreau Alexandre , Massuyeau Florian , Alimi Kamel , Wéry Jany , Faulques Eric , Duvail Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2019

Blends or stacking layers of two complementary materials are the dominant methods to get a strong donor‐acceptor behavior for in‐solution‐processed thin film devices. These methods result in different local arrangement of the two species, a central point for tuning the donor‐acceptor. In this work, it is proposed to organize a donor (poly[vinylcarbazole], PVK) and an acceptor (poly[para‐phenylenevinylene], PPV) in a nanowire geometry. A two‐step template process was used to fabricate coaxial nanowires with PPV and PVK alternatively as the core or the shell material, as shown by morphological characterization and micro‐Raman spectroscopy study. The differences of the photoluminescence properties of these two types of coaxial nanowires compared with those of PVK‐PPV blend nanowires and of pure PPV and PVK nanowires are discussed by considering the local polymer arrangement and the exciton diffusion length. Nano‐sources, as well as nanostructured light emitting diodes, could take advantage of this 1D‐like morphology for light emission control. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48201.
Estimating the trends in inequality in Bhutan using the recent Living Standard Survey 2017: The importance of adjusting expenditure for household composition
Authors: Tobden Tobden
Published: July 2019

This article evaluates and discusses inequality in Bhutan for the period of 2007–2012 and 2012–2017. Using the OECD‐modified equivalence scale, the article finds that the inequality in Bhutan fell by around 6% in the period of 2007–2012 but rose by 1% during 2012–2017. The urban inequality experienced consecutive fall by 2% in the period of 2007–2012 and almost 4% in the period of 2012–2017. The rural counterpart experienced fall by 0.1% in the period of 2007–2012 but rose by 2% in the period of 2012–2017. The richest 20% who received almost nine times the income of the poorest 20% in 2007 fell to eight times in 2012 and then again rose to a little more than eight times in 2017.
Microtopographic structures facilitate plant recruitment across a saltmarsh tidal gradient
Authors: Wang Qing , Cui Baoshan , Luo Meng , Qiu Dongdong , Shi Wei , Xie Chengjie
Published: July 2019

It is well known that establishment limitation is stronger than seed limitation in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it seems crucial during the recruitment recovery process to overcome this establishment limitation on bare or degraded patches.

Microtopographic structures have been shown to act as trap agents in saltmarshes. They can facilitate establishment, but this effect has not been quantitatively examined and assessed. This study examined the facilitative effect of microtopographic structures on plant recruitment in a dynamic saltmarsh system by conducting a series of field experiments along a saltmarsh tidal gradient.

A simple plant life‐cycle model was used to evaluate the dynamics of the plant recruitment process facilitated by microtopographic structure and the importance of each life stage. The influence of abiotic factors on each life stage was also assessed, to identify the determinants during the life history.

It was revealed that seed retention was the limiting factor in a bare saltmarsh area, rather than seed dispersal. Microtopographic structures can provide trap agents to facilitate seed anchorage. During seed retention, the stability of the microtopographic structure, especially its relative surface elevation difference, can be influenced by tidal events and the associated sediment process, which then affects seed retention efficiency.

Microtopographic structure has a strong environmental filtering effect that can revise the potential dispersed seed and emergence patterns, and the determinant of the final establishment pattern along a tidal gradient is the retention pattern resulting from the interactions between microtopographic structures and tidal events.

Furthermore, it can be designed into the early stage of recovery or restoration process so that it facilitates pioneer plant establishment. These early recruitment patches will speed up the recovery or succession process by (1) providing local seed sources, (2) retaining more seeds via the established vegetative structures, and (3) modifying microhabitat factors.