bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nigerian teachers’ perception of barriers to technology integration into the chemistry instructions
Authors: Okanlawon AE
Published: July 2014

This paper documents chemistry teachers’ perceptions of barriers to  technology integration into the chemistry lessons. Underlying the study was a conceptual underpinning which focused on the concept of ICT integration, competencies of integration and chemistry curriculum. 13 participants were recruited for the study. Their participation in this research is voluntary. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were employed as the means for collecting decontextualized statements about barriers to technology integration. The pool of statements obtained was subjected to   phenomenographic analysis. A limited number of qualitatively different perceptions of barriers to technology integration were identified as: lack of teacher training, lack of technical support, limited time for teacher  planning, computer placement in remote locations making access difficult, budget constraints and basic resistance to change by many teachers. The discussion and implications sections of the paper explore the issues on barriers to ICT integration chemistry instructions in greater depth by pointing out the multifaceted relationship among the barriers as well as recommending ways of overcoming the identified barriers.Key words: Chemistry curriculum, technology integration, pedagogical competencies, technological competencies, teacher perceptions.
The use of composite water poverty index in assessing water scarcity in the rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ifabiyi IP , Ogunbode TO
Published: July 2014

Physical availability of water resources is beneficial to man when it is readily accessible. Oyo State is noted for abundant surface water and appreciable groundwater resources in its pockets of regolith aquifers; as it has about eight months of rainy season and a relatively deep weathered regolith. In spite of this, cases of water associated diseases and deaths have been reported in the rural areas of the state. This study attempts to conduct an investigation into accessibility to potable water in the rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria via the component approach of water poverty index (WPI). Multistage method of sampling was applied to select 5 rural communities from 25 rural LGAs out of the 33 LGAs in the State. Data were collected through the administration of 1,250 copies of questionnaire across 125 rural communities. Component Index method as developed by Sullivan, et al (2003) was modified and used in this study. The results show that values of WPI were generally low, ranging from 11.29% in Itesiwaju LGA to 47.89% in Atisbo LGA out of 100% maximum obtainable; indicating that these rural areas are water stressed. The paper recommends aggressive human development efforts and the need for massive improvement in water infrastructure in the state.Key words: Water Poverty Index (WPI), Water accessibility, Rural Areas.
The Flexible Party Gums: An Esthetic Alternative for Lost Gingiva
Authors: Dange Shankar , Agrawal Trupti Rajendra , Khalikar Smita
Published: July 2014

One of the most important parts of an ideal smile is the presence of healthy gingiva. Healthy gingival tissues affect the esthetics, probably much more than teeth, a factor which is most often neglected in esthetic treatment planning. Periodontal flap surgeries often leave open embrasure spaces which are a huge esthetic deficit for the patient. Replacing the missing gingival tissue with composite, ceramic, acrylic or silicone has been reported in the literature. This case report describes the use of a gingival prosthesis fabricated by valplast-a flexible nylon- based material to recreate the lost soft tissue esthetics.

How to cite this article

Agrawal TR, Dange S, Khalikar S. The Flexible Party Gums: An Esthetic Alternative for Lost Gingiva. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2014;4(1):20-22.
Three-dimensional Imaging in Implant Assessment for the Prosthodontist: Utilization of the Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Raju Minu , Rodrigues Shobha J , Mundathaje Mahesh , Qureshi Sabaa
Published: July 2014

Background

The evolution of cone beam computed tomo- graphy three-dimensional (CBCT 3D) imaging has dramatically changed the potential for presurgical and pretreatment planning, such that outcomes are more predictable and complications more avoidable.

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to systematically review scientific and clinical literature pertaining to the uses and benefits of 3D imaging CBCT for diagnosis and treatment planning in Implantology including prosthodontics.

Materials and methods

Various databases, like PubMed, EBSCOhost and ScienceDirect, were searched from 1998 to 2010 to retrieve articles regarding the clinical applications of CBCT in dentistry. Cone beam computed tomography in dentistry was used as a key phrase to extract relevant articles in dentistry. A manual search for the references from the retrieved articles was also completed. The articles published only in English, randomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective clinical studies, laboratory and computer-generated research were included.

  The search revealed 540 articles of which 447 were irrele- vant to the study and therefore excluded.

Results

Cone beam computed tomography has created an opportunity for clinicians to acquire the highest quality diagno- stic images with an absorbed dose that is comparable to other dental radiological examinations and less than a conventional CT. Therefore, if placement of an implant might approach a nerve, invade the sinus, or penetrate out of the confines of the jawbone, the patient should be offered a discussion of CBCT 3D imaging. In addition, CBCT 3D patients should be advised of the risks, benefits and alternatives to such treatment, based upon any additional data provided by the imaging.

How to cite this article

Rodrigues SJ, Mundathaje M, Raju M, Qureshi S. Three-dimensional Imaging in Implant Assessment for the Prosthodontist: Utilization of the Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2014;4(1):23-33.
Effects of dust aerosols on tropospheric chemistry during a typical pre-monsoon season dust storm in northern India
Authors: Kumar R. , Barth M. C. , Madronich S. , Naja M. , Carmichael G. R. , Pfister G. G. , Knote C. , Brasseur G. P. , Ojha N. , Sarangi T.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. This study examines the effect of a typical pre-monsoon season dust storm on tropospheric chemistry through a case study in northern India. Dust can alter photolysis rates by scattering and absorbing solar radiation and provide surface area for heterogeneous reactions. We use the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to simulate the dust storm that occurred during 17–22 April 2010 and investigate the contribution of different processes on mixing ratios of several key trace gases including ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen oxides, methanol, acetic acid and formaldehyde. We revised the Fast Troposphere Ultraviolet Visible (F-TUV) photolysis scheme to include effects of dust aerosols on photolysis rates in a manner consistent with the calculations of aerosol optical properties for feedback to the meteorology radiation schemes. In addition, we added 12 heterogeneous reactions on the dust surface, for which 6 reactions have relative-humidity-dependent reactive uptake coefficients (γ). The inclusion of these processes in WRF-Chem is found to reduce the difference between observed and modeled O3 from 16 ± 9 to 2 ± 8 ppbv and that in NOy from 2129 ± 1425 to 372 ± 1225 pptv compared to measurements at the high-altitude site Nainital in the central Himalayas, and reduce biases by up to 30% in tropospheric column NO2 compared to OMI retrievals. The simulated dust storm acted as a sink for all the trace gases examined here and significantly perturbed their spatial and vertical distributions. The reductions in these gases are estimated as 5–100%, and more than 80% of this reduction was due to heterogeneous chemistry. The RH dependence of γ is also found to have substantial impact on the distribution of trace gases, with changes of up to 20–25% in O3 and HO2, 50% in H2O2 and 100% in HNO3. A set of sensitivity analyses revealed that dust aging could change H2O2 and CH3COOH levels by up to 50% but has a relatively small impact on other gases.
Influence of heterogeneous freezing on the microphysical and radiative properties of orographic cirrus clouds
Authors: Joos H. , Spichtinger P. , Reutter P. , Fusina F.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The influence of heterogeneous freezing on the microphysical and optical properties of orographic cirrus clouds has been simulated with the large eddy simulation model EULAG. Idealised simulations with different concentrations of ice nuclei (IN) in a dynamically dominated regime with high vertical velocities have been performed. Furthermore the temperature at cloud formation as well as the critical supersaturation for initiation of heterogenous freezing have been varied. The shortwave, longwave and net cloud forcing has been calculated under the assumption that the clouds form between 06:00 and 12:00 local time (LT) or between 12:00 and 18:00 LT. In general it can be seen that the onset of homogeneous freezing is shifted in time depending on the IN concentration, as part of the available water vapour is depleted before the critical threshold for homogeneous freezing is reached. Although the high vertical velocities in an orographic gravity wave lead to a strong adiabatic cooling followed by high ice supersaturations, even a small number concentration of IN of the order of 5 L−1 is able to strongly decrease the simulated ice crystal number burden (ICNB), ice water path (IWP) and optical depth of the cloud. In general, the ICNB, IWP and optical depth strongly decrease when the IN concentrations are increased from 0 to 50 L−1. The absolute values of the shortwave, longwave and net cloud forcing are also reduced with increasing IN concentrations. A cloud will produce a net warming or cooling depending on the IN concentration, the temperature and the time of day when the cloud forms. The clouds that form between 06:00 and 12:00 LT are mainly cooling, whereas the clouds with the same microphysical properties can lead to a warming when they form between 12:00 and 18:00 LT. In order to predict the radiative forcing of cirrus clouds it is therefore necessary to take the correct dynamical and thermodynamical processes as well as the possible existence and freezing threshold of heterogeneous IN into account, not only for low vertical velocities but also for dynamically dominated regimes like orographic cirrus.
Modeling the influences of aerosols on pre-monsoon circulation and rainfall over Southeast Asia
Authors: Lee D. , Sud Y. C. , Oreopoulos L. , Kim K.-M. , Lau W. K. , Kang I.-S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We conduct several sets of simulations with a version of NASA's Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5, (GEOS-5) Atmospheric Global Climate Model (AGCM) equipped with a two-moment cloud microphysical scheme to understand the role of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) emissions in Southeast Asia (SEA) in the pre-monsoon period of February–May. Our experiments are designed so that both direct and indirect aerosol effects can be evaluated. For climatologically prescribed monthly sea surface temperatures, we conduct sets of model integrations with and without biomass burning emissions in the area of peak burning activity, and with direct aerosol radiative effects either active or inactive. Taking appropriate differences between AGCM experiment sets, we find that BBA affects liquid clouds in statistically significantly ways, increasing cloud droplet number concentrations, decreasing droplet effective radii (i.e., a classic aerosol indirect effect), and locally suppressing precipitation due to a deceleration of the autoconversion process, with the latter effect apparently also leading to cloud condensate increases. Geographical re-arrangements of precipitation patterns, with precipitation increases downwind of aerosol sources are also seen, most likely because of advection of weakly precipitating cloud fields. Somewhat unexpectedly, the change in cloud radiative effect (cloud forcing) at surface is in the direction of lesser cooling because of decreases in cloud fraction. Overall, however, because of direct radiative effect contributions, aerosols exert a net negative forcing at both the top of the atmosphere and, perhaps most importantly, the surface, where decreased evaporation triggers feedbacks that further reduce precipitation. Invoking the approximation that direct and indirect aerosol effects are additive, we estimate that the overall precipitation reduction is about 40% due to the direct effects of absorbing aerosols, which stabilize the atmosphere and reduce surface latent heat fluxes via cooler land surface temperatures. Further refinements of our two-moment cloud microphysics scheme are needed for a more complete examination of the role of aerosol–convection interactions in the seasonal development of the SEA monsoon.
Surface-to-mountaintop transport characterised by radon observations at the Jungfraujoch
Authors: Griffiths A. D. , Conen F. , Weingartner E. , Zimmermann L. , Chambers S. D. , Williams A. G.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric composition measurements at Jungfraujoch are affected intermittently by thermally-driven (anabatic) mountain winds as well as by other vertical transport mechanisms. Using radon-222 observations, and a new analysis method, we quantify the land surface influence hour-by-hour and detect the presence of anabatic winds on a daily basis. During 2010–2011, anabatic winds occurred on roughly 40% of days, but only from April–September. Anabatic wind days were associated with warmer air temperatures over a large fraction of Europe and with a shift in airmass properties. Shifts were evident even when comparing the same radon concentrations, a proxy for land-surface influence. Aerosol washout, when quantified as a function of rain-rate using a radon normalisation technique, was also influenced by anabatic winds being more pronounced on non-anabatic days. Excluding the influence of anabatic winds, however, did not lead to a better definition of the unperturbed aerosol background than a definition based on radon alone, supporting the use of a radon threshold to identify periods with weak land-surface influence.
Satellite observations of stratospheric carbonyl fluoride
Authors: Harrison J. J. , Chipperfield M. P. , Dudhia A. , Cai S. , Dhomse S. , Boone C. D. , Bernath P. F.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The vast majority of emissions of fluorine-containing molecules are anthropogenic in nature, e.g. chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These molecules slowly degrade in the atmosphere leading to the formation of HF, COF2, and COClF, which are the main fluorine-containing species in the stratosphere. Ultimately both COF2 and COClF further degrade to form HF, an almost permanent reservoir of stratospheric fluorine due to its extreme stability. Carbonyl fluoride (COF2) is the second most abundant stratospheric "inorganic" fluorine reservoir with main sources being the atmospheric degradation of CFC-12 (CCl2F2), HCFC-22 (CHF2Cl), and CFC-113 (CF2ClCFCl2). This work reports the first global distributions of carbonyl fluoride in the Earth's atmosphere using infrared satellite remote-sensing measurements by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier transform spectrometer (ACE-FTS), which has been recording atmospheric spectra since 2004, and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instrument, which has recorded thermal emission atmospheric spectra between 2002 and 2012. The observations reveal a high degree of seasonal and latitudinal variability over the course of a year. These have been compared with the output of SLIMCAT, a state-of-the-art three-dimensional chemical transport model. In general the observations agree well with each other and compare well with SLIMCAT, although MIPAS is biased high by as much as ~30%. Between January 2004 and September 2010 COF2 grew most rapidly at altitudes above ~25 km in the southern latitudes and at altitudes below ~25 km in the northern latitudes, whereas it declined most rapidly in the tropics. These variations are attributed to changes in stratospheric dynamics over the observation period. The overall COF2 global trend over this period is calculated as 0.85 ± 0.34 % year−1 (MIPAS), 0.30 ± 0.44% year−1 (ACE), and 0.88% year−1 (SLIMCAT).
Determination of alkylamines in atmospheric aerosol particles: a comparison of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and ion chromatography approaches
Authors: Huang R.-J. , Li W.-B. , Wang Y.-R. , Wang Q. Y. , Jia W. T. , Ho K.-F. , Cao J. J. , Wang G. H. , Chen X. , EI Haddad I. , Zhuang Z. X. , Wang X. R. , Prévôt A. S. H. , O'Dowd C. D. , Hoffmann T.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. In recent years low molecular weight alkylamines have been recognized to play an important role in particle formation and growth in the lower atmosphere. However, major uncertainties are associated with their atmospheric processes, sources and sinks, mostly due to the lack of ambient measurements and the difficulties in accurate quantification of alkylamines at trace level. In this study, we present the evaluation and optimization of two analytical approaches, i.e., gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ion chromatography (IC), for the determination of alkylamines in aerosol particles. Alkylamines were converted to carbamates through derivatization with isobutyl chloroformate for GC-MS determination. A set of parameters affecting the analytical performances of the GC-MS approach, including reagent amount, reaction time and pH value, was evaluated and optimized. The accuracy is 84.3–99.1%, and the limits of detection obtained are 1.8–3.9 pg (or 0.02–0.04 ng m−3). For the IC approach, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) column was used to separate alkylamines from interfering cations before IC analysis. 1–2% (v/v) of acetone (or 2–4% (v/v) of acetonitrile) was added to the eluent to improve the separation of alkylamines on the IC column. The limits of detection obtained are 2.1–15.9 ng (or 0.9–6.4 ng m−3), and the accuracy is 55.1-103.4%. The lower accuracy can be attributed to evaporation losses of amines during the sample concentration procedure. Measurements of ambient aerosol particle samples collected in Hong Kong show that the GC-MS approach is superior to the IC approach for the quantification of primary and secondary alkylamines due to its lower detection limits and higher accuracy.
Simulation of tree ring-widths with a model for primary production, carbon allocation and growth
Authors: Li G. , Harrison S. P. , Prentice I. C. , Falster D.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We present a simple, generic model of annual tree growth, called "T". This model accepts input from a first-principles light-use efficiency model (the P model). The P model provides values for Gross Primary Production (GPP) per unit of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Absorbed PAR is estimated from the current leaf area. GPP is allocated to foliage, transport-tissue, and fine root production and respiration, in such a way as to satisfy well-understood dimensional and functional relationships. Our approach thereby integrates two modelling approaches separately developed in the global carbon-cycle and forest-science literature. The T model can represent both ontogenetic effects (impact of ageing) and the effects of environmental variations and trends (climate and CO2) on growth. Driven by local climate records, the model was applied to simulate ring widths during 1958–2006 for multiple trees of Pinus koraiensis from the Changbai Mountain, northeastern China. Each tree was initialised at its actual diameter at the time when local climate records started. The model produces realistic simulations of the interannual variability in ring width for different age cohorts (young, mature, old). Both the simulations and observations show a significant positive response of tree-ring width to growing-season total photosynthetically active radiation (PAR0) and the ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration (α), and a significant negative response to mean annual temperature (MAT). The slopes of the simulated and observed relationships with PAR0 and α are similar; the negative response to MAT is underestimated by the model. Comparison of simulations with fixed and changing atmospheric CO2 concentration shows that CO2 fertilization over the past 50 years is too small to be distinguished in the ring-width data given ontogenetic trends and interannual variability in climate.
Multi-model climate impact assessment and intercomparison for three large-scale river basins on three continents
Authors: Vetter T. , Huang S. , Aich V. , Yang T. , Wang X. , Krysanova V. , Hattermann F.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Climate change impacts on hydrological processes should be simulated for river basins using validated models and multiple climate scenarios in order to provide reliable results for stakeholders. In the last 10–15 years climate impact assessment was performed for many river basins worldwide using different climate scenarios and models. Nevertheless, the results are hardly comparable and do not allow to create a full picture of impacts and uncertainties. Therefore, a systematic intercomparison of impacts is suggested, which should be done for representative regions using state-of-the-art models. Our study is intended as a step in this direction. The impact assessment presented here was performed for three river basins on three continents: Rhine in Europe, Upper Niger in Africa and Upper Yellow in Asia. For that, climate scenarios from five GCMs and three hydrological models: HBV, SWIM and VIC, were used. Four "Representative Concentration Pathways" (RCPs) covering a range of emissions and land-use change projections were included. The objectives were to analyze and compare climate impacts on future trends considering three runoff quantiles: Q90, Q50 and Q10 and on seasonal water discharge, and to evaluate uncertainties from different sources. The results allow drawing some robust conclusions, but uncertainties are large and shared differently between sources in the studied basins. The robust results in terms of trend direction and slope and changes in seasonal dynamics could be found for the Rhine basin regardless which hydrological model or forcing GCM is used. For the Niger River scenarios from climate models are the largest uncertainty source, providing large discrepancies in precipitation, and therefore clear projections are difficult to do. For the Upper Yellow basin, both the hydrological models and climate models contribute to uncertainty in the impacts, though an increase in high flows in future is a robust outcome assured by all three hydrological models.
Comparison of sampling methodologies for nutrient monitoring in streams: uncertainties, costs and implications for mitigation
Authors: Audet J. , Martinsen L. , Hasler B. , de Jonge H. , Karydi E. , Ovesen N. B. , Kronvang B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems caused by excess concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus may have harmful consequences for biodiversity and poses a health risk to humans via the water supplies. Reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus losses to aquatic ecosystems involves implementation of costly measures, and reliable monitoring methods are therefore essential to select appropriate mitigation strategies and to evaluate their effects. Here, we compare the performances and costs of three methodologies for the monitoring of nutrients in rivers: grab sampling, time-proportional sampling and passive sampling using flow proportional samplers. Assuming time-proportional sampling to be the best estimate of the "true" nutrient load, our results showed that the risk of obtaining wrong total nutrient load estimates by passive samplers is high despite similar costs as the time-proportional sampling. Our conclusion is that for passive samplers to provide a reliable monitoring alternative, further development is needed. Grab sampling was the cheapest of the three methods and was more precise and accurate than passive sampling. We conclude that although monitoring employing time-proportional sampling is costly, its reliability precludes unnecessarily high implementation expenses.
High-resolution modelling of the seasonal evolution of surface water storage on the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Arnold N. S. , Banwell A. F. , Willis I. C.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Seasonal meltwater lakes on the Greenland Ice Sheet form when surface runoff is temporarily trapped in surface topographic depressions. The development of such lakes affects both the surface energy balance and dynamics of the ice sheet. Although areal extents, depths and lifespan of lakes can be inferred from satellite imagery, such observational studies have a limited temporal resolution. Here, we adopt a modelling-based strategy to estimate the seasonal evolution of surface water storage for the ~ 3600 km2 Paakitsoq region of W. Greenland. We use a high-resolution time-dependent surface mass balance model to calculate surface melt, a supraglacial water routing model to calculate lake filling and a prescribed water-volume-based threshold to predict rapid lake drainage events. This threshold assumes that drainage will occur through a fracture if V = Fa ⋅ H, where V is lake volume, H is the local ice thickness and Fa is the potential fracture area. The model shows good agreement between modelled lake locations and volumes and those observed in nine Landsat 7 ETM images from 2001, 2002 and 2005. We use the model to investigate the lake water volume required to trigger drainage, and the impact that varying this threshold volume has on the proportion of meltwater that is stored in surface lakes and enters the subglacial drainage system. Model performance is maximised with values of Fa between 4000 and 7500 m2. For these thresholds, lakes transiently store < 40% of available meltwater at the beginning of the melt season, decreasing to ~ 5 to 10% by the middle of the melt season; over the course of a melt season, 40 to 50% of total meltwater production enters the subglacial drainage system through moulins at the bottom of drained lakes.
MODIS observed increase in duration and spatial extent of sediment plumes in Greenland fjords
Authors: Hudson B. , Overeem I. , McGrath D. , Syvitski J. P. M. , Mikkelsen A. , Hasholt B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The freshwater flux from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) to the North Atlantic Ocean carries extensive but poorly documented volumes of sediment. We develop a suspended sediment concentration (SSC) retrieval algorithm using a large Greenland specific in situ data set. This algorithm is applied to all cloud-free NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Terra images from 2000 to 2012 to monitor SSC dynamics at six river plumes in three fjords in southwest Greenland. Melt-season mean plume SSC increased at all but one site, although these trends were primarily not statistically significant. Zones of sediment concentration > 50 mg L−1 expanded in three river plumes, with potential consequences for biological productivity. The high SSC cores of sediment plumes ( > 250 mg L−1 expanded in one-third of study locations. At a regional scale, higher volumes of runoff were associated with higher melt-season mean plume SSC values, but this relationship did not hold for individual rivers. High spatial variability between proximal plumes highlights the complex processes operating in Greenland's glacio–fluvial–fjord systems.
Arte e Ciência:reinventando identidades culturais - DOI 10.5216/vis.v2i1.17889
Authors: Martins Raimundo
Published: July 2014

Duas culturas do conhecimento – a cultura da escrita e a do método – tornaram-se modelos para a compreensão e a prática científica no ocidente, criando resistências para a legitimação e desenvolvimento das ciências humanas e da arte na universidade. Uma análise dessas culturas, a forma como se estabeleceram e suas influências na organização do conhecimento na univer-sidade, são os focos iniciais do trabalho. A noção histórica de ‘crise’, vista como uma crise de identidade da ciência, leva a uma revisão de conceitos. O estudo discute a noção de identidade e o modo como as duas culturas marcaram, pela diferença e/ou exclusão, as relações de poder na ciência. Três conceitos da filosofia da ciência – capta , data e acta – são revisitados e propostos como caminhos para a reinvenção de identidades da arte e da ciência no presente contexto da cultura universitária.Palavras-chave: conhecimento, arte, ciência, universidade, cultura.
Editorial – Revista Educação Especial
Authors: Naujorks Maria Inês
Published: July 2014

Editorial Revista Educação Especialhttp://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X13964
Eficácia de mobiliário escolar adaptado de baixo custo no desempenho funcional de criança com paralisia cerebral
Authors: Piovezanni Marco Aurélio Teixeira , Rocha Aila Narane Dahwache Criado , Braccialli Lígia Maria Presumido
Published: July 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X7289 Indivíduos com Paralisia Cerebral apresentam desenvolvimento motor atípico, caracterizado por alterações posturais, de coordenação motora e de tônus muscular, que resulta em limitações no desempenho de atividades funcionais. Neste contexto destaca-se a prescrição e confecção de recursos de tecnologia assistiva com objetivo de maximizar as habilidades funcionais destas pessoas e prover sua inclusão social. Os indivíduos com paralisia cerebral, muitas vezes, têm dificuldade para a manutenção da dinâmica corporal, principalmente na postura sentada. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de confeccionar uma cadeira e mesa escolar adaptadas com material de baixo custo e verificar sua eficácia no desempenho grafomotor de uma criança com paralisia cerebral. O participante foi uma criança com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral diplégica, do gênero masculino. A coleta e registro dos dados foram feitos em três momentos, com a criança posicionada no mobiliário adaptado, no mobiliário escolar comum e novamente no mobiliário adaptado, para se estabelecer a comparação. A análise de dados se deu por meio de testes estatísticos não paramétricos. Não houve significância estatística e foi verificada uma inconstância nos dados apresentados, já que não se pode afirmar ao certo qual mobiliário foi mais eficaz na realização da atividade proposta e nem se houve aprendizado motor com a sua repetição. Esse fato não invalida a adequação de mobiliário escolar ao aluno com paralisia cerebral, visto que este é um fator importante para favorecer o controle e estabilidade postural ao individuo, o que interfere na coordenação motora fina destes indivíduos, influenciando no seu desempenho em atividades escolares. Palavras - chave: Educação especial. Tecnologia assistiva. Mobiliário escolar.
A New Method to Evaluate Equity-Linked Life Insurance
Authors: Tsai Ming-Shann , Lee Shih-Cheng , Chen Jiun-Lin , Wu Shu-Ling
Published: July 2014

This paper provides a new method to appraise equity-linked life insurance products. Using the mixture mortality model to determine the death and survival probability, we calculate the premium for a death claim and a survival claim for equity-linked life insurance policies. The numerical result shows that the premium is higher than that calculated using the Brennan and Schwartz model. As a mixed survival function can solve the problems of the rigid application in Life Tables, the premium from our method is more accurate for life insurance. Thus, our method can help life insurance companies avoid potential losses from mispriced products.

Keywords: Equity-Linked Life Insurance, Mixture Mortality Model, Mortality Rate

To cite this document: Ming-Shann Tsai, Shih-Cheng Lee, Jiun-Lin Chen, and Shu-Ling Wu, "A New Method to Evaluate Equity-Linked Life Insurance", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.1, pp.23-32, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.10397
Religious Diversity at Work: The Perceptual Effects of Religious Discrimination on Employee Engagement and Commitment
Authors: Canaan Messarra Leila
Published: July 2014

As the workforce is becoming more diversified in terms of culture, ethnicity, and religion, many individual values are carried over to the workplace. Now, in the post-9/11 world, employees working in religiously diverse organizations might be prone to increased interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings because of their religious affiliation. Yet, exploring the effects of religious diversity in organizations is still in its embryonic stages. This study investigated the perceptual effects of perceived religious discrimination on employee work-related behaviors, mainly commitment and engagement. The study surveyed 548 employees working in religiously diverse organizations. The findings suggested that when workers perceive religious discrimination in their organization, their commitment and engagement are affected. It is recommended that managers in general and specifically human resource managers devise strategies and develop management interventions to mitigate the negative organizational and personal consequences of religious discrimination in the workplace. Further studies should assess the effects of employees’ perceived religious discrimination on other behavioral outcomes.

Keywords: Employee Engagement, Commitment, Religious Discrimination, Religious Diversity

To cite this document: Leila Canaan Messarra, "Religious Diversity at Work: The Perceptual Effects of Religious Discrimination on Employee Engagement and Commitment", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.1, pp.59-80, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12018
Financial Burden of Dental Care Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ben Dor Betty , Villa Alessandro , Hayes Catherine , Alpert Elizabeth , Shepard Donald S. , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) experience oral complications requiring substantial dental treatment. This treatment is commonly not reimbursed by medical insurers, presenting a potential financial burden for patients.

Objective

To characterize the dental care needs and associated cost burden for patients with HNC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study included Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) members who were surveyed from March 23 to October 27, 2023, using Qualtrics. The survey was promoted using the HNCA’s social media and email list. Data analysis was performed between October 2023 and May 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes were oral and dental complications of cancer treatment among patients with HNC, the association of cancer treatment with dental care use, and costs of associated dental treatment.

Results

Of 100 individuals administered the survey, 85 (85%) completed all required questions and were included in the analysis. Of 84 participants with age and sex data, 51 (61%) were aged 65 years or older and 45 (54%) were female. Of 85 respondents, 59 (70%) indicated that their current oral health was worse than before cancer treatment. Most respondents (73 of 85 [86%]) endorsed oral complications from cancer treatment, including xerostomia (66 of 73 [90%]), caries (35 of 73 [48%]), and oral mucositis (29 of 73 [40%]); 64 of 73 respondents (88%) required follow-up dental treatment. Overall, 4 of 28 (14%) before HNC treatment and 17 of 53 (32%) after treatment reported finances as the reason that not all recommended dental care was received. A total of 33 of the 85 respondents (39%) said that their postcancer dental care had caused them financial hardship. Individuals who were less likely to endorse financial hardship were more likely to have greater educational attainment (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06-0.58), higher income (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.11-0.94), increased pre-HNC dental visit frequency (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10-0.86), same or better oral health after HNC (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.50), and lower out-of-pocket dental expenses after HNC (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.29).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study, most patients undergoing treatment for HNC required extensive dental treatment throughout cancer treatment; this treatment presented a financial burden for 39% of patients that was a limiting barrier to care. Since most private medical insurers do not reimburse for dental treatment, more comprehensive coverage deserves policy attention.
Synthesis of 4‐Phenylpyrrolidin‐2‐one
via
an Aza‐Baeyer‐Villiger Rearrangement
Authors: Ong Mike , Arnold Marlene , Wahl Johannes M.
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the procedure for synthesis of 4‐phenylpyrrolidin‐2‐one via an aza‐Baeyer‐Villiger rearrangement. The synthesis of γ‐lactams represents a critical area of current research, because these compounds have been identified as promising scaffolds for the development of new drugs due to their diverse and often potent biological activities. Facile access to γ‐lactam analogues provides a platform to explore structure activity relationships enabling the development of novel therapeutic agents. Insertion of a nitrogen group in the α‐position of a carbonyl is well established by the Schmidt and Beckmann reactions. However, these procedures often entail harsh reaction conditions rendering them less suitable for late‐stage transformations and lowering the functional group compatibility. A mechanistic investigation unveiled rearrangement from a Criegee‐like intermediate via an aza‐Baeyer‐Villiger type reaction, a decisive contrast to the venerable Beckmann rearrangement.
Self‐Recoverable Symmetric Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell with Smart Reversible Exsolution/Dissolution Electrode
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Wang Zheng , Yang Kaichuang , Liu Jiapeng , Song Yufei , Li Jingwei , Hu Zhiwei , Robson Matthew J. , Zhang Zhiqi , Tian Yunfeng , Xu Shenjun , Lu Ying , Law Ho Mei , Liu Feng , Chen Qing , Yang Zhibin , Ciucci Francesco
Published: August 2024

This study unveils a novel concept of symmetric protonic ceramic fuel cells (symm‐PCFCs) with the introduction of a self‐recoverable electrode design, employing the innovative material BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3‐δ (BCFZY). This research marks a significant milestone as it demonstrates the bi‐functional electrocatalytic activity of BCFZY for the first time. Utilizing density functional theory simulations, the molecular orbital interactions and defect chemistry of BCFZY are explored, uncovering its unique capability for the reversible exsolution and dissolution of Co‐Fe nanoparticles under redox conditions. This feature is pivotal in promoting both hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. Leveraging this insight, a cell is fabricated exhibiting high electrocatalytic activity and fuel flexibility as evidenced by the peak power densities of ≈350, 287, and 221 mW cm−2 (at 600 °C) with hydrogen, methanol, and methane as fuels, respectively. Experiments also show that the reversible exsolution/dissolution mitigates performance degradation, enabling prolonged operational life through self‐recovery. This approach paves the way for novel, advanced, durable, and commercially viable symm‐PCFCs.
Engineered Zwitterionic Diblock Copolymer‐siRNA Polyplexes Provide Highly Effective Treatment of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer in a 4T1 Murine Model
Authors: Jeon Taewon , Goswami Ritabrita , Nagaraj Harini , Cicek Yagiz Anil , Lehot Victor , Welton Janelle , Bell Charlotte J. , Park Jungmi , Luther David C. , Im Jungkyun , Rotello Caren M. , Mager Jesse , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: August 2024

Self‐assembly of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with a block copolymer featuring guanidinium and zwitterion functionalized blocks generates core‐shell‐like nanovectors that provide cytosolic access to siRNA and efficiently evade phagocytic clearance. The guanidinium‐functionalized inner block complexes siRNA in the nanovector interior and enables cytosolic delivery. The zwitterionic outer block provides a non‐interacting shell on the nanovectors that reduces macrophage uptake in vitro and phagocytic clearance and enhances tumor localization in vivo. These nanovectors are used to treat a 4T1 (murine) model of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The nanovectors deliver siRNA efficiently to 4T1 triple‐negative breast cancer cells in vitro, with high selectivity relative to macrophages. This efficiency and selectivity translate into in vivo efficacy: diblock nanovectors evaded phagocytic clearance and efficiently localized in an aggressive murine 4T1 orthotopic model, with a ≈3‐fold increase of vector residing in the tumor compared to the homopolymer nanovectors. This increased localization efficiently knocked down STAT3 (≈80%) and provided tumorostasis (100% growth inhibition) at a low dose of 0.14 mg kg−1. The in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these nanovectors demonstrate the potential of engineered polymer architectures to generate effective self‐assembled siRNA therapeutics that avoid phagocytic clearance for the treatment of diseases requiring systemic administration.
Aerophilic Surfaces for Sustained Corrosion Protection of Metals Underwater
Authors: Prado Lucia H. , Hayek Samer , Mazare Anca , Erceg Ina , Sarau George , Christiansen Silke , Kamaleev Maksim , Wurmshuber Michael , Lohbauer Ulrich , Goldmann Wolfgang H. , Virtanen Sannakaisa , Tesler Alexander B.
Published: August 2024

Corrosion and biofouling are wetting‐related phenomena that limit the effective use of metals in aqueous media. Nonwettable surfaces can mitigate the adverse effects of wetting by minimizing contact with water. However, current achievements in this field fall short of meeting industrial requirements due to the short lifetime of plastrons. This study proposes a method to measure the protective sustainability of plastron. Superhydrophobic (SHS) and aerophilic (APhS) surfaces are constructed on lightweight aluminum and are initially analyzed by conventional goniometry, which show comparable values. However, the plastron that develops underwater is substantially different. While SHS exhibit unevenly broken plastron, APhS show uniform, continuous plastron. As an example of the sustained protective performance of plastron, the corrosion resistance of SHS and APhS is presented. Potentiodynamic polarization, impedance spectroscopy, and long‐term immersion in seawater show a drastic enhancement in corrosion resistance, exclusively for APhS. In fact, almost no electrochemical signals are measurable, and no pitting corrosion is observed after 415 days of immersion in seawater. Conversely, SHS show no noticeable improvement and corrode faster than bare Al due to plastron loss. Since goniometric measurements do not provide information on plastron, it is essential to analyze the plastron for any non‐wettable surface utilized underwater.
Ultrafast Metaphotonic PCR Chip with Near‐Perfect Absorber
Authors: Kim Inki , Kim Hongyoon , Go Myeongcheol , Lee Seho , Nguyen Dang Du , Kim Seongryeong , Shrestha Kiran , Alsaadi Abdulrahman , Jeon Youngsun , Jeong Sebin , Cho Gyoujin , Kim Jin Kon , Rho Junsuk , Lee Luke P.
Published: August 2024

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for nucleic acid amplification and quantification in diverse fields such as life sciences, global health, medicine, agricultural science, forensic science, and environmental science for global sustainability. However, implementing a cost‐effective PCR remains challenging for rapid preventive medical action to the widespread pandemic diseases due to the absence of highly efficient and low‐cost PCR chip‐based POC molecular diagnostics. Here, this work reports an ultrafast metaphotonic PCR chip as a solution of a cost‐effective and low‐power‐consumption POC device for the emerging global challenge of sustainable healthcare. This work designs a near‐perfect photonic meta‐absorber using ring‐shaped titanium nitride to maximize the photothermal effect and realize rapid heating and cooling cycles during the PCR process. This work fabricates a large‐area photonic meta‐absorber on a 6‐inch wafer cost‐effectively using simple colloidal lithography. In addition, this work demonstrates 30 thermocycles from 65 (annealing temperature) to 95 °C (denaturation temperature) within 3 min 15 s, achieving an average 16.66 °C s−1 heating rate and 7.77 °C s−1 cooling rate during thermocycling, succeeding rapid metaphotonic PCR. This work believes a metaphotonic PCR chip can be used to create a low‐cost, ultrafast molecular diagnostic chip with a meta‐absorber.
Simultaneous Material and Chemical Recycling of Waste PET/PE Multi‐Layer Films under Hydrothermal Conditions
Authors: Zheng Qingxin , Suga Yoshiki , Su Yu , Yamaguchi Hiroya , Watanabe Masaru
Published: August 2024

Multi‐layer plastic films are widely used in various fields especially for packaging, but due to complex composition, it is very difficult to recover single‐material polymers or high‐purity monomers from them after usage. In this study, we proposed a hydrothermal process for recycling PET/PE (PET: Polyethylene terephthalate; PE: Polyethylene) films. PET can be hydrolyzed to monomers of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Using a hydrothermal system equipped with two filters, PE, TPA, and EG were collected separately, indicating the simultaneous material and chemical recycling of PET/PE films was firstly achieved. At 300 °C and 10 MPa for 60 min, PET conversion reached around 100 %, and TPA yield of 83.0 % was obtained with a high TPA purity of 96.1 %. In addition, the effect of the holding time on PET conversion, TPA yield, EG yield, and TPA purity was studied. This research opened up a new and sustainable pathway to recycle multi‐layer plastic films in both lab and industry.
Triphenylphosphine Oxide: A Versatile Covalent Functionality for Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pan Yanlin , Baster Dominika , Käch Daniel , Reger Jan , Wettstein Lionel , Krumeich Frank , El Kazzi Mario , Bezdek Máté J.
Published: August 2024

Broadening the scope of functionalities that can be covalently bound to single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is crucial for enhancing the versatility of this promising nanomaterial class in applied settings. Here we report the covalent linkage of triphenylphosphine oxide [Ph3P(O)] to SWCNTs, a hitherto overlooked surface functionality. We detail the synthesis and structural characterization of a new family of phosphine oxide‐functionalized diaryliodonium salts that can facilitate direct Ph3P(O) transfer and afford novel SWCNTs with tunable Ph3P(O) content (SWCNT‐P). The molecularly‐distributed and robust nature of the covalent Ph3P(O) attachment in SWCNT‐P was supported by a combination of characterization methods including Raman, infrared, UV/Vis‐NIR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies coupled with thermogravimetric analysis. Electron microscopy further revealed the effectiveness of the Ph3P(O) moiety for de‐bundling SWCNTs to yield SWCNT‐P with superior dispersibility and processability. Finally, electrochemical studies established that SWCNT‐P is sensitive to the presence of Li+, Na+ and K+ wherein the Gutmann‐Beckett Lewis acidity parameters of the ions were quantitatively transduced by Ph3P(O) to electrochemical responses. This work hence presents a synthetic, structural, spectroscopic and electrochemical foundation for a new phosphorus‐enriched responsive nanomaterial platform featuring the Ph3P(O) functionality.