bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web 2.0 Technologies and Building Online Learning Communities: Students' Perspectives
Authors: Abdelmalak Mariam Mousa Matta
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this action research was to explore students’ perspectives regarding using Web 2.0 technologies to develop a community of learners. The course described in this study was a fully online course in an Educational Learning Technologies master’s program at a medium-sized university in the U.S. Southwest. A variety of Web 2.0 tools (Twitter, Google Docs, Skype, blogs, and wikis) were used throughout the course to enhance students’ sense of community. The methods of data collection in this study included students’ reflective journaling activities, the researcher’s journal and field notes, and students’ comments on each other’s reflections. Students indicated that using Google Docs, wikis, blogs, and Twitter gave them a sense of a learning community while using Skype did not. Google Docs and wikis had the most impact on students’ sense of a learning community in the course. Findings suggest that faculty interested in building learning communities in online environments need to use variety of Web 2.0 technologies in order to make students aware of those technologies’ promise for supporting communication.
Student Satisfaction with Online Learning: Is it a Psychological Contract?
Authors: Dziuban Charles , Moskal Patsy , Thompson Jessica , Kramer Lauren , DeCantis Genevieve , Hermsdorfer Andrea
Published: February 2017

The authors explore the possible relationship between student satisfaction with online learning and the theory of psychological contracts. The study incorporates latent trait models using the image analysis procedure and computation of Anderson and Rubin factors scores with contrasts for students who are satisfied, ambivalent, or dissatisfied with their online learning experiences. The findings identify three underlying satisfaction components: engaged learning, agency, and assessment. The factor score comparisons indicate that students in the general satisfaction categories characterize important differences in engaged learning and agency, but not assessment. These results lead the authors to hypothesize that predetermined, but unspecified expectations (i.e., psychological contracts) for online courses by both students and faculty members are important advance organizers for clarifying student satisfaction.
Creating Dynamic Learning Communities in Synchronous Online Courses: One Approach from the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL)
Authors: McDaniels Melissa , Pfund Christine , Barnicle Kitch
Published: February 2017

The ability to convert face-to-face curricula into rigorous and equally rich online experiences is a topic of much investigation. In this paper, we report on the conversion of a face-to-face research mentor training curriculum into a synchronous, online course. Graduate students and postdoc participants from the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) reported high satisfaction with the online training and increased confidence in their mentoring. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate that the synchronous environment was successful in creating a strong sense of community among the participants. Specific pedagogical approaches for cultivating learning communities online as well as implications for scaling up such efforts are discussed.
Creating a Sticky MOOC
Authors: Oakley Barbara Ann , Poole Debra , Nestor MaryAnne
Published: February 2017

Learning How to Learn, a MOOC from UC San Diego, is one of Coursera’s most successful offerings; in its first year, nearly one million learners enrolled in the course. As a result of its high student satisfaction levels (4.55 on a 5-point Likert scale) and the persistence of strong student interest in the course, it is worth examining the course’s dynamics more closely in an effort to tease out its sources of satisfaction and popularity. For this paper, we used students’ responses to an open-ended question to develop a list of potentially important “stickiness” features. A subset of students enrolled in the third session of Learning How to Learn then rated their overall satisfaction with the course and the extent to which each feature contributed to their persistence in the course. Three primary factors suggested by a factor analysis of stickiness items correlated most highly with course satisfaction: Instructor Quality, Conceptual Clarity/Importance, and Format. A description of the course creation process explains how these factors were achieved through the use of metaphor and analogy, instructor interactions with the graphics, the use of motion to maintain students’ attention, tight scripting, a relaxed presentation demeanor, volunteer TA support, and relevant yet occasionally humorous quizzes.
The Role of Social Influence in Anxiety and the Imposter Phenomenon
Authors: Fraenza Christy
Published: February 2017

High anxiety levels have been associated with high levels of the imposter phenomenon (IP), a negative experience of feeling like a fraud. This study was designed to explore IP among graduate students and to determine whether a difference exists between online graduate students and traditional graduate students. The theoretical foundation of this study was social influence, which holds that students may feel pressured in a traditional setting because of the social cues of peers and instructors, as well as institutional norms. This quantitative study used a between-subjects design to compare 2 independent samples (115 online students & 105 traditional students). The study used a cross-sectional survey design, with 4 different measures: the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale, and a basic demographic survey. Results indicated that traditional graduate students had significantly higher IP scores than online graduate students. Results also indicated a significant, positive relationship between IP scores and anxiety scores. Regression analysis indicated that perfectionism was the most influential predictor of IP scores, followed by anxiety and program type. Because the scale used in this study explored socially prescribed perfectionism, the results appear to suggest an underlying social component to IP.
Development of an Evidence-based Professional Learning Program Informed by Online Teachers' Self-efficacy and Threshold Concepts
Authors: Gosselin Kevin P , Northcote Maria , Reynaud Daniel , Kilgour Peter , Anderson Malcolm , Boddey Chris
Published: February 2017

As online education continues to expand across varied educational sectors, so does the demand for professional development programs to guide academic teaching staff through the processes of developing their capacities to design and teach online courses. To meet these challenges at one higher education institution, a mixed methods research study was implemented to identify the professional learning needs of academic teaching staff for the purposes of developing a tailor-made professional development program. The principles of self-efficacy and threshold concepts were used to inform the design of the study. Data were systematically gathered from the participants to determine self-efficacy, concerns, and questions and experiences of academic teaching staff with online teaching. Findings revealed that academic staff held threshold concepts, skills and attitudes about online teaching. Three groups of staff were identified, all with varying forms of professional development requirements. This case study account demonstrates how an evidence-based project provided the basis for a research-informed institutional professional development program that is currently guiding academic staff through their development as online course designers and teachers.
A Comparative Structural Equation Modeling Investigation of the Relationships among Teaching, Cognitive and Social Presence
Authors: Kozan Kadir
Published: February 2017

The present study investigated the relationships among teaching, cognitive, and social presence through several structural equation models to see which model would better fit the data. To this end, the present study employed and compared several different structural equation models because different models could fit the data equally well. Among the models compared, the results indicated that the model with cognitive presence as a full mediator and the model with social presence as a partial mediator could achieve an equally satisfactory data fit. This conclusion may depend on the level of the presences: The present results indicated a statistically higher level of teaching presence than cognitive and social presence as well as a statistically higher level of cognitive presence compared to social presence. The results further suggested that teaching presence could either have a direct or indirect relationship with cognitive presence thereby increasing it without or with social presence as a mediator between teaching and cognitive presence. The results further suggested that teaching presence efforts spent on increasing cognitive presence can function directly, which may also promote social presence, and indirectly through social presence. Further research comparing different possible structural equation models of the relationships among the presences in different learning contexts is warranted.
Analysis of Discussion Board Interaction in an Online Peer-Mentoring Site
Authors: Ruane Regina , Lee Vera
Published: February 2017

This study uses Critical Discourse Analysis and Social Network Analysis to examine an online peer mentoring site created to unite first-year and third-year preservice teachers enrolled in an undergraduate teacher education program. The peer mentoring site was developed to provide both first-year preservice teachers and more experienced peers the opportunity to discuss, share, and learn both from and with one another. The study demonstrated that the online peer mentoring site supported valuable interactions and professional communications among first-year and third-year students. In particular, the preservice teachers engaged with one another to share their experiences and learning as they prepared to be teachers. This study has implications for the field of undergraduate education in its demonstration that an online peer mentoring site can allow for the cultivation of learning, ideas and knowledge exchange, and support of students learning in informal environments. This research also has implications for future research to determine how different populations of students use an online peer mentoring site to interact with their peers and the outcomes that emerge. Such data could inform future development of peer mentoring sites and similar learning spaces.
Peran Agama Serta Implementasi Komunikasi dan Manajemen Konflik dalam Kerusuhan Sosial di Losari Brebes Jawa Tengah
Authors: Yuliyanto Muchamad
Published: February 2017

horizontal conflict at Losari beginning from young men fight at two border area that going bigger and become social riot and plundering Chinese shops. Religion as prophetic teaching—that trying to develop equality between men—is actually fails to internalize to their community. Communication and conflict resolution primarily played by actor namely religious and community figure that still have authority or power and honored by their community. Good cooperation between Losari Regency government with religious and community figure is one of key success to perform conflict resolution that begin with communication between two community involved that horizontal conflict.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among married women of reproductive age in a VDC of eastern Nepal
Authors: Uprety S , Poudel I S , Ghimire A , Poudel M , Bhattrai S , Baral D D
Published: February 2017

Contraceptive use and fertility rates vary substantially among developing countries. An important factor, which affects the fertility of any population, is Contraceptive. Contraceptive use varies by age. Nepal over the past 15 years show an impressive increase in the use of modern contraceptive methods from 26 percent in 1996 to 43 percent in 2011. Objectives of the is to assess the knowledge, attitude regarding family planning and the practice of contraceptives among the married women of Dhabi VDC of Eastern Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was done in Dhabi VDC. Total of 300 married women age 15-49 sample were taken from family planning center situated in Dhabi. Knowledge, attitude and practice on contraceptives were evaluated with the help of a predesigned questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done by using SPSS 11.5 software to obtain frequencies and percentages. Out of 300 interviewed women, the mean age was 27.94 years, 98% had heard about Family planning method. Radio was the main Source of family planning information. Regarding the usage of contraceptive methods, about 79.3% had ever used and 63.3 had current using some sort of contraception, among the method used Injectables were the commonly used methods About 71% of married women other child in the further. Despite the knowledge of all family planning methods majority of the women used Injectables. Easily accessible and easily to use were the main reasons for choosing Injectables methods.
Resilience in Veterinary Students and the Predictive Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Authors: McArthur Michelle , Mansfield Caroline , Matthew Susan , Zaki Sanaa , Brand Conor , Andrews Jena , Hazel Susan
Published: February 2017

Resilience is a dynamic and multifaceted process in which individuals draw on personal and contextual resources. In difficult situations, resilient people use specific strategies to learn from the situation without being overcome by it. As stressors are inherent to veterinary work, including long work hours, ethical dilemmas, and challenging interactions with clients, resilience is an important component of professional quality of life. However, while resilience in other health professionals has received attention, it has received little in the veterinary field. In this cross-sectional study, veterinary students from six veterinary schools in Australia completed an online survey, with 193 responses (23%). Very few veterinary students (6%) reached the threshold to be considered highly resilient using the Brief Resilience Scale, and approximately one third classified as having low levels of resilience. In the final linear multiple regression model, predictors of resilience included nonjudgmental and nonreactive mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and self-compassion (Neff Self-Compassion Scale). Students with higher nonjudgmental and nonreactive mindfulness and self-compassion had higher resilience scores. These findings indicate that fostering these qualities of mindfulness and self-compassion may be aligned with strengthening veterinary student resilience. Importantly, if the factors that help veterinary students develop a capacity for resilience can be identified, intervention programs can be targeted to educate future veterinary professionals with a high quality of life, both professional and personal.
Pilot Study of Veterinary Student Mindset and Association with Academic Performance and Perceived Stress
Authors: Root Kustritz Margaret V.
Published: February 2017

Individuals with a growth mindset believe that all failures are opportunities and that their baseline intelligence and talent can be used for continuous improvement. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that baseline intelligence and talent cannot be developed. A growth mindset is associated with greater academic success and greater resilience in the face of failure or stress. Second-year veterinary students completed three surveys to determine mindset, perceived levels of stress, and life change score. Of 57 students, 70% had a strong growth mindset or a growth mindset with some fixed ideas. No students had a strong fixed mindset. Mindset was not correlated with GPA or perceived stress level. Colleges of veterinary medicine can assist students by providing resources and training for stress management, including training in how to further develop a growth mindset.
Stopping Sight Distance and Available Sight Distance: New Model and Reliability Analysis Comparison
Authors: Wood Jonathan S. , Donnell Eric T.
Published: February 2017

Stopping sight distance (SSD) is an important design criterion used in the geometry of highways and streets. Design guidance implies that SSD is used to ensure safety along the roadway. This paper reviews SSD design criteria and develops an updated model to improve consistency between available sight distance and SSD criteria found in geometric design policy. A new variable, the distance from the front of the car to the driver’s eye ( Lfront-eye), is used in the updated model. Distributional values for Lfront-eye are determined. A method accounting for lighted (daytime and lighted nighttime) versus unlighted nighttime conditions is also discussed. A probabilistic analysis of vertical curve SSD uses Monte Carlo simulation. The results of this analysis are compared with the SSD model found in current geometric design policy. Possible values for Lfront-eye that can be used in design guidance are proposed. Potential issues that should be investigated in future work are discussed.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman
Published: February 2017

Abstract not availableAnwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 7, No. 1: Jan 2016, P 4
Measurement of Oral Health Literacy Level Among Bangladeshi Adults Seeking Dental Care and Its Relationship With Socio-demographic Characteristics
Authors: Mahmud Shaikh Zakir , Amin Mohammad Shoheilul , Tarafder Monowar Ahmad , Hossain Sarder Mahmud
Published: February 2017

Background: The important role of socio-economical factors in oral health and disease has been identified. Oral health literacy is associated with inaccurate knowledge about preventive measures such as proper brushing, dental care visits and oral health-related quality of life. Like general health literacy, oral health literacy incorporates the capacity a person has to learn and use information about oral health in making decisions about their oral health. Objective: This analytic type of cross sectional study was conducted to measure the Oral Health literacy Level (OHLL) and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics among Bangladeshi adults seeking dental care.Materials and Methods: A total 100 subjects attended at the out patient's Dental Department of Ibrahim General Hospital-Mirpur for routine dental checkup over a period of six months from August 2014 to January 2015 fulfilled the eligibility criteria were selected consecutively. Pre-tested semi structured interviewer administrated questionnaires were used to collect the information. Cross tabulations and associations were determined by using the Chi-square test where applicable.Results: The mean oral health literacy score was 15.51 out of 30 and SD ±4.806 with 7% of respondents had very poor OHLL, 49% had poor OHLL, 41% had fair and 3% had excellent oral health literacy level. Oral health literacy level found more in age group of 30-39 years. The majority of excellent oral health literacy level was from graduate and above group. In addition, patients' sex, marital status and occupation were significantly associated with oral health literacy level as the P-values were 0.008, 0.002 and 0.021 respectively.Conclusion: Patients with inadequate oral health literacy were consistently more likely to report poor oral health than patients with adequate literacy skills. Future studies are needed to determine whether this framework is supported by empirical data and leads to improvements in oral health and reductions in health disparities.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 7, No. 1: Jan 2016, P 34-39
Tyranny ?
Authors: Rockett William
Published: February 2017

Thomas More may or may not have been a victim of Henry VIII’s tyrannical vengeance, but what is certain is that he was indeed a victim of a constitutional revolution. He would not allow himself to subordinate loyalty to the Church to loyalty to the Crown, and the Crown would not allow him to maintain loyalty to the Church if it meant making the Church his highest allegiance and the Crown subordinate. More’s options were to endorse either royal sovereignty or the sovereignty of the Church. More chose the second option, which under English law made him a traitor. He was put on trial on a charge of capital treason, convicted, and executed on Tower Hill on the sixth of July 1535.
What use to make of a tyrant? Thomas More’s History of Richard III and the Limits of Early Tudor Historiography
Authors: Schmidt Gabriela
Published: February 2017

The literary genre and ideological stance of More’s History of King Richard III have long been subject to critical debate. While it seems obvious that his portrayal of the last Plantagenet as a full-blown tyrant is anything but historically ‘accurate’, the question remains controversial as to whether this intricately ironic text represents a (somewhat half-hearted) attempt at legitimising the ruling Tudor dynasty’s claim to authority, an implicit rejection of the same, or a more general humanist moral exemplum. Placing More’s Richard within the historiographical practice of its time and reading it alongside his own critical reflections on historiographical method in the debate with Germanus Brixius, this article attempts to access the problem of generic purpose from a meta-literary perspective, reading the text as a self-conscious parodic comment on some of the major strands of early Tudor historiography and as an implicit challenge to the humanists’ confidence in language as a valuable basis for the construction of a commonwealth.
Liberté de conscience et tyrannie : à propos de la référence à Sébastien Castellion et de la mention du respect de la conscience erronée dans Les Essais de Montaigne
Authors: Millet Olivier
Published: February 2017

This paper shows how Montaigne, without saying so, borrows from Castellion the idea of freedom of conscience in favour of heretics, advocating respect for erroneous conscience. In Book I of the Essais, the reference to Castellion, first implicit (Essais I, chap. 16), then explicit (chap. 35), leads the political and religious debate of the time to hinge on tyranny and respect for erroneous conscience, applied to the heretics. The parallel (enlarged to Mino Celsi) between Castellion and Montaigne on the opposition between tyranny and freedom of conscience, in the context of religious wars, underscores both the ideological differences between these two thinkers and their objective convergence in view of a pragmatic compromise allowing freedom of worship in a divided France.
Writing under Tyranny: Tyranny put to the Test of Language in the Works of Thomas More and Thomas Elyot
Authors: Bore Isabelle
Published: February 2017

This paper deals with the literary devices used by such intellectuals as Thomas More and Thomas Elyot to go on making themselves heard at the time of the King’s Great Matter. Even if Thomas More and Thomas Elyot made radically different choices, we prove that they both considered writing as an efficient weapon to struggle against tyranny. Starting from the meditations on tyranny which interested Thomas More at the beginning of his literary career then, we focus on the texts produced by Thomas More and Thomas Elyot between 1529 and 1541 at the time of the King’s Great Matter and its political consequences. The comparison of these texts gives us the opportunity to highlight the different devices used by Thomas More and Thomas Elyot. The parallel reading of their texts contributes to revealing two experts in dramatization, theatricality and disguise. Although More and Elyot did not advise the same medicines to cure Henry VIII of his tyrannical instincts, the similar literary devices they used finally enable us to conclude that there is a fighting literature testifying to the former’s dissenting spirit and the latter’s resisting attitude.
Friendship and Tyranny in the Writings of Sir Thomas More
Authors: Smith Stephen W.
Published: February 2017

The essay analyzes the themes of friendship and tyranny in Thomas More’s writings. The essay begins with a consideration of three major classical sources on friendship and tyranny, and then examines More’s writings in light of these sources. The essay proposes that More’s writings manifest both his understanding of tyranny and his understanding of the author as prospective friend of the reader, the two potentially united in a common project to bring about the renascence of learning, friendship, and especially wise and virtuous citizenship in England. More’s lifelong opposition to tyranny, then, stands revealed as surprisingly yet naturally connected to his understanding and presentation of himself as author and potential friend of the reader.
Intertextual connections between Thomas More’s Utopia and Cicero’s De finibus bonorum et malorum
Authors: Romano Ribeiro Ana Cláudia
Published: February 2017

In 1516, More wrote to Erasmus, putting him in charge of the publication of Utopia. In his study about the “sources, parallels and influences” of More’s libellus, Edward Surtz points out that “the most evident influences are classical” and in 1965, in the introduction of his edition of Utopia, he noted that in the composition of this fiction, Plato and Plutarch are as essential as Cicero and Seneca. He also noted that these philosophers are “the source for the tenets and arguments of the two schools discussed by the Utopians, the Epicurean and the Stoic” and that “Cicero’s De finibus is of special interest here, but detailed studies of Ciceronian and Senecan influences have still to be made.” (p.cliv, clxi). From 1965 until today we haven’t found a specific study on this problem in the bibliography about Utopia and classical Latin literature, that’s why in this paper we will examine some of the connections that link More’s libellus to De finibus.
“Sheep Eat Men”: A Retrospective Proverb
Authors: Doyle Charles Clay
Published: February 2017

The expression “Sheep are eating men” or “Sheep devour men” looks back to Utopia for its origin. However, no such concise expression actually occurs there. In recent decades the expression has frequently been quoted without awareness of the literary connection, assumed to have been proverbial in medieval or early modern times. Perhaps, in a strange way, it has become proverbial in our own time, although most often when it is uttered nowadays, it will be explicitly associated with the distant past.
Pollutions Beyond the Walls In More’s London and in his Utopia
Authors: Carpinelli Francis
Published: February 2017

The pollutions discussed in this paper are merciless or inhumane activities practiced by people against other people or even against other creatures. The three main ones observed by young Thomas More as he travelled beyond the western wall of London in the early 1490s, were as follows: (1) butchering of animals at the Smithfield pens; (2) quarantining of diseased persons at St. Giles-in-the-Fields; and (3) executions of criminals at the Tyburn gallows. These gruesome activities are described in Part I of this study. Such activities must have had profound effects on More. They are discussed in his Utopia, published in 1516, and in each case that sort of activity is related to concepts of mercy or compassion. Analysis of the pertinent passages from Utopia is provided in Part II. Further pollutants, especially hunting, warfare, and imperialism, are taken up in Part III, with the prime examples of such beastliness being the activities of the despicable Zapoletes. The paper concludes by noting More’s portrayal of the Utopians’ opposition to bloodshed, violence, and domination, and whether or not in doing so he was indicating an attraction to Franciscan ideals, or simply to the true and radical teachings of Christianity.
John Colet and Polydore Vergil: Catholic Humanism and Ecclesiology
Authors: Arnold Jonathan
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the relationship between two early modern Catholic humanists who both wrote extensively on the need for ecclesiastical and clerical reform. Colet, Dean of St. Paul’s (1505–19), and Vergil, Archdeacon of Wells (1508–46), were well acquainted and both members of Doctors Commons. Their written works demonstrate a considerably critical stance on clerical behaviour, notably Colet’s sermons and lectures as well as Vergil’s De Inventoribus Rerum and Adagia. Drawing upon original manuscript and primary sources, I argue that these texts demonstrate a shared desire for a highly clerical, perfected Church that could be immune from lay criticism and that they both entertained conciliarism as a possible solution to the Church’s problems, for which both men received vehement opposition. Although both were ultimately disappointed in their ambitions, I suggest that they held true to their belief that the Church could be morally and spiritually renewed without the need for a Reformation.
“Believe me when I swear, for I cannot tell a single lie”: Teofilo Folengo’s Calculated Publishing Strategies.
Authors: Du Verger Jean
Published: February 2017

While analysing the subtle and intricate paratextual and peritextual features displayed in and around Teofilo Folengo’s Baldus (1517), the present paper ventures to show how Folengo shaped the reader’s approach to his book using various publishing strategies. Moreover, the four versions of the text illustrate not only the author’s desire to improve his work but also, as we shall see through a series of close readings, his concern to escape the Roman church’s censorial policy in early modern Italy. Thus, as Folengo strives to erase his own name by using a number of pseudo-selves and a variety of ancillary materials he poses the perennial question of authorial intent suggesting, as Helen Smith and Louise Wilson astutely remark in Renaissance Paratexts (2011), that “paratextual reading could be seen as a more difficult, and more advanced, skill than the ability to read the text itself”.
Synergy and Redundancy in Dual Decompositions of Mutual Information Gain and Information Loss
Authors: Chicharro Daniel , Panzeri Stefano
Published: February 2017

Williams and Beer (2010) proposed a nonnegative mutual information decomposition, based on the construction of information gain lattices, which allows separating the information that a set of variables contains about another variable into components, interpretable as the unique information of one variable, or redundant and synergy components. In this work, we extend this framework focusing on the lattices that underpin the decomposition. We generalize the type of constructible lattices and examine the relations between different lattices, for example, relating bivariate and trivariate decompositions. We point out that, in information gain lattices, redundancy components are invariant across decompositions, but unique and synergy components are decomposition-dependent. Exploiting the connection between different lattices, we propose a procedure to construct, in the general multivariate case, information gain decompositions from measures of synergy or unique information. We then introduce an alternative type of lattices, information loss lattices, with the role and invariance properties of redundancy and synergy components reversed with respect to gain lattices, and which provide an alternative procedure to build multivariate decompositions. We finally show how information gain and information loss dual lattices lead to a self-consistent unique decomposition, which allows a deeper understanding of the origin and meaning of synergy and redundancy.
Information Loss in Binomial Data Due to Data Compression
Authors: Hodge Susan , Vieland Veronica
Published: February 2017

This paper explores the idea of information loss through data compression, as occurs in the course of any data analysis, illustrated via detailed consideration of the Binomial distribution. We examine situations where the full sequence of binomial outcomes is retained, situations where only the total number of successes is retained, and in-between situations. We show that a familiar decomposition of the Shannon entropy H can be rewritten as a decomposition into H t o t a l , H l o s t , and H c o m p , or the total, lost and compressed (remaining) components, respectively. We relate this new decomposition to Landauer’s principle, and we discuss some implications for the “information-dynamic” theory being developed in connection with our broader program to develop a measure of statistical evidence on a properly calibrated scale.
Effect of Injection Flow Rate on Product Gas Quality in Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Based on Laboratory Scale Experiment: Development of Co-Axial UCG System
Authors: Hamanaka Akihiro , Su Fa-qiang , Itakura Ken-ichi , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Kodama Jun-ichi , Deguchi Gota
Published: February 2017

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a technique to recover coal energy without mining by converting coal into a valuable gas. Model UCG experiments on a laboratory scale were carried out under a low flow rate (6~12 L/min) and a high flow rate (15~30 L/min) with a constant oxygen concentration. During the experiments, the coal temperature was higher and the fracturing events were more active under the high flow rate. Additionally, the gasification efficiency, which means the conversion efficiency of the gasified coal to the product gas, was 71.22% in the low flow rate and 82.42% in the high flow rate. These results suggest that the energy recovery rate with the UCG process can be improved by the increase of the reaction temperature and the promotion of the gasification area.
Assessing the Climatic Effects on Vegetation Dynamics in the Mekong River Basin
Authors: Na-U-Dom Tawatchai , Mo Xingguo , Garcίa Monica
Published: February 2017

Understanding long-term vegetation dynamics, their responses to climate, and other driving factors is crucial for integrated basin management in the Mekong River Basin (MRB) in a context of global change. In this study, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climate data from 1982 to 2013 were collected from Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) and Climate Research Unit Time Series Version 3.23 (CRU-TS 3.23). The long-term monthly average, Mann–Kendall trend (M–K) test, Sen’s slope, the coefficient of variation, correlation analysis, and the Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) model with the Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) were applied in this study. The results showed an increasing temporal trend in NDVI and climate variables, especially temperature, in all vegetation types. There is a significantly increasing NDVI trend with relatively stable NDVI fluctuation across the majority of the MRB except in part of the Tibetan plateau in China. There is a positive spatial correlation between NDVI and air temperature, precipitation and PET (potential evapotranspiration) in the upper part of the basin. Air temperature is an important explanatory factor for all vegetation types, especially in forest ecosystems and croplands, while the role of precipitation and PET vary depending on vegetation type. In addition to physical aspects of the MRB, such as runoff, we conclude that the vegetation dynamics related to climate variables in the MRB should be considered in policies as the framework for ecological and environmental management plans of the MRB.
Succinimide Formation from an NGR-Containing Cyclic Peptide: Computational Evidence for Catalytic Roles of Phosphate Buffer and the Arginine Side Chain
Authors: Kirikoshi Ryota , Manabe Noriyoshi , Takahashi Ohgi
Published: February 2017

The Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif and its deamidation product isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) have recently attracted considerable attention as tumor-targeting ligands. Because an NGR-containing peptide and the corresponding isoDGR-containing peptide target different receptors, the spontaneous NGR deamidation can be used in dual targeting strategies. It is well known that the Asn deamidation proceeds via a succinimide derivative. In the present study, we computationally investigated the mechanism of succinimide formation from a cyclic peptide, c[CH2CO-NGRC]-NH2, which has recently been shown to undergo rapid deamidation in a phosphate buffer. An H2PO4− ion was explicitly included in the calculations. We employed the density functional theory using the B3LYP functional. While geometry optimizations were performed in the gas phase, hydration Gibbs energies were calculated by the SM8 (solvation model 8) continuum model. We have found a pathway leading to the five-membered ring tetrahedral intermediate in which both the H2PO4− ion and the Arg side chain act as catalyst. This intermediate, once protonated at the NH2 group on the five-membered ring, was shown to easily undergo NH3 elimination leading to the succinimide formation. This study is the first to propose a possible catalytic role for the Arg side chain in the NGR deamidation.
The Effect of Welding Energy on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Welded Copper Joints
Authors: Yang Jingwei , Cao Biao , Lu Qinghua
Published: February 2017

The effects of welding energy on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of ultrasonic-welded pure copper plates were investigated. Complex dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred inside the weld zone during ultrasonic welding. At a low welding energy, a thin band of straight weld interfaces was observed and had an ultra-fine grain structure. With an increase in welding energy, the weld interface progressively changed from flat to sinusoidal, and eventually turned into a convoluted wavy pattern, bearing similarities to shear instabilities, as observed in fluid dynamics. The lap shear load of the joints initially increased and then remained stable as the welding energy increased. The tensile characteristics of the joints significantly depended on the development of plastic deformation at the interface. The influence of the microstructure on the hardness was also discussed.
A Review on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics of Amentoflavone, a Naturally-Occurring Biflavonoid
Authors: Yu Sheng , Yan Hui , Zhang Li , Shan Mingqiu , Chen Peidong , Ding Anwei , Li Sam
Published: February 2017

Amentoflavone (C30H18O10) is a well-known biflavonoid occurring in many natural plants. This polyphenolic compound has been discovered to have some important bioactivities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, and anti-senescence effects on many important reactions in the cardiovascular and central nervous system, etc. Over 120 plants have been found to contain this bioactive component, such as Selaginellaceae, Cupressaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Podocarpaceae, and Calophyllaceae plant families. This review paper aims to profile amentoflavone on its plant sources, natural derivatives, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics, and to highlight some existing issues and perspectives in the future.
Synthesis, Anti-Breast Cancer Activity, and Molecular Docking Study of a New Group of Acetylenic Quinolinesulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Marciniec Krzysztof , Pawełczak Bartosz , Latocha Małgorzata , Skrzypek Leszek , Maciążek-Jurczyk Małgorzata , Boryczka Stanisław
Published: February 2017

In this study, a series of regioisomeric acetylenic sulfamoylquinolines are designed, synthesized, and tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against three human breast cacer cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231) and a human normal fibroblast (HFF-1) by 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate (WST-1) assay. The antiproliferative activity of the tested acetylenic quinolinesulfonamides is comparable to that of cisplatin. The bioassay results demonstrate that most of the tested compounds show potent antitumor activities, and that some compounds exhibit better effects than the positive control cisplatin against various cancer cell lines. Among these compounds, 4-(3-propynylthio)-7-[N-methyl-N-(3-propynyl)sulfamoyl]quinoline shows significant antiprolierative activity against T47D cells with IC50 values of 0.07 µM. In addition, 2-(3-Propynylthio)-6-[N-methyl-N-(3-propynyl)sulfa-moyl]quinoline and 2-(3-propynylseleno)-6-[N-methyl-N-(3-propynyl)sulfamoyl]quinoline display highly effective atitumor activity against MDA-MB-231 cells, with IC50 values of 0.09 and 0.50 µM, respectively. Furthermore, most of the tested compounds show a weak cytotoxic effect against the normal HFF-1 cell line. Additionally, in order to suggest a mechanism of action for their activity, all compounds are docked into the binding site of two human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes. These data indicate that some of the title compounds display significant cytotoxic activity, possibly targeting the CYPs pathways.
Recent Advances in Research on the Synthetic Fiber Based Silica Aerogel Nanocomposites
Authors: Ślosarczyk Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

The presented paper contains a brief review on the synthesis and characterization of silica aerogels and its nanocomposites with nanofibers and fibers based on a literature study over the past twenty years and my own research. Particular attention is focused on carbon fiber-based silica aerogel nanocomposites. Silica aerogel is brittle in nature, therefore, it is necessary to improve this drawback, e.g., by polymer modification or fiber additives. Nevertheless, there are very few articles in the literature devoted to the synthesis of silica aerogel/fiber nanocomposites, especially those focusing on carbon fibers and nanofibers. Carbon fibers are very interesting materials, namely due to their special properties: high conductivity, high mechanical properties in relation to very low bulk densities, high thermal stability, and chemical resistance in the silica aerogel matrix, which can help enhance silica aerogel applications in the future.
A Mediterranean Diet to Improve Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Wade Alexandra , Davis Courtney , Dyer Kathryn , Hodgson Jonathan , Woodman Richard , Keage Hannah , Murphy Karen
Published: February 2017

The Mediterranean diet has demonstrated efficacy for improving cardiovascular and cognitive health. However, a traditional Mediterranean diet delivers fewer serves of dairy and less dietary calcium than is currently recommended in Australia, which may limit long-term sustainability. The present study aims to evaluate whether a Mediterranean diet with adequate dairy and calcium can improve cardiovascular and cognitive function in an at-risk population, and thereby reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline. A randomised, controlled, parallel, crossover design trial will compare a Mediterranean diet supplemented with dairy foods against a low-fat control diet. Forty participants with systolic blood pressure above 120 mmHg and at least two other risk factors of CVD will undertake each dietary intervention for eight weeks, with an eight-week washout period between interventions. Systolic blood pressure will be the primary measure of interest. Secondary outcomes will include measures of cardiometabolic health, dietary compliance, cognitive function, assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), psychological well-being and dementia risk. This research will provide empirical evidence as to whether the Mediterranean diet can be modified to provide recommended dairy and calcium intakes while continuing to deliver positive effects for cardiovascular and cognitive health. The findings will hold relevance for the field of preventative healthcare and may contribute to revisions of national dietary guidelines.
Fructose in Breast Milk Is Positively Associated with Infant Body Composition at 6 Months of Age
Authors: Goran Michael , Martin Ashley , Alderete Tanya , Fujiwara Hideji , Fields David
Published: February 2017

Dietary sugars have been shown to promote excess adiposity among children and adults; however, no study has examined fructose in human milk and its effects on body composition during infancy. Twenty-five mother–infant dyads attended clinical visits to the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center at 1 and 6 months of infant age. Infants were exclusively breastfed for 6 months and sugars in breast milk (i.e., fructose, glucose, lactose) were measured by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and glucose oxidase. Infant body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 1 and 6 months. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between breast milk sugars and infant body composition at 6 months of age. Fructose, glucose, and lactose were present in breast milk and stable across visits (means = 6.7 μg/mL, 255.2 μg/mL, and 7.6 g/dL, respectively). Despite its very low concentration, fructose was the only sugar significantly associated with infant body composition. A 1-μg/mL higher breast milk fructose was associated with a 257 g higher body weight (p = 0.02), 170 g higher lean mass (p = 0.01), 131 g higher fat mass (p = 0.05), and 5 g higher bone mineral content (p = 0.03). In conclusion, fructose is detectable in human breast milk and is positively associated with all components of body composition at 6 months of age.
Synthesis of Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Conjugated Polymers Composed of Group 13 Diiminate Complexes with Tunable Energy Levels via Alteration of Central Element
Authors: Ito Shunichiro , Hirose Amane , Yamaguchi Madoka , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: February 2017

Conjugated polymers containing boron and gallium diiminate complexes were prepared with various electron-donating comonomers via pre- and post-complexation methods, respectively. From a comparison of emission quantum yields between solution and film states, it was seen that all polymers containing group 13 elements possessed an aggregation-induced emission property. Additionally, the frontier orbital energies and the optical and electrochemical properties of the polymers can be tuned by altering a central element at the complex moieties as well as by changing a comonomer unit. In particular, it was demonstrated that the gallium atom can contribute to stabilizing the energy levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, resulting in narrow band gaps of the conjugated polymers. This study presents the potential of gallium not only for preparing solid-state emissive conjugated polymers but also for fabricating low-band gap materials by employing the conjugated ligand.
Analyzing Parcel-Level Relationships between Urban Land Expansion and Activity Changes by Integrating Landsat and Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Chen Yimin , Liu Xiaoping , Li Xia
Published: February 2017

Urban growth is a process that imposes profound physical and socioeconomic restructuring on cities. Urban land expansion as an immediate physical manifestation of urban growth has been extensively studied using a variety of remote sensing methods. However, little research addresses the interactions between urban land expansion and corresponding activity changes, especially at local scales. We propose an innovative analytical framework that integrates Landsat and nighttime light data to capture the parcel-level relationships between urban land expansion and activity changes. The urban land data are acquired based on the classification of Landsat images, whereas the activity changes are approximated by the nighttime light data. Using the Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) (local Moran’s I) approach, four types of local relationships between land expansion and activity changes are defined at the parcel level. The proposed analytical framework is applied in Guangzhou, China, as a case study. The results reveal the mismatched growth between urban land and activity intensity at the parcel level, where the increase in urban land area outpaces the increase of activity intensity. Such results are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of urban growth, and can be used to assist urban planning and related decision-making.