bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search Engine Optimization: What Drives Organic Traffic to Retail Sites?
Authors: Baye Michael R. , De los Santos Babur , Wildenbeest Matthijs R.
Published: December 2015

The lion's share of retail traffic through search engines originates from organic (natural) rather than sponsored (paid) links. We use a dataset constructed from over 12,000 search terms and 2 million users to identify drivers of the organic clicks that the top 759 retailers received from search engines in August 2012. Our results are potentially important for search engine optimization (SEO). We find that a retailer's investments in factors such as the quality and brand awareness of its site increases organic clicks through both a direct and an indirect effect. The direct effect stems purely from consumer behavior: The higher the quality of an online retailer, the greater the number of consumers who click its link rather than a competitor in the list of organic results. The indirect effect stems from our finding that search engines tend to place higher quality sites in better positions, which results in additional clicks because consumers tend to click links in more favorable positions. We also find that consumers who are older, wealthier, conduct searches from work, use fewer words, or include a brand name product in their search are more likely to click a retailer's organic link following a product search. Finally, the quality of a retailer's site appears to be especially important in attracting organic traffic from individuals with higher incomes. The beneficial direct and indirect effects of an online retailer's brand equity on organic clicks, coupled with the spillover effects on traffic through other online and traditional channels, leads us to conclude that investments in the quality and brand awareness of a site should be included as part of an SEO strategy.
Genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Patients in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ojuromi Oladele T. , Duan Liping , Izquierdo Fernando , Fenoy Soledad M. , Oyibo Wellington A. , del Aguila Carmen , Ashafa Anofi O. T. , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua
Published: December 2015

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi has improved our understanding of the transmission of both organisms in humans. In this study, to infer possible infection sources, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in fecal specimens from 90 HIV‐infected patients attending antiretroviral clinics in Lagos, Nigeria were detected and genotyped by PCR and DNA sequencing. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were identified in four and five patients, respectively, including the occurrence of subtype IeA11T3G3 of Cryptosporidium hominis in two patients, subtype IIcA5G3k of Cryptosporidium parvum in one patient, and Type IV of E. bieneusi in four patients. Among the remaining positive patients, one had mixed infection of Cryptosporidium meleagridis and C. hominis and one had mixed E. bieneusi genotypes. These data highlight a possible difference in major transmission routes (anthroponotic vs. zoonotic) between Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in HIV+ patients in the study area.
Synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid from eicosapentaenoic acid in retina neurons protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress
Authors: Simón María Victoria , Agnolazza Daniela L. , German Olga Lorena , Garelli Andrés , Politi Luis E. , Agbaga Martin‐Paul , Anderson Robert E. , Rotstein Nora P.
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress is involved in activating photoreceptor death in several retinal degenerations. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in the retina, protects cultured retina photoreceptors from apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and promotes photoreceptor differentiation. Here, we investigated whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a metabolic precursor to DHA, had similar effects and whether retinal neurons could metabolize EPA to DHA. Adding EPA to rat retina neuronal cultures increased opsin expression and protected photoreceptors from apoptosis induced by the oxidants paraquat and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Palmitic, oleic, and arachidonic acids had no protective effect, showing the specificity for DHA. We found that EPA supplementation significantly increased DHA percentage in retinal neurons, but not EPA percentage. Photoreceptors and glial cells expressed Δ6 desaturase (FADS2), which introduces the last double bond in DHA biosynthetic pathway. Pre‐treatment of neuronal cultures with CP‐24879 hydrochloride, a Δ5/Δ6 desaturase inhibitor, prevented EPA‐induced increase in DHA percentage and completely blocked EPA protection and its effect on photoreceptor differentiation. These results suggest that EPA promoted photoreceptor differentiation and rescued photoreceptors from oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis through its elongation and desaturation to DHA. Our data show, for the first time, that isolated retinal neurons can synthesize DHA in culture.

image

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in retina photoreceptors, and its precursor, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have multiple beneficial effects. Here, we show that retina neurons in vitro express the desaturase FADS2 and can synthesize DHA from EPA. Moreover, addition of EPA to these cultures protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress and promotes their differentiation through its metabolization to DHA.

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13308.
A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men
Authors: Lanzalaco Anthony , Vanoosthuyze Kristina , Stark Cynthia , Swaile David , Rocchetta Heather , Spruell Russell
Published: December 2015

Background

Axillary hair can influence the development of underarm odor in men.

Objective

To compare different hair removal procedures and their impact on the effectiveness of standard soap washing (SW) in reducing male axillary odor.

Methods

The axillae of healthy Caucasian males (N = 30; 18–48 years of age) were randomized in a noncrossover, split body design. Two of four axillary treatments were evaluated per subject: clipped with scissors; wet shaved with a razor; waxed; and untreated. Odor evaluations were performed by trained assessors according to the American Society for Testing and Materials organization at baseline (24 h postcontrol SW), immediately, 12 and 24 h following treatment plus SW (Day 1). Further evaluations were conducted immediately and 24 h following SW on Day 2 and Day 3. Mean odor scores were calculated and an analysis of covariance conducted using baseline data as covariate.

Results

On Day 1, hair removal by clipping with scissors followed by SW offered no significant improvement in immediate odor control (27.2% reduction from baseline) when compared with SW alone. Both shaving and waxing followed by SW resulted in an immediate, significant reduction in axillary odor compared with SW alone (57.3% and 75.3% reduction, respectively; P < 0.0001). This improvement persisted for 24 h after shaving (P = 0.0682). Further, a single shaving treatment significantly improved the immediate effectiveness of SW on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 compared with SW alone (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Blade shaving of the axillae can optimize the cleansing and odor reducing effectiveness of daily hygiene measures for men without the discomfort associated with waxing.
Adult T‐cell leukemia–lymphoma in a pregnant woman diagnosed as a human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 carrier
Authors: Fuchi Naoki , Miura Kiyonori , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Hiroo , Yanagihara Katsunori , Miyazaki Yasushi , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: December 2015

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is the causative agent of adult T‐cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL), which is difficult to cure. In Japan, a nationwide HTLV‐1 screening test in pregnant women has been recommended since 2011. A 30‐year‐old woman was diagnosed as being an HTLV‐1 carrier in her previous pregnancy. During the current pregnancy, she had persistent fever and cough. Although she had treatment with antibiotics, peripheral white blood cell count remained high, with an abnormal lymphocyte count. Given that she was an HTLV‐1 carrier, she was diagnosed with unfavorable chronic ATL (aggressive ATL) at 12 weeks gestation. After pregnancy termination, her ATL status became favorable chronic ATL (indolent ATL). Therefore, watchful waiting was performed until disease progression. This is the first case report of chronic ATL in early pregnancy, in a woman already diagnosed as an HTLV‐1 carrier on screening test.
Differences in clinical characteristics for the determination of adenomyosis coexisting with leiomyomas
Authors: Ates Seda , Ozcan Pinar , Aydin Serdar , Karaca Nilay
Published: December 2015

Aim

The objective of the analysis was to determine the characteristics that distinguish women with adenomyosis and leiomyomas from those with leiomyoma only from a sample who underwent hysterectomy for benign uterine diseases.

Methods

This retrospective study was based on the analysis of medical records of 75 women with both adenomyosis and uterine leiomyomas and 218 women with leiomyomas only, diagnosed by histologic analysis of uterine specimens.

Results

Results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that women with both adenomyosis and leiomyomas had a higher gravity (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.33) and more frequent pelvic pain (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21–0.7) compared with women with leiomyomas only. Postmenopausal bleeding was commonly reported in women with adenomyosis and leiomyomas. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia and the preoperative diagnosis of prolapse.

Conclusions

The presence of concomitant adenomyosis may cause different clinical symptomatology.
Noble gases in oxidized residue prepared from the Saratov L4 chondrite and Raman spectroscopic study of residues to characterize phase Q
Authors: Matsuda Jun‐ichi , Morishita Kazuhiko , Nara Masayuki , Amari Sachiko
Published: December 2015

We analyzed noble gases in an oxidized residue prepared from a HF‐HCl residue of the Saratov L4 chondrite. The Ar, Kr, and Xe concentrations in the oxidized residue are two orders of magnitude lower than those in the HF‐HCl residue, and they are close to concentrations in the bulk. The He and Ne concentrations are similar in the three samples. The Ne isotopic ratios are almost purely cosmogenic, indicating absence of presolar diamonds (the carrier of the HL component). Thus, Saratov contains phase Q without presolar diamond. A study of the Raman spectroscopic parameters for the HF‐HCl residue and the oxidized residue shows large changes due to oxidation. The directions of these changes are the same as observed in Allende, except oxidation increased the ID/IG (intensity ratio of the D band to the G band) in Saratov but decreased in Allende. This difference may be attributed to the different crystalline stages of carbon in both meteorites. The shifts in the Raman parameters to a discrete and/or more expanded region suggest that (1) oxidation changes the crystalline condition of graphitic carbon, (2) phase Q is not a dissolved site, and (3) the release of Q‐gas is simply related to the rearrangement of the carbon structure during oxidation.
Verticillium longisporum, the invisible threat to oilseed rape and other brassicaceous plant hosts
Authors: Depotter Jasper R. L. , Deketelaere Silke , Inderbitzin Patrik , Tiedemann Andreas Von , Höfte Monica , Subbarao Krishna V. , Wood Thomas A. , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The causal agents of Verticillium wilts are globally distributed pathogens that cause significant crop losses every year. Most Verticillium wilts are caused by V. dahliae, which is pathogenic on a broad range of plant hosts, whereas other pathogenic Verticillium species have more restricted host ranges. In contrast, V. longisporum appears to prefer brassicaceous plants and poses an increasing problem to oilseed rape production.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Ascomycota; Class Sordariomycetes; Subclass Hypocreomycetida; Family Plectosphaerellaceae; genus Verticillium.

Disease symptoms

Dark unilateral stripes appear on the stems of apparently healthy looking oilseed rape plants at the end of the growing season. Microsclerotia are subsequently formed in the stem cortex beneath the epidermis.

Genome

Verticillium longisporum is the only non‐haploid species in the Verticillium genus, as it is an amphidiploid hybrid that carries almost twice as much genetic material as the other Verticillium species as a result of interspecific hybridization.

Disease management

There is no effective fungicide treatment to control Verticillium diseases, and resistance breeding is the preferred strategy for disease management. However, only a few Verticillium wilt resistance genes have been identified, and monogenic resistance against V. longisporum has not yet been found. Quantitative resistance exists mainly in the Brassica C‐genome of parental cabbage lines and may be introgressed in oilseed rape breeding lines.

Common name

Oilseed rape colonized by V. longisporum does not develop wilting symptoms, and therefore the common name of Verticillium wilt is unsuitable for this crop. Therefore, we propose ‘Verticillium stem striping’ as the common name for Verticillium infections of oilseed rape.
Enacting the internet and social media on the public sector's frontline
Authors: Mearns Graeme William , Richardson Ranald , Robson Liz
Published: December 2015

Recognising their growing role in public services, this article draws on the notion of ‘enactment’ to argue that the internet and social media (I&SM) need to be understood in particular institutional, organisational and social contexts. Focusing on street‐level bureaucrats who deliver frontline services, we explore efforts to integrate I&SM into youth work with clients who are thought to be ‘digitally savvy’ but also in need of protection from the ‘online world’. As clients can be vulnerable and trust is a key relational component, organisation–practitioner–client boundaries are complex and under continuous renegotiation. However, the layering of new virtual channels of interaction adds extra complexity. This change necessitates the development of innovative routines, practices and protocols, but these are being developed in a wider social context where the norms of using social media have not caught up with practice and the use of these tools is still often surrounded by moral panic.
Union use of social media: a study of the University and College Union on Twitter
Authors: Hodder Andy , Houghton David
Published: December 2015

The importance of the Internet to trade unionism has not gone unnoticed by academics, and while many have perceived the need for unions to engage in social media, there has not been any study of how unions use social media. This paper provides a systematic examination of union social media use in terms of method, scope and content. The University and College Union (UCU) Twitter account was used as a case study. Tweets (n = 1,615) were collected over a four‐month period (January 1–April 30, 2014) from the official UCU account with followers (n = 12,301) also categorised to determine who is listening. Findings are discussed with reference to earlier debates on union use of the Internet. We find that while UCU has moved with technological developments by using Twitter, the content of the union's messages remain in line with traditional union communication, and the engagement opportunities of social media are underutilised.
Completeness of assisted bathing in nursing homes related to dementia and bathing method: results from a secondary analysis of cluster‐randomised trial data
Authors: van Achterberg Theo , van Gaal Betsie G.I. , Geense Wytske W. , Verbeke Geert , van der Vleuten Carine , Schoonhoven Lisette
Published: December 2015

Background

Bathing assistance is a core element of essential care in nursing homes, yet little is known for quality of assisted bathing or its determinants.

Aim

To explore differences in completeness of assisted bathing in relation to bathing method and resident characteristics.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cluster randomised trial including 500 nursing home residents designed to compare traditional bathing methods for skin effects and cost‐consequences; GlinicalTrials.gov ID [NCT01187732]. Logistic mixed modelling was used to relate resident characteristics and bathing method to bathing completeness.

Results

Bathing completeness was highly variable over wards. Apart from a large effect for ward, logistic mixed modelling indicated bathing was more often complete in case of washing without water (using disposable skin cleaning and caring materials; estimate 2.55, SE 0.17, P < 0.0001) and less often complete in residents with dementia (estimate −0.22, SE 0.08, P = 0.0040).

Conclusions

Introduction of washing without water is likely to lead to more bathing completeness in nursing homes. However, inequity in care was also identified with a view to highly variable bathing completeness over wards and more incomplete bathing by care staff in residents with dementia.

Implications for practice

Monitoring the performance of assisted bathing in nursing homes is indicated for the identification of undesirable variation in essential care and poorly performing teams. The introduction of washing without water could serve the promotion of bathing completeness in nursing homes overall, but will not solve inequity issues for residents.
Effects of obesity on weight‐bearing versus weight‐supported exercise testing in patients with COPD
Authors: Maatman Robbert C. , Spruit Martijn A. , van Melick Paula P. , Peeters Jos P.I. , Rutten Erica P.A. , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W. , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Franssen Frits M.E.
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Obesity is associated with increased dyspnoea and reduced health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies on the effects of obesity on exercise capacity showed divergent results. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of obesity on weight‐bearing versus weight‐supported exercise tolerance in obese and normal weight patients, matched for age, gender and degree of airflow limitation.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of data obtained during pre‐pulmonary rehabilitation assessment in 108 obese COPD patients (OB) (age: 61.2 ± 5.3y, FEV1: 43.2 ± 7.4%, BMI: 34.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2,) and 108 age and FEV1‐matched normal weight COPD patients (NW) (age: 61.7 ± 3.6y, FEV1: 41.5 ± 8.4%, BMI: 22.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2,). Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6 min walk test (6MWT) were performed, Borg scores for dyspnoea and leg fatigue were recorded, before and after the tests.

Results

Six‐minute walk distance differed between OB (398 ± 107 m) and NW patients (446 ± 109 m, P < 0.05), while peak cycling exercise load was comparable (OB: 75 ± 29 W, NW: 70 ± 25 W, ns). Dyspnoea (OB 3.2 ± 2.0 vs NW 3.1 ± 1.7, ns) and leg fatigue (OB 2.4 ± 2.3 vs NW 1.9 ± 1.7, ns) were not significantly different in OB compared with NW after 6MWT, or after CPET (dyspnoea: OB 5.1 ± 2.4 vs NW 5.4 ± 2.2, ns; leg fatigue: OB 4.0 ± 2.3 vs NW 4.0 ± 2.7, ns).

Conclusion

In contrast to weight‐supported exercise, obesity has a negative impact on weight‐bearing exercise capacity, despite comparable exercise‐related symptoms. The results of this study enhance the understanding of the impact of obesity on physical performance in COPD.
After discharge home: a qualitative analysis of older ICU patients' experiences and care needs
Authors: Karlsson Veronika , Bergbom Ingegerd , Ringdal Mona , Jonsson Annikki
Published: December 2015

Most patients in intensive care units suffer from critical diseases/injuries and are in need of life‐saving medical treatment. Recovery after such diseases/injuries may be lengthy and may vary. Little is known about older patients' own assessment of recovery following intensive care. The aim of this study was to explore and describe older patients' experiences of recovery and need of care within 2 months following discharge from hospital after being cared for in an intensive care unit. Fifteen patients 65 years or older, who had received care in an intensive care unit, were telephone‐interviewed 2 months following discharge. The interview texts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Six themes were identified: ‘Discharge – a matter of physicians' and nurses' decisions', ‘Wanted to go home’, ‘Feeling well and feeling better, but…’, ‘Recovered or not, that is the question’, ‘In need of help from others’ and ‘In need of care’. Patients trusted in the medical experts’ assessment of their condition as regarded hospital discharge, but they also stated that they wanted to go home, as soon as possible, to their own familiar and private environment. Patients did not see the hospital as a place for recovery. Patients claimed that they were used to taking care of themselves within the limits of their strength and energy. If they need help, they first of all turn to family members or relatives. Patients who reported comorbidity did not assess themselves as recovered, while others stated that they had recovered but also suffered from a variety of discomforting symptoms.
Upper extremity injuries in Danish children aged 6–12, mechanisms, and risk factors
Authors: Nauta J. , Jespersen E. , Verhagen E. , van Mechelen W. , Wedderkopp N.
Published: December 2015

Although injuries to the upper extremity are most costly, the picture of the upper extremity injury problem remains incomplete. This study is the first to describe the etiology and mechanisms of upper extremity injuries in Danish children. A 2.5‐year observational prospective cohort study was conducted to record upper extremity injuries in 1048 children. Data were weekly collected by sending a text message. A total of 176 upper extremity injuries were reported (128 acute injuries). Of the acute upper extremity injuries, 55% were sprains, 47% occurred in the hand/wrist, and 53% of cases were caused by a fall. When corrected for exposure to physical activity, this resulted in an acute upper extremity injury incidence density of 0.18 per 1000 h of physical activity. The odds of sustaining an upper extremity injury was higher in the older children (HR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.10–3.09), a tendency was found suggesting that girls are at increased acute upper extremity risk compared to boys (HR: 1.40 95% CI: 0.97–2.04). The findings that most injuries occur after a fall, that injury risk increases over age and that girls seem to be at increased injury risk provides essential information to guide future childhood injury prevention.
Incidence and risk factors of injuries in Brazilian elite handball players: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Giroto N. , Hespanhol Junior L. C. , Gomes M. R. C. , Lopes A. D.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for handball injuries in Brazilian elite handball players. Overall, 339 athletes from 21 handball teams who participated in the two main Brazilian championships were followed up during a season. In total, 312 injuries were reported by 201 athletes. The injury incidence rate during training was 3.7/1000 h, and during matches was 20.3/1000 matches. Ankle (19.4%, n = 46) and knee (13.5%, n = 32) were the body regions most affected by traumatic injuries. Shoulders (44.0%, n = 33) and knee (26.7%, n = 20) were the body regions most affected by overuse injuries. Muscle injuries (27.1%, n = 68) was the traumatic injury type most reported. Tendinopathy (91.8%, n = 56) was the overuse injury type most observed. Previous injury (OR: 2.42, CI 95%: 1.51–3.89) and an additional match per week (OR: 1.31, CI 95%: 1.05–1.62) were associated with a higher risk of overuse injury. Female athletes (OR: 1.56, CI 95%: 1.08–2.25) and an additional hour of training per week (OR: 1.09, CI 95%: 1.02–1.15) were associated with a higher risk of traumatic injury. This study showed that athletes with previous injury have shown a high risk of developing an overuse injury.
Poisson–geometric INAR(1) process for modeling count time series with overdispersion
Authors: Bourguignon Marcelo
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we propose a new first‐order non‐negative integer‐valued autoregressive [INAR(1)] process with Poisson–geometric marginals based on binomial thinning for modeling integer‐valued time series with overdispersion. Also, the new process has, as a particular case, the Poisson INAR(1) and geometric INAR(1) processes. The main properties of the model are derived, such as probability generating function, moments, conditional distribution, higher‐order moments, and jumps. Estimators for the parameters of process are proposed, and their asymptotic properties are established. Some numerical results of the estimators are presented with a discussion of the obtained results. Applications to two real data sets are given to show the potentiality of the new process.
Excessive quantities of red blood cells are issued to the operating room
Authors: Collins R. A. , Wisniewski M. K. , Waters J. H. , Triulzi D. J. , Alarcon L. H. , Yazer M. H.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To determine what percentage of red blood cell (RBC) units that were issued to the operating room (OR) were returned unused, and to determine how often all of the RBCs that were issued for a patient were returned unused using the institution's maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) as a guide.

Background

The MSBOS provides guidelines for blood ordering, but is merely a suggestion for the ordering clinicians. This study examined how closely ordering practices followed the MSBOS, and how often ordered RBCs were actually transfused.

Methods

For a 4‐week period, RBC issue and utilization data were collected on elective surgery patients who were eligible for electronic cross‐match at a tertiary care hospital. These data were compared to the MSBOS.

Results

There were 1350 surgical procedures performed. Of these cases, 439 patients had a type and screen (T&S) performed, and 215/439 (49%) patients had at least 1 RBC issued during their case. To these 215 patients, 742 RBC units were issued and 537/742 (72%) of these units were returned to the blood bank unused. In 152/215 (71%) cases with issued RBCs, all of the RBCs were returned to the blood bank unused. Amongst the surgical categories in this study, the percentage of cases where none of the issued RBCs were transfused ranged from 38 to 93%.

Conclusions

Significant numbers of RBC units are issued but not transfused during surgery. Involving the surgical team in the blood issuing process and using a data‐driven MSBOS may reduce the number of unused units.
INTER-CONFIDENTIALITY PROTECTION OF AGENT COMMUNICATION IN MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM BASED APPLICATIONS
Authors: Simeon Ogunnusi Olumide , Abd Razak Shukor , Abdullah Abdul Hanan
Published: December 2015

Mobile agent interaction is usually vulnerable to attacks from within and outside the agent’s execution environment. Also, the mobility property of mobile agents earns them the opportunity to migrate from one security domain to another. Intranet/LAN with connection to internet do, from time to time, experience agent visitation either for malicious purpose or for legitimate mission. To protect legitimate agent communication against attack by visiting agent, we propose a technique that restricts migration of the visiting agent and isolate it to a neutral host where its mission could be achieved. We refer to this technique as restriction-based access control mechanism (ResBAC). The proposed mechanism employs certificate authentication, re-defining visiting agent itinerary path and visiting agent isolation to accomplish the aforementioned objective. The performance of the proposed mechanism is evaluated using scenarios to determine the strength of the mechanism in term of its ability to protect agent communication against the three major threats: man-in-the-middle attack, replay attack, and passive eavesdropping.
AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF TEST CASES FROM ACTIVITY DIAGRAMS FOR UML BASED TESTING (UBT)
Authors: Oluwagbemi Oluwatolani , Asmuni Hishammuddin
Published: December 2015

Activity diagrams are one of UML behavioural models suitable for system testing because it has the capacity to effectively describe the behaviours of systems under development. In this paper, a technique is proposed that generates test cases from activity diagrams by constructing an activity flow tree (AFT) which stores all the information extracted from the model file of the diagram through the help of a parser. Then, we applied an algorithm to generate test cases from the constructed tree. Test cases were generated based on the elements of activity diagrams such as activity sequences, associated descriptions and conditions. The proposed technique generated accurate test cases that completely tallied with the modeled requirements in the diagram. We utilized all-paths, basic pair paths, conditions, branches and transition criteria for generating test cases using ATM withdrawal operation software as a case study.
A BIOMETRIC E-VOTING FRAMEWORK FOR NIGERIA
Authors: Kayode A. Akintoye , Olalekan I. Araoye,
Published: December 2015

Nigeria as a democratic nation in Africa uses conventional paper ballot election system for more than two decades now. Enquiry with proof shows that this conventional election system has lost popularity among the people as it has drawbacks, which call for replacement. Therefore, this paper aims in introducing Biometric electronic voting system, its step-by-step operation, and define a set of requirement to achieve the operation, which are better than conventional paper ballot system in terms of accuracy, security wise, and authentication.
NUMERICAL ANALYSES OF LEAF AND FRUIT EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY IN Moringa oleifera LAM
Authors: Andrawus Zhigila Daniel , Mohammed Sulaiman , Ayodele Oladele Felix , B. J. Sawa Fatima
Published: December 2015

The wide range of uses of Moringa oleifera in recent time has witnessed increasing demand of its foliar and seed products in nutritional, medical and ecological applications. The upsurge of demand for these products needs to be balanced with new varieties of improved performance to meet the supply chain. To achieve this, morphological diversity assessment is prerequisite for future crop improvement programme. Therefore, numerical analyses of the external morphology of leaf and fruit of thirty accessions of Moringa oleifera were assessed. The study was carried out on both qualitative and quantitative characters to assess the diversity at morphological level to establish the phenetic relationships and the delimitation of accessions. Relationship studies showed considerable correlation between the leaf and fruits characters that produced clear and reproducible threats and were selected for diversity study. Numerical analysis of the qualitative and quantitative characters clustered the accessions into five groups – operational taxonomic units (OTUs) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 were clustered in group one; OTUs 6 and 8 were clustered in group two and three respectively; OTUs 15 and 16 in group four and OUT 23 in group five cluster membership. Principal Component Analysis was carried out to augment the Cluster Analysis which showed large morphological diversity existing in accessions of Moringa oleifera hence, infraspecific classification is hereby proposed.  These analysis particularly traits related to leaf and fruits yield can also be utilised for crop improvement programme.
IDENTIFYING CREATIVITY ENGAGEMENT AMONG NIGERIAN CHILDREN: IMPLICATION FOR ENHANCING A SUSTAINABLE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME
Authors: O. Oke Jonathan , Musta’amal Aede Hatib , Muhammad Inti Muhammad
Published: December 2015

Creativity is a natural skill often exhibited by children at home and in schools, especially during play. Children are often seen playing with drawings and moulding of objects. Hence, if care is taken to encourage and develop children’s creativity, it may enhance a sustainable development in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The aim of this study therefore was to determine the level of engagement of Nigerian children in creativity practice.  The study was carried out using 400 (232 boys and 168 girls) Junior Secondary School students of age eleven to thirteen as sample. Specifically, the study sought to find out whether or not the children do undertake creative activities at home and the domains in which their creative activities are based upon.  A Child-Creative Inventory Form (CCIF) was used as an instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using both percentages and Chi-Square. The findings of the study revealed that Nigerian children love to engage in creative activities mostly in the domain of technical and vocational skills such as: building technology, woodwork, mechanical technology, and electrical electronics. The study revealed that 87.07% of the boys were engaged in creativity while that of girls was 73.81.5%; 7.76.% of the boys were not engaged in creativity while that of girls was 20.8%. 24.57% of the boys were not sure of their involvement while that of girls was 5.36%. In all, the study found a significant difference in the level of engagement of boys and girls in creativity with P< 0.05 level of Significance. It was therefore recommended that children who are creative in the domains of technology could be assisted to develop their career in these domains as this would be a means to sustain the TVET programme in the nation.
CONFIGURING A FAMILY FRIENDLY INPATIENT SETTING
Authors: Abubakar Ibrahim Alkali , Bin Hj Ahmad Mohd Hamdan , Bin Said Ismail , Umar Aminu
Published: December 2015

The hospital facilities are not structures designed just to accommodate clinical functions and facilities, however they are combination of organized systems working together to meet other diverse functional requirements within the hospital complex. For the hospital to meet the requirements of such wide range of issues, attention has to be paid to each and every component making the hospital whole from the early stages of the design process, especially user needs and preferences. Among the patient’s needs is social support from family. Family presence and participation in caring for their relatives have been identified to have significant impact on restoration, however little or no consideration is given for their accommodation. This study is aimed at exploring the space-activity patterns of familial caregiving activities in a hospital ward spaces that will guide design process. Principles of behavioural mapping was employed in male and female wards of one of the tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Findings shows that four major spaces within the ward setting where such activities are dominant. Thus proper planning and configuration of such spaces with provision for family will go a long way in promoting and encouraging their presence and participation that will consequently improve restoration.
A REVIEW OF HOUSING PROVISION AND THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DELIVERY IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA, NIGERIA
Authors: Muhammad Zayyanu , Johar Foziah , Sabri Soheil , Utange Jonathan Zungwenen
Published: December 2015

Housing, despite being one of the essential elements in the sustainability of human existence, remains a challenge particularly in the global south. Nigeria, the most populous country in west Africa has a gross housing deficit of seventeen million houses. This deficit keeps increasing due to high rate of urbanization and population growth thereby resulting in high rent, overcrowding and poor living conditions. Numerous research studies predominantly focused on investigating the challenges of housing delivery on the basis of quantity and quality perspectives. However, there is a dearth of evidence-based studies regarding the challenges militating against sustainable housing provision. This paper attempts to fill this gap by presenting an overview of the housing provision and the challenges militating against sustainable housing provision in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria. The article indicated that despite concerted efforts involving the adoption of both public sector “provider” and “enabler” approaches, challenges still exit towards sustainable housing delivery particularly to the low-income group. The paper recommends that housing policies and programs in the country should be designed to address the multi benefit objectives of social, economic and environmental dimensions of housing so as to achieve sustainable housing delivery in the country.
USERS’ EXPERIENCE IN ROLE-PLAYING GAME: MEASURING THE PLAYER’S GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ahmad Ibrahim , Jaafar Azizah , Iskandar Mohd Fairuz , Makina Tarisa
Published: December 2015

This study is related to the users’ gaming experience which is gained through a set of users’ activities to play computer games. The activities are designed based on the features of games that are desired by the users. As a result, the RPG computer games have been designed and user gaming experience via questionnaire has been tested. There are seven constructs measuring the immersive, flow, competence, tension, challenge, positive affect and negative affect. The results showed the constructs that lead to positive values is indicated by the mean value for the user’s gaming experience is very good, and vice versa for the mean construct geared negative value
WEB ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING ARABIC LANGUAGE LEARNING USING COGNATES
Authors: Shehab Roaya , M Zeki Akram
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to study the use of the WWW in the learning and teaching of Arabic as a second language. Moreover, it aims to study the combination of Web Assisted Language Learning (WALL) and cognate (words similar in meaning and pronunciation) transfer for Arabic language. In addition, the main goal of this paper is to enhance learning of the Arabic language with the approach of WALL. Therefore, the authors built an Arabic WALL system that automatically identifies cognates in Arabic and any other language. The WALL system displays the cognates in a list and as lessons. However, for evaluating the system, Malay language was chosen to be stored in the database. To evaluate the system, a quantitative method was used in the study. A survey was conducted among two groups of respondents. The respondents of the first group were five (5) Malay-speaking learners. The respondents of the second group were five (5) teachers who teach Arabic to Malaysian students. The questionnaire consisted of 14 closed questions (five-point Likert scale). It was found that the majority of participants were satisfied using the system and that they preferred it over traditional learning. They also found the system to be an effective learning tool. Overall, the findings showed that the goals of the study had been achieved.
The differential effects of low birth weight and Western diet consumption upon early life hepatic fibrosis development in guinea pig
Authors: Sarr Ousseynou , Blake Alexandra , Thompson Jennifer A. , Zhao Lin , Rabicki Katherine , Walsh Joanna C. , Welch Ian , Regnault Timothy R. H.
Published: December 2015

Key points

Postnatal intake of a high saturated fat/high sugar diet, the Western diet (WD), is a risk factor for liver fibrosis. Recently, adverse in utero conditions resulting in low birth weight (LBW) have also been associated with postnatal fibrosis development.

We demonstrate that suboptimal in utero conditions resulting in LBW are associated with changes in hepatic profibrotic genes in conjunction with minimal liver fibrosis in young non‐overweight adult guinea pigs.

Our results also indicate that WD promotes liver steatosis, enhanced expression of hepatic genes and proteins of the proinflammatory, profibrotic, cell death and collagen deposition pathways in conjunction with mild hepatic fibrosis.

Our data highlight that pathways responsible for the initiation of a profibrotic state and ultimately hepatic fibrosis appear different depending upon the insult, an in utero‐induced LBW outcome or a postnatal WD exposure.

Postnatal intake of an energy dense diet, the Western diet (WD), is a strong risk factor for liver fibrosis. Recently, adverse in utero conditions resulting in low birth weight (LBW) have also been associated with postnatal fibrosis development. We assessed the independent and possible synergistic effects of placental insufficiency‐induced LBW and postnatal WD consumption on liver fibrosis in early adulthood, with a specific focus on changes in inflammation and apoptosis pathways in association with fibrogenesis. Male LBW (uterine artery ablation) and normal birth weight (NBW) guinea pig pups were fed either a control diet (CD) or WD from weaning to 150 days. Significant steatosis, mild lobular inflammation, apoptosis and mild stage 1 fibrosis (perisinusoidal or portal) were evident in WD‐fed offspring (NBW/WD and LBW/WD). In LBW/CD versus NBW/CD offspring, increased transforming growth factor‐beta 1 and matrix metallopeptidase mRNA and sma‐ and Mad‐related protein 4 (SMAD4) were present in conjunction with minimal stage 1 portal fibrosis. Further, connective tissue growth factor mRNA was increased and miR‐146a expression decreased in LBW offspring, irrespective of diet. Independent of birth weight, WD‐fed offspring exhibited increased expression of fibrotic genes as well as elevated inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Moreover, the augmented expression of collagen, type III, alpha 1 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was associated with increased recruitment of RNA polymerase II and enhanced histone acetylation (K9) to their respective promoters. These data support a role for both LBW and postnatal WD as factors contributing to hepatic fibrosis development in offspring through distinct pathways.
Agencia social, sexualidad y embarazo en menores de 15 años
Authors: Pacheco Sánchez Carlos Iván
Published: December 2015

El embarazo adolescente tiene un alto impacto socioeconómico. El objetivo de esta investigación

fue interpretar los significados de la sexualidad y el embarazo de niñas menores de 15 años

con experiencia de embarazo. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo interpretativo desde el enfoque

fenomenológico de Alfred Schütz sobre el sentido común. Se realizaron 18 relatos de vida

con adolescentes menores de 15 años con experiencia de embarazo en las ciudades de Bogotá,

Cali, Cartagena y Medellín. Los significados de la menarquia, el inicio de relaciones sexuales,

la unión en pareja, el uso de anticonceptivos y la atención del parto están influenciados por la

agencia moral social e institucional. La empresa moral circula por los espacios de socialización

de las adolescentes: madres, padres, hogares, instituciones y profesionales del sector de la salud

y educativo clasifican, de acuerdo con su sentido común, lo que está bien o es “normal” para

las niñas adolescentes.
Lecciones aprendidas de gestión del conocimiento para la salud pública: algunos espacios observados en Colombia
Authors: Martínez Herrera Eliana , López Ríos Jennifer Marcela , Salas Zapata Leonardo
Published: December 2015

Introducción: transferir conocimiento para la salud pública es un asunto posible, según los

diferentes espacios contextuales y culturales existentes en una sociedad de conocimiento.

Metodología: este estudio presenta lecciones aprendidas de tres casos de gestión del

conocimiento con base en la experiencia, las condiciones comunes y los procesos de liderazgo

social autogestionado promovidos en espacios locales, concertado con actores y agentes

locales de organizaciones en Antioquia, Colombia, mediante análisis comparativo y técnicas de

exploración documental. Resultados: la gestión social del conocimiento como mecanismo local

de promoción de las evidencias informadas en salud pública puede y debe ser intercambiada a

través de espacios observados, como las redes de conocimiento, los observatorios y los tanques

de pensamiento. Conclusión: las lecciones aprendidas confluyen en promover procesos de

participación social para la construcción colectiva de conocimiento y abordar debates sobre la

igualdad de oportunidades regionales en Colombia.
Educación en América Latina: retos y oportunidades para la filosofía de la región
Authors: Eslava Edgar
Published: December 2015

Enmarcadas dentro de las políticas de desarrollo para la región, las agendas educativas para América Latina representan compromisos que trascienden la mejoría en los resultados de pruebas específicas y que permean tanto las prácticas pedagógicas como los marcos conceptuales en los que estas cobran significado. El presente texto recoge algunos de los compromisos establecidos por dichas agendas y desarrolla las líneas generales que esperan y requieren la participación de la comunidad filosófica como garante y dinamizadora de la construcción de espacios de reflexión y acción sobre la educación. 
Effect of Thermal Pretreatment on the Corrosion of Stainless Steel in Flowing Supercritical Water
Authors: Jiao Yinan , Kish Joseph R. , Steeves Graham , Cook William G. , Zheng Wenyue , Guzonas David A.
Published: December 2015

The effect of high-temperature microstructure degradation (thermal ageing) on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels in supercritical water (SCW) was evaluated in this study. Mill-annealed (MA) and thermally treated (TT) samples of Type 316L and Type 310S stainless steel were exposed in 25 MPa SCW at 550°C with 8 ppm dissolved oxygen in a flowing autoclave testing loop. The thermal treatments applied to Type 316L (815°C for 1000 hr + water quench) and Type 310S (800°C for 1000 hr + air cool) were successful in precipitating the expected intermetallic phases in each alloy, both within the grains and on the grain boundaries. It was found that a prolonged time at relatively high temperature was sufficient to suppress significant compositional variation across the various intermetallic phase boundaries. This paper presents the results of the gravimetric analysis and oxide scale characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The role played by the fine precipitate structure on formation of the oxide scale, and thus corrosion resistance, is discussed. The combined role of dissolved oxygen and flow (revealed by examining the differences between Type 316L samples exposed in a static autoclave and in the flowing autoclave loop) is also addressed. It was concluded that formation of intermetallic phase precipitates during high-temperature exposure is not likely to have a major effect on the apparent corrosion resistance because of the discontinuous nature of the precipitation.
Assessment of Computational Tools in Support of Heat-Transfer Correlation Development for Fuel Assembly of Canadian Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor
Authors: Leung Laurence K. H. , Rao Yanfei , Podila Krishna
Published: December 2015

Experimental data and correlations are not available for the fuel-assembly concept of the Canadian supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR). To facilitate the safety analyses, a strategy for developing a heat-transfer correlation has been established for the fuel-assembly concept at supercritical pressure conditions. It is based on an analytical approach using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool and the ASSERT subchannel code to establish the heat transfer in supercritical pressure flow. Prior to the application, the CFD tool was assessed against experimental heat transfer data at the pseudocritical region obtained with bundle subassemblies to identify the appropriate turbulence model for use. Beyond the pseudocritical region, where the normal heat transfer behavior is anticipated, the ASSERT subchannel code also was assessed with appropriate closure relationships. Detailed information on the supporting experiments and the assessment results of the computational tools are presented.