bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic Farming in Negros Occidental: Proposed Enrichment
Authors: Lamique Denesa C.
Published: December 2012

This study determined the extent of implementation of organic farming in some selected areas in the province of Negros Occidental as basis for development of an action plan which would help the farmers in their adoption of the program. In gathering data needed for the study, the researcher-made instrument was used. The instrument was administered to the respondents composed of 10 implementers, 20 organic producers, and 70 organic consumers. The data gathered were statistically treated with the use of mean test to determine the extent of implementation of organic farming. The result of the study revealed that the implementation of organic farming as perceived by the respondents was at moderate extent. Furthermore, this study found out that no significant differences in responses were found to exist on the extent of implementation of organic farming as perceived by the respondents when grouped and compared according to selected variables. It is recommended that the proposed enrichment action plan should be adopted to help farmers on the implementation and their adoption of organic farming.
Implementation and Effectiveness of Drug Education Program Of Saint Joseph Institute Of Technology
Authors: Herrera Fernando T.
Published: December 2012

The study endeavoured to determine the level of implementation and level of effectiveness of Drug Education Program (DEP) of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology which shall be the basis for Drug Education Program enhancement in the institution. Results revealed that DEP in the school was fully implemented as evidenced by its inclusion in the curriculum and provision of relevant resources which aimed to nurture, build resilience and wellbeing and support the development of emotional intelligence and social competency of the students. Announcement or publication, trainings among faculty ,information drive through relevant symposium or fora, and monitoring and evaluation were as well highly implemented to enable the students gain awareness and adequate information concerning the ill effects of unlawful drugs. Most of the student respondents admitted that the knowledge they gained out of the Program has nothing to do with changing their behaviour, but they claimed that somehow, the Program has helped them become more aware of the effects of drugs to their behaviour once influenced or enslaved by them.
Educational Values Inventory among Marine Engineering Students at JBLFMU-Molo
Authors: Navarra Gene Lee M. , Alimen Rolando A.
Published: December 2012

This study explored the educational values held by first-year marine engineering students at John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation during the 2002-2003 academic year. Researchers surveyed 298 students using a 24-item "Educational Values Inventory."  Analysis revealed interesting trends: students most valued aesthetics ("appreciating beauty") and leadership ("organizing people"), while valuing art and philosophical/religious courses the least. Socially, they prioritized understanding social problems, while vocational values focused on preparing for their chosen profession. Interestingly, the least valued aspects were understanding scientific theories and specific vocational courses. These findings offer valuable insights into the educational priorities of marine engineering students, potentially informing curriculum development and student support services.
Financial Analysis and Risk Assessment of Grouper Cage Culture Systems in Negros Occidental
Authors: Abeto Mario N.
Published: December 2012

The study assessed the financial and risk exposures of grouper cage farming in Negros Occidental. Through survey questionnaire administered to 68 grouper cage growers in the four grouper growing areas in Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Hinigaran, and Sagay, the study appraised the feasibility and viability of grouper cage farming and established a benchmark for cage farmers in making crucial investment decisions in mariculture development. Data on the financial analysis and risk indicators were analyzed using the mean, range, and standard deviation. Data were presented by province and by LGUs. Results of the study showed that a return of investment (ROI) of 29.95% is realized which is far behind the ROI of some aquaculture projects like shrimp hatchery (40%) and grouper culture in ponds (82%). Likewise, the analysis showed a payback period of 3.88 years which seems not economically feasible as it posed a high risk of payment default when capital is sourced from banks. It is also noted that the length of the cropping cycle is prolonged from normally 8 months to 10.6 months average and had a long recovery period (3 years and 6 months) for the capital invested. Though the project is not financially attractive in some variables, the project is still feasible in most important variables like profit per crop (Php26,541.76) and profit margin (29.91%). Among the four LGUs, Binalbagan showed the best performance in both financial analysis and risk indicators indicating the area is attractive for mariculture project. Â  Keywords - financial analysis, risk assessments, grouper cage culture, risk exposure indicators
Butuanon Cuisine: In Search of Local Identity
Authors: Lerida Manolita R. , Garay Apolonia V.
Published: December 2012

As evidenced by the ancient traders, Butuan is known for its valuable resources like the value of Butuanon food plants such as lumbia trunk upon which kinabo (winnowed unaw flour), palagsing (boiled unaw flour), inisab (hot mixed unaw flour) and tinumpi (pressed heated unaw flour) are made. The Butuanons cooked their food utilizing their ethnic cooking styles, revealing the Butuanon's Identity through their food preparation. The study used the ethno-historical method through the oral interview with the aid of an interview schedule. The interviews were cross-checked through the different key informants from the six villages, with a total of thirty-six (36) key informants. The originality and authenticity of the Butuanon Cuisine and recipes in the six villages Banza, Bobon, Libertad, Doongan, Maug and Babag can be traced back to the ancient period, which continued during the Spanish and American periods up to the present. The continuity of the Butuan food preparation survived due to the demands of the old Butuanons and the existence of the supply of the native food resources.
The Effects of Four Methods of Teaching on Achievement in Basic Mathematics
Authors: Patan Romeo A.
Published: December 2012

The study aimed to determine the achievement level of the students in the four experimental groups based on the pre-test and post-test results along knowledge, comprehension, application and analysis skills; the effect of the methods of teaching towards students' achievement in mathematics; and the interaction of the students' achievement scores as influenced by methods of teaching and mental ability. The subjects of this study were the first year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration of Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College, Tandag Campus who had taken Basic Mathematics. Constructivist and lecture methods of teaching showed comparable performances during the posttest. Cooperative learning method and reporting method of teaching had exhibited significant difference while the other methods of teaching showed no significant difference. The methods of teaching had greatly influenced the performance of the students. The methods of teaching and mental ability had interacted with each other which resulted to the high performance level of the students.
Propagation Techniques of Endangered Sablot (Litsea glutinosa) Lour. C.B. Rob.
Authors: Rabena Alfredo R.
Published: December 2012

The Sablot (Litsea glutinosa), a majestic evergreen tree reaching 20-25 meters, boasts fragrant light yellow bark and simple leaves. This research investigated its propagation for conservation purposes. Seed germination thrived best in clay loam soil, achieving a 60% success rate. Interestingly, directly planting stem cuttings proved unsuccessful, but soaking basal cuttings before planting yielded some initial growth. Clay loam again emerged as the superior soil type for overall growth, promoting the greatest height, the most numerous leaves, and the longest leaf length in young Sablot trees. Notably, clay loam nurtured wider young leaves, and while leaf width remained consistent across different soil types, leaf length exhibited significant growth under its influence. These findings highlight the importance of clay loam for successful Sablot cultivation and offer valuable insights for propagating and conserving this remarkable tree.
Canonical Correlation Analysis of Student Perception on Instructional Quality and Satisfaction
Authors: Encabo Henry C.
Published: December 2012

The study models student perceptions on instructional quality and student satisfaction using canonical correlation analysis. Data from two survey occasions were modeled to assess the strength and relative consistency of the instructional quality variables in predicting student satisfaction. Results show that student's perception on the adequacy, usefulness, accessibility, safety and convenience of the learning facilities and their perception on the faculty teaching strategies and subject matter knowledge are the most influential factors of student satisfaction. Canonical functions and cross-loadings derived from the data sets show similar pattern or trend which is taken to indicate consistency of the models. The implication of the findings to managing student satisfaction among higher education institutions is briefly discussed.
Competencies of Instructors: Its Correlation to the Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of Students
Authors: Sali-Ot Melrose A.
Published: December 2012

The study determined the competencies of instructors and its correlation to the factors affecting the academic performance of students in Western Mindanao State University- External Studies Units, Western Mindanao, Philippines. The descriptive research method was employed in the conduct of the study. The respondents were randomly selected with the used of stratified sampling. A questionnaire checklist was the main instrument in collecting data from the respondents. Weighted mean, ranking, and coefficient of correlation by Spearman's formula were used to analyze the data gathered. The instructors are much competent in the five indicators of the teaching competencies. The students' performance was sometimes affected with the predetermined factors. The two groups of respondents have the same responses as to the teachers' competencies and the factors affecting the academic performance. The most prevailing competency was communication with the learners, and the least prevailing is learner reinforcement- involvement. The most prevailing factor was intellectual, and the least prevailing was physical. There was moderate correlation between the competencies of college instructors and the factors affecting the academic performance of students.
Development and Validation of Modules in English 2: Writing in the Discipline
Authors: Emotin-Bucjan Mardie D.
Published: December 2012

Writing is one of the four macro-skills to be developed in language among the students. This paper focused on the Development and Validation of Modules in English 2: Writing in the Discipline. The modules aimed to enhance the basic organizational, judgmental and mechanical writing skills of students as they follow the writing process while performing written tasks and assignments required for their academic pursuits. The study utilized a content validated feedback questionnaire for the pool of experts, instructors and students. The study employed the descriptive method of research. The study underwent the four phases of material development namely: design phase, development phase, field-try out phase, and evaluation phase based on Johnson's Model (1998). The gathered data were statistically treated using the arithmetic mean and analysis of variance. The results of the study reveal that the contents; activities, exercises and techniques used in the modules were varied allowing the students to work independently and creatively; the over-all assessment of the pool of experts, teachers and students revealed that the modules were appropriate to the level and needs of the students; These conclusions were drawn: the varied activities and techniques used in the modules were very helpful to the learners, and the tandem of teaching and learning was evident allowing the students to work independently; the modules were very relevant and very useful for use in the class because these answer the need of the students to improve writing skill.
Dialects, Beliefs and Practices of the Tinguians of Abra
Authors: Abaya Digna Jocelyn , De Vera Marciana , Bajet Manuel
Published: December 2012

This descriptive research identified the dialects,beliefs and practices of the Tinguians in Abra utilizing a questionnaire - checklist coupled with personal interview and ethnography. Of the twentyseven (27) municipalities of Abra, onlytwenty-two (22) speak the eleven (11) Ethno linguistic dialects: Adasen, Balatok, Banao, Belwang, Binongan, Gobang,Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng, Masadiit and Moyadan; while Fourteen(14)municipalities speak the Inlaud dialect. Courtship was never practiced. Tani was the mode of marriage. The Danon was done on moonlight nights. The Sab-ong was discussed when the marriage was set. One is assigned for the Billite to all the relatives and friends when the marriage was set. The deads were not embalmed, thus, bagungon lasted only for three days. Somebody does the Beccaang to the relatives and friends about the death of a relative. Taradyo was collected. Tadek was danced during marriage and burial. Uggayamand Salidummay were chanted during death and danon. The deads were buried in the yards, under the houses orstairs. Balliwes was danced after the burial. Golgol was done a day after the burial. Today, Bagungon, Taradyo,Waksi and Tadek are still practiced. Tani, Danunand Sab-ong are no longer practiced. Billite and Beccaang are now obsolete ways of information during marriages and death of their relatives. Deads are already buried in cemeteries.
Love and the Mentally Challenged: Unraveling the Affective Domain
Authors: Ranario Roselle J.
Published: December 2012

This study describes the affective domain specifically on the psychology of emotion among mentally challenged male students as manifested by their love and attraction towards the opposite sex. Included in the study were the Mentally Challenged pupils in selected SPED Centers, aged 15 and above who were observed to have marked attraction toward another person. Respondents and experts believed that it is risky to allow mentally challenged individuals to marry due to the following reasons: the possibility that the MC can become pregnant; she will experience trauma or psychological damage if she becomes pregnant; the likelihood that the individual will voluntarily engage in sexual activity ; be exposed to situations where sexual intercourse is imposed upon her; the inability of the MC to understand reproduction and the likely permanence of that inability of the MC to care for a child. Another presumption restricting marriages is that mentally retarded persons do not make successful marriage partners. The MC's capacity to love starts and ends in Passionate Love. The feeling called love should be encouraged in class but with proper guidance as it helps develop the MCs socio - emotional behavior for it cultivates motivation, participation, interaction, and happiness among the mentally challenged.
Predictors of Nursing Board Examination Performance
Authors: Navarro Remedios T. , Vitamog Aurelia T. , Tierra Rizza Joy C. , Gonzalez Donna Marie J.
Published: December 2012

This study determines if the UNP College Admission Test (UNP CAT), Nursing Aplitude Test (NAT) and academic performance are significant predictors of the Nursing Board Examination Performance of the graduates of the University of Northern Philippines for the period 2006-2009. The descriptive-correlational method of research was employed with documentary analysis as primary tool for data gathering. The respondents consisted of the 750 Bachelor of Science in nursing graduates, who were first takers of the Nursing Board Examination. Data were analyzed through frequency, percentage and multiple regression analysis. Majority of the Nursing graduates performed at a good level in the UNP-CAT, and at a very good level in their academics. Most performed at an average passed level in the NAT, and majority, at a fair level, in the Nursing Board Examination. The UNP-CAT, NAT and academic performance, taken singly and as a whole are significant predictors of performance in the Nursing Board Examination. Students who perform better in the UNP-CAT, NAT, and in their academics tend to perform better in the Nursing Board Examination. Academic performance as the best predictor underscores the importance of the kind of education and training the university provides to its student try.
The Ati-Atihan Festival: Its Impact to the Economy and Tourism Industry in Kalibo, Aklan
Authors: Calopez Christopher G. , Gaas Charlotte , Lleva Gilbert , Maneclang Diana Rose , Fusin Dennis
Published: December 2012

Ati-Atihan is a feast held annually in honor of the Senior Sto. Niño concluding on the third Sunday of January in the town of Kalibo, Aklan .The study aimed at assessing the economic and tourism impact of the Ati-Atihan Festival to the Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan. This descriptive study involved 120 respondents composed of residents, businessmen and local government officials who were selected using the purposive sampling method. A one-shot survey was conducted to gather pertinent data and treated using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that respondents believed that the Ati-Atihan festival had an impact on the economy of the town by bringing about the expansion and improvement of local products and in increasing the economic activity in the town. It had an impact on the tourism industry by attracting tourists both locally and internationally. However, significant differences were found concerning the impact of Ati-Atihan festival. Thus, certain recommendations were formulated for the enhancement of the celebration as well as to boost the tourism industry and the economy of the municipality.
Relevance and Sustainability of "Project Pakigdait sa Sitio Kasagingan, Mananga" of the University of San Jose-Recoletos
Authors: Sy Maria Victoria U.
Published: December 2012

This study sought to determine the program relevance and sustainability of the institutional community project called "Project Pakigdait sa Sitio Kasagingan, Mananga" of the University of San Jose- Recoletos as assessed by its department anchors, students and program beneficiaries. The respondents were the various stakeholders of the university who were involved in the implementation and supervision of the various programs coming from the different colleges and departments and some selected beneficiaries of the community extension program. The provisions of the program relevance for promoting community development among the community dwellers, promoting people empowerment among adopted community dwellers, and for the conduct of skills training among qualified community members were made to a very great extent. Likewise, the provisions for the sustainability of the project through capacity building were made to a very great extent; however, fund sourcing were made to a great extent.
Aristotle as an Idealist
Authors: Pajares Glenn G.
Published: December 2012

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is widely known as a realist in believing that the real exists in the sensible world and can be known through sense of perception or observation. But, there are others who would claim that he is a moderate realist in believing that the essences are one with physical objects but are known universally and immaterially. Contrary to these popular beliefs, this paper discussed that Aristotle is neither a realist nor a moderate realist but an idealist. The study utilized descriptive critical analysis as its method. The author explained the basic principles and teachings of Aristotle on metaphysics, epistemology and dwelt on these basic principles and teachings as bases of criticism. This article presented Aristotle's belief that the true essences of things which he referred to as forms, essences or substance are metaphysical or universal which is beyond the physical and therefore beyond the grasp of sensation and observation. In other words, reality for him is only logical or mental in nature for it is not tangible. This also explained that Aristotle's theory of knowledge (epistemology) which employed the senses to grasp the essences of things is not possible.
Management Foundations and Global Readiness Index of School Heads of the Philippines
Authors: Baliton Fructuoso C.
Published: December 2012

An understanding of personality contributes to an understanding of organizational behavior in that we expect a predictable interplay between an individual's personality and his or her tendency to behave in certain ways (Jacob 1995). Most organizations today must achieve high performance in the context of a competitive and complex global environment (Porter 1998). This descriptive survey correlation method of research aimed to determine whether the management foundations of secondary school heads were related to their global readiness index. The findings of this study may serve as a basis to take their strong personal characteristics as skills that should be nurtured and to take their good points as starting points to consider where and how to further pursue the development of their managerial skills and competencies. This may also serve as a feedback to work hard to grow and develop continually in the management foundations considering that their successes as 21st century managers may well rest on an initial awareness of the importance of these basic management foundations and that they must be comfortable with the global economy and the global diversity that it holds. Chi-square established that their management foundations are not significantly related to their global readiness index.
Free T3 as a Reliable Indicator of Thyroid Dysfunction in Cirrhosis
Authors: Shakoor Shazia , Kaneez Fatima Shad , Iftikhar Uzma
Published: December 2012

Liver cirrhosis is a common ailment afflicting a significant proportion of Pakistani population of all ages. Quite often, these patients require multi-system intervention, owing to the nature of this disease. This study was specifically conceived to objectively assess the level of thyroid dysfunction in cirrhotics of the urban population of Karachi, together with its relationship to the severity of liver malfunction as gauged by the Childs classification. Liver and thyroid hormones are intricately correlated so thyroid hormone abnormalities are seen in patients of liver diseases, although they are clinically euthyroid. The aim of this study is to correlate the abnormalities in thyroid hormones with the clinical staging of hepatic encephalopathy and to examine the role of thyroid hormone as a reliable prognostic indicator of encephalopathy. We assessed 50 patients of cirrhosis for the thyroid hormone levels (including thyroxine, triiodothyronine and TSH) by Enzyme Linked Immuno sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Patients were also examined clinically for gradings of Cirrhosis by The Childs Pugh classification. All procedures on patients were done in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Triiodothyronine (FT3) was found to be a useful indicator of thyroid dysfunctions and it parallels the grading of Childs classification, whereas thyroxine and TSH were not found to be significantly correlated. We proposed that triiodothyronine could act as a prognostic marker to predict severity of cirrhosis and for assessing minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
New Ecological Paradigm: Testing the Environmental Concern Among Urban Middle Income Cebu City Household Heads
Authors: Chaves Mary Gretchen F.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluates the level of environment concern among middle income Cebu City household heads using the 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale developed by Dunlap et al (2000). Environment concern as a pro-environmental attitudinal construct reflects a person's eco-centric orientation. The NEP scale is a globally accepted methodological assessment for pro-ecological worldview wherein the more an individual agrees with the NEP items, the more concerned (s)he is about the environment. Also investigated in the study are the underlying dimensions (subscales) of the NEP scores. The results of the study show the respondents' NEP scale items' average score as "unsure" indicating neither strong or weak environment concern. Using principal components analysis, three subscales were generated, explaining 77% of the variance, and are interpreted in this study as "disastrous consequence of ecological abuse", "delicate balance of nature," and "humans subject to law of nature". The study concludes that while respondents agree with the disastrous consequences att ributed to ecological abuse, the NEP scores indicate low level of environment concern. The results of this study serve as reference to the recommendations raised intended to improve the ecological worldview among the respondents to favor the environment, particularly on education and information campaigns.
Women's Awareness on the Law on Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children
Authors: Caparas Mary Ann E. , Amparado Mauro Allan P.
Published: December 2012

The Republic Act No. 9262 otherwise known as Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 provides the legal framework of the country's effort to address violence committed against women and children in keeping with the fundamental freedom guaranteed under the Constitution and the Provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This study determined the awareness on Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Law among women of Village Looc, Mandaue City, Philippines in 2011. This study utilized the descriptive-correlational design. The respondents were 96 women who were selected through purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria that they must be at least 16 years old and living with a partner. Majority of the respondents were 25-65 years old, single with live-in partner, has 0-3 children, high school graduates and belonged to the low monthly income bracket. Most of the respondents expressed that they have acquired awareness on intimate partner violence from watching television. Majority of the respondents were aware of the intimate partner violence in RA 9262. There was a significant relationship between the modes of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and level of awareness of the respondents on RA 9262. This study concludes that full awareness on RA 9262 through the modes of IEC is necessary to ensure protection of women and their children.
Community Journalism: Its Roles in Ilocano Language and Culture Preservation
Authors: Soria Jimmy R. , Rabena Alfredo R. , Tabula Rommel V.
Published: December 2012

This study att empts to explore the social roles of community journalism in the preservation of Ilocano language and culture in Metro Vigan. Specifically, it determined the extent of effectiveness of the social roles of community journalism; the significant relationship between the profile and the social roles of community journalism; and the significant difference of the extent of effectiveness of community journalism when reader-respondents are grouped according to municipalities. Using a researcher-constructed and field-validated instrument, data were purposively gathered through informants from the four municipalities and one city of Metro Vigan. Two hundred fifty (250) participants were involved in the study and the following statistical tools were utilized: frequency and percentages, mean, Pearson r, ANOVA, and Scheff' test. Results revealed that majority of the respondents are female; a great number of them belong to the parent age or 20-39 years old; majority resides in the rural areas; most of them are skilled workers; and many of them widely read Bannawag. The study further disclosed that there exist significant relationships between the personal attributes of the respondents and the social roles of community journalism. Furthermore, significant differences in the responses between and among the reader-respondents exist when grouped according to municipalities.
Cooperative breeding and maternal energy expenditure among aka foragers
Authors: Meehan Courtney L. , Quinlan Robert , Malcom Courtney D.
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

Previous research among foragers and theory suggests that nonmaternal caregivers offer essential assistance, which supports female reproduction and the costs associated with lengthy child development. Mothers' face trade‐offs in energy allocation between work and childcare, particularly when mothers have an infant. These trade‐offs likely have crucial impacts on the pace of reproduction and child health. Caregivers can help mothers with childcare or they can reduce a mother's nonchildcare workload. If caregivers assist mothers by substituting childcare, then maternal energy expenditure (EE) in other work activities should increase. If caregivers assist mothers by substituting labor, then maternal EE in work activities should decrease when caregivers are present.

Methods:

Utilizing detailed, quantitative behavioral observations and EE data, we test these propositions with data from 28 Aka forager mothers with children <35 months old. We isolate paternal, grandmaternal, and other caregiver effects on maternal EE and childcare in multivariate analyses.

Results:

Our results show that caregivers (largely grandmothers) significantly reduce mothers' work EE by as much 216 kcal across a 9‐hour observation period, while fathers and juveniles appear to increase maternal EE. Direct childcare from grandmothers decreases maternal direct care by about one‐to‐one indicating a labor substitution. Direct childcare from fathers decreases maternal care by almost 4 to 1, resulting in a net reduction of total direct care from all caregivers.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that there are multiple pathways by which helpers offset maternal work/childcare trade‐offs. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2013. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic appearance of submandibular glands in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Sammy C.H. , Ying Michael T.C. , Kwong Dora L.W. , Wu Vincent W.C.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sonographic (US) appearances of submandibular glands in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after external beam radiotherapy (RT) and compare them with those of healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 81 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with RT and 66 healthy subjects were recruited and underwent submandibular gland US. Bilateral submandibular glands were assessed for their size, echogenicity, echogenicity margin sharpness, and echotexture.

Results

The mean ± SD transverse dimension of submandibular glands in patients treated with RT (2.5 ± 0.4 cm) was significantly smaller than that of healthy subjects (3.3 ± 0.4 cm) (p < 0.05). Submandibular glands in patients treated with RT tended to be heterogeneous (72%) with hypoechoic areas (46%) and ill‐defined margins (89%). However, there were no statistically significant differences in echogenicity and conspicuity of intraglandular ducts of submandibular glands between patients and healthy subjects.

Conclusions

RT‐induced changes of the submandibular glands were demonstrated on US. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:472–478, 2013;
Antenatal sonographic appearance of a large orbital encephalocele: A case report and differential diagnosis of orbital cystic mass
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Noureldin Rehab , Gendy Mohamed , Sakr Sharif , Abdel Naby Mahmoud
Published: December 2012

Orbital meningoceles and encephaloceles are rare extracranial extensions of the brain and meninges with or without direct communication between the central nervous system and the abnormal mass. We reported a rare case of large fetal orbital encephalocele; the diagnosis was suspected initially by prenatal ultrasound and confirmed by postnatal MRI and CT scans. The differential diagnosis of an intrauterine fetal cystic orbital mass includes orbital teratoma, epidermoid inclusion cysts, hemangioma or lymphangioma, congenital cystic eye, dacryocystocele, and orbital cephalocele. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:327–331, 2013
Optimization of Reaction Conditions in the Enzymatic Interesterification of Soybean Oil and Fully Hydrogenated Soybean Oil to Produce Plastic Fats
Authors: Pacheco Consuelo , Palla Camila , Crapiste Guillermo H. , Carrín María E.
Published: December 2012

Semisolid fats obtained from oils and fats through enzymatic interesterification have interesting applications. The effect of certain reaction parameters (enzyme concentration, moisture content, reaction time, substrate ratio, temperature, and agitation level) over the enzymatic interesterification of fully hydrogenated soybean oil (FHSO) and refined soybean oil (SO) using two immobilized enzyme types (Lipozyme RM IM and Lipozyme TL IM), was studied with a fractional factorial design (FFD). The reaction products were analyzed with respect to melting point (mp), by‐products content and triacylglycerols (TAG) composition. It was found that substrate ratio, reaction time, and their interaction presented the most significant contributions to mp, varying this from 43.4 to 61.5 °C. The highest contributions to by‐product content were presented by time and its interaction with the amount of molecular sieves, mainly for Lipozyme TL IM. Through the models obtained, theoretical conditions to achieve minimal by‐product generation and mp were found, being 5.0 % (w/wsubst.) of any of both lipases, 24 h, 70:30 (oil:fat, % w/w), 65 °C, 230 rpm, and absence of molecular sieves. Regression models for TAG groups as a function of significant factors and interactions were constructed, offering useful information to establish the reaction conditions for obtaining a product with a target mp or chemical composition.
Synthesis of Wax Esters from Crude Fish Fat by Lipase of Burkholderia sp. EQ3 and Commercial Lipases
Authors: Ungcharoenwiwat P. , H‐Kittikun A.
Published: December 2012

The lipase from Burkholderia sp. EQ3 was used to synthesize wax esters in comparison with commercial lipases. The supernatant of Burkholderia sp. EQ3 was collected from a liquid basal medium with 1 % fish oil after 12 h cultivation (1.90 U/ml of lipase activity). The crude lipase was prepared by acetone precipitation of the culture supernatant (4.70 U/mg and 9.40 purification folds). The crude fish fat obtained by hexane extraction of waste fat from the wastewater pond of a canned tuna factory and cetyl alcohol were used for wax esters synthesis. Five commercial lipases were screened in comparison with crude lipase from Burkholderia sp. EQ3 in wax esters synthesis. The optimum conditions for wax esters synthesis from crude fish fat using Novozyme 435 were enzyme 1 U, substrate molar ratio of crude fish fat to cetyl alcohol 1:2 (115.30 mg of crude fish fat and 66.67 mg of cetyl alcohol) in hexane at 37 °C and 200 rpm with 90.81 % (TLC–FID peak area) after one h of reaction. The optimum conditions for the synthesis by crude lipase from Burkholderia sp. EQ3 were crude lipase 40 U, substrate molar ratio of crude fish fat and cetyl alcohol 1:2 in isooctane at 30 °C and 200 rpm with 95.07 % (TLC–FID peak area) after 6 h of reaction. The synthesized wax esters were mainly composed of cetyl palmitate and cetyl oleate.
Characterization of complexities in combustion instability in a lean premixed gas-turbine model combustor
Authors: Gotoda Hiroshi , Amano Masahito , Miyano Takaya , Ikawa Takuya , Maki Koshiro , Tachibana Shigeru
Published: December 2012

We characterize complexities in combustion instability in a lean premixed gas-turbine model combustor by nonlinear time series analysis to evaluate permutation entropy, fractal dimensions, and short-term predictability. The dynamic behavior in combustion instability near lean blowout exhibits a self-affine structure and is ascribed to fractional Brownian motion. It undergoes chaos by the onset of combustion oscillations with slow amplitude modulation. Our results indicate that nonlinear time series analysis is capable of characterizing complexities in combustion instability close to lean blowout.
Path Integral for Dirac oscillator with generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Benzair H. , Boudjedaa T. , Merad M.
Published: December 2012

The propagator for Dirac oscillator in (1+1) dimension, with deformed commutation relation of the Heisenberg principle, is calculated using path integral in quadri-momentum representation. As the mass is related to momentum, we then adapt the space-time transformation method to evaluate quantum corrections and this latter is dependent from the point discretization interval.
Logical stochastic resonance in triple-well potential systems driven by colored noise
Authors: Zhang Huiqing , Xu Yong , Xu Wei , Li Xiuchun
Published: December 2012

In this work, the logic stochastic resonance (LSR) phenomenon in a class of stochastic triple-well potential systems is investigated. Approximate Fokker-Planck equation is first obtained by using decoupling approximation. Then, we show that LSR can be successfully induced by additive or multiplicative Gaussian colored noise in some cases. In the absence of internal noise, LSR implementation seems impossible for a = 0 (The parameter a characterizes the depth of the potential well) since the two side wells are so deep that the particle cannot hop over the barrier into the middle well when the input signal is 0. With the increasing of a, the optimal noise band to yield flexible logic gates appears and moves to higher level of noise as the correlation time of noise increases. Compared with the Gaussian white noise, the reliable region in the parameter plane of potential depth parameter a and additive noise strength D first expands and then shrinks with increasing noise color. Furthermore, the effects of multiplicative Gaussian colored noise on LSR are investigated. It was found that the flexible and reliable logic behavior can be yielded for a = 0 due to the fact that the multiplicative Gaussian colored noise strongly affects the shape of the potential function. With the increasing of a, i.e., a = 0.25, multiplicative Gaussian white noise cannot yield desired logic behavior. Fortunately, LSR can also be expected by adjusting the correlation time of Gaussian colored noise. It can also be observed that the reliable region in the parameter plane of potential depth parameter a and multiplicative noise strength Q is small for the case of Gaussian white noise and it becomes larger with the increasing of noise color.
Operator extension of strong subadditivity of entropy
Authors: Kim Isaac H.
Published: December 2012

We prove an operator inequality that extends strong subadditivity of entropy: after taking a trace, the operator inequality becomes the strong subadditivity of entropy.
Anisotropic magnetoresistance in topological insulator Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2/CoFe heterostructures
Authors: Xia B. , Ren P. , Sulaev Azat , Li Z. P. , Liu P. , Dong Z. L. , Wang L.
Published: December 2012

Topological insulator is composed of an insulating bulk state and time reversal symmetry protected two-dimensional surface states. One of the characteristics of the surface states is the locking between electron momentum and spin orientation. Here, we report a novel in-plane anisotropic magnetoresistance in topological insulator Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2/CoFe heterostructures. To explain the novel effect, we propose that the Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2/CoFe heterostructure forms a spin-valve or Giant magnetoresistance device due to spin-momentum locking. The novel in-plane anisotropic magnetoresistance can be explained as a Giant magnetoresistance effect of the Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2/CoFe heterostructures.
The original evidence of supersolidity in helium-4 is explained away
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: December 2012

The 2004 “discovery” experiment was long thought to be immune to elastic artifacts. But a careful repetition shows that it wasn’t.
Robotic vehicles taking up positions under the sea
Authors: Kramer David
Published: December 2012

Autonomous vehicles offer budget savings and can free up manned ships for other duties, US Navy officials say.
X-ray imaging detectors
Authors: Gruner Sol M.
Published: December 2012

Advances in detector technology, in concert with new synchrotron sources, x-ray optics, and computational methods, are opening new ways to probe the structure and dynamics of matter.
Betavoltaic power sources
Authors: Olsen Larry C. , Cabauy Peter , Elkind Bret J.
Published: December 2012

A decades-old technology for producing low-level electric current has experienced a recent resurgence in interest and potential applications.
Looking at volcanoes with cosmic-ray muons
Authors: Saracino Giulio , Cârloganu Cristina
Published: December 2012

Penetrating particles created in the atmosphere reveal internal volcanic structures in much the same way that x rays image internal tissue and bones.
BlueSNP: R package for highly scalable genome-wide association studies using Hadoop clusters
Authors: Huang Hailiang , Tata Sandeep , Prill Robert J.
Published: December 2012

Summary: Computational workloads for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are growing in scale and complexity outpacing the capabilities of single-threaded software designed for personal computers. The BlueSNP R package implements GWAS statistical tests in the R programming language and executes the calculations across computer clusters configured with Apache Hadoop, a de facto standard framework for distributed data processing using the MapReduce formalism. BlueSNP makes computationally intensive analyses, such as estimating empirical p-values via data permutation, and searching for expression quantitative trait loci over thousands of genes, feasible for large genotype–phenotype datasets.

Availability and implementation:  http://github.com/ibm-bioinformatics/bluesnp

Contact:  rjprill@us.ibm.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ToxPi GUI: an interactive visualization tool for transparent integration of data from diverse sources of evidence
Authors: Reif David M. , Sypa Myroslav , Lock Eric F. , Wright Fred A. , Wilson Ander , Cathey Tommy , Judson Richard R. , Rusyn Ivan
Published: December 2012

Motivation: Scientists and regulators are often faced with complex decisions, where use of scarce resources must be prioritized using collections of diverse information. The Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi™) was developed to enable integration of multiple sources of evidence on exposure and/or safety, transformed into transparent visual rankings to facilitate decision making. The rankings and associated graphical profiles can be used to prioritize resources in various decision contexts, such as testing chemical toxicity or assessing similarity of predicted compound bioactivity profiles. The amount and types of information available to decision makers are increasing exponentially, while the complex decisions must rely on specialized domain knowledge across multiple criteria of varying importance. Thus, the ToxPi bridges a gap, combining rigorous aggregation of evidence with ease of communication to stakeholders.

Results: An interactive ToxPi graphical user interface (GUI) application has been implemented to allow straightforward decision support across a variety of decision-making contexts in environmental health. The GUI allows users to easily import and recombine data, then analyze, visualize, highlight, export and communicate ToxPi results. It also provides a statistical metric of stability for both individual ToxPi scores and relative prioritized ranks.

Availability: The ToxPi GUI application, complete user manual and example data files are freely available from http://comptox.unc.edu/toxpi.php.

Contact:  reif.david@gmail.com
Planet-mediated precision reconstruction of the evolution of the cataclysmic variable HU Aquarii
Authors: Zwart S. Portegies
Published: December 2012

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are binaries in which a compact white dwarf accretes material from a low-mass companion star. The discovery of two planets in orbit around the CV HU Aquarii (HU Aqr) opens unusual opportunities for understanding the formation and evolution of this system. In particular, the orbital parameters of the planets constrain the past and enable us to reconstruct the evolution of the system through the common-envelope phase. During this dramatic event, the entire hydrogen envelope of the primary star is ejected, passing the two planets on the way. The observed eccentricities and orbital separations of the planets in HU Aqr enable us to limit the common-envelope parameter αλ = 0.45 ± 0.17 or γ = 1.77 ± 0.02 and measure the rate at which the common envelope is ejected, which turns out to be copious. The mass in the common envelope is ejected from the binary system at a rate of ${\dot{m}} = 1.9\pm 0.3\,{\rm M}_{\odot }\,\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. The reconstruction of the initial conditions for HU Aqr indicates that the primary star had a mass of MZAMS = 1.6 ± 0.2 M⊙ and a mZAMS = 0.47 ± 0.04 M⊙ companion in a a = 25–160 R⊙ (best value a = 97 R⊙) binary. The two planets were born with an orbital separation of aa = 541 ± 44 R⊙ and ab = 750 ± 72 R⊙, respectively. After the common envelope, the primary star turns into a 0.52 ± 0.01 M⊙ helium white dwarf, which subsequently accretes ∼0.30 M⊙ from its Roche lobe filling companion star, grinding it down to its current observed mass of 0.18 M⊙.
The initial conditions of the Universe from constrained simulations
Authors: Kitaura Francisco-Shu
Published: December 2012

I present a new approach to recover the primordial density fluctuations and the cosmic web structure underlying a galaxy distribution. The method is based on sampling Gaussian fields which are compatible with a galaxy distribution and a structure formation model. This is achieved by splitting the inversion problem into two Gibbs-sampling steps: the first being a Gaussianization step transforming a distribution of point sources at Lagrangian positions – which are not a priori given– into a linear alias-free Gaussian field. This step is based on Hamiltonian sampling with a Gaussian–Poisson model. The second step consists on a likelihood comparison in which the set of matter tracers at the initial conditions is constrained on the galaxy distribution and the assumed structure formation model. For computational reasons second-order Lagrangian perturbation theory is used. However, the presented approach is flexible to adopt any structure formation model. A semi-analytic halo-model-based galaxy mock catalogue is taken to demonstrate that the recovered initial conditions are closely unbiased with respect to the actual ones from the corresponding N-body simulation down to scales of a ∼5 Mpc h−1. The cross-correlation between them shows a substantial gain of information, being at k ∼ 0.3 h Mpc−1 more than doubled. In addition the initial conditions are extremely well Gaussian distributed and the power spectra follow the shape of the linear power spectrum being very close to the actual one from the simulation down to scales of k ∼ 1 h Mpc−1.