bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate Rehabilitation Education Programs: A Focus on Quality and Ethics as Guiding Principles in Preparing Students for a Diverse Workforce
Authors: Joseph Mary-Anne M. , Stapleton Danita , Drake Carmela Y. , Edwards Dothel W. , Ware Sanya
Published: June 2019

In the post Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) era, many undergraduate rehabilitation programs find themselves in a predicament with unanswered questions about the future as it relates to ethical and quality programming. In this conceptual manuscript, the authors discuss the direction of undergraduate programs in light of the (July 1, 2017) CORE/CACREP merger. The manuscript provides functional definitions of quality and explores the ethical obligations of undergraduate rehabilitation education programs and faculty. The authors describe how quality and ethics serve as the basis for preparing undergraduate rehabilitation education students for employment. The manuscript also provides implications, strategies, and recommendations for future research that are directed at developing and maintaining quality undergraduate rehabilitation programs.
Evaluating Rehabilitation Student Attitudes Toward Health Promotion Interventions for Individuals Who Are Aging and Living With Functional Limitations
Authors: Huck Garrett E. , Kramer Lorie , Naylor Melisa
Published: June 2019

By 2030, the population of individuals living in the United States aged 65 or older is estimated to reach 71.88 million people. In turn, rehabilitation professionals will be tasked with meeting increased levels of need. One approach for promoting health and well-being is physical activity (PA) which holds potential for reducing secondary health conditions and disability. This article examined (a) student attitudes toward PA interventions for aging individuals living with functional limitations, and (b) how student attitudes toward PA interventions might change following a service learning activity. A pre-test/post-test design was utilized. Results indicated that students tended to hold favorable attitudes regarding PA as a health promoting intervention. As a class cohort, no significant changes in student attitudes were observed. However, when evaluated by major, evidence for the value of experiential learning was noted, in addition to interesting changes in the attitudes of non-rehabilitation and human services majors.
Resilience and Disability: Consideration and Integration of Resilience Training in Undergraduate Rehabilitation Service Programs
Authors: Stuntzner Susan , Dalton Jacquelyn , Umeasiegbu Veronica , MacDonald Angela , Mercado Fidencio
Published: June 2019

Resilience is a topic of growing interest with significant momentum generated by the Positive Psychology Movement. While resilience has been discussed at the graduate level and beyond, few articles seem to openly discuss how it is addressed as a part of undergraduate rehabilitation service programs. Discussion and careful consideration is needed as many undergraduates work in direct services. This article is designed to help rehabilitation educators and professionals understand the application and value of resilience and resilience-based skills as a part of the undergraduate rehabilitation curriculum. Article content addresses resilience, benefits of resilience, resilience-based factors, and the applicability of resilience to professionals and to the people they serve. Suggestions are provided to illustrate ways undergraduate programs can integrate resilience into their curriculum.
Goal Attainment Scaling as a Program Evaluation Measure in Rehabilitation
Authors: Goodyear Don L. , Bitter James A.
Published: June 2019

To date, Goal Attainment Scaling procedures have been used primarily in mental health settings. This study was to investigate the value of Goal Attainment Scaling as a method for program evaluation in rehabilitation. This was assessed by the procedure's capability for measuring rehabilitation client change, the rehabilitation counselor's ability to predict client outcome using the procedure, and interrater reliability among follow-up raters in a rehabilitation setting. It was found that Goal Attainment Scaling is applicable in rehabilitation agencies and demonstrates promise for meeting current public program requirements for evaluation of rehabilitation service impact.
Out-of-session Tasks (Homework) for the Clients of Rehabilitation
Authors: Randolph Alice H. , Zerega William Dennis
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation goals and outcomes can be enhanced when the client and the counselor have developed relevant between sessions tasks (homework).Homework aids the counselor in evaluating the client's progress and enables the client to actively practice behaviors and examine issues from previous counseling sessions.

When incorporating out-of-session tasks into a counseling strategy, it is important to:

Develop the task from issues dealt with by the client during the session,

Have the task or assignment be mutually agreeable to both the client and the counselor,

Insure that the completion of the task is acknowledged and valuable for the next session.
Determination of Caseload Feasibility
Authors: Kunce Joseph T. , Iacono Carmine U. , Miller Douglas E.
Published: June 2019

The predictability of vocational outcomes of rehabilitation clients is demonstrated in this research. Statistically derived “points” were developed and assigned to specific client characteristics such as age, welfare status, and education. A client's prediction score equalled the sum of his points. For each of seven state rehabilitation programs serving blind clients, the prediction scores indicated with a high degree of relationship (r = .61) to the level of a client's earnings following rehabilitatiun services. Investigation of the applicability of these scores for other disability groups indicated that the scores were moderately predictive for those with physical disabilities but only nominally predictive for those with mental or emotional disabilities. Finally, the application of these scores to program evaluation was demonstrated wherein client outcomes by level of caseload difficulty could be compared across different programs.
An Organizational Case Study of a 5-Year Development Project to Promote Cognitive Support Technology Use, Academic Success, and Competitive Employment Among Civilian and Veteran College Students With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Rumrill Phillip D. , Minton Deborah , Stauffer Callista , Hendricks Deborah J. , Sampson Elaine , Elias Eileen , Leopold Anne , Taylor Aiyana , Jacobs Karen , Nardone Amanda , Scherer Marcia , McMahon Brian T. , Roessler Richard , Rumrill Stuart P.
Published: June 2019

Project Career was a 5-year interdisciplinary development initiative funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The project merged cognitive support technology (CST) with best practices in vocational rehabilitation to improve postsecondary and employment outcomes for veteran and civilian undergraduate students with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Project staff conducted assessments of students' needs relative to assistive technology, academic achievement, and career preparation; provided CST training to 146 students; matched students with mentors; provided vocational case management; delivered job development and placement assistance; and maintained an electronic portal regarding academic accommodations and career resources. A single-group, quasi-experimental analysis revealed that Project Career students significantly improved their psychological outlook on their education and their careers, academic performance, persistence toward degree completion, and prospects for competitive careers after graduation. Project Career provides a national model based on best practices for helping postsecondary students with TBI to attain their academic and career goals.
Evaluating Video Modeling for Teaching Professional E-mailing Skills in Transition-Age Job Seekers With Autism
Authors: Fontechia Scott A. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Smith Tammy Jorgensen , Berkman Karen
Published: June 2019

Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis consistently have some of the most dismaying employment related statistics. To address this issue, this study evaluated video modeling, an evidence-based procedure, in teaching professional e-mailing skills to individuals diagnosed with ASD when applying for a job. Results of the study support video modeling as an effective job skill teaching tool. Significant skill acquisition in composing a professional e-mail occurred across all participants. Seventy-five percent of participants concluded the study at mastery level. Implications of this study are immediately impactful on the ASD community as a new evidence-based transition tool can be made readily available. Use of this tool to acquire the professional e-mailing skill will add to the job-seeking skill set and may increase the likelihood of achieving gainful employment.
Leisure: An Alternate to the Meaning of Work
Authors: Wilkinson Maunsell W.
Published: June 2019

The nature of work in many instances is changing and is no longer meaningful for some rehabilitation clients. Many occupations have psychological limitations as they afford little career advancement and are repetitive in nature. Yet the client has been conditioned via the Protestant ethic and industrial society to believe that work is the central force of life: the client believes he is what he does. As the structure of work changes, so should the meaning of work. While work remains imperative, it is no longer necessary that the individual achieve his identity and meaning through his work. Leisure is suggested as an alternative to work as it applies to projecting meaning into life. Leisure is a self-actualizing process which is pursued independent of work. By establishing leisure objectives the rehabilitation counselor may increase the quality of the client's life as well as decrease employment instability. The client will recognize that his work provides his extrinsic needs as his leisure provides his intrinsic needs.
The Coordination of Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Ross Eleanor Mayo
Published: June 2019

As specialization in patient care has increased, so has the danger that fragmented services will cause the disabled to receive inadequate care. The effective coordination of rehabilitation services thus has become an urgent problem which challenges rehabilitation professionals. When this problem has been solved successfully, disabled persons will be rehabilitated both physically and vocationally at unprecedented rates. Communication aids coordination, and there are ways in which communication among rehabilitation agencies and professionals can be improved. The key, however, to efficient program coordination is cooperation. In organizing a program of cooperation among rehabilitation agencies, five things should be considered: (1) agency staffs must understand each other's work; (2) rehabilitation personnel must have frequent, meaningful contact with each other to increase interaction among agencies; (3) agencies must agree on goals and standards; (4) there should be written cooperative agreements among agencies; (5) programs should be reviewed, sometimes revised.
Socialization of the Physically Handicapped
Authors: Smith-Hanen Sandra S.
Published: June 2019

The socialization process as it relates to the physically disabled and the role of the disabled on cultural, social, and psychological levels is explored. The development of basic social relationships in the physically disabled person and the effects of socialization on the person's self image, the family's role, and the rehabilitation process are discussed.
Timeliness of Service Delivery in Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Authors: Cooper Paul , Greenwood Reed
Published: June 2019

In an attempt to establish feasible methodology for determining the extent of undue delay in the provision of services by state vocational rehabilitation agencies, a research study was planned and conducted by the program evaluators of a five state region. Two methods of assessing the extent of undue delay were investigated—one based on a case review procedure and one based on the collection of time-in-status data. The two methods are discussed with respect to their relative advantages and compared with respect to the agreement in the identification of unduly delayed cases. The findings of the case reviewers with respect to the incidence and causes of undue delay are presented.
Issues as Seen by the Rehabilitation Practitioner
Authors: Addison Fred
Published: June 2019

A number of issues in rehabilitation counselor practice are listed. The issues are first addressed and clarified, and then several suggestions are proposed, focusing on ways in which state VR administrators can aid in solving problems inherent in the issues.
Legal Concerns of the Rehabilitation Counselor, Part III Third Institute on Rehabilitation Issues
Authors: Martin Michael E. , Andrew Jason D. , Anderson Earl , Austin Edward W. , Bendekovic John , Corley William R. , Costa Dan M. , Laski Frank L. , Moline John , Rubino Jerome N. , Stubbs Miriam , Duncan Jack , Menszer Paul , Owens Joseph H.
Published: June 2019

This is the third in a series of four artieles dealing with the legal concerns of the rehabilitation counselor. In the next issue of the Journal an article on liability will appear. Final preparation was coordinated by the Research and Training Center, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, University of Wisconsin-Stout with partial support provided through Grant No. 45-P-81132/5-01, from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Human Development, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Washington, D.C. Interpretations shown in this publication do not necessarily represent the illterpretations or opinions of DIIEW /OHD/RSA. Reprinting of this document in JARC is done at the suggestion and with the approval of Jason Andrew, now Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services, State of Nebraska. The original document was edited to conform to the stylistic requirements and space limitations of JARC.
Results of the Career Ladder Survey in State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Authors: Crisler Jack R.
Published: June 2019

This article presents the results of a Career Ladder Survey in state vocational rehabilitation agencies conducted in the Fall of 1976. Job duties, education, and work experience requirements for different categories of positions are presented. The results of the study do not support the existence of a viable Career Ladder Concept based on systematic, differentiated requirements.
A Time for Change Implications of the CRCC Demographic Data for Rehabilitation Curriculum
Authors: Livingston Roger H.
Published: June 2019

A Time for Change?

Since mid-1975, extensive data has been collected on individuals seeking to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors. Examining the data on “counselors” suggests that performaooe on the Field Review is below average in some situations. Graduates of rehabilitation counseling programs tend to score higher than most other graduate majors, such as counseling psychology or clinical psychology. The results suggest steps should be taken to strengthen training for the rehabilitation professional in terms of graduate education, RCEP, and in-service training.
Life Outlook, Hopes, and Fears of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Roessler Richard T.
Published: June 2019

Seventy-five persons with spinal cord injuries completed Cantril’s Life Ladder upon admission to a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Paraplegics and quadriplegics held an optimistic view of the future and tended to view the past more favorably than did the compartive U. S. population group. Quadriplegics rated the present significantly lower than either individuals with paralegia or the normative sample. Paralleling other research with the spinal cord injured, hopes and fears for the two groups focused on health, economic, and family concerns. The percentage of SCI clients mentioning specific aspirations for congenial or steady work was small but higher than in the comparison group. In another phase of the study, comparisons of low, moderate, and high hope subgroups tended to support the relationship of moderate hope to positive rehabilitation indices. The data were discussed in terms of such concepts as idealization of the past, prepotent needs, reinforcement, realism, and independent living training.
A Service Delivery Model for the Severely Disabled Individual: Focus and Structure
Authors: Belcher Sandra A. , Clowers Michael R.
Published: June 2019

A model independent living rehabilitation program for the severely disabled is described. A discussion is offered on the problems of defining disability, severity and independent living rehabilitation. The program components — referral, evaluation, service delivery, closure and follow-up — are explained. A critique of the model attempts to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the service delivery model.
The Gestalt Approach to Rehabilitation of the Whole Person
Authors: Coven Arnold B.
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation experts disagree regarding giving more attention to the personal and social development of the disabled as opposed to continuing the emphasis on vocational goals. This dichotomous approach to the issue is not necessary as gestalt counseling can work with both these dimensions of the disabled. Gestalt procedures can foster rehabilitation closure while enabling the person to complete important life tasks. Similarly, gestalt techniques can help the disabled in vocational self-knowledge and development while feelings of adequacy and self-acceptance are enhanced. The Gestalt approach can also guide modifications in the agency service and delivery system to make rehabilitation of the disabled more holistic.
Identifying, Developing and Using Community Resources in Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: Vandergoot David , Jacobsen Richard J.
Published: June 2019

This article presents a way of capitalizing on community resources to enhance rehabilitation service delivery. A methodology is also described which has the potential to equip rehabilitation counselors with the means of effectively developing and using community resources throughout the rehabilitation process. Particular attention is given to how counselors can personally cultivate informal communication networks.
Physiotherapy in the surgical treatment of Chagasic Megaesophagus
Authors: Vento Daniella Alves , Araújo Isabella Ribeiro , De Souza Filho Luiz Fernando Martins , Oliveira Michael Taylor
Published: June 2019

Introduction:Chagasic Megaesophagus (CME) is the manifestation of the disease characterized by luminal enlargement and muscular hypertrophy. Physiotherapy is an area that can be beneficial to CME patients in both pre and postoperative stages due to evidence of its success rate in preventing pulmonary complications. Objective:analyze the use of physiotherapeutic treatment in treating patients that underwent surgical treatment for CME. Methods: Study developed at University Federal of Goiás- Hospital das Clínicas, in Goiânia – Goiás. Of the 1096 surgical procedures, 38 of them were to treat CME. Results: was an average age of 59,4±13 years, 77% male and 23% female, physiotherapeutic care was part of the postoperative routine in 68% of the cases with no record of its occurrence in the preoperative stages.Conclusion: Physiotherapy was used only in the postoperative stage. Despite the importance of Physiotherapy in the treatment of CME, the studies pertaining to its use in this context are scarce. As a result, more research is necessary to emphasize that its use from the moment of hospitalization could increase the possibilities of surgical recovery.
Protein-Encoding RNA-to-RNA Information Transfer in Mammalian Cells: Principles of RNA-Dependent mRNA Amplification
Authors: Volloch Vladimir
Published: June 2019

The transfer of protein-encoding genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, a process formalized as the “Central Dogma of Molecular Biology”, has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. It was amended to account for the information flow from RNA to DNA, the reverse transcription, and for the information transfer from RNA to RNA, the RNA-dependent RNA synthesis. These processes, both potentially leading to protein production, were initially described only in viral systems, and although RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was shown to be present, and RNA-dependent RNA synthesisfound to occur, in mammalian cells, its function was presumed to be restricted to regulatory. However, recent results, obtained with multiple mRNA species in several mammalian systems, strongly indicate the occurrence of protein-encoding RNA to RNA information transfer in mammalian cells. It can result in the rapid production of the extraordinary quantities of specific proteins as was seen in cases of terminal cellular differentiation and during cellular deposition of extracellular matrix molecules. A malfunction of this process may be involved in pathologies associated either with the deficiency of a protein normally produced by this mechanism or with the abnormal abundanceof a protein or of its C-terminal fragment. It seems to be responsible for some types of familial thalassemia and may underlie the overproduction of beta amyloid in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the present article is to systematize the current knowledge and understanding of this pathway. The outlined framework introduces unexpected features of the mRNA amplification such as its ability to generate polypeptides non-contiguously encoded in the genome, its second Tier, a physiologically occurring intracellular polymerase chain reaction, iPCR, a Two-Tier Paradox and RNA Dark Matter. RNA-dependent mRNA amplification represents a new mode of genomic protein-encoding information transfer in mammalian cells. Its potential physiological impact is substantial, it appears relevant to multiple pathologies and its understanding opens new venues of therapeutic interference, it suggests powerful novel bioengineering approaches and its further rigorous investigations are highly warranted.
Cycle-consistent Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGANs) for the Non-Parallel Creation of Fake Voice Media
Authors: Fleury Daniel , Fleury Angelica
Published: June 2019

The upsurge of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in the previous five years has led to advancements in unsupervised data manipulation, sourced feature translation, and precise input-output synthesis through a competitive optimization of the discriminator and generator networks. More specifically, the recent rise of cycle-consistent GANs enables style transfers from a discrete source (input A) to target domain (input B) by preprocessing object features for a multi-discriminative adversarial network. Traditionally, cyclical adversarial networks have been exploited for unpaired image-to-image translation and domain adaptation by determining mapped relationships between an input A graphic and an input B graphic. However, this integral mechanism of domain adaptation can be applied to the complex acoustical features of human speech. Although well-established datasets, such as the 2018 Voice Conversion Challenge repository, paved way for female-male voice transformation, cycle-GANs have rarely been re-engineered for voices outside the datasets. More critically, cycle-GANs have massive potential to extract surface-level and hidden feature to distort an input A source into a texturally unrelated target voice. By preprocessing, compressing, and packaging unique acoustical voice properties, CycleGANs can learn to decompose speech signals and implement new translation models while preserving emotion, the intent of words, rhythm, and accents. Due to the potential of CycleGAN’s autoencoder in realistic unsupervised voice-voice conversion/feature adaptation, the researchers raise the ethical implications of controlling source input A to manipulate target voice B, particularly in cases of defamation and sabotage of target B’s words. This paper analyzes the potential of cycle-consistent GANs in deceptive voice-voice conversion by manipulating interview excerpts of political candidates.
Understanding Strong Coupling Constant, Nuclear Stability and Binding Energy with Three Atomic Gravitational Constants
Authors: U.V Satya Seshavatharam , Lakshminarayana S.
Published: June 2019

We present simple relations for nuclear stability and nuclear binding energy with respect to three gravitational constants associated with electroweak, strong and electromagnetic interactions.
Characterization of Compounds From Extract of Leaf Cloroform Melochia umbellata (Houtt.) Stapf var. Degrabrata K. and Test Antihiperglicemic Activities
Authors: Imran Imran , Hariani Soekamto Nunuk , Usman Hanapi
Published: June 2019

A research on the characterization of the chloroform extract of leaves of M. umbellata (Houtt.) stapf var. degrabrata K. and activity test as antihyperglycemic has been done. This study aimed to isolate and characterize compounds from chloroform extract and determine the optimum concentration of chloroform extract in  reducing blood glucose levels. Isolation compound from chloroform extract has been done by maceration, fractionation and purification. Based on the data of IR and NMR spectroscopic, compounds isolated from this research were β-sitosterol and fatty acid compound consisting of 25 carbon atoms. The glucose tolerance test, concentration of 6% showed a decrease in glucose levels almost equivalent with drug glibenclamide as comparator.
Synthesis and Characterization Gold Nanoparticles Using Extracts of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia pendans) For Sensing of Glucose
Authors: Suciati Andi , Wahid Wahab Abdul , Taba Paulina
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Gold nanoparticles have been synthesized with simple and relatively safe method by using kaemferol and quercetin containing aqueous extract of Myrmecodia pendans (sarang semut plant). Under this method, it was able to obtain AuNPs and measured the size. The formation of the nanoparticles were identified by the color change (yellow to red) occurred in the chloroauric acid solution after additional aquoeos extract of sarang semut plant. The UV-Visible spectra and particle size analyzer indicated the successful formation of AuNPs with wavelength of 521.5 nm which was stable for 4 days, evidenced by the presence of particles with a size 53.2 nm. XRD analysis showed the difractogram peak of gold nanopartcle. The result of SEM analysis indicated gold nanopartcle surface with spherical and rod-like shapes. Glucose sensor utilized gold nanopartcle as catalyst with measurement range 2–5 mM and regresision 0,868, detection limit of sensor was in concentration 2-5 mM  was 7,5 mM with sensitivity 0,736 A.mM-1.mm-2. Glucose concentration obtained in blood serum was 78,48mg/dL. Gold nanoparticles is promising to detect blood sugar with simply, securely, low cost without using enzyme and harmful material.
Determination of Effectiveness Absorption of The Rice Husk And Hazelnut Shell to Purification Used Cooking Oil
Authors: Botahala Loth , Malailak Yanti , Silvia Maure Herlin , Karlani Hagar
Published: June 2019

The effectiveness of the absorption of activated rice husk and hazelnut shells on the purification of used cooking oil has been carried out. The aim is to determine the absorption capacity of the active charcoal of rice husk and hazelnut shells to purify used cooking oil. After being physically activated, activated charcoal from rice husk and pecan shells is applied to the purification of used cooking oil. The results show that the quality of hazelnut shell charcoal is better than rice husk after it is applied to purifying used cooking oil.
Current Treatment Trends in Rotator Cuff Disease
Authors: Thompson Timothy J. , Hewitt Aaron J.
Published: June 2019

Rotator cuff disease is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in the orthopaedic setting. Symptoms can vary widely from pain due to simple inflammation to pseudoparalysis from massive, irreparable tears. Diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment vary widely depending on the severity of the pathology. This article will explore the current literature of trending orthopaedic imaging and surgical options depending on the presenting course of rotator cuff pathology.
Non-compliance and its associated factors among hypertensive patients taking anti-hypertensive treatment visiting Gimbi general hospital,Western Ethiopia:cross-sectional study
Authors: Bekele Firomsa , Fekadu Ginenus , Dugassa Dinka , Bekele Kumera
Published: June 2019

Objective: Hypertension is defined as a persistent systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mm Hg or greater and/or a diastolic blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg or greater. Poor adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy is one of the biggest obstacles in therapeutic control of high blood pressure and usually associated with bad outcome of the disease and wastage of limited health care resources. The study was aimed to assess the patient compliance and associated factors of anti-hypertensive treatments
Result: The study showed that the overall level of compliance was 106(83.46%) and non-compliance level was 21(16.54%). Among 127 respondents 52 (40.95%) were males and 75 (59.05%) were females. Majority of respondents 113(88.98%) were taking treatments as prescribed and 106(83.36%) had regular follow up. In this study 45 patients never forget to take their medication and 82(64 57%) respondents were stopped their medication due to different reason from this, 64(34.8%) were due to improvement from illness and 37(20.1%) due to lack of money.
Keywords: Hypertension, Hypertensive treatment, Adherence, Compliance
Effect of Acupuncture on Lung Cancer-Related Fatigue: Study Protocol for a Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Zhaoqin , Li Shanshan , Wu Luyi , Qi Qin , Liu Huirong , Jin Xiaoming , Tian Jianhui , Zhang Ming , Ma Xiaopeng , Sun Deli , Xu Shifen , Wu Huangan
Published: June 2019

Background

Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms of lung cancer patients, with a prevalence of 88.0% in cancer survivors, and even higher post resection surgery. Effective fatigue control after lung cancer surgery is important for patient recovery and quality of life. Some studies have shown that acupuncture might be effective in treating cancer-related fatigue, however, randomized controlled trials of suitable sample size are limited.

Method/Design

This is a multi-center, patient-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 320 eligible patients will be recruited in four centers (Shanghai Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital and LongHua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine) and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group in a 1:1ratio. Treatment will be given twice per week for 12 sessions. Treatment will consist of acupoints GV20, GV29, CV12, CV6, CV4, and bilateral LI4, LR3, SP6, ST36. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Chinese version of Brief Fatigue Inventory-Chinese (BFI-C), the secondary outcomes will be measured by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). The primary outcome will be assessed at all main points (baseline, the 3rd week, the 6th week and follow-ups), the secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and the 6th week. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will be used in this RCT.

Discussion

This trial protocol provides an example of clinical application for the management of lung cancer-related fatigue using acupuncture treatment. If the acupuncture treatment protocol confirms that acupuncture is an effective and safe option for lung cancer-related fatigue, it can be adopted as a standardized treatment.
Corneal Langerhans Cell And Endothelium Changes In Patients With Herpetic Keratitis During Acute Phase Of The Disease And After 6 Months
Authors: Danileviciene Vilija , Zemaitiene Reda , Gintauskiene Vilte Marija , Nedzelskiene Irena , Zaliuniene Dalia
Published: June 2019

Purpose. To describe corneal morphological changes by evaluating Langerhans cell (LC) and endothelium cell density using in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) in herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis during acute phase of the disease and after 6 months, to compare with contralateral eyes, controls with previous history of herpes labialis and healthy controls.

Methods

A prospective clinical study included 79 patients with herpetic eye disease, 101 healthy patients with previous history of herpes labialis but no history of herpetic eye disease, and 89 patients with no history of any HSV diseases. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including LSCM of the central cornea, using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Rostock Cornea Module. After 6 months, the same ophthalmological examination was performed for patients with herpetic eye disease. Serology tests of the serum to detect HSV 1/2 IgG and IgM using Virion Serion ELISA classic kit were performed.

Results

HSV affected eyes showed an increase in LC density when compared with contralateral eyes, herpes labialis, and healthy control groups (357.9±308.7 vs. 197.1±258.5 vs. 62.9±72.6 vs. 81.7±88.3) (p<0.05). Higher LC density and less density of corneal sub-basal nerve parameters were found (p<0.05). Endothelium density in HSV affected eyes did not differ from the contralateral eyes, but it was lower when comparing with herpes labialis patients and healthy controls (2300.7±530.6 vs. 2343.3±543.7 vs. 2672.9±268.1 vs. 2620.9±347.1) (p<0.05). After 6 months, LC density in HSV affected eyes decreased but did not reach those of healthy controls (p<0.05).

Conclusions

LSCM reveals a significant increase of LC and decrease of endothelium cell density in HSV affected corneas. The decrease in LC density is a clear, indirect sign of recovery, which can be used in clinical practice.
Agro‐Economic Returns were Reduced for Four Years after Conversion from Perennial Forage
Authors: Miller P.R. , Bekkerman A. , Holmes J.A. , Jones C.A. , Engel R.E.
Published: June 2019

Perennial crops are increasingly converted to annual cropping systems as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts expire. We compared crop yields and net returns across 2013–2018 for no‐till pulse crop‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (P‐W) systems, preceded either by 10 yr of P‐W or 10 yr of perennial cropping (P‐WPer) at Bozeman, MT. The perennial mixed species planting, dominated by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), was split into unharvested and annually harvested treatments 2005–2012. The 2013–2018 experimental design included both systems replicated as main plots, with 50 and 100% recommended available N rates as subplots. Precipitation was below average during three of the first four growing seasons, followed by two wetter than average years. The P‐WPer system had generally lower soil moisture and equal or greater nitrogen supply than the P‐W. ‘Haying off’ (reduced harvest index) occurred in wheat grown 2 and 4 yr after conversion from perennial to annual cropping, which reduced grain yield, and increased grain protein. Crop yield losses in the P‐WPer system averaged 0.84 Mg ha–1 (28%) over 4 yr and two N rates. After adjusting grain prices using historical discounts and premiums for test weight and protein content at Montana grain elevators, P‐WPer net returns were reduced for four consecutive years in three economic scenarios, and for 2 yr in a fourth scenario by a 4‐yr cumulative average of (USD) $731 ha–1 (45%). We conclude annual crop yield and economic returns were compromised for 4 yr following 10 yr of an alfalfa‐dominated perennial cropping system.

Core Ideas

Ten years of perennial forage generally reduced economic returns for 4 yr of subsequent annual cropping by an average of 45%.

Grain yield was more negatively affected by perennial cropping than protein yield.

Long‐term assessment may be required to capture economic benefits of improved soil quality.
Quantified Effects of Particle Refractive Index Assumptions on Laser Diffraction Analyses of Selected Soils
Authors: Pachon Julio C. , Kowalski Kayci R. , Butterick Joshua K. , Bacon Allan R.
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Particle refractive index (RI) assumptions are evaluated across the fine earth fraction of diverse soils.

Effects of RI assumptions are most pronounced for particle diameters of 0.5–1.5 and 100–600 μm.

Effects of RI assumptions are highly dependent on the textural properties of a soil.

Quantified uncertainty derived from RI assumptions are presented.

Forthcoming method standardization of laser diffraction requires quantification of RI assumption effects.

The use of laser diffraction (LD) to conduct soil mechanical analysis is rapidly growing across a variety of disciplines. Almost always these techniques require a particle refractive index (RI) assumption. Here, for the first time, we quantify the effects of this assumption across the entire fine earth fraction (FEF) in soils with diverse pedogenic, textural, and mineralogical properties. While most discussions of RI emphasize clay‐sized particle sensitivity, we demonstrate that the effects of particle RI assumption are often bimodal across the FEF, with pronounced modes in the 0.5‐ to 1.5‐ and 100‐ to 600‐μm diameter regions. The uncertainty derived from particle RI assumptions averages 5.7 ± 2.9 (mean ± 95% CI), 1.9 ± 1.6, and 4.0 ± 1.6% (v/v) for estimates of clay, silt, and sand concentration respectively, and 14.5 ± 6.3, 0.20 ± 0.04, and 0.10 ± 0.05 µm for estimates of the mean diameter of all soil particles, clay‐sized particles, and sand‐sized particles respectively across our samples. We expose a close relationship between particle RI assumption derived error and the textural properties of samples (i.e., coarse vs. fine‐textured), and utilize this relationship to provide first‐order constraints that quantitatively inform forthcoming LD analyses of soils about the effects of particle RI assumptions. Generally, uncertainty derived from particle RI assumption is similar in magnitude to that of a full process replicate and is minute compared to inter‐soil variability. We suggest that quantitative inquiries evaluating particle RI assumptions across the entire FEF, and in edaphically diverse samples, are too rare. Such work fundamentally informs broader discussions of methodological standardization of LD mechanical analyses.
Impacts of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Temporal‐Seasonal Soil‐Environmental Status on Ground‐Penetrating Radar Response
Authors: Sarkar Reshmi , Paul K. B. , Higgins Todd R.
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Ground‐penetrating radar response changes with electrical conductivity and organic matter of same soils.

Ground‐penetrating radar responses changes with soil temperatures diurnally and precipitation seasonally.

Ground‐penetrating radar response is strongly related to clay content and daily volumetric water content of soils.

Irrespective of clay content, response varies with electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity or clay‐mineral types.

The impacts of soils' heterogeneity due to temporal (ET)‐ and seasonal (ES) changes from minute variations in precipitation (as rain, ice, and snow) and air temperatures (P+TA) on the ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) responses (RGPR) are not rigorously tested. We aimed to understand how environmental changes (ET and ES) can be accountable to alter RGPR and help relate to real‐time (TR) soil environmental status. Soil moisture (volumetric water content, VWC), temperature (TS), and electrical conductivity (EC) in every 30 min were recorded by soil sensors daily in different seasons to match the diurnal and seasonal changes. Readings of GPR alerts from six soil types of various GPR‐suitability classes were recorded two to three times daily. Changes in P+TA, which changed physicochemical soil properties (PCSP) temporally and impacted RGPR up to 76%. The RGPR, which was negatively corelated with clay (R = –0.89) and organic matter (OM) (R = –0.91) percentages, remained low in soils when cation exchange capacity (CEC) is also high. The RGPR which were pronounced after rain, during fall, in sandy soils, and in case of neutral to basic pH impacted by narrow‐range VWC variations on sandy but broad range on clay soils. Soils of same clay percent and similar OM acted differently if they have differential CEC and pH values. Ninety‐six percent of RGPR, which is impacted by electric resistances and bonding nature of water and soils, were explainable if interactions of clay, OM, and VWC at TR are considered. Future insights on influences from freeze–thaw cycles and specific silica‐mineral types of soils are required.
Temperature Regime of a Charcoal‐Enriched Land Use Legacy Soil
Authors: Schneider Anna , Hirsch Florian , Raab Alexandra , Raab Thomas
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Soil monitoring shows a modified temperature regime in a relict charcoal hearth.

Effects are related to the low thermal conductivity of the technogenic horizon.

Effects of the thermal properties of this horizon propagate to deeper soil areas.

The addition of charcoal to soils can distinctly alter the soil's physical and chemical properties. Such effects occur in soils deliberately amended with charcoal (“biochar”) and as a land use legacy in historic charcoal hearth sites. One aspect of soil property modification induced by charcoal addition that has rarely been studied is the effect on soil temperature and thermal properties. The objective of this study was to characterize the soil temperature regime of a relict charcoal hearth (RCH) site compared with a reference forest soil. Soil temperatures were monitored at three depths in two profiles over a period of 1 yr. Samples from both profiles were analyzed to characterize the bulk density, soil organic matter (SOM) content, charcoal content and thermal conductivity of the soils. The monitoring results reveal distinct differences between the temperature regimes of the profiles, with the RCH soil exhibiting higher daily and seasonal temperature variations at a depth of 15 cm but lower variations at a depth of 80 cm than the reference soil. The laboratory results show that these differences are related to a clearly lower thermal conductivity in the RCH soil, which is associated with the low bulk density and high contents of SOM. The results confirm that charcoal addition can clearly affect soil temperature, and they show that the effects can propagate beyond the charcoal‐amended soil horizons. The observed modifications in the soil temperature regime might contribute to several poorly understood effects of charcoal addition on biogeochemical processes in soils.
The stability of Fe5O6 and Fe4O5 at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Hikosaka Koutaro , Sinmyo Ryosuke , Hirose Kei , Ishii Takayuki , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: June 2019

The oxygen fugacity in the interior of the Earth is largely controlled by iron-bearing minerals. Recent studies have reported various iron oxides with chemical compositions between FeO and Fe3O4 above ~10 GPa. However, the stabilities of these high-pressure iron oxides remain mostly uninvestigated. In this study, we performed in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell (DAC) to determine the phase relations in both Fe5O6 and Fe4O5 bulk compositions to 61 GPa and to 2720 K. The results show that Fe5O6 is a high-temperature phase stable above 1600 K and ~10 GPa, while FeO + Fe4O5 are formed at relatively low temperatures. We observed the decomposition of Fe5O6 into 2FeO + Fe3O4 above 38 GPa and the decomposition of Fe4O5 into FeO + h-Fe3O4 at a similar pressure range. The coexistence of FeO and Fe3O4 indicates that none of the recently discovered compounds between FeO and Fe3O4 (i.e., Fe5O6, Fe9O11, Fe4O5, and Fe7O9) are formed beyond ~40 GPa at 1800 K, corresponding to conditions in the shallow lower mantle. Additionally, as some superdeep diamonds have genetic links with these high-pressure iron oxides, our results give constraints on pressure and temperature conditions of their formation.
Integrated reporting and financial performance of South African listed banks
Authors: Matemane Reon , Wentzel Rozane
Published: June 2019

The recent development of integrated reporting intends to address the limitations associated with corporate reporting practices. This paper aims to examine whether a statistically significant relationship exists between integrated reporting quality and financial performance. Secondary data was used, namely the integrated reports and annual financial statements of South African banks listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for 2010–2014. For the period 2005–2009, only the financial statements were used, since integrated reporting was not yet mandatory. The research design was longitudinal and it combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Descriptive statistics and Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) were used to explore the relationships between financial performance and integrated reporting quality. The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between integrated reporting quality (IRQ) and earnings per share (EPS). However, there is no significant relationship between IRQ and Tobin’s q (Q-Ratio), IRQ and return on equity (ROE), IRQ and return on assets (ROA) as well as IRQ and economic value added (EVA). Moreover, there are no significant differences on the financial performance of the listed banks before and after the introduction of integrated reporting.
Antihyperglycemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Foeniculum vulgare in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: El-Ouady Fadwa , Lahrach Nadia , Ajebli Mohammed , Haidani Ahmed E. , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: June 2019

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin
shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate
the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

Methods:

The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a
dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats.

Results:

Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration
in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in
both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after the fifteenth day of treatment. During
this test, both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this
aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on
liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment showed an inhibitory concentration
(IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic
antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2.17µg /ml.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects
of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.
The Morosophistic Discourse of Ancient Prose Fiction
Authors: Gunderson Erik
Published: June 2019

This essay explores a set of connections between philosophy and prose fiction. It combines a somewhat Foucauldian outlook on the question of genealogical filiation with a Bakhtinian interest in polyphony and heteroglossia. This is an overview of the various possibilities for the emplotment of the story of knowledge. The structural details of these plots inform the quality  of the knowledge that eventuates from them. In coarse terms, I am asking what it means to insist upon the novelistic qualities of Plato while simultaneously thinking about the Platonic qualities of novels. This highly selective survey starts with classical Athens, touches upon Plutarch and Lucian, and then lingers with narrative prose fiction more specifically by examining the texts of Chariton, Achilles Tatius, Heliodorus, Apuleius, and Petronius.