bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to make your Pupil Premium Summer School a success
Authors: Martin Kerry
Published: May 2014

Pupil Premium-funded Summer Schools are helping pupils to make the difficult leap from year 6 to 7 and recent research has revealed the secrets to setting up, running and embedding a successful Summer School programme. Kerry Martin explains.
Defibrillators in schools – a legal viewpoint
Authors: Boyd Katrina
Published: May 2014

With more than 600 young people a year dying from cardiac arrests, a campaign is calling for defibrillators to be placed in schools. Legal expert Katrina Boyd considers the implications of medical emergencies in schools.
Getting your parents on board
Authors: Jones Geoff
Published: May 2014

Research has shown time and again that parents hold significant power in supporting learning. With the Curriculum for Excellence calling on schools to actively engage parents about their child's education, Geoff Jones offers some advice.
How to boost your pupils' memory skills
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: May 2014

Developing an effective working memory can go a long way to helping students achieve their potential in exams and wider school life. Sal McKeown looks at how some schools are promoting good memory skills.
Inducting new staff and NQTs
Authors: solly Ben
Published: May 2014

School leader Ben Solly offers his advice on how we can support the effective induction of new teachers, including a specific focus on successful lesson observation strategies.
Strategies for spending the Pupil Premium
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Ahead of a conference offering advice on the Pupil Premium, Dorothy Lepkowska talks to some of the speakers who will be discussing how they go about spending this vital funding effectively.
Make research make a difference in the classroom
Authors: Handscomb Graham
Published: May 2014

Practitioner-led enquiry is increasingly being seen as crucial to becoming a successful school. SecEd is supporting the new NFER Research Mark that aims to help schools promote teacher research. Graham Handscomb explains.
Handling difficult parents
Authors: Otty Helen
Published: May 2014

Schools often have to handle high expectations and demands from their parents, but what happens when things get out of hand? Helen Otty and Andrew McGregor look at what lessons can be learned from a recent legal case involving a private school.
Tea, toast and collaboration
Authors: Smith Chris
Published: May 2014

Is collaboration and joint reflection part of your staff's daily routine? The Baverstock Academy has embraced the idea of in-school collaboration with some astounding results. After a visit to the school, Chris Smith looks at why this approach can be so powerful.
Meeting the needs of patient–interprofessional practice
Authors: Branscombe Liz
Published: May 2014

This article will examine the concept of interprofessional practice (IPP) and how this approach to patient care has been developed within the human healthcare professions. Furthermore it will consider the benefits and constraints of collaborative working and whether the veterinary and allied professions can adopt the processes of IPP successfully within the veterinary setting.
Writing patient care reports: author guidelines for VNs
Authors: Welsh Perdi , Orpet Hilary
Published: May 2014

Published patient care reports (PCRs) (also known as case reports) can provide a valuable means for veterinary nurses to share their clinical experiences, increase their knowledge and contribute to the establishment of an evidence-based approach to veterinary nursing practice. This article is the first of a two-part series which aims to inform readers of the benefits of writing and publishing PCRs and give potential authors an overview of the format and conventions of academic writing required for these reports. In particular, this first article discusses the recommendation made by the authors that veterinary nurses adopt an appropriate writing style and language in these reports in an attempt to foster a more patient focussed and holistic approach to the provision of evidence-based veterinary nursing care.
Research methodology for veterinary nurses
Authors: Bloor Claire
Published: May 2014

The veterinary nursing profession has progressed towards autonomy and self regulation over the past decade and in April 2010 will have fully achieved this regulated, professional status, whereby its members must adhere to and maintain certain professional standards as stipulated by the awarding body. With these advances comes the need for veterinary nurses (VN) to take ownership of their nursing, responsibility for their actions and become truly accountable for their day-to-day activities in veterinary practice.

An inevitable part of this progression is the need for all VNs to source, read, understand and utilize the most current research available to justify their decisions based on best practice; evidence-based practice. With the introduction and development of a variety of higher education courses for the VN there has been an increase in the number of undergraduate and postgraduate VNs conducting research into many subject areas via different methods. This level of participation in research should hopefully continue into the future, building on the knowledgebase of evidence available for VNs.

This article initially explores what research actually means before moving on to veterinary nursing research and the issues surrounding this concept. The research process is explored before moving on to the basics about research methodology and methods a VN may consider when undertaking a research project in veterinary practice.
A patient care report of a Doberman in heart failure
Authors: Pace Charlotte
Published: May 2014

This article describes the nursing care provided to a Doberman in acute life-threatening heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a common problem seen in medium-large breed dogs. It can sometimes lead to congestive heart failure (CHF) and cause arrhythmias, further compromising cardiac function. Nursing care, monitoring and therapy are vital for the patient both in the short term, but also long term, to optimize quality of life.
When is a pet not a pet? Rethinking the ethics of animal terminology
Authors: Shaw Nikki
Published: May 2014

Current academic debate is exploring the idea that words, similes and metaphors that relate to non-human animals may reinforce cultural and societal notions of inequality between humans and other animals. Historically, three major philosophical traditions have biased humans over animals and have refected and reinforced an agenda of human superiority. As language is used to construct and convey meaning, it has been proposed by some that the word ‘pet’ should be replaced with the term ‘companion animal’ to refect a more egalitarian relationship between the animal and the human caregiver. Such discussions around the use of animal-related language could entail re-evaluating the general status of animals in society and how veterinary nurses respond to the emergence of the notion of animal personhood, both in professional practice and in their wider lives.
How to place and maintain a jugular catheter
Authors: Hurley Julia
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the article is to provide a step by step guide to placement of a jugular catheter and maintenance.

Advantages of placing a jugular catheter include increased comfort for patient, ease of use for nursing staff, multi lumen allowing blood sampling, intravenous fluid access and parenteral nutrition to be given if required to the same patient. Disadvantages include increased risk of infection and introduction of foreign material into the central circulation, with far more serious consequences than peripheral vessel contamination therefore the increased need for proper aseptic technique for both placement and management.
Intensive nursing care provided to a patient with permethrin toxicosis
Authors: Tompkins Emma
Published: May 2014

This article describes and evaluates the intensive nursing care provided to a feline patient with permethrin toxicosis. Permethrin is an active ingredient in some over-the-counter insecticide products. Cats are particularly sensitive to permethrin toxicosis due to a deficiency of glucouronide transferase enzyme which is necessary for permethrin metabolism. Nursing interventions should include provision of supportive care to maintain hydration, normovolaemia, normothermia and patient comfort. Recommendations for future practice include increasing awareness of the potential life-threatening complications of permethrin toxicosis and active reporting of suspected adverse reactions to enable effective monitoring and intervention as appropriate.
How to recognise fear in canine inpatients
Authors: Greenfield Stuart
Published: May 2014

The veterinary environment has been seen to cause a fear-based reaction in a large number of patients. Fear of the veterinary practice or environment can lead to occurrences of aggression, injury and impede on the welfare of patients. The ability to recognise the warning signals and the indicators of fear will equip veterinary staff with the knowledge to recognise when a patient is experiencing a fear response. Steps can then be taken to turn the veterinary environment from negative to positive and improve the welfare of all patients as well as make the experience safer for all involved.
Diagnostic approach to the pruritic cat
Authors: Macfarlane Clara , Nuttall Tim
Published: May 2014

Managing cats with pruritic skin diseases can be challenging. Some owners do not believe that their cats are pruritic and they may present them to the practice for apparently spontaneous lesions such as eosinophilic plaques and alopecia. It is imperative to use a systematic approach to diagnosis. This article will describe the key points of the history and the clinical signs as well as the appropriate tests that can be used to rule out certain conditions and confirm the diagnosis. As a pruritic cat can take some time to reach a resolution, client communication is paramount. Regular contact during diagnostic food and flea trials with good follow up of treatment can substantially improve compliance, leading to better outcomes for the cat and their owner.
Veterinary nurses creating a unique approach to patient care: part two
Authors: Wager Catherine , Welsh Perdi
Published: May 2014

Planning patient care is an integral part of veterinary nursing practice. Part one of this article outlined how the Orpet and Jeffery Ability Model (2007) can be used to enhance the processes involved in planning care and encourage a holistic view of veterinary patients. This second part builds on the existing literature regarding the use of this model in practice by examining the outcomes arising from its use by 56 registered veterinary nurses in practice, as part of their studies towards the Royal Veterinary College Graduate Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing.

The observed positive outcomes included perceived increased recognition and enhancement of the unique role of the veterinary nurse and improved individualised and patient-specifc care through use of the client questionnaire. The predominant negative outcome was the length of time taken to complete the planning of patient care. While this may decrease if use of the model was routinely adopted by practising veterinary nurses, it is proposed by the authors that signifcant local adaptations of the model are required to ensure that this adoption occurs.
Flora da Bahia: Verbenaceae 1: Lantana
Authors: Silva Tânia Regina dos Santos , Lima Carla Teixeira
Published: May 2014

This account of the Lantana L. (Verbenaceae) is a contribution to the ongoing Flora of Bahia project. A total of 14 species are recognized for the Bahia State, Brazil. Identification key, descriptions, illustrations, general notes and distribution maps of species in Bahia State are provided.
Flora da Bahia: Siphonocladaceae
Authors: Alves Aigara Miranda , Gestinari Lísia Mônica De Souza , Moura Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento
Published: May 2014

A survey of Siphonocladaceae from Bahia State, Brazil, is presented as a contribution to the knowledge of the chlorophytes from its littoral. Four genera and five species are recognized: Chamaedoris peniculum, Dictyosphaeria cavernosa, D. versluysii, Ernodesmis verticillata and Siphonocladus tropicus. A key for species identification, descriptions, illustrations, comments and maps of distribution in the State are presented.
Primeiro registro do caranguejo guajá Carpilius corallinus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Carpiliidae) para a costa da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Carqueija César Roberto Goes , Da Silva Felipe Paganelly Maciel
Published: May 2014

This work reports the occurence of the coral crab Carpilius corallinus for the coast of Bahia State, Brazil, found on the shore at Salvador. A male specimen of C. corallinus was accidentally collected by a fisherman using a bottom longline at April 13th, 2002, in Itapuã, Salvador, Bahia (12º58'35"S, 38º20'24"W), at approximately 30 m depth. This record reduces the biogeographical gap of this species on the coast of Brazil.
Conhecimento botânico e representações ambientais em uma comunidade rural no Domínio Atlântico: bases para conservação local
Authors: Soldati Gustavo Taboada , Duque-Brasil Reinaldo , Da Silva Taline Cristina , Coelho France Maria Gontijo , De Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: May 2014

O presente texto busca contribuir para a construção de estratégias de conservação, valorizando as realidadesespecíficas e o conhecimento das comunidades locais que manejam as paisagens. São apresentados os resultados de umainvestigação etnobotânica sobre o conhecimento e as representações locais de uma comunidade rural sobre um fragmentoflorestal de Mata Atlântica, atualmente sobre proteção legal, em Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados junto a26 parceiros, utilizando um conjunto de métodos etnobotânicos, como entrevistas semiestruturadas, listas livres, turnêsguiadase mapas cognitivos. Foram reconhecidas 134 espécies, sendo Apuleia leiocarpa (Caesalpinaceae), Xylopia sericea(Annonaceae), Myrcia fallax (Myrtaceae), Ocotea odorifera (Lauraceae) e Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mimosaceae) as maiscitadas. Os recursos foram distribuídos em seis categorias de uso, sendo “construção” a mais importante. A análise doDiscurso do Sujeito Coletivo revelou o reconhecimento detalhado de uma variedade de processos ecológicos, como adiversidade de plantas, animais e fitofisionomias, interações entre espécies vegetais e a presença de bioindicadores. Osresultados representam uma caracterização inicial da relação entre a comunidade parceira da pesquisa e o fragmentoflorestal estudado, sendo um ponto de partida para a concepção de propostas de conservação da biodiversidade considerandoa realidade local.
Composição, uso e conservação de espécies arbóreas em quintais de agricultores familiares na região da mata seca norte-mineira, Brasil
Authors: Duque-Brasil Reinaldo , Soldati Gustavo Taboada , Espírito-Santo Mário Marcos , Rezende Maíra Q. , D’Ângelo-Neto Santos , Coelho France Maria Gontijo
Published: May 2014

Quintais podem ser considerados sistemas agroflorestais domésticos que fornecem diversos recursos para finsde subsistência às famílias que vivem em comunidades rurais e urbanas, especialmente em países tropicais. Este estudoobjetivou realizar um levantamento etnobotânico das espécies arbóreas reconhecidas e utilizadas em quintais de duascomunidades de agricultores familiares situadas no entorno do Parque Estadual da Mata Seca, Minas Gerais, Brasil, bemcomo compreender o papel destes agroecossistemas para a conservação de árvores nativas. O conhecimento local sobre osusos atribuídos às espécies foi acessado por meio de listas livres com 20 agricultores selecionados pela técnica bola-deneveem cada comunidade. Em cada quintal, foram amostradas todas as espécies arbustivas e arbóreas com circunferênciano nível do solo > 10 cm. Verificou-se que a maioria das espécies registradas foi citada por fornecer alimentos (48,3%) esombra (35,6%), evidenciando a importância das árvores frutíferas e perenifólias na composição de quintais no contextosemiárido local. Também foram citadas plantas medicinais e ornamentais, além de espécies mencionadas como material deconstrução, combustível, forragem, adubo, dentre outros usos. Dentre as 87 espécies arbóreas amostradas nos quintais, 44são nativas do território brasileiro e 23 podem ser encontradas nas matas secas da região. Estes resultados evidenciam queos quintais podem contribuir para conservação e incremento da biodiversidade local, funcionando como reservatório deespécies com diversas origens biogeográficas, incluindo árvores endêmicas e nativas da região. Além disso, tambémconcluiu-se que os quintais são importantes fontes de recursos vegetais para autoconsumo, contribuindo principalmentepara complementação alimentar e para o bem-estar das famílias nas comunidades que habitam o Semiárido norte-mineiro.Palavras-chave adicionais: agrobiodiversidade, etnobotânica, Floresta Estacional Decidual.
Agricultura urbana e conservação de agrobiodiversidade: um estudo de caso em Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Cultrera Mirella , Amorozo Maria Christina De Mello , Ferreira Fábio Cop
Published: May 2014

It is common for residents of small cities, who are often of rural origin, to grow food plants in urban and peri-urban areas, an activity that can contribute to plant species conservation. An ethnobotanical study was conducted of this phenomenon in five peripheral neighborhoods of the town of Santo Antônio do Leverger, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. A survey of 135 randomly-selected households was carried out to characterize the frequency of food plants, and a more detailed ethnobotanical study was done in 30 households. Descriptive analyses and analyses of similarity and ordination were conducted. Ninety-seven species from 38 botanical families were identified, cultivated in three types of areas: homegardens and fields, which have different and complementary floristic structure and composition; and empty lots, which are intermediary between the other two. While some species are common to the majority of households studied, the similarity between the sets of species/varieties is, in general, below 50%; besides, many of them have low frequency. On the one hand, this illustrates the different contributions of each household to the total; on the other hand, it also reveals the vulnerability to loss of species/varieties, which is partially avoided through their circulation in the social network. Since many cities in Brazil have characteristics similar to the one studied, their potential for maintaining agro-biodiversity should be taken into consideration.
Space-Time Residual-Based A Posteriori Estimators for the
A−ϕ Magnetodynamic Formulation of the Maxwell System
Authors: Creusé Emmanuel , Nicaise Serge , Tittarelli Roberta
Published: May 2014

In this paper, an a posteriori residual error estimator is proposed for the A−ϕ magnetodynamic Maxwell system given in its potential and space/time formulation and solved by a finite element method. The reliability as well as the efficiency of the estimator are established for several norms. Then, numerical tests are performed, allowing to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
Stratigraphic Analysis of Weathering Crusts from the Historic Bastion of San Pedro, Campeche (XVIII century)
Authors: Silva-León Isabel , Reyes Javier , Pérez Tezozomoc , Alonso Elia , Pérez P. Bartolo
Published: May 2014

The Bastion of San Pedro is part of the defensive infrastructure projected by Spanish colonizers in San Francisco de Campeche City, in order to protect the city and their inhabitants from pirates who ravaged the region during the XVIth and XIXth centuries. The bastion is a masonry structure built by using calcareous materials according the Spanish procedures from the edge. Since its construction, it has been under the synergetic interaction of natural and anthropogenic factors that promote degradation. In this study optical microscopy (MO) and scanning electron microscopy coupled to a dispersive analysis system (SEM/EDS) were used in order to analyze the stratigraphic profile of mortar weathered samples collected from walls of the Bastion of San Pedro. According the results, the samples were formed by three substrata: an upper external layer in contact with the environment (100 to 300 µm), the other one is an inner layer with thickness around 100 to 400 µm. The last substrate was formed by the mortar matrix composed by elements such as C, O, Ca, Si and Al, that indicate their mineral origin. By the other hand, it is important to note that the upper layer contained higher proportion of C respect to the other layers. It is probably major consequence of biomass encrustation rather that atmospheric pollution according to the particular environmental conditions surrounding the building.
An Analysis of Critical Accounting Estimate Disclosures of Pension Assumptions
Authors: Bauman Mark P. , Shaw Kenneth W.
Published: May 2014

SYNOPSIS

Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans is complex, and reported financial statement amounts are significantly impacted by a myriad of assumptions. In its interpretative release FR-72 (SEC 2003), the SEC called for more informative and transparent Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) disclosure of critical accounting estimates (CAE), including those regarding pension plans. This paper uses a random sample of 147 firms with relatively large defined-benefit pension plans to analyze firms' MD&A pension-related critical accounting estimate disclosures.

We find that 60 (61) percent of our sample firms quantify the effect on pension measurements—primarily pension expense—of a given change in discount rates (expected asset returns). The median effect on earnings per share of these CAE-disclosing firms is between two and three cents. Firms rarely disclose the effects of potential changes in future salary assumptions or other estimates on pension measurements. While FR-72 encourages MD&A disclosure of information to assess the past accuracy of or predict future changes in critical accounting estimates, few firms provide such information with respect to their pension plans, suggesting avenues for improvement in disclosures. Finally, we use logistic regression to analyze the determinants of firms' decisions to disclose the sensitivity of pension expense to pension discount rate or expected asset return assumptions. Results indicate that the likelihood of providing a discount rate or expected asset return CAE is positively related to firm size, having a Big 4 auditor, and the variability of pension plan funded status, and is lower for firms operating in regulated industries and for firms with better-funded pension plans.
Going Concern Opinion and Cost of Equity
Authors: Amin Keval , Krishnan Jagan , Yang Joon Sun
Published: May 2014

Prior studies document a negative market reaction to going concern opinions. We extend this literature by focusing on the link between the going concern opinion and the cost of equity capital. Using two different samples (one comprising distressed firms and the other matched on propensity score), we document a significant positive association between the issuance of the going concern opinion and the firm's subsequent cost of equity capital. This result is robust to sensitivity tests using various subsamples, time periods, and multiple methods for computing the cost of equity capital. We also examine the association between changes in the audit opinion (going concern to clean opinion and vice versa) and subsequent changes in cost of equity. We find that the cost of equity increases between 3.3 percent and 5.7 percent for firms that receive a first-time going concern opinion. This evidence illuminates the relevance of going concern opinions and the value of the information embedded in them.
Sampling Nomads: A New Technique for Remote, Hard-to-Reach, and Mobile Populations
Authors: Himelein Kristen , Eckman Stephanie , Murray Siobhan
Published: May 2014

Livestock are an important component of rural livelihoods in developing countries, but data about this source of income and wealth are difficult to collect due to the nomadic and seminomadic nature of many pastoralist populations. Most household surveys exclude those without permanent dwellings, leading to undercoverage. In this study, we explore the use of a random geographic cluster sample (RGCS) as an alternative to the household-based sample. In this design, points are randomly selected and all eligible respondents found inside circles drawn around the selected points are interviewed. This approach should eliminate undercoverage of mobile populations. We present results of an RGCS survey with a total sample size of 784 households to measure livestock ownership in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 2012. We explore the RGCS data quality relative to a recent household survey, and discuss the implementation challenges.
Product Quality Assessment – Measurement and Analysis of Surface Topography
Authors: Niemczewska-Wójcik Magdalena , Sładek Jerzy , Tabaka Małgorzata , Wójcik Artur
Published: May 2014

This paper concerns the issues of measurement techniques, analysis and assessment of the machined surface geometric structure. The aim of this work was to show the application of surface analysis in diagnosing the causes of discrepancies occurring in the manufacturing process, which may result from ill-matched (poorly fitting) process parameters. An appropriate system of control and interpretation of results may allow early reaction to unfavorable trends (for example blunting of the tool) and prevention of undesirable defects. The subject of research was a waste basket used in the construction of retaining sewer systems. In this paper, the quality of the waste basket as well as its manufacturing process were analyzed and assessed. The research was carried out with the use of three measurement stands, i.e. optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and white light interferometer (WLI). The surface analysis proved to be important from the viewpoint of outlining the production process as well as improving the product quality. The software used for topographical analysis appeared to be significant for the success of the analysis, providing notable economic effects, namely the lack of defects.
Masculinity and Advertisements: The Case of Nepal Television
Authors: Mishra Indira
Published: May 2014

The article explores the television commercials broadcasted by the Nepal Television (NTV) that have male roles to analyze how masculinity is presented in them. In Nepal, studies of men and masculinities remain a rare compared with studies of women and femininity. It is essential to analyze the representation of masculinity to understand men’s experiences, attitudes, beliefs and practices, not only to challenge men’s superiority over females, but also to create gender equality. ! e aim of this article then is to study how a hegemonic masculinity is represented and constructed within NTV commercials.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10463   Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 1-10
The Politics of Eroticism: Political Writing and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things
Authors: Thapa Dharma
Published: May 2014

This article analyses the erotic relationships between sexes depicted in Arundhati Roy’s novel The God of Small things in the binary opposition: those based on bourgeois patriarchal dominance and that based on equality and mutual respect. It focuses on the relationship between Ammu and Velutha as love, in diametrical contrast with the former pattern, based on independent choices and guided and inspired by radical politics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10468 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 51-58
Ethnicity, Stereotypes and Ethnic Movements in Nepal
Authors: Upadhyay Prakash
Published: May 2014

Liberal political environment, globalization, urbanization and migration amid the hectic political process of constitution drafting trapped in the issue of federalism and inclusion made the issue of ethnicity more debatable in Nepal. New ethnic identities were forged, new associations set up, and new allegations made in social, political, geographical and economic sectors for the reorganization of the country. Ethnicity does not always shoot out from antique tradition or nationality, however is fashioned, socially/culturally constructed, adapted, recreated, or even manufactured in the modern society. For that reason, it is necessary to see ethnicity as process i.e. making of boundaries, fluidity of boundaries as well as the stiffening of boundaries, variations in categorization and identification among groups in different times and places.  Hence, State reorganization on the basis of capricious ethnic and religious history and so on will lead to confusion, disintegration and mayhem. The bases of successful Indian federation are characterized by geographic diversities, regional, cultures, and linguistic features. The finest  inclusive democratic federalism, one could anticipate for in Nepal is some form of decentralized  federalism based on geographic, regional and economic factors, in which there is an acceptance  of regional and cultural/linguistic differences and  proper democratic representation of population. The relationship between ethnic politics and representative democracy presents a dilemma for scholars and policy makers, however ethnic organizations are not adversative to democracy and that democratization with commitment can proceed in diverse and unpredicted ways by integrating diverse ethnicities, class, cultural, societal, historical and geopolitical realities. However, that requires development of the feeling of leadership, self-confidence and capacity development on the part of ethnic and marginalized groups to lead all caste and ethnic groups  and a change in the stereotypical thinking of dominant groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10470 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 65-78
Inclusive Curriculum in Nepal's Context
Authors: Rapacha Lal-Shyãkarelu
Published: May 2014

Inclusive curriculum in contemporary Nepal’s technical and higher education policy, programme, content and system is a dire need for making our education innovative technically and more competitive globally since our policy, programme, content and system till date have remained monolithic - thus feudalistic in structure as well as nature and in content mainly dominated by western colonial principle rather than by our own national indigenous knowledge. Nepal within her (its) national boundary, has a rich vein of indigenous knowledge (i.e. tangible and intangible cultural heritage including languages, cultures, archaeology, belief systems, ethnobotany, ethnomedicine etc) and skills (most of them are endangered and extinct now) just waiting to be tapped by the inclusive policy of government and private educational sector in the country. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to explore new paradigm shift in our education policy, programme, content and system by making our curriculum much more inclusive in the process of knowledge-building and sustainability through an indigenous perspective with some empirical but selective and limited knowledge inventories. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10472 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 85-102
Exploring the Use of Tablet PCs in Veterinary Medical Education: Opportunity or Obstacle?
Authors: Wang Hong , Rush Bonnie R. , Wilkerson Melinda , van der Merwe Deon
Published: May 2014

A tablet PC is a laptop computer with a touch screen and a digital pen or stylus that can be used for handwritten notes and drawings. The use of tablet PCs has been investigated in many disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, science, and education. The purpose of this article is to explore student and faculty attitudes toward and experiences with tablet PCs 6 years after the implementation of a tablet PC program in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Kansas State University (K-State). This study reports that the use of tablet PCs has enhanced students' learning experiences through learner-interface interaction, learner-content interaction, learner-instructor interaction, and learner-learner interaction. This study also identifies digital distraction as the major negative experience with tablet PCs during class time. The tablet PC program provides CVM faculty the potential to pursue technology integration strategies that support expected learning outcomes and provides students the potential to develop self-monitoring and self-discipline skills that support learning with digital technologies.
Hypoxia promotes nucleus pulposus phenotype in 3D scaffolds in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Feng Ganjun , Li Li , Hong Ying , Liu Hao , Song Yueming , Pei Fuxing , Ma Peter X. , Gong Quan , Gupte Melanie J.
Published: May 2014

Object

The role of oxygen in disc metabolism remains a matter of debate. Whether the effect of hypoxic priming on the nucleus pulposus phenotype can be maintained in vivo is not clear. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that priming in a low oxygen tension in vitro could promote a nucleus pulposus phenotype in vivo.

Methods

Bovine nucleus pulposus cells were seeded in 3D scaffolds and subjected to varying oxygen tensions (2% and 20%) for 3 weeks. The constructs were then implanted subcutaneously for 8 weeks. Changes in the extracellular matrix were evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assay, DNA assay, collagen quantification, and histological and immunohistological analyses.

Results

Hypoxia resulted in greater production of sulfated glycosaminoglycan and higher levels of gene expression for collagen Type II, aggrecan, and SOX-9. Furthermore, after hypoxic priming, the subcutaneously implanted constructs maintained the nucleus pulposus phenotype, which was indicated by a significantly higher amount of glycosaminoglycan and collagen Type II.

Conclusions

Hypoxia enhanced the nucleus pulposus phenotype under experimental conditions both in vitro and in vivo. When used in combination with appropriate scaffold material, nucleus pulposus cells could be regenerated for tissue-engineering applications.
Density Functional Theory Study on the Mechanism of Absorption of CO2 by the Ionic Liquid 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate
Authors: Yan-Fe Chen , Yan-Hong Cui , Dong-Shun Deng , Ning Ai , Long Ye
Published: May 2014

The absorption of CO2 on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim] [Ac]) with different substituents are calculated systematically at the GGA/PW91 level. Three hydrogen bonds are formed between [Ac]– and the cations of 1-n-[Bmim][Ac] ([NBmim]+) and 1-tert-[Bmim][Ac] ([TBmim]+). The interaction between CO2 and [NBmim][Ac] via a C – O bond is much weaker than that with [TBmim][Ac] by its forming an O…O…C…C four-membered ring. The chemisorption of CO2 on the ion pair [NBmim][Ac] is much weaker than that on [TBmim][Ac], as indicated from an absorption energy analysis. The frontier molecular orbitals show the electron density overlap between absorbed CO2 and the [Ac]– in CO2 – [NBmim][Ac] is much weaker than that in [TBmim][Ac]. As a result, the chemisorption of CO2 on [NBmim][Ac] is much weaker than that on [TBmim][Ac]. Ionic liquids based on [NBmim]+ can be used repeatedly, and the adsorbed CO2 would be more easily desorbed.
Effect of Temperature and Catalyst Type on the Catalytic Combustion of Formaldehyde
Authors: Ulukardesler Ayse Hilal , Atalay Suheyda , Atalay Ferhan S.
Published: May 2014

In this study, the catalytic combustion of a volatile organic compound (VOC) namely formaldehyde on manganese oxide catalysts supported on silica or alumina, and on an industrial catalyst, i.e. a mixture of copper oxide and zinc oxide, was studied in the temperature range 125 – 225 °C. Formaldehyde was used as the aqueous solution. It was found that as the temperature was increased, the combustion of the produced and feed formaldehyde was enhanced whereas methanol combustion decreased. Also, the degree of conversion increased with the percentage of MnO in the catalysts.
A New Formulation for Quenching Processes under Restricted Geometry Conditions in the Slow Exchange Limit
Authors: Sanchez F. , Barrios A. , Lopez-Lopez M. , Lopez-Cornejo P. , Bernal E. , Sarrion B. , Lebron J.A. , Marchena M.
Published: May 2014

A quantitative treatment of quenching processes under restricted geometry conditions in the Slow Exchange Limit is presented. The expressions for KSV have been obtained for this limit in some common situations that can arise in studies under restricted geometry conditions, such as an inhomogeneous quencher distribution in the solution, the presence of oxygen in solution, or the case of solutions containing a mixture of receptors. These situations have been considered and incorporated into the treatment.
Multi-Faceted Assessment of a Wireless Communications Infrastructure for the Green Neighborhoods of the Smart Grid
Authors: López Gregorio , Moura Pedro , Moreno José , Camacho José
Published: May 2014

Reducing electricity consumption and integrating renewable power generation sources represent two of the main drivers of the so-called Smart Grid. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications will play a key role on making such a Smart Grid a reality, since they will enable the required bidirectional real-time bulk information exchange. However, communications for the Smart Grid present specific requirements from both technical and economic perspectives, so it is crucial to evaluate how existing communication architectures and technologies meet them before undertaking the important investments needed to deploy this kind of infrastructure on a large scale. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate, from different perspectives, the core M2M communications infrastructure of a platform designed to reduce electricity consumption and integrate renewable generation at residential level. Such a communications infrastructure is fully based on widely deployed wireless communications technologies such as IEEE 802.11 and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Notably, the paper assesses the operational costs of using different security solutions in the GPRS segment and the performance of the selected communications technologies based on different metrics (goodput, in the case of IEEE 802.11, and transmission time, in the case of GPRS).
Brain Metastasis-Initiating Cells: Survival of the Fittest
Authors: Singh Mohini , Manoranjan Branavan , Mahendram Sujeivan , McFarlane Nicole , Venugopal Chitra , Singh Sheila
Published: May 2014

Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common brain tumor in adults, developing in about 10% of adult cancer patients. It is not the incidence of BM that is alarming, but the poor patient prognosis. Even with aggressive treatments, median patient survival is only months. Despite the high rate of BM-associated mortality, very little research is conducted in this area. Lack of research and staggeringly low patient survival is indicative that a novel approach to BMs and their treatment is needed. The ability of a small subset of primary tumor cells to produce macrometastases is reminiscent of brain tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesized to form primary brain tumors. BTICs are considered stem cell-like due to their self-renewal and differentiation properties. Similar to the subset of cells forming metastases, BTICs are most often a rare subpopulation. Based on the functional definition of a TIC, cells capable of forming a BM could be considered to be brain metastasis-initiating cells (BMICs). These putative BMICs would not only have the ability to initiate tumor growth in a secondary niche, but also the machinery to escape the primary tumor, migrate through the circulation, and invade the neural niche.
Studies of Genes Involved in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ghosh Tushar , Granados-Riveron Javier , Buxton Sarah , Setchfield Kerry , Loughna Siobhan , Brook J.
Published: May 2014

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects the intricate structure and function of the heart and is one of the leading causes of death in newborns. The genetic basis of CHD is beginning to emerge. Our laboratory has been engaged in identifying mutations in genes linked to CHD both in families and in sporadic cases. Over the last two decades, we have employed linkage analysis, targeted gene sequencing and genome wide association studies to identify genes involved in CHDs. Cardiac specific genes that encode transcription factors and sarcomeric proteins have been identified and linked to CHD. Functional analysis of the relevant mutant proteins has established the molecular mechanisms of CHDs in our studies.
Berberine Enhances the Antibacterial Activity of Selected Antibiotics against Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Strains in Vitro
Authors: Wojtyczka Robert , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Kępa Małgorzata , Kubina Robert , Kabała-Dzik Agata , Mularz Tomasz , Idzik Danuta
Published: May 2014

Synergistic interactions between commonly used antibiotics and natural bioactive compounds may exhibit therapeutic benefits in a clinical setting. Berberine, an isoquinoline-type alkaloid isolated from many kinds of medicinal plants, has proven efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The aim of the presented work was to assess the antibacterial activity of berberine chloride in light of the effect exerted by common antibiotics on fourteen reference strains of Staphylococccus spp., and to evaluate the magnitude of interactions of berberine with these antistaphylococcal antibiotics. In our study minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of berberine chloride against CoNS ranged from 16 to 512 µg/mL. The most noticeable effects were observed for S. haemolyticus ATCC 29970, S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, S. capitis subsp. capitis ATCC 35661, S. galinarium ATCC 700401, S. hominis subsp. hominis ATCC 27844, S. intermedius ATCC 29663 and S. lugdunensis ATCC 49576. The most significant synergistic effect was noticed for berberine in combination with linezolid, cefoxitin and erythromycin. The synergy between berberine and antibiotics demonstrates the potential application of compound combinations as an efficient, novel therapeutic tool for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Amino Acid and Dipeptide Prodrugs of IMB-070593, a Fluoroquinolone Candidate
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wu Jinwei , Chen Shihong , Liu Kaixiang , Lin Yabin , Guo Huiyuan , Liu Mingliang
Published: May 2014

A series of amino acid and dipeptide prodrugs of IMB-070593, a fluoroquinolone candidate discovered in our lab, were synthesized and evaluated for their water solubility and then antibacterial activity. Our results reveal that four amino acid prodrugs 4a,b,e,f and two dipeptide prodrugs 4k,l have much greater solubility (>85 mg/mL) than IMB-070593 mesylate (22.5 mg/mL). Compounds 4a and 4k show good in vivo efficacy against MSSA 12-1 (p.o./i.v., 5.32–7.68 mg/kg) and S. pneumoniae12-10 (p.o., 18.39–23.13 mg/kg) which is 1.19–1.50 fold more active than the parent drug.
Calcium Influx Inhibition is Involved in the Hypotensive and Vasorelaxant Effects Induced by Yangambin
Authors: Araújo Islania , Silva Darizy , Do Carmo de Alustau Maria , Dias Katy , Cavalcante Karla , Veras Robson , Barbosa-Filho José , Neto Mario , Bendhack Lusiane , De Azevedo Correia Nadja , Almeida de Medeiros Isac
Published: May 2014

The pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system of yangambin, a lignan isolated from Ocotea duckei Vattimo (Lauraceae), were studied in rats using combined functional and biochemical approaches. In non-anaesthetized rats, yangambin (1, 5, 10, 20, 30 mg/kg, i.v.) induced hypotension (−3.5 ± 0.2; −7.1 ± 0.8; −8.9 ± 1.3; −14 ± 2.3, −25.5% ± 2.6%, respectively) accompanied by tachycardia (5.9 ± 0.5; 5.9 ± 1.6; 8.8 ± 1.4; 11.6, 18.8% ± 3.4%, respectively). In isolated rat atria, yangambin (0.1 µM–1 mM) had very slight negative inotropic (Emax = 35.6% ± 6.4%) and chronotropic effects (Emax = 10.2% ± 2.9%). In endothelium-intact rat mesenteric artery, yangambin (0.1 µM–1 mM) induced concentration-dependent relaxation (pD2 = 4.5 ± 0.06) of contractions induced by phenylephrine and this effect was not affected by removal of the endothelium. Interestingly, like nifedipine, the relaxant effect induced by yangambin was more potent on the contractile response induced by KCl 80 mM (pD2 = 4.8 ± 0.05) when compared to that induced by phenylephrine. Furthermore, yangambin inhibited CaCl2-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. This lignan also induced relaxation (pD2 = 4.0 ± 0.04) of isolated arteries pre-contracted with S(−)-Bay K 8644. In fura-2/AM-loaded myocytes of rat mesenteric arteries, yangambin inhibited the Ca2+ signal evoked by KCl 60 mM. In conclusion, these results suggest that the hypotensive effect of yangambin is probably due to a peripheral vasodilatation that involves, at least, the inhibition the Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Grasso Margherita , Piscopo Paola , Confaloni Annamaria , Denti Michela
Published: May 2014

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementias (FTD), are considered distinct entities, however, there is increasing evidence of an overlap from the clinical, pathological and genetic points of view. All neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuronal loss and death in specific areas of the brain, for example, hippocampus and cortex for AD, midbrain for PD, frontal and temporal lobes for FTD. Loss of neurons is a relatively late event in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that is typically preceded by other events such as metabolic changes, synaptic dysfunction and loss, neurite retraction, and the appearance of other abnormalities, such as axonal transport defects. The brain’s ability to compensate for these dysfunctions occurs over a long period of time and results in late clinical manifestation of symptoms, when successful pharmacological intervention is no longer feasible. Currently, diagnosis of AD, PD and different forms of dementia is based primarily on analysis of the patient’s cognitive function. It is therefore important to find non-invasive diagnostic methods useful to detect neurodegenerative diseases during early, preferably asymptomatic stages, when a pharmacological intervention is still possible. Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in many disease states, including neurodegeneration, and increasing relevance of miRNAs in biofluids in different pathologies has prompted the study of their possible application as neurodegenerative diseases biomarkers in order to identify new therapeutic targets. Here, we review what is known about the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and the possibilities and challenges of using these small RNA molecules as a signature for neurodegenerative conditions.