bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Perceptions of Health Information Given by Nurses and Clinicians at Discharge at Chiradzulu District Hospital in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mumba Reuben Solomon
Published: July 2018

Background: Hospital discharge information is a critical component of preparation to facilitate patient transition from hospital to home. Numerous studies elsewhere provide evidence that patients and families encounter a variety of problems after discharge from hospital such as difficulties with functional abilities and carrying out personal care. These problems are often attributed to having unmet informational needs at discharge. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess patients’ perceptions of the health information provided by nurses and clinicians at discharge. Methods: The study was conducted at Chiradzulu District Hospital in Malawi. A qualitative method of data collection (in-depth interviews) was used. Convenience sampling method was used to select patients into the study. Data was analyzed using Nvivo 9 software. Findings: The study found that most patients were given information by nurses and clinicians on how to perform self-care at home on discharge from hospital. The study revealed that most patients perceived the discharge information as relevant in assisting them with home care. In addition, the study found that most patients perceived it as inadequate. The study also found that the factors that facilitated patients understanding of information were clear explanation of information and use of understandable language by information providers. Barriers included lack of encouragement from information providers to make patients speak, incomprehensive information provided to the patients and patients fear of asking information providers’ questions. Conclusion: Nurses and clinicians should make sure that all patients are given some discharge information to help them to manage their self care at home. Those patients who are at high risk for readmission should be given detailed information.
Asterion yerleşiminin posterolateral intrakraniyal girişimler açısından morfometrik değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ÇIRPAN Sibel , YONGUÇ Gökşin Nilüfer , SAYHAN Salih , EYÜBOĞLU Canan , GÜVENÇER Mustafa
Published: July 2018

Amaç: Beyin cerrahisinde, fossa cranii posterior’a ulaşmayı gerektiren cerrahi girişimlerde, cranium’a giriş noktası yüzeyel anatomik belirgin noktaların yardımıyla belirlenir. Asterion’un, cranium’un posteroateralinde kemik yüzeyindeki belirgin noktalar ve sulcus sinus transversi (SST), sulcus sinus sigmoidei (SSS) veya bunlara ait bileşke ile olan ilişkisinin morfometrik olarak incelenmesi amaçlandı. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada, Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Anatomi Anabilim Dalı Laboratuvarı kemik koleksiyonunda mevcut, yaşı ve cinsiyeti bilinmeyen 172 adet erişkine ait bütün kuru kemik cranium’lar ile 10 adet calvaria’sı kaldırılmış kuru kemik cranium’lar değerlendirildi. Ölçümler 0.01 mm’ye duyarlı dijital kumpas ve 1 mm’ye duyarlı mezura kullanılarak yapıldı. Bulgular: Asterion-inion 61,61±4,08 mm, asterion-processus mastoideus 47,81±5,09 mm, asterion-Henle çıkıntısı 41,63±3,95 mm, asterion-opisthion 61,71±3,69 mm, asterion-processus zygomaticus’un kökü sağda 55,11±3,86 mm, solda 54,37±4,35 mm olarak ölçüldü. Calvaria’sı kaldırılmış kuru kemik cranium’larda asterion’un dört cranium’da bilateral, bir cranium’da unilateral sol tarafta SST içinde olduğu, diğerlerinde SSS-SST bileşkesi içinde lokalize olduğu gözlendi. Sonuç: Asterion, SST, SSS veya bunlara ait bileşkenin içinde yer aldığı ve asterion’un izdüşümü hizasında sinus yapılara ait oluk genişliğinin 10,25±2,18 mm olduğu saptandı. Asterion’dan yaklaşık 10 mm üstü ve altının girişim açısından sinus transversus veya sinus sigmoideus yaralanma riski taşıyacağı için, fossa cranii posterior’a yapılacak cerrahi girişimlerde, yüzeyel belirgin noktaların yardımıyla asterion’un yerinin belirlenmesi, venöz sinüslerin korunmasını sağlayabilir.
Open Educational Practices in Australia: A First-phase National Audit of Higher Education
Authors: Stagg Adrian , Nguyen Linh , Bossu Carina , Partridge Helen , Funk Johanna , Judith Kate
Published: July 2018

For fifteen years, Australian Higher Education has engaged with the openness agenda primarily through the lens of open-access research. Open educational practice (OEP), by contrast, has not been explicitly supported by federal government initiatives, funding, or policy. This has led to an environment that is disconnected, with isolated examples of good practice that have not been transferred beyond local contexts.This paper represents first-phase research in identifying the current state of OEP in Australian Higher Education. A structured desktop audit of all Australian universities was conducted, based on a range of indicators and criteria established by a review of the literature. The audit collected evidence of engagement with OEP using publicly accessible information via institutional websites. The criteria investigated were strategies and policies, open educational resources (OER), infrastructure tools/platforms, professional development and support, collaboration/partnerships, and funding.Initial findings suggest that the experience of OEP across the sector is diverse, but the underlying infrastructure to support the creation, (re)use, and dissemination of resources is present. Many Australian universities have experimented with, and continue to refine, massive open online course (MOOC) offerings, and there is increasing evidence that institutions now employ specialist positions to support OEP, and MOOCs. Professional development and staff initiatives require further work to build staff capacity sector-wide.This paper provides a contemporary view of sector-wide OEP engagement in Australia—a macro-view that is not well-represented in open research to date. It identifies core areas of capacity that could be further leveraged by a national OEP initiative or by national policy on OEP.
Social Media Adoption by the Academic Community: Theoretical Insights and Empirical Evidence From Developing Countries
Authors: Arshad Mamoona , Akram Muhammad Shakaib
Published: July 2018

The paper investigates the impact of virtual environmental characteristics such as collaboration, communication, and resource sharing on social media adoption by the academic community at the university level. Building on the social constructivist paradigm and technology acceptance model, we propose a conceptual model to assess social media adoption in academia by incorporating collaboration, communication, and resource sharing as predictors of social media adoption, whereas perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness act as mediators in this relationship. Structural equation modeling serves to estimate the proposed conceptual model on a sample of 661 respondents from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The findings suggest that an individual’s propensity toward social media features (i.e., collaboration, communication, and resource sharing) acts as a stimulus to their social media adoption. Moreover, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness mediate the relationship between these stimuli and their outcomes (i.e., social media adoption). The paper concludes with the discussion on the findings and recommendations for the academicians and the practitioners of social media in the higher education institutions.
Effects of Open Textbook Adoption on Teachers’ Open Practices
Authors: Mason Stacie L , Kimmons Royce
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand whether certain theoretical benefits that open educational resources (OER) might have on teacher practice were being realized by a group of secondary teachers using open science textbooks.  In surveys and interviews, teachers were asked to describe their classroom practice before and after adopting an open textbook, including practices relating to openness.  Teachers were also asked to rate the quality of open textbooks they were using in contrast to textbooks used previously.  Most participants reported changes to practice, and the most commonly cited changes could be attributed to a combination of openness and online format.  For example, participants described linking textbook content to other online resources.  In comparisons of current to previous practice, however, teachers did not report increases in the open practices of collaboration, revising, or adapting.
Differential OER Impacts of Formal and Informal ICTs: Employability of Female Migrant Workers
Authors: Chib Arul , Wardoyo Reidinar Juliane
Published: July 2018

Information and communication technologies aid marginalized groups in seeking social support, building proximate networks, and improving employment opportunities. However, one key factor that is understudied in the literature is the impact of open education resources (OER) on the employability of marginalized groups. This study focuses on open and distance learning in the context of low-income female migrant domestic workers as a marginalized community. Specifically, we assessed the differential effects of two types of communication: informal OER resources (e.g., social media, mobile calling, texting) and formal OER resources (e.g., classroom prescribed learning tools and lectures) on specific development outcomes of functional literacy and perceived employability. A survey was conducted amongst female migrant domestic workers (n=100) enrolled in the Indonesian Open University in Singapore. Results indicate that access to OER resources via computers in the formal context of institutional learning, when combined with employability awareness, had a significant influence on livelihood outcomes, i.e., perceived employability. However, this did not lead to actual improvements in learning – functional literacy. Instead, actual learning improvement was influenced by digitals skills enabled by mobile phones and computers. The study concludes with a discussion on the policy implications for digital skills training via mobile devices for marginalized populations to bolster the positive effects of OER on livelihood outcomes.
Analysing the Importance-Competence Gap of Distance Educators With the Increased Utilisation of Online Learning Strategies in a Developing World Context
Authors: Bezuidenhout Adéle
Published: July 2018

The competence of distance educators has a significant impact on learners’ success. The paradigm shift for universities to become distance and electronic learning environments justifies the urgency to address competency gaps in distance educators’ competencies efficiently. From a strategic human resource development perspective, the systems theory is used to explain the idea of maximising outputs with the minimum inputs (Biddle, 1986). In this study, distance educators at Unisa reflected on their experienced competency gaps. Where previous studies mainly focus on the size of the gaps, the aim of this article is to highlight the competency gaps likely to have the biggest impact. For this study, we used stratified non-probability sampling, and selected 407 academics who were, at the time of the study, permanently employed at a mega ODL university in South Africa. These academics represented a wide range of colleges, campuses, ages, and genders. The results of this study have implications for capacity building of academic staff in developing world contexts and other contexts where resources are scarce.
Effects of Indigenous Epistemology on Indigenous Secondary Retention Rates
Authors: Prete Tiffany Dionne
Published: July 2018

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that examines how Indigenous epistemology affects secondary Indigenous students’ retention rates within public schools. The purpose of this study was to focus on Indigenous epistemology that is present in Indigenous culture and language courses to determine whether Indigenous students who engage in this curriculum have higher success rates than those of Indigenous students who do not participate in this particular curriculum. As a Blackfoot scholar, I used a Blackfoot theoretical framework grounded in an Indigenous research methodology. Eight Blood Tribe members were interviewed: four participants (three graduates and one non-graduate) who attended a high school with Indigenous epistemology courses (offered Blackfoot language classes and Aboriginal Studies) and four participants (three graduates and one non-graduate) who attended a high school that did not offer Indigenous epistemology courses (did not offer Blackfoot language classes and Aboriginal Studies). The findings show that not only does the epistemology in the school play a role in Indigenous students’ success in public education, but the epistemology also accompanies and influences the participants throughout their adult lives by shaping their identities and affecting how they function as adults.
A Baixa Internacionalização das Empresas Brasileiras: Uma Análise das Principais Barreiras Institucionais
Authors: Mariotti Danilo Castanha , Borini Felipe Mendes , Dos Santos Leandro Lima , Pereira Rafael Morais
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as características do ambiente institucional do Brasil que dificultam a internacionalização das empresas brasileiras. O alcance deste objetivo se torna possível através da análise da relação entre a tributação brasileira e a baixa internacionalização das empresas nacionais; e da relação entre a infraestrutura brasileira e a baixa internacionalização dessas empresas nacionais. A base teórica adotada engloba as teorias de internacionalização e a visão baseada em instituições. Para viabilizar este estudo, utilizam-se os dados da pesquisa Enterprise Surveys da agência International Finance Corporation (IFC), do Banco Mundial, realizada em 2009. A pesquisa realizada confirmou que os obstáculos associados à questão da tributação brasileira são mais percebidos e enfrentados por empresas brasileiras internacionalizadas do que as não internacionalizadas. Isto pode ser justificado pelo fato das empresas internacionalizadas terem vivenciado essas dificuldades e aprendido a lidar com esses obstáculos para poder realizar suas atividades, enquanto que as não internacionalizadas, por ainda não realizarem atividades no exterior, não conseguem perceber da mesma forma esses obstáculos da tributação. Já os obstáculos da infraestrutura nacional implicam na atuação tanto de empresas não internacionalizadas quanto de internacionalizadas, mostrando que esta barreira afeta ambas de forma similar.
Alteraciones psicológicas asociadas a la obesidad infantil
Authors: Ortega Miranda Edali Gloria
Published: July 2018

Con el objetivo de identificar las principales alteraciones psicológicas asociadas a la obesidad pediátrica, se realizó una revisión de los artículos publicados en las bases de datos Medline, LILACS, SciELO, Redalyc y los encontrados a través de Google académico. Se ha encontrado relación entre la obesidad en niños y el temperamento de reactividad negativa, actitudes y términos negativos por parte de otros niños, insatisfacción corporal, distorsión de la imagen corporal por parte de los progenitores, bullying, ansiedad, depresión, baja autoestima y trastornos de comportamiento alimentario. Aunque hay cierto grado de conocimiento, se requieren más y mejores estudiossobre el tema.
Análisis bibliométrico sobre las publicaciones de eutanasia en SCOPUS, MEDLINE/Pubmed, Science Citation Index y SciELO
Authors: Rios-González Carlos Miguel , De Benedictis-Serrano Ginno Alessandro , Contreras Lugo Laura Valentina , Córdova-Rivas Génesys José , Contreras Romero María Lucía
Published: July 2018

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Rehabilitación vestibular: perspectivas de implementación
Authors: Tapia-Egoavil Raquel , Polo-Espinoza Yuly , Jara-López Janet , Ramírez-García Lizbeth
Published: July 2018

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Factores que influyen en la inasistencia a sus terapias, en niños con discapacidad
Authors: Camacho-Conchucos Herminio Teófilo
Published: July 2018

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The Development of a Six Sigma–Based Ulcus Decubitus Prevention Model to Respond to Adverse Events
Authors: Sriwulaningdyah Martini , Wahyuni Erna Dwi
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Based on the number of incidences of Ulcus Decubitus in 2015 which was 2.4 ‰ and 1.59 ‰ in 2016, the incidences of Ulcus Decubitus is an indicator of patient safety. In one of the public hospitals in Surabaya, it showed that the achievement of a Ulcus Decubitus indicator had not been reached yet (the standard is 1.5 ‰ per year). One of the efforts that can be done to prevent the occurrence of ulcus decubitus is by way of Six Sigma-based ulcus decubitus prevention.Methods: The design of this research was an explanatory research study using a cross-sectional approach. The research respondents were nurses at Inpatient Wards (4 Rooms); 57 nurses via the Purposive Sampling technique. The research data was analysed with Partial Least Square (PLS)Results: Individual factors (Path Coefficient 0,200 t: 6,580), organisational factors (Path Coefficient 0,373 t: 9,278) and management factors (Path Coefficient 0.099 t: 2.184) are all significantly correlated with the Six Sigma-based Ulcus decubitus prevention.Conclusions: Individual, Organisational and Management factors are important factors in the Six Sigma-based Ulcus Decubitus prevention model. It needs advanced research to find out how much the influence of Six Sigma-based Ulcus Decubitus prevention implementation will decrease the incidences of Ulcus Decubitus.
Competence of the Civil Service Police Unit (CSPU) in providing Emergency First Aid Assistance
Authors: Widodo Widodo , Sumardino Sumardino , Rifai Akhmad
Published: July 2018

Introduction: In the year 2014 there were 456 disasters in Indonesia, comprising 227 natural disasters, 197 non-natural disasters and 32 social disasters. The community is expected to be well prepared in accordance with their respective capacities, and this includes the Civil Service Police Unit (CSPU), which must be competent in providing emergency first aid. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of emergency first aid training on the competence of CSPU in providing emergency first aid assistance in the Surakarta region. Methods: This study used a pre-experimental technique using a pre-post test group design. The sample consisted of 107 respondents who were recruited by total sampling. Variables in this study were competencies in handling emergency first aid assistance including knowledge, attitude and practice. Data were collected by questionnaire and analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a p-value of 0.05.Results: There were significant differences in scores on knowledge, attitudes, and practice in providing emergency first aid assistance, with a p-value of 0.012 for knowledge, 0.000 for attitude and 0.001 for practice, respectively.Conclusion: Emergency first aid training is urgently needed for CSPU members that are ever directly in charge in the community in any situation. The CSPU must have the first aid competence to support its performance.
Self-Care Needs in Patients with Physical Immobilization
Authors: Dewie Novia Shinthia , Has Eka Misbahatul Mar'ah
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The quantity of unfulfilment of self-care in patients with physical immobilisation can decrease the quality indicator of nursing care. Self-care for physically immobilised patients is affected by basic condition factors. The study aimed to analyse the factors that can affect the fulfilment of self-care needs in patients with physical immobilisation.Methods: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional, with purposive sampling technique and the samples were 36 nurses and 36 physically immobilised patients. The independent variable was the fulfilment of self-care needs. Dependent variables were patient demography (age, sex), nurse (knowledge, action, motivation), and health care factors (occupation design/nursing care method). The instrument used was a questionnaire and observation form. Data were then analysed using double linear regression analysis, with significance ɑ ≤ 0.05.Results: From the double linear regression test result was obtained p-value (Sig) = 0.000 R Square = 0.889. Partially it was obtained p-value of age p(sig)=0,005, sex p(Sig)=0.038, knowledge p(Sig)=0.889, action p(Sig)= 0.000, and motivation p(Sig)=0.003.Conclusion: Factors of patients (age, sex) and nurses (action, motivation) influence the fulfilment of self-care needs for patients with physical immobilisation. However, nurses’ knowledge does not have any influence. The study result can be considered as input for nurses in developing the quality of nursing care in the fulfilment of self-care needs.
RETRACTED: Analysis of the Associated Factors of Boarding Time in Yellow Zone Patients in Emergency Department
Authors: Ahsan Ahsan , Deviantony Fitrio , Setyoadi Setyoadi
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Patient’s visits to the emergency room increase in number every year. The increasing number of hospital visits is directly associated with the increasing number of patients who wait in the emergency department. The yellow zone is a part of the emergency room that has become a place for the most increased patients to enter. This situation causes boarding time patient longer than usual. The aim of this research was to analyse the various factors that have been associated with boarding time in the yellow zone emergency department.Methods: This research was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples was 78 respondents who were recruited with a non-probability sampling technique. The univariate and bivariate analysis was utilized to test the relationship between the variables. A further statistical test was conducted with linear regression to understand the most dominant factor.Results: The results showed a significant relationship between transfer time, laboratory turnaround time, diagnostic time, time arrival, insurance coverage, ratio nurse and patient and boarding time. Furthermore, multivariate analysis with linear regression showed a significant association between transfer time, laboratory turns around, and the ratio of nurses to patients with the boarding time.Conclusion: The findings from this study show that patient boarding time in the yellow zone should consider several factors. This research provides the output of the initial data as one of the basic considerations for service management and team minimum service standards in hospitals.
TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT (TUPE) DALAM PERJANJIAN OUTSOURCING
Authors: Fathoni Muhammad Johar
Published: July 2018

Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment Based on Constitutional Court Decision Number 27/PUU-IX/2011, there are two models that must be fulfilled in outsourcing agreement, that is First, by requiring for agreement between worker and company conducting work outsourcing does not take the form of a certain time labor agreement (PKWT), but is in the form of an indefinite time agreement (PKWTT). The consequences of termination of contract for the Employment Service Provider who laid off his employees for the law, the employer shall be entitled to grant the right to his employees in accordance with the Manpower Act, Kepmenaker No. Kep. 150/Men/2000 on the Settlement of Termination of Employment and Stipulation of Severance, Money of Work and Indemnification. Then the government also stipulates the Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia no. Kep. 76/Men/2001 on Amendment to several articles of Minister of Manpower Decree no. Kep. 150 / Men / 2000 on the Settlement of Termination of Employment and Stipulation of Severance, Money of Work and Indemnification at the Company.
A Cuckoo Based Optimization Approach for Image Enhancement
Authors: Narang Deepak , Kumar Lalitesh , Kumar Prawendra
Published: July 2018

The notion of enhancement of the image is to ameliorate the perceptibility of information contained in an image. In the present research, a novel technique for the enhancement of image quality is propounded using fuzzy logic technique with a cuckoo optimization algorithm. Generally, the image is transformed from RGB domain to HSV domain keeping the color information intact within the image. The image has been categorized into three regions: underexposed, overexposed and mixed region on the basis of two threshold values. For the fuzzification of under and overexposed area the degree of membership is defined by the Gaussian membership, while the mixed area is fuzzified by parametric sigmoid function. The key parameters like visual factors and fuzzy contrast provide the quantitative analysis of an image. An objective function is framed which involves entropy and visual factor has been optimized by a new evolutionary cuckoo optimization algorithm. The results procured after simulation by the cuckoo optimization algorithm are compared with Bacterial foraging algorithm and ant colony optimization based image enhancement and this approach is found to be improved.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiN/TiCN/TiC Multilayer Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Razmi Abbas , Yeşildal Ruhi
Published: July 2018

Enhancement of mechanical properties by using TiN/TiCN/TiC multilayer thin films deposited on commercially pure cast Titanium (CP-Ti), Ti6Al4V and silicon (Si) substrates via magnetron sputtering technique was investigated in this study. The structural, chemical and mechanical properties of the coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoindentation and scratch test. Results of the XRD analysis showed reflections corresponded to FCC (1 1 1) cubic and polycrystalline structure for TiN/TiCN/TiC films. XPS analysis revealed formation of titanium nitride, titanium carbonitride and titanium carbide in the coatings. According to SEM images, the coatings demonstrated dense cross-sectional morphology and columnar structure as well as good adhesion to the substrate with a thickness of 1.77 μm deposited on silicon (1 0 0). Scratch and nanoindentation test results showed the best mechanical behavior for the coated Ti6Al4V substrate material with the 19.96 GPa hardness and 25 N critical load values, because of its higher hardness and toughness of substrate in compared to Cp-Ti substrate.
Viral Dark Matter in the Gut Virome of Elderly Humans
Authors: Stockdale Stephen R. , Ryan Feargal J. , McCann Angela , Dalmasso Marion , Ross Paul R. , Hill Colin
Published: July 2018

The human virome is an area of increasing interest with relation to human health and disease. It has been demonstrated to alter in concert with the bacterial microbiome in early life and was also found to be different in patients with certain diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, all virome analyses are hampered by a lack of annotated representative database sequences, often referred to as the ‘viral dark matter’. Here we provide the first description of the gut DNA virome in elderly individuals (>65 years old) as well as the description of novel bacteriophages not present in current reference databases. Diversity analysis comparing elderly persons from different residence locations (community living vs long term care facilities) did not reveal any difference in their virome diversity profiles despite the reported differences at the bacteriome level. An abundance of Microviridae of the subfamily Gokushovirinae were present in the faeces of elderly individuals. Several novel members of the order Caudovirales were also characterized and annotated. Assignment of host bacteria to detected viral genomes was attempted using a combination of CRISPR spacers, tRNA genes and a probabilistic approach. Further characterization of the viral dark matter is necessary for developing tools and expanding databases to study the human virome. This study focused on the virome of an aging human cohort with the goal of illuminating part of the viral dark matter.
Association between Anemia in Children 6 to 23 Months Old and Child, Mother, Household and Feeding Indicators
Authors: Prieto-Patron Alberto , Van der Horst Klazine , Hutton Zsuzsa V. , Detzel Patrick
Published: July 2018

In Low and Lower-Middle-Income countries, the prevalence of anemia in infancy remains high. In early childhood anemia cause irreversible cognitive deficits and represents a higher risk of child mortality. The consequences of anemia in infancy are a major barrier to overcome poverty traps. The aim of this study was to analyze based on a multi-level approach, different factors associated with anemia in children 6–23 m old based on recent available Standard Demographic Health Surveys (S-DHS). We identified 52 S-DHS that had complete information in all covariates of interest in our analysis between 2005 and 2015. We performed traditional logistic regressions and multilevel logistic regression analyses to study the association between hemoglobin concentrations and household, child, maternal, socio-demographic variables. In our sample, 70 % of the 6–23 m old children were anemic. Child anemia was strongly associated with maternal anemia, household wealth, maternal education and low birth weight. Children fed with fortified foods, potatoes and other tubers had significantly lower rates of anemia. Improving overall household living conditions, increasing maternal education, delaying childbearing and introducing iron rich foods at six months of age may reduce the likelihood of anemia at in toddlerhood.
Searching for a Theory that fits the Data: A Personal Research Odyssey
Authors: Juselius Katarina
Published: July 2018

This survey paper discusses the Cointegrated VAR methodology and how it has evolved over the last 30 years. The first section is a description of major steps in the econometric development of the CVAR model that facilitated serious real world applications. The next three sections are primarily methodological and discuss (i) difficulties and puzzles when confronting theory with the data, (ii) the formulation of a viable link between theory and the data, a so called theory-consistent CVAR scenario, and (iii) how all this was inspired by Trygve Haavelmo and his Nobel prize winning monograph "The Probability Approach to Economics". The next two sections discuss early applications of the Cointegrated VAR model to monetary transmission mechanisms, international transmission mechanisms and wage, price and unemployment dynamics. They report puzzling evidence, discuss the need for new theory, and propose a method for combining partial CVAR analyses into a larger macroeconomic model. The following sections propose a new, empirically-based, approach to macroeconomics in which imperfect knowledge based expectations replace so called rational expectations and in which the financial sector plays a key role for understanding the long persistent movements in the data. The last section argues that the CVAR can act as a "design of experiment for passive observations" and illustrates with several applications including unemployment dynamics under crises periods and aid effectiveness in South Saharan African countries.
Reconsidering the Foundations of Thermodynamics from an Engineering Perspective
Authors: Bristol Terry
Published: July 2018

Currently, there are two approaches to the foundations of thermodynamics. One, associated with the mechanistical Clausius-Boltzmann tradition, is favored by the physics community. The other, associated with the post-mechanical Carnot tradition, is favored by the engineering community. The bold hypothesis is that the conceptual foundation of engineering thermodynamics is the more comprehensive. Therefore, contrary to the dominant consensus, engineering thermodynamics (ET) represents the true foundation of thermodynamics. The foundational issue is crucial to a number of unresolved current and historical issues in thermodynamic theory and practice. ET formally explains the limited successes of the ‘rational mechanical’ approaches as idealizing special cases. Thermodynamic phenomena are uniquely dissymmetric and can never be completely understood in terms of symmetry-based mechanical concepts. Consequently, ET understands thermodynamic phenomena in new way, in terms of the post-mechanical formulation of action. The ET concept of action and the action framework trace back to Maupertuis’s Principle of Least Action, both clarified in the engineering worldview research program of Lazare and Sadi Carnot. Despite the intervening Lagrangian ‘mechanical idealization of action’, the original dualistic, indeterminate engineering understanding of action, somewhat unexpectedly, re-emerged in Planck’s quantum of action. The link between engineering thermodynamics and quantum theory is not spurious and each of our current formulations helps us develop our understanding of the other. Both the ET and quantum theory understandings of thermodynamic phenomena, as essentially dissymmetric (viz. embracing complementary), entail that there must be an irreducible, cumulative historical, qualitatively emergent, aspect of reality.
Development of Window-Mounted Air Cap Roller Module
Authors: Lee Heangwoo , Seo Janghoo
Published: July 2018

While previous research has shown the use of attachable air-caps on windows to efficiently reduce a building’s energy consumption, the air-caps considered had to be attached to the entire window’s surface, thus limiting the occupants’ view and creating the inconvenience of needing to detach and attach the air-caps. In this study, a window-mounted air-cap roller module using Velcro tape that may be easily attached, detached, and rolled up or down was developed and performance tested in a full-scale test bed. It was found that as the area of the air-caps attached on a window increased, the required indoor lighting energy increased. However, the window insulation improved, thus reducing the cooling and heating energy needed. Attaching the air-caps to the entire window surface effectively reduced the building’s energy consumption, but views through the window may be disturbed. Thus, the developed window-mounted air-caps enable an occupant to reduce the building energy consumption and maintain their view according to their need. The findings of this study may contribute to a reduction in building energy consumption without sacrificing a pleasant indoor environment. Further studies may be needed to verify their efficacy under varying indoor and outdoor conditions.
The Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli phage Eco_BIFF
Authors: Cooper Lauren , Lasek-Nesselquist Erica , Wade Joseph
Published: July 2018

Escherichia coli phage Eco_BIFF was isolated from several laboratory stocks of E. coli K-12 MG1655 derivatives. The source of the contamination is unknown. Eco_BIFF is a lytic phage that shows effective growth inhibition of E. coli K-12. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of Eco_BIFF, and major findings from its genome annotation.
A Robust Fabrication Method for Amphiphilic Janus Particles via Immobilization on Polycarbonate Microspheres
Authors: Mani Karthik Ananth , Yaakov Noga , Itzhaik Alkotzer Yafit , Zelikman Evgeni , Mechrez Guy
Published: July 2018

Immobilizing particles on beads, fibers or filaments, when only one side is exposed to the reaction medium and therefore can be selectively functionalized, is a scalable and easy to control strategy for the fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles. Here we describe a new, robust method for the fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles based on immobilization of polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) particles on polycarbonate (PC), a high impact-resistance polymer with superior mechanical properties. The immobilization of the particles on the PC microspores is preformed via inverse solvent displacement method. PMSQ particles are added to a PC solution in tetrahydrofuran (THF), a good solvent for PC. The solution is then precipitated by the introduction of aqueous surfactant solution (anti solvent for PC) under an ultrasonic field. It is important to note that THF and water are miscible and do not form emulsion. During precipitation, PMSQ particles are assembled onto the surface of the PC spherical precipitates/microspheres. The exposed hemispheres of the PMSQ particles are then selectively silanized by (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to introduce amine groups on their surface. To increase the polarity of the functionalized hemispheres, the amine groups are further modified to introduce carboxyl groups. SEM characterization confirms the fine embedment of PMSQ particles onto the PC microspheres. Covalent attachment of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to the functionalized hemispheres of the resulting particles along with fluorescent confocal microscopy conclusively proof the successful fabrication of amphiphilic Janus particles. The immobilization of particles onto highly rigid polymeric microspheres such as PC may pave the way to the development of a robust fabrication procedure with high resistance to temperature fluctuations and harsh mixing conditions that can arise during preparation. This method can be implemented toward a large variety of other synthetic commercial polymers such as polyamide, polyether sulfones, Polyether ether ketone or similar.
Optimizing the Role of Polymer Blend in the Preparation of Acyclovir Controlled-Release Tablets: An Approach for Better Patient Compliance
Authors: Khan Barkat , Haider Faheem , Shah Kifayat , Uzair Bushra , Hou Kaijian , Waqas Muhammad , Rasul Akhtar
Published: July 2018

This study was carried out to formulate and evaluate controlled release (CR) matrix tablets of Acyclovir using combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. Acyclovir is a guanine derivative and is its half-life is short hence administered five times a day using immediate release tablets. Six formulations (F1-F6) were developed using Ethocel and Carbopol in equal combinations at drug-polymer (D:P) ratio of 10:5, 10:6, 10:7, 10:8, 10:9 and 10:10. Solubility study was performed using six different solvents. The compatibility studies were carried out using FTIR and DSC. According to USP, Quality Control and dimensional tests (hardness, friability, disintegration and thickness) were executed. In-vitro drug release studies of Acyclovir was carried out in dissolution apparatus using using 0.1 N HCl medium at constant temperature of 37 ± 0.5 ºC. In order to analyze the drug release kinetics, five different mathematical models were applied to the release data. The results showed that there was no incompatibility between drug and polymers. Physical QC tests were found within limits of USP. The release was retarded upto 24 hrs and non-fickian in-vitro drug release mechanism was found. A formulation developed using blend of polymers, showed excellent retention and desired release profiles thus providing absolute control for 24 hrs.
Relativistic Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Electrode Processes
Authors: Wasif Baig Mirza
Published: July 2018

From the theory of relativistic chemical kinetics [M. W. Baig, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 31, 1750177 (2017)] relativistic thermodynamics and kinetics for electrode processes have been developed to explain time dilation for electrode processes. For a moving observer moving at fractions of the speed of light, cell potential is observed to decrease. This results in the slower oxidation and reduction of ions at the respective electrodes. The newly formulated Lorentz transformation of the electrode and cell potential is explained in terms of generation of spin 2-boson “gravitons” from fusion of spin-1 boson “virtual-photons” mediating electrostatic force of attraction between ions and electrodes. It is postulated that birth of spin 2-boson i.e. gravitons is followed by their eventual escape in any of higher 4+n dimensions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the present theory, the Daniel cell is considered as a numerical example.
Computational Investigation on the Enantioselective Copper(I)-Catalyzed Addition of Enynes to Ketones
Authors: Li Hanwei , Luo Mingliang , Tao Guohong , Qin Song
Published: July 2018

Computational investigations on the BPE-ligated Cu-catalysed enantioselective addition of enynes to ketones were performed with DFT method. Two BPE-CuMes catalysts, BPE-CuMes and (S,S)-Ph-BPE–CuMes, were employed to probe the reaction mechanism with the emphasis on stereoselectivity. The calculations on the BPE-CuMes system indicate that the actvie metallized enyne intermediate acts as the catalyst for the catalytic cycle. The catalytic cycle involves two steps: 1) the ketone addition to the alkene moiety of the metallized enyne; 2) the metallization of enyne followed by the release of product with the recovery of the active metallized enyne intermediate. The first step accounts for the distribution of the products, and therefore is the stereo-controlling step in chiral systems. In the chiral (S,S)-Ph-BPE–CuMes system, the steric hindrance is vital for the distribution of products and responsible for the stereoselectivity of this reaction. The steric hindrance between the phenyl ring of the two substrates and groups at the chiral centers in the ligand skeleton is identified as the original of the stereoselectivity for the titled reaction.
Postembryonic Ventral Nerve Cord Development and Gonad Migration in Steinernema carpocapsae
Authors: Bui Hung Xuan , Schroeder Nathan E.
Published: July 2018

Steinernema carpocapsae is an entomopathogenic nematode widely studied for its properties as a biocontrol agent in insect pest management and as a model for understanding bacterial symbioses. Less attention has been given to the development of specific anatomical structures within S. carpocapsae. A better understanding of entomopathogenic nematode development and anatomy may lead to improved biocontrol efficacy. We recently demonstrated that the neuroanatomy of S. carpocapsae IJs differs from the dauer stage of Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we used in vitro cultures of S. carpocapsae to examine the early development of the ventral nerve cord (VNC). Similar to C. elegans, S. carpocapsae hatches as a J1 with a VNC containing only a fraction of the neurons found in later developmental stages. During J1 development, S. carpocapsae adds additional cells to the VNC to establish the complete set of neurons. During our examination of the VNC, we also noted variable gonad arm development among S. carpocapsae individuals. Using synchronized in vitro cultures, we found that the gonad migration pattern in S. carpocapsae was distinct from both C. elegans and the Diplogaster nematode Pristionchus pacificus. The S. carpocapsae gonad arm migration was highly variable.
List of Type Specimens Deposited Since 1998 in the United States Department of Agriculture Nematode Collection, Beltsville, Maryland
Authors: Handoo Zafar A. , Kantor Mihail R. , Carta Lynn K. , Chitwood David J.
Published: July 2018

The United States Department of Agriculture Nematode Collection (USDANC) is one of the largest and most valuable in existence and includes millions of specimens housed in over 39,800 permanent slides and 9,300 vials. This collection preserves type specimens of nematodes to serve as a reference for identifications and future taxonomic revisions. Also, the collection provides useful information on nematode hosts, occurrence, and distribution. The present list includes type specimens added to the USDANC since 1998. Since that time, the collection has expanded, with 474 type species mounted and preserved on 2,564 glass slides and 180 vials. We encourage nematologists throughout the world to deposit type specimens in the USDANC for use by future generations.
THE STUDY OF PROKARYOTIC GENE EXPRESSION
Authors: Minaev Mihail Yu. , Makhova Anzhelika A.
Published: July 2018

One of the methods to evaluate the level of gene expression is a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Interest in the study of molecular mechanisms of gene expression and its evaluation in prokaryotes is due to the lack of research on this issue and a number of methodological problems. The paper presents a study of gene expression mechanism in prokaryotes evidence from Aeromonas salmonicida AS1 gyrase B and collagenase genes. As a result of the research, Random primer and oligo (dT) primer (two 3’-terminal nucleotides of the primer complementary to stop codon nucleotides of the transcribed DNA sequence) with anchor and adapter of our own design were tested, which are used in the reaction of reverse transcription. The use of oligo (dT) primer became possible only after polyadenylation of extracted RNA using special poly-A polymerase kit. It is determined that the developed protocol of reverse transcription (RT) using oligo (dT) primer and adapter with certain sequence on its 5’-terminus designed for further annealing of the reverse primer during real-time PCR along with preliminary polyadenylation of RNA excludes specific amplification of the background genomic DNA. This technique may be applied in evaluating the expression level of low-expression genes when high background genomic DNA content is found in the RNA sample, e.g. at the end of logarithmic growth of prokaryotic cells.

Contribution

All authors bear responsibility for the work and presented data. All authors made an equal contribution to the work. Minaev M. Yu. developed scientific and methodological approaches to work, determined the scope of research, analyzed the data obtained, performed the narrative and corrected it in final. Makhova A.A. selected research objects, carried out RNA extraction, reverse transcription and PCR analysis, performed the narrative part. The authors were equally involved in writing the manuscript and bear the equal responsibility for plagiarism.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Application Timing and Rate Effects on Rice Tolerance to Very‐Long‐Chain Fatty Acid–Inhibiting Herbicides
Authors: Godwin John , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C.
Published: July 2018

Core Ideas

We evaluated dry‐seeded rice tolerance to four very‐long‐chain fatty acid‐inhibiting herbicides over four application timings.

As application timing was delayed relative to rice planting, rice tolerance to all herbicides generally improved.

Injury to rice from S‐metolachlor and pyroxasulfone was unacceptable, whereas rice exhibited sufficient tolerance to pethoxamid and acetochlor.

Integrating herbicide sites of action used in other cropping systems into rice (Oryza sativa L.) production provides a unique opportunity to control weeds that are resistant to current rice herbicides. Today, there are no very‐long‐chain fatty acid (VLCFA)–inhibiting herbicides labeled for use in U.S. rice. Field trials were conducted in 2015 and 2016 near Stuttgart, AR, to assess rice tolerance to four VLCFA‐inhibiting herbicides. Individual field trials were conducted to determine rice tolerance to pyroxasulfone, S‐metolachlor, pethoxamid, and a microencapsulated formulation of acetochlor. In each trial, two rates of the particular herbicide were applied to rice at the delayed preemergence, spiking, 1‐ to 2‐leaf (lf), and 3‐ to 4‐lf timings. Rice injury ranging from 20 to 96% was observed 5 wk after flooding following the use of pyroxasulfone at all rates and application timings, which caused a decrease in rice yield relative to the nontreated control in both years. Rice injury from S‐metolachlor was reduced as application timings were made past planting in 2016; however, injury ratings ranged from 19 to 100% over the growing season, largely because of differences in application timing and rainfall following the earlier applications. Overall, acetochlor and pethoxamid caused the lowest injury with little or no yield reduction compared with the nontreated control. Because of rice tolerance to acetochlor and pethoxamid at the 1‐ to 2‐lf and 3‐ to 4‐lf application timings, it appears that these herbicides can safely be applied in U.S. rice production.