bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational analyses of dramatic developments of a severe air pollution event in the Beijing area
Authors: Li Ju , Sun Jielun , Zhou Mingyu , Cheng Zhigang , Li Qingchun , Cao Xiaoyan , Zhang Jingjiang
Published: March 2018

Abstract. A rapid development of a severe air pollution event in Beijing, China, at the end of November 2015 was investigated with
unprecedented observations collected during the field campaign of the Study of Urban Rainfall and Fog/Haze
(SURF-15). Different from previous statistical analyses of air pollution events and their correlations with meteorological
environmental conditions in the area, the role of turbulent mixing in the pollutant transfer was investigated in
detail. The analyses indicate that the major pollution source associated with high particulate matter of diameter
2.5 µm (PM2.5) was from south of Beijing. Before the day of the dramatic PM2.5 increase, the
nighttime downslope flow from the mountains to the west and north of Beijing reduced the surface PM2.5
concentration northwest of Beijing. The nighttime surface stable boundary layer (SBL) not only kept the relatively
less-polluted air near the surface, it also shielded the rough surface from the pollutant transfer by southwesterly winds above
the SBL, leading to the fast transport of pollutants over the Beijing area at night. As the daytime convective turbulent
mixing developed in the morning, turbulent mixing transported the elevated polluted air downward even though the weak
surface wind was from northeast, leading to the dramatic increase of the surface PM2.5 concentration in the
urban area. As a result of both turbulent mixing and advection processes with possible aerosol growth from secondary
aerosol formation under the low-wind and high-humidity conditions, the PM2.5 concentration reached over
700 µg m−3 in the Beijing area by the end of the day. Contributions of the two transporting processes to
the PM2.5 oscillations prior to this dramatic event were also analyzed. The study demonstrates the important
role of large-eddy convective turbulent mixing in vertical transfer of pollutants and the role of the SBL in not only
decoupling vertical transport of trace gases and aerosols but also in accelerating horizontal transfer of pollutants
above.
Active heat pulse sensing of 3-D-flow fields in streambeds
Authors: Banks Eddie W. , Shanafield Margaret A. , Noorduijn Saskia , McCallum James , Lewandowski Jörg , Batelaan Okke
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Profiles of temperature time series are commonly used to determine hyporheic
flow patterns and hydraulic dynamics in the streambed
sediments. Although hyporheic flows are 3-D, past research has focused on determining the magnitude of the vertical flow component
and how this varies spatially. This study used a portable 56-sensor, 3-D temperature array with three heat pulse sources to measure the
flow direction and magnitude up to 200 mm below the water–sediment interface. Short, 1 min heat pulses were injected at
one of the three heat sources and the temperature response was monitored over a period of 30 min. Breakthrough curves from each of
the sensors were analysed using a heat transport equation. Parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis was undertaken using the
differential evolution adaptive metropolis (DREAM) algorithm, an adaption of the Markov chain Monte Carlo method, to estimate the flux and its orientation. Measurements were
conducted in the field and in a sand tank under an extensive range of controlled hydraulic conditions to validate the method. The use
of short-duration heat pulses provided a rapid, accurate assessment technique for determining dynamic and multi-directional flow
patterns in the hyporheic zone and is a basis for improved understanding of biogeochemical processes at the water–streambed
interface.
Genetic diversity and population structure in tunisian castor genotypes (Ricinus communis L.) Detected using scot markers
Authors: Vivodí­k Martin , Saadaoui Ezzeddine , Balážová Želmí­ra , Gálová Zdenka , Petrovičová Lenka
Published: March 2018

Due to the chemical and physical properties of castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) that make it a valuable raw material for numerous industrial applications, including the production of biofuel, interest to develop more and better varieties has been increased. In the present study, the representatives of the genus castor collected from 12 different parts of Tunisia were differentiated by the DNA fingerprinting patterns using 37 SCoT primers. PCR amplification of DNA using 37 primers for SCoT analysis produced 268 DNA fragments that could be scored in all 56 genotypes of Tunisian castor. The number of amplified fragments varied from 4 (SCoT 45, SCoT 31 and ScoT 17) to 10 (SCoT 3, SCoT 11, SCoT 14, SCoT 18 and SCoT 12). Of the 268 amplified bands 230 were polymorphic, with an average of 6.22 polymorphic bands per primer. To determine the level of polymorphism in the analysed group of Tunisian castor genotypes polymorphic information content (PIC) was calculated. The lowest values of polymorphic information content were recorded for SCoT 17 (0.411) and the the highest PIC values were detected for SCoT 14 (0.868) with an average of 0.751. A dendrogram was constructed from a genetic distance matrix based on profiles of the 37 SCoT primers using the unweighted pair-group method with the arithmetic average (UPGMA). According to analysis, the collection of 56 Tunisian castor genotypes were clustered into two main clusters (1 and 2). Of the 56 genotypes of Tunisian castor, 2 unique genotypes were separated (BA-5 and K-4). Genetically the closest were two genotypes from Tunisian region Souassi (S-2 and S-5) in subclaster 2bc. Results showed the utility of SCoT markers for estimation of genetic diversity of castor genotypes leading to genotype identification.
Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of selected celery (Apium graveolens var. Dulce) varieties in the context of juices production
Authors: Mezeyova Ivana , Hegedűsová Alžbeta , Mezey Ján , Šlosár Miroslav , Farkaš Ján
Published: March 2018

Celery, Apium graveolens var. Dulce (Mill.) is a biennial plant, lesser used in Slovakia in comparison with celeriac, but with increasing popularity because of its very health beneficial properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate quantitative (yields) and qualitative (chlorophyll a and b, soluble solids) parameters in selected patioles of celery in the context of raw juice production in a small-plot field experiment. Six varieties of celery (var. Dulce) were planted - ´Helios´, ´Red Soup´, ´Malachit´, ´Verde Pascal´, ´Golden Self- Blanching´ and ´Celebrity´. The harvest was carried out twice a season in terms of August and September. The chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were determined spectrophotometrically, Total soluble solids were estimated by the help of refractometer. The lowest values in yields reached ´Malachit´variety, the highest ´Red Soup´ variety. In the evaluation of both harvests the ´Celebrity´ and ´Golden S.´ varieties showed the lowest chlorophyll content. The total soluble solid content reached values ranging from 5.00 to 8.77 °BRIX, in the following order: ´Celebrity´ <´Helios´ <´Golden S.´ < ´Red Soup´ <´Verde Pascal´. The term of harvest had significant influence on chlorophyll a and b. The effect wasn´t confirmed on yields and soluble solids according to used statistical analyse. There were mainly other kind of characteristics followed in previous scientific studies about celery (var. Dulce), such a flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, fibre,  the essential oils and phenolic acids, etc. Processing to juices or smoothies allow consuming of other antioxidant - chlorophyll.
Utilization of pumpkin powder in baked rolls
Authors: Minarovičová Lucia , Lauková Michaela , Karovičová Jolana , Kohajdová Zlatica
Published: March 2018

Bakery products are good vehicles for dietary fiber incorporation. Traditionally, the source of dietary fiber has been mainly from cereals. However, vegetable can be used as potential source of dietary fiber. Pumpkin powder was characterized with good hydration properties (water holding and water retention capacity and swelling capacity), but fat absorption capacity was very low. Wheat flour was substituted with pumpkin powder at different level (2.5; 5; 7.5; and 10%). Addition of pumpkin powder modified the farinographic properties in various ways (water absorption and dough development time increased, while dough stability and mixing tolerance index decreased). Also it was concluded, that addition of pumpkin powder affected the qualitative properties of baked rolls. Enriched baked rolls had lower volume and specific volume. Moreover, the cambering values were significantly decreased as contain of pumpkin powder increased. The effect of incorporation of pumpkin powder in baked rolls on firmness values was also evaluated. It was also observed that enriched rolls were firmer during storage compared to control sample. Baked rolls containing pumpkin powder at higher addition levels had vegetable taste and flavour. From the results also concluded that the overall acceptance of baked rolls with 2.5 and 5% addition levels of pumpkin powder were comparable with control sample (without pumpkin powder).
Impact of somatic cell count and lameness on the production and composition of ewe's milk
Authors: Baranovič Štefan , Tančin Vladimí­r , Tvarožková Kristí­na , Uhrinčať Michal , Mačuhová Lucia , Palkovič Jozef
Published: March 2018

High somatic cell count (SCC) in milk and lameness are two very serious problems on the farms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of lameness, SCC, month and order of entry into the milking parlour on the milk production and its composition. The relationship between lameness and SCC and their impact on the order of entry was also evaluated. The experiment was carried out at the farm, located in northern Slovakia. The farm keeps sheep crossbred of Improved Valachian and Lacaune. Milking was performed two times a day in milking parlor 1x24. Samples of milk were taken once a month by evening milking: May, July. In May, individual milk samples were taken from 214 random sampling ewes with milk yield minimum 300 mL per milking. In July, only from selected ewes in May, the milk samples, milk yield and lameness were recorded. Order of ewes entry into the milking parlour in milking row (one milking row is 24 animals) was recorded in both months. In total 23 milking rows were recorded. Ewes was divided by lameness (non-lame, slightly lame, strong lame), by SCC (A1 = to 2x105 cells, A2 = from 2x105 to 4x105 cells, A3 = from 4x105 to 7x105 cells, A4 = from 7x105 to 10x105 cells, A5 = over 10x105 cells.mL-1) and by the order of entry of ewes into the milking parlour (in first group of ewes were milked in 1-5 rows, second 6-11, third 12-17, fourth 18-23 ones). No effect of lameness was found out on milk yield. Lameness in July affected the order of entry into milking parlour in July as compared with their order of entry recorded in May. The strong lame ewes entered 4.19  ±1.07 milking rows later in July than in May. Only 11.2% and 4.2% of milk samples were found out in a group with SCC >10x105 cells.mL-1 during May and July respectively. In both months, the production of lactose was lower in groups with higher SCC. Ewes entering into the milking parlour earlier had higher SCC as ewes entering into milking parlour later in July but no effect was seen in May. In conclusion the studies under practical conditions deserve continuous research attention to identify risk factors of management affecting lameness and udder health for further improvement of sheep breeding.
Evaluation of Automatic Item Generation Utilities in Formative Assessment Application for Korean High School Students
Authors: Choi Jaehwa , Kim HeeKyoung , Pak Seohong
Published: March 2018

The recent interests in research in the assessment field have been rapidly shifting from decision-maker-centered assessments to learner-centered assessments (i.e., diagnostic and/or formative assessments). In particular, it is a very important research topic in this field to analyze how these learner-centered assessments are developed more practical and valid by combining information (or intelligent) and communication technologies (ICT) and psychometric advances, and how these systems contribute to learning. Automatic Item Generation (AIG), which is in the spotlight recently, is a representative example of building a next-generation assessment theory and practice by integrating ICT into psychometrics.AIG has very broad and promising features in mass production, intelligent item calibration and management, especially learner-centered assessment, and so on. However, these claims have not yet been fully validated in real education settings, and it is in dire need of evaluating the utilities of AIG applications in practical educational settings. Based on these needs, the purposes of this research are, firstly, to introduce the benefits and challenges of AIG to properly assess AIG’s utilities. And, secondly, this study provides empirical evaluation results of AIG’s utilities within a formative assessment system for Korean high school students and teachers.The results of this study have important implications in that it is the first empirical study to evaluate the usefulness of AIG in the formation evaluation application of the actual educational environment, Korean high school setting. The results of the theoretical and empirical evaluation of the AIG will also be useful to researchers and practitioners who wish to evaluate the benefits and issues of future AIG-based educational services or theory development.
MRI Findings of Suprasellar Germ Cell Tumors in Two Dogs
Authors: Cook Laurie , Tensley Michelle , Drost Wm Tod , Koivisto Christopher , Oglesbee Michael
Published: March 2018

A 4 yr old border collie presenting for mydriasis and decreased mentation and a 7 yr old Boston terrier presenting for obtundation, head tilt, and paraparesis were both evaluated using MRI. Findings in both included mass lesions of the thalamus and brainstem that were hypo- to isointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images with regions of hypointensity, and robust contrast enhancement and displacement of adjacent structures. Postmortem histopathology findings, tumor location, and a mixed pattern of epithelial cell differentiation were consistent with germ cell tumor in both cases. Germ cell tumor of the suprasellar region is an infrequently reported neoplasm of dogs and imaging findings in this species have not been well described in the prior literature.
Combination Chlorambucil/Firocoxib or Chlorambucil/Prednisolone Treatment for Inflammatory Colorectal Polyps in Miniature Dachshunds
Authors: Murakami Akira , Shibahashi Ayami , Iwasaki Ryota , Kawabe Mifumi , Murakami Mami , Sakai Hiroki , Mori Takashi
Published: March 2018

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRP), which are more commonly recognized in miniature dachshunds, are thought to represent an immune-mediated disease. This retrospective case series describes six miniature dachshunds with refractory ICRP, who were treated with chlorambucil (CLB) combined with firocoxib or prednisolone. Improvement in clinical manifestations was seen in five of the six dogs by the end of the study period; four were treated with CLB/firocoxib and one with CLB/prednisolone. One dog had nonregenerative anemia after 23 mo of treatment with CLB, but whether there was a causative relationship was unclear. No severe adverse events were observed during treatment in the remaining five dogs. CLB in combination with firocoxib or prednisolone appears to be an effective alternative treatment for ICRP in dogs. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and long-term complications of CLB treatment for ICRP in dogs.
O USO DE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS DURANTE A GRAVIDEZ E AMAMENTAÇÃO
Authors: Duarte Ana Flávia Schvabe , Martins Antonio Luiz da Costa , Miguel Marilis Dallarmi , Miguel Obdulio Gomes
Published: March 2018

Parte dos fitoterápicos são consumidos sem acompanhamento por profissional de saúde, sendo de venda sem prescrição médica. Culturalmente, as gestantes optam pelo uso de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos para tratarem desconfortos decorrentes ou não da gestação. Entretanto, na terapêutica, o uso de plantas medicinais com base e sendo assegurado somente pelo uso tradicional pode ser perigoso. É fundamental que se tenha um perfil tóxico bem estabelecido, principalmente no que se refere ao potencial abortivo e teratogênico, salientando que com relação as plantas medicinais as informações a esse respeito são escassas e contraditórias. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento bibliográfico com o propósito de apresentar questões relacionadas ao uso de plantas medicinais durante a gravidez e amamentação.
METODOLOGIA E SUFICIÊNCIA AMOSTRAL EM ESTUDOS ETNOBOTÂNICOS E ETNOFARMACOLÓGICOS: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Noll Gonçalves Rodrigo , Rodrigues da Silva Noll Gonçalves Jéssica , Da Cruz Magalhães Buffon Marilene
Published: March 2018

Os estudos etnobotânicos e etnofarmacológicos constituem importantes estratégias que podem contribuir para a descoberta de novos fármacos. A curva de acumulação de espécies (ou curva do coletor) vem sendo amplamente utilizada no Brasil, constituindo um método quantitativo para determinar se a amostra é representativa da comunidade em estudo. O presente artigo aborda a curva de acumulação de espécies como uma estratégia metodológica em estudos etnobotânicos e etnofarmacológicos. Para tal, apresenta-se um relato de experiência, demonstrando o procedimento metodológico aplicado em levantamento etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico realizado na área rural do município de Campo Largo (Paraná, Brasil), onde foi empregada a curva de acumulação de espécies na determinação da suficiência amostral, a fim de contribuir com estudos posteriores.
ATIVIDADE FITOTÓXICA DE Guettarda Uruguensis (RUBIACEAE) SOBRE A GERMINAÇÃO E CRESCIMENTO DE SEMENTES DE LACTUCA SATIVA
Authors: Duarte Ana Flávia Schvabe , Krause Mariana Saragioto , Martins Antonio Luiz Da Costa , Miguel Marilis Dallarmi , Miguel Obdulio Gomes
Published: March 2018

The study evaluates the phytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract and its organic fractions obtained from the stem bark of the Guettarda uruguensis species Cham. & Schltdl. (Rubiaceae) on germination and seed growth of Lactuca sativa. The evaluated parameters were the rate of germination velocity, radicle and hypocotyl growth. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that Guettarda uruguensis produces chemical compounds that act in the stimulation and inhibition of the seeds germination, the radicle growth and inhibition of the hypocotyl of the Lactuca sativa species.
OBTENÇÃO DE NANOPARTÍCULAS BIODEGRADÁVEIS DE IBUPROFENO ENCAPSULADAS POR “LAYER-BY-LAYER (LBL) SELF-ASSEMBLY” - CAMADA POR CAMADA AUTO-ESTRUTURADAS
Authors: FEDALTO Mayra Bruna , SANTOS Ana Cláudia , SANSÃO Bruna Dos Santos , ZANIN Sandra Maria Warumby , Miguel Marilis Dallarmi , RIBEIRO António José
Published: March 2018

O ibuprofeno é um anti-inflamatório não esteroidal que apresenta baixa solubilidade e biodisponibilidade, além de efeitos adversos gástricos, por isso aplicam-se técnicas para melhorar tais propriedades e também promover um sistema de liberação modificada. A técnica camada por camada auto-estruturadas, consiste no acúmulo de camadas de polieletrólitos impulsionadas pela atração eletrostática entre as cargas opostas de seus constituintes. O preparo de nanopartículas de ibuprofeno através dessa técnica, pode melhorar a sua solubilidade através da redução do tamanho de partícula e controlar o perfil de liberação pela formação das camadas de polieletrólitos. As nanopartículas de ibuprofeno foram preparadas através de ultrasonicação, seguida de adsorção do polieletrólito catiônico quitosana e o polieletrólito aniônico alginato. O tamanho das partículas foi determinado por dispersão de luz dinâmica. Foi possível a obtenção de nanopartículas com tamanho médio de 200 nm. A alternância da carga superficial da partícula (potencial zeta), +23,45 mV com a camada de quitosana e -22,77 mV com a camada de alginato, deu indícios da formação das camadas com cargas opostas na superfície do ibuprofeno. A ultrasonicação promoveu a diminuição do tamanho dos cristais de ibuprofeno e a adição de polieletrólitos conferiu estabilidade ao sistema.
USO DE ANSIOLITICOS: ABUSO OU NECESSIDADE?
Authors: FÁVERO Viviane Rosset , Sato Marcelo Del Olmo , Santiago Ronise Martins
Published: March 2018

Os ansiolíticos apresentam componentes que atuam no controle da ansiedade de pacientes com alterações de saúde associadas ao Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), afetando suas emoções e seu comportamento. Por vezes seu uso ocorre de forma abusiva, podendo gerar diversos efeitos adversos. Desta forma, objetivou-se analisar as indicações clínicas dos ansiolíticos em uma farmácia de dispensação, identificando o tempo de uso, a especialidade médica do prescritor e os medicamentos ansiolíticos mais vendidos. Para tanto, foi realizada pesquisa descritiva de abordagem quantitativa. Ao todo, participaram desta pesquisa 32 usuários, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, com idade superior a 40 anos. O fármaco, na maioria dos casos foi indicado pelo médico clínico geral, psiquiatra ou neurologista. No entanto, o acesso aos ansiolíticos ocorreu também através de familiares ou amigos, sem prescrição médica. Quanto ao motivo do uso da medicação, destacaram-se a ansiedade, a depressão e a insônia. Em se tratando da frequência do seu uso, a maioria relatou consumi-las diariamente; porém alguns só o fazem esporadicamente. Apenas três pacientes relataram ter apresentado reações adversas. Constatou-se que muitos pacientes ao tentar interromper o seu uso, apresentaram sintomas de abstinência. Concluiu-se que o uso de ansiolíticos na maioria das vezes ocorre de forma irracional.
Principal Components-based Investigative Study of Counter Measures to Financial Crimes
Authors: Iwasokun Gabriel Babatunde , Akinyede Raphael Olufemi , Bello Oniyide Alabi
Published: March 2018

Financial crime is presently a very serious threat to the global, regional and national economies as it manifests itself in several financial institutions and government agencies. One of the reasons for the thriving status of the menace has been lack of globally acknowledged counter measures. Based on this, twenty eight indices that were considered to be related to financial crimes were formulated in this research. A questionnaire was formulated based on the indices and administered on selected financial related agencies and parastatals in States across Nigeria to obtain relevant data which were subjected to Principal Component Analyses (PCA) using SPSS. The analyses showed that effective citizens’ control and monitoring, economic and social stability, moral suasion and political security and goodwill are the much desired counter-measures to financial crime. The percentage of relevance of these measures was 64.17%, indicating that the indices of some extraneous counter-measures were not given consideration in the research. Such measures include but not limited to good governance, financial security and moral training. A coefficient score matrix was also generated for the estimation and ranking of the contribution of every respondent to the extracted counter-measures.
Do Prospective Teachers have Anxieties about Teaching Mathematics?
Authors: Yavuz Güneş
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyse the level of prospective classroom and mathematics teachers’ anxieties about teaching mathematics. Freshman and junior prospective teachers from educational faculties of two different universities participated in this study. “Anxieties About Teaching Mathematics Scale” which was developed by Peker (2006) and “Personal Information Form” which was developed by the researchers were adapted to determine prospective teachers’ anxiety levels about teaching mathematics. After collecting data, correlations between anxiety levels of prospective teachers and different variables such as their majors at university, their grade levels, the type of high school that they were graduated, gender and attitudes of their family were examined.  Average scores, t-test and variance analyses were used in data analyses and scheffe test was employed when necessary.
Metaphorical Perceptions of Folk Dances Trainers Regarding the Concept of Folk Dances
Authors: Karabulut Ebru Olcay , Dogan Pinar Karacan
Published: March 2018

This research was carried out with the help of metaphor to determine the perception of folk dances trainers regarding the concept of folk dances. The study was carried out with a total of 141 folk dances trainers (85 men and 56 women), who depend on the Folk Dances Federation of Turkey.In the study, a semi-structured interview form was used to allow participants to freely express their opinions on the specific subject. In this context, each participant was asked to write a metaphor about the concept of folk dances and to explain it. To determine the metaphorical perceptions of the concept of ‘‘folk dances’‘ the trainers were asked to complete such clauses as “folk dances are like….” and “Because ...”.In this study, phenomenological design was used from qualitative research approaches. In the analysis of data, content analysis technique was used. Frequency and percent values were calculated. The opinions of an in-field expert and an out-of-field expert were consulted as a reliability procedure. As a result of the calculation, the reliability of the research was calculated as %98.5.According to the study findings, it is seen that the trainers expressed their opinions on 86 types of metaphors that are divided into 12 conceptual categories for the concept of “folk dances” and 141 views for this. The category in which maximum exists is metaphor of “Happiness, Excitement and Energy Aspect” and the most used the words were found to be “love” (f=8), “ambition” (f=5), “life” (f=5) and “adaptation” (f=5). In addition, it is observed that trainers form metaphors with many concrete tools and abstract concepts such as “labour, gain, stress ball, serotonin, culture, umbrella, pen” regarding the concept of folk dances.As a result, it was determined that the most used metaphor for folk dances is “love” and that the category the most produced by the trainers is “happiness, excitement and energy aspect” and that the trainers have a positive perception in the metaphors produced by the “folk dances” concept.
The role of ultralarge multimers in recombinant human von Willebrand factor – a review of physico-and biochemical studies and findings in in vivo models and in humans with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Spannagl Michael , Kragh Thorsten , Allmaier Guenter , Turecek Marietta , Schrenk Gerald , Gritsch Herbert , Obermann-Slupetzky Ortrun , Ewenstein Bruce , Valentino Leonard , Turecek Peter
Published: March 2018

Ultralarge multimers (ULM) of VWF are considered to be the most active with respect to binding to platelets and to subendothelial structures and therefore are of critical importance for the function of VWF in stabilizing the primary hemostatic plug. In contrast to plasma-derived FVIII-VWF concentrates, human rVWF obtained from mammalian cell culture retains the full-spectrum of intact multimers, including ULM, as physiologically formed in the Golgi apparatus and stored in platelet α-granules and endothelial cell Weibel–Palade bodies. In the course of physico and biochemical, functional and animal studies, rVWF exhibited superiority in structure and function compared to pdVWF. These effects seemed to correlate with the multimer size and therefore might be attributed to the presence of ULM in rVWF preparations. The pharmacokinetic (PK), safety and efficacy characteristics seen in preclinical studies were further demonstrated in clinical trials.
EFL Students’ Burnout in English Learning: A Case Study of Chinese Middle School Students
Authors: Ma Yan , Wu Dan , Wang Feng
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to explore the English learningburnout of Chinese middle school students to provide solutions to reduce it. Foreign Language Classroom Burnout Scale (FLCBS) is used to make an investigation into 212 middle school students of different grades in No. 10 Middle School in Xi’an city in China. After both qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected from the questionnaires, it finds out that: 1) a medium level of English learning burnout exists in the students of No.10 Middle School (M=53.80). 2) In terms of grade, three grades have no statistically significant differences in burnout (p=0.377>0.05). 3) As for gender, there is statistically significant difference (p=0.001<0.05). The male’s total burnout is higher than the female’s, especially in Low Efficiency (p=0.006<0.05). 4) There is statistically significant difference in English learning burnout between different majors (p=0.001<0.05). The learning burnout of science students is higher than that of art students, especially in Depletion and Low Efficiency. Based on the research findings, it puts out such suggestions for teachers to lower down students’ English learning burnout as building up students’ confidence, adopting new teaching methods, and improving the relationship between teacher and students.
Social Media Tools for Informal Language Learning: A Comprehensive Theoretical Framework
Authors: Ibrahim Che Wan Ida Rahimah Bt. Che Wan
Published: March 2018

This article offers a conceptual framework for social media applications that provides efficient support for a daily informal language learning experience. It proposes the multiple lenses of sociocultural theories as conceptual and interpretive tools, to capture the complexity and the fine-grained types of activities of these learner-users’ sociocultural experiences in informal English as a Second Language learning via social media at residential college of Malaysian universities. These theories focus not only on the development of individual language learner’s cognitive development but also on the overall development of learners. The proposed framework provides forward technology support for the successful design of the future language informal learning.
The Crime of Attacking Private Life in the System of Combating Saudi Informatics Crimes
Authors: Al-Qteishat Khadijah Abdel Hamid Mustafa
Published: March 2018

The Internet has become the scene of many crimes that are completely different from traditional crimes, including crimes against individuals' privacy and privacy, by accessing personal information and data that they maintain using the electronic means and media of the network, ranging from defamation to extortion, Theft and destruction of information, and may even be used to impersonate persons and commit crimes in their name, and so on. Private life is one of the most important concepts that fall within the scope of human rights enshrined in all international covenants and covenants, which are committed to protecting national laws and legislations in all countries. However, technological changes have posed many challenges to the criminal protection of private life in the Internet environment.This research aims to identify the criminal protection of private life through the Internet in Western and Arabic laws, as a basis for research into the crime of attacking private life in the system of combating Saudi informatics crimes.
In Asia, Does Airline Service Quality Matter to Investors?
Authors: Barrows Samuel D.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether premium services airlines in Asia offer better returns to investors as compared to normal services airlines. To accomplish this, portfolios are created for each airline group and compared against benchmarks in monthly assessments over a sixty two month period ending in October 2017. The benchmarks include the global market and the oil market. The global market offers a comparison to a baseline expectation while the oil market represents a major cost component for the airline industry. The findings point to the premium services airlines as being the superior performing group in relation to the normal services airlines as judged in six cases using various configurations of the benchmarks. These results are further confirmation that in some industry segments, service quality matters. Included is literature pertaining to service quality, loyalty, and profitability. Each of these topics is expanded to show the link between various facets of customer satisfaction and implications on overall company profitability.
Determinants of Bank Credit Risk in Developing Economies: Evidence from Benin
Authors: Adjé Kevin Ghislain
Published: March 2018

Our study mainly focuses on the determinants of credit risk of Beninese banks. Theoretical and empirical literature teach us that both external and internal factors are the determinants of credit risk. From a sample of seven (07) commercial banks (only one of which is listed on the BRVM), we tested the simultaneous effect of external and internal factors on credit risk over the period 2004-2013. After an econometric analysis on panel data (fixed effect model estimated by the PCSE method), it appears that the "growth of GDP", "credit by signature", "interest margin" and the "proportion of institutional administrator "are the determinants of credit risk. Therefore, political authorities and bank officials could improve credit risk management by issuing policies on these factors.
Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli from Farm Livestock and Related Analytical Methods: A Review
Authors: Caruso Giorgia
Published: March 2018

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics for the treatment of human and animal infections has led to the rise of resistance in pathogens and in commensal bacteria. In particular, farm animals may act as vectors for the dissemination of drug-resistant genes because of the intensive use of antibiotics in animal production, enabling resistance to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, including those normally used in human medicine. Escherichia coli, being a widespread commensal, is considered a good indicator of antibiotic use. Ultimately, it is emerging as a global threat, developing dramatically high levels of antibiotic resistance to multiple classes of drugs. Its prevalence in food animals is hence alarming, and more studies are needed in order to ascertain the spread dynamics between the food chain and humans. In this context, great attention should be paid to the accurate detection of resistance by conventional and molecular methods. In this review, a comprehensive list of the most widely used testing methods is also addressed.
Effect of fatigue and gender on kinematics and ground reaction forces variables in recreational runners
Authors: Bazuelo-Ruiz Bruno , Durá-Gil Juan V. , Palomares Nicolás , Medina Enrique , Llana-Belloch Salvador
Published: March 2018

The presence of fatigue has been shown to modify running biomechanics. Overall in terms of gender, women are at lower risk than men for sustaining running-related injuries, although it depends on the factors taken into account. One possible reason for these differences in the injury rate and location might be the dissimilar running patterns between men and women. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fatigue and gender on the kinematic and ground reaction forces (GRF) parameters in recreational runners. Fifty-seven participants (28 males and 29 females) had kinematic and GRF variables measured while running at speed of 3.3 m s−1 before and after a fatigue test protocol. The fatigue protocol included (1) a running Course-Navette test, (2) running up and down a flight of stairs for 5 min, and (3) performance of alternating jumps on a step (five sets of 1 minute each with 30 resting seconds between the sets). Fatigue decreased dorsiflexion (14.24 ± 4.98° in pre-fatigue and 12.65 ± 6.21° in fatigue condition, p < 0.05) at foot strike phase in females, and plantar flexion (−19.23 ± 4.12° in pre-fatigue and −18.26 ± 5.31° in fatigue condition, p < 0.05) at toe-off phase in males. These changes led to a decreased loading rate (88.14 ± 25.82 BW/s in pre-fatigue and 83.97 ± 18.83 BW/s in fatigue condition, p < 0.05) and the impact peak in females (1.95 ± 0.31 BW in pre-fatigue and 1.90 ± 0.31 BW in fatigue condition, p < 0.05), and higher peak propulsive forces in males (−0.26 ± 0.04 BW in pre-fatigue and −0.27 ± 0.05 BW in fatigue condition, p < 0.05) in the fatigue condition. It seems that better responses to impact under a fatigue condition are observed among women. Further studies should confirm whether these changes represent a strategy to optimize shock attenuation, prevent running injuries and improve running economy.
Systems approaches to optimizing deep brain stimulation therapies in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Santaniello Sabato , Gale John T. , Sarma Sridevi V.
Published: March 2018

Over the last 30 years, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat chronic neurological diseases like dystonia, obsessive–compulsive disorders, essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and more recently, dementias, depression, cognitive disorders, and epilepsy. Despite its wide use, DBS presents numerous challenges for both clinicians and engineers. One challenge is the design of novel, more efficient DBS therapies, which are hampered by the lack of complete understanding about the cellular mechanisms of therapeutic DBS. Another challenge is the existence of redundancy in clinical outcomes, that is, different DBS programs can result in similar clinical benefits but very little information (e.g., predictive models, longitudinal data, metrics, etc.) is available to select one program over another. Finally, there is high variability in patients’ responses to DBS, which forces clinicians to carefully adjust the stimulation settings to each patient via lengthy programming sessions. Researchers in neural engineering and systems biology have been tackling these challenges over the past few years with the specific goal of developing novel DBS therapies, design methodologies, and computational tools that optimize the therapeutic effects of DBS in each patient. Furthermore, efforts are being made to automatically adapt the DBS treatment to the fluctuations of disease symptoms. A review of the quantitative approaches currently available for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is presented here with an emphasis on the contributions that systems theoretical approaches have provided to understand the global dynamics of complex neuronal circuits in the brain under DBS.

This article is categorized under:

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Therapeutic Methods

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Analytical and Computational Methods > Dynamical Methods

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease
Asymptotic symmetries of colored gravity in three dimensions
Authors: Joung Euihun , Kim Jaewon , Kim Jihun , Rey Soo-Jong
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Three-dimensional colored gravity refers to nonabelian isospin extension of Einstein gravity. We investigate the asymptotic symmetry algebra of the SU(N)-colored gravity in (2+1)-dimensional anti-de Sitter spacetime. Formulated by the Chern-Simons theory with SU(N, N) × SU(N, N) gauge group, the theory contains graviton, SU(N) Chern-Simons gauge fields and massless spin-two multiplets in the SU(N) adjoint representation, thus extending diffeomorphism to colored, nonabelian counterpart. We identify the asymptotic symmetry as Poisson algebra of generators associated with the residual global symmetries of the nonabelian diffeomorphism set by appropriately chosen boundary conditions. The resulting asymptotic symmetry algebra is a nonlinear extension of

$$ \widehat{\mathfrak{su}(N)} $$

s
u

N

^

Kac-Moody algebra, supplemented by additional generators corresponding to the massless spin-two adjoint matter fields.
Mellin amplitudes for fermionic conformal correlators
Authors: Faller Josua , Sarkar Sourav , Verma Mritunjay
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We define Mellin amplitudes for the fermion-scalar four point function and the fermion four point function. The Mellin amplitude thus defined has multiple components each associated with a tensor structure. In the case of three spacetime dimensions, we explicitly show that each component factorizes on dynamical poles onto components of the Mellin amplitudes for the corresponding three point functions. The novelty here is that for a given exchanged primary, each component of the Mellin amplitude may in general have more than one series of poles. We present a few examples of Mellin amplitudes for tree-level Witten diagrams and tree-level conformal Feynman integrals with fermionic legs, which illustrate the general properties.
Holographic complexity and noncommutative gauge theory
Authors: Couch Josiah , Eccles Stefan , Fischler Willy , Xiao Ming-Lei
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We study the holographic complexity of noncommutative field theories. The four-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

noncommutative super Yang-Mills theory with Moyal algebra along two of the spatial directions has a well known holographic dual as a type IIB supergravity theory with a stack of D3 branes and non-trivial NS-NS B fields. We start from this example and find that the late time holographic complexity growth rate, based on the “complexity equals action” conjecture, experiences an enhancement when the non-commutativity is turned on. This enhancement saturates a new limit which is exactly 1/4 larger than the commutative value. We then attempt to give a quantum mechanics explanation of the enhancement. Finite time behavior of the complexity growth rate is also studied. Inspired by the non-trivial result, we move on to more general setup in string theory where we have a stack of Dp branes and also turn on the B field. Multiple noncommutative directions are considered in higher p cases.
Gender Differences in the Association Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration: The Role of Anger Rumination and Traditional Bullying Experiences
Authors: Zsila Ágnes , Urbán Róbert , Griffiths Mark D. , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: March 2018

Studies investigating the similarities and differences in traditional bullying and cyberbullying experiences have demonstrated considerable gender differences concerning its determinants. The aim of the present study was to provide further evidence for the differential role of determinants for males and females by investigating the moderating role of traditional bullying and anger rumination in the relationship of past cyberbullying victimization and recent cyberbullying perpetration in respect to gender. A total of 1500 Hungarian adolescents and adults (57.9% male, M
age = 28.9 years, SD = 8.7) completed an online survey on bullying experiences. Results indicated that males were more likely than females to engage in cyberbullying when they had been previously bullied online. Furthermore, high anger rumination elevated the risk of perpetration among male cyberbullying victims, while repeated victimization in traditional bullying increased the risk of cyberbullying perpetration among females. These results underline the importance of considering gender differences in intervention efforts against bullying.
Prenatal exposure to modafinil alters behavioural response to methamphetamine in adult male mice
Authors: Ruda‐Kucerova Jana , Pistovcakova Jana , Amchova Petra , Sulcova Alexandra , Machalova Alena
Published: March 2018

Modafinil is a psychostimulant drug prescribed for treatment of narcolepsy. However, it is used as a “smart drug” especially by young adults to increase wakefulness, concentration and mental performance. Therefore, it can also be used by women with childbearing potential and its developmental effects can become a concern. The aim of this study was to assess behavioural and immune effects of prenatal modafinil exposure in mice and to evaluate the reaction to methamphetamine exposure on these animals in adult age.

Pregnant female mice were given either saline or modafinil (50 mg/kg orally) from gestation day (GD) 3 to GD 10 and then a challenge dose on GD 17. The male offspring were treated analogously at the age of 10 weeks with methamphetamine (2.5 mg/kg orally). Changes in the spontaneous locomotor/exploratory behaviour and anxiogenic profile in the open field test were assessed in naïve animals, after an acute and 8th modafinil dose and the challenge dose following a 7‐day wash‐out period. One month after completion of the behavioural study, the leukocyte phagocytosis was examined by zymosan induced and luminol‐aided chemiluminiscence assay in vitro.

The modafinil prenatally exposed mice showed basal hypolocomotion, increased anxiety, lower locomotor effect of acute methamphetamine and increased vulnerability to behavioural sensitization. The leukocyte activity did not show significant differences.

Prenatal modafinil exposure alters basal behavioural profile, decreases acute effect of methamphetamine and enhances vulnerability to development of behavioural sensitization at adulthood. This may lead to higher vulnerability to development of addiction.
Detecting agitation and aggression in people with dementia using sensors—A systematic review
Authors: Khan Shehroz S. , Ye Bing , Taati Babak , Mihailidis Alex
Published: March 2018

Agitation and aggression are among the most challenging symptoms of dementia. Agitated persons with dementia can harm themselves, their caregivers, or other patients in a care facility. Automatic detection of agitation would be useful to alert caregivers so that appropriate interventions can be performed. The building blocks in the automatic detection of agitation and aggression are appropriate sensing platforms and generalized predictive models. In this article, we perform a systematic review of studies that use different types of sensors to detect agitation and aggression in persons with dementia. We conclude that actigraphy shows some evidence of correlation with incidences of agitation and aggression; however, multimodal sensing has not been fully evaluated for this purpose. Based on this systematic review, we provide guidelines and recommendations for future research directions in this field.
The Consensus Project and Three Levels of Deliberation
Authors: ANI EMMANUEL IFEANYI
Published: March 2018

The basic argument is that the consensus debate has not been very meaningful until now because consensus has not been closely studied as a concept, and deliberation has not been studied precisely in terms of the propensity to reach common agreement. In particular, deliberation—as well as issues for deliberation—has not been categorized into different levels with a view to exposing the varying challenges of reaching common agreement and the kinds of deliberative approaches entailed in each category. In this research, I attempt to provide this categorization in order to clarify the debate.