bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Program Evaluation
Authors: Brandon Paul R. , Ah Sam Anna L.
Published: July 2014

The profession of educational and social program evaluation has expanded exponentially around the globe since the mid-1960s and continues to receive the considerable attention of theorists, methodologists, and practitioners. The literature on it is wide and deep, reflecting an array of definitions and conceptions of purpose and social role. The chapter discusses these topics and several others, including opinions about the choice of methods, some of which are used primarily within evaluation approaches to conducting evaluation; the aspects of programs that evaluators typically address; the concept of value; the differences between evaluation and social science research; research on evaluation topics; and the major evaluation issues and concerns that have dominated discussion in the literature over the years
The Grounded Theory Method
Authors: Bryant Antony
Published: July 2014

The term “grounded theory” was introduced to the research lexicon by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s, particularly with the publication of The Discovery of Grounded Theory in 1967. The term itself is somewhat misleading since it actually refers to a method that facilitates the development of new theoretical insights—grounded theories. In this essay, the method is outlined, together with some background to its appearance and subsequent developments. Later sections describe the main features, procedures, outputs, and evaluation criteria.
Qualitative Approaches in Internet-Mediated Research
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: July 2014

Internet-mediated research (IMR) has grown expansively over the past decade in scope, range of methodological possibilities, and breadth of penetration across disciplines and research domains. However, the use of IMR approaches to support qualitative research has lagged behind its application in supporting quantitative methods. This chapter discusses the possibilities of using IMR methods in qualitative research and considers the issues and debates that have led some qualitative researchers to be reluctant to consider IMR as a viable alternative to traditional offline methods. The chapter adopts an optimistic stance on the potential for qualitative IMR and outlines a range of possible methods and strategies, as well as examples of successful (and less successful) studies. Practical advice on tools, procedures, and guidelines for good design practice is offered. A comment on likely future scope, methods, emerging techniques, and developments in qualitative IMR is presented.
Cultural Influences on Social Policy Development
Authors: Danielson J. Taylor , Stryker Robin
Published: July 2014

Meaning-making is the core of all cultural mechanisms influencing policy development. Culture includes ideas; ideologies; values; concepts and theories; categories; beliefs; attitudes; opinions; norms; cognitive schema and paradigms; frames; discourse; spoken, written, or signed language; and any material object to which meaning is attached. Each shapes policies through meaning-making. This chapter explores how diverse aspects of culture play cognitive, normative-evaluative, and strategic roles in U.S. social policy development. It reviews exemplary research exploring the relationship between various cultural forces and that development, offering methodological and theoretical suggestions for future research. Cultural factors alone are unlikely to provide a sufficient explanation for any aspect of U.S. social policy development. However, understanding how they operate in the background and foreground of social policy debates is essential, because fully explaining the nature, timing, causes, and consequences of any particular American social policy development will require elucidating multiple aspects of—and roles played by—culture.
Apocalyptic Prophecy
Authors: Cook Stephen L.
Published: July 2014

The category “apocalyptic prophecy” has long been controversial in biblical scholarship, as has the problem of the relationship between apocalypticism and prophecy. This chapter examines the concept of apocalyptic prophecy within the Hebrew Bible, arguing that it is a meaningful and helpful rubric. It begins with a discussion of the apocalypse genre and apocalyptic literature before turning to some of the epistemological, theological, and even psychoanalytic issues at play in the debate over the propriety of the idea of apocalyptic prophecy. It then discusses apocalypticism and its heavy reliance on the images and oppositions of mythology, the role played by Zoroastrianism in the rise of Jewish and Christian apocalypticism, the rise of resurrection faith in Israel in proto-apocalyptic literature, the origins of the apocalyptic imagination in Israel, and the varied group provenances of Scripture’s apocalyptic literature.
Jewish Apocalyptic Literature as Resistance Literature
Authors: Portier-Young Anathea E.
Published: July 2014

Jewish apocalyptic literature combines narrative and vision and draws elements from the sacred traditions of the Jewish people, with influences from the Persian, Mesopotamian, Persian, and Greco-Roman worlds. The first extant examples of the literary genre apocalypse date back to the Hellenistic period, in which the earliest apocalypses took shape within a new imperial context and resisted it. This chapter examines Jewish apocalyptic literature as resistance literature. It considers two types of the earliest exemplars of the genre apocalypse, the heavenly journey and historical apocalypse, and their participation in discursive resistance against imperial hegemony and structures of domination. It also discusses three historical apocalypses, namely, Daniel, the Apocalypse of Weeks, and the Book of Dreams. Finally, the chapter looks at the link between resistance literature and revelation, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus’s appropriation of apocalyptic traditions, and early Jewish novels.
A Postcolonial Reading of Apocalyptic Literature
Authors: Smith-Christopher Daniel L.
Published: July 2014

Postcolonial analysis is a promising approach to the study of ancient history in general and biblical texts in particular. It addresses questions of the construction of cultural identity, particularly the concept of “hybridity.” Of particular interest in postcolonial analysis is the impact of unequal power within societies of mixed backgrounds. This chapter examines Jewish apocalyptic literature based on particular aspects of postcolonial analysis and considers a specific aspect of apocalyptic imagery that has received somewhat limited attention in the literature: the appearance of strange mixed species creatures dubbed “mixed monsters” in a number of apocalyptic visions. It discusses how monster theory is related to postcolonial analysis, mixed monsters in Jewish apocalypticism, and whether the lexicography of the monstrous in the Bible sheds light on the significance of the mixed monsters.
Apocalyptic Ethics and Behavior
Authors: Allison Dale C.
Published: July 2014

This chapter examines the practical implications of belief in the near approach of the eschatological end for early Jews and Christians and the difference it made for ethics and everyday life. It considers how the apocalypse presupposes and reinforces common, widespread moral ideals, and how depictions of the last judgment can reinforce desired behavior as well as promote specific ethical teaching. It also discusses early Christianity according to Acts, focusing on apocalyptic celibacy, physical austerity, missionary urgency, the conversion of the Gentiles, Jerusalem, apocalyptic egalitarianism, and the link between eschatology and violence.
Apocalypse and Torah in Ancient Judaism
Authors: Henze Matthias
Published: July 2014

Toward the end of the period associated with the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible, Jewish scribes began to compose apocalyptic literature. Before the Jewish apocalypse appeared as a new and distinct genre of writing in Israel’s literary scene, much of what would become the Bible had already been written. The Torah, the first part of the Jewish Bible, emerged as a central element of the Jewish faith. This chapter considers whether the Torah played a significant role in early Jewish apocalypses and how authors of apocalyptic literature found different ways of working the Torah into their texts, specifically in the cases of 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, and 2 Baruch.
Apocalypses among Gnostics and Manichaeans
Authors: Burns Dylan M.
Published: July 2014

As a genre, “apocalypse” is of enormous importance for understanding Gnosticism. However, the Gnostic apocalypses have often been approached by modern scholars in terms of the relationship between “apocalypticism” and “Gnosticism.” Scholarship has now turned away from the study of “apocalypticism” and towards the texts themselves, the apocalypses. This chapter examines the Gnostic apocalypses—that is, apocalyptic literature that addresses the Gnostic myth and uses the genre “apocalypse”—and compares them with their Jewish and Christian counterparts. It begins with a discussion of the First Apocalypse of James and Zostrianos before turning to the views of Valentinian Gnostics about apocalypse. It then considers how the authors of the Gnostic apocalypses approached myth, allegory, and authority in ways that differ considerably from Hellenic philosophy. It also looks at the reception of Jewish apocalypses, Gnostic myths, and Hellenic, philosophical allegory in the birth of Manichaeism. It concludes with the argument that Gnostic apocalypses are the ultimate affirmation of revelatory authority.
Rhodoligotrophos jinshengii sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge
Authors: Deng Shi-Kai , Chen Guo-Qiang , Chen Qing , Cai Shu , Yao Li , He Jian , Li Shun-Peng
Published: July 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, ovoid, aerobic bacterial strain, designated BUT-3T, was isolated from activated sludge from the wastewater treatment facility of a herbicide-manufacturing plant in Kunshan city, Jiangsu province, PR China. Strain BUT-3Tgrew between 15 and 40 °C, with optimum growth at 30 °C. The pH range for growth was between 5.0 and 10.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The range of NaCl concentrations for growth of strain BUT-3Twas 0–7.0 % (w/v), with an optimum of 1.5–3.0 % (w/v). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain BUT-3Tclustered closely withRhodoligotrophos appendicifer120-1T(98.32 % similarity), with a bootstrap confidence level of 100 %. The major fatty acids (>5 % of total fatty acids) were C19 : 0cyclo ω8c, C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0and iso-C15 : 0. Strain BUT-3Tcontained ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, three unidentified aminolipids (AL1–3), two unknown phospholipids (PL1, 5), four unidentified glycolipids (GL1–4) and two unknown lipids (L1, 2). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.7 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness between BUT-3TandR. appendicifer120-1Twas 44.1±0.6 %. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain BUT-3Tshould be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genusRhodoligotrophos, for which the nameRhodoligotrophosjinshengiisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BUT-3T( = CCTCC AB2013083T = KACC 17220T).
D-Amino acids inhibit biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from ocular infections
Authors: Ramón-Peréz Miriam L. , Diaz-Cedillo Francisco , Ibarra J. Antonio , Torales-Cardeña Azael , Rodríguez-Martínez Sandra , Jan-Roblero Janet , Cancino-Diaz Mario E. , Cancino-Diaz Juan C.
Published: July 2014

Biofilm formation on medical and surgical devices is a major virulence determinant forStaphylococcus epidermidis. The bacteriumS.epidermidisis able to produce biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces and is the cause of ocular infection (OI). Recent studies have shown thatd-amino acids inhibit and disrupt biofilm formation in the prototype strainsBacillus subtilisNCBI3610 andStaphylococcus aureusSCO1. The effect ofd-amino acids onS.epidermidisbiofilm formation has yet to be tested for clinical or commensal isolates.S.epidermidisstrains isolated from healthy skin (n = 3), conjunctiva (n = 9) and OI (n = 19) were treated withd-Leu,d-Tyr,d-Pro,d-Phe,d-Met ord-Ala and tested for biofilm formation. The presence ofd-amino acids during biofilm formation resulted in a variety of patterns. Some strains were sensitive to all amino acids tested, while others were sensitive to one or more, and one strain was resistant to all of them when added individually; in this wayd-Met inhibited most of the strains (26/31), followed byd-Phe (21/31). Additionally, the use ofd-Met inhibited biofilm formation on a contact lens. The use ofl-isomers caused no defect in biofilm formation in all strains tested. In contrast, when biofilms were already formedd-Met,d-Phe andd-Pro were able to disrupt it. In summary, here we demonstrated the inhibitory effect ofd-amino acids on biofilm formation inS.epidermidis. Moreover, we showed, for the first time, thatS.epidermidisclinical strains have a different sensitivity to these compounds during biofilm formation.
Phage–bacteria network analysis and its implication for the understanding of coral disease
Authors: Soffer Nitzan , Zaneveld Jesse , Vega Thurber Rebecca
Published: July 2014

Multiple studies have explored microbial shifts in diseased or stressed corals; however, little is known about bacteriophage interactions with microbes in this context. This study characterized microbial 16S rRNA amplicons and phage metagenomes associated with Montastraea annularis corals during a concurrent white plague disease outbreak and bleaching event. Phage consortia differed between bleached and diseased tissues. Phages in the family Inoviridae were elevated in diseased or healthy tissues compared with bleached portions of diseased tissues. Microbial communities also differed between diseased and bleached corals. Bacteria in the orders Rhodobacterales and Campylobacterales were increased while Kiloniellales was decreased in diseased compared with other tissues. A network of phage–bacteria interactions was constructed of all phage strains and 11 bacterial genera that differed across health states. Phage–bacteria interactions varied in specificity: phages interacted with one to eight bacterial hosts while bacteria interacted with up to 59 phages. Six phages were identified that interacted exclusively with Rhodobacterales and Campylobacterales. These results suggest that phages have a role in controlling stress‐associated bacteria, and that networks can be utilized to select potential phages for mitigating detrimental bacterial growth in phage therapy applications.
The Effect of Electrode Placement and Interphase Interval on Force Production During Stimulation of the Dorsiflexor Muscles
Authors: Springer Shmuel , Braun‐Benyamin Orit , Abraham‐Shitreet Chen , Becher Meni , Laufer Yocheved
Published: July 2014

The aims of this study were to investigate whether introducing an interphase interval (IPI) to biphasic pulses during stimulation of the dorsiflexor muscles would affect force production and to determine whether the IPI effect is dependent on electrode position. Twelve healthy volunteers participated in the study. Each subject participated in one session during which electrically induced contraction (EIC) forces of the ankle dorsiflexors were measured with five different IPI settings ranging from 0 to 400 μs. Forces of EICs were assessed with the electrodes placed either with the proximal electrode positioned over the common peroneal nerve and the second electrode over the dorsiflexor muscles or with both electrodes located over the dorsiflexor muscles. The order of electrode placements and of the different IPI settings was randomized across subjects. The results indicated that the introduction of a 100‐μs‐long IPI may enhance force production when one electrode is located over the common peroneal nerve. However, increasing the duration of the IPI beyond 100 μs did not result in further increase in force production. In contrast, the introduction of an IPI did not increase force production when both electrodes were located over the dorsiflexor muscles. These findings may help to optimize stimulation settings during functional electrical stimulation to prevent foot‐drop.
Anthropogenic hybridization between endangered migratory and commercially harvested stationary whitefish taxa (Coregonus spp.)
Authors: Dierking Jan , Phelps Luke , Præbel Kim , Ramm Gesine , Prigge Enno , Borcherding Jost , Brunke Matthias , Eizaguirre Christophe
Published: July 2014

Natural hybridization plays a key role in the process of speciation. However, anthropogenic (human induced) hybridization of historically isolated taxa raises conservation issues. Due to weak barriers to gene flow and the presence of endangered taxa, the whitefish species complex is an excellent study system to investigate the consequences of hybridization in conservation. We focused on three naturally reproductively isolated whitefish taxa in Germany: the endangered, anadromous North Sea houting (NSH) and Baltic houting (BH), which were reintroduced after local extinction, and the commercially stocked European whitefish (EW). To evaluate the genetic integrity of each taxon, source and reintroduced populations of NSH and BH, and EW populations were characterized based on two mitochondrial and 17 microsatellite loci. Additionally, we investigated gill raker counts as an adaptive phenotypic trait. Even though clear genetic and phenotypic differentiation confirmed the houtings as separate evolutionarily significant units, admixture analyses revealed an extensive hybrid zone. Hybridizations were introgressive, positively correlated with genetic diversity, and were reflected in the gill raker counts. The BH distribution range showed higher heterogeneity and stronger admixture than the NSH range. Erroneous stocking with non‐native genotypes best explained these patterns, which pose challenges for the conservation of the endangered NSH and BH.
Hindering and buffering factors for parental sleep in neonatal care. A phenomenographic study
Authors: Edéll‐Gustafsson Ulla , Angelhoff Charlotte , Johnsson Ewa , Karlsson Jenny , Mörelius Evalotte
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore and describe how parents of preterm and/or sick infants in neonatal care perceive their sleep.

Background

Parents experience many stressful situations when their newborn infant is preterm and/or sick. This affects bonding. By developing more family‐centred care units with single‐family rooms, parents are given the opportunity to stay and care for their newborn infant(s) 24 hours a day. Lack of sleep may affect new parents' ability to cope with the many challenges they face on a daily basis.

Design

A phenomenographic study with an inductive and exploratory design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with twelve parents of infants in neonatal care between January–March 2012. To describe variations in perception of the phenomenon, data were analysed using phenomenography.

Findings

Four descriptive categories were identified within the phenomenon sleep in parents of preterm and/or sick infants in neonatal care: impact of stress on sleep; how the environment affects sleep; keeping the family together improves sleep; and, how parents manage and prevent tiredness.

Conclusion

Anxiety, uncertainty and powerlessness have a negative influence on sleep. This can be decreased by continuous information, guidance and practical support. Skin‐to‐skin care was perceived as a stress‐reducing factor that improved relaxation and sleep and should be encouraged by the nurse. The parents also mentioned the importance of being together. Having a private place where they could relax and take care of themselves and their newborn infant improved sleep. It was also desirable to involve older siblings in order to decrease feelings of loneliness, sadness and isolation.

Relevance for clinical practice

Improved parental sleep in neonatal care may help the families cope with the situation and facilitate problem‐solving, emotional regulation and the transition to parenthood.
Cyclic lipopeptides from Bacillus subtilis activate distinct patterns of defence responses in grapevine
Authors: Farace Giovanni , Fernandez Olivier , Jacquens Lucile , Coutte François , Krier François , Jacques Philippe , Clément Christophe , Barka Essaid Ait , Jacquard Cédric , Dorey Stéphan
Published: July 2014

Non‐self‐recognition of microorganisms partly relies on the perception of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and leads to the activation of an innate immune response. Bacillus subtilis produces three main families of cyclic lipopeptides (LPs), namely surfactins, iturins and fengycins. Although LPs are involved in induced systemic resistance (ISR) activation, little is known about defence responses induced by these molecules and their involvement in local resistance to fungi. Here, we showed that purified surfactin, mycosubtilin (iturin family) and plipastatin (fengycin family) are perceived by grapevine plant cells. Although surfactin and mycosubtilin stimulated grapevine innate immune responses, they differentially activated early signalling pathways and defence gene expression. By contrast, plipastatin perception by grapevine cells only resulted in early signalling activation. Gene expression analysis suggested that mycosubtilin activated salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathways, whereas surfactin mainly induced an SA‐regulated response. Although mycosubtilin and plipastatin displayed direct antifungal activity, only surfactin and mycosubtilin treatments resulted in a local long‐lasting enhanced tolerance to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea in grapevine leaves. Moreover, challenge with specific strains overproducing surfactin and mycosubtilin led to a slightly enhanced stimulation of the defence response compared with the LP‐non‐producing strain of B. subtilis. Altogether, our results provide the first comprehensive view of the involvement of LPs from B. subtilis in grapevine plant defence and local resistance against the necrotrophic pathogen Bo. cinerea. Moreover, this work is the first to highlight the ability of mycosubtilin to trigger an immune response in plants.
miR‐106b is overexpressed in medulloblastomas and interacts directly with PTEN
Authors: Li Kay Ka‐Wai , Xia Tian , Ma Fanny Man Ting , Zhang Rong , Mao Ying , Wang Yin , Zhou Liangfu , Lau Kin‐Mang , Ng Ho‐Keung
Published: July 2014

Aims

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant group of small non‐coding RNAs that have been implicated in tumorigenesis. They regulate expression of target genes by complementary base pairing. The purposes of this study were to delineate miR‐106b expression in medulloblastoma (MB) and to explore its functional contributions to MB pathogenesis.

Methods

We analysed expression of miR‐106b in 32 MB samples by quantitative RT‐PCR. We applied gain‐ and loss‐of‐function strategies to delineate the functional roles of miR‐106b in MB. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm target gene of miR‐106b.

Results

Expression of miR‐106b was overexpressed in MB, and was significantly associated with its host gene MCM7 (P = 0.020). Transfection of miR‐106b inhibitor in MB cell lines markedly reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion potential, and tumour sphere formation. Cell cycle analysis indicated that miR‐106b inhibition induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. The cell cycle regulators, p21 and cyclin D1, and apoptotic marker cleaved PARP were differentially expressed in miR‐106b inhibitor‐transfected cells. PTEN was identified as a direct target gene of miR‐106b. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR‐106b directly interacted with the 3′ UTR of PTEN. We found miR‐106b directly targeted PTEN at transcriptional and translational levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed a trend between PTEN and miR‐106b in MB tumours (P = 0.07).

Conclusions

These data suggested the upregulation of miR‐106b in MB and the involvement of miR‐106b in MB biology.
Mycenaean Burnt Animal Sacrifice atEleusis
Authors: Cosmopoulos Michael B. , Ruscillo Deborah
Published: July 2014

Burnt animal sacrifice is well attested inGreek historical times, but whether it was practised in theMycenaean period is debated. Until now, the lack of architectural structures suitable for the ritual burning of animals and the ambiguity surrounding the interpretation of burnt faunal assemblages have been used as arguments against the occurrence of such sacrifices in theLateBronzeAge. In this paper, it is proposed that the platform in front of theMycenaeanMegaronBatEleusis was an altar used for burnt animal sacrifices and that a group of burnt pig bones found in a drain in front of this platform was burnt ritually on the platform and then swept into the drain.
The Early Iron Age at Troy Reconsidered
Authors: Aslan Carolyn , Kealhofer Lisa , Grave Peter
Published: July 2014

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) of Protogeometric ceramics at Troy supports a revision of our understanding of the site in the Protogeometric period. Previous interpretations of this period at Troy emphasized the importance of either Greek migration or Greek trade networks. A category of amphoras previously thought to be imports appears to have been made locally. NAA also indicates local production of a new class of handmade cooking pots, as well as more traditional Gray ware vessels. Analysis reveals a high degree of cultural continuity at Iron Age Troy, with inhabitants adopting and adapting a wider vocabulary of Protogeometric vessel types in the Aegean while integrating them with established local pottery traditions and resource use. The combinations of local and non‐local components seen at Troy are more consistent with long‐term dynamic Aegean interaction spheres than with more tenuous models of Aeolian migration or Euboian expansion.
Arts and Crafts inIronAgeBritain: Reconsidering the Aesthetic Effects of Weaving Combs
Authors: Chittock Helen
Published: July 2014

Recent years have witnessed the formal acknowledgement of the privileged position from which decorative media inIronAgeBritain have traditionally been studied. Tension remains, however, between the study of the decorated metals that formed the basis for models ofCeltic expansion, and decorated non‐metals. Despite the general paucity of decoration inIronAgeBritain, decorated non‐metals are still not viewed in the same light of social significance as metals. This paper will examine weaving combs fromGlastonburyLakeVillage, highly decorated objects of antler and bone. By concentrating on the fabrication and display of weaving combs, I aim to highlight the potential significance of the aesthetic effects of these objects.
Crusted scabies is associated with increased IL‐17 secretion by skin T cells
Authors: Liu X. , Walton S. F. , Murray H. C. , King M. , Kelly A. , Holt D. C. , Currie B. J. , McCarthy J. S. , Mounsey K. E.
Published: July 2014

Scabies is an ectoparasitic infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although commonly self‐limiting, a fraction of patients develop severely debilitating crusted scabies. The immune mechanisms underlying the development of crusted scabies are unclear, and undertaking longitudinal infection studies in humans is difficult. We utilized a porcine model to compare cellular immune responses in peripheral blood and skin of pigs with different clinical manifestations of scabies (n = 12), and in uninfected controls (n = 6). Although clinical symptoms were not evident until at least 4 weeks post‐infestation, the numbers of peripheral IFNγ‐secreting CD4+ T cells and γδ T cells increased in infected pigs from week 1 post‐infestation. γδ T cells remained increased in the blood at week 15 post‐infestation. At week 15, skin cell infiltrates from pigs with crusted scabies had significantly higher CD8+ T cell, γδ T cell and IL‐17+ cell numbers than those with ordinary scabies. Peripheral IL‐17 levels were not increased, suggesting that localized skin IL‐17‐secreting T cells may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of crusted scabies development. Given the potential of anti‐IL‐17 immunotherapy demonstrated for other inflammatory skin diseases, this study may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for patients with recurrent crusted scabies.
Development of tear production and intraocular pressure in healthy canine neonates
Authors: Verboven Chantal A. P. M. , Djajadiningrat‐Laanen Sylvia C. , Teske Erik , Boevé Michael H.
Published: July 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of aqueous tear production and intraocular pressure in healthy canine neonates between 2 and 12 weeks of age.

Animals

One litter, consisting of 8 healthy Beagle dogs—four males and four females—was used.

Procedures

Between the age of 2 and 12 weeks, tear production and intraocular pressure were measured weekly in both eyes. Tear production was measured by Schirmer tear test, before (STT1) and after (STT2) topical anesthesia and drying of the conjunctival sac. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a rebound tonometer. As no significant differences existed between left and right eye measurements (STT1, STT2, and IOP) at all time points, only right eye measurements were further analyzed.

Results

STT1, STT2, and IOP values increased significantly until the age of 9 weeks for STT1, until the age of 10 weeks for STT2, and until the age of 6 weeks and again between 10 and 11 weeks of age for IOP. IOP decreased significantly between 11 and 12 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in STT1, STT2, and IOP between males and females, except for IOP at 10 and 12 weeks of age. No significant correlation was demonstrated between body weight and STT1 or STT2.

Conclusions

STT1, STT2, and IOP values increased significantly in the first weeks after birth. The results of this study indicate that separate reference values for tear production and intraocular pressure need to be established for neonatal dogs.
Developing Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in an Authentic Learning Environment
Authors: Yeen-Ju Heidi Tan , Mai Neo , Tse Kian Neo , Wai Jing Kwok , Kai Wen Lee , Chen Haw Lai
Published: July 2014

The Malaysian Ministry of Education has called for a need to produce skilled graduates that are highly employable. In this study, Herrington and Kervin’s Authentic Learning principles were adapted into the design of an Authentic Learning environment that is driven by a problem-based group project.  The impact of this learning environment on engaging students’ creative and critical thinking as well as the students’ perception towards the Authentic Learning environment was studied. The learning environment was designed to center on an authentic problem-based group project and was supported by multimedia and web technologies. Results indicate that Authentic Learning principles, when adapted into a learning environment engaged the use of higher-order thinking skills, encouraged the cultivation of crucial skills, made learning an active process, and enhanced understanding. Students responded positively towards the Authentic Learning environment as learning became more relevant. The positive results of this study provide support for the development of more Authentic Learning environments to engage students’ creative and critical thinking skills, thereby answering the call of the national agenda to produce industry-ready graduates with skills that make them highly employable.
Enhancing Secured Data Hiding Using Dynamic Digital Signature for Authentication Purpose
Authors: Noroozi Erfaneh , Mohd Daud Salwani , Sabouhi Ali
Published: July 2014

As a significant verification method, digital signature algorithm introduces a technique to endorse what the contents of the message. This message has not been altered throughout the communication process. Due to this, it increases the receiver confidence that the message was unchanged. However, two issues that required to be addressed are large size of the ciphered data in digital signature and making it closer to the original file.  The objective of this paper is to present the adoption of digital signature as a stegano-image into the main image and the LSB steganographic method is capable to increase the security. The benefits of this encryption algorithm are computational efficiency, digital signature with the size as small as 8 bytes and minimize bandwidth in comparison with other digital signature methods. In messages with the sizes smaller than 1600 bytes, the hashed file reduces the original file up to 8.51%.
Impact of Learner-Centred Teaching Environment with the Use of Multimedia-mediated Learning Modules in Improving Learning Experience
Authors: Wei Li Yap , Mai Neo , Tse-Kian Neo
Published: July 2014

Malaysian tertiary education is still very much practicing the traditional teaching and learning approach. There had been a push by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia to move towards outcome-based education. Technology can be used to facilitate teaching and learning process moving towards outcome-based education. The use of technology can help forming learner-centred teaching environment where in this research students were exposed to online learning environment through the Internet platform and it was also known as a self-directed learning environment. Besides online platform, multimedia technology can be used to help enhance students’ learning experience by motivating them to learn. This research allowed students to have independent learning using multimedia learning module. With the aid of technology used in education, learner-centred teaching could be formed. Learner-centred teaching allowed the focus to be shifted from lecturers to students, and then learner understanding and motivation would be improved. This research was conducted using mixed-method research design. Results from pre/post-tests, survey and students’ comments were triangulated and indicated that learner-centred teaching environment with the use of multimedia-mediated learning module contributed in improving learner motivation compared to teacher-centred teaching environment. This research supported the benefits of shifting from teacher-centred teaching to learner-centred teaching environment.
System Environment Propagation Modeling for a Wi-Fi-like Network Operating in TV White Space
Authors: Elshafie Hashim , Fisal N. , Abbas M. , Mohamad H. , Ramli N.
Published: July 2014

In paper, the effect of different environment has been studied. For the next Wi-Fi generation at different frequencies 470 MHz, 790 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. since USA and UK open up unitized portions of UHF Band for unlicensed usesecondary use. The purpose and interest in using these TV white spaces (TVWS) for providing services to end user as broad-band services through Wi-Fi like connectivity. There is awareness that Wi-Fi operating in TVWS will increase coverage range, speeds, and more reliable connections than traditional Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz. The Log-distance path loss model simulated by Matlab in variable environments, for instant indoor urban, outdoor urban, outdoor suburban and outdoor rural. Different graphs are illustrated to view the effect of the environment and frequencies to path loss and power received within versus distances. A comparison between traditional Wi-Fi based systems working in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz and TVWS systems in 470 MHz and 790 MHz, and results show that the favorable propagation conditions characterizing the TVWS frequencies may lead to better coverage with the additional benefit of lower transmit power levels.
The Effect of Flame Temperature, Nozzle Position and Swirl Gas on Microwave Plasma Flame
Authors: Zhen Ann Pang , Ismail Norasyikin , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: July 2014

In this study, a microwave plasma generator was used to develop a plasma flame. The effects of microwave plasma on flame temperature, nozzle position and swirl gas were investigated. A microwave generator with 1kW power was used to generate a single mode microwave in the wave guide and passes through a flame burner. The study show that the flame temperature increased when the microwave power was increased. This is due to absorption of energy from the microwave. The optimum position of the quartz nozzle when generating plasma was located one quarter of wavelength away from the end of the waveguide. This was the optimum location of the nozzle because the intensity of electric field was the strongest at this point. The vertical position of the quartz nozzle does not affect the plasma formation. Compressed air was used as swirl gas to create a swirling effect that stabilized the plasma flame. The swirl gas does not shield the quartz reactor from the flame but enlarging the size of the flame. This is due to swirl gas which contains oxygen acts as oxidant which supplies oxygen to the combustion process.
Application of Design of Experiments to Homemade Yogurt Production Process
Authors: Hakimi Saeid , Mohd. Rohani Jafri , Hemmatboland Mona
Published: July 2014

Design of Experiments (DOE) is a necessary component of product development and improvement, and prepares a scientific approach to evaluation and optimization of experimental factors. This study presents the application of DOE to homemade yogurt production process in order to detect the critical process factors which influence pH values of homemade yogurt and identify the optimal setting for these effective factors. Homemade yogurt were made by changing two different levels of skim milk powder, inoculation temperature, incubation temperature, incubation time, and fat to investigate main and interactions effects on pH of the fermented milk and achieve the optimal pH value from customer prospective in the range of 4.2 to 4.6. The results demonstrated that incubation time and fat are the most effective factors on pH development and the optimal settings for these factors should be 43200 seconds (12 hours) for the incubation time and 17.83 (g/kg) for the fat.
Wideband Aperture-Coupled Dielectric Resonator Antenna at 5.8 GHz
Authors: Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Chai Eu Guan , Abdul Rahim Sharul Kamal , Dzulkipli Nur Izyani
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a wideband aperture coupled dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented using a rectangular dielectric resonator to increase operational bandwidth. By choosing a suitable combination of the DRA shape and slot, the resonance frequency from the aperture and DRA can be merged to achieve wideband frequency response without comprising antenna radiation efficiency and polarization. Effects of varying parameter in DRA size, slot dimension and feedline length on return-loss bandwidth are analysed.  The proposed technique yields 43% bandwidth in simulation and 21% bandwidth in measurement.
Kesan Bentuk Hujung Elektrod Terhadap Kimpalan Rintangan Bintik Mikro Sambungan Titanium-Nikel
Authors: Zuhailawati Hussain , Salleh Emee Marina , Saeed Alaa Muhsin
Published: July 2014

Micro resistance spot welding of dissimilar materials is more challenging than that of similar materials due to differences in physical and chemical properties of the base metals. Fortunately, the incorporation of filler alloys at the interfaces of the two overlapped dissimilar metals can successfully overcome this difficulty. This study evaluated the mechanical behavior and microstructural characteristics of titanium-to-nickel spot-welded with and without the incorporation of 71Ag-28Cu-1Mg using round, rectangular and ring-shaped tip electrodes. Results showed that the round electrode gave the joints with the highest failure load and microhardness values since its highest current density produced a smaller contact area with the workpieces, causing the deepest penetration of the welded nugget. Addition of Ag-Cu-Mg alloy filler during spot welding improved weldability over that of joints made without filler.
Influence of Carbon Content on the Mechanical Properties of Ultra-high Strength of Coated Steel Wire
Authors: Hyun Cho Myung , Salleh Suhaimi , Ahmad Norhayati , Ourdjini Ali , Hamzah Esah
Published: July 2014

Ultra-high strength of steel wire for offshore mooring lines can be achieved by increasing carbon content, addition of alloying elements and increasing cold work. The influence of carbon content and zinc coating on the tensile strength and torsion deformation have been investigated for drawn and hot dip galvanized steel wires at various drawing strain. In this work, experiments were conducted to increase the tensile strength of hyper-eutectoid steel wires by increasing carbon content from 0.87%wt to 0.98%wt. The samples with various diameter was drawn to their final diameter, then hot dip galvanized at 460ᵒC in a zinc bath to improve the anti-corrosion property. Torsion deformation has been investigated by twisting the drawn steel wires to different number of revolutions. Fractured samples after torsion test were analysed by optical and Field Emision Scaning Electron Microscope. The results showed that by increasing carbon content up to 0.98%wt (sample D) at drawing strain of 1.97 greatly increased the tensile strength up to 2338 MPa. However, delamination occurred at the zinc coating layer at strength exceeding 2250 MPa and the maximum limit of tensile strength of 0.92% C (sample D) is 2026 MPa without delamination. The effect of zinc coating layer on torsion degradation also revealed that the zinc alloy layer had a significant effect on delamination in the hot dip coating which associated with the higher carbon and silicon content (sample B) in the steel wires.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Flavonoids as Antiacetyl- cholinesterase Agent
Authors: Ibrahim Saleh Nazifi , Ahmad Farediah
Published: July 2014

A series of chalcones, a flavone and one flavanone were synthesized and elucidated structurally by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The synthetic compounds were then screened for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and microplate assays. In the TLC assay, only 2′-hydroxy-4-methoxychalcone and 2′-hydroxy-4′-O-prenyl-2,6-dichlorochalcone were found to show moderate and weak activity respectively against acetylcholinesterase (AchE) at 0.1 mM concentration compared to the control galanthamine. 4′-Hydroxy-2,6-dichlorochalcone, 2′-hydroxy-4-nitrochalcone, 2′-hydroxy-4-(dimethyl)aminochalcone and 2′-hydroxy-4-methoxychalcone showed moderate AchE inhibitory activity with percentage inhibition of 54.24, 46.14 and 49.32 % respectively in the microplate assay.
Electricity Load Forecasting using Hybrid of Multiplicative Double Seasonal Exponential Smoothing Model with Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Shukur Osamah Basheer , Salem Fadhil Naam , Hisyam Lee Muhammad , Ahmad Maizah Hura
Published: July 2014

Electricity load forecasting often has many properties such as the nonlinearity, double seasonal cycles, and others those may be obstacles for the accuracy of forecasting using some classical statistical models. Many papers in this field have proposed using double seasonal (DS) exponential smoothing model to forecast. These papers indicated that electricity load forecasting using DS exponential smoothing model has better fit. Using artificial neural network (ANN) as a modern approach may be used for superior fitted forecasting, since this approach can deal with the non-linearity components of load data. The purpose of this paper is to improve the electricity load forecasting by building the hybrid model that includes a double seasonal exponential smoothing with an artificial neural network. This hybrid model will study the double seasonal effects and non-linearity components together based on the electricity load data. The strategy of building this hybrid model is by entering ANN output as an input in double seasonal exponential smoothing model. The data sets are taken from three stations with different electricity load characteristics such as a residential, industrial and city center. The electricity load testing forecast of DS exponential smoothing-ANN hybrid model gave the most minimum mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) measurement comparing with the electricity load testing forecasts of DS exponential smoothing and ANN for all electricity load data sets. In conclusion, DS exponential smoothing-ANN hybrid model are the most fitted for every electricity load data which contains the double seasonal effects and non-linearity components.
A Review of Strategies to Implement Sustainable Urban Transportation Options in Malaysia
Authors: Ladin Mohd Azizul , Muhammad Das Amsori , Najah A. , Ismail Amiruddin , O.K. Rahmat Riza Atiq Abdullah
Published: July 2014

Since the 1987 Brundtland Commission report brought global attention to sustainable development, many scholars and professionals have worked to apply its principles, notions and strategies in the urban context to transportation. Consequently, this paper examines strategies to implement sustainable transport. It traces efforts to operationalize the notion of sustainable road transportation in transport options. The authors address the problem faced by the Malaysian transportation sector today in major economic, social and environmental elements. Then, the authors identify various strategies that focused on improvement such as Non-Motorized Transport (NMT), Public Transport and Private Vehicles. The authors also discuss extending all strategies comprising these three parts. This paper calls for further studies to verify the best strategies to implement, given that some strategies may be suitable or convenient at certain places and under certain circumstances.
Reservoirs of Listeria Species in Three Environmental Ecosystems
Authors: Linke Kristina , Rückerl Irene , Brugger Katharina , Karpiskova Renata , Walland Julia , Muri-Klinger Sonja , Tichy Alexander , Wagner Martin , Stessl Beatrix
Published: July 2014

Soil and water are suggested to represent pivotal niches for the transmission of
Listeria monocytogenes
to plant material, animals, and the food chain. In the present study, 467 soil and 68 water samples were collected in 12 distinct geological and ecological sites in Austria from 2007 to 2009.
Listeria
was present in 30% and 26% of the investigated soil and water samples, respectively. Generally, the most dominant species in soil and water samples were
Listeria seeligeri
,
L. innocua
, and
L. ivanovii
. The human- and animal-pathogenic
L. monocytogenes
was isolated exclusively from 6% soil samples in regions A (mountainous region) and B (meadow). Distinct ecological preferences were observed for
L. seeligeri
and
L. ivanovii
, which were more often isolated from wildlife reserve region C (Lake Neusiedl) and from sites in proximity to wild and domestic ruminants (region A). The higher
L. monocytogenes
detection and antibiotic resistance rates in regions A and B could be explained by the proximity to agricultural land and urban environment.
L. monocytogenes
multilocus sequence typing corroborated this evidence since sequence type 37 (ST37), ST91, ST101, and ST517 were repeatedly isolated from regions A and B over several months. A higher
L. monocytogenes
detection and strain variability was observed during flooding of the river Schwarza (region A) and Danube (region B) in September 2007, indicating dispersion via watercourses.
Magnetic profile in a nanostructured superconducting sample
Authors: Barba-Ortega J. , González J. D. , Joya Miryam R.
Published: July 2014

We study the Cooper pairs configuration, the magnetic induction and the magnetization in a superconducting nanoscopic square with a central square tower embedder in a uniform applied magnetic field. We study the vortex configurations for a superconductor in two scenarios; in the vicinity of the Bogomolny point [Formula: see text] and with [Formula: see text]. We also considered the Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions via deGennes length penetration. We show that the critical fields depends both on the boundary conditions and Ginzburg–Landau parameter.