bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching and Learning Without a Textbook
Authors: Lin Hong
Published: July 2019

Given the upsurge of textbook costs, college students increasingly expect universities and instructors to offer alternatives to traditional textbooks. One textbook alternative is using open educational resources (OER). While OER unquestionably save students money, the question remains whether the adoption of OER (instructional materials) is aligned with open pedagogy (methods). This study investigated 46 undergraduate students’ perceptions of using only OER in an introductory course in a large American public university. As reported by study participants, advantages of using OER include textbook cost savings, access to dynamic and plentiful OER materials, that OER enabling mobile learning, and that OER foster the development of self-directed skills and copyright guidelines. Challenges reported include lacking a tactile sense with OER, slow Internet connections, unclear instruction and guidance, and insufficient self-regulation skills. Course design and implementation considerations were discussed.
Enjoyment and Not Competence Predicts Academic Persistence for Distance Education Students
Authors: Brubacher Michael R , Silinda Fortunate T
Published: July 2019

Dropout rates of distance education students is a serious problem for many distance education institutions as well as their students. A psychological factor that is related to dropout is the academic persistence of students, or their intent to finish their degrees. One factor that could predict academic persistence, which is often used to identify and help at-risk students, is the academic competencies of students. However, another factor that could predict persistence is the intrinsic motivation of students, or whether they enjoy their academic work and find it interesting. In the present study, 350 distance education undergraduates in South Africa completed a survey that measured their persistence, perceived academic competence, and intrinsic motivation. The survey also measured experienced workload, help-seeking attitudes, and general stress. Results show that intrinsic motivation was a significant predictor of persistence while competence was not. Further, help-seeking attitudes and general stress had indirect effects on persistence through intrinsic motivation. The study highlights the need for educators to be aware of the intrinsic motivation of distance education students, and the factors that could impact it, in order to increase the academic persistence of students.
FANTASTİK EDEBİYAT BAĞLAMINDA GAUTIER’NİN “İKİZ ŞÖVALYE” ADLI ÖYKÜSÜNÜN RUH İKİZİ / KİŞİLİK BÖLÜNMESİ AÇISINDAN ÇÖZÜMLENMESİ
Authors: AYDIN Abdulhalim
Published: July 2019

Avrupa Fantastik Edebiyatı XVIII. Yüzyılın ikinci yarısında asıl başlangıcını Hoffmann ile yapar ve roman, masal, hikâye gibi edebi ürünlerde kendini gösterir. Ancak bu anlatı türü kökenlerini kuşkusuz çok daha eski dönemlerden alır. Örneğin Prometeus, Oedipus, Chrétien de Troyes, Chanson de Gestes, Bin Bir Gece Masalları, Ali Baba ve Kırk Haramiler, Dede Korkut… gibi farklı kaynak ve kültürler bu türün esin aldığı örnekler arasındadır. Bu tür epik ve mitik anlatımların genellikle iki türlü amacı olmuştur: ölümü yenmek, sonsuz yaşam veya gençlik sırrına ulaşmak, olağanüstü bir takım yetenekler elde etmek, insanoğlunun düşlerini gerçekleştirmek gibi genel olarak insanın trajik durumunu alt etmek ve yeryüzü yaşamında mutluluğu yakalamak. Diğer amaç ise, içinde yaşanılan dünyayı, varlık biçimini, var oluş macerasını açıklamak, anlamlandırmak ve anlamak çabası şeklinde olmuştur. Bu durumlarda ise çoğunlukla alegorik bir anlatıma başvurulur. Ele aldığımız Gautier’nin İkiz Şövelye (Le Chevalier Double) adlı fantastik öyküsü, bu türün gerektirdiği öğe ve motiflerle süslenmiştir. Özellikle Todorov’un türü tanımlarken rasyonel dünya ile irrasyonel dünya arasında kalışı ifade eden “tereddüt” durumu hem kahramanlar hem de okur açısından çokça yaşanan bir duygudur. Çift kişilik, kişilik bölünmesi, gölge, yansıma veya ikiz gibi kavramları bu türün yazarları bireyin “kendilik” sorununu gündeme getirmek için kullandıklarını söyleyebiliriz. Bu bağlamda, psikolojik Ben arayışı ve tanımlaması olan “kendilik” sorunu bu eser paralelinde açıklanmaya çalışılacaktır.
Applying ANN, ANFIS, and LSSVM Models for Estimation of Acid Solvent Solubility in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Bemani Amin , Baghban Alireza , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Mosavi Amir , Csiba Peter , Várkonyi-Kóczy Annamária R.
Published: July 2019

In the present work, a novel and the robust computational investigation is carried out to estimate solubility of different acids in supercritical carbon dioxide. Four different algorithms such as radial basis function artificial neural network, Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN), Least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) are developed to predict the solubility of different acids in carbon dioxide based on the temperature, pressure, hydrogen number, carbon number, molecular weight, and acid dissociation constant of acid. In the purpose of best evaluation of proposed models, different graphical and statistical analyses and also a novel sensitivity analysis are carried out. The present study proposed the great manners for best acid solubility estimation in supercritical carbon dioxide, which can be helpful for engineers and chemists to predict operational conditions in industries.
Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking and Agricultural Purposes in Tabriz Aquifer, Iran
Authors: Asadi Esmaeil , Isazadeh Mohammad , Samadianfard Saeed , Ramli Mohammad Firuz , Mosavi Amir , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Chau Kwok-Wing
Published: July 2019

The key goal of the current study was to determine suitable areas of water pumping for drinking and agricultural harvest in Tabriz aquifer, locateed in East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran. In the study area, groundwater is the key foundation of water for drinking and farming requirements. Groundwater compatibility study was conducted by analysing Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Chloride (Cl), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Sulfate (SO4), Total hardness (TH), Bicarbonate (HCO3), pH, carbonate (CO3) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) obtained from 39 wells in the period of 2003 to 2014. For this purpose, the Water Quality Index (WQI) and irrigation water quality (IWQ) index is respectively utilized. The WQI index zoning exposed that the groundwater of the study area for drinking purposes is categorized as excellent, good and poor water. Most drinking water harvested for urban and rural areas are in the class of "excellent water". IWQ index average for the study area was in the range of 25.9 to 34.55. The results revealed that about 37 percent (296 km2) of groundwater has high compatibility, and 63 percent of the study area (495 km2) has average compatibility for agricultural purposes. The trend of IWQ and WQI indexes demonstrates that the groundwater is getting worse over the time.
Wire Ropes and CFRP Strips to Provide the Masonry Walls with Out-of-Plane Strengthening
Authors: Ferretti Elena
Published: July 2019

The present paper deals with an improvement of the strengthening technique consisting in the combined use of straps—made of stainless steel ribbons—and CFRP strips, to increase the out-of-plane strength of masonry walls. The straps of both the previous and the new combined technique pass from one face to the opposite face of the masonry wall through some holes made along the thickness, giving rise to a three-dimensional net of loop-shaped straps, closed on themselves. The new technique replaces the stainless steel ribbons with steel wire ropes, which form closed loops around the masonry units and the CFRP strips as in the previous technique. A turnbuckle for each steel wire rope allows the closure of the loops and provides the desired pre-tension to the straps. The mechanical coupling—given by the frictional forces—between the straps and the CFRP strips placed on the two faces of the masonry wall gives rise to an I-beam behavior of the facing CFRP strips, which begin to resist the load as if they were the two flanges of the same I-beam. Even the previous combined technique exploits the ideal I-beam mechanism, but the greater stiffness of the steel wire ropes compared to the stiffness of the steel ribbons makes the constraint between the facing CFRP strips stiffer. This gives the reinforced structural element greater stiffness and delamination load. In particular, the experimental results show that the maximum load achievable with the second combined technique is much greater than the maximum load provided by the CFRP strips. Even the ultimate displacement turns out to be increased, allowing us to state that the second combined technique improves both strength and ductility. Since the CFRP strips of the combined technique run along the vertical direction of the wall, the ideal I-beam mechanism is particularly useful to counteract the hammering actions provided by the floors on the perimeter walls, during an earthquake. Lastly, after the building went out of service, the box-type behavior offered by the three-dimensional net of straps prevents the building from collapsing, acting as a device for safeguarding life.
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors and Indwelling Mosquito Control on Malaria Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Nigeria Using Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Adenomon Monday Osagie , Obazee Osazee Femi , Vance Eric
Published: July 2019

Malaria is endemic in Nigeria and remains a major public health problem, taking its greatest toll on children under age 5 and pregnant women, although it is preventable, treatable, and curable. This study investigates the Impact of socio-economic factors and indoor mosquito control on malaria prevalent among pregnant women in Nigeria using logistic regression. To achieve this, secondary data obtained from 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator survey, executed by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the National Population Commission (NPopC), with a nationally representative sample of more than 8,000 consisting of 7,745 households. The results from the logistic regression with odds ratio revealed that pregnant women are more like to be affected by malaria fever (though not significant) compared to women that are not pregnant. The income levels of the household does not significant reduce the incidence of malaria fever among pregnant women in Niger. Concerning the malaria presenting measure, only dwelling sprayed by private company significantly reduce the incidence of malaria fever among pregnant women (P-value=0.020<0.05) compared to dwelling sprayed by government and NGOs and also to Insecticide Treated Net. Also pregnant women in the urban centers are less likely to have malaria fever compared to pregnant women in rural communities in Nigeria. Also, pregnant women with atleast a secondary school level of education are less likely to be affected by malaria fever compared to pregnant women with no formal education. The fitted logistic model passed the goodness-of-test fit; the classification test for the logistic model was correctly classified at about 67.02%. Therefore, this study recommends that government and NGOs should intensify their efforts in the area of dwelling spraying, awareness campaign of the danger of malaria fever among pregnant women and infants, engaged in effective distribution of insecticide treated net in order to reduce the incidence of malaria fever among pregnant women living in rural communities in Nigeria.
A Fifteen Year Analysis of Rare Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsions in Adolescent Children: A Case Series
Authors: Güney Cengiz , Coskun Abuzer
Published: July 2019

Isolated fallopian tube torsions presenting to the emergency department are a very rare cause of childhood acute abdominal pain. Since the diagnosis to be made in the early period is of importance in terms of affecting tubal damage and fertility, it was aimed to evaluate the cases in the light of literature. Materials and Methods: This study included 10 patients under 18 years of age presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain between January 2003 and December 2018. The mean age was 14.5±1.43 years (range: 12-17years). The demographic characteristics, surgical findings, and methods, concomitant pathology results of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The reason for admitting to the emergency department of 10 patients included in the study was abdominal pain. The mean duration of hospital admission with pain was 4.97 days. The onset of pain was less than 24 hours in 7 patients (70%) and was more than 24 hours in three patients (30%). Of the patients, 9 (90%) had tenderness in the lower abdominal quadrant, 5 (5%) had the defense, and 3 (30%) had a rebound. Nausea, vomiting, and leucocytosis were present in 50% of the cases. Right and left tubal involvement of the cases was equal. Seven (70%) of the isolated tubal torsions were accompanied by paraovarian cysts. Of the patients, 8 (80%) underwent open surgery and 2 (20%) underwent laparoscopic intervention. Detorsion was performed in 5 (50%) and salpingectomy was performed in 5 (50%) cases. Conclusion: Isolated tubal torsion should be considered in children presenting with acute abdominal pain in early adolescence. Early diagnosis is important for the maintenance of fertility.
Stem Cell Surgery and Growth Factors in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients: Pilot Study After Literature Review
Authors: Limoli Paolo Giuseppe , Vingolo Enzo Maria , Morales Marco Ulises , Limoli Celeste , Nebbioso Marcella
Published: July 2019

To evaluate whether autologous mesenchymal cells, adipose derived stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, grafted into the supracoroideal space by surgical treatment according to Limoli retinal restoration technique (LRRT), can produce growth factors in order to exert a beneficial effect in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Twenty-one eyes underwent surgery and divided based on retinal foveal thickness ≤ 190 or >190 µm into group A and group B, respectively. The specific LRRT triad was grafted in a deep scleral pocket above the choroid of each eye. At 6-month follow-up, group B showed an improvement in residual close-up visus and sensitivity at microperimetry compared to group A. After an in-depth review of molecular biology studies concerning degenerative phenomena underlying the etiopathogenesis of RP, it can be confirmed that further research is needed on tapeto-retinal degenerations both from a clinical and molecular point of view to obtain better functional results. In particular, it is necessary to increase the number of patients, extend observation times, and treat subjects in the presence of still trophic retinal tissue to allow adequate biochemical and functional catering.
A Market School:
Authors: Nikensari Sri Indah , Nurjanah Siti , Sari Komara Lilis
Published: July 2019

Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman tentang materi dan teknik pengelolaan pendapatan melalui aplikasi keuangan sederhana untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan pedagang buah pasar Kramatjati induk di Jakarta Timur. Kegiatan ini merupakan bagian dari kegiatan yang dilakukan bersama dengan tema "Pasar Sekolah untuk Pedagang Buah di Pasar Kramatjati Jakarta Timur". Sub-bahan untuk teknik pengelolaan laba dimulai dengan brain storming tentang faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi aktivitas dagang partisipan. Materi berikutnya adalah tentang teknik pengelolaan laba dan pencatatan laporan keuangan sederhana menggunakan aplikasi "LAMIKRO". Aplikasi ini dapat diunduh dari situs web Kementerian Koperasi dan UMKM. Kegiatan pengembangan masyarakat ini diadakan di aula kantor PD Pasar Jaya di lingkungan pasar Kramat Jati, dengan metode ceramah dan paraktik. Hasil dari kegiatan ini termasuk pemasangan aplikasi "LAMIKRO" bagi beberapa peserta untuk memfasilitasi pembuatan laporan keuangan sederhana yang langsung dapat dipraktikkan.
Return to Play After Bipolar Patellofemoral Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for a Professional Basketball Player
Authors: Marom Niv , Wang Dean , Patel Snehal , Williams Riley J.
Published: July 2019

Case:

Extensive and multiple symptomatic chondral lesions in the knee of a professional athlete presents unique challenges when considering optimal management. We present the case of a professional National Basketball Association player with symptomatic and extensive patellofemoral chondral lesions, who failed 24 months of nonoperative management and was treated surgically with bipolar patellofemoral osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) consisting of 3 large grafts to the patella, medial trochlea, and lateral trochlea. The player was able to return to his preinjury level of play 10 months postoperatively and remains asymptomatic at same level of play 3 years after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 16 months demonstrated good restoration of the articular architecture of the patellofemoral joint.

Conclusions:

Bipolar OCA treatment for extensive chondral patellofemoral injury may be considered in high-level, high-demand athletes who wish to return to play professionally.
Peroneal Nerve Injury Arising from Harvesting a Contralateral Hamstring Autograft for Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Park Chang , Jayakumar Prakash , Fox Michael
Published: July 2019

Case:

A 22-year-old man underwent a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction following a sporting injury. Postoperatively, he developed a new foot drop on the hamstring harvest side that was contralateral to the ligamentous injury. On surgical exploration, a lesion in the peroneal nerve fascicles of the sciatic nerve, 20 cm from the fibula head, was neurolyzed with improvement in the foot drop.

Conclusions:

Sciatic nerve injury is a rare complication when harvesting the hamstring. Care of orientation of the tendon stripper blade and direction of harvest is required to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve.
Focal Periphyseal Edema: An Uncommon Cause of Adolescent Knee Pain
Authors: Speirs Joshua N. , Shields Troy G. , Morrison Martin J.
Published: July 2019

Case:

Focal periphyseal edema (FOPE) zones have only recently been described as a cause of joint pain in adolescence. The literature is limited to a few case reports and radiologic studies describing this symptomatic physeal pathology. This series describes 3 adolescent patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed FOPE zones of the distal femur. Repeat MRI of 2 of the 3 patients showed improvement yet incomplete resolution of the bone edema, corresponding with persistent knee pain.

Conclusions:

FOPE zones usually improve with conservative treatment, but may be a cause of persistent knee pain in adolescents.
Fundamentos teóricos para la transformación de los “Massive Open Online Courses” hacia “Customizable Open Online Courses”
Authors: Escudero Nahón Alexandro , Núñez Urbina Alicia Angélica
Published: July 2019

El carácter “masivo” de los cursos en línea masivos y abiertos (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés) hace referencia a su disponibilidad en línea y su acceso “abierto”, y no a las características de sus usuarios. En la educación superior, la producción de MOOC siempre parte de una necesidad educativa específica, pero al mismo tiempo se intenta beneficiar a la mayor cantidad de usuarios. Esta contradicción se hace evidente en las nuevas taxonomías de MOOC que demuestran una creciente diversificación y la necesidad de abandonar el término “masivo”, para asumir que el éxito reside en considerar que los usuarios potenciales experimentan similares situaciones, características y necesidades educativas. Este estudio en proceso presenta resultados preliminares de una Investigación Basada en Diseño para la creación de MOOC “personalizables”. Los resultados sugieren que, considerando la autopercepción y los objetivos del participante, e integrando la taxonomía Socioformativativa, es posible diseñar cursos en línea abiertos y personalizables en torno a cuatro niveles de motivación: Introductorio, Básico, Intermedio y Avanzado. El objetivo final del estudio es desarrollar cursos cuya utilidad pueda medirse partiendo de un diagnóstico educativo del participante y de su avance en el MOOC, sin perder de vista la necesidad educativa específica.
Liderazgo y e-liderazgo en las historias de vida de líderes educativos a través del mundo
Authors: Tintoré Mireia , Cantón Mayo Isabel , Quiroga Marta , Parés Isabel
Published: July 2019

El liderazgo en los centros educativos ha de tener cada vez más en cuenta el papel de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, como medio para mejorar las organizaciones. En consecuencia, el objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las historias de vida de 5 líderes educativos en 5 contextos diferentes: España, Guatemala, Chile, Kazajistán y Estados Unidos; y describir cómo las nuevas tecnologías se engarzan con sus prácticas de liderazgo. La metodología es cualitativa usando como instrumento entrevistas semiestructuradas recogidas entre 2012 y 2018 en los distintos entornos. Se ofrecen ejemplos de líderes, sus prácticas de liderazgo y, particularmente, el papel de los medios tecnológicos en su gestión del cambio. Los resultados revelan prácticas directivas similares y ajustadas a lo descrito previamente por la literatura académica, y muestran asimismo cómo liderazgo y tecnología se afectan mutuamente.Leadership in educational centers must increasingly consider the role of advanced information technologies to improve organizations. Consequently, the objective of this research is to analyze the life histories of 5 educational leaders in 5 different contexts: Spain, Guatemala, Chile, Kazakhstan and the United States; and describe how new technologies are linked with their leadership practices. The methodology is qualitative using as instrument semi-structured interviews collected between 2012 and 2018 in different environments. Examples of leaders, their leadership practices and, mainly, the role of technological media in their change management are offered. The results reveal similar management practices and adjusted to what was previously described by the academic literature, and also show how leadership and technology affect each other.
Liderazgo y calidad en la Educación Superior
Authors: Díaz Rosas Francisco , Cuevas López Mercedes , Fernández Cruz Manuel , Gijón Puerta José , Lizarte Simón Emilio Jesús , Ibáñez Cubillas Pilar , El Homrani Mohamed , Ávalos Ruiz Inmaculada , Rodríguez Muñoz Roberto J.
Published: July 2019

En la Universidad del Siglo XXI, la función de liderazgo está en la base de los procesos de surgimiento, mantenimiento e institucionalización de una nueva cultura de la calidad (Fernández Cruz, 2015).En este contexto, las universidades han creado unas Unidades de Calidad como responsables de los procesos de acreditación, seguimiento y renovación de títulos que deben actuar como verdaderos impulsores de unas acciones de mejora para las que resulta indispensable la puesta en marcha de procesos de evaluación y seguimiento que exigen el ejercicio de un liderazgo que fomente una cultura de calidad que impregne el quehacer diario de la institución.Los nuevos Títulos de Grado establecidos dentro del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior demandan una serie de actuaciones que deben ser ejecutadas por los llamados Coordinadores de Grado como responsables de la coordinación de los equipos docentes.Además de lo anterior, el proceso de internacionalización que conlleva el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior supone el desarrollo de estrategias de liderazgo a nivel interno, que se han traducido hacia el exterior en un fuerte liderazgo institucional (Cleveland-Innes, 2012; Juárez-Casalengua, 2015), y en un impulso y liderazgo político e institucional de la UE.Por otra parte, y dado que la mayoría de los trabajos de investigación sobre liderazgo se han centrado tradicionalmente en los cargos directivos, hemos querido abordar desde una óptica alternativa la función de liderazgo que ejercen los estudiantes universitarios mediante los diferentes cargos de representación que desempeñan.Finalmente, dedicamos un apartado al estudio de la importancia que tiene la formación en liderazgo en los planes de estudio de los futuros maestros, comprobando que ante la carenciade una formación suficiente, los maestros buscan su preparación en el ejercicio del liderazgo fuera de su formación inicial: a través de cursos de formación continua o incluso de Másteres.
Presentación: Liderazgo digital en la educación del siglo XXI
Authors: Cuevas López Mercedes , Del Arco Bravo Isabel
Published: July 2019

Los estudios e investigaciones sobre el liderazgo constituyen uno de los temas de mayor interés para la comunidad educativa. Estamos convencidos de que, al ser un factor de eficacia y mejora de los centros, es necesario seguir investigando para encontrar los perfiles personales y profesionales que mejor se adecuen a la cultura organizacional. En este sentido, el ejercicio de la dirección en los centros educativos, debe plantearse el uso de las tecnologías como medio para mejorar la calidad educativa en sus instituciones. Esto significa, no sólo hacer cosas nuevas, sino hacerlas de forma diferente.
Bipolar hip arthroplasty in geriatric patients using a conjoined tendon-preserving posterior approach
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomonori , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Yamada Kazuki , Furumatsu Takayuki , Sanki Tomoaki , Kawamura Yoshi , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: July 2019

Background

In bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA), it is important to preserve soft tissue to reduce the risk of postoperative dislocation. While a variety of surgical approaches have been reported recently with this in mind, extra care is needed with muscle- and tendon-preserving approaches in geriatric patients due to the fragility of their soft tissue. We investigated the usefulness of BHA using a conjoined tendon-preserving posterior (CPP) approach, which only dissects the external obturator muscle, in geriatric patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 40 femoral neck fracture patients (10 men, 30 women) aged ≥80 years who underwent BHA using the CPP approach. The average age of the subjects was 85.8 years (80 - 94 years). We examined operation time, bleeding, preservation of short external rotator muscles, complications, and stem alignment and subsidence from postoperative radiographs.

Results

Although, gemellus inferior muscle injury was detected in 4 patients (10%), hip joint stability was very excellent in all cases. There was no intraoperative fracture and postoperative dislocation. On postoperative radiographs, all femoral stems were in a neutral position. There was no stem subsidence in all the patients.

Conclusions

BHA using the CPP approach was not associated with postoperative dislocation and appeared to be useful even in geriatric patients with soft tissue fragility.
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion
Authors: Hung Isabella Yu-Ju , Shih Tiffany Ting-Fang , Chen Bang-Bin , Ho Ing-Kang , Liou Saou-Hsing , Guo Yue Leon
Published: July 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether if a specific threshold value exists in each lifting load, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, or on the other hand, all lifting load should be accumulated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects with various lifetime lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Lifetime cumulative lifting load was the sum of time-weighed lumbar load for each job using a biomechanical software system. For accumulation above different thresholds, predictive capabilities for disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For men, 3000 Newton for each lifting task was the optimal threshold value for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for women, 2800 Newton was optimal. Our findings suggested that when considering lifetime exposure, including all lifting loads without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. Conclusions: The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be optimal threshold for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be applied to men and women in the workplace for safety.
Age-related Differences in Breast Cancer Mortality according to Race/Ethnicity, Insurance, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Miguel Yazmin San , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Murphy James D. , Schwab Richard B. , McDaniels-Davidson Corinne , Canchola Alison J. , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Nodora Jesse N. , Martinez Maria Elena
Published: July 2019

Purpose

We assessed breast cancer mortality in older versus younger women according to race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), and health insurance status.

Methods

The study included female breast cancer cases 18 years of age and older, diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 in the California Cancer Registry. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to generate hazard ratios (HR) of breast cancer specific deaths and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for older (60+ years) versus younger (<60 years) patients separately by race/ethnicity, nSES, and health insurance status.

Results

Risk of dying from breast cancer was higher in older than younger patients after multivariable adjustment, which varied in magnitude by race/ethnicity (P-interaction<0.0001). Comparing older to younger patients, higher mortality differences were shown for non-Hispanic white (HR=1.43; 95% CI, 1.36-1.51) and Hispanic women (HR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.26-1.50) and lower differences for non-Hispanic blacks (HR=1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.31) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (HR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31). HRs comparing older to younger patients varied by insurance status (P-interaction<0.0001), with largest mortality differences observed for privately insured women (HR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.43-1.59) and lowest in Medicaid/military/other public insurance (HR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.26). No age differences were shown for uninsured women. HRs comparing older to younger patients were similar across nSES strata.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence for the continued disparity in black-white breast cancer mortality, which is magnified in younger women. Moreover, insurance status continues to play a role in breast cancer mortality, with uninsured women having the highest risk for breast cancer death, regardless of age.
Maternally inherited coronary heart disease is associated with a novel mitochondrial tRNA mutation
Authors: Zhang Zhenxiao , Liu Mingyang , He Jianshuai , Zhang Xiaotian , Chen Yuehua , Li Hui
Published: July 2019

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of mortality globally, yet mitochondrial genetic mutations associated with CHD development remain incompletely understood.
Objective: To investigate the mitochondrial tRNA mutation associated with CHD.
Methods: We are conducting ongoing systematic screening efforts assessing mtDNA mutations among Chinese CHD patients. And we followed up on its biological significance in cybrid cell lines bearing this mutation, measuring the effects of this15910C>T mutation on tRNAThr levels, enzymatic activity of electron transport chain complexes, membrane permeability, and the mitochondria-mediated generation of both ROS and ATP.
Results:In the present report, we characterize mitochondrial genetic mutations in a three-generation Chinese family exhibiting signs of maternally inherited CHD. Of the 24 different family members in this pedigree we assessed, CHD was detected in 6, with variable severity and age of first appearance. When we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of these individuals, we found a tRNAThr 15910C>T mutation of the Eastern Asian haplogroup M7b’c. This mutation is predicted to destabilize the strongly conserved (24C-10G) base-pairing, thereby disrupting tRNAThr functionality. When we performed Northern blotting, we detected we observed a 37.5% reduction in tRNAThr levels at baseline in cells bearing the 15910C>T mutation. When we conducted western blot analysis, we detected a ~24.96% decrease in mitochondrial translation rates in these same cells.
Conclusions: Together these findings suggest a possible link between this 15910C>T tRNAThr mutation and CHD, potentially offering new avenues for future disease intervention.
Research on surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer from 2009 to 2018: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Li Long , Zhang Lei , LI Junqiang , Gao Guizhou , Tang Di , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific outputs of surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We explored the research topic from the Web of Science Core Collection for period 2009-2018. Based on Cite Space IV and VOS viewer, we explored distribution of time, journals, countries/ regions, institutions, authors, disciplines, keywords, and burst terms associated with this topic.

Results

According to an analysis of 3175 papers, the European Journal of Cardio Thoracic Surgery published the most papers and the United States contributed the most publications in this area. Albain KS from Loyola University occupied the highest co-citation score. The burst terms of ‘morbidity’, ‘elderly patient’, and ‘classification’ were ranked first as research indicators.

Conclusions

We were able to construct a systematic analysis of studies related to surgical treatment for NSCLC by providing new perspectives and valuable information. The treatment for locally advanced NSCLC and assisted thoracic surgery were terms that appear to have developmental trends. However, further attention and innovation are still needed in this area.
Downregulation of lncRNA DANCR promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Huang Yuanliang , Tan Luanjun
Published: July 2019

Backgrounds: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely known to have an appreciable effect in physiology and pathology. In tooth regeneration, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are regarded as a key effector, whereas, how lncRNA acts in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs haven’t been completely understood. This study aims to find out the relationship between lncRNA DANCR and the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.
Results: Compared with the undifferentiated PDLSCs, the alizarin red staining level was higher in differentiated PDLSCs. And the expressions of osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) were significantly increased in the differentiated PDLSCs. Furthermore, we noticed that comparing with control groups, the expression of LncRNA DANCR decreases markedly in osteogenically induced PDLSCs. DANCR promoted proliferation of PDLSCs, as evidenced by cell viability. Further investigation has proven that the downregulation of DANCR shows in the calcium sediment forming, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation and some osteogenic-related gene markers’ upregulation including Runx2, OCN and BMP-2, which finally results in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs following the transfection and induction. Conversely, DANCR upregulation was shown to repress the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs.
Conclusions: The osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs has proven to related to the down regulation of lncRNA DANCR. And this paper throws light on the effects of DANCR in the process of PDLSCs’ osteogenic differentiation.
Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α reduces lipid droplets by upregulating neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 in macrophages
Authors: MATSUOKA Hiroshi , TOKUNAGA Riki , HOSODA Yuichiro , KATAYAMA Miyu , MIYA Kaoruko , SUMI Kento , OHISHI Ami , KAMISHIKIRYO Jun , SHIMA Akiho , MICHIHARA Akihiro
Published: July 2019

Background: Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of cholesterol ester (CE) in macrophages. Genetic ablation of NCEH1 promotes CE-laden macrophages and the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Dysregulation of NCEH1 levels is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple disorders, including metabolic diseases and atherosclerosis; however, relatively little is known regarding the mechanisms regulating NCEH1. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα)-deficient mice exhibit several phenotypes indicative of aberrant lipid metabolism, including dyslipidemia and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Results: In this study, inhibition of lipid droplet formation by RORα positively regulated NCEH1 expression in monocyte-derived macrophages. In mammals, the NCEH1 promoter region had putative RORα response elements (ROREs). Electrophoretic mobility shift, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays showed that RORα bound and responded to the ROREs in human NCEH1. Moreover, NCEH1 was upregulated through RORα in a phorbol myristate acetate-dependent mechanism during macrophage differentiation from THP1 cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of RORα significantly downregulated NCEH1 and inhibited lipid droplet formation in human hepatoma cells. In contrast, NCEH1 was induced by treatment with RORα agonists. Conclusion: These data strongly suggested that NCEH1 was a direct RORα target, defining potential new roles for RORα in inhibition of lipid droplet formation through NCEH1.
Accuracy of urine calprotectin for diagnosis of acute kidney injury in neonates
Authors: Khalesi Nasrin , Mohamadian Shima , Hooman Nakysa , Khodadost Mahmoud
Published: July 2019

Background: Urine calprotectin significantly rises in acute kidney injury (AKI) in adult and pediatrics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of urine calprotectin as a diagnostic marker for (AKI) in neonates. Methods In this cross sectional study, we assessed urine calprotectin in 100 neonates, in which 80 of them had AKI and 20 were healthy. Random urine calprotectin measured by ELISA and then compared between two groups. We included neonates who had received at least 48 hour intra venous fluid and met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. . Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve used to set a cut of point for urine calprotectin to predict AKI. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient was used for assess the agreement between two methods.. P value below 0.05 considered significant. Results: Urine calprotectin levels were not significantly higher in neonates with AKI than healthy ones (146.2 vs 142.4, p=0.1). The results showed an optimal cutoff value of 123.5 mg/dl for urine calprotectin with area under the curve of 0•515 with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 77.5%,40%,83.7% and 30.7%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 70% and the Kappa agreement coefficient was 0.15 (P=0.11.). Conclusion: Although urine calprotectin level can predict the AKI, it is not accurate measure comparing the gold standard.
Assessing the Validity and Reliability of a Socio-Cognitive Determinants of Water Intake Questionnaire in Kidney Stones Patients
Authors: Mirzaei-Alavijeh Mehdi , Jalilian Farzad , Fatahi Halimeh , Babakhani Maryam , Solaimanizadeh Laleh
Published: July 2019

Background

Developing a valid and reliable questionnaire is an important step in field studies, which can help to tailor health-related behavior interventions. This study aimed at the psychometric analysis of the socio-cognitive determinants of water intake questionnaire behaviors among patients with kidney stones in the west of Iran.

Methods

Items were generated from interviews with kidney stones patients and experts. As well as, our items pool were developed from the questionnaires of socio-cognitive determinants related to the water intake. Internal consistency, face, content, and construct validities were tested. Data were analyzed by SPSS (ver. 20.0).

Results

Based on Eigen values of ≥ 1.00 and factor loadings of ≥ 0.40, five determinants were extracted. The calculated Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value was 0.697. The socio-cognitive determinants of water intake questionnaires were found to have acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha of determinants between 0.65-0.85) and the theoretical assumptions for face, content, and construct validities were confirmed. Overall, the five studied socio-cognitive determinants explained 73.83% of the variance in the proposed model.

Conclusions

The socio-cognitive determinants of water intake questionnaire were revealed to have an acceptable psychometric evaluation. The questionnaire could be used to predict or explain water intake behavior in order to develop programs to increase water intake behavior among kidney stones patients.
Motor Intervention With And Without Nintendo® Wii For Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: Protocol For A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: NETO JORGE Lopes CAVALCANTE , Steenbergen Bert , Tudella Eloisa
Published: July 2019

Background

Despite the benefits highlighted by motor interventions based on virtual reality for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), there are still doubts whether these are greater than those obtained with conventional interventions due to the absence of systematized protocols and lack of evidence. Here we present a protocol to systematically compare the effects of two motor training programs (one Nintendo® Wii based and the other no-Wii motor activities) on the motor learning in children with DCD.

Methods/Design

Two intervention protocols (one based on Nintendo® Wii and the other no-Wii motor activities) will be carried out, with interventions occurring twice a week in 60-minute sessions, with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 sessions per child.

The protocols were developed based on the domains of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (MABC-2) (Manual dexterity, aiming & catching, balance), with two activities for each of the MABC -2 domains. The study will include children aged 7 to 10 with total MABC-2 score ≤16, and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) score <46 (age of 7 years), score <55 (age group of 8 to 9 years and 11 months), or score <57 (age of 10 years) as scored by the parents. Children will be randomly allocated by draw in one of the two intervention protocols. MABC-2 and DCDQ will be applied before and after intervention to evaluate the effects of the interventions on motor performance and parents’ perception respectively. Motor learning will be assessed by means of the scores obtained in the games. Evaluators and therapists will be trained and blind about the data of the children in the study.
Sayısal Modeller ile Taşkın Yayılım Haritasının Oluşturulması ve Risk Altında olan Alanların Belirlenmesi: Türkköse Deresi Örneği
Authors: GÜLBAZ Sezar
Published: July 2019

Hızlı ve kontrolsüz kentleşme sebebiyle artan sel ve taşkın gibi doğal
afetler hayatı olumsuz etkilemektedir. Meydana gelen kayıpların önlenebilmesi
ve zararların minimuma indirilebilmesi için incelemelere zemin teşkil etmek
üzere özellikle kentsel alanlardan geçen derelerin modellenmesi ve taşkın
yayılım haritalarının oluşturulması gerekmektedir. Ayrıca, oluşturulan taşkın
yayılım haritaları, kentsel alanlarda meydana gelen arazi kullanımı
değişiklikleri dikkate alınarak güncellenmelidir. Dolayısıyla dere kenarlarında
yapılan yeni yerleşimler taşkın yayılım haritaları dikkate alınarak
yapılmalıdır. Ayrıca, dere kenarlarındaki mevcut yerleşim alanları da taşkın
haritaları dikkate alınarak güvenli bölgelere taşınmalıdır. Bu kapsamda, taşkın
debilerinin hesaplanması ve yayılım haritalarının oluşturulması için yapılan
çalışmalar hayati derecede önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, İstanbul’da bulunan
Sazlıdere Havzası’nın hidrolojik modeli ve havza sınırları içerisindeki ana
dere olan Türkköse Deresi’nin hidrolik modeli oluşturulmuştur. Çalışmada havza
alanı, eğimi, sınırı, yükselti haritası, arazi kullanımı, toprak tipi ve dere güzergâhları
WMS adlı yazılım programı kullanılarak modellenmiştir. Daha sonra, hidrolojik
model için HEC-HMS ve hidrolik model için HEC-RAS programları kullanılmıştır.
Oluşturulan hidrolojik model, daha önce havzada ölçülen yağış ve akış verileri
kullanılarak kalibre edilmiştir. Son olarak, 03–05 Temmuz 2005 tarihleri
arasında meydana gelen şiddetli yağış kullanılarak havza üzerinde ana dere ve
yan kollarda oluşan taşkın yayılım haritaları elde edilmiştir. Modelde oluşan
taşkın incelenmiş ve ana derenin mansabına yakın bölgelerde su derinliğinin
maksimum 8 m civarında olabileceği görülmüştür. Ayrıca, yerleşim alanlarından
geçen ana deredeki ve yan koldaki su derinliklerinin sırası ile 6 m ve 4 m ve
taşkın yayılımının 260 m ve 240 m genişlikte olduğu model sonuçlarından elde
edilmiştir. Böylece, oluşturulan model ile Türkköse Deresi’nin taşkın analizi
yapılmış ve yerleşim bölgesindeki taşkından etkilenebilecek alanlar tespit
edilmiştir.
Efficiency of using different lining materials to protect groundwater from leakage of polluted streams
Authors: Abd-Elhamid Hany F. , Abdelaal Gamal M. , Abd-Elaty Isamil , Said Abdelrahman M.
Published: July 2019

Groundwater is one of the most important water sources but it is often not far away from pollution. One source of pollution is leakage from polluted streams such as open drains. The effect of open drains on groundwater quality has become an essential issue. This study aims to use different lining materials to minimize the seepage from open drains to protect groundwater. MODFLOW is used to investigate flow and contaminant transport and to evaluate efficiency of different lining materials. A hypothetical case study is used to assess different lining materials such as clay, bentonite, geomembranes and concrete. The results showed that decreasing the conductivities of lining materials reduced the extension of the contaminate. The extension of contaminants was reduced by 43, 89.6, 91.4 and 93% compared with the base case when drains were lined by clay, bentonite, geomembranes and concrete, respectively. Also, cost analysis of lining materials was done to detect the best lining material. Lining using geomembranes reduced contaminant extension at low cost compared with concrete, which reduced contaminant extension at double the cost. This reveals that the geomembranes represent the preferred material to protect groundwater from drain seepage due to its high durability and low cost compared with concrete.
The Kailash Ecovillage project converting human excreta into organic foodstuffs and sanitized compost using new international building codes for compost toilet and urine diversion systems
Authors: Ersson O. , King K.
Published: July 2019

Since March 2014, a sustainably focused community located on a 0.7 hectares site in Portland, Oregon, USA, has been undertaking an experimental composting toilet system modeled after the Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE-Stand) set out by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This system collects urine and hot composts human excreta in a dry-composting toilet system for eventual use on the community's organic gardens. The system design reduces the need to access municipal water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure, enhancing emergency preparedness. It conserves an otherwise wasted nutrient flow, and safely produces a valuable compost. The system consists of urine collection vessels, multiple portable collection containers for excreta, toilet paper, and additive, and a compost processor. Urine diversion has allowed the community to reclaim nitrogen and other nutrients otherwise lost in conventional sewage systems, resulting in large savings of potable water and significant carbon sequestration via topsoil creation. Logs showed thermophilic compost temperatures. Compost and urine pathogen testing met American National Standards Institute and National Sanitation Foundation Standard 41 requirements.