bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Cultural Values and Value of Children on Mother's Time Allocation at Cimanuk Watershed Families
Authors: Larasati Dwi Ajeng , Hartoyo Hartoyo
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this research were to describe the cultural values, the value of children and mother's time allocation for children at Cimanuk watershed and to analyze the effect of family characteristic, cultural values, and value of children toward time allocation of mothers to children at Sundanese and Javanese. This research involved 200 families who have children below five years old selected with purposive method. The samples were interviewed by using structure questionnaire. The result of this research showed that there was no significant different on the perception of the value of children between Sundanese and Javanese families. Regression analysis showed that mother's time allocation for children was influenced by the age of children, the length of mother's education, the mother's occupation, the uncertainty avoidance and power distance dimension of cultural values. 
The Influence of Marital Adjustment and Family Function toward Family Strength in Early Marriage
Authors: Ningsih Dita Septia , Herawati Tin
Published: March 2018

Aim of this study is to examine the influence of marital adjustment and family function toward family strength in early marriage. Research was located in Cibeber II village and Karehkel village, Leuwiliang sub-district, Bogor district, West Java. Samples of this study are 60 mothers from an early marriage family (under 20 years old) whose children are under five years old, and willingly participate in this study. Samples were chosen purposively. There is of correlation showed that age of husbands and age of husbands when married were negative significant correlation with family strength. Income per capita, marital adjustment, and family function were positive significant with family strength. The factors that affect family strength are income per capita, marital adjustment, and family function
Pra Mudar tem que Mexer: formação de professores e as dificuldades para inovar / IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOU HAVE TO MOVE: TEACHER TRAINING AND THE DIFFICULTY OF INNOVATION
Authors: Faria Marcelo
Published: March 2018

O Subprojeto de Geografia do PIBID-UEFS O ensino de geografia em tempos de globalização: o mundo em toda parte, teve início em 2012 com o objetivo de atender as demandas de formação de professores de Geografia em uma perspectiva renovada privilegiando a relação escola/universidade como um “entre espaço” formativo, adotando como princípio que essa relação não deve ser compreendida como prestação de serviço (da primeira à segunda), mas como oportunidade de fecundação mútua e preservação das particularidades. (CARVALHO, 2013). O reconhecimento deste “entre espaço” formativo procurou promover uma inserção dos indivíduos na docência em uma perspectiva de inovação tal qual proposta por Caso (2006) de modificar la realidad vigente alterando concepciones, actitudes, métodos y intervenciones transformando processos de enseñanza-aprendizaje, la innovación se associa a la mejora educativa. Nosso ponto de partida foi compreender a escola pública como lugar de produção e troca de conhecimentos. As resistências à inovação são de natureza diversa e exigem de nós, que queremos e acreditamos serem necessárias mudanças, um esforço na compreensão dos sentidos e possibilidades da educação geográfica na escola contemporânea e das necessárias alterações em seu escopo. É neste contexto que precisamos pensar a formação dos sujeitos, isto é, entre o instituído e o instituinte, reconhecendo as resistências e as possibilidades de avanços, respeitando a cultura escolar em uma perspectiva crítica e propositiva. Para mudar é necessário mexer, e isso não é possível se nos preservarmos em nossa zona de conforto. Vimos que para mudar tinha que mexer...
A Low cost modelling of the variable frequency drive optimum in industrial applications
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Erçelebi Ergun
Published: March 2018

A single or three phase
asynchronous motors, or known a squirrel cage motors (SCMs) are represent one
of generally using in many industrial applications. They are consuming further
than half-percent of the total generated electrical energy. This motor is
working at its full speed when it is attached to the main AC- supply. Therefore,
speed control of asynchronous motor is necessary to industrial applications
that require changeable flow control of fluid (air, water and chemical liquid
streaming). There are many methods to control the speed of motors, such as
changing the stator number of poles, controlling supply voltage, addition
series reactor or resistances. The modern method is Volt per Hertz, or scalar
control this method applied by changing voltage and frequency of three-phase
supply, or by making a V/f equal to a constant value in this method a large
amount of energy can be saved.

In this study, analysis and practical
implemented to variable voltage Variable Frequency Drive or called a VFD. The
model enables an exception of a large amount of energy, when connected to control
speed of Induction motor. A new simplified method for implemented of an AC
Drive system with a moderate price for components was proposed. This method
totally based on assembling overall components of AC-Drive. The advantage of
this design is simplicity, robustness and ease of tuning as well as
manufacturing due to these advantages. This design is very suitable for real
time applications as motor speed controller. The experimental results obtained
show that design helps to preserve a large amount of energy to the power grid,
by a limited starting current of the motor as well, eliminating a voltage
flicker at starting and reducing dissipating power during running in long
period. Results verified experimentally.
Validity of EMH; A Case Study of KSE-100 Index
Authors: Naz Salma , Razaque Seema , Khuwaja Hyder Ali , Bhutto Niaz Ahmed
Published: March 2018

The emerging markets offer major investments opportunities for a range of investors over the last decades especially after the global financial crises,which attracted the attention of investors and financial researchers towards the market efficiency.This research paper is designed to verify other researchers work, because some of them have provided contradictory results to test the market efficiency of Pakistani stock index (KSE-100). Average daily observations are considered for the period of twenty two years (November 02, 1991 to December 31, 2012). Unit Root tests (ADF, PP and KPSS), Runs test, Serial Autocorrelation (L-Jung-Box Q statistic) techniques are used to analyze the market’s informational weak form efficiency. Return time series is not normally distributed because it is negatively skewed and leptokurtic. All of the tests applied provide sufficient statistical evidence to reject the Random Walk Hypothesis thus KSE-100 shares index is informational weak form inefficient.
Análisis de Variables de personalidad, bienestar psicológico y pensamiento constructivo en estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud
Authors: Quevedo-Aguado María Paz , Benavente María H.
Published: March 2018

Algunas de las líneas de investigación más potenciadas actualmente en el campo de la Psicología de la Personalidad, ponen el acento en el estudio de lo que se ha venido en llamar, desde la Psicología Positiva, el ámbito de las emociones positivas (Fernández-Abascal, 2011; Vázquez y Castilla, 2007). Entendemos que el desarrollo de dichas emociones potenciarán, no sólo el bienestar personal, sino además la eficacia del trabajo profesional de quienes se dedican al campo de la Salud (Vázquez et al., 2009). El trabajo que se presenta, se ha realizado sobre una muestra de 280 estudiantes universitarios Psicología y Enfermería, evaluando el grado de Bienestar (Escala de Bienestar Psicológico (EBP; Ryff, 1989), las dimensiones de Personalidad (Taxonomía Léxica en Español “5G”; Iraegui, y Quevedo-Aguado, 2002) y características de Pensamiento Constructivo (Epstein, 1998). Los resultados arrojan diferencias significativas en algunas de las subescalas, más basadas en la variable sexo que en las diferencias de edad o titulación; pero, además nos informan de tendencias comportamentales que vinculan a determinados factores de personalidad, con escalas de Bienestar y con tipo de pensamiento, que nos hacen plantear la continuidad de esta línea de trabajo para profundizar en sus interrelaciones.
Afrontamiento y su relación con la calidad de vida en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 en Zacatecas, México
Authors: Samaniego Garay Rafael Armando , García Alonzo Isauro , Sánchez Morales Flor de María , Del Río Mendoza María de Lourdes , Esparza del Villar Óscar Armando
Published: March 2018

La diabetes mellitus se encuentra entre los principales problemas de salud en México generando retos al Sistema de Salud (personal insuficiente, poca infraestructura, escasez de medicamentos) debido al creciente número de casos diagnosticados y al aumento de decesos. En México, para el 2015 se reportaron 11.463.000 personas diabéticas, esto ocasionó que nuestro país ocupe el sexto lugar a nivel mundial en prevalencia de esta enfermedad (I.F.D., 2015). El objetivo consistió en conocer si el afrontamiento tiene relación con la calidad de vida en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Se trató de un estudio correlacional, el tipo de muestreo fue no probabilístico de tipo intencional, en una muestra de 230 personas adultas. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Afrontamiento del estrés (CAE, de Sandín y Chorot, 2003) y la DQOL, “Calidad de vida en diabetes” (Robles, 2003). Se hizo una invitación a los pacientes a través de una carta de consentimiento informado cuando acudieron a la clínica de salud. Los resultados muestran que el conocimiento, control y tratamiento que tienen los pacientes sobre la enfermedad es deficiente y además, se presentaron correlaciones significativas moderadas positivas entre los diversos factores que integran cada variable aquí estudiada, así, el ajuste y adaptación hacia el padecimiento representan importantes retos de intervención bio-psico-social.
Violencia verbal en el alumnado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria
Authors: Nieto Begoña , Portela Iago , López Esther , Domínguez Víctor
Published: March 2018

Existe una creciente alarma social acerca de la violencia verbal por parte de los adolescentes en los centros educativos. El objetivo de estudio es conocer la percepción que tiene el alumnado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria sobre la violencia verbal dirigida a compañeros y profesorado, identificando factores personales y escolares intervinientes. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa con la aplicación del cuestionario de violencia escolar percibida (CUVE-R-ESO) a 4467 alumnos de ESO (M=13.81; DT=1.38). Los resultados evidencian mayor presencia de violencia verbal entre compañeros (hablar mal unos de otros, extender rumores negativos sobre compañeros, poner motes o insultar) que violencia verbal hacia el profesorado (falta de respeto, insultos). El análisis inferencial muestra una prevalencia en la violencia verbal del género femenino de mayor edad, matriculado en cursos superiores de ESO y que ha repetido algún curso. Además, la violencia verbal entre compañeros es superior en centros rurales concertados, mientras que la violencia verbal hacia el profesorado es mayor en centros urbanos de carácter público, no existiendo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la estructura familiar. En conclusión la violencia verbal en los centros educativos es una conducta prevalente que no es percibida como un problema alarmante por parte del alumnado.
¿Por qué este niño es especial? La importancia de una dieta educativa en niños con Parálisis Cerebral hemipléjica: un estudio de caso
Authors: Pereira Armanda , Magalhães Carla , Magalhães Paula , Lopes Sílvia , Sampaio Adriana , Magalhães Cleidilene , Rosário Pedro
Published: March 2018

Este estudio describe el caso de un niño con Parálisis Cerebral de tipo hemipléjica según su nivel de funcionalidad, cognitivo y rendimiento neuropsicológico y, también, el rol de la "dieta educativa " en su rendimiento escolar. Es esperado que niños hemipléjicos tengan una disfunción ejecutiva, pero incluso aquellos con funcionamiento cognitivo normal, es muy probable que presenten dificultades específicas de aprendizaje. En este caso el perfil presenta resultados distintos a lo que sería esperable. Los resultados confirmaron la alta funcionalidad del niño, FA, en todos los dominios. Además, la entrevista con los padres permitió verificar que la dieta educativa seguida puede ser un importante aspecto que está contribuyendo a los resultados divergentes que este niño presenta.
FAKTOR LANGSUNG DAN TIDAK LANGSUNG YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN STUNTING PADA ANAK USIA 24–59 BULAN DI KECAMATAN MATAN HILIR SELATAN
Authors: Uliyanti Uliyanti , Tamtomo Didik Gunawan , Anantanyu Sapja
Published: March 2018

Abstract: Factors Related To Stunting Incident At Toddler 24-59 Months. The objective of this study was to analyze the predictors of stunting among children age 24-59 months in sub-district Matan hilir Selatan, Ketapang Regency. This research was designed with a case-control study on 51 stunting children and 51 normal children. The independent variables were mother nutrition knowledge, family nutrition awareness behaviour, clean and healthy life behaviour, infectious diseases history and nutrition intake. The dependent variable in this study was stunting status. Data collected through an interview by using structured questionnaires, food recall, height measurement with microtoise, then data analyzed by path analyze. The result of the research showed that stunting influenced directly by intake nutrition variable, infectious diseases history, mother nutrition knowledge and family nutrition awareness behaviour, while clean and healthy life behaviour influence indirect of infectious diseases history. The most related direct and indirect factors to stunting based on path coefficient as many as 0,31 or 9,61% were mother knowledge nutrition. The coefficient of determinant independent variable influencing dependent was 39,7%, while other factors were 60,3% influenced by another variable.Absrak: Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kejadian Stunting Pada Balita Usia 24-59 Bulan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola hubungan langsung maupun tidak langsung terhadap kejadian stunting pada balita usia 24-59 bulan di kecamatan Matan hilir selatan, kabupaten Ketapang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan rancangan kasus kontrol pada 51 stunting dan 51 normal. Variabel independen meliputi pengetahuan gizi ibu, perilaku keluarga sadar gizi, perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS), riwayat penyakit infeksi dan asupan gizi, sedangkan variabel dependen adalah kejadian stunting. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara menggunakan kuesioner terstruktur, food recall, pengukuran tinggi badan menggunakan microtoise. Data diolah dengan analisis statistik menggunakan analisis jalur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kejadian stunting secara langsung dipengaruhi oleh variabel asupan gizi, riwayat penyakit infeksi, pengetahuan gizi ibu dan kadarzi, sedangkan PHBS mempengaruhi secara tidak langsung melalui riwayat penyakit infeksi. Faktor pengaruh langsung dan tidak langsung yang paling dominan berdasarkan koefisien jalur yaitu pengetahuan gizi Ibu yaitu 0,31. Koefisien determinan variabel independen mempengaruhi variabel dependen sebesar 39,7%, sedangkan pengaruh lainnya sebesar 60,3% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain diluar model yang diteliti.
Concepções de lideranças de saúde sobre saúde bucal e controle de políticas públicas
Authors: Manfredini Marco Antonio , Narvai Paulo Capel
Published: March 2018

Analisam-se as representações sociais sobre saúde bucal e controle social entre lideranças na Área da Saúde em São Paulo. A pesquisa foi qualitativa, com orientação analítico-descritiva, utilizando o procedimento metodológico do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. O processo saúde-doença foi reconhecido como socialmente determinado. A não identificação da saúde bucal como prioridade foi atribuída à falta de preocupação da população, aos fatores econômicos e aos governos. As lideranças apontam que a assistência odontológica pública é insuficiente para garantir o acesso; não é resolutiva; tem problemas de infraestrutura; e dispõe de profissionais que não atendem às exigências da comunidade.
Perfil, atuação e satisfação de cirurgiões-dentistas em Residências Multiprofissionais em Saúde da região Sul do Brasil
Authors: Oshima Ana Marcia Mieko Yamaoka , Besegato João Felipe , Lima Carolina Veloso , Noronha Mayara Dos Santos , Hoeppner Márcio Grama , Caldarelli Pablo Guilherme
Published: March 2018

As Residências Multiprofissionais em Saúde (RMS) encontram-se distribuídas por todo o território nacional e estão estruturadas em abordagem multiprofissional com uma visão mais humana e abrangente, cujo foco não se restringe apenas aos procedimentos curativos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas regularmente matriculados em RMS da região Sul do país, bem como sua atuação e satisfação com os programas. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, exploratória e descritiva, utilizando-se um questionário on-line, cujo link foi enviado a cirurgiões-dentistas matriculados em RMS (Atenção Básica, Saúde da Família e Comunidade e Saúde Coletiva), localizadas na região Sul do Brasil. Os dados coletados foram tabulados no Microsoft Excel® e tratados por estatística descritiva (frequência simples e relativa). Constatou-se que a maioria dos residentes era do gênero feminino (75%) com graduação em IES privada (70%), sem experiência profissional prévia (70%) e com experiência acadêmica prévia em saúde pública (85%). Para os dados referentes à RMS, a maioria relatou como motivo pela escolha da residência o interesse em atuar na atenção básica. Oitenta e cinco por cento dos dentistas relataram atuar em Unidades Básicas de Saúde. A maioria dos residentes mostrou-se satisfeito com a RMS (75%) e a falta de capacitação dos docentes foi apontada como a principal fragilidade dos programas. O estudo possibilitou traçar um panorama do perfil, atuação e satisfação dos cirurgiões-dentistas inseridos em RMS da região Sul do Brasil. Os dados podem auxiliar na melhoria das práticas e organização das RMS com cirurgiões-dentistas, conduzindo melhor a atuação de residentes e docentes frente às principais fragilidades apontadas.
Antioxidant activity of fungi isolated from soil of different areas of Punjab,India
Authors: Chandra Priyanka , Arora Daljit Singh
Published: March 2018

The study was carried outto investigate the antioxidant activity of fungi isolated from soil of different areas of Punjab, India and compare their efficiency with a known antioxidant, ascorbic acid. The antioxidant potential of fungal extracts was quantified by DPPH and reducing power assay. Total phenolic contents were estimated using Folins-Ciocalteau (FC) reagent. Out of 113 fungal isolates selected, 51 were having antioxidant potential and these were further assayed quantitatively. All of these showed good activity against DPPH radical while 32 of these isolates demonstrated reducing potential also. In addition, some were equally good as ascorbic acid. The present study demonstrated potential of soil fungi to have antioxidant activity similar to plants and mushrooms. High phenolic content of fungi further highlight their significance as new sources of natural antioxidants. These fungi may provide easier set up for production and purification of natural antioxidants as compared to higher plants.
Water quality indices and abiotic characteristics of western Yamuna canal in Yamunanagar, Haryana
Authors: Bhatnagar Anita , Chopra Girish , Malhotra Priyanka
Published: March 2018

The present paper deals with the monthly variations of physico-chemical characteristics of western Yamuna canal water, Yamunanagar which is polluted with industrial effluents and domestic sewage. Three sampling points i.e. station-1: Upstream of the river; station-2: Point of influx of industrial effluents and domestic sewage; Station-3: About 6 kms downstream from station 2 were selected for the investigation. Studies revealed high values of turbidity, conductivity, free CO2, alkalinity, calcium, hardness, magnesium, chloride, orthophosphate, phosphate, sulphate and ammonia and low values of DO at station-2. The differences in various parameters were statistically significant (P<0.05) when compared from upstream and downstream stretches of the river particularly in summer. DO and BOD were found to be two important parameters which showed strong correlation with other parameters and hence can serve as good indices of river water quality. Water Quality index designated station-1 as highly polluted and station-2 and 3 as severely polluted. Thus the hydro biological conditions were not congenial/ optimum for the survival/ production of sensitive fish fauna, therefore, proper and efficient treatment of the effluents and sewage should be carried out before discharging these into the canal.
New record of earthworm Eukerria kuekenthali (Oligochaeta: Ocnerodrilidae) from Sikkim, India
Authors: Subedi Hem Parasad , Saxena R. M.
Published: March 2018

The earthworm genus Eukerria kuekenthali (Michaelsen 1908) is recorded for the first time from the Sikkimese soil. Inter/ intra specific variations have not been observed. Altitude plays a vital role in the distribution pattern of this species. The photographic descriptions with illustrations are provided.
Non-Genetic Risk Factors for Degenerative and Vascular Young Onset Dementia: Results from the INSPIRED and KGOW Studies
Authors: Cations Monica , Draper Brian , Low Lee-Fay , Radford Kylie , Trollor Julian , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder , Gonski Peter , Broe Gerald Anthony , Withall Adrienne
Published: March 2018

Background:

Several brain reserve, vascular risk, and other modifiable factors have been associated with late-onset dementia, but their association with young onset dementia (YOD) has not been adequately explored.

Objective:

To examine the association of cognitive reserve enhancing factors, cardiovascular risk factors (including smoking), depression, alcohol use, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) with non-autosomal dominant degenerative and/or vascular YOD.

Methods:

Data for this matched case-control study were taken from two larger studies conducted in NSW, Australia. One comprised all people with YOD within a geographical region, while the other exclusively included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Dementia diagnosis was confirmed by clinical consensus, and risk exposure was retrospectively self- and/or informant-reported.

Results:

Participants were 96 people with YOD (58.4% with probable Alzheimer’s disease) and 175 age-group, sex, and sample matched control participants. Poor educational attainment, low participation in cognitive leisure activity, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and self-reported very heavy alcohol use were related to the risk of primary degenerative and/or vascular YOD. The effect of hypertension and depression varied depending on when they occurred relative to dementia onset. Current smoking was significantly associated with risk in univariate analyses but did not retain significance in multivariate modelling. There was no association with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, or TBI of any kind. Some compensation for low educational attainment was possible via a complex occupation later in life.

Conclusion:

Non-genetic factors have a role in YOD, though the relative importance of each factor may be different to late onset dementia. The timing and severity of exposure, as well as the potential for compensation with later protective exposures, are important considerations for potential prevention strategies.
Neuropsychological Predictors of Long-Term (10 Years) Mild Cognitive Impairment Stability
Authors: Alves Luísa , Cardoso Sandra , Maroco João , de Mendonça Alexandre , Guerreiro Manuela , Silva Dina
Published: March 2018

Background:

Although the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) corresponds to a condition likely to progress to dementia, essentially Alzheimer’s disease, longitudinal studies have shown that some patients may not convert to dementia and maintain the diagnosis of MCI even after many years.

Objectives:

To determine whether patients that maintain the diagnosis of MCI in the long term (10 years) are really stable or just declining slowly, and to identify clinical and neuropsychological characteristics associated with long-term stability.

Methods:

The Cognitive Complaints Cohort (CCC) was searched for MCI cases who maintained that diagnosis for at least 10 years. For each long-term-stable MCI patient, two MCI patients that converted to dementia during follow-up, matched for age and education, were selected from the same database. The baseline and last neuropsychological evaluations for long-term-stable MCI and converter MCI were compared. Baseline neuropsychological predictors of long-term stability were searched for.

Results:

Long-term-stable MCI ( n = 22) and converter MCI ( n = 44) patients did not differ in terms of gender distribution, education, age at first assessment and time between symptom onset and first evaluation. Time of follow-up was on average 11 years for long-term-stable MCI and 3 years for converter MCI. The baseline and follow-up neuropsychological tests were not significantly different in long-term-stable MCI patients, whereas a general decline was observed in converter MCI patients. Higher scores on one memory test, the Word Delayed Total Recall, and on the non-verbal abstraction test, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, at the baseline predicted long-term (10 years) clinical stability.

Conclusions:

Some patients with MCI remain clinically and neuropsychologically stable for a decade. Better performances at baseline in memory and non-verbal abstraction tests predict long-term stability.
Novel Lipidized Analog of Prolactin-Releasing Peptide Improves Memory Impairment and Attenuates Hyperphosphorylation of Tau Protein in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy
Authors: Popelová Andrea , Pražienková Veronika , Neprašová Barbora , Kasperová Barbora Judita , Hrubá Lucie , Holubová Martina , Zemenová Jana , Blum David , Železná Blanka , Galas Marie-Christine , Kuneš Jaroslav , Maletínská Lenka
Published: March 2018

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were characterized as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Subsequently, T2DM drugs, such as liraglutide, were proven to be neuroprotective compounds attenuating levels of amyloid deposits, and tau hyperphosphorylation, both hallmarks of AD. The central anorexigenic effects of liraglutide inspired us to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of palm11-PrRP31, a strong anorexigenic analog with glucose-lowering properties, in THY-Tau22 mice overexpressing mutated human tau, a model of AD-like tau pathology. Seven-month-old THY-Tau22 mice were subcutaneously infused with palm11-PrRP31 for 2 months. Spatial memory was tested before and after the treatment, using a Y-maze. At the end of the treatment, mice were sacrificed by decapitation and hippocampi were dissected and analyzed by immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Treatment with palm11-PrRP31 resulted in significantly improved spatial memory. In the hippocampi of palm11-PrRP31-treated THY-Tau22 mice, tau protein phosphorylation was attenuated at Thr231, Ser396, and Ser404, the epitopes linked to AD progression. The mechanism of this attenuation remains unclear, since the activation of those kinases most implicated in tau hyperphosphorylation, such as GSK-3β, JNK, or MAPK/ERK1/2, remained unchanged by palm11-PrRP31 treatment. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in the amount of postsynaptic density protein PSD95, and a non-significant increase of synaptophysin, both markers of increased synaptic plasticity, which could also result in improved spatial memory of THY-Tau22 mice treated with palm11-PrRP31. Palm11-PrRP31 seems to be a potential tool for the attenuation of neurodegenerative disorders in the brain. However, the exact mechanism of its action must be elucidated.
Calpain I Activation Causes GLUT3 Proteolysis and Downregulation of O-GlcNAcylation in Alzheimer’s Disease Brain
Authors: Gu Jianlan , Jin Nana , Ma Denglei , Chu Dandan , Iqbal Khalid , Gong Cheng-Xin , Liu Fei
Published: March 2018

Impairment of cerebral glucose uptake/metabolism in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is believed to lead to downregulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation, which contributes to tau pathogenesis through tau hyperphosphorylation. Level of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3), a neuronal specific glucose transporter, is decreased in AD brain, which may contribute to impaired brain glucose uptake/metabolism. However, what causes the reduction of GLUT3 in AD brain is not fully understood. Here, we report 1) that decrease of GLUT3 is associated with the reduction of protein O-GlcNAcylation in AD brain, 2) that GLUT3 level is negatively correlated with calpain I activation in human brain, 3) that calpain I proteolyzes GLUT3 at the N-terminus in vitro, and 4) that activation of calpain I is negatively correlated with protein O-GlcNAcylation in AD brain. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of GLUT3 enhances protein O-GlcNAcylation in N2a cells. Overexpression of calpain I suppresses protein O-GlcNAcylation in these cells. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which calpain I overactivation leads to GLUT3 degradation and the consequent down-regulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation in AD brain.
Gait in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: Feasibility of Multi-Center Measurement in the Clinic and Home with Body-Worn Sensors: A Pilot Study1
Authors: Mc Ardle Ríona ,   on behalf of the Deep and Frequent Phenotyping study team (http://www.dementiastudy.co.uk), Morris Rosie , Hickey Aodhán , Del Din Silvia , Koychev Ivan , Gunn Roger N. , Lawson Jennifer , Zamboni Giovanna , Ridha Basil , Sahakian Barbara J. , Rowe James B. , Thomas Alan , Zetterberg Henrik , MacKay Clare , Lovestone Simon , Rochester Lynn
Published: March 2018

Gait is emerging as a potential diagnostic tool for cognitive decline. The ‘Deep and Frequent Phenotyping for Experimental Medicine in Dementia Study’ (D&FP) is a multicenter feasibility study embedded in the United Kingdom Dementia Platform designed to determine participant acceptability and feasibility of extensive and repeated phenotyping to determine the optimal combination of biomarkers to detect disease progression and identify early risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Gait is included as a clinical biomarker. The tools to quantify gait in the clinic and home, and suitability for multi-center application have not been examined. Six centers from the National Institute for Health Research Translational Research Collaboration in Dementia initiative recruited 20 individuals with early onset AD. Participants wore a single wearable (tri-axial accelerometer) and completed both clinic-based and free-living gait assessment. A series of macro (behavioral) and micro (spatiotemporal) characteristics were derived from the resultant data using previously validated algorithms. Results indicate good participant acceptability, and potential for use of body-worn sensors in both the clinic and the home. Recommendations for future studies have been provided. Gait has been demonstrated to be a feasible and suitable measure, and future research should examine its suitability as a biomarker in AD.
Differences in Dementia Beliefs between Non-Demented Public Screeners and In-Home Screeners and Their Potential Impact on Future Dementia Screening Intention: The Nakajima Study
Authors: Yuki-Nozaki Sohshi , Noguchi-Shinohara Moeko , Domoto Chiaki , Ikeda Yoshihisa , Samuraki Miharu , Iwasa Kazuo , Yokogawa Masami , Asai Kimiko , Komai Kiyonobu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Yamada Masahito
Published: March 2018

In many cohort studies of dementia, while differences in sociodemographic characters between responders and non-responders of dementia screening have been reported, differences in dementia beliefs have been relatively less known. The aims of this study were to clarify dementia beliefs and to explore potential impacts on an intention to attend a future dementia screening in public screeners and in-home screeners, respectively. We performed a cross-sectional population-based study using a question about an intention to attend a future dementia screening and a questionnaire on dementia beliefs. Subjects were all residents aged 65 years or older in the north area of Nakajima, Japan ( n = 385). All subjects were asked to attend a public dementia screening first. An in-home dementia screening was subsequently conducted in subjects with non-responders to a public screening. The questionnaire consisted of four dementia beliefs: “perceived susceptibility,” “perceived severity,” “perceived barriers,” and “perceived benefits.” Public screeners significantly expressed an intention to attend a future dementia screening more than in-home screeners ( p = 0.002). In in-home screeners, low “perceived severity” were significantly associated with an intention to attend a future dementia screening [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.51 (0.32–0.80)]. In both public and in-home screeners, high “perceived benefits” were significantly associated with an intention to attend a future dementia screening [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.13 (1.46–3.10); adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.56 (1.22–5.35), respectively]. It is necessary to reduce “perceived severity” among in-home screeners to increase dementia screening participants.
Boundary processes in connection with students’ workplace learning: Potentials for VET teachers’ continuing professional development
Authors: Köpsén Susanne , Andersson Per
Published: March 2018

This article reports on VET teachers’ engagements in boundary processes between schools and workplaces in connection with students’ workplace learning, the conditions for such boundary processes, and how these activities may enable VET teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD). Thirty VET teachers have been interviewed and their replies have been analysed in a theoretical framework of situated learning. The VET teachers described two main forms of boundary processes: boundary encounters and brokering by VET students. These processes support the occupational learning of VET teachers to different degrees. Teachers’ access to the workplace and their engagement and involvement in work and social interactions influence the potential for learning. Structural factors in school practices determine the nature of the boundary processes experienced by VET teachers and hence, the conditions for VET teachers’ CPD.
Prognosis and Remaining Useful Life Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery with Optimal Multi-Level Particle Filter and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ossai Chinedu
Published: March 2018

Prognosis and remaining useful life (RUL) estimation of components and systems (C&S) are vital for intelligent asset-integrity management. The implementation of the traditional multi-level particle filter (TRMPF) has improved prognosis when compared with the one-step traditional particle filter that depended on the first-order state equation. However, despite this improvement, the need to enhance the accuracy of fault prognosis, diagnosis and detection cannot be overemphasized. To this end, an optimal multi-level particle filter (OPMPF) algorithm that combines genetic algorithm (GA) optimization and multi-level particle filter (MPF) techniques is used to predict the RUL of the C&S in order to enhance the accuracy of the estimation at different forms of deterioration in operation. A 9-fold cross-validation ensemble MPF that utilized lithium-ion (Li+) batteries’ charge capacity decay to test the developed OPMPF algorithm showed an improvement of over 200% in the estimated RUL when compared with the TRMPF estimation.
Identification of the Most Effective Point of Connection for Battery Energy Storage Systems Focusing on Power System Frequency Response Improvement
Authors: Pieroni Thiago , Dotta Daniel
Published: March 2018

With the massive penetration of intermittent generation (wind and solar), the reduction of Electrical Power Systems’ (EPSs) inertial frequency response represents a new challenge. One alternative to deal with this scenario may be the application of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). However, the main constraint for the massive deployment of BESSs is the high acquisition cost of these storage systems which in some situations, can preclude their use in transmission systems. The main goal of this paper is to propose a systematic procedure to include BESSs in power system aiming to improve the power system frequency response using full linear models and geometric measures. In this work, a generic battery model is developed in a two-area test system with assumed high wind penetration and full conventional generators models. The full power system is linearized, and the geometric measures of controllability associated with of the frequency regulation mode are estimated. Then, these results are used to identify the most effective point of connection for a BESS aiming at the improvement of the power system frequency response. Nonlinear time-domain simulations are carried out to evaluate and validate the results.
Electrical Tree Initiation and Growth in Silicone Rubber under Combined DC-Pulse Voltage
Authors: Han Tao , Du Boxue , Su Jingang
Published: March 2018

Electrical tree is a serious threat to silicone rubber (SIR) insulation and can even cause breakdown. Electrical trees under alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltage have been widely researched. While there are pulses in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables under operating conditions caused by lightning and operating overvoltage in the power system, little research has been reported about trees under combined DC-pulse voltage. Their inception and growth mechanism is still not clear. In this paper, electrical trees are studied under several types of combined DC-pulse voltage. The initiation and growth process was recorded by a digital microscope system. The experimental results indicate that the inception pulse voltage is different under each voltage type and is influenced by the combined DC. The initial tree has two structures, determined by the pulse polarity. With increased DC prestressing time, tree inception pulse voltage with the same polarity is clearly decreased. Moreover, a special initial bubble tree was observed after the prestressing DC.
Total Weight and Axle Loads of Truck Units in the Transport of Timber Depending on the Timber Cargo
Authors: Trzciński Grzegorz , Moskalik Tadeusz , Wojtan Rafał
Published: March 2018

When transporting timber, the high variability of species, assortments and moisture content of the wood raw material does not allow the weight of the transported timber to be precisely determined. This often contributes to the excessive weight loading of the entire truck unit. The aim of the research is to present the variability of the total weight of truck units with wood cargoes (GVW—gross vehicle weight) depending on the weight of the empty unit and the transported timber load, as well as to analyze the changes in GVW, unit loads of wood and load on individual truck unit axles depending on the season. This study analyzes the total weight of truck units for 376 transports of Scots pine timber at different times of the year. The total weight of the truck units depends on the weight of an empty unit and the weight of the load. GVW was determined by using a weighbridge to weigh the vehicles and then the empty unit after unloading. The weight of the load was obtained as the difference between GVW and the tare. It was found that GVW differed significantly depending on the truck unit used, ranging from 43.60–58.80 Mg, often exceeding permissible limits for public roads. The individual axle loads for various truck units were also analyzed. The obtained results indicate that these loads are more equally distributed in the case of five-axle trucks compared to six-axle ones.
From Surveillance to Intervention: Overview and Baseline Findings for the Active City of Liverpool Active Schools and SportsLinx (A-CLASS) Project
Authors: McWhannell Nicola , Foweather Lawrence , Graves Lee , Henaghan Jayne , Ridgers Nicola , Stratton Gareth
Published: March 2018

This paper outlines the implementation of a programme of work that started with the development of a population-level children’s health, fitness and lifestyle study in 1996 (SportsLinx) leading to selected interventions one of which is described in detail: the Active City of Liverpool, Active Schools and SportsLinx (A-CLASS) Project. The A-CLASS Project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of structured and unstructured physical activity (PA) programmes on children’s PA, fitness, body composition, bone health, cardiac and vascular structures, fundamental movement skills, physical self-perception and self-esteem. The study was a four-arm parallel-group school-based cluster randomised controlled trial (clinical trials no. NCT02963805), and compared different exposure groups: a high intensity PA (HIPA) group, a fundamental movement skill (FMS) group, a PA signposting (PASS) group and a control group, in a two-schools-per-condition design. Baseline findings indicate that children’s fundamental movement skill competence levels are low-to-moderate, yet these skills are inversely associated with percentage body fat. Outcomes of this project will make an important contribution to the design and implementation of children’s PA promotion initiatives.
Reducing Uncertainties in Applying Remotely Sensed Land Use and Land Cover Maps in Land-Atmosphere Interaction: Identifying Change in Space and Time
Authors: He Yaqian , Warner Timothy , McNeil Brenden , Lee Eungul
Published: March 2018

Land use and land cover (LULC) data are a central component of most land-atmosphere interaction studies, but there are two common and highly problematic scale mismatches between LULC and climate data. First, in the spatial domain, researchers rarely consider the impact of scaling up fine-scale LULC data to match coarse-scale climate datasets. Second, in the temporal domain, climate data typically have sub-daily, daily, monthly, or annual resolution, but LULC datasets often have much coarser (e.g., decadal) resolution. We first explored the effect of three spatial scaling methods on correlations among LULC data and a land surface climatic variable, latent heat flux in China. Scaling by a fractional method preserved significant correlations among LULC data and latent heat flux at all three studied scales (0.5°, 1.0°, and 2.5°), whereas nearest-neighbor and majority-aggregation methods caused these correlations to diminish and even become statistically non-significant at coarser spatial scales (i.e., 2.5°). In the temporal domain, we identified fractional changes in croplands, forests, and grasslands in China using a recently developed and annually resolved time series of LULC maps from 1982 to 2012. Relative to common LULC change (LULCC) analyses conducted over two-time steps or several time periods, this annually resolved, 31-year time series of LULC maps enables robust interpretation of LULCC. Specifically, the annual resolution of these data enabled us to more precisely observe three key and statistically significant LULCC trends and transitions that could have consequential effects on land-atmosphere interaction: (1) decreasing grasslands to increasing croplands in the Northeast China plain and the Yellow river basin, (2) decreasing croplands to increasing forests in the Yangtze river basin, and (3) decreasing grasslands to increasing forests in Southwest China. Our study not only demonstrates the importance of using a fractional spatial rescaling method, but also illustrates the value of annually resolved LULC time series for detecting significant trends and transitions in LULCC, thus potentially facilitating a more robust use of remotely sensed data in land-atmosphere interaction studies.
An implementation of spin–orbit coupling for band structure calculations with Gaussian basis sets: Two-dimensional topological crystals of Sb and Bi
Authors: Pakdel Sahar , Pourfath Mahdi , Palacios J J
Published: March 2018

We present an implementation of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) for density functional theory band structure calculations that makes use of Gaussian basis sets. It is based on the explicit evaluation of SOC matrix elements, both the radial and angular parts. For all-electron basis sets, where the full nodal structure is present in the basis elements, the results are in good agreement with well-established implementations such as VASP. For more practical pseudopotential basis sets, which lack nodal structure, an ad-hoc increase of the effective nuclear potential helps to capture all relevant band structure variations induced by SOC. In this work, the non-relativistic or scalar-relativistic Kohn–Sham Hamiltonian is obtained from the CRYSTAL code and the SOC term is added a posteriori. As an example, we apply this method to the Bi(111) monolayer, a paradigmatic 2D topological insulator, and to mono- and multilayer Sb(111) (also known as antimonene), the former being a trivial semiconductor and the latter a topological semimetal featuring topologically protected surface states.
SWIMMING WITH IDEAS: WHAT HAPPENS TO CREATIVITY IN THE WAKE OF A DISASTER AND THE WAVES OF PRO-SOCIAL RECOVERY BEHAVIOUR THAT FOLLOW?
Authors: CAMERON Trudi , MONTGOMERY Roy , MOORE Kevin , STEWART Emma
Published: March 2018

Creativity that is driven by a need for physical or economic survival, which disasters are likely to inspire, raises the question of whether such creativity fits with conventional theories and perspectives of creativity. In this paper we use the opportunity afforded by the 2010–2013 Christchurch, New Zealand earthquakes to follow and assess the creative practices and responses of a number of groups and individuals. We use in-depth interviews to tease out motivations and read these against a range of theoretical propositions about creativity. In particular, we focus on the construct of “elite panic” and the degree to which this appeared to be evident in the Christchurch earthquakes context. Bureaucratic attempts to control or limit creativity were present but they did not produce a completely blanket dampening effect. Certain individuals and groups seemed to be pre-equipped to navigate or ignore potential blocks to creativity. We argue, using Geir Kaufmann’s novelty-creativity matrix and aspects of Teresa Amabile’s and Michael G. Pratt’s revised componential theory of creativity that a special form of disaster creativity does exist.