bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Phase III Study of Alisertib or Investigator’s Choice (Selected Single Agent) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: O’Connor Owen A. , Özcan Muhit , Jacobsen Eric D. , Roncero Josep M. , Trotman Judith , Demeter Judit , Masszi Tamás , Pereira Juliana , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Beaven Anne , Caballero Dolores , Horwitz Steven M. , Lennard Anne , Turgut Mehmet , Hamerschlak Nelson , d’Amore Francesco A. , Foss Francine , Kim Won-Seog , Leonard John P. , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Chiattone Carlos S. , Hsi Eric D. , Trümper Lorenz , Liu Hua , Sheldon-Waniga Emily , Ullmann Claudio Dansky , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Leonard E. Jane , Shustov Andrei R. ,   on behalf of the Lumiere Study Investigators
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE

The aim of this open-label, first-in-setting, randomized phase III trial was to evaluate the efficacy of alisertib, an investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult patients with relapsed/refractory PTCL—one or more prior therapy—were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral alisertib 50 mg two times per day (days 1 to 7; 21-day cycle) or investigator-selected single-agent comparator, including intravenous pralatrexate 30 mg/m2 (once per week for 6 weeks; 7-week cycle), or intravenous gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 or intravenous romidepsin 14 mg/m2 (days 1, 8, and 15; 28-day cycle). Tumor tissue (disease subtype) and imaging were assessed by independent central review. Primary outcomes were overall response rate and progression-free survival (PFS). Two interim analyses and one final analysis were planned.

RESULTS

Between May 2012 and October 2014, 271 patients were randomly assigned (alisertib, n = 138; comparator, n = 133). Enrollment was stopped early on the recommendation of the independent data monitoring committee as a result of the low probability of alisertib achieving PFS superiority with full enrollment. Centrally assessed overall response rate was 33% for alisertib and 45% for the comparator arm (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.08). Median PFS was 115 days for alisertib and 104 days for the comparator arm (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.637 to 1.178). The most common adverse events were anemia (53% of alisertib-treated patients v 34% of comparator-treated patients) and neutropenia (47% v 31%, respectively). A lower percentage of patients who received alisertib (9%) compared with the comparator (14%) experienced events that led to study drug discontinuation. Of 26 on-study deaths, five were considered treatment related (alisertib, n = 3 of 11; comparator, n = 2 of 15). Two-year overall survival was 35% for each arm.

CONCLUSION

In patients with relapsed/refractory PTCL, alisertib was not statistically significantly superior to the comparator arm.
Patients Lost to Follow-Up for Cervical Cancer in the Limbe Regional Hospital
Authors: Tchounzou Robert , Simo Wambo André Gaetan , Njamen Théophile Nana , Ilick Ingrid Ofakem , Neng Humphry Tatah , Dadao François , Sone Albert Mouelle
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE

Cervical cancer constitutes a public health problem in Cameroon where it represents 13.8% of cancers in women. We wanted to evaluate compliance with cervical cancer care with a focus on patients who are lost to follow-up from the time that symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer are clinically recognized to treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sociodemographic data, attitude toward diagnosis and treatment, and reason for discontinuing care were recorded and analyzed for a period of 5 years from January 2010 to December 2015.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six patients had symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer, but only 110 (87.30%) could pay for biopsy, 29 (26.36%) of those did not collect their results, 17 (18.7%) denied their results, and 20 (19%) did not benefit from treatment. Only 44 of 110 patients were able to finish their cancer care treatment program. Reasons for discontinuing the cancer care included lack of financial means to pay for it, distance from the care center, and belief in alternative treatments.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the magnitude of the difficulties of accessing and receiving cancer care in semiurban areas in Cameroon. Poverty, belief in alternative treatment options, and unequal distribution of care services determined which patients would be lost to follow-up. Redistribution of resources and cancer care providers is mandatory to improve this situation.
Lewy Body Dementias
Authors: Armstrong Melissa J.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article describes current diagnostic criteria relating to the diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, highlights diagnostic controversies, and reviews treatment approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical diagnostic criteria for both Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies have been recently updated. These criteria result in overlap between individuals diagnosed with Parkinson disease and those with dementia with Lewy bodies. Although clinical features and symptomatic treatment overlap, differences remain in epidemiology and expected progression. The high prevalence of cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease supports regular screening for cognitive changes and counseling patients and families regarding what to expect. Treatment for Lewy body dementia involves avoiding medications that may cause or exacerbate symptoms; prescribing pharmacologic agents to address bothersome cognitive, behavioral, movement, and other nonmotor symptoms; recommending physical exercise and therapy; and providing education, counseling, caregiver support, and palliative care.

Lewy body dementia includes both dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia, overlapping clinicopathologic entities with differences relating to diagnosis and expected progression. Treatment is symptomatic and thus largely overlapping for the two conditions.
Reversible Dementias
Authors: Day Gregory S.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article describes the clinical features that suggest a reversible cause of dementia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Substantial variability exists in the presenting features and clinical course of patients with common neurodegenerative causes of dementia, but the response to available therapies and eventual outcomes are often poor. This realization has influenced the evaluation of patients with dementia, with diagnostic approaches emphasizing routine screening for a short list of potentially modifiable disorders that may exacerbate dementia symptoms or severity but rarely influence long-term outcomes. Although a standard approach to the assessment of dementia is appropriate in the vast majority of cases, neurologists involved in the assessment of patients with dementia must recognize those rare patients with reversible causes of dementia, coordinate additional investigations when required, and ensure expedited access to treatments that may reverse decline and optimize long-term outcomes.

The potential to improve the outcome of patients with reversible dementias exemplifies the need to recognize these patients in clinical practice. Dedicated efforts to screen for symptoms and signs associated with reversible causes of dementia may improve management and outcomes of these rare patients when encountered in busy clinical practices.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Graff-Radford Neill R. , Jones David T.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since it was first described in 1965, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has been a controversial subject. New studies have shed light on its epidemiology and pathogenesis and provided objective ways to measure outcome in patients with NPH. Neuroimaging has improved and allows better recognition of both NPH and the presence of overlapping diseases

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent epidemiologic studies confirm that NPH is a rare disease, but the presence of large ventricles is a common finding with aging. NPH may be multifactorial, including congenital causes, vascular disease, and impaired CSF absorption. MRI features of NPH include enlarged ventricular size and CSF fluid collection outside the ventricles not due to atrophy. The term disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) has been used to describe prognostic MRI features in NPH, including a “tight high convexity” and enlargement of CSF spaces in the sylvian fissure. DESH has been included in the Japanese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of NPH. A new NPH scale has been published that provides an objective framework for evaluating patients with NPH before and after shunt placement. Programmable shunts can noninvasively manage overdrainage complications. Surgical outcome has been improving over time. Recent studies have led to improved recognition of overlapping diseases such as Alzheimer pathology, which co-occurs in about 30% of NPH cases. Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a promising imaging modality for diagnosing NPH and detecting concomitant degenerative disease.

A systematic approach to patients with possible NPH allows recognition of the subset of patients who will respond to shunt surgery and identification of those with alternative diagnoses.
(Re)emergence of A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses with pandemic markers in the 2018/2019 flu season in the USA
Authors: Paessler Slobodan , Veljkovic Veljko
Published: February 2019

During the 2009 pandemic, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 43 to 89 million cases of swine flu were reported during a 1-year span, with 1799 deaths in 178 countries worldwide. Now, nine years later, A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses, which caused this pandemic, have reemerged and become the dominant subtype for the current  2018/19 flu season in the USA. The in silico analysis of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses isolated in USA in October and November 2018, performed using the electronic biology platform “wEB”, showed that these viruses carry previously identified pandemic markers suggesting their increased pandemic potential. Possible consequences of these findings are discussed.
School Mediation Service: Development of Conflict-Free Educational Space
Authors: Туберозова Марина , Tuberozova Marina
Published: February 2019

The article shows the role of school mediation for the formation and development of legal educational space. The article describes the basic requirements for the creation and functioning of the school mediation service in an educational organization, such as: training of teachers, students and their parents (legal representatives); interaction of all participants in educational relations for the prevention and settlement of the confl ict situation. It is noted that the appearance of the fi rst school mediation services in educational institutions of the city of Smolensk become active in the framework of the regional innovation platform “Development of a common legal educational space in the educational innovation cluster”. It is shown that the rational understanding of the conditions for building a mediation system in an educational organization is provided by the method of SWOT analysis. The necessity of using mediation approaches for the formation of confl ict-free educational space in the region is emphasized.
Project Activities As a Way to Develop Engineering Literacy
Authors: Ситнов К. , Sitnov K.
Published: February 2019

The article is devoted to the problem of formation of engineering literacy among high school students. It is shown that the project activity of a technical and natural-science orientation serves as the basis for the formation of engineering literacy. An example of the formation and development of various components of engineering literacy in a student at various stages of preparation and implementation of design and research work on the development of an improved portable refrigerator based on the Peltier eff ect is presented.
The use of Modern Interactive Technologies in Shaping the Spatial Thinking of Schoolchildren
Authors: Аникеева О. , Anikeeva O.
Published: February 2019

The main task of education today is to learn how to independently obtain information, set problems, look for ways to solve them, be able to analyze the knowledge gained and apply it to solve problems. The degree of learning at all stages of learning determines the level of development of spatial thinking, which is one of the characteristics of the intellectual development of the individual. The article discusses the characteristics of the formation of spatial thinking of schoolchildren. The analysis of the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards of primary and secondary (complete) general education to knowledge and skills in mathematics has been carried out. A review of modern interactive technologies has been made, allowing to stimulate the development of spatial thinking of schoolchildren since early school.
Psicomotricidade e desenvolvimento: concepções e vivências de professores da educação infantil na amazônia setentrional
Authors: Benetti Idonézia Collodel , Barros Paulo Henrique Pinheiro de , Wilhelm Fernanda Ax , Deon Ana Paula da Rosa , Roberti Junior João Paulo
Published: February 2019

A psicomotricidade está presente em todas as etapas da vida, porém o período da infância ganha destaque, uma vez que é nesta época em que as funções psicomotoras começam a se desenvolver.  O objetivo desta pesquisa, de cunho exploratório, descritivo e de abordagem qualitativa, foi verificar qual a percepção de oito professoras pré-escolares sobre psicomotricidade e educação infantil. Para tanto foi utilizado um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, cujos resultados foram analisados sob a óptica temático-categorial da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. As categorias definidas foram: percepção das professoras sobre a relação entre psicomotricidade e educação infantil, atividades psicomotoras trabalhadas e aspectos que dificultam/facilitam o trabalho na área. Os resultados apontam que as professoras consideram que existe uma forte relação entre psicomotricidade e educação infantil. Quanto às atividades psicomotoras desenvolvidas, foi possível constatar que elas tiveram dificuldades para conceituar certas funções psicomotoras, principalmente em relação à orientação espacial. Quanto aos aspectos facilitadores e dificultadores, foi possível perceber que algumas apresentaram melhor condição para desenvolver atividades psicomotoras e outras afirmaram contar com a criatividade para lidar com a falta de materiais.
Structural Dependence of Non-Linear Optical Properties of Molecules Containing Naphthalene Linked to Nitrophenyl Group–A DFT Study
Authors: Varghese Anju Linda , Abraham Ignatious , George M.
Published: February 2019

Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of N-[3-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)butyl]-4-nitroaniline and N-[3-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)butyl]-2,4-dinitroaniline have been calculated theoretically. Theoretical calculations were performed with four different hybrid density functional theories (DFT) i.e. BPV86, B3LYP, LSDA and M-06 with 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. The results showed that these molecular systems have large first static hyperpolarizabilities. Moreover, NLO response of these molecular systems decreased considerably when nitrophenyl is replaced by dinitrophenyl group.
Synthesis of Cationic Pd(II) Complexes with 5-Membered Ring Chelating Iminoylcarbene Ligand and Its Catalytic Activity on Norbornene Polymerization
Authors: Ali Roushown , Chandra Jubaraj , Hasan Tariqul
Published: February 2019

Iminoyl N-heterocyclic carbine ligand with cationic allyl Pd(II) complex (3) was successfully synthesized by transmetallation of corresponding Ag complex with one equivalent of [Pd(allyl)(COD)]+SbF6–. A slightly distorted square planer structure of the Pd(II) complex 3 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Pd(II) complex 3 is stable in air and found to show moderate activity in the polymerization of norbornene without any activator. The polynorbornene produced with Pd(II) complex 3 was obtained to be stable up to 440 °C. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the polymer indicated addition polymerization of norbornene and the presence of the vinylene group at the end of polymer chain.
A Comparative Study on Conversion of Soluble Cr(VI) into Insoluble Cr(VI) and Reduction of Cr(VI) in Contaminated Groundwater at COPR Dump Site
Authors: Murugaiyan Vanitha , Selvaraj S. , Selvaraj P. Kamatchi
Published: February 2019

The most common methodology for removal of Cr(VI) in literatures is the combination of reduction and precipitation process. The disadvantages of this method are presence of high total dissolved solids in the treated water and sludge generation. In order to find a new solution, efforts have been focussed to convert Cr(VI) present in the groundwater, into the useful products like zinc chromate and barium chromate under appropriate conditions. The efficiency of these conversions is compared with the efficiency of the reduction and precipitation process adopted in this study, using sodium metabisulphite. These experimental studies were carried out with stimulated water containing 2000 mg/L of Cr(VI) and then extended to Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater with same concentration. The results are compared and validated through batch experiments.
Graphene Oxide-Paraffin as Working Electrode for Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis for Cadmium(II)
Authors: Setiarso Pirim , Hidayatulloh Taufik
Published: February 2019

In this work, the composition ratio of graphene oxide-paraffin as the best working electrode for analysis of cadmium solution at optimum conditions using cyclic voltammetry is reported. Graphene oxide from graphite was synthesized and characterized using the improved Hummer method. Testing the composition and condition of graphene oxide:paraffin electrode is best done by manipulating the graphene oxide:paraffin ratio, pH, deposition time and scan rate. The composition with a ratio of 8:2 % of graphene oxide:paraffin electrode produces the best of voltammogram. Recovery analysis is also performed with the results of linear curves in cadmium(II) solution with linearity 0.98992. Cyclic voltammetry analysis using graphene oxide:paraffin electrodes at optimum pH resulted an average recovery of 97.64 %.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Organoantimony Compounds and their Coordination Compounds
Authors: Rala Sarbjit
Published: February 2019

Electrochemical reactions of bromoethane, 1-bromopropane, 1-chlorobutane and chlorobenzene have been carried out in acetonitrile at sacrificial antimony anode using tetrabutylammonium chloride as supporting electrolyte. The products isolated from the anode compartment have been characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectral studies and are identified as organoantimony compounds. Coordination compounds of same have been synthesized with ligand (1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-bipyridyl). All these reactions proceed with high current efficiencies.
Fast, Nondestructive, and Cost-Effective Methods to Detect Pesticide Residues: A Case Study of Several Repatriated Karuk Tribe Artifacts
Authors: Salmo Rosene , Palmer Peter T. , Tribe Karuk
Published: February 2019

This study describes the use of three different nondestructive methods to determine whether or not nine artifacts belonging to the Karuk Tribe had been treated with common inorganic and organic pesticide agents. A portable X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer was used to estimate the concentrations of arsenic, mercury, and lead at two different locations on each artifact. Black beads on a necklace were found to contain 2.1% lead and 0.23% arsenic, which can be attributed to the natural composition of the beads. Leather on a drum mallet was found to contain 0.49% lead and 0.10% arsenic, which were due to the pigments used to decorate this item. Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry analysis of swab samples taken from the surfaces of an elk horn, bow, and musical drum showed nondetectable levels of arsenic and lead. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis of a second set of swab samples taken from the surface of each artifact showed nondetectable levels of p-dichlorobenzene, naphthalene, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and other common organic pesticides. These results suggest that these artifacts were not treated with pesticides for preservation purposes, and hence they can be handled, worn, and used as intended.
Moving and Transforming Care of One of the Largest Southwest Archaeological Collections: The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture's Move to the Center for New Mexico Archaeology
Authors: Kieffer C.L. , Clifton Julia , Mendoza Lisa
Published: February 2019

After over two decades of planning and five years of conserving, packing, and moving, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture has finished the first two phases of the largest move of archaeological artifacts in the museum's history and quite possibly in the American Southwest. Framed within the historical background of evolving collection storage over many decades, the Archaeological Research Collections were moved from the Laboratory of Anthropology and another off-site storage location to a new state of the art off-site facility at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology (CNMA). Decisions that eased the overall move, including issues resulting from the move and how they were remedied, are discussed. Overall, this particular collections move demonstrates the capabilities that a small staff can have if given enough time, volunteers, and grant resources.
Measurement of pH in Ethanol, Distilled Water, and their Mixtures: On the Assessment of pH in Ethanol-Based Natural History Wet Collections and the Detrimental Aspects of Dilution with Distilled Water
Authors: Kotrba Marion , Schilling Lars-Hendrik
Published: February 2019

The measurement of the pH in alcohol-preserved natural history collections is fraught with considerable theoretical and methodological difficulties. A major problem is the concentration-dependent effect of ethanol. Based on empirical results in connection with data from the literature, this study aims to estimate the shape and magnitude of this effect and suggest an approximate method to correct for it. It surfaces that considerable problems are caused by the use of distilled water for the dilution of preservation fluids.
Fanuc CNC machine damage analysis using the PDCA cycle and Kaizen implementation effort in increasing skill up operator performance in PT YPMI
Authors: Ihsan Muhammad , Hasanah Rofiatul , Purba Humiras Hardi
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to analyze the damage to the machine, look for the biggest trouble factor happen and the most important is the effect of the application of the concept of kaizen to skill up the performance of operators in CW machining maintenance division. In the analysis and handling of an engine failure, the authors use PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Action) and the application of kaizen to analyze it. From finding the highest cause of trouble that will be made the theme of improvement by collecting data on the check sheet engine trouble and Pareto diagram, analysis of existing conditions using 5W2H, causal analysis the occurrence of engine trouble using the fishbone chart, using the concept of kaizen, evaluation of the results, up to standardization and follow-up. From the analysis of damage to the machine and application FANUC machine kaizen concept, showed a decrease in engine trouble and the increase in skill up performance operator significantly, which is certainly very good impact in terms of engine performance. Of course the result is also impact both on the quality of the product that will be used by the customer
Assessment of operational performance of public sector funded infrastructure in Nigeria: the airports perspective
Authors: Diugwu Ikechukwu A. , Nwaogbe Obioma R , Omoke Victor , Johnson Solomon T , Egila Ashem E
Published: February 2019

The study assessed the performance of public sector funded infrastructure in Nigeria, with a special focus on airports. It utilized secondary data obtained from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) covering the period 2004 to 2016.  A simple regression analyses of the data were carried out using total number of employees as the predictor variable and the total aircraft movement, total passenger movement, and total cargo movement as the dependent variables. The results of the analyses show that the p values calculated were < 0.05 alpha value, implying existence of a statistical relationship among the dependent variables (aircraft movement, passenger throughput, and cargo throughput) and independent variable (number of employees). Furthermore, the time series graphs show fluctuations in growth of the outputs (passenger throughput, aircraft movement and cargo throughput) for the Nigerian air transport system at various periods. This study has shown that there is a need for the government and stakeholders to take immediate actions in tackling factors responsible for the decline and fluctuations in the air transport industry.
Perceived influence of relationship communication on insurance service quality and customer satisfaction
Authors: Effiong Andem Ita
Published: February 2019

Extant literature in marketing and communications has long recognized the importance of effective communication as the essential link for sustainable relationship between organizations and their customers. In spite of its importance, many studies have revealed that practices of communication in relationship marketing in some service firms are fraught with problems, which influence the perceptions of customers about the commitment of those organizations to service quality and customer value. This exploratory study was undertaken to analyze how insurance customers perceive their relationships with insurers through received messages. The study also sought to identify the inherent differences in the perception of relational messages received from insurers by the customers based on gender. A simple random sample of 145 insurance customers were drawn for the study from three insurance agencies. Useful responses were received from 120 automobile insurance policyholders, which represented 82.76% of the sample. Four hypotheses were tested with Pearson Correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study suggested significant relationship between relational messages, service quality, and customer satisfaction. In terms of differences in the perceptions of male and female respondents, the study indicated significant differences in the perception of personal values and perceived quality through received messages. Similarly, significant differences were recorded in the perception of message credibility by the female participants as compared with those of the males.  The study also revealed the need for insurance companies to fully imbibe relationship communication with their customers, through assessment of the internal and external situations which surround the information needs of individual customers.
Study of event-driven and periodic rescheduling on a single machine with unexpected disruptions
Authors: Tawfeek Moaz Magdy , Sadek Yomna Mahmoud , El-kharbotly Amin Mohamed Kamel
Published: February 2019

This paper studies the rescheduling problem of a single machine facing unexpected disruptions in order to determine which parameters can help reducing the negative impacts of these disruptions on schedule performance. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to generate the initial schedule and the updated ones according to a reactive strategy. The performance of event-driven rescheduling and periodic rescheduling policies are compared in terms of total tardiness and total cost of rescheduling. Other factors that may affect rescheduling such as disruption time, disruption duration and number of disruptions are investigated. The sensitivity of results to both due date tightness and cost factor variation is tested. The results showed that the timing of the occurrence of disruption as related to scheduling horizon has a major effect on determining the best rescheduling policy. Event-driven policy is superior to other policies for short infrequent disruptions. It was found that the periodic policy is more appropriate for long and frequent disruptions.
Managers' Overconfidence, Risk Preference, Herd Behavior and Non-efficient Investment
Authors: Yi Huang , Xiugang Yang
Published: February 2019

With the bounded rationality hypothesis, the psychological deviation of managers often leads to non-efficient investment decision-making practices. The study examines the impact of manager’s overconfidence, risk-preference and herd behavior on non-efficient investment using the Chinese A-shares listed company data as the research object, and finds that: (1) managers’ overconfidence and herd behavior would lead to more non-efficient investment in Chinese listed companies; and (2) managers’ risk preference restrains the increase of non-efficient investment to some extent. Meanwhile, the influence of the manager’s psychological deviation on the actual investment decision is a complicated process and can have a comprehensive effect resulted from the interaction of the above psychological biases, we also find that (3) managers' overconfidence is an interactive term in the effects of herd behavior and risk preference on non-efficient investment. That is, managers’ overconfidence can significantly reduce the positive effect of herd behavior on non-efficient investment; and can also significantly relieve the inhibition effect of risk preference on non-efficient investment. These findings reveal that it is important to understand managers’ irrational behaviors in enterprise investment decision-makings.
Exploring University ESL/EFL Teachers’ Emotional Well-Being and Emotional Regulation in the United States, Japan and Austria
Authors: Talbot Kyle , Mercer Sarah
Published: February 2019

Teacher well-being has been shown to play a central role in the quality of teaching and student achievement (Day & Gu, 2009; Klusmann, Kunter, Trautwein, Lüdtke, & Baumert, 2008). However, the teaching profession is currently in crisis as it faces record rates of burnout and attrition (Borman & Dowling, 2008; Hong, 2010; Lovewell, 2012), including stressors specific to the changing nature of foreign language teaching (Hiver & Dörnyei, 2015; Wieczorek, 2016) and to higher education (Kinman & Wray, 2013). This study seeks to understand how language teachers perceive of and experience their emotional well-being and what strategies they employ to manage it. Through a series of 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ESL/EFL tertiary-level teachers in the United States, Japan and Austria, we explore a range of contexts examining how participants perceive of factors that add to or detract from their emotional well-being, the challenges and joys these teachers face in their professional and personal lives, and the most salient emotional regulation strategies that they employ to manage their emotions.
Waning and Waxing of Love: Unpacking Layers of Teacher Emotion
Authors: Li Wendy , Rawal Hima
Published: February 2019

In this study, we investigated how an English-as-medium-of-instruction mathematics teacher in China and an English teacher in Nepal fell into and out of love with the teaching profession. A theoretical framework of love, which drew from the theorization of love in Barcelos and Coelho (2016) and Lanas and Zembylas (2015), was adopted to provide guidance for our understanding of the construct and our interpretation of the data. In this framework, love is conceptualized as being communicated through teachers’ attending to individual students, and building a mutually supportive learning environment. In addition, love is also seen as socially and historically constructed. Our data include interviews, teaching materials, and other curricular artifacts. Our findings revealed that teachers’ love toward the profession sustains their investment in teaching, and their love of their students helps them accept the students on the latter’s own terms. In addition, a loving relationship between teachers and students was also instantiated in the mutual understanding and support between both parties during classroom interactions. Finally, we also demonstrate how our two focal teachers’ love of the profession was either enhanced or worn out due to work-related sociopolitical factors.
Kinetic Flux Vector Splitting Method for Numerical Study of Two-dimensional Ripa Model
Authors: Ahmed Sidrah
Published: February 2019

The kinetic flux vector splitting method has been introduced for two-dimensional system of shallow water equations with horizontal temperature gradients. The scheme preserves positivity conditions and resolves different regions of shock waves, rarefaction waves and contact discontinuity with negligible oscillations. The scheme is based on splitting of flux functions of the Ripa model. Moreover Runge-Kutta time stepping technique with MUSCL-type initial reconstruction is used to guarantee higher order accurate solution. The numerical example is taken from already published article. The obtained results reveal the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.
A New Algorithm Based on Magic Square and a Novel Chaotic System for Image Encryption
Authors: AL-Hashemy Rageed Hussein , Mehdi Sadiq A.
Published: February 2019

This article introduces a simple and effective new algorithm for image encryption using a chaotic system which is based on the magic squares. This novel 3D chaotic system is invoked to generate a random key to encrypt any color image. A number of chaotic keys equal to the size of the image are generated by this chaotic system and arranged into a matrix then divided into non-overlapped submatrices. The image to be encrypted is also divided into sub-images, and each sub-image is multiplied by a magic matrix to produce another set of matrices. The XOR operation is then used on the resultant two sets of matrices to produce the encrypted image. The strength of the encryption method is tested in two folds. The first fold is the security analysis which includes key space analysis and sensitivity analysis. In the second fold, statistical analysis was performed, which includes the correlation coefficients, information entropy, the histogram, and analysis of differential attacks. Finally, the time of encryption and decryption was computed and show very good results.
Seeding the UEFA Champions League participants: evaluation of the reforms
Authors: Dagaev Dmitry , Rudyak Vladimir Yu.
Published: February 2019

We evaluate the sporting effects of the seeding system reforms in the Champions League, the major football club tournament organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Before the 2015–2016 season, the teams were seeded in the group stage by their ratings. Starting from the 2015–2016 season, national champions of the Top-7 associations are seeded in the first pot, whereas other teams are seeded by their rating as before. Taking effect from the season 2018–2019, the team’s rating no longer includes 20% of the rating of the association that the team represents. Using the prediction model, we simulate the whole UEFA season and obtain numerical estimates for competitiveness changes in the UEFA tournaments caused by these seeding reforms. We report only marginal changes in tournament metrics that characterize ability of the tournament to select the best teams and competitive balance. Probability of changes in the UEFA national association ranking does not exceed several percent for any association.
Time, Leeway, and the Laws of Nature: Why Humean Compatibilists Cannot Be Eternalists
Authors: Buckareff Andrei A.
Published: February 2019

Humean compatibilism combines a Humean conception of laws of nature with a strong dual-ability condition for free will that requires that agents possess the ability to decide differently when they make a free decision. On the Humean view of laws of nature, laws of nature are taken to be contingent non-governing descriptions of significant regularities that obtain in the entire history of the universe. On Humean compatibilism, agents are taken to possess dual ability when making free decisions because what the laws of nature will finally be is (at least partially) dependent upon how an agent decides. In this paper, I argue that the tenability of Humean compatibilism depends in part upon what theory of time is correct. More specifically, I argue that Humean compatibilism is untenable in a deterministic universe if eternalism is true.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-((4-chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, C14H12ClN3S
Authors: Liu Chao
Published: February 2019

C14H12ClN3S, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 27.967(7) Å, b = 5.9290(13) Å, c = 19.698(5) Å, β = 118.122(3)°, V = 2880.6(11) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0369, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1082, T = 293(2) K.
‘Showing one’s card’: Negotiating disclosure through game play in juvenile probation
Authors: Matarese Maureen T. , van Nijnatten Carolus
Published: February 2019

Communication between probation officers and juvenile offenders is essential, clarifying the nature and cause of possible disorders and providing insight into the chances of recidivism and/or recovery. Forensic social work, however, is complicated as it is both oriented toward collecting information for the court (forensic aims) and aimed at helping the juvenile’s improvement (social work aims). This paper examines two unique cases of probation officer-juvenile interaction that utilize a board game intended to foster disclosure. As any disclosure may be used against the juvenile in court, the juvenile must be compliant enough without disclosing too much. Using a combination of frame analysis and discourse analyses of delicacy, we describe how the game is used to encourage disclosure as well as how the game allows juveniles to appear compliant ultimately without disclosing much personal information.
Extraction of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Medium by Husk Biomass: Adsorption Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic study
Authors: Naseem Khalida , Huma Rahila , Shahbaz Aiman , Jamal Jawaria , Ur Rehman Muhammad Zia , Sharif Ahsan , Ahmed Ejaz , Begum Robina , Irfan Ahmad , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Farooqi Zahoor H.
Published: February 2019

This study describes the adsorption of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) ions from wastewater on Vigna radiata husk biomass. The ability of adsorbent to capture the metal ions has been found to be in the order of Ni (II)>Co (II) and Cu (II) depending upon the size and nature of metal ions to be adsorbed. It has been observed that percentage removal of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) ions increases with increase of adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH of the medium but up to a certain extent. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) for Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) ions has been found to be 11.05, 15.04 and 19.88 mg/g, respectively, under optimum conditions of adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH of the medium. Langmuir model best fits the adsorption process with R2 value approaches to unity for all metal ions as compared to other models because adsorption sites are seemed to be equivalent and only monolayer adsorption may occur as a result of binding of metal ion with a functional moiety of adsorbent. Pseudo second order kinetic model best interprets the adsorption process of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) ions. Thermodynamic parameters such as negative value of Gibbs energy (∆G°) gives information about feasibility and spontaneity of the process. Adsorption process was found to be endothermic for Cu (II) ions while exothermic for Co (II) and Ni (II) ions as signified by the value of enthalpy change (∆H°). Husk biomass was recycled three times for removal of Ni (II) from aqueous medium to investigate its recoverability and reusability. Moreover V. radiata husk biomass has a potential to extract Cu (II) and Ni (II) from electroplating wastewater to overcome the industrial waste water pollution.
With Open Hands …
Authors: Pineau Elyse Lamm
Published: February 2019

This production reflection describes the aesthetic and conceptual logics that informed a staging of Heavier than Air at Southern Illinois University. I take up the metaphor of “open hands” with which artists share and shape each others' stage work in order to reflect upon and rationalize the scripting and staging choices we made.
Resistance against Racism and the Figure of the Moor
Authors: Cloud Dana L.
Published: February 2019

This short essay is a response to Rachel N. Hastings's poem “Black Human.”
Encounters with Difference and the Entangled Enlivening of Being
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: February 2019

This essay explores the encounters through which individuals and their communities are territorialized and deterritorialized. Thinking through Henri Bergson's lines of ascent and descent, this article looks at migration and seeking refuge. It makes links between the colonization of New South Wales, Australia, and its people in the late 1700s, and the treatment of present-day refugees caught indefinitely in Australian offshore detention centers. It draws on stories of the author's own territorialization as a child and seeks new ways of understanding encounters with difference, and movement across borders.
Periconceptional environment and the developmental origins of disease
Authors: Velazquez Miguel A , Fleming Tom P , Watkins Adam J
Published: February 2019

The concept emerging from Professor David Barker’s seminal research on the developmental origins of later-life disease has progressed in many directions since it was first published. One critical question beingwhenduring gestation might environment alter the developmental programme with such enduring consequences. Here, we review the growing consensus from clinical and animal research that the period around conception, embracing gamete maturation and early embryogenesis might be the most vulnerable period. We focus on four types of environmental exposure shown to modify periconceptional reproduction and offspring development and health: maternal overnutrition and obesity; maternal undernutrition; paternal diet and health; and assisted reproductive technology. These conditions may act through diverse epigenetic, cellular and physiological mechanisms to alter gene expression and cellular signalling and function in the conceptus affecting offspring growth and metabolism leading to increased risk for cardiometabolic and neurological disease in later life.
Análisis de mezclas de residuos sólidos orgánicos empleadas en la fabricación de ladrillos ecológicos no estructurales
Authors: Sánchez Bernal Ruth , Pita Castañeda Jeannette , González Velandia Krystle Danitza , Hormaza Verdugo Jhonatan Andrés
Published: February 2019

Frente a la necesidad de generar estrategias para el aprovechamiento de residuos sólidos orgánicos en espacios reducidos que mitiguen su contaminación al ambiente, en esta investigación se evaluó la viabilidad del aprovechamiento de residuos orgánicos en la elaboración de ladrillos ecológicos no estructurales, mediante el análisis del comportamiento de parámetros fisicoquímicos con diferentes mezclas de residuos sólidos orgánicos. En la primera etapa de la investigación se trataron seis mezclas en procesos de compostaje aerobio y anaerobio, de las cuales se seleccionaron las dos que tardaron más tiempo en el proceso de biodegradación con el pH establecido por la normatividad. En la siguiente fase, las dos mezclas seleccionadas se encapsularon dentro de los ladrillos de tierra y se analizaron durante 45 días, posteriormente se seleccionó la mezcla de menor pérdida de masa para ser nuevamente encapsulada en el ladrillo durante un periodo de 3 meses. La biomasa resultante se sometió a análisis fisicoquímicos y se encontró que es viable el uso de residuos sólidos orgánicos encapsulados en los ladrillos de tierra no estructurales.
Identificación molecular y características fisiológicas de aislamientos de Trichoderma para el biocontrol de dos patógenos en la piña
Authors: Umaña-Castro Josué , Orozco-Cayasso Steffany , Umaña-Castro Rodolfo , Molina-Bravo Ramón
Published: February 2019

La contaminación ambiental por uso excesivo de agroquímicos ha dado lugar a la búsqueda de alternativas en la agricultura. Por esta razón, ha surgido el uso de agentes biológicos como alternativa para el combate de patógenos. Trichoderma es un agente biológico ampliamente utilizado, pero es difícil identificarlo a nivel de especie por sus características morfológicas. Además, Trichoderma forma complejos de especies, por lo que aumenta la importancia de ser correctamente identificado. Los productos biológicos también requieren ser fáciles de reproducir in vitro, generar conidios con alto porcentaje de germinación y demostrar actividad antagónica a un agente causante blanco. En este estudio, el objetivo fue determinar si las relaciones genéticas de 15 aislamientos de Trichoderma se asocian a 3 características deseables en productos de control biológico. Se analizaron 15 aislamientos monospóricos de Trichoderma nativos de la Región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica con efecto antagónico contra patógenos de la piña. Se midió la velocidad de crecimiento y el porcentaje de germinación. La velocidad de crecimiento promedio de los aislamientos a 25 ºC varió desde 0.90 a 1.20 mm · h-1 y el porcentaje de germinación entre 3 y 94 %. Para identificar las especies de este estudio, se secuenció el gen del factor de elongación de la traducción, TEF1-α y se identificaron 4 especies: T. reesei, T. spirale, T. asperellum/asperelloides y T. koningiopsis. Las distancias genéticas entre las especies se midieron aplicando 6 intermicrosatélites (ISSR). Las distancias genéticas mostraron una alta diversidad inter e intraespecífica. En condiciones controladas de laboratorio, el aislamiento 8a (T. reesei) mostró mayor efecto antagónico contra dos patógenos de la piña donde Fusarium oxysporum tuvo un crecimiento de 30 % y Pectobacterium carotovorum un 63 % en presencia de Trichoderma. Un test de Mantel determinó que no hay correlación entre las distancias genéticas y las distancias euclidianas de los parámetros de crecimiento ni con la respuesta de antagonismo. Se concluyó que estas características no son especies dependientes; sin embargo, los aislamientos mostraron alta diversidad dentro de un área geográfica poco amplia con características de interés biocontrolador.
Overcoming Students’ Limiting Viewpoints via Learner & Stress Mindset Teaching Interventions
Authors: Gold Jason
Published: February 2019

The mindsets, or core beliefs students hold towards learning, intelligence, challenge, resilience and stress can greatly influence their academic behaviours and achievement. However, students entering university may (inadvertently) have appropriated negative or self-limiting mindsets, which can adversely influence not only their academic success but also their overall mental and physical well-being. Constructively stated, these mindsets can be taught by targeting students’ core beliefs. Educational interventions have shown to transform students’ experiences and achievements in school. This case study has two overall purposes. First, to ascertain to what extent university students’ mindsets are self-limiting. Second, to discover if classroom mindset interventions throughout a semester can be effective in helping students realize and overcome any such self- limiting viewpoints. The interventions were separated into four distinct sessions based on four key areas of academic tenacity: 1) Learner Mindsets (Fixed vs Growth); 2) Performance vs Learning Goals; 3) Grit/resilience; and 4) Stress Mindsets. A mixed method research design was employed to collect data from 53 Japanese university ESL students. Questionnaires given before and after the intervention were employed for data collection. To support the quantitative data, qualitative data analysis was conducted at the end of the semester through student reflections. Results from baseline questionnaires showed a notable percentage of students initially did have self-limiting viewpoints regarding academic tenacity factors. However, final questionnaires and reflections showed a significant shift in awareness, and the desire by students to utilize positive mindsets in their academic, professional, and personal lives.