bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between perceived problem‐solving skills and academic performance of novice learners in introductory programming courses
Authors: Veerasamy Ashok Kumar , D'Souza Daryl , Lindén Rolf , Laakso Mikko‐Jussi
Published: November 2018

Past research has shown that student problem‐solving skills may be used to determine student final exam performance. This study reports on the relationship between student perceived problem‐solving skills and academic performance in introductory programming, in formative and summative programming assessment tasks. We found that the more effective problem solvers achieved better final exam scores. There was no significant difference in formative assessment performances between effective and poor problem solvers. It is also possible to categorize students on the basis of problem‐solving skills, in order to exploit opportunities to improve learning around constructivist learning theory. Finally, our study identified transferability skills and the study may be extended to identify the impact of problem solving transfer skills on student problem solving for programming.
Kes Sesi: A mobile game designed to improve kindergarteners' recognition of letter sounds
Authors: Samur Yavuz
Published: November 2018

Learning letters is an important area of language learning, conducive to the beginning of reading and writing. Indeed, today's generation prefers to learn through digital games rather than through formal teaching processes. Inspired by this need, the researcher designed this study (a) to test the effectiveness of an instructional digital game, “Kes Sesi,” designed to teach letter recognition skills and (b) to briefly present its instructional development process, which was based on the ADDIE model. This was a quasi‐experimental study with two treatment groups and a control group involving 87 kindergarteners. Treatment groups played the game for 12–6 weeks for learning, 6 weeks for practice. The control group continued with its regular class activities. One treatment group played the game based on predefined sound categorization, the other without any categorization. A test on children's sound recognition abilities was administered three times as a pretest, a midtest, and a posttest. The treatment groups performed significantly better than the control group. The game enhanced the kindergarteners' ability to practice uncategorized content while it enhanced their ability to learn categorized content. The results are promising in that Kes Sesi can be useful in self‐supported learning contexts with little adult input and with minimum outside interference.
Comparison of automated clinical and research blood pressure measurements: Implications for clinical practice and trial design
Authors: Tang Olive , Juraschek Stephen P. , Appel Lawrence J. , Cooper Lisa A. , Charleston Jeanne , Boonyasai Romsai T. , Carson Kathryn A. , Yeh Hsin‐Chieh , Miller Edgar R.
Published: November 2018

Discrepancies between clinic and research blood pressure (BP) measurements lead to uncertainties in translating hypertension management guidelines into practice. We assessed the concordance between standardized automated clinic BP, from a primary care clinic, and research BP, from a randomized trial conducted at the same site. Mean single‐visit clinic BP was higher by 4.4/3.8 mm Hg (P = 0.007/<0.001). Concordance in systolic BP (SBP) improved with closer proximity of measurements (difference = 2.5 mm Hg, P = 0.21 for visits within 7 days), but not averaging across multiple visits (difference =5.1(9.2) mm Hg; P < 0.001). This discrepancy was greater among female participants. Clinic‐based difference in SBP between two visits was more variable than research‐based change (SD = 19.6 vs 14.0; P = 0.002); a 2‐arm trial using clinic measurements would need 95% more participants to achieve comparable power. Implementation of a bundled standardization intervention decreased discrepancies between clinic and research BP, compared to prior reports. However, clinic measurements remained higher and more variable, suggesting treatment to research‐based targets may lead to overtreatment and using clinic BP approximately halves power in trials.
The relationship between phospholipids and insulin resistance: From clinical to experimental studies
Authors: Chang Wenguang , Hatch Grant M. , Wang Yu , Yu Fei , Wang Man
Published: November 2018

Insulin resistance induced by high‐fat diet and impropriate life style is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of metabolic disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies in metabolic dysfunction have extended this beyond simply elevated cholesterol and triglycerides levels and have identified a key role for lipid metabolism. For example, altered phospholipid metabolism has now become central in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease. In this review, we discuss the association between insulin sensitivity and phospholipid metabolism and highlight the most significant discoveries generated over the last several decades. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge surrounding the molecular mechanisms related to phospholipids and insulin resistance and provide new insight for future research into their relationship.
Assessment of water and energy use at process level in the U.S. beef packing industry: Case study in a typical U.S. large‐size plant
Authors: Li Shaobin , Ziara Rami M. M. , Dvorak Bruce , Subbiah Jeyamkondan
Published: November 2018

Food processing industries consume intensive water and energy to produce food products. However, their water and energy data are scarce and require for good measurement approaches. This study presents data collection and analysis of process‐level water and energy use in a large‐size U.S. beef packing plant through a combined use of portable and in‐line meters and theoretical calculations. The kill floor and plant cleaning are the primary water users, accounting for 28.7 and 24.0%, respectively. The refrigeration compressor system is the largest user of electricity, consuming 24.5% of plant‐wide electricity. Heating of water for plant cleaning and food safety purposes is the largest thermal energy use in summer (81%) and second‐largest in winter (49.7%), with unit heating values of 625 and 666 MJ/ton live cattle weight in the summer and winter, respectively. Twice as much thermal energy is used in the winter than summer due to space heating requirements. A regression analysis found that as outdoor temperatures increased, a slight water use increase and larger energy use decrease were observed.

Practical applications

Currently available data on water and energy use in the U.S. beef packing industry are scarce, thus limiting the ability to develop new water and energy efficient technologies and policies based on an understanding of the current baseline operations. The current study conducts a detailed assessment of water and energy use at process level to enhance the understanding of the food‐energy‐water nexus in the beef processing industry, where limited data are available. Engineers can apply this case study as an example to share with their clients seeking to collect and analyze data with the goal of identifying water and energy conservation approaches. These results will inform beef processing researchers as they design novel technologies with that may result in improved water and energy efficiencies.
The impact of intense rainfall on insurance losses in two Swedish cities
Authors: Blumenthal Barbara , Nyberg Lars
Published: November 2018

While a major part of previous research in the field of flood damage has focused on water depth as the most important causal factor, little attention has been paid to the role of rainfall intensity. As a test, this paper used correlation and regression analyses to investigate rainfall intensity as a factor affecting flood damage. For a time period of 15 years, the relationship between insurance losses caused by floods and rainfall intensity data from rain gauges was examined in two Swedish cities. Another objective was to find an approach for damage functions based on rainfall intensity as explanatory variable. Using linear regression, two approaches with considerable high degrees of explanation were found–one based on an exponential function and one on a power function. Using a lower limit for rainfall intensity, the approaches reached degrees of explanation between 30 and 78%. From this study it was concluded that rainfall intensity during the summer months and the occurrence of insurance damages per day caused by floods were correlated and further that rainfall intensity has a great potential to explain urban flood damages. In the future, additional studies are needed to validate the proposed methods and integrate other flood damage affecting factors in the approach.
Thrombocytopenia: A prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus after hepatectomy
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Qiang , Wang Kang , Zhang Xiu‐Ping , Wei Xu‐Biao , Jiang Ya‐Bo , Hu Yi‐Ren , Mao Fei‐Fei , Guo Wei‐Xing , Shi Jie , Cheng Shu‐Qun
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) predicts a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Platelets (PLTs) play an important role in HCC progression and metastasis. However, the relationship between PLTs and PVTT remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the value of PLT counts in the prognosis of HCC patients with PVTT after hepatectomy.

Methods

From January 2002 to December 2012, 694 HCC patients with PVTT after hepatectomy were evaluated. The patients were divided into the thrombocytopenia group (PLT < 100 × 109/L), the normal group, and the thrombocytosis group (PLT > 300 × 109/L) based on the preoperative PLT level. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used.

Results

Before the PSM, PVTT patients with thrombocytopenia exhibited longer recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those with normal PLT counts (both P < 0.001) or thrombocytosis (P = 0.008 and P = 0.046). For the thrombocytopenia group and the normal group, the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year RFS values were 30.0%, 17.6%, and 15.7% and were 10.8%, 6.6%, and 5.8% (P < 0.001), respectively; the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS values were 61.9%, 37.9%, and 31.2% and were 38.3%, 23.3%, and 16.0% (P < 0.001), respectively. After the PSM, the median survival time was 16.6 versus 8.6 months (P < 0.002) in the two groups. A subgroup analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia is associated with improved OS in those with type I PVTT (P = 0.021) or type II PVTT (P = 0.029).

Conclusion

According to the PSM, preoperative thrombocytopenia predicts an increased RFS and OS in HCC patients with PVTT after hepatectomy.
Global Economic Divergence and Portfolio Capital Flows to Emerging Markets
Authors: MANDALINCI ZEYYAD , MUMTAZ HAROON
Published: November 2018

This paper studies the role of global and regional variations in economic activity and policy in developed world in driving portfolio capital flows (PCFs) to emerging markets (EMs). Results suggest that PCFs to EMs depend mainly on economic activity at the global level and monetary policy in America and Asia, positively on the former and negatively on the latters. PCFs are procyclical with respect to global activity, but countercyclical to regional activity. In aggregate, regional variations contribute more than global variations. This implies that economic divergence in the developed world can have significant effects on EMs via PCFs.
Evaluation of cherry cultivar susceptibility to bacterial canker and leaf spot disease
Authors: Iličić Renata , Balaž Jelica , Ognjanov Vladislav , Jošić Dragana , Vlajić Slobodan , Ljubojević Mirjana , Popović Tatjana
Published: November 2018

In this study, the susceptibility of different sweet (19) and sour cherry (3) cultivars (cvs.) to the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and P. s. pv. morsprunorum race 1 causing bacterial canker (sensu stricto) and leaf spot was evaluated. Susceptibility to bacterial canker was examined by artificial inoculations of 1‐year‐old rooted trees, which revealed susceptibility of all cvs. to both P. syringae pathovars. Susceptibility level differed among cvs.; sweet cherry cvs. Katalin, Linda, Summit, New Star and Bigarreau Burlat were highly susceptible, sour cherry cvs. Érdi bôtermô and sweet cherry Drogan's Yellow, Carmen, Germersdorfer and Noir de Meched were susceptible. Sour cherry cvs. Španska and Újfehértói fürtös, as well as sweet cherry cv. Rita were found to be less susceptible to bacterial canker. Susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot disease was evaluated on naturally infected (field conditions) and artificially inoculated leaves (laboratory conditions). Severe symptoms of bacterial spot with shot hole appearance were observed in cherry leaves at the beginning of May under field conditions. In all collected leaf samples, presence of P. s. pv. morsprunorum race 1 was determined. Sweet cherries Valery Chkalov, Summit, Bigarreau Burlat and New Star were highly susceptible to this bacterium. No symptoms of bacterial spot were found on sweet cherries Solomary gomboly, Linda, Germersdorfer, Hedelfinger, Katalin, Margit, Carmen, Aida, Sunburst, Alex, Peter, Rita and Kavics and sour cherry Érdi bôtermô. In laboratory conditions, susceptibility of the tested cvs. varied and mostly depended on the inoculation method. Nonetheless, sweet cherry cvs. Carmen and Margit and sour cherry Érdi bôtermô exhibited a certain level of resistance.
Constituent Demand and District‐Focused Legislative Representation
Authors: Wessel Tromborg Mathias , Schwindt‐Bayer Leslie A.
Published: November 2018

Legislative responsiveness to constituent demands is integral to the concept of representation. Yet, research on district‐focused legislative behavior and priorities, such as allocating resources to districts, has largely ignored constituent demand as an explanatory variable. In this article, we propose a demand‐based theory of district‐targeted legislative resource allocation. The theoretical model suggests that district demand for legislative resources is determined by the district’s relative deprivation of such resources and that legislators have an electoral incentive to respond to district demand due to the credit‐claiming opportunities associated with doing so. These possibilities are tested with region‐wide mass and elite survey data from Latin America, and the results suggest that constituent demand is not only a normatively but also an empirically important predictor of district‐focused legislative behavior.
The evolution of abdominal microbiomes in fungus‐growing ants
Authors: Sapountzis Panagiotis , Nash David R. , Schiøtt Morten , Boomsma Jacobus J.
Published: November 2018

The attine ants are a monophyletic lineage that switched to fungus farming ca. 55–60 MYA. They have become a model for the study of complex symbioses after additional fungal and bacterial symbionts were discovered, but their abdominal endosymbiotic bacteria remain largely unknown. Here, we present a comparative microbiome analysis of endosymbiotic bacteria spanning the entire phylogenetic tree. We show that, across 17 representative sympatric species from eight genera sampled in Panama, abdominal microbiomes are dominated by Mollicutes, α‐ and γ‐Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Bacterial abundances increase from basal to crown branches in the phylogeny reflecting a shift towards putative specialized and abundant abdominal microbiota after the ants domesticated gongylidia‐bearing cultivars, but before the origin of industrial‐scale farming based on leaf‐cutting herbivory. This transition coincided with the ancestral single colonization event of Central/North America ca. 20 MYA, documented in a recent phylogenomic study showing that almost the entire crown group of the higher attine ants, including the leaf‐cutting ants, evolved there and not in South America. Several bacterial species are located in gut tissues or abdominal organs of the evolutionarily derived, but not the basal attine ants. The composition of abdominal microbiomes appears to be affected by the presence/absence of defensive antibiotic‐producing actinobacterial biofilms on the worker ants' cuticle, but the significance of this association remains unclear. The patterns of diversity, abundance and sensitivity of the abdominal microbiomes that we obtained explore novel territory in the comparative analysis of attine fungus farming symbioses and raise new questions for further in‐depth research.
Autopsied centenarian case of Alzheimer's disease combined with hippocampal sclerosis, TDP‐43, and α‐synuclein pathologies
Authors: Iwasaki Yasushi , Deguchi Akira , Mori Keiko , Ito Masumi , Kawai Yoshinari , Akagi Akio , Mimuro Maya , Miyahara Hiroaki , Yoshida Mari
Published: November 2018

A Japanese woman showed slowly progressive memory disturbance starting at the age of 84 years, and disorientation gradually appeared. Head computed tomography revealed severe hippocampal atrophy, whereas the atrophy of the frontal lobe was considerably mild for her age. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were relatively inconspicuous during the disease course. Apolipoprotein E gene analysis showed ε3/ε4 heterozygosity. She died at the age of 100 years and she was clinically diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease (AD). Autopsy revealed numerous neurofibrillary tangles, particularly in the hippocampal region, and extensively distributed senile plaques in the brain. Although the findings were compatible with the pathological criteria for AD, combined pathologies of hippocampal sclerosis, trans‐activation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa, and α‐synuclein were also revealed. We believe that the clinicopathological findings of the present case are of significance for the diagnosis of elderly dementia and pathogenesis of AD.
Photo‐Fenton and Riboflavin‐photosensitized Processes of the Isoxaflutole Herbicide
Authors: Gatica Eduardo , Possetto David , Reynoso Agustina , Natera José , Miskoski Sandra , De Gerónimo Eduardo , Bregliani Mabel , Pajares Adriana , Massad Walter A.
Published: November 2018

The proherbicide Isoxaflutole (IXF) hydrolyzes spontaneously to diketonitrile (DKN) a phytotoxic compound with herbicidal activity. In this work, the sensitized degradation of IXF using Riboflavin (Rf), a typical environmentally friendly sensitizer, Fenton and photo‐Fenton processes has been studied. The results indicate that only the photo‐Fenton process produces a significant degradation of the IXF. Photolysis experiments of IXF sensitized by Riboflavin is not a meaningful process, IXF quenches the Rf excited triplet (3Rf*) state with a quenching rate constant of 1.5 · 107 m−1 s−1 and no reaction is observed with the species O2(1Δg) or generated from 3Rf*. The Fenton reaction produces no changes in the IXF concentration. While the photo‐Fenton process of the IXF, under typical conditions, it produces a degradation of 99% and a mineralization to CO2 and H2O of 88%. A rate constant value of 1.0 × 109 m−1 s−1 was determined for the reaction between IXF and HO˙. The photo‐Fenton process degradation products were identified by UHPLC‐MS/MS analysis.
When Do Natural Resources Harm Fiscal Health? Evidence from the United States
Authors: Carr Douglas A. , Fails Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Do natural resources have harmful economic consequences? This question is central to the interdisciplinary “resource curse” literature, but important questions remain unanswered. At the same time, the discovery of new resource deposits around the world and technological developments that enable greater resource extraction make understanding the dynamics of the resource curse even more pressing. This article addresses these issues by focusing on the relationship between resource abundance and fiscal outcomes, which we argue more accurately reflects the causal mechanisms emphasized in existing research than aggregate economic outcomes like increases in gross domestic product per capita. We describe a variety of hypotheses linking resource abundance to fiscal health, including how political and institutional factors can either mitigate or exacerbate the effect of resource wealth, and test these arguments using state‐level data from the United States encompassing the years 1992‐2014. This focus on subnational variation helps minimize some of the limitations of the cross‐country comparisons that have dominated the prior literature. Our regression results suggest that, contrary to the most pessimistic theories, resource wealth is often associated with stronger fiscal performance at the state level. However, a number of factors, including levels of political polarization, legislative term limits, and lower wage growth, negate these benefits.

Related Articles:

Khodr, Hiba. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 271‐310. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12068

Day, Jonathan, and Keith Boeckelman. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 320‐338. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00347.x

Prier, Eric, and Kevin Wagner. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 101‐125. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00163.x
Using sparse categorical principal components to estimate asset indices: new methods with an application to rural southeast asia
Authors: Merola Giovanni Maria , Baulch Bob
Published: November 2018

Asset indices have been used since the late 1990s to measure wealth in developing countries. We extend the standard methodology for estimating asset indices using principal component analysis in two ways: by introducing constraints that force the indices to have increasing value as the number of assets owned increases, and by estimating sparse indices with a few key assets. This is achieved by combining categorical and sparse principal component analysis. We also apply this methodology to the estimation of per capita level asset indices. Using household survey data from northwest Vietnam and northeast Laos, we show that the resulting asset indices improve the prediction and ranking of income both at household and per capita level.
The unstudied reference neighborhood: Towards a critical theory of empirical neighborhood studies
Authors: Howell Junia
Published: November 2018

Ethnographic and quantitative studies of urban neighborhoods have played an essential role in contrasting deeply held stereotypes, highlighting systemic injustices, and shaping federal urban policy. However, the majority of these studies focus on a small slice of the most marginalized urban neighborhoods, leaving much unknown about the vast majority of communities and how to address persisting inequality. This piece examines these empirical and theoretical shortcomings and proposes integrating critical theory into empirical studies of neighborhoods. This new theoretical approach has implications not only for how scholars conduct their research but also for how this research is applied in public policy. Suggestions for future studies and policy are discussed.
Psychosocial characteristics of blood donors influence their voluntary nonmedical lapse
Authors: Merz Eva‐Maria , Ferguson Eamonn , van Dongen Anne
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10% of Dutch donors lapse yearly. Common reasons are nonvoluntary medical issues (e.g., low hemoglobin), reaching the upper age limit, and voluntary (e.g., own request, nonresponse). Little is known about predictors of voluntary noncompliance (lapses). Psychosocial characteristics have been linked to various health behaviors, including voluntary noncompliance. Hence, we investigated whether psychosocial characteristics, measured before the first donation, similarly predict subsequent voluntary nonmedical lapse.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

New donors (n = 4861) randomly received a blood donation survey between July 2008 and March 2009, before their first appointment at the blood bank. Voluntary lapses included personal reasons, nonresponse to invitations, donor who could not be reached, and no show. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models of lapse on psychosocial characteristics and confounders (e.g., demographics) were estimated.

RESULTS

Of 2964 donors who took the questionnaire, more than one‐third (36.5%) had voluntarily lapsed due to nonmedical reasons by 2016. Univariate regression showed that lapse negatively associated with norms, attitudes, and intentions toward blood donation; self‐efficacy; and more donation experience. Lapse positively associated with anxiety. Multivariate Cox models showed that lapse was primarily driven by anxiety and need for information.

CONCLUSION

Certain psychosocial characteristics increase risks of voluntary lapse. Especially donors with higher donation anxiety had increased lapsing risks. They might benefit from extra attention during donation. Donors with more information need or wish about procedure and patients were less likely to lapse, indicating that binding with the blood bank might prevent lapse. Generally, this study showed that donor lapse and donor return are determined by different psychosocial factors not just the reverse of each other.
Validation of an ELISA for detection of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in equine serum
Authors: Jacobsen Stine , Berg Lise C. , Tvermose Emil , Laurberg Malene B. , van Galen Gaby
Published: November 2018

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been shown to be a useful marker of kidney injury in people and dogs, but has not been described in horses.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to validate a commercially available porcine‐specific ELISA to measure serum concentrations of equine NGAL.

Methods

Intra‐ and interassay imprecisions were evaluated by multiple measurements on equine serum pools. Assay inaccuracy was determined by the linearity under dilution. Overlapping performance was assessed by measuring NGAL concentrations in horses with normal and elevated serum creatinine levels.

Results

Intra‐ and interassay imprecision (coefficient of variation) ranged from 5.35% to 28.39%. The ELISA showed no signs of inaccuracy. Overlapping performance was acceptable, as the assay was able to detect the expected differences of NGAL levels in horses with normal and elevated serum creatinine concentrations.

Conclusions

Equine serum NGAL concentrations could be quantified reliably using the porcine‐specific ELISA.
Short‐term perioperative iron in major orthopedic surgery: state of the art
Authors: Gómez‐Ramírez Susana , Maldonado‐Ruiz María Ángeles , Campos‐Garrigues Arturo , Herrera Antonio , Muñoz Manuel
Published: November 2018

In major orthopaedic surgery, it is recommended to detect and correct preoperative anaemia several weeks prior to surgery. However, in many cases, the procedure is urgent or the patient is evaluated shortly before the intervention. As iron deficiency is the leading cause of perioperative anaemia, an exhaustive review of the literature was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of short‐term perioperative intravenous, with or without erythropoietin, or postoperative oral or intravenous supplementation in major orthopaedic surgery. Overall, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 13 randomized trials (moderate quality) and seven observational studies (low to very low quality). The primary outcomes were reduction in transfusion requirements, haemoglobin increase and medication side‐effects during the study period. Data analysis showed that postoperative oral iron administration neither increased haemoglobin nor reduced transfusion requirements, and it was associated with significant gastrointestinal adverse effects (15%). In contrast, for some patient populations, perioperative or postoperative administration of intravenous iron, with or without recombinant erythropoietin, may reduce transfusion requirements and/or hasten the recovery from postoperative, with few clinically relevant adverse effects (<2%). However, discrepancies between randomized trials and observational studies on the possible beneficial effects of short‐term perioperative intravenous iron administration were found for patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture repair. Further studies are needed to elucidate when the treatment should be started, which combination of drugs should be used, and which patient groups would be most benefit.
Outcome following cosmetic rostral nasal reconstruction after planectomy in 26 dogs
Authors: Dickerson Vanna M. , Grimes Janet A. , Vetter Catherine A. , Colopy Sara A. , Duval Julie M. , Northrup Nicole C. , Schmiedt Chad W.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To report the outcome and owner satisfaction after planectomy for nasal planum neoplasia with cosmetic reconstruction with bilateral labial mucocutaneous rotation flaps in dogs.

Study design

Multi‐institutional, retrospective case series.

Animals

Twenty‐six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records were searched for dogs that had undergone the procedure. Signalment, diagnosis, surgery, complications, requirement for revision surgery, recurrence, and survival information were recorded. Owners were contacted by telephone about their dog's quality of life after the procedure and their satisfaction with their dog's outcome.

Results

Twenty‐five dogs underwent radical planectomy, and 1 dog underwent resection of the nasal planum. Twenty‐four dogs had a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 had a diagnosis of atypical adenocarcinoma, and 1 had a diagnosis of a mast cell tumor. Complications occurred in 19 (73%) dogs, with 9 dogs requiring revision surgery; 1 dog not surviving to discharge. Median survival time was 1542 days (range, 3‐2010). Recurrence of the primary tumor was suspected in 2 (7.7%) dogs, both with narrow or incomplete excision. Among 11 owners interviewed, 10 were satisfied with their dog's appearance, and 8 reported they would consent to the procedure again.

Conclusion

Dehiscence was common after this procedure, but local tumor control and survival times were excellent. Owner satisfaction was high, although preoperative client education is vital.

Clinical significance

This technique should be considered as a viable option for dogs with nasal planum neoplasia given the high rate of recurrence with less aggressive treatment. Complications common following surgery, but do not persist long term and survival times were excellent.
MATHEMATICS LEARNING BASED ISLAMIC ECONOMY USING MIND MAP PAINTING
Authors: Widayati Farida Esti , Nur Sholikhah Ayuk , Prabowo Ade , Nizam Muhammad
Published: November 2018

This paper describes about a mathematics learning based on fiqh (Islamic economic) and assisted by mind map painting. The learning objectives of this paper are not only to construct students' knowledge of learning materials, but also inculcate moral values based on the science of fiqh (Islamic economic). It is as stated in the national learning goals is to establish the appropriate nature of religious norms, knowledgeable and creative. One of the mathematics instructional materials contained in the science of fiqh (Islamic economic) is a social arithmetic. In this paper,it is asocial learning arithmetic using mind map painting. Mind map painting capable of developing the mind and improving the memory. Moreover, mind map painting capable of improving the absorption of information, problem solving and increase ability to think. Syntax learning in this paper, namely, 1) the opening, starting together to read and understand the gist of one letter of the Qur'an, 2) the core activities, the provision of video illustration initial problems, the provision of material and finish problem of the video, create a mind map painting and present it to the class, 3) cover, giving feedback on the presentations and jointly concluded learning outcomes. So the learning mathematics based on Islamic economy using mind map painting is expected to construct students' knowledge and foster the student's character based on the science of fiqh (Islamic economic).
FAKTOR DORONGAN PERSAMBUNGAN SANAD KITAB HADIS DALAM PENGAJIAN TALAQQI BERSANAD DI MALAYSIA(THE MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS BEHIND CONTINUOUS "SANAD" IN THE LEARNING OF "TALAQQI BERSANAD" IN MALAYSIA)
Authors: Mohd. Ramli Farhah Zaidar , Abdul Majid Latifah , Nazri Mohd Arif
Published: November 2018

Talaqqi with Sanad (TB) is one of the teaching approach Islamic tradition, in which it is conducted directly in front of of the al-musnid (teacher). It is practiced through a combination of al-samac, al-qira'ah and al-ijazah methods. These three methods are adapted until now in narrating the compilition of hadiths of the Prophet S.A.W from various books (kitab) with no exception a compilation of hadith from great books like Sahih al-Bukhari. The major implication of TB application is the continuation of sanad genealogy between the teachers and the students until it reaches to the compilers of the book of hadiths. The summit of the genealogy of the book will link back to the source of hadiths that is from the Prophet S.A.W. TB phenomenon was also recorded systematically by the figures of hadiths as the al-musnid in the works known as al-thabat beginning in the sixth century until the fifteenth century Hijri. However in Malaysia, TB tradition is very little known and rarely practiced. Even so, the qualitative analysis derived from the documents and interviews shows that the phenomenon of sanad continuation through TB in Malaysia still continues to be applied by the local al-musnid teachers based on four motivating factors, namely the preservation of sanad genealogy, chain affiliation ties of sanad with the Prophet S.A.W as well as his heir, the exemplary tradition of expert knowledge and the care of sanad cali. All of these encouragements also show the importance of the function of sanad to the book of hadith nowadays, in which its sustainability should be continued through the application of TB.
KAJIAN KEMUNGKINAN PENUBUHAN PERMODALAN BAITULMAL KEBANGSAAN (FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL BAITUL MAL)
Authors: Yaacob Ahmad Che
Published: November 2018

A fesiability study for the creation of national entity of baitulmal was carried out and presented to a National Technical Committee at Jabatan Wakaf Zakat dan Haji of Prime Minister Department in 2010. The study was carried out as by visiting 15 government agencies, corporate institutions, the Muftis as well as selected Majlis Agama Islam negeri. During the visit the research team has presented a proposal for creation of national entity for baitulmal and conducted an interviews and survey to obtain their views. The result shown that all the respondents have agreed with the proposal to set up a National Investment of Baitulmal. This paper aims to elucidate the importance of creating this entity.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of The Underlying Structure of Talent Management Practices Among Universities in Uganda
Authors: Miiro Farooq
Published: November 2018

The empirical study presents the findings generated from 300 randomly selected respondednts from six universities in the central region of Uganda. The survey tool contained 24 self-reported items with a five point Likert measuring scale chosen from the earlier studies done on the four sub-dimension of talent management construct. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used with Promax rotation to establish whether identification, development, culture and retention are true dimensions of talent management construct. The results from the date exhibited that the four factors of talent management structure were explained at 56.1% variance. The validity and reliability were sound enough since the internal consistency scale estimates ranged from 0.837 (identification), 0.7(development), 0.707 (culture) and 0.758 (retention) for the factor structure extracted. Lastly, the findings gave plausible empirical evidence for the validity of the four sub-dimensions and their individual items.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genera Euseius Wainstein and Gynaseius Wainstein (Acari: Mesostigmata: Amblyseiinae) from Taiwan
Authors: Liao Jhih-Rong , Ho Chyi-Chen , Fang Xiao-Duan , Chiun-Cheng Ko
Published: November 2018

Euseius nicholsi (Ehara & Lee), E. sojaensis (Ehara), and Gynaseius santosoi (Ehara) are reported for the first time from Taiwan. The new records were re-described based on Taiwanese specimens collected from various plants. In addition, a new species, E. oolong sp. nov., was described and illustrated. Identification keys for Taiwanese species of Euseius Wainstein and world species of genus Gynaseius Wainstein are provided.
Cross-language differences in how voice quality andfcontours map to affect
Authors: Yanushevskaya Irena , Gobl Christer , Ní Chasaide Ailbhe
Published: November 2018

The relationship between prosody and perceived affect involves multiple variables. This paper explores the interplay of three: voice quality, f0 contour, and the hearer's language background. Perception tests were conducted with speakers of Irish English, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese using three types of synthetic stimuli: (1) stimuli varied in voice quality, (2) stimuli of uniform (modal) voice quality incorporating affect-related f0 contours, and (3) stimuli combining specific non-modal voice qualities with the affect-related f0 contours of (2). The participants rated the stimuli for the presence/strength of affective colouring on six bipolar scales, e.g., happy-sad. The results suggest that stimuli incorporating non-modal voice qualities, with or without f0 variation, are generally more effective in affect cueing than stimuli varying only in f0. Along with similarities in the affective responses across these languages, many points of divergence were found, both in terms of the range and strength of affective responses overall and in terms of specific stimulus-to-affect associations. The f0 contour may play a more important role, and tense voice a lesser role in affect signalling in Japanese and Spanish than in Irish English and Russian. The greatest cross-language differences emerged for the affects intimate, formal, stressed, and relaxed.
An ancient Turing-like patterning mechanism regulates skin denticle development in sharks
Authors: Cooper Rory L. , Thiery Alexandre P. , Fletcher Alexander G. , Delbarre Daniel J. , Rasch Liam J. , Fraser Gareth J.
Published: November 2018

Diverse skin appendages, from shark denticles to bird feathers, develop via a conserved and ancient Turing patterning mechanism.
Music tunes the brain in autism
Authors: Jones Rebecca M.
Published: November 2018

Music intervention alters brain activation and improves social communication skills in children with autism.
Exploiting human T
regs
’ sweet tooth to improve cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zeng Hu
Published: November 2018

TLR8 activation enhances cancer immunotherapy by reprograming of glucose metabolism in regulatory T cells.
Evaluation of the CosmosID Bioinformatics Platform for Prosthetic Joint-Associated Sonicate Fluid Shotgun Metagenomic Data Analysis
Authors: Yan Qun , Wi Yu Mi , Thoendel Matthew J. , Raval Yash S. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Abdel Matthew P. , Jeraldo Patricio R. , Chia Nicholas , Patel Robin
Published: November 2018

We previously demonstrated that shotgun metagenomic sequencing can detect bacteria in sonicate fluid, providing a diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). A limitation of the approach that we used is that data analysis was time-consuming and specialized bioinformatics expertise was required, both of which are barriers to routine clinical use.
Evaluation of Vitek MS for Differentiation of
Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
Genotypes
Authors: Siqueira Lumena P. Machado , Gimenes Viviane M. Favero , de Freitas Roseli Santos , Melhem Márcia de Souza Carvalho , Bonfietti Lucas Xavier , da Silva Afonso Rafael , Souza Santos Letícia B. , Motta Adriana L. , Rossi Flavia , Benard Gil , de Almeida João N.
Published: November 2018

Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
are the main pathogenic species of invasive cryptococcosis among the
Cryptococcus
species. Taxonomic studies have shown that these two taxa have different genotypes or molecular types with biological and ecoepidemiological peculiarities.
Utility of lung ultrasound scanning in neonatology
Authors: Woods Patricia Lee
Published: November 2018

The utility of point-of-care lung ultrasound in neonatology is rapidly expanding. This review summarises current evidence of a diagnostic, procedural and observational tool valuable in the management of newborns requiring intensive care. Approaching a patient, probe in-hand with focused clinical question is essential, and barriers to implication together with important research questions are explored.
Coronary artery aneurysms are more severe in infants than in older children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Cameron Scott A , Carr Michael , Pahl Elfriede , DeMarais Nicole , Shulman Stanford T , Rowley Anne H
Published: November 2018

Objective

We aimed to compare the severity of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease between infants and older children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed and compared coronary artery dilation and aneurysm severity in infants <1 year of age with Kawasaki disease at our centre over a 10-year period with that observed in children ≥1 year of age in the Pediatric Heart Network Trial of Pulse Steroid Therapy in Kawasaki Disease. Coronary artery abnormalities were defined by z-scores according to American Heart Association guidelines.

Results

Of the 93 infants identified during the study period, 80 were treated with intravenous gamma globulin within the first 10 days of illness and were included for comparison to 170 children ≥1 year of age treated in the same time frame from the Pediatric Heart Network public database. The mean maximum z-score was significantly higher in infants compared with older children (3.37 vs 2.07, p<0.001). A higher incidence of medium and giant aneurysms was observed in infants compared with children ≥1 year of age (11% vs 3% for medium aneurysms, p=0.015; 8% vs <1% for giant aneurysms, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Infants with Kawasaki disease have more severe coronary artery dilation compared with older children, and a higher prevalence of medium and giant aneurysms. Because adverse outcomes are closely linked to the maximal coronary artery diameter in Kawasaki disease, patients diagnosed as infants require very close long-term monitoring for cardiac complications.
Pelvic pain in young girls: not only dysmenorrhoea!
Authors: Veiga Vera Furtado , Ribeiro Barbara , Afonso Hermínia , Reis Isabel
Published: November 2018

Imperforate hymen is the most frequent cause of haematocolpos, although it is a rare malformation (1:2000). We present two cases of young girls with cyclic abdominal pain and urinary symptoms. At gynaecological examination, they all presented imperforate hymen and ultrasound revealed significant vaginal distension. X-shaped hymenectomy was performed in all patients. The later the diagnosis of imperforate hymen, the higher the risk of complications like haematometra, haematosalpinx, haemoperitoneum and infections such as tubo-ovarian abscesses, peritonitis and endometriosis (retrograde menstruation theory).
Physical activity on prescription in accordance with the Swedish model increases physical activity: a systematic review
Authors: Onerup Aron , Arvidsson Daniel , Blomqvist Åse , Daxberg Eva-Lotte , Jivegård Lennart , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H , Lundqvist Stefan , Mellén Anders , Persson Josefine , Sjögren Petteri , Svanberg Therese , Borjesson Mats
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study investigates the effects of the core elements of the Swedish model for physical activity on prescription (PAP) by evaluating studies that compared adults who received PAP with adults who did not receive PAP. All participants were adults identified by a healthcare professional as in need of increased physical activity. Primary outcome was level of physical activity.

Design

Systematic review.

Eligibility criteria

(1) Published 1999. (2) Systematic review, randomised controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT or case series (for adverse events). (3) ≥12 weeks’ follow-up. (4) Performed in the Nordic countries. (5) Presented in English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish.

Data sources

Systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, AMED, CINAHL and SweMed+ in September 2017. Included articles were evaluated using checklists to determine risk of bias.

Results

Nine relevant articles were included: seven RCTs, one cohort study and one case series. Primary outcome was reported in seven articles from six studies (five RCTs, one cohort study, 642 participants). Positive results were reported from three of the five RCTs and from the cohort study. No study reported any negative results. Swedish PAP probably results in an increased level of physical activity (GRADE⊕⊕⊕Ο).

Conclusions

Although the number of the reviewed articles was relatively modest, this systematic review shows that PAP in accordance with the Swedish model probably increases the level of physical activity. As a model for exercise prescription, Swedish PAP may be considered as part of regular healthcare to increase physical activity in patients.
Subclinical coronary artery disease in veteran athletes: is a new preparticipation methodology required?
Authors: Dores Hélder , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Monge José , Costa Rogério , Tátá Luis , Malhotra Aneil , Sharma Sanjay , Cardim Nuno , Neuparth Nuno
Published: November 2018

Objective

Preparticipation evaluation of veteran athletes should focus on accurate cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification and subclinical detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the main cause of sudden cardiac death in this population. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of current preparticipation methodology used to identify veteran athletes with high coronary atherosclerotic burden.

Methods

A total of 105 asymptomatic male athletes aged ≥40 years old, with low to moderate CV risk (Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation <5%) who trained ≥4 hours/week for at least 5 years, were studied. The screening protocol included clinical evaluation, ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram and exercise testing. Cardiac CT was performed to detect CAD, defined as a high atherosclerotic burden according to coronary artery calcium score and coronary CT angiography.

Results

The majority of the athletes (n=88) engaged in endurance sports, with a median volume of exercise of 66 (44; 103) metabolic equivalent task score/hour/week. Exercise testing was abnormal in 13 (12.4%) athletes, 6 (5.7%) with electrocardiographic criteria for myocardial ischaemia and 7 (6.7%) with exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias. A high coronary atherosclerotic burden was present in 27 (25.7%) athletes, of whom 11 (40.7%) had CV risk factors and 6 had abnormal exercise tests, including 3 who were positive for myocardial ischaemia.

Conclusions

Conventional methodology used in preparticipation evaluation of veteran athletes, based on clinical CV risk factors and exercise testing, was poor at identifying significant subclinical CAD. The inclusion of more objective markers, particularly data derived from cardiac CT, is promising for more accurate CV risk stratification of these athletes.