bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption of mobile applications for teaching-learning process in rural girls’ schools in India: an empirical study
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Majumdar Dipasree , Misra Sanjay , Damaševičius Robertas 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors that can impact the adoption of mobile apps for teaching-learning process focusing on the girls’ school in rural India. The hypotheses were proposed and a conceptual model has been developed. There is a survey work conducted to collect the data from different respondents using a convenience sampling method. The model has been validated statistically through PLS-SEM analysis covering feedbacks of 271 effective respondents. The study highlights the impact of different antecedents of the behavioural intention of the students of using mobile applications for teaching-learning process. The results also show that among other issues, price value has insignificant influence on the intention of the girl students of the rural India. During survey feedbacks have been obtained from the 271 respondents, which is meagre compared to vastness of the population and school of rural India. Only few predictors have been considered leaving possibilities of inclusion of other boundary conditions to enhance the explanative power more than that has been achieved in the proposed model with the explanative power of 81%. The model has provided laudable inputs to the educational policy makers and technology enablers and administrators to understand the impact of the mobile applications on the rural girls’ school of India and facilitate the development of m-learning. Very few studies been conducted to explore the impact of mobile applications on the school education of rural India especially focusing on the girls’ schools.
The Quantity and Quality of Teachers’ Self-perceptions of Read-Aloud Practices in Norwegian First Grade Classrooms
Authors: Håland Anne , Hoem Toril Frafjord , McTigue Erin Margaret 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRead-alouds are a frequent practice in early childhood classrooms and provide great potential for developing literacy skills for young learners including vocabulary, comprehension, text structure awareness, visual literacy, and fluency. Yet, any potential benefit of read-alouds depends on how the teacher enacts a read-aloud, particularly in regards to the amount and type of talk that surrounds the practice. Despite frequent use, read-alouds have not been systematically considered in Norwegian early childhood classrooms, which is the goal of this study. Specifically, 299 first-grade teachers completed a survey on read-aloud practices in December, as well as provided information on the most recently read-aloud texts in both December and May. Quantitative results were analyzed descriptively while qualitative results were analyzed via open coding. Findings indicate that read-alouds are most used as a tool for engaging and managing students rather than as a formal instructional practice. As read-alouds most typically occurred during lunch time, texts were selected primarily for entertainment and teacher talk occurred most frequently for the purpose of defining words. Conversely, teachers reported comparatively minimal use of planned (instructional) stops and reported limited focus on literacy elements. The analysis of book choices indicated that teachers used few informational texts and frequently relied on older, well-known children’s literature. Implications for this study are that although read-alouds provide much potential benefit for young learners’ literacy development, Norwegian teachers could capture underutilized benefits of this practice through greater planning and intentionality.
Ecophysiology of a successful phytoplankton competitor in the African flamingo lakes: the green alga Picocystis salinarum (Picocystophyceae)
Authors: Pálmai Tamás , Szabó Beáta , Kotut Kiplagat , Krienitz Lothar , Padisák Judit 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPicocystis salinarum is a globally widespread picoplanktonic green alga of saline lakes. This tiny alga has been recorded in four continents, and in some cases, it has become the dominant phytoplankton species. We examined the ecophysiology of a Kenyan strain of P. salinarum, collected from Lake Nakuru. The photosynthetic activity of the species was measured in seventy-two combinations of light intensity and temperature. The photosynthetic activity was low along the temperature gradient with an optimum at 31.9 °C; it varied between 0.097 and 1.233 μg C μg−1 Chl a h−1. The ability of P. salinarum to utilize low light intensity (α varied between 0.0061 and 0.1 (μg C μg−1 Chl a h−1) (μmol photons m−2 s−1)−1) and its susceptibility to photoinhibition at different temperatures confirm the species’ preference for low light intensity, which is already shown by its Ik values (1.0–89.3 μmol photons m−2 s−1). The salinity tolerance of P. salinarum, more specifically the effect of changes in the concentration of chloride (NaCl) and carbonate forms (Na2CO3 and NaHCO3), was investigated in continuous cultures. The dominant ion of the medium greatly affected the growth of P. salinarum: significantly higher growth rates were recorded in carbonate form-dominated media as compared to chloride-dominated ones; the highest growth rate was observed at the highest concentration. The observed physiological properties (slow growth, low photosynthetic activity) are not typical of a dominant species; however, the high conductivity tolerance could be a key factor explaining the success of P. salinarum.
A comparative in vitro study of the effect of biospecific integrin recognition processes and substrate nanostructure on stem cell 3D spheroid formation
Authors: Perugini Valeria , Santin Matteo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe in vitro study of the properties of the human mesenchymal stem cells as well as their manipulation in culture for clinical purposes depends on the elimination of artefacts caused by the lack of their natural environment. It is now widely accepted that mesenchymal stem cells should be studied when they are organised as 3D spheroids rather than fibroblast-like colonies. Although this can be achieved with the use of some extracellular matrix proteins or by non-adherent conditions these suffer of significant limitations. The recent development of synthetic substrates resembling the physicochemical and biochemical properties of the adult stem cell niche has prompted questions about the role played by nanotopography and receptor-mediated adhesion. In the present paper, the influence of two types of substrates bearing the same nanostructure, but exposing either a non-specific or an integrin-specific binding motif was studied. Carboxybetaine-tethered hyperbranched poly(ɛ-lysine) dendrons showed that the hyperbranched structure was fundamental to induce spheroid formation, but these were forming more slowly, were of reduced size and less stable than those growing on substrates based on the same hyperbranched structures that had been functionalised at their uppermost branching generation by a laminin amino acid sequence, i.e. YIGSR. The study shows that both nanostructure and biorecognition need to be combined to achieve a substrate for stem cell spheroid formation as that observed in vivo in the adult stem cell niche.
Development of an Intervention to Create a Supportive Work Environment for Employees with Chronic Conditions: An Intervention Mapping Approach
Authors: Bosma A. R. , Boot C. R. L. , Schaafsma F. G. , Kok G. , Anema J. R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurpose This study describes the development of an evidence-based intervention to create a supportive work environment for employees with chronic conditions. Occupational physicians (OPs) play an important role in guiding organizations in this process of organizational change. Supportive work environments can aid in preventing work-related problems and facilitate sustainable employment. Current workplace interventions for employees with chronic conditions are mainly focused on return to work or a reduction in sick leave at the individual worker’s level. This study contributes to the literature an organizational-level intervention which utilizes a preventive approach. Methods Intervention mapping (IM) is a six-step, structured protocol that was used to develop this intervention. In step 1, a needs assessment was conducted to define the problem and explore the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. The program outcomes and the performance objectives of employees with chronic conditions and occupational physicians were specified in step 2. In step 3, appropriate methods and practical applications were chosen. Step 4 describes the actual development of the intervention, consisting of (1) a training for occupational physicians to teach them how to guide organizations in creating a supportive work environment; (2) a practical assignment; and (3) a follow-up meeting. The intervention will be implemented in a pilot study in which occupational physicians will put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice within one of their organizations, which is delineated in step 5. Conclusions IM proved to be a valuable and practical tool for the development of this intervention, aiming to facilitate sustainable employment for employees with chronic conditions.
Data Assimilation for a Quasi-Geostrophic Model with Circulation-Preserving Stochastic Transport Noise
Authors: Cotter Colin , Crisan Dan , Holm Darryl , Pan Wei , Shevchenko Igor 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper contains the latest installment of the authors’ project on developing ensemble based data assimilation methodology for high dimensional fluid dynamics models. The algorithm presented here is a particle filter that combines model reduction, tempering, jittering, and nudging. The methodology is tested on a two-layer quasi-geostrophic model for a $$\beta $$
β
-plane channel flow with $$O(10^6)$$

O
(

10
6

)

degrees of freedom out of which only a minute fraction are noisily observed. The model is reduced by following the stochastic variational approach for geophysical fluid dynamics introduced in (Holm in Proc R Soc A 41:20140963, 2015) as a framework for deriving stochastic parameterisations for unresolved scales. The reduction is substantial: the computations are done only for $$O(10^4)$$

O
(

10
4

)

degrees of freedom. We introduce a stochastic time-stepping scheme for the two-layer model and prove its consistency in time. Then, we analyze the effect of the different procedures (tempering combined with jittering and nudging) on the performance of the data assimilation procedure using the reduced model, as well as how the dimension of the observational data (the number of “weather stations”) and the data assimilation step affect the accuracy and uncertainty of the results.
Semantic expressivism for epistemic modals
Authors: Hawke Peter , Steinert-Threlkeld Shane 
Published: March 2020

AbstractExpressivists about epistemic modals deny that ‘Jane might be late’ canonically serves to express the speaker’s acceptance of a certain propositional content. Instead, they hold that it expresses a lack of acceptance (that Jane isn’t late). Prominent expressivists embrace pragmatic expressivism: the doxastic property expressed by a declarative is not helpfully identified with (any part of) that sentence’s compositional semantic value. Against this, we defend semantic expressivism about epistemic modals: the semantic value of a declarative from this domain is (partly) the property of doxastic attitudes it canonically serves to express. In support, we synthesize data from the critical literature on expressivism—largely reflecting interactions between modals and disjunctions—and present a semantic expressivism that readily predicts the data. This contrasts with salient competitors, including: pragmatic expressivism based on domain semantics or dynamic semantics; semantic expressivism à la Moss (Semant Pragmat 8(5):1–81, 2015.10.3765/sp.8.5); and the bounded relational semantics of Mandelkern (Philos Rev 128(1):1–61, 2019.10.1215/00318108-7213001).
Do fiscal rules constrain political budget cycles?
Authors: Gootjes Bram , de Haan Jakob , Jong-A-Pin Richard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe ask whether fiscal rules constrain incumbents from using fiscal policy tools for reelection purposes. Using data on fiscal rules provided by the IMF for a sample of 77 (advanced and developing) countries over the 1984–2015 period, we find that strong fiscal rules dampen political budget cycles. Our results are remarkably robust against inclusion of media freedom and the level of government debt as explanatory variables. Furthermore, we find a strong effect of fiscal rules in, amongst others, countries with fewer veto players, left-wing governments, established democracies, and more globalized economies. In addition, the effect of fiscal rules on political budget cycles seems to be stronger after the global financial crisis, reflecting post-crisis expansion in the number of countries with strong fiscal rules, notably in the European Union.
Molecular network-based intervention brings us closer to ending the HIV pandemic
Authors: Han Xiaoxu , Zhao Bin , An Minghui , Zhong Ping , Shang Hong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPrecise identification of HIV transmission among populations is a key step in public health responses. However, the HIV transmission network is usually difficult to determine. HIV molecular networks can be determined by phylogenetic approach, genetic distance-based approach, and a combination of both approaches. These approaches are increasingly used to identify transmission networks among populations, reconstruct the history of HIV spread, monitor the dynamics of HIV transmission, guide targeted intervention on key subpopulations, and assess the effects of interventions. Simulation and retrospective studies have demonstrated that these molecular network-based interventions are more cost-effective than random or traditional interventions. However, we still need to address several challenges to improve the practice of molecular network-guided targeting interventions to finally end the HIV epidemic. The data remain limited or difficult to obtain, and more automatic real-time tools are required. In addition, molecular and social networks must be combined, and technical parameters and ethnic issues warrant further studies.
Introduction to special section on: current topics in cancer survivorship and work
Authors: de Boer A. G. E. M. , Greidanus M. A. , Dewa C. S. , Duijts S. F. A. , Tamminga S. J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Work is a key contributor to quality of life and an important aspect of cancer survivorship. We call attention to current topics in cancer survivorship and work with 12 articles on cancer survivorship and work in this special section. The focus is on less studied diagnostic groups such as gastrointestinal cancer and prostate cancer, and on long-term effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on work. Furthermore, studies are included on topics not generally studied including cognitive limitations and pain, the role of the employer on work outcomes among different types of cancer survivors and some countries not typically covered in the existing literature on work and cancer survivorship. We conclude that to improve sustainable work participation in cancer survivors, personalised, tailored interventions should be provided. A prerequisite for this is the identification of groups and individuals at high risk for adverse work outcomes. In order to develop such interventions, research involving new approaches such as matching data registries, participatory approaches and the involvement of many stakeholders and survivors with these different types of cancer diagnoses is necessary.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
The goal of sustainable work participation in cancer survivors can be improved by the delivery of a personalised or risk-based tailored intervention. Furthermore, successful work outcomes often involve many stakeholders who should all be included Implications for Cancer Survivors. The goal of sustainable work participation in cancer survivors can be improved by the delivery of a personalised or risk-based tailored intervention. Furthermore, successful work outcomes often involve many stakeholders who should all be included.
Derivation mathematical equations to estimate water surplus and groundwater recharge in Iraq
Authors: Al-Sudani Hussein Ilaibi Zamil 
Published: March 2020

AbstractClimate and hydrological conditions in any hydrological basin are multi-combined reflection of natural factors of morphology and soil nature, as well as the changing in climate factors that affect directly the hydrological cycle. The water balance equation for any natural area or water body indicates the relative values of inflow, outflow, and change in water storage for the area or water body. Estimation of water surplus and natural groundwater recharge in Iraq depending on water balance equation and meteorological data was the aim of this research. Corrected potential evapotranspiration were compared with annual and monthly rainfall in (32) meteorological stations to obtain actual evapotranspiration using water balance equation. Water surplus was divided into runoff and natural groundwater recharge where runoff coefficient method was used to estimate runoff. The obtained mathematical relationship between rainfall with both water surplus and actual evapotranspiration can be used to estimate these two parameters directly from rainfall. The results indicate that water surplus increased toward northeast direction of Iraq, while the minimum values of runoff and groundwater recharge located in western desert of Iraq. The climate conditions of desert were the major influence on reducing rainfall and rising temperature resulting decreasing water surplus, runoff, and groundwater recharge.
Transition of Son Preference: Evidence From South Korea
Authors: Choi Eleanor Jawon , Hwang Jisoo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSex ratio at birth remains highly skewed in many Asian countries because of son preference. The ratio in South Korea, however, declined beginning in 1990 and reached the natural range in 2007. We study changes in child gender effects on fertility and parental investment during this period of decreasing sex ratio at birth. We find that gender discrimination on the extensive margin (fertility), such as sex-selective abortions and son-biased stopping rules, have nearly disappeared among recent cohorts. On the intensive margin (parental inputs), boys receive higher expenditures on private academic education, have mothers with fewer hours of labor supply, and spend less time on household chores relative to girls. These gender gaps have also narrowed substantially, however, over the past two decades. We consider alternative explanations, but altogether, evidence suggests the weakening of son preference in South Korea.
Agenesis of Ductus Venosus: A Case Series
Authors: Dhingra Bindiya , Makam Adinarayan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDuctus venosus agenesis is a rare anomaly which is significantly associated with cardiac, extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies. The prognosis depends on its association with other congenital abnormalities independent of the type of shunt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ductus venosus in 2nd trimester scans and to evaluate associated congenital malformations associated with agenesis of the ductus venosus and its feto-neonatal outcome. We performed a retrospective study for a 5 year period from November 2015 to November 2019. Of the 8 cases seen, 2 (25%) had an intrahepatic shunt and 6 (75%) presented with extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage. Agenesis of ductus venosus was associated in 5 cases (62%) with cardiac abnormalities, 6 cases (75%) with extracardiac anomalies and 3 (37%) cases with chromosomal abnormality. Our study showed poorer outcome in fetuses associated with both cardiac and extracardiac anomalies accounting for 75% of all cases whereas intrahepatic type with mild cardiomegaly had favourable pregnancy outcome. Agenesis of ductus venosus is significantly associated with fetal cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities independent of the type of umbilical venous drainage. Extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage even if isolated has the significant risk of congestive heart failure, hydrops and/or intrahepatic portal venous system anomalies. The intrahepatic type has better prognosis if associated with no or minor abnormality.
Multi-scale simulations of particle acceleration in astrophysical systems
Authors: Marcowith Alexandre , Ferrand Gilles , Grech Mickael , Meliani Zakaria , Plotnikov Illya , Walder Rolf 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis review aims at providing an up-to-date status and a general introduction to the subject of the numerical study of energetic particle acceleration and transport in turbulent astrophysical flows. The subject is also complemented by a short overview of recent progresses obtained in the domain of laser plasma experiments. We review the main physical processes at the heart of the production of a non-thermal distribution in both Newtonian and relativistic astrophysical flows, namely the first and second order Fermi acceleration processes. We also discuss shock drift and surfing acceleration, two processes important in the context of particle injection in shock acceleration. We analyze with some details the particle-in-cell (PIC) approach used to describe particle kinetics. We review the main results obtained with PIC simulations in the recent years concerning particle acceleration at shocks and in reconnection events. The review discusses the solution of Fokker–Planck problems with application to the study of particle acceleration at shocks but also in hot coronal plasmas surrounding compact objects. We continue by considering large scale physics. We describe recent developments in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. We give a special emphasis on the way energetic particle dynamics can be coupled to MHD solutions either using a multi-fluid calculation or directly coupling kinetic and fluid calculations. This aspect is mandatory to investigate the acceleration of particles in the deep relativistic regimes to explain the highest cosmic ray energies.