bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stories of Transition From G. I. Joe, G. I. Jane & Their Classmates: Using Critical Incident Narratives to Promote Social Integration in the Us First-Year Experience
Authors: Nguyenvoges Shelbee R. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract The purpose of this case study research aims to bridge gaps in the current research by exploring how both veteran and nonveteran adult and higher education (AHE) learners make sense of their educational journey and identity, in and out of the classroom, during their first-year experience (FYE) course at a community college (CC) in the Southwest region. Combining critical incident technique (CIT) and narrative inquiry, the researcher is able to investigate veteran and nonveteran AHE learners’ personal critical incident narrative testimonies to make sense of individual identity and values. Relevant literature on the topic of FYE’s and transition for veteran and nonveteran learners underscore potentially problematic issues in the current scholarship. The theoretical framework from which this research was undertaken, methodology, findings and discussion reveal how nonveteran and veteran AHE learners identify a ‘third side’ or common ground in 1) the fight to pursue AHE, 2) the negotiation of new roles and 3) the influence of family on identity. To conclude, implications for future research and conclusions to advance understandings about veteran AHE learners have been offered. Ultimately, participant responses reveal common or ‘third sides,’ and how these ‘third side’ spaces contribute towards a collaborative learning environment in an FYE. General experiences of transition into the higher education setting for veteran and nonveteran learners are also shared in the findings.
Teaching Staff Advanced Training: European Experience
Authors: Kovalchuk Vasyl 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The issue of teaching staff advanced training is paid much attention in many countries. In the Republic of Moldova progressive professional credits system is used. Credits are scored not only in assigning teaching degrees or issuing a certificate of continuing professional education, but also for teachers’ evaluation at the educational institution. Advanced training of teaching staff in France is provided by various institutions of postgraduate education, university institutes and regional centers of education in order to help teachers to renew their professional knowledge and at the same time to refocus it on the level of consciousness according to the real problems of school and the community. The feature of teaching staff advanced training in France is that it is teachers’ personal matter and duration of all periods of training should come to one year during all professional career. In Finland, teaching staff advanced training is organized directly in schools under aegis of the National Board of Education, the National Centre for Advanced Training in Education, departments of teacher education and other faculties of higher educational institutions on credit system basis. Among the topical forms there are targeted, cascade, common (cooperative) teaching and learning by own example. In the UK, advanced training takes place in two models: the course model based on higher educational establishments and school based in-service education. The main purpose of advanced training system is to familiarize teachers with theoretical and practical innovations in educational activities, progressive teaching technologies, and consolidate their skills of independent acquisition of knowledge necessary for their professional development.
Pedagogical Strategies for Training Future Technicians in American Aviation Schools
Authors: Pazyura Natalia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article is devoted to the question of improvement of quality and efficiency of professional training of future technicians in aviation industry in the American educational establishments. Main attention is paid to the studies of pedagogical technologies, which are used for the sake of qualitative and efficient training of specialists of aviation industry. The main purpose of vocational education and training is to help students to develop a way of thinking that would enable them in understanding the technical systems and master learning at the conceptual level. It is a well known fact that researches of pedagogical technologies are aimed at the development of mental models. They are important because: first - they make possible a reduction of time for training.That is rather essential taking into account the fact how much time the “transformation” of a student’s level of knowledge from a novice to an experienced worker takes. The researches of pedagogical technologies help to find a optimum ways for acquisition of expert type of thinking. Secondly, pedagogical technologies help to cut down expenses on training. This is especially topical during professional training of technicians, who are to better understand structural, functional, behavioral aspects of technical systems. In addition, they must effectively operate in troubleshooting in the system which also shortens financial expenses on the maintenance of equipment.
Health Habits and Their Formation Among Today’S Young People of School Age in Poland
Authors: Michalska Aleksandra 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper presents the impact of health education on life expectancy and adaption to modern conditions. The acquisition of healthy attitude in the first and second decade of life influences the development of trade, economic status and helps efficiently cope with stress. The article highlights the impact of “health literacy”, the school environment and family upbringing and subsequent persistence in health. Organization of education should be started from childhood. Unfortunately many teachers and parents cannot supply information about sanitary education, correct sanitation, healthy nutrition and physical activity. Disciples who lack support and knowledge can be exposed under pressure of contemporary risky operations. Pediatric population makes up to 30 % of the whole population. In the first and second decade of life the baby is shaped and strengthens previously instilled habits. Stage of puberty is the most favorable moment for proper physical development of young people. During this period perpetuate conscious health behaviors, but at the same time there are health risk behaviors. These behaviors affect the quality and duration in health. Measures of health policy on school-age children should be focused primarily on prevention and health promotion.
Development of Formal Agricultural Education in Canada (Based on the Analysis of Scientific Periodicals of the 19th – Early 20th Centuries)
Authors: Havrylenko Kateryna 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article states that one of the world leaders in agricultural sector training is Canada, which has gained a great scientific and practical experience. The paper examines the role of periodicals of the 19th – early 20th centuries, preserved in the Canadian book funds for the establishment and development of formal agricultural education of this country and for the popularization of the scientific information among the general public. The impressive work of the Canadiana project on preservation of periodicals of the given period, launched by Canadian library collections has been emphasized. These periodical materials have been analyzed and an attempt of old agricultural publications classification has been made. The importance of comprehensive informational analysis of the existing periodicals roles for better understanding of the transformations and changes that have occurred in Canadian formal agricultural education has been outlined as well as the need of researching the role of universities in the scientific community of the past and of our time has been stressed. The importance of a detailed study of the saved periodicals for an objective analysis of contemporary formal agricultural education and its role in the society in order to improve the training of agricultural sector specialists in the country according to the best historical examples has been noted as well as the need in the retrospective analysis of higher education development in Canada for further implementation of the results into the national educational system has been indicated.
Linguistics Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses: Experience of Lancaster University (UK)
Authors: Komochkova Olga 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article deals with peculiarities of undergraduate and postgraduate linguistic courses at Lancaster University. It has been stated that the latter is considered to be one of the best higher education institutions both in the UK and worldwide. Being a relatively new higher education institution (founded in 1964), it can already boast its academic reputation. According to data of British surveys it has been found out that Lancaster University is extremely popular among students. Speaking about linguistic achievements it should be mentioned that Lancaster University’s linguistic centre, spanning four generations of researchers, has been recently awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It has been revealed that degree programmes at Lancaster University are flexible and provide students with the opportunity to master a wide range of subject areas to complement their main specialism as well as numerous optional modules selected to satisfy various education needs and inclinations of students. Teaching approach at the University is research-driven and research stimulated, that is why much curriculum time is dedicated to carrying out research projects. Students are significantly motivated towards self-study as most of study time (81–89 %) is dedicated to independent learning. Lectures, seminars and similar are given only 11–19 %. Positive aspects of British experience in professional training of future linguists have been outlined.
The Verification of Influence of the Point „C“ Position from Given Interval to Solving Systems with Highspeed Feedback
Authors: Bajčičáková Ingrida , Jurovatá Dominika 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This article deals with the design of effective numerical scheme for solving three point boundary value problems for second-order nonlinear singularly perturbed differential equations with initial conditions. Especially, it is focused on the analysis of the solutions when the point c from given interval is not the centre of this interval. The obtained system of nonlinear algebraic equations is solved by Newthon-Raphson method in MATLAB. It also verifies the convergence of approximate solutions of an original problem to the solution of reduced problem. We discuss the solution of a given problem with the situation when the point c is in the middle of the given interval.
Improving Cognitive Skills of the Industrial Robot
Authors: Bezák Pavol 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
At present, there are plenty of industrial robots that are programmed to do the same repetitive task all the time. Industrial robots doing such kind of job are not able to understand whether the action is correct, effective or good. Object detection, manipulation and grasping is challenging due to the hand and object modeling uncertainties, unknown contact type and object stiffness properties. In this paper, the proposal of an intelligent humanoid hand object detection and grasping model is presented assuming that the object properties are known. The control is simulated in the Matlab Simulink/ SimMechanics, Neural Network Toolbox and Computer Vision System Toolbox.
Evaluation of Safety Parameters According to IEC Standards
Authors: Cuninka Peter , Strémy Maximilián 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article deals with different procedures for determining the safety integrity level and its applications. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the system and associate it with certain safety integrity level. In this article, we will use IEC 61508, IEC 61511 and IEC 62061 for comparison. The first standard is specified as the superior standard for all safety-critical systems. The second one acts as an extension of the superior standard in the field of functional safety. The last one is aimed at machinery safety.
Charged Particle Dynamics Inside Electrostatic Quadrupole Deflection System with Circular Electrodes and Rotationally Symmetric Design
Authors: Minárik Stanislav , Riedlmajer Róbert 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper offers a theoretical study of special type of electrostatic quadrupole deflection system (EQDS) intended for ion beam optics. We deal with EQDS consisting of electrode pairs with rotational symmetry design. This systems was pre-designed for an ion beam modification and trajectory controlling. Basic assumptions for determination of transfer characteristics of such systems are analysed on the basic of charged particle dynamics.
We are especially interested in the electrostatic field distribution among electrodes inside the mentioned type of EQDS. Typical case of the Sturm-Liouville boundary value problem called Bessel`s differential equation arises in calculation of the electrostatic scalar potential with rotational symmetry. Bessel`s functions are particular solution of Laplace equation in this case. The scalar potential equations of motion for ions in this electrostatic field are found. The path of charge-particles in this field could be determined by solving the trajectory equation of motion in Cartesian coordinates.
Quantization of Energy in 1D Model of Crystal Lattice with Local Perturbations Induced by Ion-Beam Impact
Authors: Minárik Stanislav 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we propose theoretical basis for investigation of dynamics of acoustic phonons in a thin layers containing nano-scale structural inhomogeneities. One-dimensional (1D) model of a crystal lattice was considered to reveal specific features of the processes arising in such system of phonons in equilibrium state. Standard quantization of energy of 1D ionic chain vibrating by acoustic frequencies was carried out while the presence of foreign ions in this chain was taken into account. Since only two dimensions are dominant in thin layers, only longitudinal vibrations of the chain in the plane of the layer were considered. Results showed that foreign ions affect the energy quantization. Phonon-phonon interaction between two phonon`s modes can be expected if the mass of foreign ions implanted by ion-beam differs from the mass of ions in the initial layer.
We believe that the obtained results will help to understand the character of phonon systems in nanostructured thin layers prepared by ion-bem technology, and will allow better explain some thermal and electrical phenomena associated with lattice dynamics in such layers.
FGB -455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 polymorphisms in a group of Romanian stroke patients
Authors: Petrişor Felicia Maria , Cătană Andreea , Mărginean Dragoş Horea , Trifa Adrian Pavel , Popp Radu Anghel , Pop Ioan Victor 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Being a multifactorial disease, stroke is one of a major causes of death and disability worldwide. Several genetic polymorphisms have been associated with stroke etiophatology and FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 are among them. In the present study, we investigated the association between FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke in a group of Romanian stroke patients.

Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 148 patients with ischemic stroke and 150 healthy age, sex and ethnically matched unrelated controls. FGB −455G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 genotyping was carried out using PCR-RFLP. The association of FGB −455G>A and GP IIIa PIA1A2 polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk factors with ischemic stroke was tested using logistic regression analysis.

Results: Molecular analysis did not reveal an increased frequency of the FGB -455 G>A variant allele and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 variant allele in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.140, OR = 0.750, 95% CI = 0.522 - 1.077; p = 0.823, OR = 0.944, 95% CI = 0.558 - 1.599 respectively). Furthermore, after performing logistic regression analysis adjusted for the known risk factors, a positive association with stroke was found in smokers (p = 0.026, OR = 1.800, 95% CI = 1.071 - 3.024)

Conclusions: No association was found between FGB −455 G>A and GP IIIa PIA1/A2 polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in the studied population.
Prevalence of virulence markers and pHS-2-like plasmids among Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri isolates originating from shigellosis cases in Romania
Authors: Cristea Daniela , Oprea Mihaela , Ciontea Adriana Simona , Antohe Felicia , Usein Codruta-Romanita 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The surveillance of shigellosis is carried out under the auspice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control which requires a reliable laboratory-based surveillance at national level. To date, little information is published about the members of Shigella spp. responsible for Romanian cases of shigellosis which hinders the understanding of the current epidemiology of shigellosis. Consequently, this retrospective study aimed to assess the diversity of virulence profiles displayed by the strains circulating in our region, by using key chromosome- and plasmid-associated markers, and to document the prevalence of pHS-2-like plasmid previously proposed as a potential marker for reactive arthritis.
The study focused on 65 Shigella sonnei and 49 Shigella flexneri clinical isolates, originated from local patients, recovered through the national surveillance system in 2009 - 2013. PCR assays were performed for the detection of ipaH, ipaBCD, ial, sen, set1A, set1B, sat, and pic genes, and a PCR-sequencing approach on plasmid preparations was used for identifying pHS-2-specific sequences.
Overall, the virulence markers ranged in prevalence from 21% (set1A, set1B, pic) to 100% (ipaH). S. flexneri isolates displayed a higher content of virulence markers than S. sonnei, the most common genotype, detected exclusively in S. flexneri serotype 2a isolates, being defined by the association ipaH+ipaBCD+ial+sen+sat+set1A+ set1B+pic. pHS-2-like plasmids were found in S. flexneri isolates of various serotypes suggesting the potential to trigger postinfection complications in specific subjects.
This study provided baseline data regarding the molecular characteristics of the Shigella strains from Romania, useful for defining the picture of shigellosis in our region.
Non-invasive Sampling for Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Beta-Thalassaemia Major Patients
Authors: Rahim Mohd. Rashdan Abd. , Tan Jin Ai Mary Anne , Mani Ravishankar Ram , Kuppusamy Umah Rani 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background: Beta-thalassaemia (β-thalassaemia) major patients are severely anaemic and require life-long blood transfusions for survival. These patients require iron-chelation therapy as a result of iron overload due to the monthly blood transfusions. The iron over load can cause oxidative damage and pro-inflammation and therefore, hasten mortality. Thus, regular monitoring of the oxidative stress and pro-inflammation status may be useful in these patients.

Methods: Measurement of biomarkers is usually performed on serum samples but the evaluation in non-invasive samples such as saliva would be more favourable in paediatric cases. In this study, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as oxidative indices such as lipid hydro peroxide, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), uric acid (UA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in a total of 65 β-thalassaemia major patients (all on iron chelation) and 55 healthy control subjects were assessed. All the above biochemical parameters, measured using well established assay techniques, were detectable in saliva samples.

Results: Non parametric analyses showed that lipid hydroperoxide (LH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly higher in β-thalassaemia major patients. All other parameters were not significantly different between patient and control groups implying that iron chelation therapy was successful in attenuating oxidative stress. Strong positive correlation was observed between FRAP and UA levels. There was also a notable difference in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) between the patients and healthy controls when analysed according to ethnicity and age. AOPP level in β+-thalassaemia homozygous patients were significantly higher than β+/β0-compound heterozygous and β0-thalassaemia homozygous patients.

Conclusion: Saliva may serve as a reliable, non-invasive sample which can be used to assess oxidative indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in β-thalassaemia major patients.
Saliva leukocytes rather than saliva epithelial cells represent the main source of DNA
Authors: Cianga Corina Maria , Antohe Ion , Zlei Mihaela , Constantinescu Daniela , Cianga Petru 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Introduction. Several alternative methods to peripheral blood DNA extraction have been implemented so far. Saliva seems to represent a very advantageous type of sample, easy to harvest and able to generate DNA yields comparable to those extracted from blood mononuclear cells.

Material and methods. 8 patients suspected of ankylosing spondylitis, 9 patients with various hematological malignancies, displaying post-chemotherapy leucopenia and 30 healthy volunteers were included in our study. DNA was extracted with various commercially available kits and used for HLA typing either by PCR amplification, or by PCR followed by hybridization.

Results. Our data regarding HLA typing support already published results regarding the good DNA quality that allows its use in various molecular biology techniques. However, when attempting to use saliva from immunosuppressed patients for DNA extraction we have generated very low yields, comparable again with the ones obtained from peripheral blood. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry investigations confirmed the low number of leukocytes present in the saliva of these patients, while the number of epithelial cells was virtually unchanged.

Conclusions. The main source of saliva DNA seems to be represented by leukocytes present in this fluid and not by the epithelial cells. Under these circumstances, for immunosuppressed patients saliva cannot represent an alternative to blood when attempting DNA extraction.
Effect of Salicylic Acid on Enzyme Activity in Wheat in Immediate Early Time after Infection with Mycosphaerella Graminicola
Authors: Gholamnezhad J. , Sanjarian F. , Goltapeh E.M. , Safaie N. , Razavi K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The effect of salicylic acid (SA) on antioxidant enzymes activities in wheat infected with Mycosphaerella graminicola was investigated. Different concentrations of SA (0 and 2mM) were sprayed on susceptible and tolerant cultivars of wheat at a two-leaf stage. Enhanced activities of peroxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenoloxidase were determined in two wheat SA-treated cultivars in the presence or absence of pathogen. The results showed that the application of SA was more effective on antioxidant activities than pathogen. However, the highest activities of all tested enzymes were detected in cultivars treated both with SA and pathogen. Although in the earliest time of infection the antioxidant enzymes activities in susceptible cultivar were weaker than in the tolerant cultivar, the enzymes activity enhancement by SA in susceptible cultivar was observable, too. These results suggest SA as plant defense inducer could be an effective agent against M. graminicola in wheat.