bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incentives, project choice, and dynamic multitasking
Authors: Szydlowski Martin 
Published: August 2019

I study the optimal choice of projects in a continuous‐time moral hazard model with multitasking. I characterize the distortions caused by moral hazard and the dynamics of the firm's project choice. Both overinvestment and underinvestment relative to a net present value (NPV) criterion can occur on the path of the contract. As past performance increases, the firm chooses projects that require higher pay–performance sensitivity. When the continuation value is large, investment projects are chosen more efficiently, and project choice depends more on the NPV and less on the incentive costs.I implement the optimal contract with an equity stake, bonus payments, and a personal account.
Diagnosing Adoption to Mobile Learning
Authors: Ayo Eliza Bundoc , Anacio Marcial Leyton , Sakay Lani Estrada , Bustamante Rosemarievic Abejero , Mijares Teresita Sacdalan 
Published: August 2019

<p>This study was undertaken to address the need to modernize the modes of teaching and learning pedagogy by taking advantage of the proliferation of electronic gadgets and mobile devices since, as counted there are more computers than the people in the world (Boren, 2014). This research found out how learning in the new platform could be adopted by teachers and students. In addition, it tested the different variables involved in the use of mobile in learning by faculty and students of Centro Escolar University (CEU) to determine factors that made implementing technology a success or a failure.</p><p>To attain the set objectives, this study made use of descriptive and inferential method to the data gathered from respondents via stratified random sampling. Specifically, it employed frequency, mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions for the treatment of data derived from the survey questionnaires. To complete the triangulation approach and for consistency of findings, observation and interview were also conducted.</p><p>Subsequently, in order to determine adoption to mobile learning the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was employed. This model shows relationship of moderating variables which are age, gender, voluntariness of use and experience from independent variables like performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, anxiety and self-efficacy. </p><p>After all the statistical treatments were applied, Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Effort Expectancy, Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Condition contribute to the success of the introduction of technology to the organization, while social influence was excluded as the reasons why users adopt it.</p>
A Systematic Review of Tablet Technology in Mathematics Education
Authors: Svela Alexander , Nouri Jalal , Viberg Olga , Zhang Lechen 
Published: August 2019

<p class="0abstract">In 2019, the mobile learning body of knowledge is extensive and much is known about the technology impacts and affordances of mobile devices in educational settings. A particular focus has now shifted toward specific technologies in specific subjects. Mathematics is one such subject and tablets are one such technology that is gaining attention. This systematic review representing the latest generation of tablet technology within the tablet-mediated learning in mathematics body of knowledge sought to derive evidence that supported questions into (a) what math sub-disciplines were covered, (b) what technology (application/hardware) was utilized, and (c) what pedagogical approaches were deployed in educational settings. This included analysis of the (d) advantages and (e) disadvantages present in those elements. Thirty-nine relevant articles were collected from various academic technology and educational databases. The results demonstrate that tablets are being predominantly deployed in various sub-disciplines such as Arithmetic, Computation, and Geometry with the iPad as the dominant choice for tablet hardware/applications. Pedagogical approaches lean heavily on game-based learning, environment interaction, and special needs support. Technological advantages include increased collaboration and mathematics engagement enabled by tablet mobility and a high potential for customization of solutions. Developers, teachers, and researchers need to be informed of potential challenges in designing content for tablet technology deployments in mathematics.</p>
The Efficacy of MALL Instruction in Business English Learning
Authors: Khan Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq , Radzuan Noor Raha Mohd , Alkhunaizan Abdulmohsin Suliman , Mustafa Ghulam , Khan Imran 
Published: August 2019

<p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>T</strong>he existing technological expansion has transformed pervasive revolutions in modern civilization, with continuing innovation of services and products. Nowadays people are having different channels of communication. Currently, mobile learning (M-learning) is being used extensively in teaching and learning foreign languages which further widens the mobility of learners. The usage of mobile instruction can lead learners towards a real interruption to learn effectively when used inappositely. The current study is an attempt to explore the potential usage of M-Learning in English for specific purpose (ESP) classes. For this intention smartphone were used in the ESP context for teaching Business English at the College of Business Administration at a public sector university in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed to 21 participants of the present study after a 5-week exposure to M-learning activities in the formal classroom. The findings revealed that ESP learners acknowledge M-learning as a prompt source of feedback in ESP. The results of this study also indicate that incorporation of M-learning in ESP learning with conventional classroom can support learners to develop their learning proficiency. Moreover, learners showed significantly positive attitude in mobile instruction in a formal classroom.</p>
Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE2 Protein Interacts with p67phox and Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Srivastava Shruti , Battu Madhu Babu , Khan Mehak Zahoor , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Sangita 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis employs defense mechanisms to protect itself from reactive oxygen species (ROS)–mediated cytotoxicity inside macrophages. In the current study, we found that a secretory protein of M. tuberculosis PPE2 disrupted the assembly of NADPH oxidase complex. PPE2 inhibited NADPH oxidase–mediated ROS generation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. PPE2 interacted with the cytosolic subunit of NADPH oxidase, p67phox, and prevented translocation of p67phox and p47phox to the membrane, resulting in decreased NADPH oxidase activity. Trp236 residue present in the SH3-like domain of PPE2 was found to be critical for its interaction with p67phox. Trp236Ala mutant of PPE2 did not interact with p67phox and thereby did not affect ROS generation. M. tuberculosis expressing PPE2 and PPE2-null mutants complemented with PPE2 survived better than PPE2-null mutants in infected RAW 264.7 macrophages. Altogether, this study suggests that PPE2 inhibits NADPH oxidase–mediated ROS production to favor M. tuberculosis survival in macrophages. The findings that M. tuberculosis PPE2 protein is involved in the modulation of oxidative response in macrophages will help us in improving our knowledge of host–pathogen interactions and the application of better therapeutics against tuberculosis.
Prevalence: Outer and middel ear disorders in Black and Indian preschool children from Durban
Authors: Bhoola Daksha , Hugo René 
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of middle ear disorders in 4-5 year old Black and Indian children attending preschools in the Durban Central region. Thus, a sample of 728 subjects (average age = 4,6 years), 315 Black (135 male and 180 female) and 413 Indian (223 male and 190 female) subjects was screened using referral criteria based on a Middle Ear Screening Protocol (MESP). The results of this study indicated that there was a significant relationship (X²=13,237,p<0,0001) between race and the likelihood of subjects passing and failing the MESP. A prevalence of 13,0% failures on the middle ear screening tests (visual inspection of the eardrum and tympanometry) was found in the Black subjects and 14,3% failure in the Indian subjects. No statistically significant differences were found between sex (Black male, Black female and Indian male, Indian female) and the likelihood of subjects passing and failing on the middle ear screening tests. Due to excessive cerumen, a significant percentage of Black (38,4%) and Indian (49,9%) subjects failed on outer ear tests. These results are discussed with reference to the literature. The limitations, research and practical implications of the research are also discussed.
Assessment of the financial resources of municipalities
Authors: Fourie D. 
Published: August 2019

The challenges with which municipalities are currently faced, include the fulfilment of the expectations of many new communities to whom they must render services, while they must simultaneously improve the quality of existing services and eliminate backlogs. The sources from which local authorities generate their revenue at present do not appear to be adequate for the increased need for funds. This paper provides an overview of the issues that have led to the current state of municipal finances and the factors that influence the revenue and expenditure of municipalities. In the light of the lack of sources of income for municipalities, particular attention is given to issues which could have an effect on the improvement of administration in municipalities.
Pharmacokinetic and Safety Profiles of a Fixed‐Dose Combination of Amlodipine, Valsartan, and Atorvastatin: A 3‐Period Replicate Crossover Study
Authors: Kim Seokuee , Ko Jae‐Wook , Kim Jung‐Ryul 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe objective of study was to compare the pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) formulation of 5/160/20 mg amlodipine/valsartan/atorvastatin with those of separate formulations of a 5/160‐mg amlodipine/valsartan tablet and a 20‐mg atorvastatin tablet. This was a randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, 3‐sequence, 3‐period replicate crossover study with 42 subjects. Serial blood samples for pharmacokinetic assessment were collected up to 72 hours postdose. For establishing bioequivalence (BE) for amlodipine, valsartan, and atorvastatin, a reference‐scaled average BE approach was used if applicable, as well as the conventional limit of 0.80‐1.25. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve to the last measurable concentration (AUCt) between the FDC and separate formulations were within the 0.80‐1.25 limit for all analytes but atorvastatin. The estimated within‐subject standard deviation of the log‐transformed values of the separate formulations, the reference intervention, was 0.3804 for the Cmax of atorvastatin, being set at 0.7489‐1.3352 for the BE acceptance limit. For both the Cmax and AUCt for atorvastatin, the GMRs lay within 0.80‐1.25, and the 90%CIs for the GMRs were within the BE acceptance limit. This 3‐period replicate crossover study demonstrated the BE of the FDC formulation of amlodipine, valsartan, and atorvastatin and the separate formulations of an amlodipine/valsartan tablet and an atorvastatin tablet. A similar incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was observed in both interventions, and headache was the most common TEAE.
Reliable Protocols for Flow Cytometry Analysis of Intracellular Proteins in Pluripotent Stem Cell Derivatives: A Fit‐For‐Purpose Approach
Authors: Berg Luecke Linda , Waas Matthew , Gundry Rebekah L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derivatives are valuable for a variety of research applications and have the potential to revolutionize approaches to personalized medicine. However, differentiation efficiency varies among cell lines and protocols. Therefore, methods to reliably determine cell type identity in cultures of hPSC derivatives in a manner that is consistent among laboratories are needed. While flow cytometry is apt for routine assessment of population heterogeneity, standardized protocols are not available for most cell types. This article describes a workflow for establishing a fit‐for‐purpose protocol for flow cytometric analysis of hPSC derivatives. Based on the application of this workflow, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was developed for the analysis of cardiac troponin in hPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CM). Throughout the article, important concepts related to antibody validation and gating strategies are presented to enable users to properly validate any antibody of interest and develop a rigorous SOP for their experimental needs. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What works in alternative dispute resolution? The impact of third‐party neutral strategies in small claims cases
Authors: Charkoudian Lorig , Eisenberg Deborah T. , Walter Jamie L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis research examines “what works” in small claims court alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. Using a comprehensive quasi‐experimental design that combines real‐time behavioral observation of authentic small claims court ADR sessions with pre‐ and postintervention questionnaires, the study measures the immediate and long‐term impact of various strategies by third‐party neutrals on party attitudes and case outcomes. Eliciting participant solutions had the broadest range of positive impacts. Greater percentage of time spent in caucus was associated with negative outcomes. Reflecting had short‐term positive associations and neutral offering solutions had long‐term negative associations.
Impact of maternal childhood trauma on child behavioral problems: The role of child frontal alpha asymmetry
Authors: van de Ven Maria C. J. , van den Heuvel Marion I. , Bhogal Amanpreet , Lewis Toni , Thomason Moriah E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractChildhood trauma is associated with many long‐term negative outcomes, and is not limited to the individual experiencing the trauma, but extends to subsequent generations. However, mechanisms underlying the association between maternal childhood trauma and child psychopathology are not well understood. Here, we targeted frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) as a potential underlying factor of the relationship between maternal childhood trauma and child behavioral problems. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from (N = 45) children (Mean age = 57.9 months, SD = 3.13) during an eyes‐closed paradigm in order to evaluate FAA. Mothers reported on their childhood trauma experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and on their child's behavior using the child behavior checklist (CBCL). We found that maternal childhood trauma significantly predicted child total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior at age 5 years. We also observed a role for FAA such that it acted as a moderator, but not mediator, for behavioral problems. We found that children with relative more right/less left frontal activity were more at risk to develop behavioral problems when their mother had been exposed to trauma in her childhood. These results indicate that child frontal asymmetry may serve as a susceptibility marker for child behavioral problems.
Using millimeter‐waves for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in food based on bacteriophage
Authors: Sultan Kamel S. , Ali Tamer A. , Fahmy Nada A. , El‐Shibiny Ayman 
Published: August 2019

The accessibility of a rapid method for detection and identification of food‐borne pathogens is crucial for food industry worldwide. Antibiotic resistance bacteria (eg, E. coli) that can enter the food chain in different ways, can indeed survive on foods causing disease to humans. Hence, the introduction of a rapid detection technology becomes necessary for the food industry to ensure consumer safety, especially for products with short shelf lives. Bacteriophages can be used to detect and identify bacteria. In this study, a novel biosensor is proposed to detect pathogens by means of phage‐based baroreceptor. The biosensing technique is based on millimeter‐waves technology in the 30 to 60 GHz frequency range. The proposed biosensor can detect the pathogenic bacteria in different food samples by using a diamond‐shape microstrip slot antenna. The bacteriophage‐bacterium interaction is detected through the dynamic changes in transmission lines and antennas responses. The correctness of the antenna to detect E. coli in real food sample (tomato) is also investigated. The results indicate that, through the designed sensing elements, the transient interaction between bacteria and phage can effectively be detected. This sensing mechanism allows for a faster, more accurate, and low‐cost detection of pathogenic bacteria than traditional assays. Finally, the results are compared with previously reported sensing techniques.
A novel structural detailing for the improvement of seismic and progressive collapse performances of RC frames
Authors: Lin Kaiqi , Lu Xinzheng , Li Yi , Zhuo Weidong , Guan Hong 
Published: August 2019

SummaryEarthquake‐induced building collapse and progressive collapse due to accidental local failure of vertical components are the two most common failure modes of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. Conventional design methods usually focus on the design requirements of a specific hazard but neglect the interactions between different designs. For example, the progressive collapse design of an RC frame often yields increased reinforcement and flexural strength of the beams. As a result, the seismic design principle of “strong‐column‐weak‐beam” may be violated, which may lead to unfavorable failure modes and weaken the seismic performance. To avoid these adverse effects of the progressive collapse design on the seismic resistance of RC frames, a novel structural detailing is proposed in this study. The proposed detailing technique intends to concurrently improve the seismic and progressive collapse performances of an RC frame by changing the layout of the newly added longitudinal reinforcement against progressive collapse without introducing any additional reinforcement. A six‐story RC frame is used as the prototype building for this investigation. Both cyclic and progressive collapse tests are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed structural detailing. Based on the experimental results, detailed finite element (FE) models of the RC frame with different reinforcement layouts are established. The seismic and progressive collapse resistances of different models are compared based on the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) and nonlinear dynamic alternate path (AP) methods, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed structural detailing can effectively resolve the conflict between the seismic and progressive collapse designs.
Long noncoding RNA GAS5 silencing inhibits the expression of KCNQ3 by sponging miR‐135a‐5p to prevent the progression of epilepsy
Authors: Li Bao‐Guang , Wu Wen‐Juan , Zheng Hua‐Cheng , Yang Hua‐Fang , Zuo Yue‐Xian , Cui Xiao‐Pu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in humans. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be important players in neurological diseases. Herein, this study aimed to examine the effect of lncRNA GAS5 on the occurrence of epilepsy in rat and cell models of epileptic seizure. The expression of lncRNA GAS5 was measured in the established rat and cell models. The binding sites between lncRNA GAS5 and miR‐135a‐5p, as well as those between miR‐135a‐5p and 3′ untranslated region of KCNQ3 were predicted by miRDB and Targetscan, separately, followed by verification using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of miR‐135a‐5p was measured in response to the overexpression of lncRNA GAS5. The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ3 were examined in response to overexpression of miR‐135a‐5p. Next, the latency of epilepsy and frequency of epileptic seizures were assessed in rats injected with Lv‐shGAS5 and Lv‐miR‐135a‐5p in epileptic seizure model. In the rat and cell models, lncRNA GAS5 was highly expressed when epileptic seizure was induced. The expression of miR‐135a‐5p was decreased by overexpression of lncRNA GAS5. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ3 were decreased in response to knockdown of miR‐135a‐5p. After the treatment of Lv‐shGAS5 and Lv‐miR‐135a‐5p, the average latent period of epilepsy was prolonged and the frequency of seizures was decreased. The key findings of the present study provide evidence emphasizing that lncRNA GAS5 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR‐135a‐5p to increase expression of KCNQ3, and lncRNA GAS5 silencing inhibited the occurrence and progression of epilepsy.
The effects of behavioural counselling on the determinants of health behaviour change in adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions making lifestyle changes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martin Emma S. , Dobson Fiona , Hall Michelle , Marshall Charlotte , Egerton Thorlene 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveA systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials was carried out to examine the effect of behavioural counselling on determinants of behaviour change in adults with chronic, painful musculoskeletal conditions.MethodsSeven databases were searched up to January 2019. Two reviewers independently screened title/abstracts and full texts. Eligible trials included those including participants over 18 years of age with a chronic, painful musculoskeletal condition, a measurement of at least one behavioural determinant and lifestyle behaviour, and where behavioural counselling was the distinguishing intervention. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta‐analyses were conducted, using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) when at least two trials examined the same outcome. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.ResultsFourteen unique trials, reported in 16 publications, were included. Low‐quality evidence showed that behavioural counselling has a small effect on increasing self‐reported physical activity (standardized mean difference 0.26; 95% CI 0.00, 0.53). Very‐low‐quality evidence showed that behavioural counselling has a moderate effect on self‐efficacy related to physical activity (standardized mean difference 0.69; 95% CI 0.19, 1.18). Low‐quality evidence suggested that behavioural counselling has no effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety.ConclusionsBehavioural counselling may help to increase self‐reported physical activity levels in adults with chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions. Self‐efficacy may be a behavioural determinant in an underlying causal pathway explaining positive lifestyle change.
Studying executive functions in senior preschoolers
Authors: Veraksa Alexander , Almazova Olga , Bukhalenkova Daria 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study analyzed connections between different components of executive functions (EF; inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility) among 1,075 preschool children in Moscow. The results suggested greater heterochronicity in different EF component levels for girls compared with boys. Factor analysis showed the best fit for a three‐factor model.