bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of defaulting by collateral lending groups in microfinancing: A probit regression approach
Authors: Modisagae Katlego , Ackermann Christo 
Published: June 2018

Orientation: Despite the use of group lending, microfinance institutions (MFIs) are still faced with the risk of default by borrowers and the absence of physical collateral means that there is no recourse to borrower assets for repayment. It is therefore imperative to understand characteristics of loan default as a means to reduce possible erosion of the capital base of MFIs.Research purpose: The study identified determinants of loan default for collateral lending groups in microfinancing.Motivation for the study: Default on loans, which can be caused by characteristics of the lending groups themselves, has the undesirable effect of eroding the capital base of MFIs and threatening their continued existence. This study aims to identify those characteristics of loan default which could erode the capital base of MFIs.Research design, approach and methods: The study used the probit regression model to identify characteristics of loan default by collateral lending groups in microfinance in order to assist MFIs with insights regarding which factors to eliminate and which to enhance in the design of the groups to which they lend.Main findings: The key findings of the study indicate that probability of default decreases with larger groups, more female borrowers in a group and larger borrower savings. The results also indicate that probability of default increases with larger loan amounts and with borrowers who have more business experience.Practical and managerial implications: Microfinance institutions should consider having a feeder programme where borrowers whose businesses have become successful and larger can be passed on to bigger commercial banks instead of continuing to borrow from the MFIs as part of a group lending scheme.
The development of the visual screening tool for anxiety disorders and depression: Addressing barriers to screening for depression and anxiety disorders in hypertension and/or diabetes
Authors: Ogle Zimbini , Koen Liezl , Niehaus Dana J.H. 
Published: June 2018

Background: There is a lack of screening tools for common mental disorders that can be applied across cultures, languages and levels of education in people with diabetes and hypertension. Aim: To develop a visual screening tool for depression and anxiety disorders that is applicable across cultures and levels of education. Setting: Participants were purposively recruited from two not-for-profit organisations and two public health facilities – a maternal mental health unit and a primary health care centre. Method: This was a qualitative cross-sectional study. Thirteen drawings based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depicting symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression were drawn. Participants described emotions and thoughts depicted in the drawings. Data were analysed through content analysis. Results: Thirty-one women (66%) and 16 men (34%) participated in the development of the visual screening tool. The mean age was 34 (standard deviation [SD] 12.46). There were 32 (68%) black participants, 11 (23%) mixed race participants and 4 (9%) white participants. Two participants (4%) had no schooling, 14 (31%) primary schooling, 8 (18%) senior schooling, 13 (29%) matric qualification and 8 (18%) had post-matric qualification. Participants correctly described 10 out of the 13 visual depiction of symptoms as associated with depression and anxiety disorders, with no differences between levels of education and cultural groups. Conclusion: Ten drawings were appropriate for inclusion in the visual screening tool for anxiety disorders and depression (VISTAD). The VISTAD will be validated against the mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) in a primary care population with hypertension and/or diabetes.
High-Temperature Atmospheric Corrosion of Fe-Cr-Si Alloys Studied by Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Authors: Idczak Rafał 
Published: June 2018

The high-temperature atmospheric corrosion of iron-based Fe-Cr-Si alloys was studied using 57Fe transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy (TMS) and conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). The Mössbauer measurements allow one to determine the chemical composition changes as well as the content of iron oxides in 300 nm subsurface layer and the bulk of studied samples during exposure to air at 870 K. The results indicate that the oxidation of iron atoms slows with increasing Si and Cr content in the specimens and as one could expect, the oxidation process in the bulk is much slower than in the 300 nm subsurface layer of studied materials. The parameters of the measured spectra made it possible to compute the iron oxidation kinetics. The comparison of the obtained kinetics for the Fe0.96Cr0.03Si0.01, Fe0.94Cr0.03Si0.03, and Fe0.90Cr0.05Si0.05 samples with corresponding data obtained previously for the binary Fe-Si and Fe-Cr alloys suggests that an addition of a relatively small amount of Cr to the dilute iron-based Fe-Si alloys has a negative effect on high-temperature corrosion resistance of the systems. At the same time, the present investigations show that the iron oxidation process is practically not observed when the alloy that is richer in Cr, Fe0.85Cr0.10Si0.05, is exposed to air at 870 K. Finally, the additional TMS measurements were performed for Fe0.85Cr0.10Si0.05 sample after exposure to air at 1,070 K and 1,270 K.
Getting to Maybe: Improving the Education Doctorate in an Era of Uncertainty
Authors: Rasmussen Harriette Thurber 
Published: June 2018

In an age of increasing complexity, particularly endeavors intended to address social justice, institutions of higher learning can be caught in the middle of the need for stability and responsiveness. Using CPED principles as a guide, this essay argues for complexity as an essential lens to address social justice, problems of practice, and systematic inquiry that incorporates multiple frames and perspective. It suggests specific tools to rethink approaches to foundational content and suggests a more central role of practitioner problems in doctoral coursework.
Program Innovation and Design in an Era of Accountability: EdD Faculty Work as a Community of Practice
Authors: Phillps Joy C. , Geller Kathy D. , Mawritz Kenneth J. 
Published: June 2018

The essay describes how a task team of Drexel EdD faculty worked as a community of practice (Wenger, 1998) to conduct a crosswalk to align program principles, known as the Keystones, with national and university standards including the six Guiding Principles for Program Design contained in the CPED Framework (Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, n.d.-a). In accordance with the study institution’s planning tool, the EdD crosswalk also demonstrates alignment with the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Advanced Program Standards (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, n.d.-a), Drexel University Student Learning Priorities (DSLPs), and Drexel School of Education Program Themes. Discussion examining the task team’s work is framed around the four interlinking components of community of practice: meaning, practice, community, and identity. Wenger (1998) describes these components as “deeply interconnected and mutually defining” (p. 5). While uncommon, the process described in this essay represents the intent of assessment scholars (Banta & Palomba, 2014) and contributes to deepening understanding of higher education assessment work.
Themed Section of Impacting Education Focused on CPED’s Principle
Authors: Perry Jill A , Zambo Debby 
Published: June 2018

This themed section of Impacting Education (IE) focuses on the use of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate’s (CPED) Guiding Principles for EdD program design. Authors in this section are CPED Writing Fellows who have been selected because of their experience around engaging the Principles in their program design. To become a Fellow each author posed a manuscript around the theme, created a draft version, and came together at the June 2017 convening to align their work with others, provide constructive feedback, and form support groups to ensure manuscript completion and acceptance. The following articles in this section are the result of this year-long process.Focusing on CPED’s Guiding Principles for Program Design offers readers of IE an understanding of the foundation of CPED’s Framework (to access these go to https://www.cpedinitiative.org/page/AboutUs) which over 100 schools of education have now used to redesign their EdD programs. These Principles were created in a collaborative effort of member faculty (Perry, 2016; Perry, Zambo, & Wunder, 2015) to move the Consortium away from a prescriptive EdD program model, toward a more flexible framework that would make professional practice preparation in education as purposeful, fluid, and meaningful as possible The result of this work was not only the Guiding Principles for Program Design but also a movement that has made CPED the first action-oriented effort working to distinguish and define the EdD as a rigorous and relevant degree for professional practice (Perry, 2010, 2012; Perry & Imig, 2008). In this themed section, manuscripts written by Writing Fellows show the impact of the principles on their EdD programs. To help readers get a grounding into the importance of this work, we provide background into the development of the principles.
The Relationship between Social Dominance Orientation and Religiosity mediated by Political Orientation and Race
Authors: Oxendine David Bryan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPolitical orientation and race have consistently found to be associated with social dominance orientation (SDO) and religiosity. This study explores the degree of influence that political orientation and race has on SDO and religiosity. The research participants consisted of 245 undergraduate and graduate students at an ethnically diverse regional university in the southeastern United States. As expected, Republican participants scored higher in SDO than Democrats, as White participants scored higher in SDO than did Non-White participants. Additionally, Republican participants scored higher in religiosity than did Democrats. As hypothesized, Non-Whites scored higher in religiosity than did Whites. Implications for future research on political orientation, race and other factors associated with SDO and religiosity.
Nefrectomia Radicale Laparoendoscopic Single-site (LESS) nel Tumore Renale: Tecnica e Risultati Chirurgici Cosmetici e Valutazione del Dolore Postoperatorio
Authors: Pini Giovannalberto , Veneziano Domenico , Altieri Vincenzo , Inferrera Antonino , Fornara Paolo , Greco Francesco 
Published: June 2018

Introduction Over the last few years, many urological laparoscopic operations have been successfully performed by LESS. However, the actual role of LESS in the field of minimally invasive urologic surgery remains to be determined with controversial data about postoperative pain control and almost no results on cosmetic data. The aim of the present study is to describe the technique and report the surgical outcomes of LESS radical nephrectomy (RN) in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with special emphasis for postoperative pain control and almost no results on cosmetic data. Materials And Methods LESS-RN was performed in 33 patients with renal tumors. The indications to perform a LESS-RN were represented by renal tumors not greater than T2, and without evidence of lymphadenopathy or renal vein involvement. Surgical procedure The Endocone (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was inserted through a transumbilical incision. A combination of standard laparoscopic instruments and bent grasper and scissors was used. The step sequence of LESS-RN was comparable to standard laparoscopic RN. Demographic data and perioperative and postoperative variables were recorded and analyzed. Results The mean operative time was 143.7 ∓ 24.3 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 122.3 ∓ 34.1 mL and a mean hospital stay of 3.8 ∓ 0.8 d. The mean length of skin incision was 4.1 ∓ 0.6 cm; all patients were discharged from hospital with minimal discomfort, as demonstrated by their pain assessment scores (visual analogue scale: 1.9 ∓ 0.8). The definitive pathologic results revealed a renal cell carcinoma in all cases and a stage distribution of four T1a, 27 T1b, and 2 T2 tumors. All patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the scars, and at a median follow-up period of 13.2 ∓ 3.9 mo, all patients were alive without evidence of tumor recurrence or port-site metastasis. Conclusions LESS is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for RN in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and has excellent cosmetic results.
ANÁLISE MÉTRICA DA COBERTURA FLORESTAL DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO PEQUENO - PR
Authors: Rex Franciel Eduardo , Dalla Corte Ana Paula , Satomi Kazama Verônica , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto 
Published: June 2018

O uso e a ocupação da terra de forma não planejada modificam a paisagem a ponto de torná-la mais suscetível a perturbações ambientais. Dentre as principais perturbações, destaca-se a fragmentação florestal. Para avaliar esse tipo de perturbação o uso do Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) é indicado por apresentar ferramentas de análise espacial apropriadas para esse fim. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a cobertura florestal da bacia hidrográfica do rio Pequeno com a aplicação de métricas de ecologia de paisagem, assim como analisar a conexão destas áreas com os cursos d’água. Foram utilizados dados vetoriais do uso da terra, hidrografia e da bacia Rio Pequeno, adquiridos pelo Instituto Águas Paraná. A área de estudo apresenta 47,16% de cobertura florestal, sendo composta pelas classes de vegetação arbórea, vegetação arbustiva e vegetação arbórea plantada. Nessas classes há um elevado número de fragmentos com uma área menor que 10ha, indicando uma paisagem fragmentada. As classes de vegetação natural apresentam formas mais irregulares (>2,0), enquanto que a classe de vegetação plantada apresenta um padrão mais regular de forma (1,84). Apenas 50% dos fragmentos de vegetação natural estão conectados aos cursos d’água. Esses resultados indicam que a bacia estudada está sofrendo com perturbações ambientais devido ao uso e ocupação da terra de forma indiscriminada. Portanto, a análise da estrutura e a espacialização via SIG culminam em produção de informações importantes que auxiliam na tomada de decisão para o manejo e conservação da paisagem.
Functional Multichannel Poly(Propylene Fumarate)‐Collagen Scaffold with Collagen‐Binding Neurotrophic Factor 3 Promotes Neural Regeneration After Transected Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Yannan , Li Xing , Xiao Zhifeng , Yao Yuanjiang , Chu Yun , Farkas Balázs , Romano Ilaria , Brandi Fernando , Dai Jianwu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMany factors contribute to the poor axonal regrowth and ineffective functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Biomaterials have been used for SCI repair by promoting bridge formation and reconnecting the neural tissue at the lesion site. The mechanical properties of biomaterials are critical for successful design to ensure the stable support as soon as possible when compressed by the surrounding spine and musculature. Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffolds with high mechanical strength have been shown to provide firm spatial maintenance and to promote repair of tissue defects. A multichannel PPF scaffold is combined with collagen biomaterial to build a novel biocompatible delivery system coated with neurotrophin‐3 containing an engineered collagen‐binding domain (CBD‐NT3). The parallel‐aligned multichannel structure of PPF scaffolds guide the direction of neural tissue regeneration across the lesion site and promote reestablishment of bridge connectivity. The combinatorial treatment consisting of PPF and collagen loaded with CBD‐NT3 improves the inhibitory microenvironment, facilitates axonal and neuronal regeneration, survival of various types of functional neurons and remyelination and synapse formation of regenerated axons following SCI. This novel treatment strategy for SCI repair effectively promotes neural tissue regeneration after transected spinal injury by providing a regrowth‐supportive microenvironment and eventually induces functional improvement.
Functionalization of the C−H Bond of N‐Heteroaromatics Assisted by Early Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Nagae Haruki , Kundu Abhinanda , Inoue Mariko , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis review focuses on direct C−H bond functionalization reactions of N‐heteroaromatic compounds by group 3 and 4 organometallic complexes. Early transition‐metal‐carbon and ‐nitrogen bonds are highly reactive to C−H bond activation via a σ‐bond metathesis pathway to form new organometallic species. By further inserting other unsaturated molecules into the new metal‐carbon bond, C−H bond functionalized products are selectively obtained. To clarify the reaction mechanism, we categorize the reaction by the chelation size of the metallacycle intermediate generated from the organometallic species with N‐heteroaromatic compounds, and include both stoichiometric and catalytic reactions with their reaction mechanism.
Encapsulation of Silver Nanoparticles in an Amine‐Functionalized Porphyrin Metal–Organic Framework and Its Use as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for CO2 Fixation under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Dutta Gargi , Jana Ajay Kumar , Singh Dheeraj Kumar , Eswaramoorthy M. , Natarajan Srinivasan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA new porphyrin‐based compound, [Zn3(C40H24N8)(C20H8N2O4)2(DEF)2](DEF)3 (1; DEF=N,N‐diethylformamide), has been synthesized by employing 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin, 1,2‐diamino‐3,6‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene, and Zn2+ salt at 100 °C under solvothermal conditions. The structure, as determined by single‐crystal XRD studies, is three‐dimensional with threefold interpenetration. The usefulness of free −NH2 groups in the ligand was exploited for anchoring silver nanoparticles through a simple solution‐based route. The silver‐loaded sample, Ag@1, was characterized by powder XRD, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, high‐resolution TEM, SEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma MS analysis, which clearly indicated that silver nanoparticles with a size of 3.83 nm were uniformly distributed within the metal–organic framework (MOF). The Ag@1 sample was evaluated for possible catalytic activity for the carboxylation of a terminal alkyne by employing CO2 under atmospheric pressure; this gave excellent results. The Ag@1 catalyst was found to be robust, active, and recyclable. The present studies suggest that porphyrin MOFs not only exhibit interesting structures, but also show good heterogeneous catalytic activity towards the fixation of CO2.
Calix[5]phyrin for Fluoride Ion Sensing with Visible and Near Infrared Optical Responses
Authors: Higashino Tomohiro , Kumagai Atsushi , Imahori Hiroshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFluoride (F−) ion sensing is an important topic due to its roles in health, medical, and environmental sciences. In this regard, colorimetric sensors with a near infrared (NIR) optical response are useful in biological systems because they can avoid interference from endogenous chromophores. Although calix[n]phyrins are highly attractive as sensors with the NIR optical response, studies on calix[n]phyrins are still limited owing to their intrinsic instability against ambient light and air. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new calix[5]phyrin bearing one sp3‐hybridized carbon atom as a π‐expanded calix[n]phyrin. Upon addition of tetrabutylammonium fluoride, the calix[5]phyrin exhibited distinct NIR absorptions at 908 and 1064 nm as well as a visible color change. Importantly, it revealed an excellent selectivity for F− ion. These results demonstrate that calix[5]phyrins are promising colorimetric and NIR sensors of F− ion.
Disturbance Rejection Control for a Vibrating String System
Authors: Zhao Zhijia , Xiao Ying , Li Zhifu , Liu Hua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper is concerned with disturbance rejection control for a vibrating flexible string system in the presence of unknown disturbances. First, the boundary disturbance observer is proposed to deal with the boundary disturbance and the infinite dimensional disturbance observer is introduced to mitigate the effects of the distributed disturbance. Subsequently, the boundary control and distributed control are developed to suppress the vibration and globally stabilize the string system at its equilibrium position. Under the control proposed, the uniformly bounded stability of the controlled system is testified employing rigorous analysis without resorting to discretization of the partial differential equation dynamics depending on the time and space. Finally, the simulation and comparison results verify the performance of the derived control.
How great is current curative expenditure and catastrophic health expenditure among patients with cancer in China? A research based on “System of Health Account 2011”
Authors: Zheng Ang , Duan Wenjuan , Zhang Lin , Bao Xintong , Mao Xiaoyun , Luo Zhuojun , Jin Feng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn recent years, the incidence and mortality of cancer have witnessed a dramatic increase. Cancer has already caused severe economic burdens on society, especially in developing countries and has become a major public health concern. This study evaluates the medical economic burden, including total current curative expenditure (CCE) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) on cancer in Liaoning Province, China. A total of 252 medical institutions were investigated with multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We established a standardized database of 3 532 517 samples. “System of Health Account 2011”, a new internationally recognized accounting system, was established to analyze the CCE on six most common cancers. CHE were estimated from the extracted 1344 patients with cancer, which performed a cross‐sectional study. The association of individual and contextual factors with CHE was evaluated using logistic regression models. CCE for all the patients with the six types of cancer was 2801.38 million CNY in Liaoning Province, the highest of which was lung cancer. The incidence of CHE was 42.78%, while the threshold was 40%. The average and relative distance were 10.41% and 24.32%, respectively. Influencing factors were length of stay, type of health insurance, location of household, etc. Our findings highlight the need to address medical economic burden in the cancer population. Households with the cancer are more likely to incur CHE. Financial intervention to prevent it should target on poor households. We provide suggestions in aspects of health insurance and health service management to reduce CHE.