bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing students online learning behavior in blended courses using Moodle
Authors: Estacio Rosalina Rebucas , Raga Jr Rodolfo Callanta 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a proposal for a data-driven investigation aimed at determining whether students’ learning behavior can be extracted and visualized from action logs recorded by Moodle. The paper also tried to show whether there is a correlation between the activity level of students in online environments and their academic performance with respect to final grade.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis was carried out using log data obtained from various courses dispensed in a university using a Moodle platform. The study also collected demographic profiles of students and compared them with their activity level in order to analyze how these attributes affect students’ level of activity in the online environment.

Findings
This work has shown that data mining algorithm like vector space model can be used to aggregate the action logs of students and quantify it into a single numeric value that can be used to generate visualizations of students’ level of activity. The current investigation indicates that there is a lot of variability in terms of the correlation between these two variables.

Practical implications
The value presented in the study can help instructors monitor course progression and enable them to rapidly identify which students are not performing well and adjust their pedagogical strategies accordingly.

Originality/value
A plan to continue the work by developing a complete dashboard style interface that instructors can use is already underway. More data need to be collected and more advanced processing tools are necessary in order to obtain a better perspective on this issue.
Migration as adaptation strategy to cope with climate change
Authors: Jha Chandan Kumar , Gupta Vijaya , Chattopadhyay Utpal , Amarayil Sreeraman Binilkumar 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the link between climate/weather change and farmer migration in Bihar, India. The influence of cognitive conditions and climate-related stress on farmer migration decisions and the socioeconomic characteristics of migrating and non-migrating farm households are analysed. The focus is the role of migration in access to climate and agricultural extension services and the contribution of migration to enhanced farmer coping capacity.

Design/methodology/approach
A primary survey was conducted of farm households in seven districts of Bihar, India. Farmer perceptions of climate change were analysed using the mental map technique. The role of socioeconomic characteristics in farm household migration was evaluated using binary logistic regression, and the influence of migration on access to climate and agricultural extension services and the adaptive capacity of migrating households was investigated using descriptive statistics.

Findings
Climate-induced livelihood risk factors are one of the major drivers of farmer’s migration. The farmers’ perception on climate change influences migration along with the socioeconomic characteristics. There is a significant difference between migrating and non-migrating farm households in the utilization of instructions, knowledge and technology based climate and agriculture extension services. Benefits from receipt of remittance, knowledge and social networks from the host region enhances migrating households’ adaptive capacity.

Originality/value
This study provides micro-evidence of the contribution of migration to farmer adaptive capacity and access to climate and agricultural extension services, which will benefit analyses of climate-induced migration in other developing countries with higher agricultural dependence. In addition, valuable insights are delivered on policy requirements to reduce farmer vulnerability to climate change.
Observing alcohol drinking in licensed premises: a formative social marketing study
Authors: Buyucek Nuray , Knox Kathy , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThis paper aimed to examine the role of social factors and individual factors on alcohol drinking in a licensed premise.Design/methodology/approachAn unobtrusive covert systematic observational study of 632 licensed premise patrons was conducted during May 2015.FindingsConvergence between genders was observed with females drinking as much and as long as males; 57.9 per cent of patrons drank two and more servings, exceeding daily recommended amounts. Social factors such as group size are more influential on drinking than individual factors such as gender and smoking status. Serving practices such as straws and buying drinks in rounds influence the quantity of alcohol consumed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focussed on one licensed premise. Replication of the method outlined in the current study in different licensed venues, states and countries will permit the role of policy, drinking environments and drinking cultures to be understood.Practical implicationsDrinking patterns of both genders are converging. Thus, intervention efforts should target both genders.Originality/valueThis paper contributes a structured observation protocol that extends our understanding of alcohol drinking beyond quantity by incorporating observation of duration of consumption for each serve, permitting identification of social and environmental factors that can be used to lower licensed premise alcohol drinking.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor A levels reflect itch severity in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Sakamoto Minami , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Kamijo Hiroaki , Oka Tomonori , Takahashi Naomi , Suga Hiraku , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Asano Yoshihide , Sugaya Makoto , Sato Shinichi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAngiogenesis is an important step to support progression of malignancies, including mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, a key player in angiogenesis, is secreted by tumor cells of MF/SS and its expression levels in lesional skin correlated with disease severity. In this study, we examined serum VEGF‐A levels in MF/SS patients. Serum VEGF‐A levels were elevated in patients with erythrodermic MF/SS and the levels decreased after treatment. Importantly, serum VEGF‐A levels positively correlated with markers for pruritus. We also found that VEGF‐A upregulated mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin by keratinocytes. Taken together, our study suggests that VEGF‐A can promote progression and pruritus in MF/SS. Inhibition of VEGF‐A signaling can be a therapeutic strategy for patients with erythrodermic MF/SS.
The effect of alginates on in vitro gastric digestion of particulated whey protein
Authors: Koutina Glykeria , Ioannidi Eleni , Melo Nogueira Bárbara M , Ipsen Richard 
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate how microparticulated and nanoparticulated whey proteins mixed with alginate respond to simulated in vitro gastric digestion conditions at pH 3.0. Initially, particle size distributions and zeta potential were measured in all mixtures at pH 3.0. Particle size distributions as well as SDS‐PAGE were used to investigate the rate of protein degradation by pepsin during simulated in vitro gastric digestion. The complexation of nanoparticulated and microparticulated whey protein with alginates causes formation of insoluble and soluble complexes, which can resist pepsin degradation to a different degree. These results highlight the potential of developing new food products, which can enhance satiety.
An 8‐year follow‐up of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment with a treat‐and‐extend modality for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Berg Karina , Roald Anca B. , Navaratnam Jesintha , Bragadóttir Ragnheiður 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate long‐term visual results of treatment with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) following a treat‐and‐extend regimen.MethodsRetrospective review of 155 patients who initiated treatment with bevacizumab for nAMD in one eye. At the final 8‐year visit, 40 patients (26%) remained for follow‐up. Mean change in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was calculated compared to baseline values.ResultsMean BCVA improved significantly from baseline during the first year of treatment, with −0.11 logMAR units equivalent to 6.1 approximate Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (approxETDRS) letters (p = <0.001). Mean BCVA was still significantly improved after 4 years of treatment for the entire group of patients and after 6 years of treatment for the subgroup of 40 patients who remained at the final 8‐year visit. Thereafter, BCVA gradually declined and at 8 years, there was a mean change of 0.05 logMAR units equivalent to 2.1 approxETDRS letters below baseline (p = 0.530). Mean number of injections during the first year was 6.1 ± 2.8 and during year 8 was 5.4 ± 3.5. At 5 years, fundus autofluorescence showed some degree of macular atrophy in all eyes. At the final 8‐year visit, 87.5% of the eyes had stable neovascular lesions with no fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT).ConclusionIn an everyday clinical setting, treatment of nAMD patients with a treat‐and‐extend modality provided improvement and stability of vision for several years. After 8 years of follow‐up, there was a decline in visual acuity (VA) that could be explained by macular atrophic development.
Persistent pain in neonates: challenges in assessment without the aid of a clinical tool
Authors: Boyle Elaine M. , Bradshaw Joanna , Blake Kathryn I. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimEvaluation of comfort and pain in neonates is important for management. Specific signs of persistent pain in neonates remain undefined; few validated clinical tools assess persistent pain. We sought to determine (i) difficulty perceived by staff and parents in assessing comfort/persistent pain in babies, (ii) strategies employed when no clinical tool is used and (iii) variation between clinicians’ assessments.MethodsParent and staff questionnaires addressed difficulty in assessing pain/comfort in neonates and strategies used in making assessments.ResultsA total of 47 of 50 (94%) parents and 83 of 91 (91%) staff participated; 50% of staff reported it was moderately/very difficult to assess persistent pain, and 13% very easy; 75% of parents found it moderately/very easy and 23% difficult to assess their baby's comfort; 15% of parents thought staff found pain assessment difficult. Staff described 94 different factors indicative of comfort and 139 factors of persistent pain. Terminology differed widely and was often nonspecific; 67% of staff described forming a ‘general impression’.ConclusionPain assessment is challenging for staff. Most parents feel confident in assessing their babies’ comfort, but may overestimate the ease with which staff can do so. Indicators of persistent pain/comfort are poorly defined; staff use differing, subjective assessments, which may complicate communication between carers.
A new negative allosteric modulator, AP14145, for the study of small conductance calcium‐activated potassium (KCa2) channels
Authors: Simó‐Vicens Rafel , Kirchhoff Jeppe E , Dolce Bernardo , Abildgaard Lea , Speerschneider Tobias , Sørensen Ulrik S , Grunnet Morten , Diness Jonas G , Bentzen Bo H 
Published: September 2017

Background and PurposeSmall conductance calcium‐activated potassium (KCa2) channels represent a promising atrial‐selective target for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Here, we establish the mechanism of KCa2 channel inhibition by the new compound AP14145.Experimental ApproachUsing site‐directed mutagenesis, binding determinants for AP14145 inhibition were explored. AP14145 selectivity and mechanism of action were investigated by patch‐clamp recordings of heterologously expressed KCa2 channels. The biological efficacy of AP14145 was assessed by measuring atrial effective refractory period (AERP) prolongation in anaesthetized rats, and a beam walk test was performed in mice to determine acute CNS‐related effects of the drug.Key ResultsAP14145 was found to be an equipotent negative allosteric modulator of KCa2.2 and KCa2.3 channels (IC50 = 1.1 ± 0.3 μM). The presence of AP14145 (10 μM) increased the EC50 of Ca2+ on KCa2.3 channels from 0.36 ± 0.02 to 1.2 ± 0.1 μM. The inhibitory effect strongly depended on two amino acids, S508 and A533 in the channel. AP14145 concentration‐dependently prolonged AERP in rats. Moreover, AP14145 (10 mg·kg−1) did not trigger any apparent CNS effects in mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsAP14145 is a negative allosteric modulator of KCa2.2 and KCa2.3 channels that shifted the calcium dependence of channel activation, an effect strongly dependent on two identified amino acids. AP14145 prolonged AERP in rats and did not trigger any acute CNS effects in mice. The understanding of how KCa2 channels are inhibited, at the molecular level, will help further development of drugs targeting KCa2 channels.
Childhood socioeconomic conditions and teeth in older adulthood: Evidence from SHARE wave 5
Authors: Listl Stefan , Broadbent Jonathan M. , Thomson W. Murray , Stock Christian , Shen Jing , Steele Jimmy , Wildman John , Heilmann Anja , Watt Richard G. , Tsakos Georgios , Peres Marco A. , van der Heijden Geert , Jürges Hendrik 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesDental diseases are the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Healthy teeth are vital for quality of life, particularly diet and nutrition. However, little information exists to inform health policymakers about potentially long‐lasting influences of early‐life conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between early‐life socioeconomic conditions and number of natural teeth at age 50 and above.MethodsAnalyses were conducted on cross‐sectional data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE wave 5), which includes information on 41 560 respondents aged 50 years or older from 14 European countries and Israel. Using SHARE life history information, a series of regression models (OLS, Tobit) were estimated to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic conditions in earlier life and the number of teeth at age 50+.ResultsChildhood socioeconomic background was associated with the number of natural teeth at age 50 and above, even after controlling for current determinants of oral health. Respondents who had had more than 25 books in their childhood household had a mean 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2‐1.5) more teeth than respondents with fewer books. Respondents who reported poor financial conditions during childhood had a mean 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3‐0.9) fewer teeth than respondents who reported better financial conditions in childhood.ConclusionThese findings substantiate the association between socioeconomic conditions in the early years of life and tooth retention to older adulthood and highlight the long‐lasting relation between childhood living conditions and oral health through the lifecourse.
Grandmaternal smoking increases asthma risk in grandchildren: A nationwide Swedish cohort
Authors: Lodge C. J. , Bråbäck L. , Lowe A. J. , Dharmage S. C. , Olsson D. , Forsberg B. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundThere is growing interest in exposures prior to conception as possible risk factors for offspring asthma. Although partially supported by evidence from limited human studies, current evidence is inconsistent and based on recall of exposure status.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in grandchildren using prospectively collected population‐based data.MethodsInformation on grandmaternal and maternal smoking during pregnancy and grandchild use of asthma medications was collected from national Swedish registries. Associations between grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy (10‐12 weeks) and asthma medication use in grandchildren were investigated using generalized estimating equations. Ages at which asthma medications were prescribed classified childhood asthma into never, early transient (0‐3 years), late onset (3‐6 years) and early persistent (0‐3 and 3‐6 years) phenotypes.ResultsFrom 1982 to 1986, 44 583 grandmothers gave birth to 46 197 mothers, who gave birth to 66 271 grandchildren (born 1996‐2010). Children aged 1‐6 years had an increased asthma risk if their grandmothers had smoked during pregnancy, with a higher risk for more exposure (10+ cigs/d; adjusted OR 1.23; 1.17, 1.30). Maternal smoking did not modify this relationship.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceChildren had an increased risk of asthma in the first 6 years of life if their grandmothers smoked during early pregnancy, independent of maternal smoking. Importantly, this exhibited a dose‐response relationship and was associated with a persistent childhood asthma phenotype. These findings support possible epigenetic transmission of risk from environmental exposures in previous generations.
Efficacy of patients' preferred exercise modalities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A parallel‐group, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Wu Meng , Zhou Lu‐Qian , Li Shi , Zhao Su , Fan Hui‐Jun , Sun Jie‐Min , Li Xiao‐Nan , Luo Jian , Wang An‐Qi , Wu Jian‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Jin‐Nong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionPhysical exercise effectively improves health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, application of this medical intervention is problematic, due to poor adherence to the exercise program or unawareness of the significance of this intervention.ObjectiveTo determine whether COPD patients who adopted personal‐preferred exercise modalities (PPEMs) for daily training would demonstrate sustained benefits due to improved adherence.MethodsStable COPD patients were randomly assigned to the daily PPEMs group or the control group (without extra exercise apart from daily life activities). All other treatments were similar. The primary outcome was the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), measured with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score at 12 months. Other measures included the Borg dyspnea score, 6‐min walking distance (6MWD) and lung function variables.ResultsThe intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population included 94 patients, 68 of them completed the study protocol over 12 months (the PP‐population). A greater decline of SGRQ score (improvement of HRQoL) in the PPEMs group than that in the controls was demonstrated over 12 months (–19.1 vs −9.0 in the ITT population and −19.1 vs −8.7 in the PP population, P ≤ .001 for all comparisons), the reduction exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of ≥ 4 points. The PPEMs group also showed a greater reduction than the control group in Borg score at 12 months in the ITT and the PP population as well (P < .01). No significant improvement was found in 6MWD or in lung function variables.ConclusionsCOPD patients could benefit from extra daily PPEMs, and the gain may sustain at least for 1 year.
“Crossing the River by Feeling the Gold”: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Financial Support to the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Gabusi Giuseppe 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChina's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is, above all, a connectivity project. As connectivity requires financial support, in the past few years China has undertaken several institution‐building activities at the national and international level, mainly in the financial and economic sector, showing a new propensity to influence global economic governance. In particular, the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has drawn attention worldwide. How does this institution‐building process connect with BRI? Are these institutions just a vehicle for exporting China's capital and overcapacity, or do they signal a potential wider challenge to the post‐World War II liberal international order? By analyzing the first loans approved by the bank, the present paper argues that far from representing a China‐led challenge to the Western‐led liberal order, the AIIB, while promoting Chinese commercial and geopolitical interests, shows the resilience of the global financial regime created by the West.
Isolation by oceanic distance and spatial genetic structure in an overharvested international fishery
Authors: Truelove Nathan K. , Box Stephen J. , Aiken Karl A. , Blythe‐Mallett Azra , Boman Erik M. , Booker Catherine J. , Byfield Tamsen T. , Cox Courtney E. , Davis Martha H. , Delgado Gabriel A. , Glazer Bob A. , Griffiths Sarah M. , Kitson‐Walters Kimani , Kough Andy S. , Pérez Enríquez Ricardo , Preziosi Richard F. , Roy Marcia E. , Segura‐García Iris , Webber Mona K. , Stoner Allan W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimA detailed understanding of spatial genetic structure (SGS) and the factors driving contemporary patterns of gene flow and genetic diversity are fundamental for developing conservation and management plans for marine fisheries. We performed a detailed study of SGS and genetic diversity throughout the overharvested queen conch (Lobatus gigas) fishery. Caribbean countries were presented as major populations to examine transboundary patterns of population differentiation.LocationNineteen locations in the greater Caribbean from Anguilla, the Bahamas, Belize, Caribbean Netherlands, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, and the USA.MethodsWe genotyped 643 individuals with nine microsatellites. Population genetic and multivariate analyses characterized SGS. We tested the alternate hypotheses: (1) SGS is randomly distributed in space or (2) pairwise genetic structure among sites is correlated with oceanic distance (IBOD).ResultsOur study found that L. gigas does not form a single panmictic population in the greater Caribbean. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were identified between Caribbean countries (FCT = 0.011; p = .0001), within Caribbean countries (FSC = 0.003; p = .001), and among sites irrespective of geographic location (FST = 0.013; p = .0001). Gene flow across the greater Caribbean was constrained by oceanic distance (p = .0009; Mantel r = .40), which acted to isolate local populations.Main conclusionsGene flow over the spatial scale of the entire Caribbean basin is constrained by oceanic distance, which may impede the natural recovery of overfished L. gigas populations. Our results suggest a careful blend of local and international management will be required to ensure long‐term sustainability for the species.