bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of health provider readiness for telemedicine services in Uganda
Authors: Kiberu Vincent Micheal , Scott Richard E , Mars Maurice 
Published: January 2018

Background: There are few telemedicine projects in Africa that have reached scale. One of the reasons proposed for this has been failure to assess health provider readiness for telemedicine prior to implementation. Objective: To assess health provider readiness for implementation and integration of telemedicine services at three levels of Uganda’s health facilities, namely, a national referral hospital (NRH), regional referral hospitals (RRHs) and level 4 health centres (HC-IVs) and to investigate factors associated with readiness for telemedicine. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at public healthcare facilities in Uganda. One RRH and HC-IV was identified from each of the Western, Eastern and Northern regions using a multistage random sampling technique. Mulago Hospital, which doubles as an RRH and HC-IV in the central region, was purposively identified for the study. After validation, a questionnaire was distributed for self-administration to senior administrators and doctors selected at the NRH, RRHs and HC-IVs. Data were analysed using bivariate associations between the outcome and the potential independent variables. Results: In total, 114 healthcare workers completed the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 24 (21%) were from HC-IVs, 44 (39%) were from RRHs, and 46 (40%) from NRH. Doctors made up 45.8% (11) of respondents at HC-IVs, 59% (26) at RRHs, and 30.4% (14) at NRH. Administrators across all health facility levels were more likely to integrate telemedicine into the healthcare system than doctors (odd ratio = 1.39 [95% confidence interval = 0.38–4.95]). A significant association existed between the state of readiness and type of health facility, p < 0.001. The NRH and RRHs are more likely to integrate telemedicine into their systems than the HC-IVs. Among the factors investigated (job title, health facility, technology type, reason for referral and frequency of electronic communication), the level of health facility and title or role of healthcare worker were found to have a significant statistical association with being ready to integrate telemedicine into the healthcare system. Conclusion: Health provider readiness to integrate telemedicine services varies at the different levels of the health facility and job title or role. However, referral hospitals and administrators were more likely to integrate telemedicine than HC-IVs and doctors, respectively. While this study shows physicians and administrators are ready, other sectors (nurses, allied healthcare workers, public) will also need to be assessed.
Comparative genomic analysis of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) neuropeptide genes across diverse crustacean species
Authors: Chang Wai Hoong , Lai Alvina G. 
Published: January 2018

Background: Recent studies on bioactive peptides have shed light on the importance of these compounds in regulating a multitude of physiological, behavioral and biological processes in animals. Specifically, the neuropeptides of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) superfamily is known to control a number of important functions ranging from energy metabolism, molting, osmoregulation to reproduction. Methods: Given the importance of this peptide family, we employed a conservative approach utilizing extant transcriptome datasets from 112 crustacean species, which not only include important food crop species from the order Decapoda, but also from other lower order crustaceans (Branchiopoda and Copepoda), to identify putative CHH-like sequences. Results and conclusions: Here we describe 413 genes that represent a collection of CHH-like peptides in Crustacea, providing an important staging point that will now facilitate the next stages of neuroendocrine research across the wider community.
UTAUT for HSS: initial framework to study health IT adoption in the developing countries
Authors: Fuad Anis , Hsu Chien-Yeh 
Published: January 2018

Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is an integrative concept that has been used widely to measure IT adoption. However, a recent study in a developing country concluded that UTAUT is not adequate in predicting IT adoption within the context of health system strengthening (HSS). It has been suggested that context-specific dimensions to modify UTAUT should be considered. The objective of this paper is to propose an extension of the theory, called UTAUT for HSS, as a reference for contextualizing health system variables for health IT adoption studies in the developing countries. We combined the multi-level framework of UTAUT with WHO health system building blocks. Modification of the original multi-level framework was performed on the 3 levels. i.e: the higher-level contextual factors, middle-level, and individual-level contextual factors. Based on this, we propose a modified multi-level framework of technology acceptance and use for health system strengthening setting (UTAUT for HSS). Given the complexities of health systems, more thoughts regarding the methodologies will be useful to enrich this initial framework. Commentaries and discussions are invited for improvement, before implementation to obtain more complete story of health IT adoption in the low resources setting.
Exploratory Study on the Capitalization of Accounting Information by Financial Constructions Determined on the Basis of the Balance Sheet
Authors: Ciuhureanu Alina-Teodora 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The capitalization of the information provided through the balance sheet should be one of the priorities of the organization’s manager. This is because the processed accounting information is the one that contributes to the setting of objectives and strategy and at the same time provides the necessary information capital for proper management of the activity. For these reasons, the article presents a series of financial constructions based on the accounting information provided through the financial accounting system and centralized in the balance sheet. The aim of the paper is to capture the benefits of using it by management and not to detail indicators / rates / tools in terms of calculation methods.
Emerging Evidence Regarding the Roles of Emotional, Behavioural, and Cognitive Aspects of Student Engagement in the Online Classroom
Authors: Pentaraki Alexandra , Burkholder Gary J. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
There is emerging evidence that suggests emotions as a discrete factor in academic online contexts that significantly contribute to student engagement and higher order learning (Cleveland-Innes & Campbell, 2012; You, 2012, You & Kang, 2014; Zembylas, 2008; Liaw, 2008). Pekrun (2000) and Pekrun, Goetz, Frenzel, Barchfeld, and Perry (2011) developed the control-value theory of achievement emotion that not only showed that emotions represent a discrete category in student engagement, but that there are certain factors such as perceived academic control and self-regulation that function as antecedents of students’ emotional reactions that affect online learning. The aim of the present paper is to review the emerging research evidence of the impact of emotions on students’ engagement in order to understand the distinct role that emotions may play in online learning. The review also proposes strategies and activities that teachers can use in order to enhance students’ positive engagement in online learning. The findings suggest that emotions are significant factors in students’ engagement in online learning while cognitive and behavioural factors function as antecedents of emotions in online contexts. The inclusion of emotional, cognitive and behavioural strategies in online teaching can enhance students’ engagement and learning experience in the online classroom.
Examining Learners’ Interaction in an Open Online Course Through the Community of Inquiry Framework
Authors: Saadatmand Mohsen , Uhlin Lars , Hedberg Maria , Åbjörnsson Lotta , Kvarnström Maria 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Open online courses are becoming more prevalent at local level and for and professional development objectives. Proper instructional design combined with use of online tools can promote learner interaction in online environments. Using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, this study aimed at examining learners’ interaction and their perceptions of teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence in an open online course offered for professional development in three Swedish universities. The course was free and open to all, attracting participants from all over the world. In order to understand the online interactions of the course, three presences of CoI were matched to three types of interaction (Moore, 1989). Data were collected through a slightly revised version of the CoI instrument and open-ended questions were added. Survey results showed that participants had high perceptions of the three presences in the course. Results also yielded significant relationships between teaching presence and cognitive presence, as well as social presence and cognitive presence. The findings suggest that deploying a set of online tools combined with appropriate pedagogical approaches in designing open online courses could foster learner interaction especially learner-content interaction and cognitive presence.
Transactional Distance Dialogic Interactions and Student Satisfaction in a Multi-Institutional Blended Learning Environment
Authors: Best Brett , Conceição Simone C.O. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This study explored the impact of transactional distance dialogic interactions on student satisfaction in an international blended learning master’s degree program. The program examined was collaboratively delivered by three European universities to a cohort of students residing on several different continents. Students reported experiencing transactional distance for learnerlearner and learner-teacher dialogic interaction elements and dissatisfaction in the online components of the program but reported a sense of community and satisfaction for the inperson elements of the program. Transactional distance for the dimension of learner-content dialogic interaction was highest for elements of the program that were impacted by its multiinstitutional nature, but students reported general satisfaction for the program overall. This study has practical implications for distance educators, administrators, instructional designers, and policy makers concerned with student satisfaction in blended courses and programs, and it contributes to the literature on student satisfaction and multi-institutional programs.
Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd.) Amin ex C. Jeffrey inhibits oxidative damage and econucleotidase followed by increased cellular ATP in testicular cells of rats exposed to metropolitan polluted river water
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Aina Michael O. , Boligon Aline A. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background:
Humans are directly/indirectly exposed to hazardous chemicals from the aquatic environment. We investigated the protection of the Launea taraxacifolia methanolic extract (LTME) on the hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenases [(∆5-3β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-3β-HSD) and the ∆5-17β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-17β-HSD), testicular 5′-nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] activities as well as the key indicators of oxidative stress in germinal epithelial cells of rats induced with surulere polluted river water (SPRW).

Methods:
The animals were divided into six groups (n=8). Group I was given 1 mL of distilled water only, Group II received 1 mL of SPRW only, Group III received 200 mg/kg LTME before+1 mL of SPRW after, Group IV received 200 mg/kg LTME+1 mL of SPRW, Group V received 1 mL of SPRW before+200 mg/kg LTME after and Group VI received 200 mg/kg LTME only. The treatment was done via oral administration for 28 days.

Results:
The HPLC results showed the abundance of quercetin and quercitrin. The SPRW increased 5′-nucleotidase with the concomitant decrease of ∆5-3β-HSD, ∆5-17β-HSD and LDH activities in rats exposed in relation to the control. Similarly, the administration of the SPRW caused a systemic oxidative damage along with adverse histopathological changes in germinal epithelial cells.

Conclusions:
Interestingly, these alterations were differentially reversed by LTME via the elevation of steroidogenic enzymes and cellular ATP.
Modelling and control of solid oxide fuel cell generation system in microgrid
Authors: Zhou Niancheng , Li Chunyan , Sun Fangqing , Wang Qianggang 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Compared with other kinds of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been widely used in microgrids because of its higher efficiency and longer operation life. The weakness of SOFC lies in its slow response speed when grid disturbance occurs. This paper presents a control strategy that can promote the response speed and limit the fault current impulse for SOFC systems integrated into microgrids. First, the hysteretic control of the bidirectional DC-DC converter, which joins the SOFC and DC bus together, is explored. In addition, an improved droop control with limited current protection is applied in the DC-AC inverter, and the active synchronization control is applied to ensure a smooth transition of the microgrid between the grid-connected mode and the islanded mode. To validate the effectiveness of this control strategy, the control model was built and simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC.
Addressing Cultural Identity through Negotiation: Analysis of Student-teacher-authored Narratives
Authors: Rashidi Naser , Meihami Hussein 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTeachersí cultural identity is among the forepart issues within the realm of teacher education studies. The research about teachersí identity has been done using teacherauthored narratives. That said, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of negotiation in the student-teachersí cultural identity formation. To that end, three studentteachers (two males and one female student-teachers), majoring in English language teaching participated in this study. During four months, the student-teachers participated in a negotiation program on cultural identity. They were sent some academic papers to study, then, they participated in discussions about cultural variations and the ways to address them in classrooms. The student-teachers where asked to write their narratives. Then the narratives where analyzed based on the semantic expressions. The qualitative analysis of the student-teachersí narratives showed that their cultural identity changed during the negotiation period. By analyzing the student teacher-authored narratives, it appeared that they addressed cultural variations in different ways includingusing cultural varieties in teaching, identifying the gaps between cultural contexts, reconceptualization of cultural concepts, cultural transformation, new modes of using culture, internalization of cultural issues, and cultural awareness, each of which is discussed in the current study. It can be concluded from the obtained information that cultural identity is a dynamic one and open to change. The research bears some implications for teacher education policy makers to introduce sustainable teacher education program in general, and sustainable second language teacher education program in particular.
School-based Teacher Training in Jordan: Towards On-school Sustainable Professional Development
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ahmad 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Despite the challenges to develop school-based sustainable teacher training and development and the diverse demands to execute this type of teacher professionalism to achieve sustainable teacher development, this new trend seems indispensable both for Jordanian teacher education and many other similar world educational systems. The present qualitative study robustly relied on a set of self-reports developed by 12 doctoral students who took a teacher education course at the University of Jordan in the second semester, 2017. They self-reported on their perspectives on school-based teacher training in terms of its significance, requirements, challenges and possible solutions to develop this route to teacher training in a country which like several other educational systems worldwide was dominated by an academic theory-based route to teacher preparation and qualification. Their self-reports were analysed and their patterns concerning the reasons behind adherence to school-based teacher training and the facilities to promote it and the challenges for school based teacher training were collected and meticulously probed. The findings of the study noticeably advocate school-based teacher training as a major route to teacher training. The participants of the study obviously considered this training route a method to transfer training experience to the teachersí classroom instruction. Some recommendations were proposed calling for adopting this new training approach and conducting further research in this emerging paradigm.
The Resolution of Conflict between Teacher and Student: Studentsí Narratives
Authors: Ciuladiene Grazina , Kairiene Brigita 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The important thing for teachers is to solve conflicts with students correctly and effectively without damaging the relationship, losing the cooperation with students or disrupting educational process. Although there is a great concern about the way a teacher manages students’ behaviour, there is very little relevant data concerning teacher-student conflict. The article aims at revealing the characteristics of conflict resolution between students and teachers from the students’ point of view. To investigate the process of conflict between a teacher and a student, a case study method was used. Respondents were asked to recall a conflict occurring between them and a teacher during the school years, describe how the incident was handled, and the consequences of it. The number of respondents constituted 30 students. Students and teachers actually engage in a range of behaviours. In accordance with the theoretical framework, the four behavioural categories were grouped. Students reported that during the teacher-students conflict a full palette of strategies (dominating, integrating, accommodating and avoiding strategies) was used. Findings revealed that forcing was expressed by arguments, involving a third party and aggression. Avoiding was expressed by crying, avoiding the contact. Accommodating was expressed by pretending and giving in. Apologising, making a compromise, compensation, talking about the problem were examples of an integrating strategy. The results indicated that participants reported 28 behavioural reactions to a classroom conflict. Among them, 12 were those of teacher engagement, and 16 of student engagement. In line with the conglomerated conflict behaviour framework, students reported that both conflict parties (students and teachers) in the case of active student position engaged in more than one type of behaviour in response to a single incident. Understanding students’ experience would allow teachers to better respond and manage students’ reactions, as well as help teachers prevent behaviours such as aggression and promote other behaviours such as motivation.
Gender Identity of Students and Teachers: Implications for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Badjanova Jeļena , Pipere Anita , Iliško Dzintra 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Considering the gender identity as a crucial aspect of the culture that shapes our daily life and recognising the research gap on this topic in the context of sustainable education, the paper describes the quantitative cross-sectional study on gender identity of students and teachers comparing the respondents by their age and sex. Three age groups (106 female and 62 male) participated in the study: 18-19-years-old pupils from comprehensive and vocational schools (n=59), 20-15-years-old university students (n=52) and 24-64- years-old teachers working at respective schools and universities (n=57). The original Bem Sex Role Inventory was administered to measure the individual gender identity types of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny. The majority of respondents from all age and sex groups described themselves as androgynous. Male and university students featured the scattering of scores more toward masculinity, while the scores of female, pupils, and teachers were more inclined toward femininity. No statistically significant differences were found among the three age groups, while sex appeared to be more influential factor causing significant differences between male and female in terms of gender identity with male’s inclination toward masculinity and female’s inclination toward femininity. Dominance of androgynous individuals challenges the current approaches to the gender education in the context of sustainable development.
Application of the parametric proper generalized decomposition to the frequency-dependent calculation of the impedance of an AC line with rectangular conductors
Authors: Sancarlos-González Abel , Pineda-Sanchez Manuel , Puche-Panadero Ruben , Sapena-Bano Angel , Riera-Guasp Martin , Martinez-Roman Javier , Perez-Cruz Juan , Roger-Folch Jose 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
AC lines of industrial busbar systems are usually built using conductors with rectangular cross sections, where each phase can have several parallel conductors to carry high currents. The current density in a rectangular conductor, under sinusoidal conditions, is not uniform. It depends on the frequency, on the conductor shape, and on the distance between conductors, due to the skin effect and to proximity effects. Contrary to circular conductors, there are not closed analytical formulas for obtaining the frequency-dependent impedance of conductors with rectangular cross-section. It is necessary to resort to numerical simulations to obtain the resistance and the inductance of the phases, one for each desired frequency and also for each distance between the phases’ conductors. On the contrary, the use of the parametric proper generalized decomposition (PGD) allows to obtain the frequency-dependent impedance of an AC line for a wide range of frequencies and distances between the phases’ conductors by solving a single simulation in a 4D domain (spatial coordinates x and y, the frequency and the separation between conductors). In this way, a general “virtual chart” solution is obtained, which contains the solution for any frequency and for any separation of the conductors, and stores it in a compact separated representations form, which can be easily embedded on a more general software for the design of electrical installations. The approach presented in this work for rectangular conductors can be easily extended to conductors with an arbitrary shape.
Cardiology Centre Patients’ Awareness of the Negative Effects of Trans Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Plociņa Lāsma , Mintāle Iveta 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
It is very important to promote public awareness of the negative effects on health — trans fatty acid effects on cardiovascular disease. The study included 70 patients of the Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSCUH). The PSCUH research institute gave permission to conduct the study. The patients answered questions about their awareness of trans fatty acids. The questionnaire used was obtained from the study “Use of Trans Fat Information on Food Labels and Its Determinants in a Multiethnic College Student Population” and modified for survey of the cardiology unit patients. The majority (74%) of the respondents had heard and read something about trans fatty acids, but 62% women and 54% men were poorly informed about trans fatty acids and their negative effect on cardiovascular diseases. Unclear issues for patients were discussed after the questionnaire.