bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Literacy Education and Sustainable Development in Developing Societies
Authors: E. Oghenekohwo Jonathan , A. Frank-Oputu Ekima 
Published: May 2017

The development of a literate society is a pre-requisite for the emergence of a knowledge economy. The thesis advanced in this paper is that, without massive investment and promotion of literacy education, development that is targeted at the 17-point sustainable development goals (SDGs) will be bereft of citizen’s empowerment, engagement, experiential values and evidential consequences in social change. Therefore, using a qualitative approach conceptual), this study explored the causal correlation that subsists between literacy education, emergence of knowledge economy and sustainable development. The study established that, literacy is basic in andragogical context for facilitating citizens’ values re-orientation attitudinal change for the acquisition of vocational or functional skills and operational knowledge that is beneficial to individual as well as the collective drive for a literate society for the reduction of vulnerability and increase in sustainability in development respectively as expected in the SDGs. Consequently, the resultant outcomes will be a knowledge driven economy which is essential for the attainment of the sustainable development goals as envisaged by the United Nations declaration of 25th of September, 2015.
A retrospective analysis of postoperative hypokalemia in pituitary adenomas after transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: You Lili , Li Wenpeng , Chen Tang , Tang Dongfang , You Jinliang , Zhang Xianfeng 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundPituitary adenoma is one of the most common intracranial neoplasms, and its primary treatment is endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal tumorectomy. Postoperative hypokalemia in these patients is a common complication, and is associated with morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the etiopathology of postoperative hypokalemia in pituitary adenomas after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.Methods and MaterialsThis retrospective study included 181 pituitary adenomas confirmed by histopathology. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze change in serum potassium levels at different time points.ResultsMultiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that only ACTH-pituitary adenoma (OR = 4.92, 95% CI [1.18–20.48],P = 0.029) had a significant association with postoperative hypokalemia. Moreover, the overall mean serum potassium concentration was significantly lower in the ACTH versus the non-ACTH group (3.34 mmol/Lvs.3.79 mmol/L,P = 0.001). Postoperative hypokalemia was predominantly found in patients with ACTH-pituitary adenoma (P = 0.033).ConclusionsACTH-pituitary adenomas may be an independent factor related postoperative hypokalemia in patients despite conventional potassium supplementation in the immediate postoperative period.
The relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life among people with mental illness: are self-esteem and sense of coherence sequential mediators?
Authors: Świtaj Piotr , Grygiel Paweł , Chrostek Anna , Nowak Izabela , Wciórka Jacek , Anczewska Marta 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the mechanism through which internalized stigma reduces the quality of life (QoL) of people with mental illness by exploring the mediating roles of self-esteem and sense of coherence (SOC).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 229 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or affective disorders was undertaken to test a sequential mediation model assuming that more severe internalized stigma is related to lower self-esteem, which is associated with weaker SOC, which in turn relates to worse QoL.ResultsThe proposed model was supported by the data. A sequential indirect effect from internalized stigma to QoL via self-esteem and SOC turned out to be significant [beta = −0.06, SE = 0.02; 95% CI (−0.11, −0.03)]. Support was also found for simple mediation models with either self-esteem or SOC as single mediators between internalized stigma and QoL.ConclusionsSelf-esteem and SOC are personal resources that should be considered as potential targets of interventions aiming to prevent the harmful consequences of internalized stigma for the QoL of people receiving psychiatric treatment.
Solidification Reaction Sequence of Co-Rich Nb-Al-Co Alloys
Authors: Feitosa L. M. , D’Souza N. , West G. D. , Dong H. B. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The freezing reaction sequence of Co-rich Nb-Al-Co ternary alloys with emphasis on the formation of Laves and Heusler phases has been examined. For Co-rich alloys, the solidification reaction sequence is observed as primary freezing of α-Co and CoAl phases, subsequent [Co + C36] and [CoAl + C36] eutectics, and the final ternary eutectic reaction [L → α-Co + C36 + CoAl]. The compositions of solidified α-Co and C36 phases agree with the corresponding vertices of the tie-triangle at the solidus temperatures. When the Nb concentration is over 20 at. pct in Co-rich alloys, the quasi-peritectic reaction [L + Co2AlNb → C36 + CoAl] does not occur as equilibrium prediction. The formation of C36 and CoAl phases occurs through solid precipitation and must be distinguished from a solidification reaction.
Fluoro‐silicone Modified Polyacrylate Latex Emulsified with Green Surfactants
Authors: Wang Xiuming , Zhang Cuifeng , Xu Tingting , Chen Lijun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFluoro‐silicone modified polyacrylate latex was successfully prepared by semi‐continuous seeded emulsion polymerization in the presence of a green mixed emulsifier consisting of cashew phenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfonate (BCE‐10B) anionic surfactant and alkyl polyglycoside (APG) nonionic surfactant, in which the mixed monomers were initiated with potassium persulfate (KPS). The structure and properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and contact angle (CA), respectively. Results show that the optimal conditions of synthesizing the novel emulsion are as follows: the total concentration of mixed emulsifiers is 5.0%; the optimum mass ratio of APG to BCE‐10B is 2:1; the amount of initiator is 0.6%; the composition of main monomers of MMA:BA = 1:1; and the concentrations of HFMA and VTES are 4.0 and 6%, respectively. In this case, the resultant emulsion showed good thermal stability and hydrophobicity.
Interfacial Tensions of Ethoxylated Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Solutions Against Crude Oil
Authors: Liu Miao , Fang Hongbo , Jin Zhiqiang , Xu Zhicheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lu , Zhao Sui 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe dynamic interfacial tension (IFT) of ethoxylated fatty acid methyl ester solutions against n‐alkanes, kerosene, and diluted heavy oil have been investigated by spinning drop interfacial tensiometry. The influences of ethylene oxide (EO) groups and alkyl chain length on IFT were investigated. The experiment results show that the water solubility decreases with an increase in alkyl chain length or a decrease in EO groups. The ability to lower the interfacial tension against hydrocarbons improves with both increasing alkyl chain length and EO group at the best hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance, which can be attributed to the enhancement of the interfacial hydrophobic interactions and the rearrangement of interfacial surfactant molecules. The mixed adsorption of surfactant molecules and surface‐active components may reduce IFT to a lower value. C18=E3 shows the best synergism with surface‐active components. However, the IFT values against pure crude oil are obviously higher than those against hydrocarbons, which may be caused by the nature of heavy oil.
How do small groups make decisions?: A theoretical framework to inform the implementation and study of clinical competency committees
Authors: Chahine Saad , Cristancho Sayra , Jessica Padgett Jessica , Lingard Lorelei 
Published: May 2017

In the competency-based medical education (CBME) approach, clinical competency committees are responsible for making decisions about trainees’ competence. However, we currently lack a theoretical model for group decision-making to inform this emerging assessment phenomenon. This paper proposes an organizing framework to study and guide the decision-making processes of clinical competency committees.
This is an explanatory, non-exhaustive review, tailored to identify relevant theoretical and evidence-based papers related to small group decision-making. The search was conducted using Google Scholar, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ERIC, and PsycINFO for relevant literature. Using a thematic analysis, two researchers (SC & JP) met four times between April–June 2016 to consolidate the literature included in this review.
Three theoretical orientations towards group decision-making emerged from the review: schema, constructivist, and social influence. Schema orientations focus on how groups use algorithms for decision-making. Constructivist orientations focus on how groups construct their shared understanding. Social influence orientations focus on how individual members influence the group’s perspective on a decision. Moderators of decision-making relevant to all orientations include: guidelines, stressors, authority, and leadership.
Clinical competency committees are the mechanisms by which groups of clinicians will be in charge of interpreting multiple assessment data points and coming to a shared decision about trainee competence.
Region specific oligodendrocyte transcription factor expression in a model of neonatal hypoxic injury
Authors: Affeldt Bethann M. , Obenaus Andre , Chan Jonathan , Pardo Andrea C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhite matter injury (WMI) of prematurity is associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders ranging from mild cognitive and behavioral deficits to cerebral palsy. Translational studies have implicated impaired oligodendrocyte development after hypoxia as the primary cause of WMI, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The goal of this study was to identify alterations in the expression of oligodendrocyte precursor cell transcription factors in a mouse model of transient mild global hypoxia.Postnatal day (P) 7 mouse pups were exposed to hypoxia (7.5% O2) for 60 minutes. We compared oligodendrocyte differentiation and subsequent myelin formation between hypoxia and sham animals at P9, P14 and P28 by examining the expression of key transcription factor regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation (Ascl1, Olig1, Olig2, and Nkx2.2), as well as APC, a mature oligodendrocyte marker, in the major white matter regions including the corpus callosum, external capsule and anterior commissure. We also examined the effect on myelin formation by examining two myelin specific protein constituents, myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP), in white matter tracts and whole brain lysate respectively.We found that transient hypoxia at P7 altered the expression of Ascl1, Olig1 and Nkx2.2, resulting in delayed myelination in the external capsule. In addition, our study showed that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells specified several days prior to a hypoxic event are more susceptible to maturation arrest than those specified shortly prior to hypoxia. Our results suggest that alterations of Ascl1, Olig1 and Nkx2.2 underlie impaired oligodendrocyte differentiation and deficient myelination in WMI. These transcription factors are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of WMI in preterm infants.
V-Neck Technique: A Novel Improvement to the Infra-Pubic Placement of an Inflatable Penile Implant
Authors: Shah Bhavik B. , Baumgarten Adam S. , Morgan Kevin , Beilan Jonathan A. , Bickell Michael , Munarriz Ricardo , Parker Justin , Carrion Rafael 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Infra-pubic placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has a well-known configuration deformity from contralateral tubing that crosses the corporal bodies, resulting in tubing visibility and irritation under the penile skin.

Aim
To present a novel step to eliminate this tubing crossover deformity.

Methods
The V-neck technique was applied to five patients, two of whom underwent suprapubic fat pad excision with simultaneous infra-pubic IPP placement and three patients who underwent only infra-pubic IPP placement. The technique added an additional 1 minute of procedure time. The reservoir was placed on one (ipsilateral) side into the space of Retzius.

Outcomes
Primary outcome measurements were esthetic appeal at follow-up, immediate postoperative complications, and difficulty of implementation of the technique.

Results
The technique included the following steps. (i) The standard infra-pubic approach, as popularized by Perito (J Sex Med 2008;5:27–30), was used to place the reservoir and cylinders. The ipsilateral and contralateral cylinders and the reservoir were clamped and unconnected. (ii) Finger dissection was used to create a sub-phallic window and a U-shaped aortic clamp was used to pass the contralateral tubing. (iii) After passing the green tubing through the window, all connections were performed in the usual fashion. Tubing crossover was eliminated, as was passage of the right and left cylinder tubes down their respective gutters. Postoperative follow-up at 2 weeks showed no visible tubing.

Clinical Implications
This simple maneuver could help prevent the discomfort of tubing crossover deformity commonly seen after infra-pubic placement of an IPP.

Strengths and Limitations
This unique maneuver can be applied to all infra-pubically placed IPPs. Limitations include the small patient population and short follow-up. Whether this maneuver will make revision surgery more difficult is unclear.

Conclusion
This technique is a novel step to infra-pubic IPP placement that adds minimal operative time and could eliminate visible tubing.
External Beam Radiotherapy Affects Serum Testosterone in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pompe Raisa S. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Zaffuto Emanuele , Smith Ariane , Bandini Marco , Marchioni Michele , Tian Zhe , Leyh-Bannurah Sami-Ramzi , Schiffmann Jonas , Delouya Guila , Lambert Carole , Bahary Jean-Paul , Beauchemin Marie Claude , Barkati Maroie , Ménard Cynthia , Graefen Markus , Saad Fred , Tilki Derya , Taussky Daniel 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have examined testosterone levels after external beam radiation (EBRT) monotherapy, but since 2002 only sparse contemporary data have been reported.

Aim
To examine testosterone kinetics in a large series of contemporary patients after EBRT.

Methods
The study was conducted in 425 patients who underwent definitive EBRT for localized prostate cancer from 2002 through 2014. Patients were enrolled in several phase II and III trials. Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant or adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy or missing data. Testosterone was recorded at baseline and then according to each study protocol (not mandatory in all protocols). Statistical analyses consisted of means and proportions, Kaplan-Meier plots, and logistic and Cox regression analyses.

Outcomes
Testosterone kinetics after EBRT monotherapy and their influence on biochemical recurrence.

Results
Median follow-up of 248 assessable patients was 72 months. One hundred eighty-six patients (75.0%) showed a decrease in testosterone. Median time to first decrease was 6.4 months. Median percentage of decrease to the nadir was 30% and 112 (45.2%) developed biochemical hypogonadism (serum testosterone &lt; 8 nmol/L). Of all patients with testosterone decrease, 117 (62.9%) recovered to at least 90% of baseline levels. Advanced age, increased body mass index, higher baseline testosterone level, and lower nadir level were associated with a lower chance of testosterone recovery. Subgroup analyses of 166 patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy confirmed the results recorded for the entire cohort. In survival analyses, neither testosterone decrease nor recovery was predictive for biochemical recurrence.

Clinical Implications
EBRT monotherapy influences testosterone kinetics, and although most patients will recover, approximately 45% will have biochemical hypogonadism.

Strengths and Limitations
We report on the largest contemporary series of patients treated with EBRT monotherapy in whom testosterone kinetics were ascertained. Limitations are that testosterone follow-up was not uniform and the study lacked information on health-related quality-of-life data.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that up to 75% of patients will have a profound testosterone decrease, with up to a 40% increase in rates of biochemical hypogonadism, although the latter events will leave biochemical recurrence unaffected.
Factors affecting therapeutic response to Rivastigmine in Alzheimer's disease patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Hua , Chou Mei‐Chuan , Lai Chiou‐Lian , Wu Shyh‐Jong , Hsu Chia‐Ling , Yang Yuan‐Han 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRivastigmine has been widely used in mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the therapeutic response rate varies from 20 to 60%. A dose‐dependent effect has been suggested, but the plasma concentration of rivastigmine and its metabolite, NAP 226‐90, were not measured in previous studies. The influencing factors of therapeutic response are complicated and discordant in various studies among different ethnic groups. Hence, we analyzed the therapeutic responses of rivastigmine, measured by neuropsychological assessments, among 63 clinically diagnosed AD patients taking a daily dosage of 6–9 mg in relation to their plasma concentration of rivastigmine and NAP 226‐90, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and demographic characteristics. Our reports revealed that 41.3% of recruited AD patients had improvement in cognition, measured by Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE), and 63.5% in global status, by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) score. In cognition, the clinically improving group had a significantly higher rivastigmine concentration [p = 0.049, odds ratio (OR) = 1.029, 95%CI = 1.000–1.058], lower initial MMSE score (p = 0.010, OR = 0.708, 95%CI = 0.546–0.920), and lower initial CDR‐SB score (p = 0.003, OR = 0.552, 95%CI = 0.372–0.817). The patients with APOE ε4 allele had worsening cognition (p = 0.037, OR = 3.870, 95%CI = 1.082–13.840). In global status, only higher education (p = 0.043, OR = 1.222, 95%CI = 1.007–1.484) was significantly associated with clinical improvement. In conclusion, high concentrations of rivastigmine may benefit cognitive function of AD patients, especially in APOE ε4 (−) carriers.
Run-off modelling in an Arctic unglaciated catchment (Fuglebekken, Spitsbergen)
Authors: Wawrzyniak Tomasz , Osuch Marzena , Nawrot Adam , Napiorkowski Jaroslaw Jan 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study is to test applicability of the conceptual catchment run-off HBV model to simulate discharge in small non-glaciated Arctic catchment. Within two ablation seasons, 2014 and 2015, in the Fuglebekken catchment (Spitsbergen, Svalbard), selected hydro-meteorological measurements were conducted, including discharge measurements in 10 min interval by Nivus PCM-F device with active Doppler sensor. The model parameters were calibrated on discharge measurements from both years separately and verified independently. As the transformation from rainfall to runoff includes a number of processes with different dynamics and timescales, the proper description of the processes and their simulation of discharge depend on the temporal resolution of the data. For that purpose, the relationships between the calibration and validation results, and optimal model parameters with different time steps were analyzed. It was found that calculated fit of simulated to observed discharge, depends on the year, time step and data averaging. The best results were obtained for the model from year 2015 for 3 and 6 h using averaged input data.
Hard Choices
Authors: CHANG RUTH 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT:What makes a choice hard? I discuss and criticize three common answers and then make a proposal of my own. Paradigmatic hard choices are not hard because of our ignorance, the incommensurability of values, or the incomparability of the alternatives. They are hard because the alternatives are on a par; they are comparable, but one is not better than the other, and yet nor are they equally good. So understood, hard choices open up a new way of thinking about what it is to be a rational agent.
Changes to Urban Society in Angola: From Limited to Multi-Criteria Stratification
Authors: Udelsmann Rodrigues Cristina 
Published: May 2017

Abstract:This article examines the transformations to urban social stratification in Angola during the last decades. The analysis is centered on the indicators of social difference throughout these years: the racial criteria of the colonial times; the political precedence in the first years after independence; and the multi-criteria of the postwar period. Based on research conducted before and after the end of the civil war in 2002, the article explores the construction and reconfiguration of urban society today, providing evidence of increased social mobility—despite the poverty and deeper inequalities—and of the importance of economic and residential criteria.
When the whip comes down: Marxism, the Soviet experience, and the nuclear revolution
Authors: Craig Campbell 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis article examines the conflict between traditional Marxist attitudes toward war and the problem of the nuclear revolution. It shows how the advent of the nuclear revolution in the 1950s undermined traditional Marxist-Leninist concepts of war, and then goes on to argue that this development must be placed at the centre of contemporary Marxian IR if it is to have explanatory power in the twenty-first century. To make this case directly, it engages with Justin Rosenberg’s revival of Trotsky’s idea of uneven and combined development and its subsidiary law of ‘the whip of external necessity’, and argues that the whip can remain salient today only if one accepts the political utility of nuclear war. The impasse created by the nuclear revolution, it concludes, points Marxist IR in the direction of classic Marxist visions of supranationalism and human unity.
Multilevel study of factors for cultivating self-efficacy in the online game industry
Authors: Li Chia-Ying , Tsai Chiun-Yi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSelf-efficacy is not a phenomenon solely applicable to the individual; it may be applicable to several levels within an organisation. Although the theoretical development of efficacy beliefs has been discussed, few studies have investigated how to enhance self-efficacy through individual motivation or management policies. After collecting data from 414 employees of 38 research and development teams, multilevel analyses are conducted to empirically integrate efficacy beliefs at the individual and team levels in a moderated mediation model. The results indicate that self-efficacy mediates the effects of both learning orientation and affective commitment on group efficacy, which further facilitates innovation effectiveness. Training not only affects self-efficacy, but also moderates the mediation effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between learning orientation and group efficacy. Moreover, goal clarity moderates the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between affective commitment and group efficacy.