bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Library Research Courses that Follow Universal Design Principles and Best Practices for Online Education of Special Needs Students Improve Student Learning Experiences
Authors: Daniel Dominique 
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Catalano, A. (2014). Improving distance education for students with special needs: A qualitative study of students’ experiences with an online library research course. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, 8(1-2): 17-31. doi: 10.1080/1533290X.2014.902416

Abstract

Objective – To evaluate student experience with an online library research course that follows best practices about distance education for special needs students.

Design – Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

Setting – A large private college in the United States of America.

Subjects – Seven female students, both undergraduate and graduate, each with different physical and cognitive disabilities.

Methods – Students were recruited from respondents to a survey about accessible library services, with a $50 gift card incentive. They took an online information literacy course that had been adapted for students with special needs, using universal design for learning and best practices in distance education for special needs students and in library instruction. Upon completion, students answered a questionnaire about the course learning activities. Students were then asked to participate in in-depth, semi-structured interviews on their learning preferences and study skills.

Main Results – Students expressed overall satisfaction with the course, especially the clear organization and the ability to choose from various types of assignments for their final project. They expressed a preference for click-through, step-by-step instructions for tutorials. Five of the seven students participated in in-depth interviews, which revealed some common themes in their overall online learning experience: the challenge of obtaining extended time on tests; overcoming reluctance to participate in online discussions; the need for regular communication with instructors; and the need for clearly stated expectations and timely feedback.

Conclusion – Student feedback confirms best practices identified in the literature on distance learning and on special needs students. The need for clear instructor expectations, clear course organization, and frequent interaction with the professor are common to all distance learning situations, but students with special needs are particularly in need of such well-structured instruction. Librarians should always determine accessibility before selecting software and tools to be used in online instruction. Accessible online library instruction should include information about resources for students with special needs; it should provide the same content in varied formats; and it should offer students options for assignment formats. Much research remains to be done to compare students with special needs in online and face-to-face courses, and to determine factors that improve the success of students with special needs in online courses.
Multiple Factors Influence Undergraduates’ Intent to Use Online Library Resources
Authors: Tewell Eamon C 
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Joo, S., & Choi, N. (2015). Factors affecting undergraduates’ selection of online library resources in academic tasks. Library Hi Tech, 33(2), 272-291. doi: 10.1108/LHT-01-2015-0008

Objective – To investigate multiple factors that may affect undergraduate students’ selection of online library resources. Usefulness and ease of use, quality, and user differences were each explored as factors influencing undergraduates’ use intention.

Design – Survey questionnaire.

Setting – A state university located in the United States of America.

Subjects – 332 randomly selected undergraduate students.

Methods – A survey designed to measure the intent to utilize online library resources was administered to an undergraduate population. The results, including 11 factors of use intention, were analyzed quantitatively using inferential statistics such as structural equation modeling, multiple regression, t-tests, ANOVAs, and linear regression.

Main Results – The factors of usefulness and ease of use were reported to have a positive relationship with undergraduates’ intent to use online library resources (regression weights = 0.473 and 0.408, p < 0.01). Respondents who answered that they were “very or extremely familiar” with online library resources had higher use intention of these sources (mean = 6.17) than other groups moderately or not at all familiar (mean = 5.74 and 4.95, respectively). Experience in a library instruction program was not found to influence use intention (t = -0.368, p > 0.05).

Conclusions – The authors conclude that multiple factors influence online library resource selection behavior among undergraduates. The results indicate that usefulness and ease of use are important factors in use intention. The effect of “resource quality” factors, indicated by credibility, format, accessibility, currency, and coverage, suggested that all five factors positively impact use intention. Accessibility is most likely to increase the likelihood of online library resource selection while the credibility of a source has the weakest effect on selection. Familiarity with online library resources and self-reported strong search skills also positively influenced use intention.
Managerial Tenure And Mutual Fund Performance: Evidence From Index Funds
Authors: Ejara Demissew Diro , Nag Raja 
Published: February 2016

We analyze the impact of managerial tenure on the performance of mutual funds. We examine different aspects of the mutual funds and relate them to managerial tenure. We control for risk, asset allocation (North America and Emerging Markets), size, turnover and number of holdings. Based on a sample of index mutual funds, we find that managerial tenure has significant impact of the funds return. The strength of this relation diminishes as performance is measured on longer term basis. There is no significant direct impact of managerial tenure on expense ratio and rating.
Investigation of Drug-Excipients Compatibility of Ellagic Acid for Development of Formulation Containing Lipososmes
Authors: Rajendra Jangde  , Deependra Singh  
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was tochecked the compatibility between drug: lipid and drug: excipients. Ellagic acid was selected as model drug while phospholipid and Cholesterol were considered excipients. The study was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Diffraction scanning calorimetric (DSC) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The spectrophotometric graphs revealed that there was no significant changes in the position of functional groups of ellagic acid, phospholipid and Cholesterol (O-H, C=O, C-H str.) in pure drugs and excipients with respect to their physical mixtures. Further the samples werecharacterized by using DSC and HPLC methods and found no any interaction between drug excipients. Combination of synthetic herbal drug and pharmaceutical excipients are compatible with each other and shows no interaction. Thus this suitable combination can be employed for the successful development of novel liposomal carrier system.
Therapeutic Alliance With a Fully Automated Mobile Phone and Web-Based Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Clarke Janine , Proudfoot Judith , Whitton Alexis , Birch Mary-Rose , Boyd Megan , Parker Gordon , Manicavasagar Vijaya , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan , Fogarty Andrea 
Published: February 2016

Background
Studies of Internet-delivered psychotherapies suggest that clients report development of a therapeutic alliance in the Internet environment. Because a majority of the interventions studied to date have been therapist-assisted to some degree, it remains unclear whether a therapeutic alliance can develop within the context of an Internet-delivered self-guided intervention with no therapist support, and whether this has consequences for program outcomes.

Objective
This study reports findings of a secondary analysis of data from 90 participants with mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, and/or stress who used a fully automated mobile phone and Web-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention called “myCompass” in a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods
Symptoms, functioning, and positive well-being were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). Therapeutic alliance was measured at post-intervention using the Agnew Relationship Measure (ARM), and this was supplemented with qualitative data obtained from 16 participant interviews. Extent of participant engagement with the program was also assessed.

Results
Mean ratings on the ARM subscales were above the neutral midpoints, and the interviewees provided rich detail of a meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationship with the myCompass program. Whereas scores on the ARM subscales did not correlate with treatment outcomes, participants’ ratings of the quality of their emotional connection with the program correlated significantly and positively with program logins, frequency of self-monitoring, and number of treatment modules completed (r values between .32-.38, P≤.002). The alliance (ARM) subscales measuring perceived empowerment (r=.26, P=.02) and perceived freedom to self-disclose (r=.25, P=.04) also correlated significantly in a positive direction with self-monitoring frequency.

Conclusions
Quantitative and qualitative findings from this analysis showed that a positive therapeutic alliance can develop in the Internet environment in the absence of therapist support, and that components of the alliance may have implications for program usage. Further investigation of alliance features in the Internet environment and the consequences of these for treatment outcomes and user engagement is warranted.

Trial Registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number (ACTRN): 12610000625077; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=335772&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6efAc5xj4).
Aminomethylnaphthoquinones and HSV-1: in vitro and in silico Evaluations of Potential Antivirals
Authors: de Mello Camilly P Pires , Sardoux Nathália S , Terra Luciana , Amorim Leonardo C , Vargas Maria D , da Silva Gustavo B , Castro Helena C , Giongo Viveca A , Madeira Lucianne F , Paixão Izabel CNP 
Published: February 2016

Background Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are leading causes of human infections which result in severe manifestations, especially in neonates, immunocompromised and/or transplanted individuals. Current HSV type-1 (HSV-1) resistance to standard antiviral agents is a therapeutic challenge, especially for treating immunocompromised patients. Methods Herein we describe the promising antiviral profile of three 2-aminomethyl-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones against HSV-1 using Vero cells. Results The in silico theoretical analysis indicated that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the conformational features of these molecules are important structural features for modulating their biological activity. Our in vitro results showed that these compounds have significant anti-HSV-1 activity comparable to acyclovir, the antiviral currently used clinically. Importantly two of them showed a lower cytotoxicity profile against Vero cells than acyclovir. The inhibitory mechanism analysis using a time-of-addition assay revealed that all compounds inhibit the late phase of lytic replication. Finally, the highest selectivity index of the first tested compound was almost twice as high as that of acyclovir. Conclusions Since resistance is still a problem for treating HSV infections, these compounds present a promising profile toward the development of new strategies for anti-HSV-1 therapy.
Macrophage Galactose-Type Lectin-1 Deficiency Is Associated with Increased Neutrophilia and Hyperinflammation in Gram-Negative Pneumonia
Authors: Jondle Christopher N. , Sharma Atul , Simonson Tanner J. , Larson Benjamin , Mishra Bibhuti B. , Sharma Jyotika 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), the carbohydrate-recognizing molecules, orchestrate host immune response in homeostasis and in inflammation. In the present study we examined the function of macrophage galactose-type lectin-1 (MGL1), a mammalian CLR, in pneumonic sepsis, a deadly immune disorder frequently associated with a nonresolving hyperinflammation. In a murine model of pneumonic sepsis using pulmonary infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae, the expression of MGL1 was upregulated in the lungs of K. pneumoniae–infected mice, and the deficiency of this CLR in MGL1−/− mice resulted in significantly increased mortality to infection than in the MGL1-sufficient wild-type mice, despite a similar bacterial burden. The phagocytic cells from MGL1−/− mice did not exhibit any defects in bacterial uptake and intracellular killing and were fully competent in neutrophil extracellular trap formation, a recently identified extracellular killing modality of neutrophils. Instead, the increased susceptibility of MGL1−/− mice seemed to correlate with severe lung pathology, indicating that MGL1 is required for resolution of pulmonary inflammation. Indeed, the MGL1−/− mice exhibited a hyperinflammatory response, massive pulmonary neutrophilia, and an increase in neutrophil-associated immune mediators. Concomitantly, MGL1-deficient neutrophils exhibited an increased influx in pneumonic lungs of K. pneumoniae–infected mice. Taken together, these results show a previously undetermined role of MGL1 in controlling neutrophilia during pneumonic infection, thus playing an important role in resolution of inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first study depicting a protective function of MGL1 in an acute pneumonic bacterial infection.
Attributes of Entreprenuers at an Arts Festival
Authors: Saayman M , Douglas M , De Klerk S 
Published: February 2016

<p>The purpose of this article is to determine the attributes of entrepreneurs at festivals, in this case an arts festival. The reason for choosing an arts festival is that the largest festivals (judged by number of visitors and income generated) hosted in South Africa annually are arts festivals. A literature review revealed that this type of study had not previously been conducted in South Africa. In order to generate proper data, a survey was conducted of all small businesses that were trading at one of South Africa’s largest arts festivals, namely the Aardklop National Arts Festival, held annually in the city of Potchefstroom. 222 useable questionnaires were captured and the data analysis included a factor analysis and descriptive results. The main results reveal that the most important attributes are a need for achievement, being successful, having the necessary organising skills, selfedification, being explorative, and commitment. </p><strong>Key words:</strong> entrepreneurs, arts festivals, event tourism, South Africa, attributes, Aardklop National Arts Festival
Probabilistic Construction of Normal Basis
Authors: Frandsen Gudmund Skovbjerg 
Published: February 2016

<p>Let GF(q) be the finite field with q elements. A normal basis polynomial f in GF(q)[x] of degree n is an irreducible polynomial, whose roots form a (normal) basis for the field extension (GF(q^n) : GF(q). We show that a normal basis polynomial of degree <em>n</em> can be found in expected time O(n^(2 + varepsilon) . log(q) + n^(3 + varepsilon) $, when an arithmetic operation and the generation of a random constant in the field GF(q) cost unit time.</p><p> </p><p>Given some basis B = alpha_1, alpha_2,..., alpha_n for the field extension GF(qn) : GF(q) together with an algorithm for multiplying two elements in the B-representation in time O(n^beta), we can find a normal basis for this extension and express it in terms of B in expected time O(n^(1 + beta + varepsilon) € log(q) + n^(3 + varepsilon).</p>
Some Interpolation Formulas for Approximating the Solution of the Heat Equation.
Authors: Shriver Bruce D. 
Published: February 2016

<p>Interpolation formulas of the form</p><p> </p><p>u(x_*1 , ... ,x_(* n),t_*) ~= Sum_{i=1}^{N} A_i u(v_i1,...,v_in, t_i)</p><p>are presented. These formulas are based on the heat polynomials of Appell. The point (x_{* 1}, ... x_{* n}t_*) is in the interior of an (n+1) dimensional region, R_n+1, and the points (v_i1,...,v_in, t_i) are on the boundary of R_n+1. These formulas can be used to approximate the solution of the heat conduction problem in R_n+1. The relationship between formulas of the above type of deqree 2 in R_n+1 and the second degree harmonic interpolation formulas of Stroud, Chen, Wang, and Mao in R_n is persented. Some higher degree formulas for special regions in R_2 are also developed.</p>
Self-aligned formation of the trench bottom shielding region in 4H-SiC trench gate MOSFET
Authors: Kojima Takahito , Harada Shinsuke , Kobayashi Yusuke , Sometani Mitsuru , Ariyoshi Keiko , Senzaki Junji , Takei Manabu , Tanaka Yasunori , Okumura Hajime 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
To suppress the electric field in the gate oxide in a trench gate MOSFET (UMOSFET) with small cell pitch, we developed a technique to form the p+ region using self-aligned ion implantation under the gate trench. To prevent Al+ injection into the trench sidewalls, conditions of thin oxide layer deposition and Al+ implantation were optimized by process simulation. The resulting SiC trench MOS capacitors exhibited long-term reliability, with no degradation in lifetime by the p+ shielding region, and a specific on-resistance of 9.4 mΩ cm2 with a blocking voltage of 3800 V was achieved in the UMOSFET.
Attitudes towards preventive tuberculosis treatment among hospital staff
Authors: Pathak Vidya , Harrington Zinta , Dobler Claudia C. 
Published: February 2016

Background.Healthcare workers have an increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), but previous studies suggested that they might be reluctant to accept preventive tuberculosis (TB) treatment. We aimed to examine doctors’ and nurses’ experience of TB screening and to explore their attitudes towards preventive TB treatment.Methods.We conducted a survey among randomly selected healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, using a paper-based questionnaire.Results.A total of 1,304 questionnaires were distributed and 311 (24%) responses were received. The majority of hospital staff supported preventive TB treatment in health care workers with evidence of latent TB infection (LTBI) in general (74%, 164/223) and for them personally (81%, 198/244) while 80 and 53 healthcare workers respectively had no opinion on the topic. Staff working in respiratory medicine were significantly less likely to support preventive TB treatment in health care workers in general or for them personally if they would have evidence of LTBI compared to other specialties (p= 0.001). Only 13% (14/106) of respondents with evidence of LTBI indicated that they had been offered preventive TB treatment. Twenty-one percent (64/306) of respondents indicated that they did not know the difference between active and latent TB. Among staff who had undergone testing for LTBI, only 33% (75/230) felt adequately informed about the meaning of their test results.Discussion.Hospital staff in general had positive attitudes towards preventive TB treatment, but actual treatment rates were low and perceived knowledge about LTBI was insufficient among a significant proportion of staff. The gap between high support for preventive TB treatment among staff and low treatment rates needs to be addressed. Better education on the concept of LTBI and the meaning of screening test results is required.
Artificial Neural Networks in Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Gopal Sucharita 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArtificial neural networks are computational models widely used in geospatial analysis for data classification, change detection, clustering, function approximation, and forecasting or prediction. There are many types of neural networks based on learning paradigm and network architectures. Their use is expected to grow with increasing availability of massive data from remote sensing and mobile platforms.
A randomized placebo‐controlled lovastatin trial for neurobehavioral function in neurofibromatosis I
Authors: Bearden Carrie E. , Hellemann Gerhard S. , Rosser Tena , Montojo Caroline , Jonas Rachel , Enrique Nicole , Pacheco Laura , Hussain Shaun A. , Wu Joyce Y. , Ho Jennifer S. , McGough James J. , Sugar Catherine A. , Silva Alcino J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveLovastatin has been shown to reverse learning deficits in a mouse model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a common monogenic disorder caused by a mutation in the Ras‐MAPK pathway and associated with learning disabilities. We conducted a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial to assess lovastatin's effects on cognition and behavior in patients with NF1.MethodForty‐four NF1 patients (mean age 25.7+/−11.6 years; 64% female) were randomly assigned to 14 weeks of lovastatin (N = 23; maximum dose of 80 mg/day for adult participants and 40 mg/day for children) or placebo (N = 21). Based on findings in the mouse model, primary outcome measures were nonverbal learning and working memory. Secondary outcome measures included verbal memory, attention, and self/parent‐reported behavioral problems, as well as tolerability of medication. Participants also underwent neuroimaging assessments at baseline and 14 weeks, to determine whether neural biomarkers were associated with treatment response. Linear mixed models assessed for differential treatment effects on outcome measures.ResultsTwelve participants dropped from the study prior to completion (8 placebo, 4 lovastatin), resulting in 32 completers (15 placebo, 17 lovastatin). Lovastatin was well‐tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Differential improvement favoring lovastatin treatment was observed for one primary (working memory; effect size f2 = 0.70, P < 0.01) and two secondary outcome measures (verbal memory, f2 = 0.19, P = 0.02, and adult self‐reported internalizing problems, f2 = 0.26, P = 0.03). Exploratory moderator analyses revealed that higher baseline neural activity in frontal regions was associated with larger treatment effects.InterpretationThese preliminary results suggest beneficial effects of lovastatin on some learning and memory functions, as well as internalizing symptoms in patients with NF1.