Reforming a university during political transformation: a case study of Yangon University in Myanmar

Since 2010, Myanmar has been transitioning from an authoritarian military regime towards a parliamentary democracy. Several education policies have been launched as part of this political transformation process, including the reform of Myanmar’s flagship higher education institution, Yangon University. This article investigates the reform of Yangon University. Through so doing, we examine a key node in Myanmar’s higher education system, and contribute to academic debates over higher education reforms in countries undergoing political transformations. The article draws on qualitative data obtained from stakeholders involved in the reform of Yangon University, and uses Arnhold et al.’s ‘educational reconstruction framework’ to conceptualize the reform process. It is argued that while improvements have been made to the physical infrastructure, there has been a failure to consider the ideological and psychological reconstruction of the university, which staff and students alike deem essential to transforming long standing authoritarian practices, and creating a constructive learning environment

Safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous blood purification treatment of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

<div><p>The aim of this study was to discuss the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) on continuous blood purification (CBP) during the treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Thirty-five patients with MODS were divided into two groups: the local citrate anticoagulation (RCA) group, and the heparin-free blood purification (hfBP) group. The MODS severity was assessed according to Marshall’s MODS score criteria. Blood coagulation indicators, blood pressure, filter lifespan, filter replacement frequency, anticoagulation indicators, and main metabolic and electrolyte indicators were analyzed and compared between RCA and hfBP groups. RCA resulted in lower blood pressure than hfBP. The filter efficacy in RCA treatment was longer than in the hfBP group. The blood clearance of creatine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid was better in the RCA group. RCA also led to higher pH than hfBP. Neither treatment resulted in severe bleeding events. In addition, MODS score was positively correlated with prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time but negatively correlated with platelet concentration. RCA is a safer and more effective method in CBP treatment; however, it could also lead to low blood pressure and blood alkalosis.</p></div

Estimation of genetic parameters related to eggshell strength using random regression models

<div><p></p><p>1. This study examined the changes in eggshell strength and the genetic parameters related to this trait throughout a hen’s laying life using random regression.</p><p>2. The data were collected from a crossbred population between 2011 and 2014, where the eggshell strength was determined repeatedly for 2260 hens.</p><p>3. Using random regression models (RRM), several Legendre polynomials were employed to estimate the fixed, direct genetic and permanent environment effects. The residual effects were treated as independently distributed with heterogeneous variance for each test week.</p><p>4. The direct genetic variance was included with second order Legendre polynomials and the permanent environment with third order Legendre polynomials.</p><p>5 The heritability of eggshell strength ranged from 0.26 to 0.43, the repeatability ranged between 0.47 and 0.69, and the estimated genetic correlations between test weeks was high at > 0.67.</p><p>6. The first eigenvalue of the genetic covariance matrix accounted for about 97% of the sum of all the eigenvalues.</p><p>7. The flexibility and statistical power of RRM suggest that this model could be an effective method to improve eggshell quality and to reduce losses due to cracked eggs in a breeding plan.</p></div

Incorporation of Bi atoms in InP studied at the atomic scale by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy

We show the potential of cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy to address structural properties of dilute III-V bismides by investigating Bi:InP. Bismuth atoms down to the second monolayer below the {110} InP surfaces, which give rise to three classes of distinct contrast, are identified with the help of density functional theory calculations. Based on this classification, the pair-correlation function is used to quantify the ordering of Bi atoms on the long range. In a complementary short-ranged study, we investigate the Bi ordering at the atomic level. An enhanced tendency for the formation of first-nearest-neighbor Bi pairs is found. In addition, the formation of small Bi clusters is observed whose geometries appear to be related to strong first-nearest-neighbor Bi pairing. We also identify growth related crystal defects, such as In vacancies, P antisites, and Bi antisites