bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and use of schedules in education of elementary school children with ASD
Authors: Sharova Y.A.
Published: October 2015

The work on preparedness for education of elementary school students with autism disorders can be greatly facilitated by the use of the methods that allow to structure child's knowledge about necessary changes. The use of schedules greatly facilitates the process of education, guiding and work on children's adaptation. The article describes stages of the work on inclusion and use of general and individual schedules in two groups of children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders in preschool classes. This work was conducted in the Center for Psychological, Medical and Social Support to Children and Adolescents of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. The article contains examples of the use schedules to increase independence and to reduce anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Year Round. Method of speech development and correction
Authors: Pavlova Y.B. , Khotyleva T.Y.
Published: October 2015

Методическое пособие по развитию и коррекции речи у детей с РАС и другими нарушениями развития. Данное пособие предназначено для подготовки детей к школе или для первоклассников, имеющих трудности в развитии речи и в общении с окружающими. Эти трудности могут проявляться по-разному. Часть детей плохо понимают обращенную речь, имеют аграмматизмы и недостаточный пассивный и активный словарь. Другие дети страдают гиперлексией: они многоречивы, но речь формальна, они часто употребляют штампы, могут процитировать наизусть большой отрывок из произведения, но смысл услышанного или прочитанного им не всегда доступен. Часто проблемы развития речи связаны с недостаточным уровнем развития внимания, программирования и контроля собственной деятельности. Пособие построено на анализе многолетнего опыта работы с такими детьми. Оно составлено в логике развития событий учебного года. Заниматься с детьми по этому пособию смогут не только опытные педагоги и логопеды, но и родители. Пособие возможно использовать как на индивидуальных, так и на групповых занятиях по развитию речи. Задания построены таким образом, чтобы ребенок смог выполнить часть их самостоятельно или с незначительной помощью взрослых.
Core Challenges of Autism
Authors: Nason B.
Published: October 2015

These fragments from the book of American clinical psychologist Bill Nason "Autism Discussion Page book" are dedicated to core autism challenges: love and acceptance, differences in cognitive processing, sensory issues, social problems and emotional regulation issues, including detailed analysis of meltdowns and shut-downs. The book takes the reader through all basic characteristics of children with autism in the four basic areas (cognitive, sensory, social, emotional) thus giving us the opportunity to understand, how the child experience the world, and promoting awareness, better understanding and acceptance.
On the Problem of Will and Self-Regulation in Cultural-Historical Psychology
Authors: Smirnova E.O.
Published: October 2015

This paper attempts to differentiate between the concepts of 'will' and 'self-regulation'. Basing on literature research the author presumes that here we deal with two qualitatively different and specific processes: one of them centers around the awareness of an individual's actions, while at the core of the other lies the impulse to act, i.e. motivation. Thus the author sets forth a hypothesis that will and self-regulation have very different psy¬chological content and different lines of development in ontogenesis. Following L.S. Vygotsky, the author considers self-regulation as the ability to control oneself (one's inner and outer activity) with the help of cultural¬ly provided means of organizing behavior. Stages of self-regulation development are therefore shaped by the level of the individual's awareness of his/her activity and by the means employed for its organization. Will, as it has been interpreted over the course of history, is considered as the urge towards active actions, as the pow¬erfulness and persistence of one's wishes and desires (volitions). From this perspective the development of will way be described as the formation of persistent motivation in a child, as the emergence of his/her own desires. The paper reveals the relationship between impulse and awareness in various forms of child activities suggesting that, however specific, will and self-regulation are one in their genesis. The final part discusses issues in modern childhood related to the development of will and self-regulation.
Representation of Objective Situations in Preschool Children
Authors: Veraksa N.E.
Published: October 2015

The paper focuses on the types of representations of objective situations, that is, situations which are defined independently of the subject, by certain external perceptible circumstances and social expectations or rules. The author distinguishes between three types of objective situations in which children act: normative, developing and ambiguous. For each of these types there is a corresponding form of representation: sign, dialectical and symbolic. Each form is a product of the subject's cognitive activity, at the core of which lie cognitive abilities — a system of culturally specific means and ways of using them. The paper outlines normative and stabilizing abilities, transformation abilities, and symbolic mediation abilities. They help categorize different objects and features, enable transformation of situations and provide possibilities for orientation in ambiguous situations.
Changing Perception of Students toward Hospitality Industry: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kumar Anoop
Published: October 2015

Hospitality Management Institutes have seen a tremendous growth in the recent years. More and more students are inclining to pursue hospitality related course from the institutes at national level or at different universities or from private institutes. The popularity of this course among the young aspirants is because of various factors such as, job opportunities, different avenues, popularity of various television program based on cooking skills, parents of students already into hotel business, eligibility criteria, entrepreneurship plans, overseas job opportunities, passion and interest, etc. Whenever a student takes admission to the hospitality course he does think positive about the industry. But by reaching to the final year this positivity turns into the negativity and the student takes a decision either not to join the industry or to pursue something else. Therefore, a study is conducted to understand the difference between the perception of 1st year and final year students studying hospitality courses toward the hospitality industry. A structured questionnaire was designed in which 21 variables were included on the basis of review of the literature. Further, T-test was applied to find out the significant difference between the perceptions of 1st year and final year students. Fifteen variables were found where no significant difference exists between the perception of 1st year and final year students. Six variables were found with a significant difference between the perception of 1st year and final year students. The results show that overall a significant difference is there between the perception of 1st year and final year students and null hypothesis is rejected. The study also reveals the fact that 1st year students do have positive perception toward the industry as compared to the final year students.
FORMACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA Y PRÁCTICA COMUNITARIA: LA CURRICULARIZACIÓN DE LAS PRÁCTICAS COMUNITARIAS EN UNIVERSIDADES ARGENTINAS
Authors: Enriquez Pedro Gregorio , Martín Marisol
Published: October 2015

En este trabajo se compara la curricularización de las prácticas comunitarias
desarrolladas, en estos últimos años, en 7 (siete) universidades argentinas. Desde lo teórico, las producciones sobre instituciones educativas y sobre reformas curriculares que incluyen el trabajo comunitario, permitieron comprender la complejidad que suponía estos procesos. Desde lo metodológico, el empleo de fuentes documentales digitalizadas (normativas de creación y documentos de apoyo) disponibles en páginas web, posibilitó un primer acercamiento a estas reformas. Como resultado de este estudio se pudo comprobar que los procesos de curricularización generaron cambios en la universidad, en lo relativo a la forma de relacionarse con la comunidad, en el formato curricular y en la estructura organizacional.

Palabras clave: Práctica comunitaria. Curricularización. Universidad
ALGUMAS PONTUAÇÕES FUNDAMENTOS DA EDUCAÇÃO: RECORTES E DISCUSSÕES
Authors: Chaves Pereira Meira
Published: October 2015

Caracterizado como uma organização de obra, Fundamentos da Educação:
recortes e discussões – Volume 1 reúne elementos ricos e instigantes no desdobramento dos eixos histórico-filosóficos da área, de maneira clara e objetiva. A obra é organizada por Paulo Gomes Lima, Doutor em Educação Escolar pela Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, e Professor do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Campus Sorocaba, da Grande Dourados e do Departamento de Ciências Humanas e Educação (DCHE) da mesma Instituição. 

O volume em tela, por seu percurso, não necessariamente, cronológico,
mas com riqueza de detalhes temporais, propõe-se, entre outros, a contribuir como elemento de conscientização do pesquisador, do professor, dos estudantes e dos estudiosos da educação como uma possibilidade de atuação intencional em uma sociedade conflituosa, contribuindo para transformações sócio-históricas e políticas de reflexão-na-ação sobre a realidade vivida (p. 5).
CIÊNCIA(S) NO CONTEXTO “PÓS”: ASPECTOS TRANSICIONAIS NA PRODUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO CIENTÍFICO
Authors: Giacomazzo Graziela Fatima
Published: October 2015

O artigo apresenta um estudo sobre os aspectos transicionais entre a Ciência
Acadêmica e Pós-Acadêmica, a Ciência Normal e Pós-Normal, a Ciência Moderna
e Pós-Moderna, e a Ciência Modo 1 e Modo 2. Das perspectivas que intencionam
descrever as mudanças produzidas a partir da segunda metade do século XX, nas pesquisas
científicas e tecnológicas, foram identificadas as noções de ciência que situam
como elemento central desses processos uma complexa configuração das relações
entre universidade, indústrias, governo e sociedade e nos modos de se fazer ciência
em contextos nomeados “novos” e de prefixo “pós”. A Ciência, do mesmo modo que
a sociedade, pela sua dinâmica e movimento contínuo, apresenta-se em transição, e,
portanto, há mudanças na produção do conhecimento científico.
Palavras-chave: Ciência. Produção do conhecimento. Transição.
Nitrogen‐ vs. Phosphorus‐Based Manure and Compost Management of Corn
Authors: Sadeghpour Amir , Ketterings Quirine M. , Godwin Gregory S. , Czymmek Karl J.
Published: October 2015

Animal manure is typically applied to meet the N needs of crops. This can lead to overapplication of P and K. We evaluated the impact of a change from N‐based applications of manure and compost without incorporation to a P‐based (crop‐removal) management system with immediate incorporation of manure on (i) silage corn (Zea mays L.) yield and quality, and (ii) soil test NO3, P (STP), and K (STK). A 5‐yr field study was conducted with annual spring applications of composted dairy solids (46 and 74 Mg ha−1), liquid dairy manure (68 and 196 kL ha−1), and inorganic N fertilizer (0 and 112 kg ha−1). Shifting from N‐ to P‐based manure and compost management reduced the corn yield by 7 to 13% and protein by 8 to 9%, suggesting that fertilizer N is needed for P‐based management. Shifting from N‐ to P‐based manure management reduced soil NO3–N at silage harvest by 39% vs. 21% for compost. After 5 yr, STP increased four‐ and sixfold and two‐ and fourfold for N‐ and P‐based manure and compost management, respectively, reflecting positive P balances (lower than anticipated yields). Soil test K increased three‐ and twofold with N‐ and P‐based manure and compost management, respectively. Both STP and STK remained unchanged with inorganic N fertilization. We conclude that a shift from N‐ to P‐based compost and manure management, with immediate incorporation of manure, leads to reduced soil P and K buildup and, for manure, also soil NO3, but supplemental inorganic N fertilization is required to ensure that crop N needs are met.
Variable Step Length Incremental Conductance MPPT Control Based on the Power Prediction
Authors: Yunjun Yu , Tao Liu , Shisheng Wang , Jianbo Xin , Haibing Ou Yang
Published: October 2015

The MPP of Photovoltaic power system undergoes migration or volatility under the influence of the external
environments, especially light intensity changes. MPPT control is a very important method to increase the efficiency of
the photovoltaic power generation system. But the existing variable step length incremental conductance method would
produce misjudgment or even tracking failure when outside light intensity mutations. A variable step length incremental
conductance MPPT control method based on power prediction has been proposed. This involves modeling, simulation and
comparison of the different methods in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The proposed method can not only avoid misjudgments
but can also track the MPP efficiently, improving the control accuracy compared with the variable step length
incremental conductance method.
Social-Ecological, Motivational and Volitional Factors for Initiating and Maintaining Physical Activity in the Context of HIV
Authors: Ley Clemens , Barrio María Rato , Leach Lloyd
Published: October 2015

Sport and exercise can have several health benefits for people living with HIV. These benefits can be achieved through different types of physical activity, adapting to disease progression, motivation and social-ecological options. However, physical activity levels and adherence to exercise are generally low in people living with HIV. At the same time, high drop-out rates in intervention studies are prevalent; even though they often entail more favourable conditions than interventions in the natural settings. Thus, in the framework of an intervention study, the present study aims to explore social-ecological, motivational and volitional correlates of South African women living with HIV with regard to physical activity and participation in a sport and exercise health promotion programme. The qualitative data was produced in the framework of a non-randomised pre-post intervention study that evaluated structure, processes and outcomes of a 10-week sport and exercise programme. All 25 participants of the programme were included in this analysis, independent of compliance. Data was produced through questionnaires, participatory group discussions, body image pictures, research diaries and individual semi-structured interviews. All participants lived in a low socioeconomic, disadvantaged setting. Hence, the psychological correlates are contextualised and social-ecological influences on perception and behaviour are discussed. The results show the importance of considering social-cultural and environmental influences on individual motives, perceptions and expectancies, the fear of disclosure and stigmatisation, sport and exercise-specific group dynamics and self-supporting processes. Opportunities and strategies to augment physical activity and participation in sport and exercise programmes in the context of HIV are discussed.
Corrigendum: Tasic S, Kojic M, Obradovic D, Tasic I. Molecular and biochemical characterization of Pseudomonas putida isolated from bottled uncarbonated mineral drinking water. Arch Biol Sci. 2014, 66(1):23-8. DOI:10.2298/ABS1401023T
Authors: Editorial E
Published: October 2015

All authors of the article (Tasic Srdjan, Kojic Milan, Obradovic D., Tasic
Irena) have submitted a written statement that Zorana Z. Golubovic was not
included in the list of authors. With this corrigendum we are correcting
this. The full list of authors for this article is as follows: Tasic
Srdjan, Department of Food Technology, Higher School of Applied Professional
Studies, 17500 Vranje, Serbia Kojic Milan, University of Belgrade,
Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, 11010 Belgrade,
Serbia Obradovic D., Institute of Food Technology and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, 11080 Zemun, Serbia
Golubovic Zorana Z., Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11120 Belgrade 35, Serbia Tasic Irena,
Pharmaceutical Institutie Vranje, 17500 Vranje, Serbia

 Link to the corrected article 10.2298/ABS1401023T
Airfield Flexible Pavement Responses under Heavy Aircraft and High Tire Pressure Loading
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Maoyun , Garg Navneet
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates airfield flexible pavement responses under heavy aircraft and high tire pressure loading considering the realistic aircraft tire–pavement interaction. An advanced three-dimensional finite element model was developed; it characterized the hot-mix asphalt layer as a viscoelastic material and used implicit dynamic analysis to predict time-and temperature-dependent pavement responses under various loading conditions. The tire loadings were simulated as moving loads having uniform and nonuniform contact stress distributions. To illustrate the effect of moving load, stationary loading analysis was conducted with the equivalent modulus determined from the middepth pulse time under moving loading. Two temperature profiles were considered in the analysis, as compared with the constant temperature profile using the average temperature. The pavement responses in the asphalt layer (tensile, compressive, and shear strains) under different loading conditions were calculated and analyzed in terms of pavement failure mechanisms. The results emphasized the importance of considering nonuniform contact stresses and moving load in airfield pavement analysis. On the contrary, applying the average temperature profile in summer was a conservative approach for predicting fatigue cracking potential but underestimated rutting or near-surface cracking potential in the airfield pavement. The rut depths in the asphalt layer were predicted by using mechanistic–empirical performance models and compared with the measurements from the full-scale test. The results suggested that specific calibration parameters should be developed to provide accurate prediction of rut depth for airfield pavements.
Measuring the Relationship between Airline Network Connectivity and Productivity
Authors: Gillen David , Landau Steven , Gosling Geoffrey D.
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the relationship between differing measures of airline network connectivity and changes in multifactor productivity (MFP) using data for the United States. It was found that how an airport is connected into the airline network does affect MFP and that the connectivity measures that best explain the effect on MFP vary by industry. The principal finding of the research is that connectivity does appear to affect productivity, but how the connectivity is achieved, whether by more flights, more destinations, or more capacity, varies in importance across industries.
Kinetics of esterification of acetic acid and methanol using Amberlyst 36 cation-exchange resin solid catalyst
Authors: Mekala Mallaiah , Goli Venkat Reddy
Published: October 2015

Catalytic esterification of acetic acid with methanol to produce methyl acetate in a stirred batch reactor was investigated in the presence of Amberlyst 16, Indion 180 and Amberlyst 36 catalysts. Amberlyst 36 was found to be an effective solid catalyst for this reaction compared to the other solid catalysts. The reaction was performed in the temperature range of 323.15–353.15 K and the catalyst loading in the range of 0.01–0.05 g cm−3. The initial reactant feed molar ratios of acetic acid to methanol were varied from 1:1 to 1:4. The influence of different parameters like temperature, catalyst loading, magnetic stirrer speed and average catalyst particle sizes on the conversion kinetics of acetic acid has been investigated. The maximum conversion of acetic acid was increased on increasing the feed molar ratio. From the experimental results, it was observed that the reaction is kinetically controlled rather than controlled by internal and external mass transfer. The experimental data were correlated with the pseudo homogeneous (PH), Eley–Rideal (ER) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) models. The activity coefficients were calculated using UNIQUAC model to account for the non-ideal behaviour of the components. Of the different kinetic models; the LH, surface rate-determining model, fitted best with the experimental data.
Synthesis, characterisation, in vitro DNA binding properties and antioxidant activities of Ln(III) complexes with chromone-3-carbaldehyde-(2′-hydroxy) benzoyl hydrazone
Authors: Li Yong , Yang Zheng-yin , Li Tian-rong
Published: October 2015

Ln(III) complexes with chromone-3-carbaldehyde-(2′-hydroxy)benzoyl hydrazone as the Schiff base ligand have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, 1H NMR, mass spectra, UV–Vis spectra, and IR spectra. Electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide displacement experiments and viscosity measurements indicate that the free ligand and its Ln(III) complexes, especially the La(III) complex, bind strongly to calf thymus DNA via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of the free ligand, La(III) complex, Sm(III) complex and Er(III) complex with DNA were (2.20±0.12) x 105 M−1, (8.83±0.04) x 106 M−1, (7.35±0.07) x 106 M−1 and (3.24±0.04) x 106 M−1, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the ligand and its Ln(III) complexes was determined by the superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging method in vitro, which indicates that the ligand and its Ln(III) complexes are efficient antioxidants and the Ln(III) complexes exhibit more effective antioxidant activity than the free ligand alone and some standard antioxidants, such as mannitol and vitamin C.
On the Representation of an Early Modern Dutch Storm in Two Poems
Authors: Pfeifer Katrin
Published: October 2015

On 19th December 1660, a severe storm raged over the Dutch isle of Texel, causing severe damage. It proceeded to destroy parts of the city of Amsterdam. Both the sailor and merchant Gerrit Jansz Kooch and the priest Joannes Vollenhove wrote a poem about this natural disaster, presumably independently of each other. The poets perceived the storm differently: Kooch, an eyewitness of the storm, matter-of-factly portrays the calamity and details a feud between his son-in-law and a colleague to commemorate the day of the disaster. In contrast, Vollenhove personifies the winter storm and struggles to understand it. Their poems are valuable sources for a cultural historical analysis. After a brief review of historical severe storm research, I will analyse these poems from a cultural historical point of view. I will shed light on how this severe storm was represented poetically in the Early Modern Period.
Fabrication and Simulation of Self-Focusing Field Emission X-ray Tubes
Authors: Cheng Kevin , Chou Yi-Ping , Youh Meng-Jey , Liu Yih-Ming , Ger Ming-Der , Hou Kung-Hsu , Pu Nen-Wen
Published: October 2015

A self-focusing field emission (FE) X-ray tube with a large-area cathode design was simulated and fabricated. The designed X-ray tube had a cylindrically symmetric geometry; the diameter of the cathode and the anode was 15 mm, and the cathode-anode distance was 20 mm. Owing to the unique cup-shaped design of the cathode, the electron beam emitted from the large-area cathode was focused onto the anode without using magnetic lenses or extra biased electrodes. Carbon nanocoils, which were grown on the bottom of the circular cup-shaped cathode, were used as electron emitters because of their excellent FE properties. A simulation of the electron trajectories for various cup heights revealed that the optimal focal spot size (0.1 mm) was obtained at a cup height of 5 mm when a voltage of 50 kV was applied. To verify this result, an X-ray tube was fabricated and tested. An X-ray photograph of the tested tooth and electric circuits showed good resolution and X-ray intensity. The large cathode area effectively reduces the current density and thereby improves the lifetime of the cathode.
Performance of Ru/La2O3–ZnO Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of Benzene to Cyclohexene
Authors: Spod Hendrik , Lucas Martin , Claus Peter
Published: October 2015

Cyclohexene is an important intermediate product for a highly efficient and greener formation of major end products like adipic acid, nylon 6, and nylon 6.6. By using a complex tetra-phase system (g/l/l/s) including hydrogen (g), water (l), an organic phase, i.e., benzene (l), and a supported ruthenium catalyst (s) it is possible to get the desired intermediate cyclohexene based on benzene. We prepared an oxide-supported ruthenium catalyst that was applied together with minimal amounts of the additive NaDCA (sodium dicyanamide) in a batch and continuous apparatus for the selective benzene hydrogenation. We compared these two processes and reached by an optimization of the reaction parameters in continuous process selectivities up to 50% at conversions of 36%. This corresponds to cyclohexene yields of 18% over a period of 100 h. Finally, the catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and laser scattering to understand the performance of the catalyst and the effect of the small deactivation.
A Novel Method for Increasing the Entropy of a Sequence of Independent, Discrete Random Variables
Authors: Jessa Mieczyslaw
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel method for increasing the entropy of a sequence of independent, discrete random variables with arbitrary distributions. The method uses an auxiliary table and a novel theorem that concerns the entropy of a sequence in which the elements are a bitwise exclusive-or sum of independent discrete random variables.
Electrical Reliability of a Film-Type Connection during Bending
Authors: Mitsui Ryosuke , Sato Junya , Takahashi Seiya , Nakajima Shin-ichiro
Published: October 2015

With the escalating demands for downsizing and functionalizing mobile electronics, flexible electronics have become an important aspect of future technologies. To address limitations concerning junction deformation, we developed a new connection method using a film-type connector that is less than 0.1 mm thick. The film-type connector is composed of an organic film substrate, a UV-curable adhesive that deforms elastically under pressure, and electrodes that are arranged on the adhesive. The film-type connection relies on a plate-to-plate contact, which ensures a sufficient contact area. The electrical reliability of the film-type connection was investigated based on changes in the resistance during bending at curvature radii of 70, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 mm. The connection was bent 1000 times to investigate the reproducibility of the connector’s bending properties. The tests showed that no disconnections occurred due to bending in the vertical direction of the electrode, but disconnections were observed due to bending in the parallel direction at curvature radii of 10, 5, and 2.5 mm. In addition, the maximum average change in resistance was less than 70 milliohms unless a disconnection was generated. These results support the application of the new film-type connection in future flexible devices.
Expression of Heat Shock Proteins in Human Fibroblast Cells under Magnetic Resonant Coupling Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Mizuno Kohei , Shinohara Naoki , Miyakoshi Junji
Published: October 2015

Since 2007, resonant coupling wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has been attracting attention and has been widely researched for practical use. Moreover, dosimetric evaluation has also been discussed to evaluate the potential health risks of the electromagnetic field from this WPT technology based on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. However, there has not been much experimental evaluation of the potential health risks of this WPT technology. In this study, to evaluate whether magnetic resonant coupling WPT induces cellular stress, we focused on heat shock proteins (Hsps) and determined the expression level of Hsps 27, 70 and 90 in WI38VA13 subcloned 2RA human fibroblast cells using a western blotting method. The expression level of Hsps under conditions of magnetic resonant coupling WPT for 24 h was not significantly different compared with control cells, although the expression level of Hsps for cells exposed to heat stress conditions was significantly increased. These results suggested that exposure to magnetic resonant coupling WPT did not cause detectable cell stress.
Protected Area Monitoring in the Niger Delta Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing
Authors: Onojeghuo Alex , Onojeghuo Ajoke
Published: October 2015

Despite their importance, available information on the dynamics of forest protected areas and their management in the Niger delta are insufficient. We present results showing the distribution and structure of forest landscapes across protected areas in two states (Cross River and Delta) within the Niger Delta using multi-temporal remote sensing. Satellite images were classified and validated using ground data, existing maps, Google Earth, and historic aerial photographs over 1986, 2000 and 2014. The total area of forest landscape for 1986, 2000 and 2014 across the identified protected areas were 535,671 ha, 494,009 ha and 469,684 ha (Cross River) and 74,631 ha, 68,470 ha and 58,824 ha (Delta) respectively. The study showed annual deforestation rates for protected areas across both states from 1986 to 2000 were 0.8%. However, the overall annual deforestation rate between 2000 and 2014 was higher in Delta (1.9%) compared to Cross River (0.7%). This study shows accelerated levels of forest fragmentation across protected areas in both states as a side effect of the prevalence of agricultural practices and unsupervised urbanisation. The results show the need for government intervention and policy implementation, in addition to efforts by local communities and conservation organisations in protected area management across ecologically fragile areas of Nigeria.
Analysis of Naturally Occurring Steroid Hormones in Infant Formulas by HPLC-MS/MS and Contribution to Dietary Intake
Authors: Barreiro Rocío , Regal Patricia , Díaz-Bao Mónica , Fente Cristina , Cepeda Alberto
Published: October 2015

Milk is a natural fluid and as such contains small amounts of naturally occurring steroids. Human milk is recommended as the optimal source of nutrients for infants and young children, and it has been associated to several short- and long-term benefits. For this reason, its composition is used as a reference for designing infant formulas. However, the available information on the hormonal levels of these dairy products is scarce, and it is usually limited to estradiol and estrone. In the present study, six natural sex hormones (pregnenolone, progesterone, estrone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and androstenedione) have been extracted from sixteen milk-based infant formulas and analyzed with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The purpose of this research was to quantify natural steroid hormones in various infant formulas, to provide food and nutrition practitioners with information to estimate intakes in children. In addition, data found in the literature was used for comparison. The findings suggest that there are certain similarities between bovine milk and dairy products for infants. Furthermore, the detected levels were in general lower than those observed in human milk and/or colostrum. The reported results represent a valuable addition to the current knowledge on natural hormone content of infant foods.
The Mental Health Outcomes of Drought: A Systematic Review and Causal Process Diagram
Authors: Vins Holly , Bell Jesse , Saha Shubhayu , Hess Jeremy
Published: October 2015

Little is understood about the long term, indirect health consequences of drought (a period of abnormally dry weather). In particular, the implications of drought for mental health via pathways such as loss of livelihood, diminished social support, and rupture of place bonds have not been extensively studied, leaving a knowledge gap for practitioners and researchers alike. A systematic review of literature was performed to examine the mental health effects of drought. The systematic review results were synthesized to create a causal process diagram that illustrates the pathways linking drought effects to mental health outcomes. Eighty-two articles using a variety of methods in different contexts were gathered from the systematic review. The pathways in the causal process diagram with greatest support in the literature are those focusing on the economic and migratory effects of drought. The diagram highlights the complexity of the relationships between drought and mental health, including the multiple ways that factors can interact and lead to various outcomes. The systematic review and resulting causal process diagram can be used in both practice and theory, including prevention planning, public health programming, vulnerability and risk assessment, and research question guidance. The use of a causal process diagram provides a much needed avenue for integrating the findings of diverse research to further the understanding of the mental health implications of drought.
Molecular Analysis of Bacterial Microbiota on Brazilian Currency Note Surfaces
Authors: Pereira da Fonseca Tairacan , Pessôa Rodrigo , Sanabani Sabri
Published: October 2015

Currency notes have been implicated as a vehicle for transmitting community-acquired bacterial infections. However, the overall diversity of the bacterial population residing on banknotes is still unknown in Brazil. In this study, we aimed to investigate the overall bacterial population from 150 different Brazilian Rial (R$) notes in circulation using a culture-independent Illumina massively parallel sequencing approach of the 16S rRNA genes. Samples were randomly collected from three different street markets or “feiras” in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Taxonomical composition revealed the abundance of Proteobacteria phyla, followed by Firmicutes and Streptophyta, with a total of 1193 bacterial families and 3310 bacterial genera. Most of these bacterial genera are of human, animal, and environmental origins. Also, our analysis revealed the presence of some potential pathogenic bacterial genera including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Klebsiella. The results demonstrate that there is a tremendous diversity of bacterial contamination on currency notes, including organisms known to be opportunistic pathogens. One of the factors that may contribute to the richness of bacterial diversity in currency notes is personal hygiene. Thus, our results underscore the need to increase public awareness of the importance of personal hygiene of money handlers who also handle food.
Grouping and Read-Across Approaches for Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials
Authors: Oomen Agnes , Bleeker Eric , Bos Peter , Van Broekhuizen Fleur , Gottardo Stefania , Groenewold Monique , Hristozov Danail , Hund-Rinke Kerstin , Irfan Muhammad-Adeel , Marcomini Antonio , Peijnenburg Willie , Rasmussen Kirsten , Jiménez Araceli , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck , Van Tongeren Martie , Wiench Karin , Wohlleben Wendel , Landsiedel Robert
Published: October 2015

Physicochemical properties of chemicals affect their exposure, toxicokinetics/fate and hazard, and for nanomaterials, the variation of these properties results in a wide variety of materials with potentially different risks. To limit the amount of testing for risk assessment, the information gathering process for nanomaterials needs to be efficient. At the same time, sufficient information to assess the safety of human health and the environment should be available for each nanomaterial. Grouping and read-across approaches can be utilised to meet these goals. This article presents different possible applications of grouping and read-across for nanomaterials within the broader perspective of the MARINA Risk Assessment Strategy (RAS), as developed in the EU FP7 project MARINA. Firstly, nanomaterials can be grouped based on limited variation in physicochemical properties to subsequently design an efficient testing strategy that covers the entire group. Secondly, knowledge about exposure, toxicokinetics/fate or hazard, for example via properties such as dissolution rate, aspect ratio, chemical (non-)activity, can be used to organise similar materials in generic groups to frame issues that need further attention, or potentially to read-across. Thirdly, when data related to specific endpoints is required, read-across can be considered, using data from a source material for the target nanomaterial. Read-across could be based on a scientifically sound justification that exposure, distribution to the target (fate/toxicokinetics) and hazard of the target material are similar to, or less than, the source material. These grouping and read-across approaches pave the way for better use of available information on nanomaterials and are flexible enough to allow future adaptations related to scientific developments.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia in Chongqing, China
Authors: Qi Li , Ding Xianbin , Tang Wenge , Li Qin , Mao Deqiang , Wang Yulin
Published: October 2015

The increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia has become a worldwide public health problem, and the prevalence varies widely according to socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic characteristics. Chongqing has experienced rapid economic development and is now the economic center of Southwestern China. There are scant data on serum lipid profile of residents in Chongqing, the largest municipality directly under the Central Government in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 5375 residents of Chongqing, aged ≥18 years, and estimated the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia was 35.5% (34.4% among men and 37.6% among women). Among the 2009 patients with dyslipidemia, 44.2% had isolated hypertriglyceridemia, 14.7% had isolated hypercholesterolemia, 13.2% had mixed hyperlipidemia, and 28.0% had isolated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The peak prevalence of dyslipidemia in men was between 30 and 39 years (48.2%), and then declined gradually; in women, the prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with age, with the peak prevalence occurring after age 60 (46.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that dyslipidemia was associated with age, education level, physical activity, obesity and central obesity for both men and women. In conclusion, the results indicated dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, are very common in Chongqing. To prevent dyslipidemia, it is essential to conduct appropriate intervention programs aimed at risk factor reduction and implement routine screening programs for blood lipid levels in Chongqing, China.
Immigrant Mental Health, A Public Health Issue: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: George Usha , Thomson Mary , Chaze Ferzana , Guruge Sepali
Published: October 2015

The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC) strategy calls for promoting the health and wellbeing of all Canadians and to improve mental health outcomes. Each year, one in every five Canadians experiences one or more mental health problems, creating a significant cost to the health system. Mental health is pivotal to holistic health and wellbeing. This paper presents the key findings of a comprehensive literature review of Canadian research on the relationship between settlement experiences and the mental health and well-being of immigrants and refugees. A scoping review was conducted following a framework provided by Arskey and O’Malley (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8:19–32, 2005). Over two decades of relevant literature on immigrants’ health in Canada was searched. These included English language peer-reviewed publications from relevant online databases Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Healthstar, ERIC and CINAHL between 1990 and 2015. The findings revealed three important ways in which settlement affects the mental health of immigrants and refugees: through acculturation related stressors, economic uncertainty and ethnic discrimination. The recommendations for public health practice and policy are discussed.
Theoretical Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies on Homogeneous Gas-Phase Formation of Polychlorinated Naphthalene from 2-Chlorophenol as Forerunner
Authors: Xu Fei , Zhang Ruiming , Li Yunfeng , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: October 2015

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are dioxins-like compounds and are formed along with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in thermal and combustion procedures. Chlorophenols (CPs) are the most important forerunners of PCNs. A comprehensive comprehension of PCN formation procedure from CPs is a precondition for reducing the discharge of PCNs. Experiments on the formation of PCNs from CPs have been hindered by PCN toxicity and short of precise detection methods for active intermediate radicals. In this work, PCN formation mechanism in gas-phase condition from 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as forerunner was studied by quantum chemistry calculations. Numbers of energetically advantaged formation routes were proposed. The rate constants of key elementary steps were calculated over 600–1200 K using canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT) method. This study illustrates formation of PCNs with one chlorine atom loss from 2-CP is preferred over that without chlorine atom loss. In comparison with formation of PCDFs from 2-CP, PCN products are less chlorinated and have lower formation potential.
Cytotoxicity of Triterpenes from Green Walnut Husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim in HepG-2 Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Yang Bingyou , Liu Zhaoxi , Jiang Yanqiu , Liu Yuxin , Fu Lei , Wang Xiaoli , Kuang Haixue
Published: October 2015

Among the classes of identified natural products, triterpenoids, one of the largest families, have been studied extensively for their diverse structures and variety of biological activities, including antitumor effects. In the present study, a phytochemical study of the green walnut husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim led to the isolation of a new dammarane triterpene, 12β, 20(R), 24(R)-trihydroxydammar-25-en-3-one (6), together with sixteen known compounds, chiefly from chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts. According to their structural characteristics, these compounds were divided into dammarane-type, oleanane- and ursane-type. Dammarane-type triterpenoids were isolated for the first time from the Juglans genus. As part of our continuing search for biologically active compounds from this plant, all of these compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against the growth of human cancer cells lines HepG-2 by the MTT assay. The results were shown that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol, 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid and 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid exhibited better cytotoxicity in vitro with IC50 values of 10.32 ± 1.13, 16.13 ± 3.83, 15.97 ± 2.47 μM, respectively. Preliminary structure-activity relationships for these compounds were discussed.
Fluorescence and Docking Studies of the Interaction between Human Serum Albumin and Pheophytin
Authors: Chaves Otávio , Amorim Ana , Castro Larissa , Sant’Anna Carlos , De Oliveira Márcia , Cesarin-Sobrinho Dari , Netto-Ferreira José , Ferreira Aurélio
Published: October 2015

In the North of Brazil (Pará and Amazonas states) the leaves of the plant Talinum triangulare (popular: cariru) replace spinach as food. From a phytochemical point of view, they are rich in compounds of the group of pheophytins. These substances, related to chlorophyll, have photophysical properties that give them potential application in photodynamic therapy. Human serum albumin (HSA) is one of the main endogenous vehicles for biodistribution of molecules by blood plasma. Association constants and thermodynamic parameters for the interaction of HSA with pheophytin from Talinum triangulare were studied by UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence techniques, and molecular modeling (docking). Fluorescence quenching of the HSA’s internal fluorophore (tryptophan) at temperatures 296 K, 303 K, and 310 K, resulted in values for the association constants of the order of 104 L∙mol−1, indicating a moderate interaction between the compound and the albumin. The negative values of ΔG° indicate a spontaneous process; ΔH° = 15.5 kJ∙mol−1 indicates an endothermic process of association and ΔS° = 0.145 kJ∙mol−1∙K−1 shows that the interaction between HSA and pheophytin occurs mainly by hydrophobic factors. The observed Trp fluorescence quenching is static: there is initial non-fluorescent association, in the ground state, HSA:Pheophytin. Possible solution obtained by a molecular docking study suggests that pheophytin is able to interact with HSA by means of hydrogen bonds with three lysine and one arginine residues, whereas the phytyl group is inserted in a hydrophobic pocket, close to Trp-214.
Starch Modification by Organic Acids and Their Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Ačkar Đurđica , Babić Jurislav , Jozinović Antun , Miličević Borislav , Jokić Stela , Miličević Radoslav , Rajič Marija , Šubarić Drago
Published: October 2015

Starch has been an inexhaustible subject of research for many decades. It is an inexpensive, readily-available material with extensive application in the food and processing industry. Researchers are continually trying to improve its properties by different modification procedures and expand its application. What is mostly applied in this view are their chemical modifications, among which organic acids have recently drawn the greatest attention, particularly with respect to the application of starch in the food industry. Namely, organic acids naturally occur in many edible plants and many of them are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), which make them ideal modification agents for starch intended for the food industry. The aim of this review is to give a short literature overview of the progress made in the research of starch esterification, etherification, cross-linking, and dual modification with organic acids and their derivatives.
Passive UHF RFID Tag with Multiple Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Fernández-Salmerón José , Rivadeneyra Almudena , Martínez-Martí Fernando , Capitán-Vallvey Luis , Palma Alberto , Carvajal Miguel
Published: October 2015

This work presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a printed radio frequency identification tag in the ultra-high frequency band with multiple sensing capabilities. This passive tag is directly screen printed on a cardboard box with the aim of monitoring the packaging conditions during the different stages of the supply chain. This tag includes a commercial force sensor and a printed opening detector. Hence, the force applied to the package can be measured as well as the opening of the box can be detected. The architecture presented is a passive single-chip RFID tag. An electronic switch has been implemented to be able to measure both sensor magnitudes in the same access without including a microcontroller or battery. Moreover, the chip used here integrates a temperature sensor and, therefore, this tag provides three different parameters in every reading.