bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects Of Menu Calorie Labeling On Consumer Food Choice Behavior
Authors: Schornack Bethany , Rozensher Susan
Published: February 2016

Recent federal legislation mandating chain restaurants to disclose the number of calories in menu items was introduced in the hopes of influencing consumers to make more healthful food choices when eating out. However, many studies on the impact of including calorie labeling on restaurant menus and menu boards have relied on questionable methodologies, yielding inconsistent results and leaving unanswered the question of whether calorie information on menus indeed impacts food selection. In an effort to provide more definitive data, the present study employed a controlled posttest-only experimental design with random assignment. Students assigned to the control group ordered a meal from a typical fast-food menu board that did not display any calorie information, while students assigned to the experimental treatment group ordered from an identical menu board, with the exception that calorie information was displayed for each item. The results demonstrated that the display of calorie information did not cause members of the experimental treatment group to order items bearing significantly fewer calories than those ordered by the control group. Thus, contrary to the results of many previous studies, the present study strongly indicated that the presence of calorie labeling does not have a significant impact on consumer choices in fast-food restaurants. While studies have shown that consumers are strongly in favor of the inclusion of calorie information on menus, this study provides evidence that some further or alternative intervention is needed before such calorie information can translate into healthier food choice behavior.
Health Risk Factors And Health Care Systems In Latin America And The Caribbean: A Cross-Sectional Multiple Regression And ANOVA Analysis
Authors: Samant Rina , Samant Sonia
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of health risk factors and health care systems on child mortality and life expectancy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Cross-sectional multiple regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) are used to study the association between health risk factors such as incidence of tuberculosis and diabetes, and health care systems such as number of hospital beds per capita, and number of physicians per capita on life expectancy and child mortality. Data are obtained from the World Bank. For the purpose of this study, the LAC region is defined as the area from Mexico to the southern end of South America, as well as islands in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The conclusions of the study are that higher life expectancy is associated with higher per capita incomes and health expenditures. On the other hand, higher child mortality is associated with greater prevalence of communicable diseases and poor maternal pre-natal conditions. The macro policy implication is to focus on economic development and health care expenditure. The micro policy implication is to allocate more resources for maternal care, preventive care and eradication of communicable diseases.
Couple Relationships In Persons With Schizophrenia: Intimacy, Passion, And Commitment
Authors: Doron Hadas , Sharabi-Nov Adi , Trablus Mira , Amory Vivian , Benbenishty Yiftah , Skuza Yehonatan , Issa Fares
Published: February 2016

Couple relationships are a normative, yet crucial, aspect of human existence. They are a need shared by all mankind and thus serve as a powerful rehabilitative and beneficial tool among populations with special needs, including persons with mental illnesses. In the present study, 30 partners with chronic schizophrenia were compared to 20 normative partners regarding three aspects of couple relations - intimacy, commitment, and passion. Additionally, participants were asked to rate these three aspects in both their actual relationship and an ideal relationship. The schizophrenia cohort rated its actual relationships as lower in intimacy, commitment, and passion compared to the normative cohort. Also, disparities between perceptions of the aspects in both actual and ideal relationships were greater for the cohort with schizophrenia. Implications for practitioners are discussed with regard to their work in the couplehood field with persons with serious mental illnesses as well as in consciousness work among the normative community.
Solving Ebola, HIV, Antibiotic Resistance And Other Challenges: The New Paradigm Of Probabilistic Innovation
Authors: Callaghan Chris William
Published: February 2016

The global innovation pipeline that provides new drugs to counter threats like Ebola or totally drug resistant tuberculosis and bacteria has slowed; fewer drugs are being produced and higher levels of investment are yielding lower outputs. This paper argues that the innovation process that underlies proprietary, or profit-seeking, innovation faces an S-curve effect, which is reflected in diminishing returns to investment. A new S-curve is identified, in the form of second generation innovation (SGI) and second generation research and development (SGR). What SGI and SGR have in common is their use of probabilistic mechanisms of knowledge creation. Probabilistic mechanisms refer to the exposure of problem solving processes to very large numbers of problem solvers. An example of this is crowdsourced R&D and crowdsourced innovation contests. The overarching argument made in this paper is that many of the medical and social problems faced today can be solved by a more extensive use of processes associated with this new paradigm in innovation.Chris William Callaghan
Patient Satisfaction Measurement For In-Hospital Services Delivered By Nurses: Guidelines For Improving Practice In Africa
Authors: Kokou Ponce , Van Tonder Estelle , Roberts-Lombard Mornay
Published: February 2016

Hospitals in developing countries in Africa cannot focus on improving only the technological and operational side of their service offering in trying to adhere to the stipulations of the World Health Organization. To truly become competitive and remain viable over the long term, hospitals would also need to attend to their services marketing strategies and ensure that the level of patient service offered is of high quality. Consequently, the primary objective of the research reflected in this article was to explore the level of service provided by the nursing staff at the military hospital in Libreville, Gabon, with regard to the variables of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. The military hospital has been very successful in attracting more patients, and their achievements could provide valuable guidance to other hospitals on the African continent to improve their practices. The population was defined as all existing patients of the military hospital in Gabon. A systematic probability sampling technique was applied and self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the patients once they had signed the released form. The findings revealed that, in respect of the level of service experienced, the nurses were more successful in addressing the empathy and assurance dimensions of service quality than the responsiveness and reliability dimensions. Overall, though, it seems that all the dimensions measured in the study were adequately addressed by the nurses. By incorporating these dimensions into their services marketing strategies, hospitals in Africa could benefit from improved service quality, patient loyalty, market share, and profit.
Nurses’ Deployment Risk And Resilience In Times Of War Conflicts: Checking The Status, Reporting The Future
Authors: Cobus Minerva
Published: February 2016

To date, year August, 2014, as Benghazi, Libya is in a time of conflict depicting a war zone environment, the researcher conducted a study to capture the moment and experiences of foreign national nurses currently deployed in the country performing their duties as healthcare providers. Despite the raised Alert level 4 warning given by the government, meaning "full evacuation mode" from Libya, most nurses refused to be repatriated and stayed to continue serving in Libya. A selected group of sixty-three (63) nurses of different nationalities, working in three (3) different hospitals at the heart of Benghazi, described their present deployment risk level and resilience. Deployment risk level is measured by the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory (DRRI) utilizing two of its subscales (C and G) - Difficult Living and Working Environment Scale (Deployment Environment) and the Perceived Threat Scale (Deployment Concern). On the other hand, resilience is measured by the Connor-Davidson Scale. Findings revealed lower risk at exposure to events or circumstances representing repeated or day-to-day irritations and pressures related to life, revealed more perceived threat, but highly resilient during deployment at the war zone. Furthermore, no correlation was found between deployment risk (deployment concern) and resilience, negative low correlation between deployment risk (deployment environment) and resilience, and no significant difference in resilience was observed between genders. Checking the nurses’ current status of deployment risk and resilience in Libya, gave light to future implications on nursing profession.
An Exploratory Evaluation of a Treatment Mall at a State Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Matthews Aja N. , Beecher Blake , Hofer Pamina J. , Short Robert A.
Published: February 2016

The Treatment Mall is a model of inpatient psychosocial treatment provided to adults with severe mental illness to deliver recovery-oriented, evidenced-based treatment and has been implemented in state mental hospitals across the United States. The present study is an exploratory evaluation of a recently implemented Treatment Mall in a state mental hospital. To evaluate this program, the experiences of clients (N=28), staff (N=32), and administrators (N=5) were compiled using a quantitative questionnaire and focused on empowerment, skill development, and satisfaction. Additionally, data from the hospital database (N=183) were extracted and analyzed by comparing frequencies of occurrence 90 days before and 90 days after Treatment Mall implementation. The findings indicate that clients reported learning skills and were satisfied with how they were treated at the Treatment Mall. Female clients and staff viewed independent living and recovery possibilities significantly more positively than male clients and staff. Hospital performance indicators showed no significant changes pre to post implementation.
Stress Recognition In Law Enforcement Organizations
Authors: Bush Darrien R. , Neely Phillip
Published: February 2016

The study identified more critically the role of organizational stressors and impacts on police officer functions while on duty. Those aspects of stress-related responses were shown to be associated with agency managerial, administrative, and procedural responsibilities. Even so, while there appears to be some level of trepidation on a managerial level, the administrator has yet to effectively address problematic policies and procedures regarding stress recognition and supervisory accountability. In the study, the determinants of decision characteristics, perception characteristics, and motor act characteristics correlate with an officer’s control of complex tasks (Violanti 1995). The focus of this study was to measure an officer’s ability in stressful environments utilizing the Polar heart rate monitor during specific police activities. The highlighted areas of the study consisted of a physical agility test, firearm training, emergency vehicle operation, and voluntary exposure to taser deployment. The data collected were used for general observation into an officer’s optimal performance in both low and high stress incidents.
A Study Of Undergraduate Students Alternative Conceptions Of Earths Interior Using Drawing Tasks
Authors: McAllister Meredith L.
Published: February 2016

Learning fundamental geoscience topics such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes requires students to develop a deep understanding of the conceptual models geologists use when describing the structure and dynamics of Earths interior. Despite the importance of these mental models underlying much of the undergraduate geoscience curriculum, surprisingly little research related to this complex idea exists in the discipline-based science education research literature. To better understand non-science-majoring undergraduates' conceptual models of Earths interior, student-generated drawings and interviews were used to probe student understanding of the Earth. Ninety-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with non-science-major college students at the beginning of an entry-level geology course at a large Midwestern university. Students were asked to draw a picture of Earths interior and provide think-aloud explanations of their drawings. The results reveal that students hold a wide range of alternative conceptions about Earth, with only a small fraction having scientifically accurate ideas. Students understandings ranged from conceptualizing Earths interior as consisting of horizontal layers of rock and dirt, to more sophisticated views with Earths interior being composed of concentric layers with unique physical and chemical characteristics. Processes occurring within Earth, such as "convection," were rarely mentioned or explained. These results provide a first-steps basis from which to further explore college students thinking and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on earth science teaching and geoscience education research.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULUTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE VALJEVO AREA IN THE DRINA BANOVINA 1929-1941
Authors: MAKSIMOVIĆ NEBOJŠA
Published: February 2016

Agricultural production of the residents of the region of Valjevo is observed through farmers’ debts, and agricultural and social structure of the peasantry of the Valjevo area. The subject of this paper was the analysis of farm sizes, arable lands in the Valjevo area, population structure that made their living in agriculture and tillage machines used for cultivation of the land. The aim of the paper was to compare the branches of agriculture – livestock breeding and agronomy, and quantity and quality of residents’ agricultural products in the Valjevo area in relation to the Drina Banovina and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Special attention was paid to the analysis of fruit growing, primarily the production of plums, because the Valjevo area was the most significant producer of plums in the country.
ESCAPE FROM THE HOLOCAUST. YUGOSLAV JEWS IN SWITZERLAND (1941-1945)
Authors: KOLJANIN MILAN
Published: February 2016

The destruction of the Yugoslav state in April 1941 implied it joining the ‘new European order’ under the domination of the National Socialist Germany in which the Jewish people were exposed to total annihilation. The greatest number of Yugoslav Jews saved their lives by escaping to the areas under the Italian rule. After Italy capitulated in September 1943, a larger number of refugees found refuge in neutral Switzerland. Jewish refugees, like other Yugoslav refugees, enjoyed the help of the Yugoslav government in exile through its diplomatic missions. The conflict of two resistance movements in the country caused a division among the Jewish refugees in Switzerland. Ideological, political and social differences among the refugees were also reflected in the issue of returning to the country after the war. The paper was written on the basis of archival research and relevant historiographical literature.
THE RISE AND FALL VOJVODINIAN LIBERALS
Authors: BJELICA SLOBODAN
Published: February 2016

The political rise and fall of Vojvodinian Liberals, led by Mirko Čanadanović, is one of the topics from our recent history that has so far not been historiographically treated in the way it deserves, as opposed to publicist material and memoirs in which the events from the early 1970’s in Vojvodina received considerable attention. This paper is an attempt to make a sketch for the portrait of a young and promising political team, whose development was suddenly interrupted by the authoritarian intervention of Josip Broz Tito to the joy and satisfaction of certain Belgrade and Novi Sad political circles. The paper was written on the basis of the previously unreleased original material from the Archive of Vojvodina (fund of the Provincial Committee), numerous published and autobiographical sources, the periodicals published at the time and a small quantity of historiographical literature.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STUDY OF NELEID ANTHROPONYMY IV: THE HEROIC NAME NESTOR AS A PERSONAL NAME AMONG THE HELLENES
Authors: OBRADOVIĆ MIRKO
Published: February 2016

This paper explores the heroic Greek name Nestor (Νέστωρ) and its distribution as a personal name in the Hellenic world.The name Nestor, as a personal name, is almost equally common in the Ionian areas of the Hellenic World (Attica, the islands in the Cyclades, Ionia in Asia Minor), as it is in the predominantly Doric areas (Peloponnese, the islands of Rhodes and Kos), but also in Epirus, Macedonia and in the Hellenic settlements beyond the mainland Greece. It is indisputable that this distribution of the name must have been influenced by the fact that Nestor was one of the most notable heroes of ancient Hellenic epics with a significant role in the two most important Homeric epics. As in the case of some other Neleid names, the heroic name Nestor could have seemed attractive and desirable for naming male children, in particular from the point of view of Nestor's glorious offspring with whom several aristocratic families from different parts of the Greek world wanted to be identified. Additionally, in the subsequent periods (Hellenistic and Roman), the names taken from the mythological repertoire were very popular among the educated members of the local elites. They perceived Nestor as a model of a wise teacher and counselor. It seems that the name Nestor might have sound to contemporaries primarily as a good name for a wise and educated Hellene. In this way, the reasons for giving the name Nestor to newborn Hellenic children gradually moved from the sphere of politics to the sphere of culture, as had been the case with some other heroic names, but also with some which were not associated with heroes.The anthroponym Nestor at the time often occurred in combination with other heroic names.
EXISTENCE OF COLLECTIVE WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE VIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF HISTORIOGRAPHY REFERRING TO WOMEN IN EARLY MODERN WESTERN AND EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: ROKAI MELINA
Published: February 2016

In the light of opposing views on the existence of collective women’s experience and rising support for the idea of the category of “woman” as one that changes over time, it becomes interesting to consider the methodology which assumes the existence of a collective women’s experience. Keeping in mind ideas propounded by theorists to determine the meaning of social category of “woman”, the paper explores women’s experiences in terms of three selected components: economic involvement, religion rights, and women’s power and gender. Thus it is concluded that 1. women from spatial area under research had different experiences in domains of their economic inclusion and regarding their opportunities to hold political power and influential position within the family. 2. However, there are indisputable features that common to women in the mentioned geographical and time frame. 3. The third conclusion stems from the to mentioned: that the theories assuming existence of women’s collective experience are partially valid and need to be applied with care due to the two above mentioned conclusions.
THE ALA PANNONIORUM IN THE ARMY OF ILLYRICUM
Authors: FERJANČIĆ SNEŽANA
Published: February 2016

The province of Illyricum, established shortly after Octavian’s Illyrian war and divided into Illyricum Superius (Dalmatia) and Illyricum Inferius (Pannonia) during or after the Pannonian-Dalmatian Rebellion, was garrisoned by several legions and various auxiliary regiments. The list of auxilia includes an ala Pannoniorum. Epigraphic evidence from Dalmatia and Pannonia provides some information on its relocation, as well as on its recruitment. Under Augustus, the regiment was in Dalmatia. It was relocated to Pannonia ca. 15 AD. At the beginning of Vespasian’s reign, the ala Pannoniorum was transferred to Moesia Inferior. Its return to the Pannonian section of the Danubian limes is dated after the Marcommanic War of Marcus Aurelius. Belonging to the army of Pannonia Inferior, the unit was probably stationed in the fortress of Cusum. Epigraphic evidence allows us to glimpse certain patterns of its recruitment during the first sojourn in Illyricum. It appears that it was conscripted among the bellicose tribes of the Iberian Peninsula and the indigenous population of the southern Pannonia.
POSTCLASSICAL DEFTEROLOGY: POSSIBILITIES OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH IN CONTEMPORARY OTTOMAN STUDIES
Authors: PAVLOVIĆ MIROSLAV
Published: February 2016

By indicating general problems of the studies of defterology in contemporary Ottoman studies, this paper aims at elaborating the principles of postclassical defterology, which is connected with the transition period of the Ottoman Empire. By presenting the existing scientific achievements and focusing on the very procedure of making inventories, the paper defines the access framework for the study of Ottoman inventory books – the defters. Postclassical defterology is defined through the process of fiscal transformation and specific parameters that characterize the existing historiographical research. The case study of defters for the Smederevo sanjak from 1741 is used to illustrate the classic model of postclassical methodology. Special attention was focused on the issue of credibility which burdens the modern approach to defterology. The problem of fictitious archive material is isolated as the dominant paradigm of all further socio-economic studies of postclassical defterology.
A Pesquisa em Direito e as Bases Eletrônicas de Julgados dos Tribunais: matrizes de análise e aplicação no Supremo Tribunal Federal e no Superior Tribunal de Justiça
Authors: Veçoso Fábia Fernandes Carvalho , Pereira Bruno Ramos , Perruso Camila Akemi , Marinho Carolina Martins , Babinski Daniel Bernardes de Oliveira , Wang Daniel Wei Liang , Berrini Estela Waksberg , De Palma Juliana Bonacorsi , Salinas Natasha Schimtt Cassia
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo tem por finalidade abordar a completude e a funcionalidade das bases eletrônicas de julgados dos tribunais. O artigo toma como base a demanda por acesso à informação oriunda de instituições estatais, o que cria aos tribunais o dever de ampla transparência de seus atos. Nessa medida, as bases eletrônicas de julgados mostram-se hoje um importante meio de divulgação das atividades do Poder Judiciário. Para avaliar o grau de transparência dos tribunais com relação à publicização de sua jurisprudência, o artigo propõe duas matrizes de análise de bases eletrônicas de julgados (matriz base e matriz de operadores booleanos), a partir da premissa de que essas bases devem conter a totalidade dos julgados proferidos pelo tribunal, em seu inteiro teor, e apresentar ferramentas de pesquisa que percorram toda a decisão para recuperação de julgados. Para ilustrar a aplicação dessas matrizes, foram analisadas as bases eletrônicas de jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal e do Superior Tribunal de Justiça.
Legislação antirracista punitiva no Brasil: uma aproximação à aplicação do direito pelos Tribunais de Justiça brasileiros
Authors: Machado Marta Rodriguez de Assis , Santos Natália Neris da Silva , Cutrupi Ferreira Carolina
Published: February 2016

O artigo apresenta os principais resultados de pesquisa jurisprudencial composta de decisões envolvendo a aplicação da legislação antirracista punitiva no Brasil por nove Tribunais de Justiça (TJs) brasileiros entre os anos de 1998 e 2010. Por meio da análise das duzentas decisões disponibilizadas pelos TJs do Acre, Bahia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul e São Paulo intenta-se compreender o que tem ocorrido nesta instância do Poder Judiciário a fim de contribuir para a produção de diagnósticos sobre a dinâmica do sistema jurídico penal brasileiro frente ao problema social do racismo. Na introdução do trabalho realizamos um breve histórico da legislação antirracista punitiva, discutimos alguns dos estudos sobre o tema e tratamos das especificidades dos dispositivos que regulam a questão. Na seção 2 especificamos nossas escolhas metodológicas e tecemos considerações acerca da interpretação dos dados. Na seção 3 expomos os principais resultados quantitativos da pesquisa. Por fim, discutimos criticamente tais resultados, abordamos alguns temas que nos parecem importantes ao se avaliar a estratégia
Política e sociedade: teoria social em tempo de austeridade - António Casimiro Ferreira Porto
Authors: Capeller Wanda
Published: February 2016

Resumo do livro "Política e sociedade: teoria social em tempo de austeridade", de António Casimiro Ferreira Porto, por Wanda Capeller.
A interação argumentativa entre o Supremo Tribunal Federal e outras cortes
Authors: Ramos Luciana de Oliveira , Santana Aline Oliveira de , Barros Marco Antonio Loschiavo Leme de
Published: February 2016

O propósito deste artigo é examinar as interações argumentativas entre o Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) e outros tribunais com o objetivo de verificar como decisões de outras cortes têm sido utilizadas pelo STF. Utilizando algumas categorias de análise, os autores se propõem a identificar se os ministros do STF se preocupam em construir fundamentações a partir de posicionamentos firmados por outras cortes, inclusive as estrangeiras e transnacionais. A análise qualitativa de alguns acórdãos proferidos em sede de recursos extraordinários revelou fracas interações entre o STF e as outras cortes, porque na maioria dos casos os ministros do STF apenas fizeram menção a decisões anteriores proferidas por outras cortes, sem necessariamente incorporar os argumentos nelas contidos na fundamentação do seu voto. Dos onze casos analisados, em apenas quatro, verificou-se a influência das decisões mencionadas na definição do problema jurídico e da resposta judicial.
A resolução 135/CNJ e o desafio da regulamentação da magistratura
Authors: Franco Ivan Candido da Silva de
Published: February 2016

O Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ), criado em 2004, é o órgão administrativo de cúpula do Poder Judiciário (artigo 103-B da Constituição Federal). Essa instituição conta com competência para editar normas que vinculam os Tribunais brasileiros, com exceção do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) e para exercer o controle funcional da magistratura nacional. O presente artigo é um estudo de caso que explora um aspecto específico dessas funções do CNJ em sua atuação: o poder regulamentar em matéria de controle disciplinar da magistratura. Nosso objetivo central é entender a dinâmica institucional existente e como esse tema foi trabalhado ao longo da história do Conselho: que tipos de resistências foram encontrados neste processo e quais atores se envolveram nas discussões existentes. Será descrito e analisado um percurso que se inicia com uma regulação frágil por meio de normas do Regimento Interno, dá lugar a uma primeira resolução unificadora da matéria disciplinar e, finalmente, à norma definitiva, a Resolução 135/2011, a qual promove significativas mudanças no regramento disciplinar – e que, muito por isso, é objeto de uma Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade.
Control of Microthrix parvicella by aluminium salts addition
Authors: Durban N. , Juzan L. , Krier J. , Gillot S.
Published: February 2016

Aluminium and iron chloride were added to a biological nutrient removal pilot plant (1,500 population equivalent) treating urban wastewater to investigate the control of Microthrix parvicella bulking and foaming by metallic salts. Monitoring plant performance over two 6-month periods showed a slight impact on the removal efficiencies. Addition of metallic salts (Me; aluminium or aluminium + iron) at a concentration of 41 mmol Me(kg MLSS·d) (MLSS: mixed liquor suspended solids) over 70 days allowed a stabilization of the diluted sludge volume index (DSVI), whereas higher dosages (94 mmol Me(kg MLSS·d) over 35 days or 137 mmol Me(kg MLSS·d) over 14 days induced a significant improvement of the settling conditions. Microscopic observations showed a compaction of biological aggregates with an embedding of filamentous bacteria into the flocs that is not specific to M. parvicella as bacteria from phylum Chloroflexi are embedded too. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting M. parvicella further indicated a possible growth limitation in addition to the flocculation impact at the high dosages of metallic salts investigated. DSVI appeared to be correlated with the relative abundance of M. parvicella.
Tropical stormwater nutrient degradation using nano-TiO2 in photocatalytic reactor detention pond
Authors: Rad Saeed , Shamsudin Supiah , Taha Mohd Raihan , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: February 2016

The photo-degradation of nutrients in stormwater in photocatalytic reactor wet detention pond using nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) in concrete was investigated in a scale model as a new stormwater treatment method. Degradation of phosphate and nitrate in the presence of nano-TiO2 under natural ultra violet (UV) from tropical sunlight was monitored for 3 weeks compared with normal ponds. Two types of cement, including ordinary Portland and white cement mixed with TiO2 nano powder, were used as a thin cover to surround the body of the pond. Experiments with and without the catalyst were carried out for comparison and control. Average Anatase diameter of 25 nm and Rutile 100 nm nano particles were applied at three different mixtures of 3, 10 and 30% weight. The amounts of algae available orthophosphate and nitrate, which cause eutrophication in the ponds, were measured during the tests. Results revealed that the utilization of 3% up to 30% weight nano-TiO2 can improve stormwater outflow quality by up to 25% after 48 h and 57% after 3 weeks compared with the control sample in normal conditions with average nutrient (phosphate and nitrate) removal of 4% after 48 h and 10% after 3 weeks.
Ibuprofen removal from aqueous solution by in situ electrochemically generated ferrate(VI): proof-of-principle
Authors: Nikolić-Bujanović Ljiljana , Čekerevac Milan , Tomić Milena , Zdravković Mladen
Published: February 2016

The possibility of removing pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions was examined using ibuprofen (Ibu) oxidation as an example, using in situ electrochemically synthesized ferrate(VI), a strong oxidant and coagulant, with forming of non-harmful byproducts. A solution of ibuprofen of 206 mg/L in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution was treated with different amounts of fresh, electrochemically synthesized ferrate(VI). The changes of ibuprofen concentration in samples were determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The extent of mineralization was estimated using the changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD) values and total organic carbon (TOC) values of test samples. The largest reduction of the concentration of Ibu (41.75%) was obtained by adding 69.2 mg/L ferrate(VI) as Fe (Ibu: Fe = 1: 0.34). An effective removal of ibuprofen from aqueous solutions was recorded up to 68% and it can be done by using ferrate(VI) in the ratio Ibu: Fe = 1:3 as Fe. The possibility of ibuprofen removal by ferrate(VI) was confirmed by COD and TOC results, which demonstrated reduction up to 65% and 63.6%, respectively.
Recycling agriculture wastes of ramie stalk as bioadsorbents for Cd2+ removal: a kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: Xu S. , Gong X. F. , Zou H. L. , Liu C. Y. , Chen C. L. , Zeng X. X.
Published: February 2016

In this study, we exhibit the recycling of agriculture wastes of ramie stalk as bioadsorbents for Cd2+ removal. Based on our experimental results, it is realized that Cd2+ adsorption to ramie stalk is highly pH sensitive, indicating the adsorption is driven by surface complexation reaction. The high adsorption capacity of ramie stalk toward Cd2+ (qm = 10.33 mg g−1, 0.09 mol-Cd g−1), which corresponds to around 21.95% of active adsorption sites available of ramie stalk, is believed to be closely related to its high cellulose and lignin content. The inhomogeneous surface of ramie stalk due to the high cellulose and lignin content also accounts for the observation that the adsorption kinetic is described well by the pseudo second order kinetic model. Results from thermodynamic studies suggest that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. All these properties demonstrate the potential of ramie stalk as a low cost bioadsorbent for the application of heavy metal removal.
Integration of US/Fe2+ and photo-Fenton in sequencing for degradation of landfill leachate
Authors: Zha F. G. , Yao D. X. , Hu Y. B. , Gao L. M. , Wang X. M.
Published: February 2016

The landfill leachate treated by sonication in presence of Fe2+ (US/Fe2+) and then by photo-Fenton achieved the highest total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency among the screened processes. The lower initial pH, dosage of Fe2+ and initial concentration of leachate were helpful in raising TOC removal efficiency of leachate by US/Fe2+. The optimal conditions for the US-photo-Fenton process were as follows: initial pH at 3.0, [H2O2]/[TOC0] at 2, [H2O2]/[Fe2+] at 5 and initial concentration of landfill leachate at 600 mg/L. The removal efficiency of TOC, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) were 68.3, 79.6 and 58.2%, while the BOD5/COD rose from 0.20 to 0.43 at optimum condition. Based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results, 36 of a total of 56 pollutants were completely degraded by US-photo-Fenton treatment.
The application of multi-objective optimization method for activated sludge process: a review
Authors: Dai Hongliang , Chen Wenliang , Lu Xiwu
Published: February 2016

The activated sludge process (ASP) is the most generally applied biological wastewater treatment approach. Depending on the design and specific application, activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can achieve biological nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal, besides the removal of organic carbon substances. However, the effluent N and P limits are getting tighter because of increased emphasis on environmental protection, and the needs for energy conservation as well as the operational reliability. Therefore, the balance between treatment performance and cost becomes a critical issue for the operations of WWTPs, which necessitates a multi-objective optimization (MOO). Recent studies in this field have shown promise in utilizing MOO to address the multiple conflicting criteria (i.e. effluent quality, operation cost, operation stability), including studying the ASP models that are primarily responsible for the process, and developing the method of MOO in the wastewater treatment process, which facilitates better optimization of process performance. Based on a better understanding of the application of MOO for ASP, a comprehensive review is conducted to offer a clear vision of the advances, and potential areas for future research are also proposed in the field.
Biotic and abiotic bisphenol-A removal from wastewater by activated sludge: effects of temperature, biomass, and bisphenol-A concentrations
Authors: Keskinkan Olcayto , Balci Behzat
Published: February 2016

In this study, bisphenol-A (BPA) removal from synthetic wastewaters using a laboratory-scale activated sludge system was achieved. Activated (biotic) sludge was used for BPA elimination, whereas inactivated (abiotic) sludge was used during the adsorption study. In each step, six different BPA concentrations (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg L−1) were tested, and temperatures were set to 10, 20, and 30 °C in the shakers. Four different activated sludge concentrations (1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 mgTSS L−1) were applied in the biotic study, and only 2,000 mgTSS L−1 was used in the abiotic study. After settlement of the sludge in the shakers, supernatants and control groups were filtered and analyzed for BPA using high performance liquid chromatography. In the biotic study, BPA and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations were reduced at 100% and 99% levels, respectively. However, the BPA concentrations during the abiotic study changed slightly at varying temperatures, whereas there was no change of BPA concentration observed in the control groups. Results indicate that the main factor of BPA removal in an activated sludge system is biological. Kinetic studies were also conducted. BPA removal was best fit to zero- and first-order reaction kinetics, and the reaction rate constants are provided in this paper.
Impacts of urbanization on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in the Chaophraya River and its tributaries
Authors: Honda Ryo , Watanabe Toru , Sawaittayotin Variga , Masago Yoshifumi , Chulasak Rungnapa , Tanong Kulchaya , Chaminda G. Tushara , Wongsila Krison , Sienglum Chawala , Sunthonwatthanaphong Varisara , Poonnotok Anupong , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Chiemchaisri Chart , Furumai Hiroaki , Yamamoto Kazuo
Published: February 2016

River water samples were taken from 32 locations around the basin of Chaophraya River and its four major tributaries in Thailand to investigate resistance ratios of Escherichia coli isolates to eight antibiotic agents of amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tetracycline, doxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin. Principal component analysis was performed to characterize resistance patterns of the samples. Relevancy of the obtained principal components with urban land use and fecal contamination of the river were examined. The ratio of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is likely to increase when urban land use near the sampling site exceeds a certain ratio. The resistance ratio to fluoroquinolones tends to be high in a highly populated area. Meanwhile, no significant contribution of fecal contamination was found to increase the resistance ratio. These results suggest that an antibiotic-resistance ratio is dependent on conditions of local urbanization rather than the upstream conditions, and that the major sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Chaophraya River basin are possibly point sources located in the urban area which contains a high ratio of resistant bacteria.
Geoheritage sites with palaeogeographical value: Some geotourism perspectives with examples from Mountainous Adygeja (Russia)
Authors: Gnezdilova Victoria , Ruban Dmitry , Bruno Delia , Perrotta Piero , Crowley Brooke , Oheim Kathryn , Zayats Pavel
Published: January 2016

Geoheritage sites with palaeogeographical value are excellent venues for
geotourism. These sites preserve information about ancient environments,
ecosystems, and their dynamics that may be of interest to professionals,
students, amateur scientists, and the general public. Palaeogeographical
geoheritage sites (geosites) can be used to successfully increase public
awareness of past and future climate changes. However, because
palaeogeographical information is typically complex and not directly visible,
professional interpretation is necessary. Successful interpretive tools
include posted signs and education activities that engage visitors in
scientific research. Using modern analogues to help visitors visualize past
environments and ecosystems may be particularly effective. Professional
interpretation helps foster visitor awareness of a geosite?s value. We
suggest that some geosites can be visited sequentially on a guided excursion
and propose a route for observing five geosites that exemplify the
geodiversity of Mountainous Adygeja (Western Caucasus, southwestern Russia).
Guided geosite excursions would introduce visitors to a broad diversity of
palaeoenvironments and deepen their understanding of palaeogeographical
phenomena. However, carrying capacity should be evaluated seriously for any
geosites that are incorporated into palaeogeographical tourist excursions.
Clinical characterization of thoracolumbar and lumbar intervertebral disk extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels
Authors: Cardy Thomas J.A. , Tzounos Caitlin E. , Volk Holger A. , De Decker Steven
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE To assess the anatomic distribution of thoracolumbar and lumbar intervertebral disk extrusions (IVDEs) in English Cocker Spaniels as compared with findings in Dachshunds and to characterize clinical findings in English Cocker Spaniels with thoracolumbar or lumbar IVDEs affecting various regions of the vertebral column.

DESIGN Retrospective observational study.

ANIMALS 81 English Cocker Spaniels and 81 Dachshunds with IVDEs.

PROCEDURES Signalment, clinical signs, neurologic examination findings, and affected intervertebral disk spaces (IVDSs) were recorded for both breeds. Management methods and outcomes were recorded for English Cocker Spaniels. Lesions were categorized as thoracolumbar (IVDSs T9–10 through L1–2), midlumbar (L2–3 through L4–5), or caudal lumbar (L5–6 through L7–S1).

RESULTS Midlumbar and caudal lumbar IVDEs were significantly more common in English Cocker Spaniels than in Dachshunds. English Cocker Spaniels with caudal lumbar IVDEs had a longer median duration of clinical signs before evaluation and more commonly had unilateral pelvic limb lameness or spinal hyperesthesia as the predominant clinical sign than did those with IVDEs at other sites. Those with caudal lumbar IVDEs less commonly had neurologic deficits and had a higher median neurologic grade (indicating lesser severity), shorter mean postoperative hospitalization time, and faster mean time to ambulation after surgery than those with other sites affected. These variables did not differ between English Cocker Spaniels with thoracolumbar and midlumbar IVDEs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Caudal and midlumbar IVDEs were more common in English Cocker Spaniels than in Dachshunds. English Cocker Spaniels with caudal lumbar IVDE had clinical signs and posttreatment responses that differed from those in dogs with midlumbar or thoracolumbar IVDE.
Orthodox Catechism Affects Gender Differences in Adolescents’ Needs for Affiliation and Achievement and Alters their Sense of Purpose in Life
Authors: Volarevic Ana , Simovic Markovic Bojana , Jankovic Nikola , Bojic Sanja , Zdravkovic Nebojsa
Published: January 2016

Studies conducted among Catholics and Protestants have shown higher levels of prayer and religious experience among women compared to men and have suggested that these gender differences may be a reflection of differences in personality and socialization. However, the impact of orthodox religion on adolescents’ psychological and social wellbeing remains unknown.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Orthodox religious studies (Orthodox Catechism) on gender differences in adolescents’ needs for affiliation and achievement and their effect on adolescents’ attitudes about their purpose in life.

This study is the first to show that Orthodox Catechism affects adolescents’ needs for affiliative and achievement motivation in a gender-dependent manner. Orthodox Catechism enhances the competition motives of male adolescents and has a significant influence on the development of emotional support and goal achievement as well as providing a source of pleasure for female adolescents. Thus, the Orthodox Catechism is related to gender differences in adolescents’ sense of purpose in life.

In conclusion, our findings emphasize the effects of the Orthodox Catechism on the expression of adolescents’ psycho-emotional characteristics, demonstrating that the Orthodox religion has a positive influence on adolescents’ needs for affiliation and achievement and affects their attitudes about their purpose in life.
Evaluaton of the Use of Bone Implants as a Therapy for Deep Defects in the Parodoncium
Authors: Stevanović Momir , Ćirić Dušica
Published: January 2016

Reconstruction of infrabony defects created by the chronic inflammatory processes of parodontopathy represents a major clinical problem in paradontology.

The objective of this research was to compare and evaluate the efficiency of two bone substituents at reversing the deep infrabony defects in the paradentium after the application of a new “Biohapel” material consisting of biphasic calcium phosphate/poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide.

This study included 12 patients of both genders with an average age of 49.7 years who were suffering from clinically manifested parodontopathy. The main criteria for selecting patients were the presence of six similar infrabony periodontal defects that were at least 4 mm deep and in the lower side of the teeth on both sides of the jaw. After applying a basic causal parodontopathy treatment, defects were divided into two groups, including an experimental group (n=72) in which defects were reconstructed using the “Biohapel” bone substituent (on one side of the lower jaw) and a control group (n=72) in which infrabony defects were reconstructed using β tricalcium phosphate (βTCP) (CerasorbR), a preparation very commonly applied in regenerative parodontopathy treatment (on the other side of the lower jaw). Markers to assess treatment efficacy were determined before surgery and 6 months after surgery by measuring the depth of periodontal pocket and the level of the junctional epithelium.

We observed statistically significant differences in the periodontal regeneration markers between the experimental and control groups (p<0.05).

Application of “Biohapel” during the surgical treatment of infrabony defects in the paradentium significantly improves the bone regeneration of the paradentium when compared with the standard application of β-tricalcium phosphate .
The Key Role of the Leading Emerging Bric Markets in the Future of Global Health Care
Authors: Jakovljevic Mihajlo B.
Published: January 2016

The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined in 2001 to describe the largest and most promising emerging markets outside the established, post-war, high-income economies. The nominal GDP growth rates of Brazil, Russia, India and China outpaced the growth rates of Western Europe, North America and Japan before, during and after the global economic crisis. Th is global phenomenon will have a significant impact on many branches of the economy, including the global demand for and provision of healthcare services. The key driver of this economic development is the existence of an enormous middle class in each of the BRIC countries. Both health insurance coverage and the package of services covered by health insurance plans are expanding in BRIC countries. Equally important is the overall increase in purchasing power in BRIC nations, which has been followed by the increased affordability of a vast portion of the medical goods and services that are commonly paid for out-of-pocket by ordinary citizens. When considering the changing landscape of global health care, one should also account for the slow and steady economic growth of most mature, saturated markets. Th is supports the notion that although consumer demand for health services remains strong in wealthy countries, the true expansion of the global market is occurring elsewhere. All major market analysis agencies have acknowledged this development and urged multinational healthcare companies to focus on emerging markets, and BRICs in particular, if they want to survive. Investment in emerging markets will remain the key to long-term profits and sustainability for pharmaceutical firms and medical equipment manufacturers across the globe for many years to come.