bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of technologies available to improve hand hygiene compliance – are they fit for purpose?
Authors: Dawson Carolyn H , Mackrill Jamie B
Published: September 2014

Hand hygiene has been empirically proven to prevent cross-transmission of infection, which has led to the development of global guidelines such as the World Health Organization’s ‘My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene.’ Because of the relatively recent launch of these guidelines (2009) technology designed to assist in measuring hand hygiene compliance appears not to fully acknowledge the influence of the WHO 5 Moments for hand hygiene Consequently, they may not be fit for purpose (FFP). This paper uses a review of the literature on current hand hygiene technology to assess the extent to which these are FFP based on these global guidelines. The results show that there are a variety of technologies available to assist with the monitoring and measurement of hand hygiene levels. However, none appear to explicitly achieve detection of all WHO 5 Moments for hand hygiene, limiting their effectiveness. The authors conclude that a systems approach offers a potential aid for developers aspiring to meet domain specific FFP requirements. Human factors may help guide such developments to meet user and context specific needs.
New strategies for osteoporosis patients previously managed with strontium ranelate
Authors: Vestergaard Peter
Published: September 2014

The aim of this article is to describe potential alternatives to patients no longer eligible for management with strontium ranelate for osteoporosis according to the recommendations by the European Medicines Agency. A systematic search of Pubmed was done for papers on fracture efficacy of various treatments for osteoporosis, and potential harms especially in terms of cardiovascular events and stroke. The results showed that drugs more efficacious in terms of relative risk reduction of fractures than strontium ranelate were alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate, and denosumab. Raloxifene, as for strontium, may be associated with an increased risk of deep venous thromboembolism and fatal stroke. In terms of cardiovascular events special attention may be given to calcium supplements. Thus, patients at risk of stroke and ischemic cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction should not use strontium ranelate. Ideally more efficacious drugs in terms of fracture reduction should be used such as alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate or denosumab. Raloxifene may pose a special problem as this too may be associated with an increased risk of fatal strokes. Other less-potent drugs in terms of fracture reduction should only be used if no alternatives are available (ibandronate, pamidronate, clodronate). Parathyroid hormone or analogs may be used for a limited time interval in specially selected patients and needs to be followed up with antiresorptive treatment to prevent loss of the bone gained. However, it should be remembered that no head-to-head comparison studies exist.
Cell Phone Usage Expectations, Closeness, and Relationship Satisfaction Between Parents and Their Emerging Adults in College
Authors: Miller-Ott Aimee E. , Kelly Lynne , Duran Robert L.
Published: September 2014

Frequent cell phone contact between emerging adults in college and parents raises the question of how they manage access and maintain control over cell phone use and how it affects their relationships. Emerging adults in college ( N = 207) completed measures of relational satisfaction and closeness, cell phone satisfaction, and cell phone rules for their parents. Participants reported cell phone rules about availability, repetitive contact, and relational arguments. Positive associations existed between cell phone satisfaction and relationship satisfaction with mother and father, and between frequency of cell phone interaction and closeness with mother. Having some rules significantly predicted cell phone satisfaction, closeness, and relationship satisfaction with mothers.
They Need to Sow Their Wild Oats
Authors: Heisler Jennifer M.
Published: September 2014

The period known as emerging adulthood is characterized by transition, particularly related to relationships and intimacy. Previous research has suggested that parental influence, particularly related to identity development and beliefs, is an ongoing process that continues throughout the emergence of adulthood. One way parents may shape this process is through memorable messages. This study examined the messages mothers communicated to children regarding sexuality and relationships using Knapp, Reardon, and Stohl’s conceptualization of memorable messages. Eighty-four percent of mothers could recall memorable messages. Similar to previous research regarding sexual double standards, the majority of messages reflected traditional gender ideologies, such as women remaining abstinent and men “playing the field.” Nontraditional maternal messages were infrequent and most often intended for sons.
Financial Challenges in Emerging Adulthood and Students’ Decisions to Stop Out of College
Authors: Terriquez Veronica , Gurantz Oded
Published: September 2014

By examining the college attendance patterns of youth who came of age during the Great Recession, our study investigates the economic factors in emerging adulthood that may contribute to the limited upward educational mobility experienced by a contemporary cohort of young adults. Drawing on telephone survey and in-depth interview data gathered from 18- to 26-year-olds, we analyze patterns of stopping out—or leaving college with intentions to return. Our findings demonstrate that financial considerations in emerging adulthood—including receipt of government financial aid, attending to family financial obligations, paying for housing expenses, and rising tuition rates—play a key role in shaping pathways through community and 4-year colleges. We argue that in seeking to understand inequality in educational and labor outcomes, researchers should make conceptual distinctions between financial factors connected to an individual’s family background, and related, but temporally distinct financial issues experienced during the transition to adulthood.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Interventions on 30-Day Readmission Rate in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gasbarro Nicole M. , Eginger Kristin H. , Street Connie
Published: September 2014

Background: Limited literature exists on the positive impact of pharmacists specifically on hospital readmission of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: To evaluate the overall effect of clinical pharmacist interventions on preventing hospital readmissions and improving the health of patients with AMI. Secondary objectives include identifying trends in the demographic characteristics of AMI patients, identifying potential barriers to adherence, and assessing the average time spent by a pharmacist counseling AMI patients. Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, single-center study was approved by the institutional review board. The hospital’s 30-day AMI readmission rate prior to study initiation was used as the control group. An AMI report was generated daily to identify patients admitted to the hospital diagnosed with either non-ST or ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. The clinical pharmacist then counseled the included patient prior to discharge and provided a follow-up phone call 48 hours after discharge. The primary outcome was the all-cause 30-day readmission rate for AMI patients. Results: Out of 71 patients screened, 50 patients were included in the study. Only 3 of the 50 patients included were readmitted (6.0%). The prestudy rate from October 2012 to October 2013 was 11.6%, or 58 readmissions out of 498 AMI admissions. Although the study group was much smaller in size, a 6% readmission rate is encouraging and offers potential for a future intervention. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist services for AMI patients, including counseling, interventions, and a follow-up phone call after discharge, may benefit decreasing the 30-day AMI readmission rate; however, further studies are needed.
An iterative method for common solutions of equilibrium problems and hierarchical fixed point problems
Authors: Bnouhachem Abdellah , Al-Homidan Suliman , Ansari Qamrul Hasan
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problem of finding an approximate point of the common set of solutions of an equilibrium problem and a hierarchical fixed point problem in the setting of real Hilbert spaces. We establish the strong convergence of the proposed method under some mild conditions. Several special cases are also discussed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method and convergence result. The results presented in this paper extend and improve some well-known results in the literature.

MSC:49J30, 47H09, 47J20, 49J40.
Global synchronization for a class of Markovian switching complex networks with mixed time-varying delays in the delay-partition approach
Authors: Wang Xin , Fang Jian-an , Dai Anding , Zhou Wuneng
Published: September 2014

In this paper, global synchronization problem for a class of Markovian switching complex networks (MSCNs) with mixed time-varying delays under the delay-partition approach is investigated. A novel delay-partition approach is developed to derive sufficient conditions for a new class of MSCNs with mixed time-varying delays. The proposed delay-partition approach can give global synchronization results lower conservatism. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Flexible Ureterorenoscopy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for the treatment of upper/middle calyx kidney stones of 10–20 mm: a retrospective analysis of 174 patients
Authors: Cecen Kursat , Karadag Mert Ali , Demir Aslan , Bagcioglu Murat , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Sofikerim Mustafa
Published: September 2014

To compare the outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the treatment of upper or mid calyx kidney stones of 10 to 20 mm.

A total of 174 patients with radioopaque solitary upper or mid calyx stones who underwent ESWL or F-URS with holmium:YAG laser were enrolled in this study. Each group treated with ESWL and F-URS for upper or mid calyx kidney stones were retrospectively compared in terms of retreatment and stone free rates, and complications.

87% (n = 94) of patients who underwent ESWL therapy was stone free at the end of 3rd month. This rate was 92% (n = 61) for patients of F-URS group (p = 0.270 p > 0.05). Retreatment was required in 12.9% of patients (n = 14) who underwent ESWL and these patients were referred to F-URS procedure after 3rd month radiologic investigations. The retreatment rate of cases who were operated with F-URS was 7.5% (n = 5) (p = 0.270 p > 0.05). Ureteral perforation (Clavien grade 3B) was occured in 3 patients (4.5%) who underwent F-URS. Fever (Clavien grade 1) was noted in 7 and 5 patients from ESWL and F-URS group, respectively (6.4% vs 7.5%) (p = 0.78 p > 0.05).

F-URS and ESWL have similar outcomes for the treatment of upper or mid calyx renal stones of 10–20 mm. ESWL has the superiority of minimal invasiveness and avoiding of general anethesia. F-URS should be kept as the second teratment alternative for patients with upper or mid caliceal stones of 10–20 mm and reserved for cases with failure in ESWL.
Benefits of lung-protective ventilation: looking beyond the ICU
Authors: Gupta Namita , Yende Sachin
Published: September 2014

No abstract.
Prevalence of iron deficiency on ICU discharge and its relation with fatigue: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Lasocki Sigismond , Chudeau Nicolas , Papet Thibaut , Tartiere Deborah , Roquilly Antoine , Carlier Laurence , Mimoz Olivier , Seguin Philippe , Malledant Yannick , Asehnoune Karim , Hamel Jean François ,   for the AtlanREA group
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) at intensive care (ICU) admission is around 25 to 40%. Blood losses are important during ICU stay, leading to iron losses, but prevalence of ID at ICU discharge is unknown. ID has been associated with fatigue and muscular weakness, and may thus impair post-ICU rehabilitation. This study assessed ID prevalence at ICU discharge, day 28 (D28) and six months (M6) after and its relation with fatigue.

Methods

We conducted this prospective, multicenter observational study at four University hospitals ICUs. Anemic (hemoglobin (Hb) less than 13 g/dL in male and less than 12 g/dL in female) critically ill adult patients hospitalized for at least five days had an iron profile taken at discharge, D28 and M6. ID was defined as ferritin less than 100 ng/L or less than 300 ng/L together with a transferrin saturation less than 20%. Fatigue was assessed by numerical scale and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 questionnaire at D28 and M6 and muscular weakness by a hand grip test at ICU discharge.

Results

Among 107 patients (men 77%, median (IQR) age 63 (48 to 73) years) who had a complete iron profile at ICU discharge, 9 (8.4%) had ID. At ICU discharge, their hemoglobin concentration (9.5 (87.7 to 10.3) versus 10.2 (92.2 to 11.7) g/dL, P =0.09), hand grip strength (52.5 (30 to 65) versus 49.5 (15.5 to 67.7)% of normal value, P =0.61) and visual analog scale fatigue scale (57 (40 to 80) versus 60 (47.5 to 80)/100, P =0.82) were not different from non-ID patients. At D28 (n =80 patients) and M6 (n =78 patients), ID prevalence increased (to 25 and 35% respectively) while anemia prevalence decreased (from 100% to 80 and 25% respectively, P <0.0001). ID was associated with increased fatigue at D28, after adjustment for main confounding factors, including anemia (regression coefficient (95%CI), 3.19 (0.74 to 5.64), P =0.012). At M6, this association disappeared.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ID increases from 8% at discharge to 35% six months after prolonged ICU stay (more than five days). ID was associated with increased fatigue, independently of anemia, at D28.
The small RNA diversity from Medicago truncatularoots under biotic interactions evidences the environmental plasticity of the miRNAome
Authors: Formey Damien , Sallet Erika , Lelandais-Brière Christine , Ben Cécile , Bustos-Sanmamed Pilar , Niebel Andreas , Frugier Florian , Combier Jean Philippe , Debellé Frédéric , Hartmann Caroline , Poulain Julie , Gavory Frédérick , Wincker Patrick , Roux Christophe , Gentzbittel Laurent , Gouzy Jérôme , Crespi Martin
Published: September 2014

Background

Legume roots show a remarkable plasticity to adapt their architecture to biotic and abiotic constraints, including symbiotic interactions. However, global analysis of miRNA regulation in roots is limited, and a global view of the evolution of miRNA-mediated diversification in different ecotypes is lacking.

Results

In the model legume Medicago truncatula, we analyze the small RNA transcriptome of roots submitted to symbiotic and pathogenic interactions. Genome mapping and a computational pipeline identify 416 miRNA candidates, including known and novel variants of 78 miRNA families present in miRBase. Stringent criteria of pre-miRNA prediction yield 52 new mtr-miRNAs, including 27 miRtrons. Analyzing miRNA precursor polymorphisms in 26 M. truncatula ecotypes identifies higher sequence polymorphism in conserved rather than Medicago-specific miRNA precursors. An average of 19 targets, mainly involved in environmental responses and signalling, is predicted per novel miRNA. We identify miRNAs responsive to bacterial and fungal pathogens or symbionts as well as their related Nod and Myc-LCO symbiotic signals. Network analyses reveal modules of new and conserved co-expressed miRNAs that regulate distinct sets of targets, highlighting potential miRNA-regulated biological pathways relevant to pathogenic and symbiotic interactions.

Conclusions

We identify 52 novel genuine miRNAs and large plasticity of the root miRNAome in response to the environment, and also in response to purified Myc/Nod signaling molecules. The new miRNAs identified and their sequence variation across M. truncatula ecotypes may be crucial to understand the adaptation of root growth to the soil environment, notably in the agriculturally important legume crops.
Multiplicity and uniqueness results for the singular nonlocal boundary value problem involving nonlinear integral conditions
Authors: Yan Baoqiang , O’Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P
Published: September 2014

In this paper, using fixed point index and the mixed monotone technique, we present some multiplicity and uniqueness results for the singular nonlocal boundary value problems involving nonlinear integral conditions. Our nonlinearity may be singular in its dependent variable and it is allowed to change sign.
Green’s function for certain domains in the Heisenberg group "Equation missing"
Authors: Mishra Mukund Madhav , Kumar Ajay , Dubey Shivani
Published: September 2014

We obtain an explicit smooth kernel which works as the Green’s function when applied to circular functions for annular and strip shaped domains in the Heisenberg group

H
n

by using the Kelvin transform and its generalizations.

MSC: 22E30, 34B27.
Global attractor for the generalized hyperelastic-rod equation
Authors: Bi Yunrui , Lu Xiaobo , Zeng Weili , Sun Zhe
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behavior of the initial boundary value problem for a class of generalized hyperelastic-rod equations. Under certain conditions, the existence of a global solution in

H
3

is proved by using some prior estimates and the Galerkin method. Moreover, the existence of an absorbing set and a global attractor in

H
2

is obtained.
Methodology for infrared spectroscopy analysis of sandwich multilayer samples of historical materials
Authors: Kopecká Ivana , Svobodová Eva
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Multilayer materials of cultural heritage such as historical materials and artwork are analysed as cross-section samples using microscopy and FTIR microscopy. Most commonly, these samples are embedded in synthetic resin, ground and polished. During this process, there is a high potential for the synthetic resin to contaminate the sample. The resin penetrates into the open pores or cracks in the sample, or solvent of the resin can partially dissolve some layer of the analysed sample. In both cases, the presence of synthetic resin significantly distorts the results of analysis, particularly the analysis of peripheral layers, which are of course the most contaminated. Interpretation of the FTIR spectra of individual layers is very difficult; it can be ambiguous and largely subjective. Moreover, analysed layers are usually a mixture of substances, where the studied substance (for example organic binder) is present as a minor component.

Results

Due to potential contamination of samples processed with the aforementioned method, a new method of preparing samples is desired, one in which contamination of the sample caused by the embedding material would be eliminated. This paper compares the advantages and limits of different methods of sample preparation before analysis; methods which would eliminate the contamination of analysed materials. Various analytical methods and different procedures used for sample preparation are discussed. The most successful of the tested insulation methods proved to be that of pressing the sample in KBr pellet, gold sputtering and carbon coating or anticipatory treatment by cyclododecane solution before embedding the sample in synthetic resin.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that these procedures eliminate contamination of the analysed sample regardless of its nature and morphology. This conclusion was confirmed by an analysis of real samples.
The Book of Mormonas Amerindian Apocalypse
Authors: Hickman Jared
Published: September 2014

The Book of Mormon is perhaps best known in Americanist circles as a version of the Indians-as-Israelites theory. It features the racialized division of the progeny of the text’s founding diasporic Jewish figure, Lehi, into wicked “Lamanites,” who are cursed with “a skin of blackness” and were understood by the earliest readers to be the ancestors of Amerindian peoples, and the righteous “Nephites,” the fair-skinned narrators of The Book of Mormon. This essay shows how The Book of Mormon’s foundational raci(al)ist orthodoxy autodeconstructs, and in so doing not only offers a vision of racial apocalypse diametrically opposed to what would come to be known as Manifest Destiny—one resonant with contemporaneous Amerindian prophetic movements—but also challenges the literalist hermeneutics that found warrant for Euro-Christian colonization in the transcendental authority of “the Bible alone.”
Did You Kiss the Dead Body?
Authors: Kahlon Rajkamal
Published: September 2014

Through the project “Did You Kiss the Dead Body?,” Kahlon transforms documents made publicly available by the ACLU as the Torture Database, including death certificates and autopsy reports issued by the US military of Iraqi and Afghan men who had been killed while in American detention centers overseas. Together with the marbled contemporary documents, the European anatomical illustrations provide a second and simultaneous view of the inner and outer body and create another circuit of meaning beyond that of scientific rationality through the endless referential loop between the text and the image. In these works, Kahlon augments the secular archive with alternate forms of remembrance and mourning in order to make the fact of these incarcerations and deaths gain greater significance in our cultural memory.
Beginning with the Mediterranean
Authors: Yashin Veli N.
Published: September 2014

The emergence of the “Mediterranean” as a coherent category of thought or, more pertinently, as a “geohistorical universal,” dates back to the early nineteenth century. The relation of the Mediterranean to formations of knowledge would thus be linked to the framework of imperial history and the discursive bounds of area and (post)colonial studies. More recently—and ostensibly as part of a larger turn away from area studies toward comparative, transcultural, transregional, and global studies—the burgeoning field of Mediterranean studies has put this resurgent category into massive deployment and circulation through a rhetoric of renewal, invention, and innovation. Responding to CSSAAME’s renewed mission statement of 2013, this introductory essay as well as the articles that follow aim to dramatize an encounter between area studies and Mediterranean studies. Through a redeployment of the Mediterranean as a methodological trope, this essay draws attention to its liquidity in configuring geopolitical and discursive relations between Africa, Asia, and Europe and to its fungibility as conceptual currency and considers the Mediterranean as a source of both data and theory.
Fatigue Crack Behavior at Rib-To-Deck Weld Bead in Orthotropic Steel Deck
Authors: Ju Xiaochen , Tateishi Kazuo
Published: September 2014

One of the typical fatigue cracks observed in orthotropic steel deck is a through-thickness crack which penetrates and propagates along the weld bead. Moreover, according to some reports of the fatigue crack observed in some bridges, the fatigue crack sometimes changes its direction suddenly, and propagates to the rib wall and the deck plate. Such fatigue damage can cause the sudden decrease of stiffness of longitudinal rib. However, the propagation mechanism of the crack has not been investigated clearly. In this study, numerical studies on the through-thickness crack at rib-to-deck weld bead in the orthotropic steel deck were carried out. Finite element model (FEM) of an orthotropic deck with different through-thickness crack at rib-to-deck weld bead was created. In order to identify the propagation behavior of the fatigue crack, stress intensity factors for three deformation modes were estimated by the FE analysis (FEA) and the displacement extrapolation method. Based on the maximum energy release rate (MERR) criterion, the equivalent stress intensity factor and the crack direction were evaluated. From the numerical results, the crack direction change was found to be originated by the Mode II and Mode III deformation near the crack tip due to the out-of-plane bending of the rib wall along the crack.
Seismic Performance and Storey-Based Stability of Suspended Buildings
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Lu Zhitao
Published: September 2014

Buildings designed with floors suspended on mega supporting structures (core tubes/frames) are referred to as suspended buildings. Such buildings can meet some practical requirements such as the gaining of large open spaces. Some aspects, including seismic performance and structural stability, however, are not completely understood by the engineering community. This motivated an investigation into the performance of suspended buildings subjected to gravity and ground earthquake motion. The stability of suspended floors and their mega supporting structures is discussed in relation to P-delta effect. A suspended-floor section is able to gain stiffness from gravity, but the stability of its mega supporting structure may be a problem due to the up-shifted gravity. This leads to a discussion of the storey-based stability method for assessing the critical load multipliers to be applied to the supporting frames. In view of the pros and cons of suspended buildings, a passive control system with three-performance levels is presented using pendulum floors and connection dampers to dissipate energy and avoid pounding. Optimal control system parameters were studied in order to help with the selection of connection stiffnesses and damping coefficients during the design of suspended buildings. Initial results show that, as opposed to a pendulum TMD, the large suspended-floor masses themselves play a key role in reducing the seismic response, and buildings are able to be designed as types of suspended systems which are effective against strong earthquake motion combined with gravity.
A Numerical Investigation of Blast Loading and Clearing on Small Targets
Authors: Rigby Sam E. , Tyas Andrew , Bennett Terry , Fay Stephen D. , Clarke Sam D. , Warren James A.
Published: September 2014

When a blast wave strikes a finite target, diffraction of the blast wave around the free edge causes a rarefaction clearing wave to propagate along the loaded face and relieve the pressure acting at any point it passes over. For small targets, the time taken for this clearing wave to traverse the loaded face will be small in relation to the duration of loading. Previous studies have not shown what happens in the late-time stages of clearing relief, nor the mechanism by which the cleared reflected pressure decays to approach the incident pressure. Current design guidance assumes a series of interacting clearing waves propagate over the target face – this assumption is tested in this article by using numerical analysis to evaluate the blast pressure acting on small targets subjected to blast loads. It is shown that repeat propagations of the rarefaction waves do not occur and new model is proposed, based on an over-expanded region of air in front of the loaded face of the target.
On Certain Questions of Circulation of Exclusive Rights and Material Carrier of Objects of Intellectual Property
Authors: Rozhkova Marina
Published: September 2014

The article draws attention to the main sign of intellectual property, which set them apart from other objects of civil rights, their intangible nature. Given this characteristic, it is emphasized that in civil circulation are introduced themselves the objects of intellectual property and exclusive rights to them and physical media that embodies these objects. In addition, the rules of entering into civil turnover for the named objects of civil rights — exclusive rights and material carriers is different. Physical media are differentiated depending on what is the purpose for their creation. If the purpose of fastening of the object of intellectual activity on the material carrier is to obtain the legal protection of this object, it is a primary material embodiment; if the goal is the introduction of a quantity of material carriers — talking about secondary material embodiment. Exclusive (property) rights can be the object of civil transactions in situations where the right holder provides the legal authority: either alienates belonging to him of the exclusive right to fully or allows another person to one of the rights that make up the exclusive right, the right use of the object of intellectual property rights on conditions of the license.
Vindicatory Action in Protection of Title to Real Property of Legal Persons
Authors: Strelnikov Pavel
Published: September 2014

The question of the protection of property rights of legal entities in a market economy is of particular importance because it is the basis of their economic activities. Particularly acute this problem gives the specifics of the legal regime of the real estate, which has a significant impact on the choice of the means of protecting the violated rights, questioning the use of some of them. One of the methods of protection is indicated by replevin. The question of vindication as a way to protect the property rights of legal entities in the real estate is very controversial, because often put into question the very possibility of vindication property. The arguments for limiting the use of debt collection as a way to protect the rights of ownership of real estate can be divided into two groups. The first related to the essential characteristics of the real estate. The second is based on the legal regime of property, largely determined by the system of state registration of the respective object and deal with them. Based on an analysis of court decisions the author concludes that the feasibility of vindication by prohibiting the use of illegal property owner and the release of land, buildings, structures and premises in them from his property.
Overcoming of Corruptogenic Factors of Criminal Legislation: Concept and Main Methods
Authors: Ivanov Sergey
Published: September 2014

This article deals with the definition of overcoming the corruptogenic factors of the criminal law; notes its positive role in combating corruption in the criminal justice and highlights the main features: universality, casuistry, functional character, law-enforcement level of the implementation. This article discusses some of the most important ways of overcoming the corruptogenic factors of the criminal law: the uniformity of practical activity (the same understanding and application of the criminal law to all situations with a similar set of actual data and identical criminal-legal nature); motivation (rational explanation subject to enforcement activities of the reasons and circumstances underlying the decision on this or other legal and penal question) and formalization of the decision-making (development and implementation of the criminal law or court practice on certain criteria that must underlie the adoption of any authority of any decisions in criminal matters and to narrow the scope of his discretion); raising the level of legal awareness of subjects of criminal-law relationships.
New Rules of Conciliation of the International Chamber of Commerce: Awaiting Demand for Mediation
Authors: Gaidaenko Schaer Natalia
Published: September 2014

Russian businessmen are used to include arbitration clauses in their foreign trade agreements. Some of these clauses refer the disputes for settlement under the rules of the foreign arbitration centers, including Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. While arbitration is one of the best known and widely applicable dispute resolution method, recent trend consists in the growing use of conciliation and mediation procedures for settlement of complex disputes arising between the participants of international commercial turnover. Mediation clauses together with multilayer and combined dispute resolution clauses become part of commercial reality where success and economy depends on the ability of the party to a commercial contract to quickly and correctly analyze the available solutions, consciously chose, correctly formulate and apply the dispute resolution method suitable for the particular dispute. In many cases mediation procedure allows the parties to settle their commercial dispute in the most efficient way. From this prospective awareness of the recent practices and new rules of the leading ADR centers becomes one of the key factors for successful activities on the field of international commercial relations. The ICC Mediation Rules are in force since January 1, 2014. This document replaces the ADR Rules which were in force from 2001. Author analyses the provisions of the new document from the prospective of its use for settlement of international commercial conflicts.
Prosecutorial Science: Current State and Prospects of Development
Authors: Vinokurov Alyeksandr
Published: September 2014

In this article, based on a retrospective analysis of the trends that are emerging in the prosecution of domestic science, the author has attempted to assess its current status, identify problems that hinder its ongoing development. The authors vision of the approaches that can help to raise the profile of science in the academic world of the prosecutors activity as an independent branch of scientific knowledge. In the author’s opinion, the concept of the science of prosecutorial activity should be based on the following main units: a theory of organization of work of the Prosecutor’s office of the Russian Federation; theory of control in the Prosecutor’s office of the Russian Federation; theory of functions and other activities carried out by the Prosecutor’s bodies; theory of jurisdiction and powers of prosecutors; a history of formation and development of prosecutorial activity in Russia and the science of it; theory of organization and implementation of prosecutorial activities in foreign countries.
Eficácia de Atrativos Alimentares na Captura de Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) em Pomar de Figo em Santa Maria – RS
Authors: Batistella Pasini Mauricio Paulo , Link Dionísio , Fronza Diniz
Published: September 2014

Com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência de atrativos alimentares para monitoramento e controle alternativo da mosca do figo [Zaprionus indianus (Gupta)], realizou-se este trabalho. O trabalho foi conduzido no Setor de Fruticultura do Colégio Politécnico da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, de 22 de janeiro a 22 de abril de 2009 em pomar de figueira (Ficus carica L.). Como modelo de frasco caça mosca utilizaram-se garrafas Pet. de 1L. Como atrativos alimentares, utilizaram-se suco de goiaba, suco de butiá e suco de figo, colocados em diferentes solventes, totalizando para cada frasco, 200 ml de solução. Os valores obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística. As soluções que apresentaram calda de figo + cachaça (50%+50%) e calda de figo + água (50%+50%) apresentaram maiores níveis de captura de indivíduos adultos de Z. indianus, sugerindo-se sua utilização no monitoramento da mosca do figo. As soluções a base de álcool são pouco eficientes.

Effectiveness of Attractions Food in Capture Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) in Fig Orchard in Santa Maria – RS

Abstract. Aiming to evaluate the efficiency of food baits for monitoring and alternative control of fig fly [Zaprionus indianus (Gupta)], held this job. The study was conducted in Sector Fruit of the Polytechnic College, University of Santa Maria, from January 22 to April 22, 2009 in fig orchard (Ficus carica L.). As model of trap we used Pet. bottles of 1 L. Guava juice, jelly palm juice and fig juice with different solvents were use as food baits, with 200 ml solution per bottle. The values were subjected to statistical analysis. The solutions fig juice + rum (50% +50%) and fig juice + water (50% +50%) showed higher levels of adult capture of Z. indianus, suggesting its use in fly monitoring. The alcohol-based solutions are inefficient.
Consumo Foliar de Eucalyptus spp. por Acromyrmex disciger (Mayr, 1887) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Morais Wagner Calixto de Castro , Anjos Norivaldo dos , Della Lucia Terezinha Maria Castro
Published: September 2014

O potencial produtivo de plantios florestais é reduzido, dentre outros fatores, pela ocorrência de pragas. No Brasil, as formigas-cortadeiras são os principais insetos daninhos à cultura do eucalipto. Dentre as espécies dessas formigas, Acromyrmex disciger (Mayr) se destaca na região Sudeste do Brasil. Entretanto, poucas são as informações a respeito de seu potencial de dano às plantações de eucalipto. Este trabalho teve por objetivo quantificar o consumo foliar de eucalipto por A. disciger, em condições de laboratório. Para isto, folhas frescas de Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, Eucalyptus urophylla ST Blake e do híbrido E. urophylla x E. grandis foram oferecidas, com chance de escolha, à duas colônias de A. disciger, durante 24 horas, num total de oito repetições. O consumo foliar foi determinado pela diferença entre as massas de folhas e de suas sobras, após serem disponibilizadas às formigas. As operárias das duas colônias consumiram, respectivamente, 38,8 ± 3,2 g e 22,0 ± 2,3 g de folhas de eucalipto, por dia. Estes elevados valores podem sugerir estado de alerta para os danos que A. disciger pode causar nos plantios de eucalipto, merecendo, esta formiga-cortadeira, maior atenção.

Eucalypt leaf-consumption by Acromyrmex disciger (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. The productive potential of forest stands is reduced by pest occurrence among other factors. In Brazil, leaf-cutting ants are the most severe eucalypt pests. Acromyrmex disciger (Mayr) is prevalent in the south east Brazil. However, scarce information about its potential damage for Eucalyptus forests is available. This work deals to quantifying the eucalypt leaf-consumption by such specie of leaf-cutting ant. Fresh leaves were taken from trees of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, Eucalyptus urophylla ST Blake, and hybrid E. urophylla x E. grandis and served to different colonies of A. disciger, during 24 hours period, over eight different times. Leaf-consumption was calculated throughout fresh weights of leaves, before and after ants foraging. Each colony of A. disciger consumed 38.8 ± 3.2 g e 22.0 ± 2.3 g of eucalypt leaves, per day.
Fatores de virulência de Bacillus thuringiensis: o que existe além das proteínas Cry
Authors: Vilas-Bôas Gislayne Trindade , Alvarez Rita C. , Dos Santos Clelton A. , Vilas-Boas Laurival A.
Published: September 2014

As proteínas Cry produzidas pela bactéria entomopatogênica Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner são bem conhecidas devido a alta citotoxicidade que exibem a uma variedade de insetos-alvo. O modo de ação destas proteínas é específico e torna os produtos à base de B. thuringiensis os mais amplamente utilizados em programas de controle biológico de pragas na agricultura e de importantes vetores de doenças humanas. Contudo, embora as proteínas Cry sejam os fatores de virulência inseto-específico mais conhecidos, linhagens de B. thuringiensis apresentam também uma ampla gama de fatores de virulência, os quais permitem à bactéria atingir a hemolinfa e colonizar eficientemente o inseto hospedeiro. Dentre estes fatores, destacam-se as proteínas Vip, Cyt, enterotoxinas, hemolisinas, fosfolipases, proteases, enzimas de degradação, além das recentemente descritas parasporinas. Essa revisão aborda a ação desses fatores de virulência, bem como a caracterização e o controle da expressão de seus genes. Adicionalmente, são discutidos aspectos relacionados ao nicho ecológico da bactéria com ênfase nas características envolvidas com a biossegurança da utilização dos produtos à base de B. thuringiensis para o controle biológico de insetos-alvo.

Virulence Factors of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner: Something Beyond of Cry Proteins?

Abstract. The Cry proteins produced by the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner are widely known due to its high toxicity against a variety of insects. The mode of action of these proteins is specific and becomes B. thuringiensis-based products the most used in biological control programs of insect pests in agriculture and of important human disease vectors. However, while the Cry proteins are the best-known insect-specific virulence factor, strains of B. thuringiensis show also a wide range of other virulence factors, which allow the bacteria to achieve the hemolymph and colonize efficiently the insect host. Among these factors, we highlight the Vip proteins, Cyt, enterotoxins, hemolysins, phospholipases, proteases and enzymes of degradation, in addition to the recently described parasporin. This review explores the action of these virulence factors, as well as, the characterization and control of expression of their genes. Additionally, we discuss aspects related to the ecological niche of the bacteria with emphasis on the characteristics involved in the biosafety of the use of B. thuringiensis-based products for biological control of target insects.
Mirmecofauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) de Duas Marismas do Estuário da Lagoa dos Patos, RS: Diversidade, Flutuação de Abundância e Similaridade como Indicadores de Conservação
Authors: Bolico Cristiane Ferras , Oliveira Eduardo Alves , Gantes Marcel Lucas , Dumont Luiz Felipe Cestari , Carrasco Daiane Silveira , D'Incao Fernando
Published: September 2014

O trabalho objetiva inventariar a mirmecofauna de duas marismas distintas e estimar a diversidade, similaridade, bem como relacionar a temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e a pluviosidade aos padrões de flutuação de abundância desses insetos. Além disso, foram reconhecidas as espécies que atuam como indicadores ambientais. O estudo foi realizado em duas marismas localizadas no Estuário da Laguna Lagoa dos Patos, Ilha da Torotama e Molhe Oeste da Barra. Foram capturados 853 formicídeos, distribuídos em 19 gêneros. As duas marismas apresentaram índices de diversidade e abundância semelhantes, Ds = 0,958 e I = 0,042 na Ilha da Torotama e Ds = 0,8889 e I = 0,111 no Molhe Oeste da Barra. As flutuações dos grupos de formicídeos coincidiram em ambas as áreas, ocorrendo os picos durante os meses quentes. Grupos considerados bioindicadores estiveram presentes na amostragem, fornecendo parâmetros de conservação ambiental.

Myrmecofauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of the Two Salt Marshes Patos Lagoon Estuary, RS: Diversity, Fluctuation of the Abundance and Similarity as Indicators of ConservationAbstract. The aim of this investigation was to assess the myrmecofauna of two distinct salt marshes and to estimate the diversity, similarity, as well as to estimate the effects of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on the fluctuation patterns of these insects. Additionally, the species that act as environmental indicators were recognized. The study was conducted in two salt marshes located in the Patos Lagoon Estuary: Torotama’s Island and West Breakwater. A total of 853 ants were sampled, distributed in 19 genera. Both marshes showed similar diversity and abundance, Ds = 0.958 and I = 0.042 in Torotama’s Island and Ds = 0.8889 and I = 0.111 in West Break Water. Trends in ant composition coincided in both areas, with a peak during the warmer months. Areas showed no similarity, due to anthropogenic factors and species’ biology. Groups considered as biomarkers were recorded in the samples, providing parameters for environmental conservation.
Registro de Oncideres saga (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) em Peltophorum dubium (Leguminosae) no Município de Trombudo Central, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Souza Gabriely Koerich , Pikart Tiago Georg , Pikart Filipe Christian , Zanuncio José Cola
Published: September 2014

Peltophorum dubium (Sprengel) Taubert (Leguminosae) tem sido empregada com sucesso na arborização de praças, parques e rodovias, por apresentar flores amarelas formando vistosas panículas terminais e folhagem densa proporcionando ótima sombra. Entretanto, besouros serradores têm sido considerados uma potencial ameaça à arborização urbana no Brasil, causando danos a várias espécies botânicas ornamentais. O objetivo desse estudo foi registrar e caracterizar o ataque por besouros serradores em plantas de P. dubium em Trombudo Central, Santa Catarina, Brasil entre novembro de 2006 e janeiro de 2007. Os danos foram observados em 12 árvores utilizadas na arborização urbana do município. Durante o período de levantamento, 27 galhos roletados foram coletados, sendo o diâmetro médio dos mesmos de 6,35 cm. Este é o primeiro registro do besouro serrador Oncideres saga (Dalman) danificando plantas de P. dubium no Brasil.

Report of Oncideres saga (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Peltophorum dubium (Leguminosae) in Trombudo Central, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract. Peltophorum dubium (Sprengel) Taubert (Leguminosae) has been used successfully for landscaping squares, parks and roads, due its yellow flowers forming terminal panicles and dense foliage providing excellent shade. However, twig girdlers have been considered a potential threat to the urban landscaping in Brazil, damaging many ornamental plant species. The aim of this study was to record the attack of twig girdlers in plants of P. dubium in Trombudo Central, Santa Catarina State, Brazil between November 2006 and January 2007. Damage was observed on 12 trees used in the urban landscaping of the city. During the survey period, 27 girdled branches were collected with an average diameter of 6.35 cm. This is the first record of the twig girdler Oncideres saga (Dalman) damaging plants of P. dubium in Brazil.
Thracides phidon (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae): Novo registro em plantios comerciais de Heliconia spp. na região Amazônica do Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Rafael Coelho , Carvalho Isabela de Oliveira , Souza Gabriely Köerich , Fouad Hany Ahmed , Lemos Walkymário de Paulo
Published: September 2014

Lepidoptera desfolhadores podem danificar cultivos de flores tropicais, mas existem poucos relatos desses insetos em plantas de Heliconia spp. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi registrar uma nova ocorrência de Thracides phidon (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae, Hesperiinae) como desfolhadora de Heliconia spp. em plantios comerciais na região Amazônica do Brasil.
Budgetary Discipline and Internal Devaluation – Estonian Method to Overcome the Crisis
Authors: Baran Bernadeta
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this article is to outline the main reasons and effects of the  Estonian adjustments in response to the global financial and economic crisis. Estonia  chose significant budgetary savings, in contrast with most other countries stimulating  their economies by expansionary fiscal policy and leading to fiscal imbalances  and growing public debts. Estonia did not carry out a devaluation of its currency,  but restored competitiveness through internal devaluation. This strategy allowed  Estonia to maintain a fixed exchange rate, fulfill the Maastricht criteria and adopt  the single currency. As a result, Estonia has increased the stability of its economy,  restoring and enhancing confidence among investors. At the same time, the Estonian  strategy confirmed the existence of non-Keynesian effects – the positive economic  results of public spending reduction.