bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Quantum Objects Have Temporal Parts?
Authors: Pashby Thomas
Published: January 2014

This article provides a new context for an established metaphysical debate regarding the problem of persistence. I contend that perdurance, a popular view about persistence which maintains that objects persist by having temporal parts, can be formulated in quantum mechanics due to the existence of a formal analogy between temporal and spatial location. However, this analogy fails due to a ‘no-go’ result which demonstrates that quantum systems cannot be said to have temporal parts in the same way that they have spatial parts. Therefore, if quantum mechanics describes persisting physical objects then those objects cannot be said to perdure.
What Is the Paradox of Phase Transitions?
Authors: Shech Elay
Published: January 2014

I present a novel approach to the scholarly debate that has arisen with respect to the philosophical import one should infer from scientific accounts of phase transitions by appealing to a distinction between representation understood as denotation, and faithful representation understood as a type of guide to ontology. It is argued that the entire debate is misguided, for it stems from a pseudo-paradox that does not license the type of claims made by scholars and that what is really interesting about phase transitions is the manner by which they force us to rethink issues regarding scientific representation, idealizations, and realism.
Is the Contingentist/Inevitabilist Debate a Matter of Degrees?
Authors: Martin Joseph D.
Published: January 2014

The contingentist/inevitabilist debate contests whether the results of successful science are contingent or inevitable. This article addresses lingering ambiguity in the way contingency is defined in this debate. I argue that contingency in science can be understood as a collection of distinct concepts, distinguished by how they hold science contingent, by what elements of science they hold contingent, and by what those elements are contingent upon. I present a preliminary taxonomy designed to characterize the full-range positions available and illustrate that these constitute a diverse array rather than a spectrum.
Hunter–gatherers have less famine than agriculturalists
Authors: Berbesque J. Colette , Marlowe Frank W. , Shaw Peter , Thompson Peter
Published: January 2014

The idea that hunter–gatherer societies experience more frequent famine than societies with other modes of subsistence is pervasive in the literature on human evolution. This idea underpins, for example, the ‘thrifty genotype hypothesis’. This hypothesis proposes that our hunter–gatherer ancestors were adapted to frequent famines, and that these once adaptive ‘thrifty genotypes’ are now responsible for the current obesity epidemic. The suggestion that hunter–gatherers are more prone to famine also underlies the widespread assumption that these societies live in marginal habitats. Despite the ubiquity of references to ‘feast and famine’ in the literature describing our hunter–gatherer ancestors, it has rarely been tested whether hunter–gatherers suffer from more famine than other societies. Here, we analyse famine frequency and severity in a large cross-cultural database, in order to explore relationships between subsistence and famine risk. This is the first study to report that, if we control for habitat quality, hunter–gatherers actually had significantly less—not more—famine than other subsistence modes. This finding challenges some of the assumptions underlying for models of the evolution of the human diet, as well as our understanding of the recent epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Deciphering the relative weights of demographic transition and vaccination in the decrease of measles incidence in Italy
Authors: Merler Stefano , Ajelli Marco
Published: January 2014

In Italy, during the course of the past century to the present-day, measles incidence underwent a remarkable decreasing trend that started well before the introduction of the national immunization programme. In this work, we aim at examining to what extent both the demographic transition, characterized by declining mortality and fertility rates over time, and the vaccination programme are responsible for the observed epidemiological pattern. Making use of a non-stationary, age-structured disease transmission model, we show that in the pre-vaccination era, from 1901 to 1982, the decline in birth rates has resulted in a drastic decrease in the effective transmission rate, which in turn has determined a declining trend of measles incidence (from 25.2 to 10.3 infections per 1000 individuals). However, since 1983, vaccination appears to have become the major contributing factor in the decrease of measles incidence, which otherwise would have remained stable as a consequence of the nearly constant birth rates. This led to a remarkable decrease in the effective transmission rate, to a level well below the critical threshold for disease persistence. These findings call for the adoption of epidemiological models, which deviate the age structure from stationary equilibrium solutions, to better understand the biology of infectious diseases and evaluate immunization programmes.
Outbreak of PER-1 and diversity of β-lactamases among ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates
Authors: Qing Yun , Cao Kai-Yuan , Fang Zhi-Li , Huang Ying-Min , Zhang Xue-Fei , Tian Guo-Bao , Huang Xi
Published: January 2014

A growing number of β-lactamases have been reported in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of β-lactamases in the collection of 51 ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in four hospitals of southern China. Among these isolates, variable degrees of resistance to other β-lactam and non-β-lactam agents were observed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed a high degree of clonality with five main genotypes. Of the 51 isolates tested, 35 (68.6 %) were identified as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers, with 35 producing PER-1, 1 CTX-M-3, 7 CTX-M-15 and 1 CTX-M-14. Most (82.9 %, 29/35) PER-1-producing isolates were collected from two hospitals between January and April in 2008 and belonged to the same PFGE pattern (pattern B) with similar antibiogram and β-lactamase profiles, which suggested an outbreak of this clone at the time. The prevalence of CTX-M-type ESBL (17.6 %, 9/51) was unexpectedly high. One isolate was identified as producing VIM-2. Furthermore, we also reported an occurrence of a novel OXA-10 variant, OXA-246, in 14 P. aeruginosa isolates. In addition, AmpC overproduction was found to be the β-lactamase-mediated mechanism responsible for ceftazidime resistance in 6 isolates (11.8 %). Our results revealed an overall diversity of β-lactamases and outbreak of a PER-1-producing clone among ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa in southern China.
Experiences in occupational therapy with Afghan clients in Australia
Authors: Maroney Pamela , Potter Marianne , Thacore Vinod Rai
Published: January 2014

Background/aim

With a steady increase of refugees arriving in Australia from Afghanistan coupled with reports that prevalence of mental illness amongst Afghan refugees in South‐East Melbourne is particularly high, mental health providers will need to acquire cultural competence to provide effective treatment. There is a dearth of literature on the subject of rehabilitation of Afghan psychiatric clients in the Australian context, providing the impetus for this article. To illustrate the impact of Afghan socio‐cultural beliefs and attitudes on the implementation of occupational therapy and rehabilitation programmes in a mental health facility and adaptations to accommodate the needs of the clients and their families.

Method

Two case vignettes of Afghan clients are presented to illustrate the variance in goals and expectations of the clients and their families to that of the occupational therapy and rehabilitation programmes offered.

Conclusion

Family expectations and involvement, culture‐specific factors and religion play significant roles in the presentation and treatment of clients from the Muslim culture and require modification in implementation of rehabilitation programmes. A need for developing family or community‐based services is proposed coupled with culturally responsive practices. Culture sensitive models of occupational therapy will need to be developed as younger generations of refugee families acculturate and need psychological help to deal with conflicts with parents and elders who hold values different from those adopted by their children born and brought up in the Australian socio‐cultural environment. These and other issues mentioned above provide fertile fields for research in this evolving area of occupational therapy.
Occupational performance and self‐determination: The role of the occupational therapist as volunteer in two mountain communities
Authors: Boyle Moira
Published: January 2014

Background/aim

Occupational therapists involved in volunteer programmes do so as either a volunteer or as a professional working with volunteers. This study outlines two such programmes: one in regional Queensland, with refugees settling into a life in Australia, and one in Bhutan, with an organisation assisting families of children with disabilities. In both instances, the author has been involved as a volunteer, drawing on her occupational therapy skills, the Person‐Environment‐Occupation Model and self‐determination theory as theoretical frameworks.

Method

This report offers an insight into two geographically and culturally different volunteer programmes, and outlines the potential for occupational therapists to be involved in cross‐cultural experiences, within Australia and abroad. In the Australian setting the author is working with newly arrived refugees from Africa, Iran and Iraq in a local community group the Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Service. Within the Bhutanese setting the author is working with the Ability Bhutan Society, an organisation established by a group of local parents with the initial aim of sharing experiences and information relating to their children with disabilities.

Results

The descriptions of each volunteering experience outline the opportunities for facilitating the development of independence, self‐determination and acquisition of new roles in two cross‐cultural communities by an occupational therapist working as a volunteer.

Conclusion

An occupational therapist's ability to assess the interaction between a person or organisation's skills, the environment in which that person or organisation is functioning, and the desired occupational outcomes of that person or organisation, enables a unique and valuable contribution as a volunteer.
The Consensus Paradox: Does Deliberative Agreement Impede Rational Discourse?
Authors: Friberg-Fernros Henrik , Schaffer Johan Karlsson
Published: January 2014

This article explores a tension in deliberative democratic theory. The tension consists in that deliberative opinion formation ideally aims to reach consensus, while a consensus, once established, will likely impede the conditions for further rational public discourse. Hence, over time, deliberative democracy might risk undermining itself. While the tension is demonstrable in theory, we also suggest three cognitive and socio-psychological mechanisms by which consensus might hamper the rationality of public discourse: after an agreement, participants cease to develop new arguments, they tend to forget existing arguments and their fear of deviating from the social norm promotes conformism. Existing research has largely neglected to study how consensus in decision making affects future public deliberation. Our article thus serves three purposes: to elaborate the consensus paradox in deliberative democratic theory; to open up a research agenda for examining the paradox empirically; and to assess the theoretical implications of the paradox.
Locke on Territorial Rights
Authors: Van der Vossen Bas
Published: January 2014

Most treatments of territorial rights include a discussion (and rejection) of Locke. There is a remarkable consensus about what Locke's views were. For him, states obtain territorial rights as the result of partial transfers of people's property rights. In this article, I reject this reading. I argue that (a) for Locke, transfers of property rights were neither necessary nor sufficient for territorial rights and that (b) Locke in fact held a two-part theory of territorial rights. I support this reading by appealing to textual and contextual evidence. I conclude by drawing a lesson from Locke's views for current debates on territorial rights.
The sperm of Hexagenia (Pseudeatonica) albivitta Walker (Ephemeroptera: Fossoriae: Ephemeridae)
Authors: Brito Pedro , Mancini Karina , Salles Frederico Falcão , Rizzi Evandro Apolinario , Dolder Heidi
Published: January 2014

This study describes the sperm morphology of the mayfly Hexagenia (Pseudeatonica) albivitta (Ephemeroptera). Its spermatozoon measures approximately 30 μm of which 9 μm corresponds to the head. The head is composed of an approximately round acrosomal vesicle and a cylindrical nucleus. The nucleus has two concavities, one in the anterior tip, where the acrosomal vesicle is inserted and a deeper one at its base, where the flagellum components are inserted. The flagellum is composed of an axoneme, a mitochondrion and a dense rod adjacent to the mitochondrion. A centriolar adjunct is also observed surrounding the axoneme in the initial portion of the flagellum and extends along the flagellum for at least 2 μm, surrounding the axoneme in a half‐moon shape. The axoneme is the longest component of the flagellum, and it follows the 9+9+0 pattern, with no central pair of microtubules. At the posterior region of the flagellum, the mitochondrion has a dumb‐bell shape in cross sections that, together with the rectangular mitochondrial‐associated rod, is responsible for the flattened shape of the flagellum. An internal membrane is observed surrounding both mitochondrion and its associated structure.
Rule Enactment in a Pan‐European Labour Market: Transnational Posted Work in theGerman Construction Sector
Authors: Wagner Ines
Published: January 2014

This article analyses the micro‐level rule enactment of the posting of workers framework in theGerman construction sector. I examine how actors draw on different power resources in order to influence policies without formal negotiation within transnational workspaces and thereby initiate institutional change. Drawing on interviews with posted workers, managers, unionists, works councillors and labour inspectors I show how transnational subcontracting allows the emergence of different regulatory spaces at national and workplace level. The article concludes that the informal renegotiation of employment relations in transnational workspaces is likely to destabilize the posting framework negotiated at policy level.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Adaptive Learning Styles of Business Students
Authors: Sandman Thomas E.
Published: January 2014

An exploration of the preferred learning styles for over 1,100 business students has yielded an intriguing result. While many previous studies have examined the learning styles in different majors at different universities, these studies have been focused on describing the typical student for that major. This study demonstrates that the preferred learning styles of students may depend more on the course than the major, indicating that students may have adaptive learning styles. Rather than having an innate, consistent preferred learning style, business students adapt their preferred learning style to the subject of the course. Further research is necessary to confirm these exploratory findings.
Climate change, adaptation, and phenotypic plasticity: the problem and the evidence
Authors: Merilä Juha , Hendry Andrew P.
Published: January 2014

Many studies have recorded phenotypic changes in natural populations and attributed them to climate change. However, controversy and uncertainty has arisen around three levels of inference in such studies. First, it has proven difficult to conclusively distinguish whether phenotypic changes are genetically based or the result of phenotypic plasticity. Second, whether or not the change is adaptive is usually assumed rather than tested. Third, inferences that climate change is the specific causal agent have rarely involved the testing – and exclusion – of other potential drivers. We here review the various ways in which the above inferences have been attempted, and evaluate the strength of support that each approach can provide. This methodological assessment sets the stage for 11 accompanying review articles that attempt comprehensive syntheses of what is currently known – and not known – about responses to climate change in a variety of taxa and in theory. Summarizing and relying on the results of these reviews, we arrive at the conclusion that evidence for genetic adaptation to climate change has been found in some systems, but is still relatively scarce. Most importantly, it is clear that more studies are needed – and these must employ better inferential methods – before general conclusions can be drawn. Overall, we hope that the present paper and special issue provide inspiration for future research and guidelines on best practices for its execution.
Methodological issues of retrospective studies assessing health outcomes of potential clopidogrel–statin interaction
Authors: Liu Yifei , Unni Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

Objective

Clopidogrel and statins have been commonly coprescribed to patients with atherosclerotic diseases. Clopidogrel–statin interaction was initially described by ex vivo studies, but was not well supported by studies examining health outcomes. This personal view article aims to discuss methodological issues of these studies, especially the retrospective studies assessing health outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify journal articles of clopidogrel–statin interaction that were published in English since January 2003.

Key findings

The limitations of retrospective studies include lack of central blinded adjudication of clinical events, incomplete assessment of confounders, inadequate comparison groups and inconsistent use of medication dosage.

Conclusion

A well-designed retrospective study may better understand potential clopidogrel–statin interaction and its clinical impacts.
A multiobjective hybrid ant colony optimization approach applied to the assignment and scheduling problem
Authors: Dridi Olfa , Krichen Saoussen , Guitouni Adel
Published: January 2014

The assignment and scheduling problem is inherently multiobjective. It generally involves multiple conflicting objectives and large and highly complex search spaces. The problem allows the determination of an efficient allocation of a set of limited and shared resources to perform tasks, and an efficient arrangement scheme of a set of tasks over time, while fulfilling spatiotemporal constraints. The main objective is to minimize the project makespan as well as the total cost. Finding a good approximation set is the result of trade‐offs between diversity of solutions and convergence toward the Pareto‐optimal front. It is difficult to achieve such a balance with NP‐hard problems. In this respect, and in order to efficiently explore the search space, a hybrid bidirectional ant‐based approach is proposed in this paper, which is an improvement of a bi‐colony ant‐based approach. Its main characteristic is that it combines a solution construction developed for a more complicated problem with a Pareto‐guided local search engine.
Phylogeography and ecological niche modelling, coupled with the fossil pollen record, unravel the demographic history of a Neotropical swamp palm through the Quaternary
Authors: de Lima Natácia Evangelista , Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus S. , Tinoco Carla Faleiro , Terribile Levi Carina , Collevatti Rosane G.
Published: January 2014

Aim

The recovery of demographic history through phylogeographical analysis is critical for understanding microevolutionary processes and the spatial/temporal context of lineage divergence. Palaeodistribution modelling and the fossil record might provide the spatial context for statistical phylogeographical analyses, allowing the generation of independent palaeoscenarios of demographic history that can be tested using coalescent models. In this study we generated independent demographic scenarios to examine geographical barriers to gene flow in a Neotropical swamp palm, Mauritia flexuosa, and assessed how climatic changes during the Pleistocene influenced its geographical distribution and genetic diversity.

Location

Neotropical wetlands.

Methods

We sampled 257 adult individuals of M. flexuosa from 26 localities in the Amazon, Araguaia/Tocantins, Paraguai, Paraná and São Francisco basins. The analyses were based on statistical phylogeography, ecological niche modelling and the fossil pollen record. The genetic data were based on polymorphisms in three chloroplast non‐coding regions.

Results

Mauritia flexuosa presented low genetic diversity but significant genetic differentiation among populations from different river basins. The ecological niche modelling and demographic simulations showed that the pattern of observed genetic diversity for M. flexuosa probably reflects range retraction during the Last Glacial Maximum, leading to multiple refugia. In support of this, the fossil pollen record suggests that multiple refugia were present in Brazilian savannas, where M. flexuosa often disappeared during cold and dry periods across the last glacial cycle, returning during the wet phases. The periodic dryness in this region was driven by the latitudinal displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) across glacial/interglacial periods, which possibly affected the distributional dynamics of M. flexuosa during the Pleistocene epoch.

Main conclusions

Our results provide evidence that climate changes during the last glacial cycle were important determinants of the geographical distribution and demographic history of M. flexuosa across the late Quaternary period. In addition to the geographical barriers imposed by river basins, these factors have shaped genetic differentiation, as currently observed among lineages.
Setting global research priorities for developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities and autism
Authors: Tomlinson M. , Yasamy M. T. , Emerson E. , Officer A. , Richler D. , Saxena S.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The prevalence of intellectual disabilities (ID) has been estimated at 10.4/1000 worldwide with higher rates among children and adolescents in lower income countries. The objective of this paper is to address research priorities for development disabilities, notably ID and autism, at the global level and to propose the more rational use of scarce funds in addressing this under‐investigated area.

Methods

An expert group was identified and invited to systematically list and score research questions. They applied the priority setting methodology of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to generate research questions and to evaluate them using a set of five criteria: answerability, feasibility, applicability and impact, support within the context and equity.

Findings

The results of this process clearly indicated that the important priorities for future research related to the need for effective and efficient approaches to early intervention, empowerment of families supporting a person with developmental disability and to address preventable causes of poor health in people with ID and autism.

Conclusions

For the public health and other systems to become more effective in delivering appropriate support to persons with developmental disabilities, greater (and more targeted) investment in research is required to produce evidence of what works consistent with international human rights standards.
Aspergillosis of bones and joints – a review from 2002 until today
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Tacke Daniela , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: January 2014

Poor clinical outcome and complicated neurological complications illustrate the severity of bone and joint infections withAspergillusspecies. Host predisposing conditions are immunosuppression, intravenous drug use, a variety of chronic underlying diseases and prior surgical interventions. Nosocomial infections may originate from contaminated air ventilation systems or water pipes. Most common causative pathogen isAspergillus fumigatus, followed byAspergillus flavus and Aspergillus nidulans.A. niger,A. tubingensisandA. terreusare rare but stress the need of targeted and adapted antimycotic therapy. Diagnosis has to be pursued by means ofMRIimaging techniques and tissue specimens. Multimodal treatment strategy is based on a combination of surgical debridement of necrotic bone and cartilage and systemically active antifungal treatment. Voriconazole combines satisfactory systemic antifungal effect, high oral bioavailability and good bone penetration. Development of fungicidal cement spacers still continues andin vitrodata show promising results of bioactive cements. Purpose of this review of literature published between 2002 and 2013 was to provide up‐to‐date information on pathogenesis, diagnostic approach and treatment recommendations. Properly established treatment guidelines and prophylaxis for patients at risk are required as the high mortality rate continues to pose a future challenge.
Athenian Black Gloss Pottery: A View from the West
Authors: Walsh Justin St. P. , Antonaccio Carla
Published: January 2014

Excavation of archaic Morgantina (c.700–450 BC), Sicily, has brought to light a significant pattern in the distribution of imported Greek pottery. This pattern, which shows a preference for imports with features that referred to metal vessels, is echoed at sites around the western Mediterranean. We argue that the preference for certain types was communicated back to Greek producers, and that it also reflects the particular local interests of non‐Greeks, who associated metallic features not only with wealth, but also with their own ancestral traditions.
The genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the Corso‐Sardinian endemic Ferula arrigonii Bocchieri (Apiaceae)
Authors: Dettori C. A. , Sergi S. , Tamburini E. , Bacchetta G.
Published: January 2014

Corsica and Sardinia represent major hotspots of plant diversity in the Mediterranean area and are priority regions for conservation due to their high number of endemic plant species. However, information supporting human decision‐making on the conservation of these species is still scarce, especially at the genetic level. In this work, the first assessment is reported of the species‐wide spatial genetic structure and diversity of Ferula arrigonii Bocchieri, a Corso‐Sardinian endemic located in a few coastal sites and on small islands. Nine populations covering the entire natural range of the species were investigated by means of AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers. Results indicate that this species is characterised by high levels of genetic polymorphism (92% polymorphic fragments) and of genetic diversity (Hw = 0.317) and by relatively low differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.057). PCoA, Bayesian analysis and neighbour‐joining clustering were also employed to investigate the genetic structure of this species. Three genetically distinct groups were detected, although with considerable overlap between populations.
A case–control study regarding relative factors for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia at a Canadian regional long‐term extended care facility: a preliminary report
Authors: Sawa Minoru , Chan Peter , Donnelly Martha , McKenna Mario , Osaki Yoneatsu , Kishimoto Takuji , Ganesan Soma
Published: January 2014

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are prevalent and have an impact on the care of persons with dementia. Previous studies regarding predisposing factors have included pharmacotherapy, but other factors may not have been sufficiently studied. We hypothesized that psychotropic medications, past history, comorbid psychiatric disorders and other factors may be relevant factors related to BPSD.

Methods

Data were collected from patients' medical charts at an extended care facility over a 2‐year period from 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2010. Information obtained included the presence of BPSD, gender, age, marital status, past history, comorbid psychiatric disorder and medication use. Patients were divided into two groups: a group with BPSD (n = 29) and a group without BPSD (n = 10). A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed for the above factors.

Results

Comorbid major depression was linked to BPSD (odds ratio = 12.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.31–120.74) as well as to the use of antidepressants (odds ratio = 6.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–41.25). There was a trend towards statistical significance in the relationship between greater use of antidepressants for the patients with comorbid major depression and the presence of BPSD. Past history of depression (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.03) and cerebral vascular accident (degrees of freedom = 1, χ2 = 4.44, P = 0.04) were linked to the presence of BPSD and comorbid major depression.

Conclusion

Accurate evaluation and treatment of comorbid major depression may affect BPSD. In order to reduce the burden of BPSD on patients and caregivers, there should be a careful and thoughtful diagnosis of comorbid major depression in patients with dementia.
The effect of early group psychotherapy on depressive symptoms and quality of life among residents of an apartment building for seniors
Authors: Wang Chien‐Chuan , Tzeng Dong‐Sheng , Chung Wei‐Ching
Published: January 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group psychotherapy on depressive symptoms and four domains of quality of life in the elderly.

Methods

Ninety‐six elderly persons were selected from one apartment building for seniors. The 15‐question version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms. The treatment and control groups each comprised 12 subjects. The treatment group received one session of group psychotherapy each week for 8 weeks. The 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF scale were used for assessment at the beginning of group psychotherapy and during the fourth and eighth weeks.

Results

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased significantly in the treatment group by the eighth week of group psychotherapy compared to the control group (4.9 ± 3.6 vs 17.6 ± 6.4, respectively; P < 0.0001). The World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF score decreased significantly in the control group by the eighth week compared to the treatment group (95.3 ± 9.9 vs 80.2 ± 10.6, respectively; P = 0.002) with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale interaction (χ2 = 2.11, P = 0.146). Analysis of the four quality of life domains showed significant differences in the psychological and social domains (P = 0.004 and P = 0.004, respectively) but not in the physical and environmental domains (P = 0.133 and P = 0.147, respectively).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that studies of the outcome of group psychotherapy must control for depressive symptoms. Quality of life may have been mediated by depression in this preliminary study.
Prospective association of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiovascular risk factors in healthy children
Authors: Klakk H. , Grøntved A. , Møller N. C. , Heidemann M. , Andersen L. B. , Wedderkopp N.
Published: January 2014

This study aimed to examine the prospective association of three different measures of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with 2‐year change in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children. Two‐year longitudinal data in schoolchildren aged 7–11 years (n = 365–729) was used. Total body fat (TBF) from dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), CRF, blood samples, and blood pressure were obtained in 2008 and 2010 in the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study in Denmark (CHAMPS study‐DK). Greater adiposity at baseline was associated with increased CVD risk factor levels at follow‐up. The magnitudes of associations were similar regardless of adiposity measure [TBF%: β 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–0.39; BMI: β 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14–0.33; WC: β 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10–0.31], and no evidence of nonlinear relationships was observed. We found less strong associations of CRF with increase in CVD risk factor levels after adjusting for adiposity; however, increasing CRF was still favorably associated with decrease in CVD risk factor levels among boys. Results suggest that any effort to shift the population distribution of adiposity downward would be valuable for early CVD prevention. The association of CRF with CVD risk factors was largely explained by adiposity, particularly among girls.
Evaluation of Capsaicinoids Extracts as Bioactive Substance for Antimicrobial Films
Authors: Wee Leng Tan , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Abang Zaidel Dayang Norulfairuz , Khairuddin Nozieana
Published: January 2014

Capsaicinoid, a naturally occurring alkaloid group and active components which can be found in chili peppers variety (Capsicum spp.), contributes to the pungency, taste, and aroma of chili peppers. Apart from their culinary and medicinal properties, capsaicinoid functions as antioxidant agent in food preservation. In the current research, the evaluation of bio-active substance of capsaicinoid was carried out to determine its potential in development of antimicrobial film for packaging. A mixture of acetone: petroleum ether (1:1) had been used in extracting the capsaicinoids and carotenoids (natural red pigment).The four types of chili pepper studied were Green Malagueta Salvador, Red Malagueta Salvador, red Thai Capsicum Frutescens and red Cayenne. The optimum capsaicinoids extraction time and amount of carotenoids (color intensity) for each variety of chili peppers were studied. Lastly, antimicrobial properties of AM films were determined as they inhibited both gram-positive (Streptococcus and B. subtilis) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria successfully through agar diffusion test and liquid culture test.
Development and Deployment of an Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Knowledge Database of Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Talkah Shakina , Zulkiflee Iylia , Shamsir Mohd Shahir
Published: January 2014

Currently, all the information regarding ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmaceutical information of South East Asia are scattered over many different publications, depositories and databases using various digital and analogue formats. Although there are taxonomic databases of medicinal plants, they are not linked to phytochemical and pharmaceutical information which are often resides in scientific literature. We present Phyknome; an ethnobotanical and phytochemical database with more than 22,000 species of ethnoflora of Asia. The creation of this database will enable a biotechnology researcher to seek and identify ethnobotanical information based on a species’ scientific name, description and phytochemical information. It is constructed using a digitization pipeline that allow high throughput digitization of archival data, an automated dataminer to mine for pharmaceutical compounds information and an online database to integrated these information. The main functions include an automated taxonomy, bibliography and API interface with primary databases such as Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We believe that Phyknome will contribute to the digital knowledge ecosystem to elevate access and provide tools for ethnobotanical research and contributes to the management, assessment and stewardship of biodiversity. The database is available at http://mapping.fbb.utm.my/phyknome/.
Reflection Coefficient Measurement through the Implementation of Wideband Multi-Port Reflectometer with Error Correction for Microwave Imaging Application of Human Head
Authors: Che Yob Rashidah , Seman Norhudah
Published: January 2014

This article presents the reflection coefficient measurement by using a wideband multi-port reflectometer for microwave imaging application of human head. The configuration of the proposed wideband multi-port reflectometer is formed by passive components, which are four couplers and two power dividers operating from 1 to 6 GHz. The investigation is successfully done through simulation using the Agilent’s Advanced Design Systems (ADS) software and practical measurement in laboratory. An error correction method with three standards of match, open and short load is then applied to the constructed wideband multi-port reflectometer to remove its imperfect characteristics. The wideband characteristics of proposed reflectometer are analyzed and verified across the designated frequency band.  Its operation in reflection coefficient is tested with the chosen device under test (DUT).
Hexagon Platinum Schottky Contact with ZnO Thin Film for Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: Mohd Azol Mas Elyza , Nayan Nafarizal , Hashim Uda , Kashif Muhammad , Shafiei Mahnaz , Ling Leow Pei , Arsat Rashidah
Published: January 2014

This paper reports on the study of the effect on adding total peripheries and sharp edges to the Schottky contact as a hydrogen sensor. Schottky contact was successfully designed and fabricated as hexagon-shape. The contact was integrated together with zinc oxide thin film and tested towards 1% hydrogen gas. Simulations of the design were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics to observe the electric field characteristic at the contact layer. The simulation results show higher electric field induced at sharp edges with 4.18×104 V/m. Current-voltage characteristic shows 0.27 V voltage shift at 40 µA biased current.
Review of Partial Discharge Signal Monitoring In Power Transformer Using Chromatic Approach
Authors: Yaacob M. M. , Alsaedi Malik Abdulrazzaq
Published: January 2014

In partial discharge (PD) phenomenon energy is emitted as electromagnetic emission, acoustic emission and chemical reactions as ozone formation and nitrous oxide gases. One of the continuous conditions monitoring process is done in high voltage equipments such as power transformer. This paper deals with a short review on PD detection methods regarding high-voltage equipments such as electrical detection, chemical detection, acoustic detection and optical detection. Also, new technique for PD signal monitoring in power transformer call as chromatic in the present. The chromatic approach shows the ability to quantifying information content of PD signal by chromatic parameters hue (H), saturation (S) and lightness (L), which can be related to characteristics of PD signal. The chromatic approach shows the ability to yielding new patterns, which monitoring indications of the discharges signals with high accurac and without noise.
Influence of Organo-Montmorillonite on Electrical Tree Parameters in Epoxy Resin Under Ac Ramp Voltage
Authors: Saad Mohd Hafiez Izzwan , Ahmad Mohd Hafizi , Arief Yanuar Z. , Ahmad Hussein , Mohamed Piah Mohamed Afendi
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the effects of nanofiller on electrical treeing growth in polymer nanocomposites. The polymer nanocomposite consists of epoxy resin as the base polymer and organo-montmorillonite as the nanofiller. The influence of this nanofiller on the electrical treeing breakdown resistance was investigated experimentally. The quantity of organo-montmorillonite were added in epoxy resin by ultrasonication method based on weight percentage (wt%). The weight percentages used in this experiment were 0 wt% and 1 wt%, respectively. All the samples were produced in the form of leaf-like specimens which were categorized into two parts: unfilled sample (0 wt%) and filled sample (1 wt%). Point-to-plane samples were subjected to 0.5 kVrms/s HVAC ramp voltage. The data of tree inception voltage and tree breakdown voltage were collected and comparative results were made and presented. The morphological analysis of epoxy nanocomposites were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Electrical tree parameters analysis has shown that the existence of organo-montmorillonite in epoxy resin could exhibit significant improvement of tree characteristics of epoxy resin nanocomposites as the nanofiller contributed to the increase of tree inception voltage and tree breakdown voltage.
Comparison Between Two Different Types of Microcontroller in Developing Optical Tomography Controller Unit
Authors: Abdul Shaib M. Fadzli , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , M. Muji Siti Zarina , Shima Naizatul , Zawahir Mohd Zikrillah
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the comparisons on the usage of different PIC microcontroller towards the development of optical tomography controller for fan beam projection. The advantage and disadvantage for each PIC towards the development of tomography sensors is discussed. The transmission and receiving conditioning circuit integrate with PIC is presented and explained. This paper is vital for further development of optical tomography system as a whole system.
Study of the Effect of Brightness After Penetration of Light from a Lens
Authors: Jumaah Mohd Fahajumi , Zawahir Mohd Zikrillah , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Mansor Muhammad Saiful Badri , Fadzil Naizatul Shima , Zakaria Zulkarnay , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul
Published: January 2014

There are many types of component that are able to produce light and the light is produced based on the angle and wavelength of the lens. Light penetration depends on the type of material used. The tests are done using basic electronic components which are able to produce light including the light emitting diode (LED), laser and infrared source. From the component, there are two types of light line, one with an angle and one without. It is known that the laser only produces a straight line light while the angle and thickness of light from both the LED, and infrared source increase with distance. The results show that the different types of light must use different types of lenses and they are suitable for use with all light properties.
ERT Visualization of Gas Dispersion Performance of Aerofoil and Radial Impellers in an Agitated Vessel
Authors: Takriff Mohd Sobri , Ahmad Azmi , Rosli Masli Irwan , Jantan Sadiah
Published: January 2014

The objective of this research work was to determine the gas dispersion performance of an aerofoil impeller and a standard Rushton turbine for gas–liquid mixing an agitated vessel via electrical resistance tomography (ERT) visualization. The experimental work was carried out in a fully baffled 400-mm-diameter agitated vessel that was fitted with four planes of 16 stainless steel electrodes connected to an ITS P2000 ERT system. Agitation was achieved by using a Lightnin Labmaster system mounted on the vessel. The ITS ERT system is equipped with a real-time data acquisition system that has the capability to capture images at up to 20 frames per second. The gas dispersion images were reconstructed using built-in image reconstruction software based on a modified linear back projection algorithm. A Matlab code was also developed to further analyse the gas dispersion by plotting a real-time surface plot from the ERT data. Various gas dispersion conditions such as flooded, transition, and dispersed were successfully visualized and characterized using the ERT technique, and over the range of the experimental works, the standard Rushton turbine was found to be a more efficient than the Lightnin A320 impeller.
Correlation Analysis on Urbanization Level and Labor Cost in China
Authors: Lisha Chen , Yifan Sun , Md Rasli Amran
Published: January 2014

In recent years, China labor costs continue to rise, especially in urban area, in the form of wage and welfare. There are lots of impact factors that influencing the rising of labor cost in China, while in this paper, we will mainly focus on the urbanization process of China, and correlation between urbanization and labor cost are discussed in details according to the data from 1989 to 2009. We found that both of the urbanization level and labor cost level have rising trends, the changes of the two have a positive correlation, and with the continuous improvement of urbanization level, labor costs will increase and speed up with the acceleration of urbanizing process.
Assessment of Supply Chain Strategies and Analysis on the Performance of Companies Deployed Strategy Using Activity Based Approach
Authors: Galankashi Masoud Rahiminezhad , Ziaei Farhad , Helmi Syed Ahmad , Baniani Ali Mohammad
Published: January 2014

Supply chain strategy aims to determine the benefit of operation, distribution, services and all activities an organization is using based on its specific strategy. With the high increasing rate of competitiveness in today’s markets, companies must know about their supply chain strategy to survive and win the market versus their competitors. Studies about supply chain strategies mainly focus on each supply chain strategy’s characteristic and the activities deployed by the company may be neglected in this condition. This study aims to determine companies’ supply chain strategy using an activity based approach aligned with its main categories which are lean, agile and leagile. It is critical for any company to know about the activities related to each supply chain strategy and also the level of conformance between the supply chain strategy and deployed activities. A hypothesis test is used to examine the level of conformance between supply chain strategy and deployed activities at the final part of this study.
Factors Influence Small Medium Enterprises in Penang Island Reluctant to Use e-Commerce : A Research Proposal
Authors: Lim Seng Chee , Baharudin Ahmad Suhaimi
Published: January 2014

The powerful of Internet has changed the world. The successful story from Amazon.com has encouraged some business owners to switch their business model to e-business model. In year 1997, Malaysia's government allocated some budget to setup Internet infrastructure and introduce Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) to public. The main objective is to transform current practice to service based platform, and to attract world class companies while grooming local Internet communication technologies (ICT) companies. Besides that, the government had put efforts to increase Internet user population such as taxes deduction for family who purchase computers, educate the public the importance of master Internet technologies. After a decade of implementation, the e-Commerce adoption response from the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) still do not reach the considerable level, based on Association Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Malaysia SME's survey it shows 28% of the respondents involve into e-Commerce activities. Small Medium Enterprises contribute 99.2% to Malaysia's economic. This study intends to find out the level of e-Commerce adoption among SMEs in Malaysia, and potential factors that hindrance to the e-Commerce adoption.
The Relationship between Rural Endowment Insurance and Rural Human Capital Investment : A Exploratory Study of hebei Province, P. R. China
Authors: Yifan Sun , Rasli Amran
Published: January 2014

In China, Elderly care of rural residents is a heavy burden for Chinese government. The inadequate of rural endowment insurance has resulted in the deficiency of education investment for the next generation, and in some poor families children even lost their chance of going to school. Therefore, it’s necessary to study the relation between rural endowment insurance and human capital. In 2009, a reform has begun. The contribution has been cut into 3 parts, rural residents only need to pay one third; the other 2 parts are paid by the government of the country and local village. 3 years past, this paper used regression analysis to see if the reform improved rural human capital investment, the result showed that there is no significant correlation. The government should do more work on publicity to let rural residents know the policy of new rural endowment insurance, to let them sure that they needn’t worry about their old age life quality.