bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Fermentative Hydrogen Production from Single and Mixed Fruit Wastes
Authors: Akinbomi Julius , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2015

The economic viability of employing dark fermentative hydrogen from whole fruit wastes as a green alternative to fossil fuels is limited by low hydrogen yield due to the inhibitory effect of some metabolites in the fermentation medium. In exploring means of increasing hydrogen production from fruit wastes, including orange, apple, banana, grape and melon, the present study assessed the hydrogen production potential of singly-fermented fruits as compared to the fermentation of mixed fruits. The fruit feedstock was subjected to varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs) in a continuous fermentation process at 55 °C for 47 days. The weight distributions of the first, second and third fruit mixtures were 70%, 50% and 20% orange share, respectively, while the residual weight was shared equally by the other fruits. The results indicated that there was an improvement in cumulative hydrogen yield from all of the feedstock when the HRT was five days. Based on the results obtained, apple as a single fruit and a fruit mixture with 20% orange share have the most improved cumulative hydrogen yields of 504 (29.5% of theoretical yield) and 513 mL/g volatile solid (VS) (30% of theoretical yield ), respectively, when compared to other fruits.
In Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy for Women with Primary Breast Cancer, What Factors Account for the Benefits? Insights from a Multiple Case Analysis
Authors: Rettger John , Wall Kathleen , Corwin Diana , Davidson Alexandra , Lukoff David , Koopman Cheryl
Published: May 2015

This study sought to understand the context in which Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT), a group intervention, promotes varying degrees of spiritual growth and quality of life change in breast cancer survivors. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between spiritual well-being (SWB) and Quality of Life (QL) in PSIT participants. A qualitative, multiple case analysis was undertaken to examine the experiences of two participants with the highest change scores on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale-Expanded Version (FACIT-Sp-Ex) and two participants with among the lowest change scores on this measure. The participant factors thought to contribute to SWB and QL changes included utilization of metacognitive psychological skills and spiritual/religious frameworks, while PSIT factors included application of PSIT core intervention components, cognitive restructuring, group dynamics, and the role of the facilitator. The nature and extent of participant use of spiritual practices appeared to shape the relationship between SWB and OL. The findings suggest directions for future research to investigate potential moderators and mediators of treatment efficacy of PSIT specifically, as well as other psycho-spiritual interventions for cancer survivors more generally.
Dog-Assisted Therapies and Activities in Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Physical and Mental Disabilities
Authors: Elmacı Dilek , Cevizci Sibel
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate dog-assisted therapies and activities in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities who have difficulties in benefiting from well-being and health-improving services. This descriptive-explanatory study was conducted in disabled children of various ages between 2008 and 2011 by an experienced team in a private training and rehabilitation center in Antalya (Turkey). In this study, five study groups were formed among the children with physical and mental disabilities. During the therapy studies, three dogs were used. For each therapy group, the goals for the children and therapist were defined, and the activities were determined according to these goals. The entire study process was followed using audio-records and photographs of patients. The expected targets were reached in all study groups. The children who experienced fear, anxiety and difficulties due to their disabilities in daily life learned to cope with their anxieties and fears, set goals and make plans to achieve their aims. During this study, the children improved their abilities to use their bodies according to their capabilities. Accordingly, they improved their ability to develop empathy between themselves and a therapy dog, to receive and present help, and to communicate. The results of the present study revealed that dog-assisted therapies and activities can be a supportive method for routine treatment procedures in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities.
Effect of Naturally Occurring Ozone Air Pollution Episodes on Pulmonary Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Pirozzi Cheryl , Sturrock Anne , Weng Hsin-Yi , Greene Tom , Scholand Mary , Kanner Richard , III Robert
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to determine if naturally occurring episodes of ozone air pollution in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, USA, during the summer are associated with increased pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress, increased respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to controls. We measured biomarkers (nitrite/nitrate (NOx), 8-isoprostane) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), spirometry, and respiratory symptoms in 11 former smokers with moderate-to-severe COPD and nine former smokers without airflow obstruction during periods of low and high ozone air pollution. High ozone levels were associated with increased NOx in EBC in both COPD (8.7 (±8.5) vs. 28.6 (±17.6) μmol/L on clean air vs. pollution days, respectively, p < 0.01) and control participants (7.6 (±16.5) vs. 28.5 (±15.6) μmol/L on clean air vs. pollution days, respectively, p = 0.02). There was no difference in pollution effect between COPD and control groups, and no difference in EBC 8-isoprostane, pulmonary function, or respiratory symptoms between clean air and pollution days in either group. Former smokers both with and without airflow obstruction developed airway oxidative stress and inflammation in association with ozone air pollution episodes.
One-Pot Exfoliation of Graphite and Synthesis of Nanographene/Dimesitylporphyrin Hybrids
Authors: Bernal M. , Pérez Emilio
Published: May 2015

A simple one-pot process to exfoliate graphite and synthesize nanographene-dimesitylporphyrin hybrids has been developed. Despite the bulky mesityl groups, which are expected to hinder the efficient π–π stacking between the porphyrin core and graphene, the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite is significantly favored by the presence of the porphyrins. Metallation of the porphyrin further enhances this effect. The resulting graphene/porphyrin hybrids were characterized by spectroscopy (UV-visible, fluorescence, and Raman) and microscopy (STEM, scanning transmission electron microscopy).
The Multi-Biomarker Approach for Heart Failure in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Gluba-Brzózka Anna , Michalska-Kasiczak Marta , Misztal Małgorzata , Rysz Jacek , Banach Maciej
Published: May 2015

We assessed the predictive ability of selected biomarkers using N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as the benchmark and tried to establish a multi-biomarker approach to heart failure (HF) in hypertensive patients. In 120 hypertensive patients with or without overt heart failure, the incremental predictive value of the following biomarkers was investigated: Collagen III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), cystatin C (CysC), lipocalin-2/NGAL, syndecan-4, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 receptor type I (IL1R1), galectin-3, cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The highest discriminative value for HF was observed for NT-proBNP (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.873) and TGF-β (AUC = 0.878). On the basis of ROC curve analysis we found that CT-1 > 152 pg/mL, TGF-β < 7.7 ng/mL, syndecan > 2.3 ng/mL, NT-proBNP > 332.5 pg/mL, CysC > 1 mg/L and NGAL > 39.9 ng/mL were significant predictors of overt HF. There was only a small improvement in predictive ability of the multi-biomarker panel including the four biomarkers with the best performance in the detection of HF—NT-proBNP, TGF-β, CT-1, CysC—compared to the panel with NT-proBNP, TGF-β and CT-1 only. Biomarkers with different pathophysiological backgrounds (NT-proBNP, TGF-β, CT-1, CysC) give additive prognostic value for incident HF in hypertensive patients compared to NT-proBNP alone.
Ultrasound Assessment of Carotid Plaque Echogenicity Response to Statin Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ibrahimi Pranvera , Jashari Fisnik , Bajraktari Gani , Wester Per , Henein Michael
Published: May 2015

Objective: To evaluate in a systematic review and meta-analysis model the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity assessed by ultrasound. Methods: We have systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to April, 2015, for studies evaluating the effect of statins on plaque echogenicity. Two researchers independently determined the eligibility of studies evaluating the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity that used ultrasound and grey scale median (GSM) or integrated back scatter (IBS). Results: Nine out of 580 identified studies including 566 patients’ carotid artery data were meta-analyzed for a mean follow up of 7.2 months. A consistent increase in the echogenicity of carotid artery plaques, after statin therapy, was reported. Pooled weighted mean difference % (WMD) on plaque echogenicity after statin therapy was 29% (95% CI 22%–36%), p < 0.001, I2 = 92.1%. In a meta-regression analysis using % mean changes of LDL, HDL and hsCRP as moderators, it was shown that the effects of statins on plaque echogenicity were related to changes in hsCRP, but not to LDL and HDL changes from the baseline. The effect of statins on the plaque was progressive; it showed significance after the first month of treatment, and the echogenicity continued to increase in the following six and 12 months. Conclusions: Statin therapy is associated with a favorable increase of carotid plaque echogenicity. This effect seems to be dependent on the period of treatment and hsCRP change from the baseline, independent of changes in LDL and HDL.
Design of 340 GHz 2× and 4× Sub-Harmonic Mixers Using Schottky Barrier Diodes in Silicon-Based Technology
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Qiang , Li Yihu , Li Xiang , Liu Haitao , Xiong Yong-Zhong
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the design of terahertz 2× and 4× sub-harmonic down-mixers using Schottky Barrier Diodes fabricated in standard 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The 340 GHz sub-harmonic mixers (SHMs) are designed based on anti-parallel-diode-pairs (APDPs). With the 2nd and 4th harmonic, local oscillator (LO) frequencies of 170 GHz and 85 GHz are used to pump the two 340 GHz SHMs. With LO power of 7 dBm, the 2× SHM exhibits a conversion loss of 34.5–37 dB in the lower band (320–340 GHz) and 35.5–41 dB in the upper band (340–360 GHz); with LO power of 9 dBm, the 4× SHM exhibits a conversion loss of 39–43 dB in the lower band (320–340 GHz) and 40–48 dB in the upper band (340–360 GHz). The measured input 1-dB conversion gain compression point for the 2× and 4× SHMs are −8 dBm and −10 dBm at 325 GHz, respectively. The simulated LO-IF (intermediate frequency) isolation of the 2× SHM is 21.5 dB, and the measured LO-IF isolation of the 4× SHM is 32 dB. The chip areas of the 2× and 4× SHMs are 330 μm × 580 μm and 550 μm × 610 μm, respectively, including the testing pads.
Isoindolinones as Michael Donors under Phase Transfer Catalysis: Enantioselective Synthesis of Phthalimidines Containing a Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenter
Authors: Scorzelli Francesco , Di Mola Antonia , Palombi Laura , Massa Antonio
Published: May 2015

Readily available chiral ammonium salts derived from cinchona alkaloids have proven to be effective phase transfer catalysts in the asymmetric Michael reaction of 3-substituted isoindolinones. This protocol provides a convenient method for the construction of valuable asymmetric 3,3-disubstituted isoindolinones in high yields and moderate to good enantioselectivity. Diastereoselectivity was also investigated in the construction of contiguous tertiary and quaternary stereocenters. The use of acrolein as Michael acceptor led to an interesting tricyclic derivative, a pyrroloisoindolinone analogue, via a tandem conjugated addition/cyclization reaction.
Modeling the Dispersibility of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Organic Solvents by Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Approach
Authors: Yilmaz Hayriye , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: May 2015

The knowledge of physico-chemical properties of carbon nanotubes, including behavior in organic solvents is very important for design, manufacturing and utilizing of their counterparts with improved properties. In the present study a quantitative structure-activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR) approach was applied to predict the dispersibility of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in various organic solvents. A number of additive descriptors and quantum-chemical descriptors were calculated and utilized to build QSAR models. The best predictability is shown by a 4-variable model. The model showed statistically good results (R2training = 0.797, Q2 = 0.665, R2test = 0.807), with high internal and external correlation coefficients. Presence of the X0Av descriptor and its negative term suggest that small size solvents have better SWCNTs solubility. Mass weighted descriptor ATS6m also indicates that heavier solvents (and small in size) most probably are better solvents for SWCNTs. The presence of the Dipole Z descriptor indicates that higher polarizability of the solvent molecule increases the solubility. The developed model and contributed descriptors can help to understand the mechanism of the dispersion process and predictorganic solvents that improve the dispersibility of SWNTs.
Free-Base Carboxyphenyl Porphyrin Films Using a TiO2 Columnar Matrix: Characterization and Application as NO2 Sensors
Authors: Roales Javier , Pedrosa José , Guillén María , Lopes-Costa Tânia , Castillero Pedro , Barranco Angel , González-Elipe Agustín
Published: May 2015

The anchoring effect on free-base carboxyphenyl porphyrin films using TiO2 microstructured columns as a host matrix and its influence on NO2 sensing have been studied in this work. Three porphyrins have been used: 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)10,15,20-triphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrin (MCTPP); 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphyrin (p-TCPP); and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-carboxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphyrin (m-TCPP). The analysis of UV-Vis spectra of MCTPP/TiO2, p-TCPP/TiO2 and m-TCPP/TiO2 composite films has revealed that m-TCPP/TiO2 films are the most stable, showing less aggregation than the other porphyrins. IR spectroscopy has shown that m-TCPP is bound to TiO2 through its four carboxylic acid groups, while p-TCPP is anchored by only one or two of these groups. MCTPP can only be bound by one carboxylic acid. Consequently, the binding of p-TCPP and MCTPP to the substrate allows them to form aggregates, whereas the more fixed anchoring of m-TCPP reduces this effect. The exposure of MCTPP/TiO2, p-TCPP/TiO2 and m-TCPP/TiO2 films to NO2 has resulted in important changes in their UV-Vis spectra, revealing good sensing capabilities in all cases. The improved stability of films made with m-TCPP suggests this molecule as the best candidate among our set of porphyrins for the fabrication of NO2 sensors. Moreover, their concentration-dependent responses upon exposure to low concentrations of NO2 confirm the potential of m-TCPP as a NO2 sensor.
The Influence of a Eutrophic Lake to the River Downstream: Spatiotemporal Algal Composition Changes and the Driving Factors
Authors: Yu Qian , Chen Yongcan , Liu Zhaowei , De Giesen Nick , Zhu Dejun
Published: May 2015

Algal blooms have been frequently found at the upper reaches of the Tanglang River, which is downstream from the eutrophic Dianchi Lake. The eutrophic lake upstream is considered to be a potential source of phytoplankton, which contributes to the development of harmful algal blooms in the river downstream and can cause many serious problems for the river ecology. However, few studies focused on these kinds of rivers. Therefore, a field observation and laboratory analysis were conducted in this study. The results showed that the Tanglang River was obviously spatially heterogeneous due to the eutrophic Dianchi Lake upstream. The toxic Microcystis from the Dianchi Lake dominated the phytoplankton at the upper reaches, but these were gradually, rather than immediately, replaced by centric diatoms and chlorococalean green algae in the middle and lower reaches. The results of correlation analysis indicated that the changes in hydrodynamic conditions and underwater light intensity accounted for the spatial variations. The differences in the adaptability of different algae to changing aquatic environments explained the spatial variations of phytoplankton abundance. The dominant algae, most of which was from the Dianchi Lake upstream, determined the characteristics of the total abundance at the Tanglang River.
Sur la place du singulier dans la connaissance
Authors: Bouleau Nicolas
Published: May 2015

RÉSUMÉ Alors que les épistémologues du xx e  siècle se sont posé sous diverses formes la question de savoir si une théorie résiste à l’épreuve des faits ou doit être abandonnée pour une autre, nous nous trouvons de plus en plus, sans doute à cause de l’informatique, dans la situation inverse, où nous disposons d’un grand nombre de données mais manquons d’une théorie pour les comprendre. C’est ce nouveau travail interprétatif que nous étudions ici et dont nous soulignons l’importance pour la prise en compte des éventualités et des menaces. Il s’agit d’une nouvelle forme de travail scientifique qui s’écarte du sillage positiviste fondé sur la découverte de lois.
De la Catastrophe considérée comme un des Beaux-Arts
Authors: Ferrier Michaël
Published: May 2015

RÉSUMÉ Le thème de la catastrophe est aujourd’hui omniprésent, que ce soit dans les domaines économique, politique, écologique ou technologique, ou dans les pratiques artistiques. L’usage généralisé du mot, son caractère protéiforme et la confusion de plus en plus grande qui le caractérise invitent à s’interroger sur ce qui est en jeu dans son extension actuelle. À partir d’exemples concrets puisés dans l’art japonais, notamment certaines œuvres issues du tout récent désastre de Fukushima, on questionnera cette notion en la mettant en relation avec l’apparition de « nouveaux régimes de la catastrophe » (les « catastrophes furtives ») et ce qu’on pourrait nommer une « fuite de la représentation », faisant du geste artistique à l’époque de Fukushima l’expérience d’une négativité incommensurable autant que le lieu possible d’une libération.
Les mots et les maux de l’environnement
Authors: Bourg Dominique
Published: May 2015

RÉSUMÉ Ce texte dénonce en matière environnementale l’emploi récurrent d’un lexique inadéquat, recourant à des euphémismes. Sont analysés l’expression « crise » écologique, l’usage du mot « risques » pour désigner les dommages susceptibles de découler du changement global en cours, et le terme « pollutions ». Sont ensuite étudiées les conditions d’un bon usage du terme « catastrophe » eu égard à ce qu’on appelle l’anthropocène.
Loin du front, la folie ? Les civils internés à l’asile durant la Grande guerre
Authors: Tison Stéphane
Published: May 2015

Angoisses pour le sort des proches, deuils de guerre, crainte des combats : la Grande Guerre, par sa durée et l’implication de l’ensemble de la population française a suscité bien des troubles psychiques chez les civils. Toutefois, les aliénistes sont restés silencieux sur ces phénomènes. La plupart pensent comme leurs prédécesseurs du siècle précédent, que la guerre a tendance à suspendre les maladies mentales et que ces troubles s’inscrivent dans la biologie et l’hérédité. L’étude des statistiques réalisées par les directeurs d’asile montre une baisse de la population asilaire due à la réduction des séjours et à l’expérimentation de services ouverts. La guerre ne bouleverse pas la pensée médicale pour les civils mais diffuse progressivement la conception de l’assistance pour les « petits mentaux », en médicalisant angoisses et troubles mineurs qui n’étaient pas pris en compte avant guerre.
Derechos no reconocidos, leyes inexistentes. La invisibilidad de las madres extranjeras adolescentes: un desafío para el Trabajo Social en España
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez Pablo , Vázquez-Aguado Octavio , Fernández-Borrero Manuela
Published: May 2015

El presente trabajo aborda la realidad de la maternidad adolescente en menores extranjeras en España. La importancia del mismo no reside en su dimensión cuantitativa sino en las repercusiones que tiene para un número creciente de niñas que desarrollan su maternidad a edades muy tempranas. De este modo, tras analizar los factores condicionantes de este tipo de embarazos, se exponen las características del fenómeno en nuestro país poniendo de manifiesto las incongruencias existentes entre esta realidad y el marco normativo. Para el análisis de las políticas de protección nos ceñiremos a Andalucía como demarcación territorial. Finalmente, se analizan las posibilidades de intervención del Trabajo Social orientado al apoyo de las madres jóvenes con el objetivo de superar las desventajas a las que se enfrentan.
A Web-Based Knowledge Hub for Special and Inclusive Education
Authors: Benigno Vincenza , Capuano Nicola , Mangione Giuseppina Rita
Published: May 2015

The need of a common environment where to share information and knowledge is of particular interest in the field of special education not only to support the access to a large amount of available information (along with the ability to derive value from this information) but also to foster synergistic actions involving different special education operators. In this paper we present the results of a research aimed at defining a Web-based environment for special edu-cation providing, to operators of the field, personalized in-formation and digital assets covering both their expressed and latent information needs. Offered personalization features are based on the definition and the implementation of a hybrid recommender system based on a mix of cognitive and collaborative approaches, the first based on the similarities among digital objects, the latter leveraging on similarities among user profiles. By combining these two approaches the system is able to provide meaningful but not obvious recommendations with a fair level of serendipity. The encouraging results of an experimentation with real users are also reported.
Ontology-driven Generation of Training Paths in the Legal Domain
Authors: Capuano Nicola , Longhi Andrea , Salerno Saverio , Toti Daniele
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a methodology for helping citizens obtain guidance and training when submitting a natural language description of a legal case they are interested in. This is done via an automatic mechanism, which firstly extracts relevant legal concepts from the given textual description, by relying upon an underlying legal ontology built for such a purpose and an enrichment process based on common-sense knowledge. Then, it proceeds to generate a training path meant to provide citizens with a better understanding of the legal issues arising from the given case, with corresponding links to relevant laws and jurisprudence retrieved from an external legal repository. This work de-scribes the creation of the underlying legal ontology from existing sources and the ontology integration algorithm used for its production; besides, it details the generation of the training paths and reports the results of the preliminary experimentation that has been carried out so far. This methodology has been implemented in an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system that is part of an Italian initiative for assisted legal mediation.
Measuring the Reading Abilities of Dyslexic Children through a Visual Game
Authors: Ludovico Luca Andrea , Di Tore Pio Alfredo , Mangione Giuseppina Rita , Di Tore Stefano , Corona Felice
Published: May 2015

In modern society about 10% of children suffer from a neuro-developmental disorder called dyslexia, which implies difficulties in learning to read. According to recent research, playing action videogames can be a valid teaching tool to improve the reading skills of dyslexic children through forms of engagement and interaction. This paper describes the design, implementation, validation and experimentation of an educational action game oriented to promote phonological and visuo-spatial attention training in dyslexic subjects aged between 7 and 9.
Quelle transition numérique pour les étudiants internationaux ?
Authors: Guichon Nicolas
Published: May 2015

Cet article fait état d'une recherche qui investigue de quelle façon une catégorie d'étudiants, celle des étudiants internationaux non francophones de niveau avancé, intègre ou non les outils numériques dans ses pratiques sociales et académiques. En s'appuyant sur deux concepts – les littératies numériques et l'intercontextualité – un état des lieux des recherches concernant les usages numériques des étudiants en contexte universitaire est conduit avec un examen des méthodologies utilisées et des questions de recherche récurrentes. Puis, dans une perspective sociocritique des usages numériques en éducation, sont examinées les pratiques rapportées d'un échantillon d'étudiants internationaux afin d'en saisir la nature et l'empan, et de déterminer le potentiel des outils numériques pour leur perfectionnement langagier et académique. Il s'agit en somme d'étudier (1) comment ces nouveaux usages s'inscrivent dans le contexte socio-historique d'une université en proie à la technologisation et soumise à de nouveaux défis organisationnels et pédagogiques et (2) de quelles façons les étudiants internationaux négocient la transition numérique.
A paisagem na ruralidade brasileira: considerações teórico-metodológicas para uma pesquisa multidisciplinar aplicada
Authors: Ribeiro Claudia , Forno Marlise Amália Reinehr Dal , Miguel Lovois de Andrade
Published: May 2015

A paisagem é uma das possíveis categorias de pensamento a ser empregada como via de entendimento da complexa e multifacetada ruralidade brasileira contemporânea. Este artigo expõe e discute os principais conceitos e métodos adotados em pesquisa multidisciplinar compreendida neste recorte. A questão norteadora é se a paisagem - enquanto um processo dinâmico e conectado às atividades agrárias – seria reconhecida por esta população rural. Adicionalmente, procura-se saber se essa paisagem poderia também ser entendida como um bem de uso comum no lugar. Vila Seca e Criúva constituem a área empírica de estudo, distritos rurais de Caxias do Sul, cidade localizada no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no extremo sul do Brasil. Situações de conflito socioambiental entre as atividades agrícolas familiares e as práticas urbanas motivam esta pesquisa. Os resultados são sucintamente anunciados, frutos de uma abordagem etnográfica com observação participante. O trabalho de campo acompanhou o ciclo da Festa do Divino Espírito Santo, com categorias de atenção definidas pelo estudo dos sistemas agrários e a utilização de critérios empíricos para a detecção da noção de paisagem.
Social Exclusion and Poverty
Authors: Günaydin Davuthan , Cavlak Hakan , Cavlak Neslihan
Published: May 2015

In this chapter The EU's 2020 Objectives concerning social exclusion and poverty and Turkey's vision on social exclusion and poverty based on tenth development plan and Justice and Development Party's 2023 vision is dealt. The EU has developed a growth strategy named “EU 2020” in 2010. The objective concerning social exclusion and poverty of this strategy is to rescue as much EU citizens as possible from social exclusion and poverty and decreasing the number of EU citizens who live under poverty line by 20%. Although Turkey is not officially obliged to follow goals stated in EU 2020 objectives, it is integral for Turkey to pursue those principles in order to be harmony with the EU and reach her final aim of being a member of the EU.
Financial Well-Being among Young Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Sabri Mohamad Fazli , Zakaria Nurul Farhana
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study is to identify the levels of financial literacy, money attitude, self-esteem, financial capability and financial well-being of young employees, to explore the differences in financial well-being based on demographic characteristics of young employees and to identify the determinants of financial well-being among young employees. The sample consists of 508 of young employees aged 40 and under in central zone of Malaysia, which selected through multi stage sampling technique. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Financial literacy, domains in money attitude and financial capability had significant influence toward financial well-being whereby financial capability become a major contributing factor to the financial well-being. By understanding more about the determinants of financial well-being, it is hoped to help young employees to become financial prudence and in the long-run could decrease the number of young employees declared bankruptcy.
Determinants of Financial Management Behaviors of Families
Authors: Gunay Gulay , Boylu Ayfer Aydiner , Oğuz Ahmet
Published: May 2015

Today's family income management is a central resource for welfare of family members. This study was performed to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Financial Management Behavior Scale (FMBS) developed by Dew and Xiao (2011) to measure individual's saving, investment, and expenditure and debt behavior in family. It also examines the predictors of financial management behavior in family. The study was concluded over a total of 696 participants who are working at Government Office in Bursa-Turkey. The results of the factor analysis were composed of four subscales in accordance with original form of the scale. Reliability analysis showed that the FMBS had a high internal consistency (CronbachAlpha: .82; Split-half: .83) and split half reliability coefficient. The result of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that demographic characteristics, saving and investment decision, financial satisfaction and compared financial status were predicted of financial management behavior.
Overconfident CEO Appointments
Authors: Yilmaz Neslihan
Published: May 2015

This chapter analyzes the determinants of overconfident CEO appointments and the effect these appointments on competitor stock performance during managerial turnover within the firm. It also analyzes the turnovers that take place in S&P 500 firms and find that an overconfident successor appointed to the firm pertains to a significant positive impact on competitor's stock price. The author also finds that when the outgoing CEO is overconfident it is more likely for the firm to have an overconfident successor.
Generation of TCR-Engineered T Cells and Their Use To Control the Performance of T Cell Assays
Authors: Bidmon Nicole , Attig Sebastian , Rae Richard , Schröder Helene , Omokoko Tana A. , Simon Petra , Kuhn Andreas N. , Kreiter Sebastian , Sahin Ugur , Gouttefangeas Cécile , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Britten Cedrik M.
Published: May 2015

The systematic assessment of the human immune system bears huge potential to guide rational development of novel immunotherapies and clinical decision making. Multiple assays to monitor the quantity, phenotype, and function of Ag-specific T cells are commonly used to unravel patients’ immune signatures in various disease settings and during therapeutic interventions. When compared with tests measuring soluble analytes, cellular immune assays have a higher variation, which is a major technical factor limiting their broad adoption in clinical immunology. The key solution may arise from continuous control of assay performance using TCR-engineered reference samples. We developed a simple, stable, robust, and scalable technology to generate reference samples that contain defined numbers of functional Ag-specific T cells. First, we show that RNA-engineered lymphocytes, equipped with selected TCRs, can repetitively deliver functional readouts of a controlled size across multiple assay platforms. We further describe a concept for the application of TCR-engineered reference samples to keep assay performance within or across institutions under tight control. Finally, we provide evidence that these novel control reagents can sensitively detect assay variation resulting from typical sources of error, such as low cell quality, loss of reagent stability, suboptimal hardware settings, or inaccurate gating.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 1 Participates in Macrophage Polarization via Regulating Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Tan Zheng , Xie Na , Cui Huachun , Moellering Douglas R. , Abraham Edward , Thannickal Victor J. , Liu Gang
Published: May 2015

The M1 and M2 polarized phenotypes dictate distinctive roles for macrophages as they participate in inflammatory disorders. There has been growing interest in the role of cellular metabolism in macrophage polarization. However, it is currently unclear whether different aspects of a specific metabolic program coordinately regulate this cellular process. In this study, we found that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), a key regulatory enzyme in glucose metabolism, plays an important role in the differential activation of macrophages. Knockdown of PDK1 diminished M1, whereas it enhanced M2 activation of macrophages. Mechanistically, PDK1 knockdown led to diminished aerobic glycolysis in M1 macrophages, which likely accounts for the attenuated inflammatory response in these cells. Furthermore, we found that mitochondrial respiration is enhanced during and required by the early activation of M2 macrophages. Suppression of glucose oxidation, but not that of fatty acids, inhibits this process. Consistent with its inhibitory role in early M2 activation, knockdown of PDK1 enhanced mitochondrial respiration in macrophages. Our data suggest that two arms of the glucose metabolism synergistically regulate the differential activation of macrophages. Our findings also highlight the central role of PDK1 in this event via controlling glycolysis and glucose oxidation.
Endogenous Repair Signaling after Brain Injury and Complementary Bioengineering Approaches to Enhance Neural Regeneration
Authors: Addington Caroline P. , Roussas Adam , Dutta Dipankar , Stabenfeldt Sarah E.
Published: May 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 5.3 million Americans annually. Despite the many long-term deficits associated with TBI, there currently are no clinically available therapies that directly address the underlying pathologies contributing to these deficits. Preclinical studies have investigated various therapeutic approaches for TBI: two such approaches are stem cell transplantation and delivery of bioactive factors to mitigate the biochemical insult affiliated with TBI. However, success with either of these approaches has been limited largely due to the complexity of the injury microenvironment. As such, this review outlines the many factors of the injury microenvironment that mediate endogenous neural regeneration after TBI and the corresponding bioengineering approaches that harness these inherent signaling mechanisms to further amplify regenerative efforts.
Cervical Osteomyelitis with Thoracic Myelitis and Meningitis in a Diabetic Patient
Authors: Ohnishi Yu-ichiro , Iwatsuki Koichi , Ishida Shiromaru , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: May 2015

A 45-year-old man with a history of untreated diabetes mellitus had a persisting fever, back pain, and diarrhea. The primary care physician diagnosed the patient with the flu and gastroenteritis. The patient developed paraplegia for two weeks and was admitted to another hospital. The physician in this hospital suspected infectious meningitis and myelitis, and administered piperacillin and steroids without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. On referral to our hospital, he presented a high fever and complete paraplegia. The lumbar puncture revealed a yellowish CSF, polynucleosis, and hypoglycorrhachia. Bacteria were not detected on Gram's staining and were not confirmed by CSF culture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no thoracolumbar lesion and suggested a cervical epidural abscess without any spinal cord compression. He was diagnosed as having osteomyelitis with meningitis and thoracic myelitis. The infection subsided with broadspectrum antibiotics. After two weeks, bilateral sensorimotor disturbances of the upper extremities appeared. MRI findings showed the epidural abscess compressing the cervical spinal cord. We performed debridement of the epidural abscess. The infection was clinically controlled by using another antibiotic. One month after the infection subsided, a 360° reconstruction was performed. In this case, the misdiagnosis and the absence of CSF examination and culture to detect the pathogenic bacteria at an earlier stage in the patient's disease course might have led to the exacerbation of the pathology.
Using Machine Learning to Estimate Global PM2.5 for Environmental Health Studies
Authors: Lary D. J. , Lary T. , Sattler B.
Published: May 2015

With the increasing awareness of health impacts of particulate matter, there is a growing need to comprehend the spatial and temporal variations of the global abundance of ground-level airborne particulate matter (PM2.5). Here we use a suite of remote sensing and meteorological data products together with ground based observations of PM2.5 from 8,329 measurement sites in 55 countries taken between 1997 and 2014 to train a machine learning algorithm to estimate the daily distributions of PM2.5 from 1997 to the present. We demonstrate that the new PM2.5 data product can reliably represent global observations of PM2.5 for epidemiological studies. An analysis of Baltimore schizophrenia emergency room admissions is presented in terms of the levels of ambient pollution. PM2.5 appears to have an impact on some aspects of mental health.
Rotavirus Group A Genotypes Detected Through Diarrheal Disease Surveillance in Haiti, 2012
Authors: Esona Mathew D. , Buteau Josiane , Lucien Mentor Ali Ber , Joseph Gerard A. , Leshem Eyal , Boncy Jacques , Katz Mark A. , Bowen Michael D. , Balajee S. Arunmozhi
Published: May 2015

Samples collected in 2012 through diarrheal disease surveillance in Haiti were tested for rotavirus by enzyme immunoassay and real time RT-PCR and positive samples were genotyped. The predominant genotypes were G1P[8] (29% prevalence) and G9P[8] (21%). The observed genotype prevalence was similar to that reported previously for other Caribbean countries.
Comparison of Fluorescence Microscopy and Different Growth Media Culture Methods for Acanthamoeba Keratitis Diagnosis
Authors: Peretz Avi , Geffen Yuval , Socea Soergiu D. , Pastukh Nina , Graffi Shmuel
Published: May 2015

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a potentially blinding infection of the cornea, is caused by a free-living protozoan. Culture and microscopic examination of corneal scraping tissue material is the conventional method for identifying Acanthamoeba. In this article, we compared several methods for AK diagnosis of 32 patients: microscopic examination using fluorescent dye, specific culture on growth media—non-nutrient agar (NNA), culture on liquid growth media—peptone yeast glucose (PYG), and TYI-S-33. AK was found in 14 patients. Thirteen of the specimens were found AK positive by fluorescence microscopic examination, 11 specimens were found AK positive on PYG growth media, and 9 specimens were found AK positive on TYI-S-33 growth media. Only five specimens were found AK positive on NNA growth media. Therefore, we recommend using fluorescence microscopy technique and culture method, especially PYG liquid media.
Redefining the Boundaries of Historical Writing and Historical Imagination in Carolyn Steedman’s Master and Servant: Love and Labour in the English Industrial Age
Authors: Mulalić Lejla
Published: May 2015

One of the dominant features of the late 20th and early 21st century academic debates on the nature of history is a curious form of radicalism both in the ranks of defenders of traditional approaches to history/historiography and eloquent champions of postmodern theories. These debates will provide the context for my reading of Steedman’s Master and Servant, which probes disciplinary boundaries of history and fiction in order to explore the unhistoricised ways of love and labour in 18th century industrial Yorkshire. As Steedman inhabits the position of both a professional historian, with all the ideological implications of that position, and Nelly Dean, a servant and narrator in Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, this paper will consider her approach to historical imagination in the light of deconstructionist genre of historical writing.
Changing Trends in the Use of Translation Resources: The Case of Trainee Translators in Slovenia
Authors: Hirci Nataša
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the changes detected in the utilization of translation resources1 by trainee translators working with the Slovene–English language pair in Slovenia. To test the assumption that rapid advances in information and communication technologies have made a significant impact on translation practice, a study involving two generations of translation students in Ljubljana was designed to examine whether their practice of using translation aids has changed over a certain period of time. This population will soon have to compete with their professional counterparts; it is therefore crucial they are fully equipped not only with the necessary translation knowledge, but also that they are skilled in advanced translation aids, as this will cater for the demands of the modern translation market where an efficient use of translation resources appears to be vital for successful intercultural communication. The results of the study indicate some changes can be detected even within a short period of time.
Corpus–Based Lexicographical Descriptions with a Special Focus on Pragmatics: The Case of the Slovene Lexical Database
Authors: Šorli Mojca
Published: May 2015

The present paper focuses on ways in which the pragmatic (functional) meaning that arises from various contextual features, known in corpus linguistics as semantic prosody, can become an integral part of lexicographical descriptions as they are represented in the Slovene Lexical Database (SLD). This is particularly important for the treatment of phraseology and idiomatics. First, the theoretical background is provided, with the focus on the prototype theory and its practical implications for monolingual lexicography. A parallel is drawn with the model of meaning analysis in the SLD. The second part begins with a brief introduction to semantic prosody and continues with an analysis of monolingual meaning descriptions in the SLD against a number of authentic corpus examples, investigating how their pragmatic components have been identified. The analysis of corpus data shows that pragmatics is an important contributor to the process of sense discrimination in works of lexical and lexicographic relevance.
Indigenous Australian Texts in European English Departments: A Fence, a Bridge and a Country as an Answer to the Debate over Multiculturalism
Authors: Polak Iva
Published: May 2015

Though non-canonical Anglophone courses in the curriculum of European English departments are no longer seen as oddity, they are often regarded as “marginal” in comparison to the British and American canon. However, courses focusing on the cultural output of postcolonial voices, moreover of the most marginal of postcolonial voices, do not only challenge the extent to which we have managed to shift from Eurocentrism in literary theory, but also reveal the complexities of the current cultural trends, such as the frequently evoked policy of multiculturalism. The paper argues that courses which include texts by Indigenous Australian authors reveal the story of survival in a country that is literally multicultural, and stress the importance of one’s own place of utterance, which is as local as it is global. The above issues are exemplified by the works of the famous Aboriginal writers Doris Pilkington/Nugi Garimara (Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence, 1996), John Muk Muk Burke (Bridge of Triangles, 1994) and Alexis Wright (Carpentaria, 2006).
The Function of Language in Characterization: Dialectal Speech in the Animated Film Chicken Little
Authors: Cupar Tina , Valh Lopert Alenka
Published: May 2015

The article discusses the use of language varieties by the main character in the animated film Chicken Little in English and Slovene. Both versions of the film are dubbed by professional actors and are aimed at a young target audience, children. The main intention of the article is to analyze the characteristics of Chicken Little’s speech in both languages, to compare the differences in the use of language varieties, and to evaluate the consequences of shifts in language use on the character and the story in the target language. The analysis is based on a transcript of the speech and enables comparison on four different levels: phonetics, morphology, syntax and vocabulary. The main focus is on the analysis of speech in the target language: Maribor regional colloquial language, with influence from the dialectal speech of Ruše. The main conditions influencing the use of certain language varieties are taken into consideration: the characteristics of the dubbing process, specifics of the target audience, and prevailing norms related to the use of language on television.
Extending Binary Collocations: (Lexicographical) Implications of Going beyond the Prototypical a – b
Authors: Gabrovšek Dušan
Published: May 2015

The paper focuses primarily on the Sinclairian concept of extended units of meaning in general and on extended collocations in particular, investigating their nature and types. Such extended units are extremely varied and diverse; they are regarded as instances of the functioning of the coselection principle. Some extended forms are used far more commonly that the corresponding prototypical (binary) sequences. The final section delves into the ABCs of extended collocations in the context of lexicography, suggesting that dictionaries should make an effort to include a selection of such strings, especially for encoding tasks that are to be shown as examples of use. Most dictionaries incorporate very few such “loose” units, probably because of a powerful tradition to include as examples of use chiefly binary collocations and full sentences.
Trans-Colonial Collaboration and Slave Narrative: Mary Prince Revisited
Authors: Gadpaille Michelle
Published: May 2015

In 1831 in London, two formidable women met: Mary Prince, an ex-slave from Bermuda, who had crossed the Atlantic to a qualified freedom, and Susanna Strickland, an English writer. The narrative that emerged from this meeting was The History of Mary Prince, which played a role in the fight for slave emancipation in the British Empire. Prince disappeared once the battle was won, while Strickland emigrated to Upper Canada and, as Susanna Moodie, became an often quoted 19th century Canadian writer. Prince dictated, Strickland copied, and the whole was lightly edited by Thomas Pringle, the anti-slavery publisher at whose house the meeting took place.This is the standard account. In contesting this version, the paper aims to reinstate Moodie as co-creator of the collaborative Mary Prince text by considering multiple accounts of the meeting with Prince and to place the work in the context of Moodie’s pre- and post-emigration oeuvre on both sides of the Atlantic.