bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recursos frutícolas na Várzea e na terra firme em onze comunidades rurais do alto Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: CLEMENT Charles R. , NODA Hiroshi , NODA Sandra do N. , MARTINS Ayrton L. Urizzi , da SILVA Gleissimar Campelo
Published: June 2015

A região do Alto Solimões é muito rica em recursos genéticos agrícolas, especialmente frutícolas, mas estes recursos contribuem principalmente para a subsistência em lugar de ter um papel mais amplo no desenvolvimento regional. Um levantamento qualitativo preliminar das espécies frutícolas nativas e exóticas foi executado em 11 comunidades rurais (8 caboclas, 3 Ticunas) nos ecossistemas principais (várzea, terra firme). Observou-se 37 fruteiras nativas em 20 famílias e 10 fruteiras exóticas em 9 famílias; das nativas, 9 foram raras (observadas em 1 ou 2 comunidades) e 3 foram comuns (observadas em 10 ou 11 comunidades); das exóticas, 2 foram raras e as bananas foram encontradas em todas as comunidades, sendo a fruteira mais importante na subsistência e na comercialização. As comunidades com mais acesso imediato à várzea e à terra firme tiveram mais espécies (22,5±6,6 nativas e 6,5±2,2 exóticas), que comunidades com acesso apenas à terra firme (19,0±2,2 nativas e 5,3±0,5 exóticas), que por sua vez tiveram mais espécies que comunidades com acesso apenas à várzea (5±2 nativas e 1,5±0,9 exóticas).
Sistemática de Rhabdepyris Kieffer (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) Amazônicos com antenas pectinadas
Authors: MAGESKY Adriano da S. , AZEVEDO Celso Oliveira
Published: June 2015

São descritas e ilustradas Rhabdepyris opistolatus sp. nov., R. longimerus sp. nov., R. pleurorrectus sp. nov., R. latimerus sp. nov. e R. pectinatus sp. nov. com antenas pectinadas da floresta amazônica brasileira.
Características Morfológicas e Bioquímicas do pólen coletado por cinco espécies de Meliponíneos da Amazônia Central
Authors: MARQUES-SOUZA Antonio Carlos , MIRANDA Ires Paula de Andrade , MOURA Cleonice de Oliveira , RABELO Afonso , BARBOSA Edelcílio Marques
Published: June 2015

Durante um ano, o pólen transportado por Melipona compressipes manaosensis, Melipona seminigra merrillae, Melipona seminigra seminigra, Frieseomelitta sp. e Scaptotrigona sp. foi coletado diretamente das corbículas das operárias. Feita a identificação dos grãos de pólen constatou-se que a abelha mais generalista foi Scaptotrigona sp., seguida de Frieseomelitta sp., as quais juntas coletaram mais tipos polínicos que as três espécies de meliponas. Duas espécies de plantas: Miconia myrianthera e Myrcia amazonica, tiveram seu pólen coletado pelas cinco espécies de meliponíneos durante o ano todo. Quanto à morfologia do pólen, não houve correlação significativa que comprovasse que as abelhas coletassem o pólen de acordo com a forma, ornamentação e o tamanho dos grãos. As cinco espécies de meliponíneos coletaram pólen de diversas formas e tamanhos. Tudo indica que as abelhas coletam o pólen de acordo com os nutrientes contidos no seu protoplasma. Análises bioquímicas de alguns tipos polínicos encontrados nas corbículas das abelhas apresentaram alto teor de açúcares solúveis totais, açúcares redutores e amido.
Fenologia da gravioleira (Annona muricata) em área de cerrado do Amapá, Brasil
Authors: NASCIMENTO Tânia Brito do , GAZEL FILHO Aderaldo B. , SANTOS Jackson de A. dos
Published: June 2015

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a fenologia de graviola (Annona muricata L.) cultivada em área de cerrado do Amapá. Foram escolhidas quatro plantas, ao acaso, de seis progênies de graviola, da coleção do Campo Experimental do Cerrado, no Centro de Pesquisa Agroflorestal do Amapá (CPAF-Embrapa). As progênies avaliadas foram a graviola A, graviola B, FAO II, Morada, Lisa e plantas oriundas da matriz 415 (M-415) da coleção do Centro de Pesquisa Agroflorestal da Amazônia Oriental (CPATU-Embrapa). O clima é do tipo Ami e o solo é um Latossolo Amarelo arenoso distrófico. Foram observadas queda de folhas em todas as progênies de graviola após a safra (maio a julho) e na seca estacional (setembro a outubro). A floração ocorreu durante o período chuvoso, com picos em fevereiro e julho. A produção anual de flores foi superior na graviola Β (115) e FAO II (97). A frutificação foi expressiva de dezembro a março. O vingamento de frutos sobressaiu-se na graviola A (9%) e FAO II (6,7%). O pico da colheita foi no mês de março, exceto para a graviola A que foi em maio.
Briefing: Performance of polypropylene fibre in high-performance concrete
Authors: Arunachalam Ananthi , Jayakumar Karthikeyan
Published: June 2015

Polypropylene fibres are popular additive materials in concrete to enhance the mechanical properties, shrinkage-cracking characteristics, toughness and impact resistance of concrete. This paper highlights the effect of polypropylene fibre on the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete (HPC) containing silica fume as the mineral admixture. Four different fibre volume fractions (0, 0·1, 0·3 and 0·6%) were added to the HPC mixture and the addition of fibre has little effect on the workability of HPC. Tests on hardened concrete properties, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity, were conducted. The test results show that the addition of 0·1 and 0·3% fibre is more suitable for making high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete.
E se a limitação humana não permitir reconhecer outras linguagens? Sobre ignorância e (in)adequação humana.
Authors: Lima-Hernandes Maria Célia
Published: June 2015

Este texto reproduz parcialmente o debate havido, no II CIFALE, entre funcionalistas e formalistas sobre considerar a linguagem uma habilidade exclusivamente humana. Trata-se de uma reflexão com embasamento teórico cognitivo-funcional e aposta na ideia de que os passos dados pela Ciência nos ampliam a visão sobre fenômenos comuns entre as espécies.
Canadian Language Benchmarks and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens: Supporting the second language needs of adult immigrants — An evolving role
Authors: Kayed Marianne
Published: June 2015

This article outlines the history and evolution of the Canadian Language Benchmarks/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens in the context of their expanding roles as key components of Canada’s second language policy for immigrants as Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks prepare to release extensively revised and validated versions of the standards following a Pan-Canadian National Consultation.
The impact of a school-based hygiene education intervention on student knowledge in Kenya
Authors: Nzengya Daniel M.
Published: June 2015

Recent research indicates that investments in infrastructure for safe water and sanitation provision do not significantly reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases in the developing world unless they are accompanied by education in water handling and hygiene practices. School-based hygiene education initiatives are popular, but there is little evidence that they are effective in teaching students about safe water-handling practices. This study compared the outcomes of two approaches to teaching schoolchildren about the links between hygiene, water handling, and water-borne diarrhea. One approach combined messages about safe water handling and hygiene practices with water testing; the other used messages alone. A quasi-experimental design was used with 120 middle-school students. Forty students received messages alone, 40 received messages and tested water quality, and 40 served as a control group. An evaluation 1 week after the interventions measured students’ hygiene knowledge. Results showed significant improvement in knowledge among students who received messages and tested water, compared to their counterparts who received intervention through hygiene messages only. Evaluation after 12 months showed that the hygiene knowledge gained in both groups was retained. Including participatory water testing in hygiene education interventions can improve students’ knowledge about safe water handling and hygiene practices.
Impact of the combined presence of left ventricular systolic and renal dysfunction on the 5-year outcome after ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Savic Lidija , Mrdovic Igor , Asanin Milika , Stankovic Sanja , Matic Dragan , Krljanac Gordana , Lasica Ratko
Published: June 2015

Background/Aim. The coincidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction
(LVSD) and renal dysfunction (RD) is a strong independent predictor of
adverse events in the short-term and mid-term follow-ups of patients with
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous
coronary intervention (pPCI). The aim of this study was primarily to assess
the prognostic impact of the LVSD-RD combination on the 5-year all-cause
mortality in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI, as well as to assess the
prognostic impact of the LVSD-RD combination on the occurrence of major
adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs: cardiovascular death, reinfarction,
stroke and target vessel revascularization) in these patients. Methods. We
analyzed 951 patients divided into 4 groups according to the presence of LVSD
(ejection fraction < 40%) and/or baseline RD (creatinine clearance < 60
mL/min): group I (no LVSD, no RD); group II (LVSD, no RD); group III (RD, no
LVSD); group IV (LVSD+RD). Results. The 5-year mortality rates were 2.3%,
17.6%, 11.7% and 38.3%, while the 5-year MACE rates were 8.8%, 28.4%, 18.3%
and 44.4% in the groups I, II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0.001). The
highest percentage of lethal outcomes and MACE was registered in the first
year of follow-up in all the groups. The 1-year landmark analysis confirmed
that the patients with LVSD-RD combination had the highest percentage of
lethal outcomes in the period of 1 to 5 years (p = 0.028). There was a strong
trend toward the significance in the occurrence of MACE among the analyzed
groups in the period of 1 to 5 years (p = 0.085). In the Cox regression model
the LVSD-RD combination was a strong independent predictor of 5-year
mortality and the occurrence of MACE: mortality hazard ratio (HR) 4.5 (95%CI
1.9-10.8); MACE HR 2.5 (95%CI 1.4-4.5). Conclusion. The strong negative
independent prognostic impact of the LVSD-RD combination persisted in the
long-term follow-up of the patients with STEMI treated with pPCI.
Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to Growth Regulators and Organic Manures
Authors: Chowdhury M S , Hasan Z , Kabir K , Jahan M Shah , Kabir M H
Published: June 2015

A study was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh during April to September, 2012 to determine the suitability of selected plant growth regulators and the proper use and effectiveness of selected organic manures and also their suitable combinations for successful okra production. The experiment consisted of two factors: factor A: growth regulators as - G0: control (water), G1: GA3 (100 ppm) and G2: Miraculan (1000 ppm) and factor B: organic manures as - OM0: control (no manure), OM1: vermicompost (9 t/ha) and OM2: poultry manure (11.5 t/ha). The combined use of GA3 and poultry manure produced the tallest plants. Both the growth regulators and organic manures enhanced early flowering. In case of growth hormone, the highest yield (16.67 t/ha) was recorded from G1 followed by G2 (16.49 t/ha). The highest yield (18.03 t/ha) was found from OM2, closely followed by OM1 (17.59 t/h). Considering the treatment combinations, the highest yield was harvested from G1OM2 (19.62 t/ha), followed by G1OM1 (19.01 t/h), G2OM1 (18.42 t/h) and G2OM2 (18.30 t/h), respectively.The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 56-63
Screening of Ranunculus sceleratus for enzyme inhibition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities
Authors: Shahid Sammia , Riaz Tauheeda , Asghar Muhammad Nadeem
Published: June 2015

Enzyme inhibition potential of various fractions of Ranunculus sceleratus was checked against α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase and lipoxygenase enzymes. n-Butanol fraction showed very good activity (77.5 ± 1.0% inhibition at 0.1 mg/mL) against α-glucosidase. Its IC50 value was 35.7 ± 1.0 µg/mL comparable to quercetin (IC50 value 16.5 ± 0.4 µg/mL). Antibacterial activity was checked against five bacterial strains by 96-wells microplate assay using ciprofloxacin, a standard antibiotic. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions showed excellent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (MIC at 7.1, 7.8, 5.6 and 5.3 respectively), which is greater than standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin (MIC 10.0). The antioxidant potential of all the fractions was evaluated. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction exhibited highest percent inhibition of DPPH radical as compared to other fractions. It showed 80.9 ± 1.2% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 30 µg/mL. These results suggest that R. sceleratus is a valuable herb, which inhibits the oxidative stress mechanism that lead to degenerative diseases.  

 
HAEMATOBIOCHEMICAL PICTURES OF HEALTHY HUBBARD CLASSIC BROILER BIRDS
Authors: Faruqe MO , Alam MR , Bhuiyan MER , Myenuddin M
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the certain haematobiochemical parameters in different ages of Hubbard Classic broiler birds, the study was performed at Kazi Farms Ltd., Gazipur in collaboration with the Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for a period of one month (1st to 30th March 2002). On haematobiochemical examination, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, clotting time, glucose and uric acid concentration were gradually increased with advancement of age of birds. The values of TEC, Hb, PCV, clotting time, glucose and uric acid were recorded at day old birds as average 1.23 ± 0.02 million / cmm, 3.90 ± 0.09 g%, 19.60± 0.24 % , 37.20 ± 1.50 second, 179.20 ± 8.95 mg / dl and 3.72 ± 0.58 mg / dl respectively while the values at day 30 were 2.43 ± 0.07 million / cmm, 7.26 ± 0.16 g%, 28.20 ± 0.58%, 206.40 ± 10.17 second, 271.60 ± 8.56 mg / dl and 6.42 ± 0.65 mg / dl respectively which were found statistically significant (p < 0.01). On the other hand erythrocyte sedimentation rate, cholesterol and urea concentration were gradually decreased where significantly (p < 0.05) higher values (2.80 ± 0.20 mm in 1st hour, 330.40 ± 38.52 mg / dl and 26.42 ± 2.06 mg/ dl respectively) were recorded at day old chicks and lower values (1.80 ± 0.37 mm in 1st hour, 104.20 ± 3.24 mg / dl and 17.00 ± 0.07 mg / dl respectively) were recorded at age of 30 days old of birds. The findings of the present work clearly indicate that age has got influential effect on the body haemopoietic system of the broiler birds as well as haematobiochemical values.
IN VITRO EFFECTS OF SOME HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS ON INFECTIVE LARVAE OF HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS OF GOAT
Authors: Shahiduzzaman M , Islam MK , Rahman M , Mondal MMH
Published: June 2015

In vitro effects of some household chemicals on infective larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus of goat were screened during the period from January 2002 to April 2003. Solutions of 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg / ml were screened for in vitro effects on infective larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus. The percent non-motile L3 was increased when immersed in increasing solutions of the household chemicals (p < 0.01) except sodium chloride. Of 10 household chemicals, potassium permanganate showed 100% in vitro larvicidal effect at 1 mg / ml concentration. Boric acid showed the second highest larvicidal effect (78.95%) followed by alum (71.86%), bleaching powder (71.43%) and borax (68.97%) at their highest concentration of 20 mg / ml.
Implementering av Kunnskapsløftet Samisk (LK06S) innenfor to yrkesfaglige programmer på en samisk videregående skole
Authors: Bongo Mikkel Anders
Published: June 2015

Denne artikkelen handler om implementeringsprosessene av Læreplanverket Kunnskapsløftet Samisk (LK06S) ved en samisk videregående skole. Mine forskningsdata bygger på og er hentet fra de to yrkesfaglige programområdene Design og duodji og Teknikk og industriell produksjon. Det første yrkesfaglige programområdet er et typisk samisk opplæringstilbud, og er dominert av kvinnelige elever mens det andre yrkesfaglige programområdet er et tradisjonelt nasjonalt yrkesfaglig opplæringstilbud og dominert av mannlige elever. Fokuset i denne artikkelen vil være: Hvordan implementerer skolens aktører læreplanverket LK06S innenfor to forskjellige yrkesfaglige programområder på en samisk videregående skole? Empirien som artikkelen bygger på omfatter både hvordan aktørene i skolen oppfatter, hvordan de iverksetter og hvordan de opplever LK06S realisert og erfart (Goodlad, 1989). Skolens aktører er elever, lærere og rektor.
Pressure Ulcer in Norway—A Snapshot of Pressure Ulcer Occurrence across Various Care Sites and Recommendations for Improved Preventive Care
Authors: Johansen Edda , Bakken Linda , Moore Zena
Published: June 2015

Pressure ulcers (PU) are common in all care settings, although most ulcers are preventable. Much evidence exists on Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPU), however, few studies describe PU in community care. From a Norwegian perspective, little is known about pressure ulcer prevalence and prevention strategies across the variety of healthcare sectors. Therefore, this study explored PU prevalence and preventive care in home care, nursing homes and hospitals. Seventeen postgraduate wound care students collected data. A data collection instrument by Jordan O’Brien and Cowman was used together with an online forum in which students described how to improve practice to reduce PU incidence. This study showed that pressure ulcers are a problem across all care settings in Norway; however, nursing homes had the highest proportion of at risk patients and the highest prevalence. By implementing the care bundle provided by the Patient Safety Programme across all care settings, increasing staff competency and make sure that access to appropriate equipment for beds and chairs is readily available, a structured and evidence based approach to prevention could be ensured.
Querying the Call to Introduce Mental Capacity Testing to Mental Health Law: Does the Doctrine of Necessity Provide an Alternative?
Authors: Gooding Piers , Flynn Eilionóir
Published: June 2015

Trends in international human rights law have challenged States globally to rethink involuntary mental health interventions from a non-discrimination perspective. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in particular prohibits laws that discriminate on the basis of disability. However, a key criterion for compulsory mental health treatment under typical mental health legislation is a psychiatric diagnosis (in conjunction with risk of harm and other criteria). Hence, for people with mental health disabilities, rights to liberty and consent in healthcare are held to a different standard compared to other citizens. A prominent law reform option being explored by some governments and commentators for achieving non-discrimination is to replace the diagnostic criterion for triggering involuntary intervention with an assessment of mental capacity. After all, every citizen is subject to restrictions on autonomy where they are deemed to lack mental capacity, such as where concussion necessitates emergency service. However, the use of mental capacity “testing” is seen by diverse commentators as wanting in key respects. A prominent criticism comes from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which considers mental capacity assessments a form of disability-based discrimination. This article queries the call to replace the diagnostic criterion in mental health law with an assessment of mental capacity in the light of jurisprudence on equality and non-discrimination in international human rights law. Instead, we examine the doctrine of necessity as an area of law, which might help identify specific thresholds for overriding autonomy in emergency circumstances that can be codified in a non-discriminatory way. We also consider the need for deliberative law reform processes to identify such measures, and we suggest interim, short-term measures for creating a “supported decision-making regime” in the mental health context. The article focuses in particular on the Australian context of mental health law reform, though the analysis can be generalised to international trends in mental health law.
The Predictive Power of Preoperative Hip Range of Motion for the Development of Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Schwarzkopf Ran , Cohn Randy M. , Skoda Emily C. , Walsh Michael , Jaffe Fredrick
Published: June 2015

Postoperative development of heterotopic ossification can compromise the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Heterotopic ossification has been associated with decreased postoperative hip range of motion (ROM), potentially leading to poor patient satisfaction with outcome. Many risk factors predisposing to heterotopic ossification have been discussed in the literature, including sex, age, operative time, surgical approach, and preoperative function. The goal of this study was to examine if preoperative ROM is a risk factor for the development of severe heterotopic ossification after THA, and the impact of severe heterotopic ossification formation on the gain in ROM following THA.

In a retrospective study of a single surgeon’s 20-year experience, all patients who developed type III heterotopic ossification after THA were evaluated for hip ROM preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. Total ROM was classified according to the modified Merle d’Aubigne score, and Harris Hip Scores were calculated. A statistically significant difference was found in preoperative external rotation in the study group compared to the control group (
P
<.001). At 1 year postoperatively, hip ROM differences were significant in external rotation (
P
<.001), internal rotation (
P
<.001), and abduction (
P
<.05). The modified Merle d’Aubigne score was significantly different between the groups (
P
<.001).

Although many factors have been shown to influence the development of heterotopic ossification following THA, we found that a decrease in preoperative external rotation may point to an increased risk. Surgeons should consider this data when considering the use of prophylactic treatment to avoid the development of heterotopic ossification.
The Construction of Personal Learning Networks to Support Non-Formal Workplace Learning of Training Professionals
Authors: Manning Christin A
Published: June 2015

Workers in the 21st century workplace are faced with rapid and constant developments that place a heavy demand on them to continually learn beyond what the Human Resources and Training groups can meet. As a consequence, professionals must rely on non-formal learning approaches through the development of a personal learning network to keep up-to-date. This phenomenological study used an explanatory mixed methods approach to examine the lived experiences of how training professionals construct their personal learning networks to support their continuous learning in the workplace.

Results from this study indicate that participants have integrated non-formal learning into their work stream with a majority spending between one to three hours per week on these types of activities. This study uncovered two primary reasons for continuous learning: keeping up with industry trends and project-focused learning. Some significant differences in personal learning network construction were found based on gender, age, experience, and education.

Examining how training professionals use various approaches for their own non-formal learning serves to provide guidance to both individual and organizational learning strategies that need to leverage limited resources and organizational expertise while meeting the rapid and constant changes of the 21st century worker.
Job Diagnostic Survey - Longitudinal Study on the Balkan Countries - Macedonia, Bulgaria and Kosovo
Authors: Krliu-Handjiski Venera , Bojadjiev Marjan , Tomovska-Misoska Ana , Stefanovska-Petkovska Miodraga , Petrovska Ilijana , Krleska Ana
Published: June 2015

Effectiveness of the workplace is one of the most contemporary topics in the modern organizations. In era of increased competition and globalization, it is of paramount importance for organizations to increase loyalty and efficiency of their employees, i.e. to increase the motivation of its employees. To motivate the employee and to get maximum output of them is the first key to success of the organization. The second key is to reduce the turnover, especially the voluntarily one. The idea is that turnover is costly to organizations.

This paper seeks to explore the impact of job design, job enlargement and job enrichment on job satisfaction and motivation with employees from business sector and public administration. Three countries are taken into consideration and compared – Macedonia, Bulgaria and Kosovo, using the Job Diagnostic Survey. The sample includes 285 respondents. The study has been conducted as a start of a longitudinal study of which two datasets from 2010 and 2013 are presented in the paper. Being one of the first studies investigating this topic in the countries in question, this study clarifies the similarities and differences among Balkan countries.

The findings presented in the paper suggest that the highest result for Motivational Potential Score (MPS) can be observed in the public administration sector in Kosovo (MPS=153.5), followed by Macedonia’s business sector (MPS=133.6) and public administration (MPS=132.4). Lowest MPS score is for the Kosovo’s business sector (MPS=106.7). Bulgaria scores MPS=114.4 and MPS=112.7 in the public administration and privates sector respectively.
Continuous Crystallization of ZnO Nanoparticles by Spray Flash Evaporation versus Batch Synthesis
Authors: Klaumünzer Martin , Schlur Laurent , Schnell Fabien , Spitzer Denis
Published: June 2015

Regarding the scaled up and accelerated processing of ZnO particles, an advanced continuous pilot plant device is used for ZnO nanoparticle production from a zinc acetate dihydrate solution. A qualitative and mechanistic study is presented to show the feasibility of the process with respect to the formation of semiconducting ZnO nanoparticles. In order to evaluate the continuous approach based on the particle characteristics, a laboratory batch synthesis approach is additionally consulted for conventional preparation. In both cases, the precursor solutions are identical, on the basis of ethanol; no alkaline precipitant is added. The main finding in this comparison is the differing surface chemistry of the particles derived from these two approaches which triggers a whole cascade of differences in particle size distribution and spectroscopic and morphological properties of the particles.
Energy‐efficient management using a traffic‐oriented routing scheme for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Mastorakis George , Bourdena Athina , Pallis Evangelos
Published: June 2015

This paper elaborates on a traffic manipulation routing scheme that associates the moments of the traffic, targeting the maximization of the energy conservation, as well as the effective resource management of the network nodes. The energy conservation is achieved through the data flow coordination, in association with the data traffic volume and the resource exchange, between the nodes that exploit radio spectrum access in cognitive radio networking architectures. The routing scheme that is proposed in this paper interrelates the backward difference of traffic moments for each node based on a series model, together with the sleep‐time period, towards reflecting this measurement to the minimization of the nodes activity durations to achieve energy conservation. The effective operation of the routing scheme is achieved by exploiting a signalling mechanism that was adopted for the proper communication of the nodes over the available radio spectrum parts, such as the television white spaces. Simulation tests were conducted towards examining the validity of the proposed routing scheme via multiple performance evaluation experiments. Simulation results have shown the offered reliability and the efficiency of the proposed traffic‐aware scheme, in reference to the efficient energy consumption of the networking nodes and the minimization of the delays. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells prepared by reactive magnetron co‐sputtering from metallic targets in an Ar:H2Se atmosphere
Authors: Schulte Jonas , Harbauer Karsten , Ellmer Klaus
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we show that a reactive co‐sputtering process using metallic CuGa and In targets; an Ar:H2Se atmosphere is well suited for the deposition of photoactive Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorber layers for thin‐film solar cells in a single process step. The achievement of single‐phase and well‐crystallized layers is thereby no major problem if a sufficiently high H2Se content and substrate temperatures in the range of 400–500 °C are used. However, in order to achieve the desired Cu‐poor film stoichiometry, which is crucial for the device performance, it has to be considered already that, at moderate substrate temperatures in the range of 400–500 °C, indium has a strong tendency to re‐evaporate from the film surface if the film composition is Cu‐poor. If excess indium is supplied, this effect can lead to a self‐adjustment of the film composition. This allows a very wide process window in a one‐stage process concerning the supply ratio from the two targets of [Cu]/([In] + [Ga])supply ≈ 0.35–0.8. However, the maximum efficiencies achievable with such a process are limited to 11.7% because an adequate Cu‐poor composition can only be achieved with significant Cu‐poor conditions, which allow only a low material quality. By using an improved process with an intermediate Cu‐rich composition and a final Cu‐poor stage, the absorber quality could be significantly improved; efficiencies of up to 14.3% have been achieved with CIGSe films prepared on Na‐doped Mo back contacts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International Lawyers as Public Intellectuals and the Need for More Books
Authors: ROSE CECILY
Published: June 2015

In the summer of 2014 I attended a conference panel on international lawyers as public intellectuals. The academics on the panel talked about their twitter accounts, their blogs, their occasional radio and television appearances, and their opinion-editorials in major newspapers. The discussion really focused not on whether international lawyers should be public intellectuals, but on how they can do so, and what the ramifications of such public engagement can be. What struck me most, however, was a notable omission: no one on the panel or in the audience mentioned books as a medium through which public international lawyers might reach a mass audience. In reflecting on this omission I realized that academics in this field do not, for the most part, write books for a general readership. To the extent that public international lawyers reach a mass audience at all, they have chosen do so through other means – with some exceptions.
Real estate transactions in ancient Israel: excavating embedded options utilizing modern finance
Authors: Prisman Eliezer Z.
Published: June 2015

An economic setting of ancient Jewish law is analyzed and reinterpreted in light of a modern formal financial model. Certain real estate transactions in ancient Israel, as stipulated in the Bible, involved embedded financial options that seem to have been overlooked by the commentators. This article interprets, utilizing modern financial theory, the biblical text and sheds light on a phrase used in stipulating these rules that has puzzled some commentators. The option's value and the complexity of the pricing system that would have been needed in order to capture true market prices of these assets are demonstrated.
Pneumonia Prevention during a Humanitarian Emergency: Cost-effectiveness of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Somalia
Authors: Gargano Lisa M. , Hajjeh Rana , Cookson Susan T.
Published: June 2015

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children less than five years old during humanitarian emergencies. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the leading causes of bacterial pneumonia. Vaccines for both of these pathogens are available to prevent pneumonia.

Problem

This study describes an economic analysis from a publicly funded health care system perspective performed on a birth cohort in Somalia, a country that has experienced a protracted humanitarian emergency.

Methods

An impact and cost-effectiveness analysis was performed comparing: no vaccine, Hib vaccine only, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 10 (PCV10) only, and both together administered through supplemental immunization activities (SIAs). The main summary measure was the incremental cost per disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted. One-way sensitivity analysis was conducted for uncertainty in parameter values.

Results

Each SIA would avert a substantial number of cases and deaths. Compared with no vaccine, the DALYs averted by two SIAs for two doses of Hib vaccine was US $202.93 (lower and upper limits: $121.80-$623.52), two doses of PCV10 was US $161.51 ($107.24-$227.21), and two doses of both vaccines was US $152.42 ($101.20-$214.42). Variables that influenced the cost-effectiveness for each strategy most substantially were vaccine effectiveness, case fatality rates (CFRs), and disease burden.

Conclusions

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a cost-effective intervention as costing one to three times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP; in 2011, for Somalia=US $112). Based on the presented model, Hib vaccine alone, PCV10 alone, or Hib vaccine and PCV10 given together in SIAs are cost-effective interventions in Somalia. The WHO/Strategic Advisory Group of Experts decision-making factors for vaccine deployment appear to have all been met: the disease burden is large, the vaccine-related risk is low, prevention in this setting is more feasible than treatment, the vaccine duration probably is sufficient for the vulnerable period of the child’s life, cost is reasonable, and herd immunity is possible.

GarganoLM, HajjehR, CooksonST. Pneumonia prevention during a humanitarian emergency: cost-effectiveness of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Somalia. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(4):110.
Ligand regulation of a constitutively dimeric EGF receptor
Authors: Freed Daniel M. , Alvarado Diego , Lemmon Mark A.
Published: June 2015

Ligand-induced receptor dimerization has traditionally been viewed as the key event in transmembrane signalling by epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). Here we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans EGFR orthologue LET-23 is constitutively dimeric, yet responds to its ligand LIN-3 without changing oligomerization state. SAXS and mutational analyses further reveal that the preformed dimer of the LET-23 extracellular region is mediated by its domain II dimerization arm and resembles other EGFR extracellular dimers seen in structural studies. Binding of LIN-3 induces only minor structural rearrangements in the LET-23 dimer to promote signalling. Our results therefore argue that EGFR can be regulated by allosteric changes within an existing receptor dimer—resembling signalling by insulin receptor family members, which share similar extracellular domain compositions but form covalent dimers.
Enhancement of dielectric permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymers in silicone elastomers
Authors: Hisyam A. Razak Aliff , Szabo Peter , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: June 2015

A silicone elastomer from PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymer has been prepared by use of silylation reactions for both copolymer preparation and crosslinking.
Degradation mechanism of hydrogen-terminated porous silicon in the presence and in the absence of light
Authors: Xu Hangzhou , Pei Haiyan , Xiao Hongdi , Hu Wenrong
Published: June 2015

Si is well-known semiconductor that has a fundamental bandgap energy of 1.12 eV. Its photogenerated electrons in the conduction band can react with the ubiquitous oxygen molecules to yield ⋅O2− radicals, but the photogenerated holes in the valance band can’t interact with OH− to produce ⋅OH radicals. In this paper, we study the degradation of methyl orange (MO) by hydrogen-terminated porous Si (H-PSi) in the presence and in the absence of light. The absorption spectra of the degraded MO solutions indicated that the H-PSi had superior degradation ability. In the dark, the reduction of dye occurs simply by hydrogen transfer. Under room light, however, some of the dye molecules can be reduced by hydrogen transfer first and then decomposed in the conduction and valance bands. This result should be ascribed to its wide band gap energies centered at 1.79-1.94 eV.
Understanding Zipf's law of word frequencies through sample-space collapse in sentence formation
Authors: Thurner Stefan , Hanel Rudolf , Liu Bo , Corominas-Murtra Bernat
Published: June 2015

The formation of sentences is a highly structured and history-dependent process. The probability of using a specific word in a sentence strongly depends on the ‘history’ of word usage earlier in that sentence. We study a simple history-dependent model of text generation assuming that the sample-space of word usage reduces along sentence formation, on average. We first show that the model explains the approximate Zipf law found in word frequencies as a direct consequence of sample-space reduction. We then empirically quantify the amount of sample-space reduction in the sentences of 10 famous English books, by analysis of corresponding word-transition tables that capture which words can follow any given word in a text. We find a highly nested structure in these transition tables and show that this ‘nestedness’ is tightly related to the power law exponents of the observed word frequency distributions. With the proposed model, it is possible to understand that the nestedness of a text can be the origin of the actual scaling exponent and that deviations from the exact Zipf law can be understood by variations of the degree of nestedness on a book-by-book basis. On a theoretical level, we are able to show that in the case of weak nesting, Zipf's law breaks down in a fast transition. Unlike previous attempts to understand Zipf's law in language the sample-space reducing model is not based on assumptions of multiplicative, preferential or self-organized critical mechanisms behind language formation, but simply uses the empirically quantifiable parameter ‘nestedness’ to understand the statistics of word frequencies.
Language-independent gender identification through keystroke analysis
Authors: Tsimperidis Ioannis , Katos Vasilios , Clarke Nathan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of identifying the gender of an author by measuring the keystroke duration when typing a message.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three classifiers were constructed and tested. The authors empirically evaluated the effectiveness of the classifiers by using empirical data. The authors used primary data as well as a publicly available dataset containing keystrokes from a different language to validate the language independence assumption.

Findings

– The results of this paper indicate that it is possible to identify the gender of an author by analyzing keystroke durations with a probability of success in the region of 70 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed approach was validated with a limited number of participants and languages, yet the statistical tests show the significance of the results. However, this approach will be further tested with other languages.

Practical implications

– Having the ability to identify the gender of an author of a certain piece of text has value in digital forensics, as the proposed method will be a source of circumstantial evidence for “putting fingers on keyboard” and for arbitrating cases where the true origin of a message needs to be identified.

Social implications

– If the proposed method is included as part of a text-composing system (such as e-mail, and instant messaging applications), it could increase trust toward the applications that use it and may also work as a deterrent for crimes involving forgery.

Originality/value

– The proposed approach combines and adapts techniques from the domains of biometric authentication and data classification.
Creating a safe and pleasant shopping environment: a retailer’s view
Authors: Kajalo Sami , Lindblom Arto
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse how retailers view the links between security problems, investments in formal and informal surveillance, the sense of security felt among customers and employees, and the competitiveness of the store.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilizes elements of the theory of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in its theoretical approach. Thus, surveillance investments are divided into formal and informal surveillance investments. The theoretical model is tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) with data collected among grocery store retailers.

Findings

– The study shows that security problems have a positive impact on investments in formal surveillance but no impact on investments in informal surveillance. Furthermore, retailers perceive that formal surveillance investments have a negative impact on the sense of security felt among customers and employees, whereas informal surveillance investments have a positive impact. In addition, retail entrepreneurs perceive that the sense of security felt among customers and employees has a positive impact on the competitiveness of the store.

Research limitations/implications

– The impact of investments in security should also be studied from other viewpoints than just retailers. In addition, conceptual and qualitative empirical studies are needed to obtain a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of surveillance in the store environment.

Practical implications

– The paper shows retailers the linkages between different types of surveillance investments and the sense of security felt among consumers and retail employees.

Originality/value

– The present research provides empirical evidence on how investments in security are linked to the competitiveness of retail stores.
An eighteen‐month follow‐up of a pilot parent‐delivered play‐based intervention to improve the social play skills of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their playmates
Authors: Cantrill Alycia , Wilkes‐Gillan Sarah , Bundy Anita , Cordier Reinie , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience significant ongoing social difficulties which occur in multiple contexts. Interventions designed to improve these social difficulties have demonstrated minimal effectiveness. Thus, there is a clear need to establish interventions that are effective in addressing the social difficulties of children with ADHD across contexts and in the long term. Aim: To examine the long‐term effectiveness and appropriateness of a pilot parent‐delivered intervention designed to improve the social play skills of children with ADHD and their playmates.

Method

Participants included five children with ADHD who had completed the intervention 18‐months prior, their typically developing playmates and mothers of children with ADHD. Blinded ratings from the Test of Playfulness were used to measure children's social play: post‐intervention and 18‐months following the intervention in the home and clinic. Wilcoxon signed‐ranks and Cohen's‐d calculations were used to measure effectiveness. Parents’ perspectives of the appropriateness of the intervention were explored through semi‐structured interviews and data were analysed thematically.

Results

The social play skills of children with ADHD and their playmates were maintained following the intervention in the home and clinic. Thematic analysis revealed four core‐themes against an intervention appropriateness framework: new parenting tools, a social shift, adapting strategies over time and the next developmental challenge.

Conclusion

The parent‐delivered intervention demonstrated long‐term effectiveness and appropriateness for improving children's social play skills.

Significance

These preliminary results are promising as maintaining treatment effects and achieving generalisation across contexts has remained an unachieved goal for most psycho‐social interventions.
National Partnership for Maternal Safety Consensus Bundle on Obstetric Hemorrhage
Authors: Main Elliott K. , Goffman Dena , Scavone Barbara M. , Low Lisa Kane , Bingham Debra , Fontaine Patricia L. , Gorlin Jed B. , Lagrew David C. , Levy Barbara S.
Published: June 2015

Hemorrhage is the most frequent cause of severe maternal morbidity and preventable maternal mortality and therefore is an ideal topic for the initial national maternity patient safety bundle. These safety bundles outline critical clinical practices that should be implemented in every maternity unit. They are developed by multidisciplinary work groups of the National Partnership for Maternal Safety under the guidance of the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. The safety bundle is organized into 4 domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. Although the bundle components may be adapted to meet the resources available in individual facilities, standardization within an institution is strongly encouraged. References contain sample resources and “Potential Best Practices” to assist with implementation.
Passenger Railroad Facility Safety Audit as Revenue Protection
Authors: Berkowitz Carl M. , Rubenstein Louis D.
Published: June 2015

Thousands of slip, trip, missteps and fall accidents and train collisions occur each year at railroad stations, terminals, and grade crossings resulting in serious injuries causing a significant drain of financial resources. This paper provides guidance in identifying common safety hazards and easy ways to reduce or eliminate these dangers. This paper will cover a variety of safety issues, which are commonly present in a railroad environment. It also provides estimates regarding the cost of railroad related pedestrian accidents. More than 95 percent of injuries on rail system injuries are minor. The top one percent of injury claims can account for 20 percent of the total claims’ cost.
Stray Current Simulation Models for Direct Current Transit System: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Memon Saud , Fromme Paul
Published: June 2015

This paper presents and evaluates the different modeling principles developed, and in use, to control stray current leakage for Direct Current (dc) powered transit systems. The aim is to understand the stray current simulation models, explain their limitations, and to understand the impact on stray current leakage due to different grounding schemes adopted by the dc powered transit operators.
Radio Propagation Prediction for CBTC Data Communication Subsystem Design
Authors: Aziminejad Arash , Lee Andrew W. , Epelbaum Gabriel
Published: June 2015

The radio-based Data Communication Subsystem (DCS) between trains and wayside is a key factor for safe and efficient operation of a Communication-Based Train control (CBTC) system. To provide means for a reliable and optimized design of the DCS RF segment, this article presents an in-depth discussion of the UHF/SHF radio propagation process in tunnels. To present a flexible and realistic radio propagation prediction model inside a tunnel environment the framework of modal analysis has been combined with the ray tracing technique and a heuristic approach has been adopted to assimilate horizontal curvatures in the tunnel geometry. The theoretical radio propagation loss predictions from the proposed model are compared to field measurements collected in Toronto subway tunnels and satisfactory agreement is observed.