bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teste rápido de imersão foliar de Euphorbia heterophylla para confirmação de resistência a herbicidas inibidores da Protox e da ALS
Authors: Trezzi M.M , Xavier E , Vidal R.A , Portes E.D.S , Vottri M , Lamego F.P
Published: November 2011

Os testes utilizados para identificação de biótipos resistentes de plantas daninhas aos herbicidas variam segundo o tempo de execução e o grau de complexidade, sendo necessário determinar a eficácia de métodos rápidos e de simples execução. Foram realizados dois ensaios, simultaneamente, em laboratório, em delineamento completamente casualizado, empregando a imersão de folhas de E. heterophylla suscetíveis e resistentes a inibidores da ALS e da PROTOX em solução herbicida. A parte aérea das plantas foi submersa em solução herbicida com diferentes concentrações de imazethapyr, imazapyr e nicosulfuron (inibidores da ALS) e fomesafen, lactofen e carfentrazone (inibidores da PROTOX). O controle do biótipo suscetível foi crescente com o decorrer do tempo, e as doses comerciais dos inibidores da ALS e da PROTOX testados apresentaram controle eficiente. O biótipo resistente mostrou diferentes níveis de resistência em função do herbicida testado e da variável considerada. Os resultados encontrados respaldam a técnica da imersão foliar como adequada para a discriminação de biótipos suscetíveis ou com resistência múltipla a inibidores da ALS e PROTOX. A técnica demonstrou ser rápida o suficiente para a detecção precoce da resistência, o que possibilitaria a adoção de medidas de contenção ainda na mesma safra.
Hedging na produção de açúcar e álcool: uma integração de decisões financeiras e de produção
Authors: Sosnoski Anna Andrea Kajdacsy Balla , Ribeiro Celma de Oliveira
Published: November 2011

O risco financeiro ao qual o produtor agrícola está exposto no momento da comercialização do produto final demanda o uso de instrumentos de redução de risco, a fim de assegurar um preço que viabilize economicamente o processo produtivo. Este artigo analisa o problema de elaboração de estratégias de proteção financeira na presença de restrições de produção, através de um modelo de otimização multiperíodo determinístico. A incerteza é descrita através de árvores de cenários e o risco analisado através das abordagens clássicas de média-variância. O comportamento do modelo proposto é analisado no caso do mercado sucroalcooleiro, para a gestão financeira de usinas sucroalcooleiras, sendo as estratégias de hedging construídas com base no mercado futuro de álcool e açúcar.
Primeiro registro de Aphis craccivora Koch 1854 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) sobre plantas daninhas em Santa Maria, RS
Authors: Sturza Vinícius Soares , Dequech Sônia Thereza Bastos , Machado Sérgio Luiz de Oliveira , Poncio Sônia , Bolzan Anderson , Guths Candice
Published: November 2011

Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) é um afídeo-praga que ocorre em diferentes cultivos e causa danos relacionados ao hábito da sucção de seiva. No Brasil, são raros os registros de plantas daninhas hospedeiras dessa espécie, particularmente no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Plantas daninhas infestadas com afídeos foram encontradas em área experimental localizada no campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, em duas datas, 22/02/2010 e 25/03/2010. No segundo registro (25/03/2010), cada planta daninha foi medida e avaliada quanto ao número de afídeos. A espécie foi identificada como Aphis craccivora e as plantas daninhas hospedeiras, como Amaranthus hybridus Linnaeus, 1753 (Amaranthaceae), caruru-roxo, e Solanum americanum Mill, 1768 (Solanaceae), maria-pretinha. Este trabalho faz o primeiro registro de A. hybridus e S. americanum hospedando A. craccivora em Santa Maria, no Rio Grande do Sul.
Modeling extreme minimum air temperature series under climate change conditions
Authors: Blain Gabriel Constantino
Published: November 2011

Considering the presence of non-stationary components, such as trends, in the extreme minimum air temperature series available from three locations of the State of São Paulo-Brazil, the aim of this research was to describe the probabilistic structure of this variable by using a non-stationary model (based on the general extreme value distribution; GEV model) in which the parameters are estimated as a function of time covariate. The Mann-Kendall test has proven the presence of significant increasing trends in all analyzed series. Furthermore, according to the Pettitt (changing-point) test, 1991 is the initial year of these trends (in the three locations). The applied selection criteria indicated that a GEV model in which the location parameter is estimated as a function of time is recommended to describe the probability structure of the variable under evaluation. The others two parameters of this model remained time-independent. According to this non-stationary model, the detected trends in the climate conditions of these locations have shown the same rate of change (0.04°C per year).
Identificação de genótipos de feijão-caupi tolerantes a salinidade avaliado por meio de método multivariado
Authors: Almeida Wener Santos de , Belém Francisco Ronaldo Fernandes , Bertini Cândida Hermínia Campos de Magalhães , Pinheiro Marcelo de Souza , Teófilo Elizita Maria
Published: November 2011

Objetivou-se com este trabalho identificar genótipos tolerantes ao estresse provocado pela solução de NaCl e pela mistura de NaCl, CaCl2 e MgCl2 na água de irrigação, nos estádios iniciais de desenvolvimento. Os níveis de condutividade elétrica do extrato de saturação foram: 0, 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5dS m-1. A tolerância do feijão-caupi foi avaliada através da redução relativa de matéria seca da parte aérea de cada genótipo. O genótipo CE-182 mostrou-se mais tolerante nos níveis 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5dS m-1 na água salinizada com solução de NaCl. Na solução de mistura dos sais, os genótipos CE-9 e CE-551 foram os mais tolerantes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos pelo agrupamento, utilizando-se o método hierárquico UPGMA, verifica-se que as combinações mais promissoras para cruzamentos e obtenção de progênies superiores no desenvolvimento de cultivares tolerantes à salinidade foram entre os genótipos CE-182 e CE-250 e entre CE-551 e CE-09.
Plantas taniníferas e o controle de nematóides gastrintestinais de pequenos ruminantes
Authors: Oliveira Lorena Mayana Beserra de , Bevilaqua Claudia Maria Leal , Morais Selene Maia de , Camurça-Vasconcelos Ana Lourdes Fernandes , Macedo Iara Tersia Freitas
Published: November 2011

Os nematóides gastrintestinais são responsáveis por acentuada redução na produtividade de ovinos e caprinos. Na tentativa de controlar esses parasitos, são utilizados diversos anti-helmínticos sintéticos, mas o desenvolvimento da resistência tem tornado esse controle pouco eficaz. Na busca por alternativas de controle dos nematóides gastrintestinais, a utilização de plantas taniníferas tem despertado interesse de pesquisadores em várias regiões do mundo. Essa revisão visa a abordar os diversos aspectos relacionados ao fornecimento dessas plantas a ovinos e caprinos, bem como os principais resultados obtidos em pesquisas utilizando taninos para o controle de nematóides de pequenos ruminantes.
Geography, poverty and development: an interdisciplinary debate
Authors: Mishra Anand Prasad
Published: November 2011

An emerging feature of contemporary development studies in India is the deployment of an interdisciplinary approach involving geographical location, level of poverty, nature of development and planning etc. The prevalence of poverty in a specific geographical location represents the evolving pattern of deprivation under a particular mode of production. The historicity of poverty in a geographical space needs an independent enquiry and identification of different production systems which are responsible for the problem of deprivation through multiple routes. The present paper is an attempt to initiate a debate on the issue of poverty, especially in a tribal region, through a multi-dimensional perspective, i.e. interrelation between geography, poverty, development and planning. The paper identifies one of the most poverty-stricken regions of India for a detailed discussion of the various casual factors which are apparently responsible for the poverty of that region. The paper also tries to explore the historical background of poverty in the study area (Babhani Block of Sonbhadra U. P.).
The symbolic sphere and social representations of Serra da Tiririca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Pimentel Douglas de Souza , Magro Teresa Cristina
Published: November 2011

Serra da Tiririca State Park (Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca-PESET) is located in an area of rich environmental history between the cities of Niterói and Maricá in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Established through grassroots lobbying and popular mobilization, it nevertheless hosted some mistakes that catalyzed social problems, which should have been otherwise dealt with during its creation process. We believe that social representations allow us to learn about the symbolic sphere of the social insertion of protected areas. On the one hand, the protected area is seen as a "paper park" and as a stage where conflicts related to real-estate speculation, land ownership and the political situation take place. Its positive image, on the other hand, refers to the political mobilization for its creation and to the community's vigilance. As a conclusion, the social representations must be understood so that its positive aspects may be highlighted, contribute to its regional incorporation and aid in the Park's management.
Proposta e validação de indicadores hidroambientais para bacias hidrográficas: estudo de caso na sub-bacia do alto curso do Rio Paraíba, PB
Authors: Carvalho José Ribamar Marques de , Curi Wilson Fadlo , Carvalho Enyedja Kerlly Martins de Araújo , Curi Rosires Catão
Published: November 2011

Dentre as formas de subsidiar uma gestão dos recursos hídricos, capaz de contribuir para a busca do desenvolvimento sustentável, têm-se as ferramentas adequadas de medir o desempenho dos sistemas hídricos e ambientais. Nesse contexto, e em meio a uma diversidade de sistemas de indicadores de sustentabilidade hidroambientais existentes, foi elaborada essa proposta, composta por 51 indicadores, com o objetivo de verificar o nível de sustentabilidade hidroambiental dos municípios localizados na sub-bacia hidrográfica do Alto Curso do Rio Paraíba, PB. A metodologia utilizada consistiu em uma pesquisa exploratória e documental, na qual fez o uso da estatística descritiva. Os resultados obtidos apontam que os municípios com melhores desempenhos hidroambiental foram: Boqueirão, Monteiro, Sumé, Ouro Velho e Serra Branca. No outro ponto os municípios com piores desempenhos foram: Prata, Coxixola, Congo, São João do Cariri, Camalaú, São Domingos do Cariri, Zabelê, Cabaceiras, Barra de São Miguel, São Sebastião do Umbuzeiro, Amparo e São João do Tigre. Esses resultados demonstram a necessidade de definir programas de gestão hídrica capazes de reverter esse cenário de instabilidade, através de ações mais responsáveis por parte das entidades reguladoras da gestão de águas e demais entidades de classe no estado paraibano e em especial na sub-bacia estudada.
Perfil e percepção dos chefes de unidades de conservação do sistema estadual de áreas protegidas em Minas Gerais
Authors: Alves Rafael Guimarães , Rezende José Luiz Pereira , Borges Luís Antônio Coimbra , Fontes Marco Aurélio Leite , Alves Luiz Wagner Rodrigues
Published: November 2011

As Unidades de Conservação (UC) são espaços territoriais especialmente protegidos para a proteção dos recursos naturais. Minas Gerais abriga diversas UC criadas pelos vários níveis de governo. Destes, o estadual vem se destacando, tanto pela criação como pelas medidas para implantação das UC. Os gerentes destas UC são importantes atores deste processo e estabelecem a interface entre governo e a realidade de campo. Objetivou-se com este trabalho definir o perfil profissional dos chefes de UC estaduais mineiras, seu nível de capacitação formal, sua distribuição pelo Sistema Estadual de Áreas Protegidas (SEAP), o tempo na função e no cargo e a satisfação e perspectivas de trabalho dos mesmos. A metodologia utilizada foi a de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e questionários aplicados a todos os gerentes. As principais conclusões foram: o quadro de gerentes cresceu ao longo do tempo, mas continua deficitário; a idade média dos gerentes diminuiu e a proporção de mulheres aumentou; há grande rotatividade na gerência das UC, impossibilitando a continuidade de muitos trabalhos; a formação acadêmica dos gerentes é considerada adequada; há apoio para o treinamento de funcionários, principalmente relacionados a cursos de caráter operacional, contudo, quase não ocorrem capacitações gerenciais; a remuneração é baixa e não estimula a maioria dos profissionais a fazer carreira na função; as condições desfavoráveis de atuação, por falta de recursos, desmotivam os gerentes; os gerentes lotados em sua região de origem apresentaram maior grau de satisfação, tendendo a se envolver mais em trabalhos de longo prazo e a se relacionar melhor com as comunidades; há acúmulo e desvio de função, comprometendo o desempenho gerencial.
Global Alcohol Producers, Science, and Policy: The Case of the International Center for Alcohol Policies
Authors: Jernigan David H.
Published: November 2011

In this article, I document strategies used by alcohol producers to influence national and global science and policy.

Their strategies include producing scholarly publications with incomplete, distorted views of the science underlying alcohol policies; pressuring national and international governmental institutions; and encouraging collaboration of public health researchers with alcohol industry–funded organizations and researchers.

I conclude with a call for an enhanced research agenda drawing on sources seldom used by public health research, more focused resourcing of global public health bodies such as the World Health Organization to counterbalance industry initiatives, development of technical assistance and other materials to assist countries with effective alcohol-control strategies, and further development of an ethical stance regarding collaboration with industries that profit from unhealthy consumption of their products.
Changes in Fluoroquinolone Use for Gonorrhea Following Publication of Revised Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Dowell Deborah , Tian Lin H. , Stover Jeffrey A. , Donnelly Jennifer A. , Martins Summer , Erbelding Emily J. , Pino Raul , Weinstock Hillard , Newman Lori M.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We evaluated the impact of revised national treatment recommendations on fluoroquinolone use for gonorrhea in selected states.

Methods. We evaluated gonorrhea cases reported through the Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Network as treated between July 1, 2006 and May 31, 2008, using interrupted time series analysis. Outcomes were fluoroquinolone treatment overall, by area, and by practice setting.

Results. Of 16 126 cases with treatment dates in this period, 15 669 noted the medication used. After revised recommendations were released, fluoroquinolone use decreased abruptly overall (21.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 15.9%, 27.2%), in most geographic areas evaluated, and in sexually transmitted disease clinics (28.5%; 95% CI = 19.0%, 37.9%). More gradual decreases were seen in primary care (8.6%; 95% CI = 2.6%, 14.6%), and in emergency departments, urgent care, and hospitals (2.7%; 95% CI = 1.7%, 3.7%).

Conclusions. Fluoroquinolone use decreased after the publication of revised national guidelines, particularly in sexually transmitted disease clinics. Additional mechanisms are needed to increase the speed and magnitude of changes in prescribing in primary care, emergency departments, urgent care, and hospitals.
The Effects of Arkansas Master Settlement Spending on Disparities in Smoking
Authors: Yu Hao , Scharf Deborah , Engberg John , Schultz Dana
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We assessed the effect of Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) spending on smoking disparities in Arkansas, which distinguished itself from other states by investing all of its MSA funds in health-related programs.

Methods. In 1996–2009 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we specified multivariate logistic models to examine gender and racial/ethnic disparities in smoking rates within Arkansas (a pre–post analysis) and between Arkansas and its 6 neighboring states.

Results. Before the MSA programs started in 2001, male Arkansans smoked more than did female Arkansans (P < .05). After the programs, smoking declined significantly among men (but not women), eliminating the gender disparity by 2009. Smoking among men in Arkansas also declined more than it did in neighboring states (P < .05). Hispanics showed a greater decline in smoking than did non-Hispanic Whites in Arkansas (but not in neighboring states). In 2001, Hispanic Arkansans smoked more than did non-Hispanic Whites (P < .05); by 2009, Hispanic Arkansans smoked significantly less than did non-Hispanic Whites (P < .05).

Conclusions. MSA-funded programs were more effective in some segments of the Arkansas population than in others. Policymakers should consider targeting future MSA tobacco control programs to populations most resistant to change.
Operationalization of Community-Based Participatory Research Principles: Assessment of the National Cancer Institute's Community Network Programs
Authors: Braun Kathryn L. , Nguyen Tung T. , Tanjasiri Sora Park , Campbell Janis , Heiney Sue P. , Brandt Heather M. , Smith Selina A. , Blumenthal Daniel S. , Hargreaves Margaret , Coe Kathryn , Ma Grace X. , Kenerson Donna , Patel Kushal , Tsark JoAnn , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We examined how National Cancer Institute–funded Community Network Programs (CNPs) operationalized principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR).

Methods. We reviewed the literature and extant CBPR measurement tools. On the basis of that review, we developed a 27-item questionnaire for CNPs to self-assess their operationalization of 9 CBPR principles. Our team comprised representatives of 9 of the National Cancer Institute's 25 CNPs.

Results. Of the 25 CNPs, 22 (88%) completed the questionnaire. Most scored well on CBPR principles of recognizing community as a unit of identity, building on community strengths, facilitating colearning, embracing iterative processes in developing community capacity, and achieving a balance between data generation and intervention. CNPs varied in the extent to which they employed CBPR principles of addressing determinants of health, sharing power among partners, engaging the community in research dissemination, and striving for sustainability.

Conclusions. Although the development of assessment tools in this field is in its infancy, our findings suggest that fidelity to CBPR processes can be assessed in a variety of settings.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes in Brazil
Authors: Claro Rafael M. , Levy Renata B. , Popkin Barry M. , Monteiro Carlos A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We investigated whether taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) would improve the diets of households in Brazil.

Methods. We used household food consumption data that the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics collected in 2002–2003 from a nationally representative sample of 48 470 Brazilian households. The consumption of SSBs is expressed as the total SSB calories consumed and as the SSB percentage of the total calories purchased. We investigated price elasticity with regression models, controlling for demographic variables, income, and prices of all other foods and drinks.

Results. Increases in the price of SSBs led to reductions in consumption. A 1.00% increase in the price of SSBs led to a 0.85% reduction of SSB calories consumed (1.03% reduction for the poor and 0.63% for the nonpoor). Increased income had a positive effect on SSB consumption, but the effect was less than half the size of the price elasticity (0.41% increase in SSB calories consumed for every 1.00% increase in income).

Conclusions. High SSB price elasticity in Brazil indicates that a tax on purchased weight or volume would lead to reductions in SSB consumption.
Transgender Health in Massachusetts: Results From a Household Probability Sample of Adults
Authors: Conron Kerith J. , Scott Gunner , Stowell Grace Sterling , Landers Stewart J.
Published: November 2011

Despite higher rates of unemployment and poverty among transgender adults (n = 131; 0.5% weighted) than among nontransgender adults (n = 28 045) in our population-based Massachusetts household sample, few health differences were observed between transgender and nontransgender adults. Transgender adults who are stably housed and participated in a telephone health survey may represent the healthiest segment of the transgender population. Our findings demonstrate a need for diverse sampling approaches to monitor transgender health, including adding transgender measures to population-based surveys, and further highlight economic inequities that warrant intervention.
Core Competencies for Doctoral Education in Public Health
Authors: Calhoun Judith G. , McElligott John E. , Weist Elizabeth M. , Raczynski James M.
Published: November 2011

The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) released the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Core Competency Model in 2009. Between 2007 and 2009, a national expert panel with members of the academic and practice communities guided by the ASPH Education Committee developed its 7 performance domains, including 54 competencies.

We provide an overview and analysis of the challenges and issues associated with the variability in DrPH degree offerings, reflect on the model development process and related outcomes, and discuss the significance of the model, future applications, and challenges for integration across educational settings.

With the model, ASPH aims to stimulate national discussion on the competencies needed by DrPH graduates with the new challenges of 21st-century public health practice and to better define the DrPH degree.
Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cucurbitin Using Response Surface Methodology: Improvement of the Functional Properties
Authors: Popovic Ljiljana , Peričin Draginja , Vaštag Žužana , Popovic Senka
Published: November 2011

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of cucurbitin, extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) oil cake with bromelain, was carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). Second-order polynomial model (R2=0.791) has been proposed for the effect of time (t), and enzyme/substrate ratio (E/S) on degree of hydrolysis (DH). Conditions for obtaining maximal value of DH were determined (E/S= 0.0132 (w/w), t= 42 min). Furthermore, according to the regression equation, conditions for production of hydrolysates with target DH values were chosen. Comparison of the functional properties of cucurbitin and its hydrolysates (DH= 10%, 20% and 30%) were carried out. The solubility of the hydrolysates gradually increased with the increase of DH, in pH range of 6–8. The hydrolysate with DH=10% had the best emulsifying properties (EA=0.632 ± 0.02 A500nm, ES= 44.2min), and extent of hydrolysis decreased both emulsifying activity and emulsifying stability. All studied hydrolysates exhibited higher oil-holding capacity and have improved foaming properties compared to the original protein. DH has influence on foam capacity. The highest foam capacity has hydrolysate with DH=20% (150.3±3.66 %). Obtained results suggest that limited protease hydrolysis of cucurbitin with bromelain produces the hydrolysates with improved functional properties and indicate their possible use in different food systems.
Seasonal Variations in Mortality, Clinical, and Laboratory Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Usvyat Len A. , Carter Mary , Thijssen Stephan , Kooman Jeroen P. , van der Sande Frank M. , Zabetakis Paul , Balter Paul , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter
Published: November 2011

Background and objectives

Mortality varies seasonally in the general population, but it is unknown whether this phenomenon is also present in hemodialysis patients with known higher background mortality and emphasis on cardiovascular causes of death. This study aimed to assess seasonal variations in mortality, in relation to clinical and laboratory variables in a large cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients over a 5-year period.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study included 15,056 patients of 51 Renal Research Institute clinics from six states of varying climates in the United States. Seasonal differences were assessed by chi-squared tests and univariate and multivariate cosinor analyses.

Results

Mortality, both all-cause and cardiovascular, was significantly higher during winter compared with other seasons (14.2 deaths per 100 patient-years in winter, 13.1 in spring, 12.3 in autumn, and 11.9 in summer). The increase in mortality in winter was more pronounced in younger patients, as well as in whites and in men. Seasonal variations were similar across climatologically different regions. Seasonal variations were also observed in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and serum calcium, potassium, and platelet values. Differences in mortality disappeared when adjusted for seasonally variable clinical parameters.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of dialysis patients, significant seasonal variations in overall and cardiovascular mortality were observed, which were consistent over different climatic regions. Other physiologic and laboratory parameters were also seasonally different. Results showed that mortality differences were related to seasonality of physiologic and laboratory parameters. Seasonal variations should be taken into account when designing and interpreting longitudinal studies in dialysis patients.
The cost of health care in Serbia according to the international classification of diseases for the period from 2004 to 2009
Authors: Gajic-Stevanovic Milena , Dimitrijevic Snezana , Zivkovic Slavoljub , Teodorovic Nevenka , Perisic-Rajnicke Darinka
Published: November 2011

Introduction. As the part of research on costs in the health care system,
there is a growing interest in the world for the estimating costs for the
treatment of disease. This value represents the burden that a particular
disease or group of diseases puts on the society. Until the year 2000, when
the Organization for Economic Countries Development (OECD) established a
System of Health Accounts (SHA), there was not even approximate
methodological guide for calculating the cost of the disease. The aim of this
study was to determine the costs of health care in the Republic of Serbia
according to the major International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and
to provide a comparative cost analysis for the treatment of diseases in the
period from 2004 to 2009. Material and Methods. A retrospective and
comparative analysis of health statistics from the database of the Institute
of Public Health of Serbia and financial information provided by the Health
Insurance Fund in the period 2004-2009 was performed. Financial information
and data on hospital services, outpatient, home health care, ancillary health
care services, drug consumption and consumer goods in healthcare were
analyzed using SHA methodology. Results. Results showed that during the
observation period, the maximum cost of health care in Serbia by main
classification of ICD-10 was achieved in 2009 and it was RSD
144,150,456,906.00 (? 1,503,321,134; $ 2,160,253,219) and the minimal cost
was achieved in 2004 - the amount being RSD 49,546,211,470.00 (? 628,086,723;
$ 855,203,134). Results showed that in 2004 the highest costs were allocated
to circulatory diseases (18.98%), followed by neoplasm (11.12%), and lowest
for congenital anomalies (0.64%). In 2009, the highest costs were allocated
to circulatory diseases (18.87%), infectious and parasitic diseases (11.20%),
diseases of digestive system (9.26%) nervous system diseases (9.20%), and
neoplasm (8.88%), whereas the minimal funds were allocated for congenital
anomalies (0.33%). Conclusion. Comparative analysis showed that the value of
overall spending in healthcare increased three times in 2009 as compared to
2004.
The efficacy of “walking” bleach technique in endodontically treated teeth: Case report
Authors: Savic-Stankovic Tatjana , Popovic Milica , Karadzic Branislav
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Discolored teeth in the anterior region can cause considerable
cosmetic impairment. One of the techniques commonly used for bleaching
endodontically treated teeth is ?walking? bleach technique, which in many
cases provides satisfying results. The aim of this study was to evaluate
bleaching efficacy of ?walking? bleach technique in an endodontically treated
tooth. Case Report. A 22-year-old patient showed up to the clinic because of
discoloration of the maxillary right central incisor. The mixture of sodium
perborate and 30% hydrogen peroxide was applied and changed weekly. The total
duration of therapy was 28 days. At the end of therapy, the tooth achieved 3
shades lighter color. Conclusion. The mixture of sodium perborate and 30%
hydrogen peroxide can successfully bleach discolored endodontically treated
teeth.
Morphometric Variations of Discophrya Elongata (Ciliophora, Suctorea) Attached to Two Different Species of Aquatic True Bugs (Hemiptera, Prosorrhyncha, Nepomorpha)
Authors: Marico-Pérez R. , Mayén-Estrada R. , Macip-Ríos R. , Dovgal I.
Published: November 2011

Morphometric Variations ofDiscophrya Elongata(Ciliophora, Suctorea) Attached to Two Different Species of Aquatic True Bugs (Hemiptera, Prosorrhyncha, Nepomorpha)

Morphometric variation inDiscophrya elongataliving as epibionts of two species of aquatic true bugs,Corisella edulisandNotonecta unifasciata, collected from the same pond in Mexico are discussed. Factors that may be responsible for observed variability, especially hydrodynamic loads and long-term modifications, also are identified and discussed.
Geometric Morphometric Study on Geographic Dimorphism of Coding Moth Cydia Pomonella (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from North West of Iran
Authors: Khaghaninia S. , Mohammadi S. , Srafrazi A. , Nejad K. , Zahiri R.
Published: November 2011

Geometric Morphometric Study on Geographic Dimorphism of Coding MothCydia Pomonella(Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from North West of Iran

During years 2003-2004, nine geographical populations of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) from 4 north western provinces of Iran were collected. By preparing 575 images from fore wings and 564 from hind wings, a total of 15 and 11 landmarks were determined for fore and hind wings, respectively. With transforming of landmark's geometrical data into partial warp scores, 26 and 18 scores were obtained for fore and hind wings, respectively. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed significant correlation between environmental parameters and wing shape variables. Among environmental parameters, wind speed showed the highest correlation with wing shape variables whereas, the correlation between latitude, relative humidity as well as amount of precipitation and wing shape variables was low. Considering the effect of various environmental parameters on wing shape, wind speed was determined as important parameter affecting geographic dimorphism. Among the populations collected from different regions, two geographic population pairs; Meshkinshahr-Mahneshan and Zandjan-Khoramdareh were selected as representative of low and high windy regions, respectively. Relative warp analysis (RWA) of fore and hind wings shape variables in the areas with high and low wind showed shorter and wider fore wings as well as slender and narrower hind wings in populations from high windy regions compared with populations from low wind regions. Centroid size of fore and hind wings in high windy area populations were smaller compared with those from low windy ones as revealed by t-test. The results showed aerodynamic shape and small size of wings are as adapted traits for powerful flight and its control in high windy regions.
Sentence Recognition in the Presence of Competing Speech Messages Presented in Audiometric Booths with Reverberation Times of 0.4 and 0.6 Seconds
Authors: Abouchacra Kim , Koehnke Janet , Besing Joan , Letowski Tomasz
Published: November 2011

This study examined whether differences in reverberation time (RT) between typical sound field test rooms used in audiology clinics have an effect on speech recognition in multi-talker environments. Separate groups of participants listened to target speech sentences presented simultaneously with 0-to-3 competing sentences through four spatially-separated loudspeakers in two sound field test rooms having RT = 0:6 sec (Site 1:N= 16) and RT = 0:4 sec (Site 2:N= 12). Speech recognition scores (SRSs) for the Synchronized Sentence Set (S3) test and subjective estimates of perceived task difficulty were recorded. Obtained results indicate that the change in room RT from 0.4 to 0.6 sec did not significantly influence SRSs in quiet or in the presence of one competing sentence. However, this small change in RT affected SRSs when 2 and 3 competing sentences were present, resulting in mean SRSs that were about 8-10% better in the room with RT = 0:4 sec. Perceived task difficulty ratings increased as the complexity of the task increased, with average ratings similar across test sites for each level of sentence competition. These results suggest that site-specific normative data must be collected for sound field rooms if clinicians would like to use two or more directional speech maskers during routine sound field testing.
39th Winter School on Vibroacoustical Hazards Suppressions Szczyrk, Poland, February 28 - March 4, 2011
Authors: Bukowski Roman
Published: November 2011

39th Winter School on Vibroacoustical Hazards Suppressions Szczyrk, Poland, February 28 - March 4, 2011

Traditionally I invite you to acquaint with the preliminary list of lectures and some abstracts of lectures submitted for presentation in the 39th Winter School on Vibroacoustical Hazards Suppressions. This national School, organized by Upper Silesian Division of the Polish Acoustical Society and Institute of Physics at the Silesian University of Technology, is planned this year at the turn of February and March 2011. This conference is organized in different places of Silesian Beskidy Mountains, but this year will be again organized in Szczyrk.
Loudness Assessment of Musical Tones Equalized in A-weighted Level
Authors: Klonari Despina , Pastiadis Konstantinos , Papadelis Georgios , Papanikolaou George
Published: November 2011

The present study was carried out to determine whether recorded musical tones played at various pitches on a clarinet, a flute, an oboe, and a trumpet are perceived as being equal in loudness when presented to listeners at the sameA-weighted level. This psychophysical investigation showed systematic effects of both instrument type and pitch that could be related to spectral properties of the sounds under consideration. Level adjustments that were needed to equalize loudness well exceeded typical values of JNDs for signal level, thus confirming the insufficiency ofA-weighting as a loudness predictor for musical sounds. Consequently, the use of elaborate computational prediction is stressed, in view of the necessity for thorough investigation of factors affecting the perception of loudness of musical sounds.
Automatic Music Summarization. A "Thumbnail" Approach
Authors: Głaczyński Jakub , Łukasik Ewa
Published: November 2011

In the paper, various approaches to automatic music audio summarization are discussed. The project described in detail, is the realization of a method for extracting a music thumbnail - a fragment of continuous music of a given duration time that is most similar to the entire music piece. The results of subjective assessment of the thumbnail choice are presented, where four parameters have been taken into account: clarity (representation of the essence of the piece of music), conciseness (the motifs are not repeated in the summary), coherence of music structure, and overall quality of summary usefulness.
Comparison of Sound Attributes of Multichannel and Mixed-Down Stereo Recordings
Authors: Kin Maurycy , Plaskota Przemysław
Published: November 2011

The work presents a comparison of some sound attributes perceived at a multichannel and stereo playback of musical recordings. The width of the virtual source, coherence impression, total size of sound scene, general quality and balance were the subjects of interest after the format reduction in accordance with the ITU recommendation. The results showed that evaluation of these attributes depends on the way the original audiosphere has been created in the surround system, for example, for a narrow virtual source the mix-down process causes only a small change in its size but for a broad source the observed degradation is significant. In addition, different ways of conversion from the multichannel to stereo format have been tested for compatibility.
Advances in Digitization of Microphones and Loudspeakers
Authors: Kulka Zbigniew
Published: November 2011

The development of digital microphones and loudspeakers adds new and interesting possibilities of their applications in different fields, extended from industrial, medical to consumer audio markets. One of the rapidly growing field of applications is mobile multimedia, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptop and desktop PCs, etc. The advances have also been made in digital audio, particularly in direct digital transduction, so it is now possible to create the all-digital audio recording and reproduction chains potentially having several advantages over existing analog systems.
Speech Enhancement Based on the Multi-Scales and Multi-Thresholds of the Auditory Perception Wavelet Transform
Authors: Tao Zhi , Zhao He-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Jun , Wu Di
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes a speech enhancement method using the multi-scales and multi-thresholds of the auditory perception wavelet transform, which is suitable for a low SNR (signal to noise ratio) environment. This method achieves the goal of noise reduction according to the threshold processing of the human ear's auditory masking effect on the auditory perception wavelet transform parameters of a speech signal. At the same time, in order to prevent high frequency loss during the process of noise suppression, we first make a voicing decision based on the speech signals. Afterwards, we process the unvoiced sound segment and the voiced sound segment according to the different thresholds and different judgments. Lastly, we perform objective and subjective tests on the enhanced speech. The results show that, compared to other spectral subtractions, our method keeps the components of unvoiced sound intact, while it suppresses the residual noise and the background noise. Thus, the enhanced speech has better clarity and intelligibility.
Anisopodidae and Dixidae (Diptera) of the Gemer region, with a new record for Slovaki
Authors: Ševčík Jan
Published: November 2011

Anisopodidae and Dixidae (Diptera) of the Gemer region, with a new record for Slovaki

Four species of Anisopodidae and two species of Dixidae are recorded from the Gemer region in central Slovakia. The material was obtained mainly in the years 2008-2011 by means of Malaise traps and by individual collecting by the author. One species, Sylvicola stackelbergi Krivosheina & Menzel, 1998, is recorded from Slovakia for the first time.
Visualizing the Dynamics of London's Bicycle-Hire Scheme
Authors: Wood Jo , Slingsby Aidan , Dykes Jason
Published: November 2011

Visualizing flows between origins and destinations can be straightforward when dealing with small numbers of journeys or simple geographies. Lines embedded in geographic space have commonly been used in mapping transport flows, especially when geographic patterns are important, as they are when characterizing cities or managing transportation. For larger numbers of flows, however, this approach requires careful design to avoid problems of occlusion, salience bias, and information overload. Driven by the requirements identified by users and managers of the London Bicycle Hire scheme, we present three methods of representation of bicycle-hire use and travel patterns. Flow maps with curved flow symbols are used to show overviews in flow structures. Gridded views of docking-station locations that preserve geographic relationships are used to explore docking-station status over space and time in a graphically efficient manner. Origin–Destination maps that visualize the OD matrix directly while maintaining geographic context are used to provide visual details on demand. We use these approaches to identify changes in travel behaviour over space and time, to aid station rebalancing, and to provide a framework for incorporating travel modelling and simulation.
A Human Right to Group Self-Identification? Reflections on Nixon v. Vancouver Rape Relief
Authors: Boyle Christine
Published: November 2011

Dans Nixon c. Vancouver Rape Relief Society, la Cour d'appel de Colombie-Britannique a maintenu le droit d'un groupe de féministes de s'identifier de façon à exclure les personnes qui n'avaient pas expérimenté le fait d’être traitées comme des filles ou des femmes. Le présent article contribue au débat en cours sur les limites de l'auto-identification d'un groupe en étudiant divers groupes au Canada, l'histoire des difficultés éprouvées par les groupes de femmes et d'autochtones, les exemptions juridiques dont bénéficient certains groupes quant à leur devoir de non-discrimination, et la pertinence d'imposer ou non des limites à de telles exemptions. L'auteure affirme que des groupes assujettis à des mesures législatives sur les droits de la personne peuvent contribuer favorablement à la société canadienne, notamment par leurs efforts pour promouvoir l’égalité, et elle suggère que les divers droits et libertés découlant de la Charte permettent de les exempter de cette obligation de non-discrimination (pour qu'ils puissent exister). Bien que d'une certaine façon, il soit tentant d'essayer de préconiser des mesures d'exemption pour protéger les groupes qui militent pour l’égalité, sans toutefois protéger les groupes qui travaillent activement contre l’égalité, certaines barrières à la fois pragmatiques et constitutionnelles empêchent d'imposer des critères restrictifs. En somme, toute tentative, comme dans Nixon, de refuser ou de restreindre le droit des femmes ayant expérimenté le fait d’être traitées comme des filles ou des femmes de former des groupes identifiés comme tels n'a pas d'appui politique ni constitutionnel.
Pensions, Privatization, and Poverty: The Gendered Impact
Authors: Young Claire
Published: November 2011

Le présent article porte sur les conséquences genrées différentielles de la politique canadienne sur les pensions, ce qui contribue en revanche à la pauvreté des femmes âgées quand elles sont à la retraite. Ce phénomène est surtout lié au fait que la responsabilité de la sécurité économique relève de plus en plus du privé au Canada, où l'on préfère beaucoup laisser le secteur privé et la famille s'occuper du bien-être des citoyens plutôt que de compter sur l’État. Le présent article examine l'effet négatif sur les femmes de la tendance à créer des régimes d'employeur à cotisations déterminées au lieu de régimes de retraite à cotisations déterminées, le recours croissant aux dépenses fiscales pour encourager les épargnes privées de retraite et le fractionnement des revenus de pension. L'analyse se fonde sur des aspects socio-économiques de la vie des femmes et conclut qu'il faut renforcer les régimes de retraite publics, comme la Sécurité de la vieillesse et le Régime de pension du Canada si l'on veut remédier à l'inégalité économique des femmes à la retraite.
Implementing the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth: In a Recreational Facility
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Lieffers Jessica R.L. , Raine Kim D. , McCargar Linda J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: In this mixed-methods case study, we explored factors influencing the adoption and implementation of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth within recreational facilities, and assessed the impact of their implementation on the food environment.

Methods: Qualitative data were generated via interviews, observations, and document reviews. The quality of the food environment was assessed using validated and newly developed food environment assessment tools.

Results: Whereas few barriers existed in terms of adopting the guidelines, implementing them proved much more challenging. Implementation was impeded by concerns about the lack of profitability of healthy items, time, and resource constraints. Guidelines that do not restrict the availability of unhealthy options are better accepted by stakeholders. Implementation of the guidelines supported creation of a healthy food environment, but the availability of healthy items remained very limited within the concession (16%) and vending machines (20%), and children continued to purchase primarily unhealthy items.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that children choose healthy options insufficiently when unhealthy items are present. Thus, although introducing the nutrition guidelines in a nonrestrictive format may have been advantageous in some ways, they should be strengthened over time so that they recommend near or total elimination of unhealthy options.
A multicenter pilot study of subcallosal cingulate area deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Lozano Andres M. , Giacobbe Peter , Hamani Clement , Rizvi Sakina J. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Kolivakis Theodore T. , Debonnel Guy , Sadikot Abbas F. , Lam Raymond W. , Howard Andrew K. , Ilcewicz-Klimek Magda , Honey Christopher R. , Mayberg Helen S.
Published: November 2011

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been recently investigated as a treatment for major depression. One of the proposed targets for this application is the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG). To date, promising results after SCG DBS have been reported by a single center. In the present study the authors investigated whether these findings may be replicated at different institutions. They conducted a 3-center prospective open-label trial of SCG DBS for 12 months in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Methods

Twenty-one patients underwent implantation of bilateral SCG electrodes. The authors examined the reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) score from baseline (RESP50).

Results

Patients treated with SCG DBS had an RESP50 of 57% at 1 month, 48% at 6 months, and 29% at 12 months. The response rate after 12 months of DBS, however, increased to 62% when defined as a reduction in the baseline HRSD-17 of 40% or more. Reductions in depressive symptomatology were associated with amelioration in disease severity in patients who responded to surgery.

Conclusions

Overall, findings from this study corroborate the results of previous reports showing that outcome of SCG DBS may be replicated across centers.