bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual behavior of street children
Authors: Stojadinovic Aleksandra , Batrnek-Antonic Daliborka , Perinovic Marija , Roncevic Nevenka
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Street children and youth are at risk of getting engaged in
different behaviors including risky sexual behavior, which adversely affects
their development and health. The aim of this study was to examine sexual
behavior of street children and youth, and the risks and consequences
associated with sexual behavior. Material and Methods. A pilot study was
conducted on a sample of 50 users of the Drop-in Centre for Street Children
in Novi Sad, from 10 to 19 years of age. The study was conducted by a
psychologist through structured interviews, with prior consent of the
adolescent and parent. Results. Among the respondents who were sexually
active, 41.2% had had the first sexual intercourse by the age of 12, their
median age at that time being 14 years, while the age at the time of the
first sexual intercourse is 16 years in the general population of Serbia. The
majority of sexually active adolescents had several partners, one male
adolescent had sex with a person of the same sex, and one was paid for sex.
Very few respondents used a condom. Among 15 male sexually active
respondents, three (ages 11, 12 and 14) were forced to have unwanted sexual
intercourse, and a quarter of adolescents (three boys and one girl) were
forced to do something unwanted during sex. Conclusion. Despite a small and
unrepresentative sample, the results of this study indicate serious problems
and significant risks associated with sexual behavior of children and young
people who live and work in streets. This pilot study suggests that it is
necessary to conduct new research on sexual behavior of street children and
youth on a representative sample and with appropriate methodology. The
results of a new study should be used to plan and carry out appropriate
preventive measures regarding sexual behavior of street children.
Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with autoimmune disease of thyroid gland
Authors: Markovic Natasa , Djurica Snezana , Brajovic Milan , Milosevic Dragoslav
Published: July 2015

Congestive heart failure is the main cause of cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality with more than one million hospitalizations per year. Dilated
cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of congestive heart failure
characterized by diminished function of the left, right or both ventricles
and ejection fraction less than 40%. Numerous studies reported that the
diseases of thyroid gland among the patients with dilated cardiomiopathy were
very frequent: with prevalence from 18% to 49%. The impaired thyroid gland
function was found as primary cause of cardiomyopathy in 1% of patients. At
the same time, among patients with terminal dilated cardiomyopathy, euthyroid
sick syndrome was very frequent with low values of T3. According to our
results, 29.4% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy also had autoimmunity
disorder of thyroid gland with present antithyroglobin and antimicrosomal
antibodies. These patients had lower ejection fraction and worse prognosis.
In American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for
the evaluation and treatment of the congestive heart failure, evaluation of
thyroid gland function was recommended; but the evaluation of
antitireoglobulin antibodies and free T3 and free T4 was also essential, as
was calculation of their ratio. This is the way to discover the autoimmunity
disorder of thyroid gland and/ or ??euthyroid sick syndrome??. In patients
with dilated cardiomyopathy and low-T3 syndrome, short-term administration of
thyroid hormones resulted in improvement of ejection fraction, diminishing of
symptoms and better survival.
Molecular basis of glucocorticoid action
Authors: Ribarac-Stepic Nevena , Djurica Snezana , Zakula Zorica , Koricanac Goran , Milosevic Dragoslav
Published: July 2015

Glucocorticoid hormones are involved in regulation of cell processes and
coordinate physiological response to diverse signals. These hormones, through
interaction with specific intracellular receptors, coordinate components of
physiological repertoires by activating the expression of gene networks. Thus
hormone-receptor complexes may function as key constituent in regulation of
specific cell functions as well as in provoking differentiation in already
determined cells. Analysis of steroid receptors are important for
understanding of molecular details of transcriptional control as well as
providing the insight as to how an individual transcriptional factor such as
glucocorticoid receptor, contributes to cell identity and function. The
purpose of this review is to establish the general molecular mechanism of
glucocorticoid action and mechanism associated hormonereceptor complexes with
the control of differential patterns (i.e. ?positive? and ?negative?) of gene
expression. One of the examples of two signal pathways regulating opposite
gene expression are NF-?B and GR-mediated signal pathways. These pathways
have important and opposite roles in the immune function. NF-?B is
transcription factor which induces the expression of many genes that
participate in immune and inflamatory response, while GR is transcription
factor that serves as antiinflammatory agent and immune suppressor. Their
interactions within the cell, although not yet completely understood, appear
to be an important, possibly even the primary mechanism of immune
homeostasis. It has not been established that glucocorticoid sensitivity can
be caused by mechanisms other than changes of GR number and properties,
although recent studies have indicated that receptor isoforms and
transcriptional factors may modulate glucocorticoid responsiveness by
interacting with receptor protein or directly at the site of DNA binding. The
aim of this review is also to describe the role of glucocorticoid receptors
in mechanism of glucocorticoid action on cell functions, including immune
responses, as well as to present emerging issues on clinical aspects of
molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid action.
Autoimmune thyroid disease and brain
Authors: Zarkovic Milos
Published: July 2015

Changes of the affective and cognitive function are usually associated with
thyroid gland dysfunction. In autoimmune thyroid disease, these changes can
be caused by thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) or associated
with the presence of antithyroid antibodies. Even a small change in thyroid
hormone concentration is associated with change of cognitive function. In
euthyroid older males, variation of total and free thyroxin accounts for
about 10% of Wechsler adult intelligence test variance. In euthyroid females,
lower cognitive function, measured by Mini Mental test, also correlates with
blood thyroxin. Short-term (4 weeks) hypothyroidism induces clinically
significant cognitive dysfunction, which is reversible by thyroid hormone
substitution. Mild hypothyroidism (TSH less than 10) also induces reversible
cognitive dysfunction. In hypothyroidism, PET scanning shows global reduction
of brain blood flow and glucose metabolism. Hashimoto?s encephalopathy is
characterized by corticosteroid reversible encephalopathy associated with the
presence of antithyroid antibodies. Encephalopathy can be manifested as
multiple stroke-like episodes (vasculitis like), or as diffuse, progressive
type characterized by dementia and psychiatric symptoms. In euthyroid
patients with Hashimoto?s thyroiditis and no evidence of neurological
disease, SPECT showed brain perfusion abnormalities. Post mortem and brain
biopsy findings can be normal or show perivascular lymphocytic infiltration.
Recently, presence of antineuronal antibodies has been found in patients with
Hashimoto?s thyroiditis. Specific high reactivity against human ?-enolase was
high in patients with Hashimoto?s encephalopathy, but absent in patients with
other neurological disorders and healthy subjects. Specific antineural
antibodies were found in another group of Hashimoto?s encephalopathy
patients. Furthermore, Ferracci et al, found antithyroid antibodies in the
CSF of patients with Hashimoto?s encephalopathy.
Asthma severity in relation to allergenic risk factors in childhood
Authors: Zivanovic Snezana , Mileusnic-Milenovic Radmila , Slavkovic-Jovanovic Maja , Conic Marija
Published: July 2015

The majority of asthmatic patients are atopic - that is to say, they exhibit
IgE-mediated sensitivity to common inhalant allergens. Exposure and
sensitisation to allergens from the housedust mite has been established as an
important risk factor in asthma in most parts of the world. The aim of our
study was to assess total IgE and specific IgE on airborne allergens
(Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus - DP, Dermatophagoides farinae - DF, mould,
and grass pollen) in relation to asthma severity. The study involved 64
children with atopic asthma. Statistical significance was present between
groups of intermittent and moderately persistent asthma for IgE and specific
IgE on DP and moulds. In mild and moderate asthma, statistically significant
differences were present for all parameters except for DF.
Correlation between bronchoalveolar lavage and lung function in patients with systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pejcic Tatjana , Stankovic Ivana , Rancic Milan , Djordjevic Ivanka , Ristic Lidija , Vojinovic Jelena
Published: July 2015

Fibrous alveolitis (FA), or diffuse interstitial fibrosis, is used as a term
for diseases in patients suffering from some kind of systemic connective
tissue (SCT) disorder and lung fibrosis. FA is not unusual in clinical
practice in patients with SS and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can be found
in the definitive fibrosis phase of the disease; the early detection of FA is
of great importance. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was
a correlation between certain lung function parameters and cellular
components of BAL in patients with SS and RA. Lung function (LF) and BAL
examination was carried out in all 20 SS patients and 38 RA patients. LF was
evaluated via spirometry, flow volume curves, the lung transfer factor for
carbon monoxide (DLco), and the coefficient of transfer factor (K/ DLco), as
well as body plethysmography and blood gas analysis. A differential number of
cells were taken in all BAL samples. Normal cellular components of lavage
were found in 19 patients (50%). Ly-alveolitis was found in 10 patients (4
with SS and 6 with RA) (26%), and N-alveolitis in 9 patients (8 with SS and 1
with RA) (23.7%). An increased percentage of CD8+T lymphocytes in relation to
CD4+T lymphocytes, and a decreased level of CD4+/CD8+ was found through BAL.
Restrictive ventilation disorder was discovered in 6 patients (15.7%), TLC
values were reduced in 6 patients (15.7%), and K/DLco was decreased in 5
patients. DLco was normal in 20 patients (53%) and reduced in 18 patients
(47%). We discovered a significant correlation between DLco and cellular
components (neutrophile or lymphocyte) present in BAL, but there was no
significant correlation between other lung function parameters. Analysis of
BAL and DLco examination can be considered to be suitable parameters of
interstitial lung changes in SS and RA patients.
Effect of waterlogged condition on wood properties of Acacia nilotica (L.) debile tree
Authors: Alam J , Das AK , Rahman MM , Islam MA
Published: July 2015

This study is aimed to assess the mechanical and physical properties of waterlogging Acacia nilotica (babla). The important physical and mechanical properties were determined. The oven dry density of the wood of waterlogged tree and non-waterlogged tree was 780 and 850kg/m3. The MOR of the wood of waterlogged tree was 117N/mm2 while non-waterlogged tree showed the value of MOR 127N/mm2. The MOE of the wood of waterlogged tree and non-waterlogged tree was 1880 and 1950 N/mm2 respectively. The study of properties on A. nilotica wood grown in different conditions will help to choose the right type of its wood for suitable purposes.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 71-76, 2015
Tunable synthesis of platinum nanoparticles by EtOH reduction in presence of poly (vinylpyrrolidone)
Authors: Rahman MS , Akhter S , Ahmed KN , Rahman MS , Saha RK , Hossain MJ
Published: July 2015

Monodispersed platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) with an average diameter dTEM 3.1±1.0 nm were synthesized by EtOH reduction method in the presence of an organic polymer poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) with an average molecular weight of 40,000. Using this particles as seed, size tunable Pt-NPs of dTEM 3.1±1.0 nm to 5.7±1.6 nm with sufficient monodispersity were synthesized by multiple step seeding growth. Formation of Pt-NPs was confirmed by the UV-visible absorption spectra. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the particles were single crystalline with fcc crystal geometry.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 87-92, 2015
Drastic Population Size Change in Two Populations of the Golden-Striped Salamander over a Forty-Year Period—Are Eucalypt Plantations to Blame?
Authors: Arntzen Jan
Published: July 2015

Over the last half century the Iberian peninsula has seen the large scale planting of exotic gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.) therewith reducing space for native wildlife. An additional effect of the gum tree plantations may be the lowering of the water table in adjacent streams, to which amphibian species with a larval niche in the running sections of small streams would be especially susceptible. In northwestern Iberia that niche is occupied by the Golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica. I here report on the demographic trends of two C. lusitanica populations over a forty-year period, in two areas of one mountain range near Porto in northwestern Portugal. In both areas advantage was taken of the migration pattern of C. lusitanica to sites for aestivation and breeding in summer and fall. The area of the Silveirinhos brook was transformed in a plantation of gum trees shortly after the research started, while the area of Poço do Inferno remained virtually unaffected. At Silveirinhos the adult C. lusitanica population declined by one or two orders of magnitude, from ca. 1500 individuals to less than 50 at present. Demographic models that operate under a uniform larval mortality yielded population sizes that are compatible with field observations, including the late onset of the decline at 14 or more years after the planting of the gum trees and the near-extinction at year 32. An alternative reason for the relatively recent population collapse of C. lusitanica may have been disease, but no sick individuals or corpses have become available for clinical investigation. Conversely, the control population at Poço do Inferno increased in size by a factor of five or more. These data support the hypothesis that gum tree plantations have a strong negative effect on C. lusitanica. The population size increase at Poço do Inferno is probably attributable to the installation of wastewater treatment in the adjacent town of Valongo, with a discharge in the Simão river and closely connected to Poço do Inferno. This result suggests that the Simão river contributes to the Poço do Inferno population and that medium-large streams may constitute prime C. lusitanica habitat. Larval mortalities estimated for stable and declining populations are remarkable close (0.69 and 0.73, respectively), but dissimilar to the larval mortality at ca. 0.51 of an increasing population such as at Poço do Inferno. Suggestions for further research include (i) the continued monitoring of the Silveirinhos population with inspections at 5–10 year intervals, and (ii) checking for the persistence of C. lusitanica populations in and around gum tree plantations where the species was reported decades ago.
Infection Control Programs and Antibiotic Control Programs to Limit Transmission of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections: Evolution of Old Problems and New Challenges for Institutes
Authors: Chen Chang-Hua , Lin Li-Chen , Chang Yu-Jun , Chen Yu-Min , Chang Chin-Yen , Huang Chieh-Chen
Published: July 2015

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii complex (A. baumannii) has been isolated worldwide. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii complex (MDRAB) in clinical settings has made choosing an appropriate antibiotic to treat these infections and executing contact precautions difficult for clinicians. Although controlling the transmission of MDRAB is a high priority for institutions, there is little information about MDRAB control. Therefore, this study evaluated infection control measures for A. baumannii infections, clusters and outbreaks in the literature. Methods: We performed a review of OVID Medline (from 1980 to 2015), and analyzed the literature. Results: We propose that both infection control programs and antibiotic control programs are essential for control of MDRAB. The first, effective control of MDRAB infections, requires compliance with a series of infection control methods including strict environmental cleaning, effective sterilization of reusable medical equipment, concentration on proper hand hygiene practices, and use of contact precautions, together with appropriate administrative guidance. The second strategy, effective antibiotic control programs to decrease A. baumannii, is also of paramount importance. Conclusion: We believe that both infection control programs and antibiotics stewardship programs are essential for control of MDRAB infections.
Surrogate Model Application to the Identification of Optimal Groundwater Exploitation Scheme Based on Regression Kriging Method—A Case Study of Western Jilin Province
Authors: An Yongkai , Lu Wenxi , Cheng Weiguo
Published: July 2015

This paper introduces a surrogate model to identify an optimal exploitation scheme, while the western Jilin province was selected as the study area. A numerical simulation model of groundwater flow was established first, and four exploitation wells were set in the Tongyu county and Qian Gorlos county respectively so as to supply water to Daan county. Second, the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method was used to collect data in the feasible region for input variables. A surrogate model of the numerical simulation model of groundwater flow was developed using the regression kriging method. An optimization model was established to search an optimal groundwater exploitation scheme using the minimum average drawdown of groundwater table and the minimum cost of groundwater exploitation as multi-objective functions. Finally, the surrogate model was invoked by the optimization model in the process of solving the optimization problem. Results show that the relative error and root mean square error of the groundwater table drawdown between the simulation model and the surrogate model for 10 validation samples are both lower than 5%, which is a high approximation accuracy. The contrast between the surrogate-based simulation optimization model and the conventional simulation optimization model for solving the same optimization problem, shows the former only needs 5.5 hours, and the latter needs 25 days. The above results indicate that the surrogate model developed in this study could not only considerably reduce the computational burden of the simulation optimization process, but also maintain high computational accuracy. This can thus provide an effective method for identifying an optimal groundwater exploitation scheme quickly and accurately.
Bone Regeneration and Remodeling within a Unidirectional Porous Hydroxyapatite Bone Substitute at a Cortical Bone Defect Site: Histological Analysis at One and Two Years after Implantation
Authors: Iwasashi Masashi , Funayama Toru , Watanabe Arata , Noguchi Hiroshi , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Suetsugu Yasushi , Makihara Takeshi , Ochiai Naoyuki , Yamazaki Masashi , Sakane Masataka
Published: July 2015

Unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) is an artificial bone substitute with a unique microstructure consisting of 100–300-µm oval pores that present the material unidirectionally. UDPHAp has a compression strength of 14 MPa and a porosity of 75%, which promotes cell migration and capillary formation within the material. Despite these advantageous properties, bone remodeling and bone formation with UDPHAp remain unclear. To examine long-term remodeling and differences in bone formation based on the defect site, trapezoidal prism-shaped UDPHAp blocks were implanted into rectangular-shaped cortical bone defects in the proximal tibia of Japanese white rabbits. Histological analysis performed at 52 and 104 weeks after implantation revealed that bone and capillaries had formed within the implanted UDPHAp material. Bone formed within the UDPHAp implanted in the cortical defect of rabbit tibia and remodel up to two years. The percentage of new bone area within UDPHAp was larger in cortical lesions than that in medullary lesions. These findings suggest that UDPHAp is a promising material for the repair of non-critical-sized cortical bone defects.
Temperature-Dependence of Lipid A Acyl Structure in Psychrobacter cryohalolentis and Arctic Isolates of Colwellia hornerae and Colwellia piezophila
Authors: Sweet Charles , Watson Rebecca , Landis Corinne , Smith Joseph
Published: July 2015

Lipid A is a fundamental Gram-negative outer membrane component and the essential element of lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin), a potent immunostimulatory molecule. This work describes the metabolic adaptation of the lipid A acyl structure by Psychrobacter cryohalolentis at various temperatures in its facultative psychrophilic growth range, as characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and FAME GC-MS. It also presents the first elucidation of lipid A structure from the Colwellia genus, describing lipid A from strains of Colwellia hornerae and Colwellia piezophila, which were isolated as primary cultures from Arctic fast sea ice and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The Colwellia strains are obligate psychrophiles, with a growth range restricted to 15 °C or less. As such, these organisms have less need for fluidity adaptation in the acyl moiety of the outer membrane, and they do not display alterations in lipid A based on growth temperature. Both Psychrobacter and Colwellia make use of extensive single-methylene variation in the size of their lipid A molecules. Such single-carbon variations in acyl size were thought to be restricted to psychrotolerant (facultative) species, but its presence in these Colwellia species shows that odd-chain acyl units and a single-carbon variation in lipid A structure are present in obligate psychrophiles, as well.
Synthesis of a Spirocyclic Oxetane-Fused Benzimidazole
Authors: Gurry Michael , McArdle Patrick , Aldabbagh Fawaz
Published: July 2015

A new synthesis of 2-oxa-7-azaspiro[3.5]nonane is described. Spirocyclic oxetanes, including 2-oxa-6-azaspiro[3.3]heptane were converted into o-cycloalkylaminoacetanilides for oxidative cyclizations using Oxone® in formic acid. The expanded spirocyclic oxetane successfully gave the [1,2-a] ring-fused benzimidazole. X-ray crystal structure of the resultant new tetracyclic system, 1ʹ,2ʹ-dihydro-4ʹH-spiro[oxetane-3,3ʹ-pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole] and the azetidine ring-opened adduct, N-(2-acetamido-4-bromophenyl)-N-{[3-(chloromethyl) oxetan-3-yl]methyl}acetamide are disclosed.
A Comparison of Upper Body Strength between Rock Climbing and Resistance Trained Men
Authors: Macias Kristina , Brown Lee , Coburn Jared , Chen David
Published: July 2015

Studies have shown that advanced rock climbers have greater upper body strength than that of novice climbers or non-climbers. The purpose of this study was to compare upper body strength between rock climbing and resistance trained men. Fifteen resistance trained men (age 25.28 ± 2.26 yrs; height 177.45 ± 4.08 cm; mass 85.17 ± 10.23 kg; body fat 10.13 ± 5.40%) and 15 rock climbing men (age 23.25 ± 2.23 yrs; height 175.57 ± 8.03 cm; mass 66.66 ± 9.40 kg; body fat 6.86 ± 3.82%) volunteered to participate. Rock climbing (RC) men had been climbing for at least two years, 2–3 times a week, able to climb at least a boulder rating of V4–5 and had no current injuries. Resistance trained (RT) men had been total body strength training for at least two years, 2–3 times a week with no current injuries. Each participant performed pull-ups to failure, grip strength, and pinch strength. RT were significantly older and heavier than RC. RC performed significantly more pull-ups (19.31 ± 4.31) than RT (15.64 ± 4.82). RC had greater relative pinch strength (R 0.27 ± 0.10 kg/kg; L 0.24 ± 0.07 kg/kg) than RT (R 0.19 ± 0.04 kg/kg; L 0.16 ± 0.05 kg/kg) and greater relative grip strength (R 0.70 ± 0.10 kg/kg; L 0.65 ± 0.12 kg/kg) than RT (R 0.57 ± 0.14 kg/kg; L 0.56 ± 0.15 kg/kg). Overall, RC men demonstrated greater performance in tests involving relative strength when compared to RT men. Rock climbing can promote increased upper body strength even in the absence of traditional resistance training.
Constraining ƒ(R) Gravity by the Large-Scale Structure
Authors: De Martino Ivan , De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: July 2015

Over the past few decades, general relativity and the concordance ΛCDM model have been successfully tested using several different astrophysical and cosmological probes based on large datasets (precision cosmology). Despite their successes, some shortcomings emerge due to the fact that general relativity should be revised at infrared and ultraviolet limits and to the fact that the fundamental nature of dark matter and dark energy is still a puzzle to be solved. In this perspective, ƒ(R) gravity has been extensively investigated, being the most straightforward way to modify general relativity and to overcame some of the above shortcomings. In this paper, we review various aspects of ƒ(R) gravity at extragalactic and cosmological levels. In particular, we consider a cluster of galaxies, cosmological perturbations and N-body simulations, focusing on those models that satisfy both cosmological and local gravity constraints. The perspective is that some classes of ƒ(R) models can be consistently constrained by the large-scale structure.
Cancer Dormancy: A Regulatory Role for Endogenous Immunity in Establishing and Maintaining the Tumor Dormant State
Authors: Baxevanis Constantin , Perez Sonia
Published: July 2015

The significant contribution of host immunity in early tumorigenesis has been recently recognized as a result of our better understanding of the molecular pathways regulating tumor cell biology and tumor-lymphocyte interactions. Emerging evidence suggests that disseminated dormant tumor cells derived from primary tumors before or after immune surveillance, are responsible for subsequent metastases. Recent trends from the field of onco-immunology suggest that efficiently stimulating endogenous anticancer immunity is a prerequisite for the successful outcome of conventional cancer therapies. Harnessing the immune system to achieve clinical efficacy is realistic in the context of conventional therapies resulting in immunogenic cell death and/or immunostimulatory side effects. Targeted therapies designed to target oncogenic pathways in tumor cells can also positively regulate the endogenous immune response and tumor microenvironment. Identification of T cell inhibitory signals has prompted the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which specifically hinder immune effector inhibition, reinvigorating and potentially expanding the preexisting anticancer immune response. This anticancer immunity can be amplified in the setting of immunotherapies, mostly in the form of vaccines, which boost naturally occurring T cell clones specifically recognizing tumor antigens. Thus, a promising anticancer therapy will aim to activate patients’ naturally occurring anticancer immunity either to eliminate residual tumor cells or to prolong dormancy in disseminated tumor cells. Such an endogenous anticancer immunity plays a significant role for controlling the balance between dormant tumor cells and tumor escape, and restraining metastases. In this review, we mean to suggest that anticancer therapies aiming to stimulate the endogenous antitumor responses provide the concept of the therapeutic management of cancer.
A Vacation Within a Vacation: Children's Day Rograms and Parental Satisfaction
Authors: Agate Joel R. , Agate Sarah T. , Birchler Kathrin
Published: July 2015

Family vacations are an important part of life for many families and may lead to beneficial outcomes for family members. Potential negative aspects of family vacations have also been identified, including the stress of increased time together. Many accommodation providers have developed
children's day programs to help people negotiate these constraints. The purpose of this study was to explore how children's participation in day programs influenced the parents' experience on vacation. An open-ended questionnaire was e-mailed to parents whose children attended a children's
program while on family vacations and a qualitative analysis was performed. The overall theme that emerged during this study is that parents' stressful experiences during family vacations can be moderated by participation in children's programs. Findings indicated that parents were very satisfied
with the programs, children's participation in such programs provided opportunity for parental time alone, parents experienced positive emotions while their children were at the program, and the children's program served as an affordance that helped parents negotiate constraints they experienced
during the family vacation. Future research needs to further explore these findings to better understand how to help commercial accommodation providers better serve families.
Outcome of Tuberculosis patients under directly observed short course treatment in western Ethiopia
Authors: Ejeta Eyasu , Chala Muda , Arega Gebeyaw , Ayalsew Kassahu , Tesfaye Lensa , Birhanu Tadesse , Disassa Haimanot
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Treatment outcome is an important indicator of tuberculosis control programs, as suggested by the World Health Organization. However, this has not been well documented in the study area. This work contributes to a better understanding this issue. Methodology: A five-year (2009–2013) retrospective cohort study was conducted between April and May 2014, in six randomly selected health institutions providing tuberculosis treatment in western Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between treatment outcomes and predictor variables. Results: A total of 1,175 tuberculosis patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 29.91 (13.99) were involved in the study. The majority of the study participants had smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (39.7%) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (39.7%). Of all the study participants, 14.5% were cured, 56.3% completed treatment, 0.2% had treatment failure, 8.1% died during follow-up, 7.1% were reported as defaulters, and 13.8% were transferred out to another health institution. The overall treatment success rate was 70.8% and show progressive increases over the course of the study. The associated predictors were enrollment years, HIV co-infection, and sputum smear follow-up in the second, fifth, and seven months. Conclusions: The treatment success rate was unsatisfactory in spite of improvement seen over the study period. Thus, continued follow-up of patients, with frequent supportive supervision during the course of treatment, and provision of early detection and follow-up for HIV infection need to be strengthened to achieve an effective treatment outcome.
Immersed Boundary – Thermal Lattice Boltzmann Methods for Non-Newtonian Flows Over a Heated Cylinder: A Comparative Study
Authors: Delouei A. Amiri , Nazari M. , Kayhani M. H. , Succi S.
Published: July 2015

In this study, we compare different diffuse and sharp interface schemes of direct-forcing immersed boundary — thermal lattice Boltzmann method (IB-TLBM) for non-Newtonian flow over a heated circular cylinder. Both effects of the discrete lattice and the body force on the momentum and energy equations are considered, by applying the split-forcing Lattice Boltzmann equations. A new technique based on predetermined parameters of direct forcing IB-TLBM is presented for computing the Nusselt number. The study covers both steady and unsteady regimes (20<Re<80) in the power-law index range of 0.6<n<1.4, encompassing both shear-thinning and shear-thickening non-Newtonian fluids. The numerical scheme, hydrodynamic approach and thermal parameters of different interface schemes are compared in both steady and unsteady cases. It is found that the sharp interface scheme is a suitable and possibly competitive method for thermal-IBM in terms of accuracy and computational cost.
Climate change and its impacts on river discharge in two climate regions in China
Authors: Xu H. , Luo Y.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Understanding the heterogeneity of climate change and its impacts on annual and seasonal discharge, and the difference between mean flow and extreme flow in different climate regions is of utmost importance to successful water management. To quantify the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of climate change impacts on hydrological processes, this study simulated river discharge in the River Huangfuchuan in semi-arid northern China and the River Xiangxi in humid southern China. We assessed the uncertainty in projected discharge for three time periods (2020s, 2050s and 2080s) using seven equally weighted GCMs for the SRES A1B scenario. Climate projections that were applied to semi-distributed hydrological models Soil Water Assessment Tools (SWAT) in both catchments showed trends toward warmer and wetter conditions, particularly for the River Huangfuchuan. Results based on seven GCMs' projections indicated −1.1 to 8.6 and 0.3 to 7.0 °C changes in seasonal temperature and −29 to 139 and −32 to 85 % changes in seasonal precipitation in River Huangfuchuan and River Xiangxi, respectively. The largest increases in temperature and precipitation in both catchments were projected in the spring and winter seasons. The main projected hydrologic impact was a more pronounced increase in annual discharge in the River Huangfuchuan than in the River Xiangxi. Most of the GCMs projected increased discharge in all seasons, especially in spring, although the magnitude of these increases varied between GCMs. Peak flows was projected to appear earlier than usual in River Huangfuchuan and later than usual in River Xiangxi. While the GCMs were fairly consistent in projecting increased extreme flows in both catchments, the increases were of varying magnitude compared to mean flows. For River Huangfuchuan in the 2080s, median flow changed from −2 to 304 %, compared to a −1 to 145 % change in high flow (Q05 exceedence threshold). For River Xiangxi, low flow (Q95 exceedence threshold) changed from −1 to 77 % and high flow changed from −1 to 62 %, while mean flow changed from −4 to 23 %. The uncertainty analysis provided an improved understanding of future hydrologic behavior in the watershed. Furthermore, this study indicated that the uncertainty constrained by GCMs was critical and should always be considered in analysis of climate change impacts and adaptation.
Subglacial hydrology indicates a major shift in dynamics of the West Antarctic Ross Ice Streams within the next two centuries
Authors: Goeller S. , Helm V. , Thoma M. , Grosfeld K.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The mass export of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is dominated by fast flowing ice streams. Understanding their dynamics is a key to estimate the future integrity of the WAIS and its contributions to global sea level rise. This study focuses on the Ross Ice Streams (RIS) at the Siple Coast. In this sector, observations reveal a high variability of ice stream pathways and velocities which is assumed to be driven by subglacial hydrology. We compute subglacial water pathways for the present-day ice sheet and verify this assumption by finding high correlations between areas of enhanced basal water flow and the locations of the RIS. Moreover, we reveal that the ice flow velocities of the individual ice streams are correlated with the sizes of the water catchment areas draining underneath. The future development of the subglacial hydraulic environment is estimated by applying ice surface elevation change rates observed by ICESat and CryoSat-2 to the present-day ice sheet geometry and thus assessing prognostic basal pressure conditions. Our simulations consistently indicate that a major hydraulic tributary of the Kamb and Whillans Ice Stream (KIS and WIS) will be redirected underneath the Bindschadler Ice Stream (BIS) within the next two centuries. The water catchment area feeding underneath the BIS is estimated to grow by about 50 % while the lower part of the stagnated KIS becomes increasingly separated from its upper hydraulic tributaries. We conclude, that this might be a continuation of the subglacial hydraulic processes which caused the past stagnation of the KIS. The simulated hydraulic rerouting is also capable to explain the observed deceleration of the WIS and indicates a possible future acceleration of the BIS accompanied by an increased ice drainage of the corresponding ice sheet interior.
Egyptian Consumers’ Perception of Social Media as Health Information Source
Authors: Hassan Sayed Ahmed Riham Adel
Published: July 2015

The paper addresses the contemporary question of social media role as credible and trustworthy source of information. However, social media have provided healthcare organizations with new opportunities to communicate and engage with consumers. Nevertheless, healthcare providers should understand the key stages of consumers’ decision-making and tailor the right message at the right time, in the right place to the right consumers’ segment, which will to increase their chance of reaching and influencing consumers’ behaviors and perceptions.
Redesigning Poverty Alleviation Organization in Kendari
Authors: Brata Joko Tri
Published: July 2015

Poverty is a classical problem which needs organizational redesign in order to refresh, and renew the organization. This can be done by optimizing resources unification in each organization through innovation of organizational management and functions and renewal of the values shaping bureaucrats (referred to by Jokowi as Mental Revolution).  This research aims at describing institutional model application and applying new institutional model (redesign) for the sustainability of poverty alleviation policy in Kendari. This is a qualitative research with experimental approach using developmental research pattern.  The research describes that the application of institutional model in poverty alleviation in Kendari which is integrated in TKPKD is merely formal institutional setting and is assumed to have conventional framework.  The attempt of applying organizational new design of poverty alleviation can be done by preparing the organization through institutional model improvement by optimizing the potentials of program correlated fields.
UM CASO ILUSTRANDO A RELAÇÃO ENTRE SÍNDROME DE SWEET E LÚPUS ERITEMATOSO SISTÊMICO
Authors: Oliveira Marina Camara , Trevisan Flávia , Werner Betina , Crescente Graziela , Santamaria Jesus Rodriguez
Published: July 2015

Objetivo: As dermatoses neutrofílicas são manifestações raras nos casos de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), sendo mais comum seu surgimento em pacientes com diagnóstico prévioj. O objetivo deste artigo é ilustrar um caso de síndrome de Sweet em uma paciente portadora de LES. Métodos: Relato de caso com base em dados de prontuário e consultas médicas, ilustrado com imagens fotográficas, no qual os autores discutem os possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais e apresentam  breve revisão da literatura, com busca no acervo do PubMed a partir das palavras correlacionadas lúpus eritematoso + síndrome de Sweet. Resultados: O trabalho relata o caso de uma mulher previamente diagnosticada e em tratamento para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico que manifestou episódios recorrentes da síndrome de Sweet. Conclusão:A síndrome de Sweet, ou dermatose neutrofílica febril, se caracteriza por lesões eritematosas, dolorosas e agudas, principalmente em áreas fotoexpostas, mas que também pode ter manifestações extra-cutâneas e mucosa. É dividida em quatro subgrupos: clássica, para-inflamatória, paraneoplásica e farmacológica. Este artigo relata um caso de paciente com lúpus eritematoso associado a síndrome de Sweet.
PSYCHELIA AND VISIONARY ART THE WORK OF ART AS THE RESULT OF INTERACTION BETWEEN CULTURE AND NON-ORDINARY STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Authors: Mikosz José Eliézer
Published: July 2015

This essay investigates the poetics of visionary art as a result of interactions between local cultures and non-ordinary states of consciousness. We seek, through brief examples, to draw a parallel between images produced in the past, images produced by Amazonian tribes, and the production of contemporary artists and to point out series of meaningful coincidences between them. Despite local cultural differences, it is possible to observe similar patterns of non-ordinary states of consciousness in the context of artistic works; at the same time, such an approach also brings up a whole historical background to the current – and so called – visionary art.
(RE)PENSANDO TECNOLOGIA E RELIGIOSIDADE: TECNOGNOSE, JOGOS DE RPG E AMPLIAÇÃO DE CONSCIÊNCIA
Authors: Silva Rafael Justino da , Serbena Carlos Augusto
Published: July 2015

O artigo propõe que a tecnologia tem assumido expressões religiosas, das quais emergem os conceitos de tecnognose e tecno-religiosidade, fazendo referência a uma espécie de culto à tecnologia no qual aparecem fantasias de progresso e transcendência. Nesse contexto, os jogos digitais são vistos como um espaço de realização de algumas dessas fantasias, mas nota-se que não podem ser reduzidos apenas a isso. Nota-se que os jogos, em especial os de representação de papéis (RPGs), possibilitam a emergência de processos psicológicos paralelos à realização de fantasias que auxiliam no desenvolvimento da personalidade do jogador e na ampliação de sua consciência. Assim, defende-se que tecnologia e jogos digitais sejam considerados como objetos plurais, nos quais manifestam-se aspectos religiosos e fantasiosos bem como potenciais reais de desenvolvimento.
RELIGIÃO EM SIGMUND FREUD: QUATRO LEITURAS
Authors: Silva Elias Gomes da
Published: July 2015

O seguinte estudo propõe-se a estabelecer uma análise sobre a temática da religião na obra de Sigmund Freud. Nesse contexto, a pesquisa pretendeu elencar preferencialmente – de maneira cronológica – as principais leituras freudianas da religião a partir de quatro grandes incursões que autor faz sobre o tema em suas obras, que são: O artigo intitulado Os Atos Obsessivos e as Práticas Religiosas de 1907; Totem e Tabu de 1913; O Futuro de uma Ilusão de 1927; e Moisés e o Monoteísmo de 1939. Em suma, foi possível demonstrar que para o autor, a religião constitui apenas um estágio emocionalmente primitivo da humanidade da qual a mesma precisa superar.
Caracterização Espacial da Pobreza no estado da Bahia
Authors: Santos Eli Izidro dos , Carvalho Ícaro Célio Santos de , Barreto Ricardo Candéa Sá
Published: July 2015

O Objetivo do trabalho é fazer uma caracterização da pobreza no Estado da Bahia. Para tanto lança mão de ferramentas de análise espacial, permitindo estudar os mais diversos cenários geográficos, com rapidez e eficiência na tomada de decisão, tanto das empresas como dos governos, e na implementação de políticas públicas de intervenção mais eficazes de combate à pobreza, pois o estudo apresenta um olhar multidimensional dessa problemática. Utiliza-se o Índice Municipal de Pobreza (IMP) e  o ranking do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM). Os resultados encontrados indicam que o IMP é um índice eficiente para estudo da pobreza espacial no estado da Bahia.
Uma análise sobre o crescimento econômico dos municípios do estado da Bahia: um teste da hipótese de convergência de renda
Authors: Barbosa Alexsandro Oliveira , Barreto Ricardo Candea Sá
Published: July 2015

Este artigo busca investigar o comportamento do PIB per capita nos municípios baianos, verificando a existência de uma tendência para redução destas disparidades econômicas entre estas municipalidades no período de 1996 a 2010, o que confirmaria um processo de convergência de renda na Bahia. Para tal, foi empregado um modelo de regressão múltipla não linear, por meio do método de Mínimos Quadrados Ordinários (MQO), com os dados coletados dos 417 municípios do estado da Bahia em uma análise cross-section. Os resultados obtidos indicam redução das disparidades dos PIBs per capita, confirmando a convergência de renda entre os municípios baianos. Além disso, os resultados revelam a importância do capital humano para o avanço do crescimento de renda dos municípios da Bahia.
Significados del signo de igual y aspectos de su enseñanza. Un estudio realizado con estudiantes de primer año de enseñanza secundaria y sus profesores
Authors: Burgell García Federico , Ochoviet Filgueiras Teresa Cristina
Published: July 2015

En este artículo presentamos resultados de un estudio que indaga en los significados que le atribuyen al signo de igual estudiantes que están cursando el primer año de enseñanza secundaria en un liceo de Montevideo (12-13 años) y en aspectos de su enseñanza. Los resultados muestran que una parte importante de los alumnos interpreta el signo de igual como el indicador del resultado de una operación y no como el indicador de una relación de equivalencia, interpretación que resulta imprescindible para el abordaje del álgebra en el nivel medio. Además, detectamos que los profesores no le brindan al tema una atención especial.
Improving animal welfare standards while reducing disease exposure risk during euthanasia of trapped brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Rouco C , Richardson KS , Tompkins DM
Published: July 2015

In New Zealand there is a long history of research studies working with wild free-living brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) where euthanasia of large numbers of animals is frequently required. The most commonly used method for euthanising trapped possums is by blunt-force trauma. If possums being euthanised are potentially infected with bovine tuberculosis (TB), however, the blunt-force trauma method is associated with risks of researcher exposure to TB infection (eg risk of being scratched, bitten or blood-splattered). Here, we trial the use of a close-range shot to the head with a high-velocity air rifle as an alternative method for the euthanasia of cage-trapped possums. Our trial revealed that the air rifle method reduced the potential disease exposure risks to researchers by minimising blood-spatter area, and by completely avoiding the likelihood of both accidents due to animal handling and animal escapes. While both methods induced immediate unconsciousness leading to death, the air rifle method was quicker (ie shorter conscious handling and total time) and arguably had better animal welfare performance by significantly reducing the time to unconsciousness. Thus, we conclude that the air rifle method is suitably humane for possum euthanasia and should be considered when dealing with potentially TB-infected cage-trapped possums.