bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reframing Women: Gender and Film in Aotearoa New Zealand 1999–2014
Authors: Shepard Deborah
Published: October 2016

When my book Reframing Women: A history of New Zealand cinema (Harper Collins) was published in 2000 New Zealand women's film was flourishing. There had been an explosion of filmmaking following the upsurge of twentieth century feminism in the 1970s beginning with the international women's year film Some of My Best Friends are Women (1975) and the subsequent production of nine feminist documentary films. The energy generated by these films and the international feminist history projects that uncovered the formerly invisible contribution of women across every sphere of creative was contagious. There was a feeling of optimism that anything was possible. Women were using the camera to focus the lens on themselves and their issues. Between 1980 and 1990 dramas and features dealing with gender issues increased dramatically while the formerly marginalised were gaining access to the technology to explore sexuality and identity politics. There were powerful films about identity by Maori, Pacific, Asian, Yugoslavian, Greek … and increasing experimentation with film form.

Since 2000 women have lost ground and film production and experimentation has declined, knocked back by the backlash against feminism, by recession and fiscal cutbacks caused by the global financial meltdown of 2008–9 and a change in political parties to a conservative, misogynist, right wing, capitalist government. I propose to investigate the situation and the changes in the film climate with reference to the global situation through a series of interviews with key creatives: leading feminist film director Gaylene Preston, academic documentary film director Annie Goldson, feature film directors Christine Jeffs (Rain and Sylvia about Sylvia Plath) and Fiona Samuel (Bliss about the life of Katherine Mansfield), the Greek feminist academic film director Athina Tsoulis, Maori screenwriter Riwia Brown (Once Were Warriors), Samoan director Justine Simei-Barton, Indian academic Schuchi Kotari and the cinematographer Mairi Gunn, along with a younger feminist director Brita McVeigh.

The paper will compare my historical findings in reframing women with the current situation in a blend of history, current opinion and analysis and reflection.
Facial Drooping, Aphasia, and an Incidental Lung Mass in a Nonsmoker
Authors: Lui Justin K. , McIntosh Lacey J. , Escobar Valle Jorge , Stockl Thomas , Summers Stephen
Published: October 2016

Background:

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are atrial tachycardias associated with embolic strokes. To date, there have only been a few reports highlighting the incidence of these atrial tachycardias due to mechanical compression of myocardial structures and the pulmonary vasculature in certain mediastinal masses and cysts.

Case:

We present a case of a 75-year-old gentleman who is a nonsmoker with a history of hypertension who presents with an acute embolic stroke due to atrial flutter likely from mechanical compression from an underlying squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Conclusion:

This case represents, to the best of our knowledge, a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in a nonsmoker likely leading to mechanical compression and a resultant atrial tachycardia with an embolic stroke.
High-Intensity Atorvastatin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis in an Elderly Patient With NSTEMI: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Huynh Glen A. , Lee Audrey J.
Published: October 2016

A 91-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for worsening muscle weakness, muscle pain, and unexplained soreness for the past 10 days. Four months prior to his admission, the patient had experienced a myocardial infarction and was initiated on atorvastatin 80 mg daily. Although the provider had instructed the patient to decrease the atorvastatin dose to 40 mg daily 3 months prior to admission, the patient did not adhere to the lower dose regimen until 10 days prior to hospitalization. Upon admission, the patient presented with muscle weakness and pain, a serum creatinine phosphokinase of 18 723 U/L, and a serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL. The atorvastatin dose was held and the patient was treated with intravenous fluids. The 2013 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Blood Cholesterol Practice Guidelines recommend the use of moderate-intensity statins in patients older than 75 years to prevent myopathy. However, in clinical practice, aggressive statin therapy is often prescribed for significant coronary disease. Prescribing high-intensity statins for patients with advanced age, such as this case, may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis and other complications. This case report suggests that providers should avoid or be cautious with initiating high-intensity atorvastatin in elderly patients over 75 years to minimize the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Intentional subintimal carotid stenting of internal carotid dissection in a patient with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Limbucci Nicola , Nappini Sergio , Rosi Andrea , Renieri Leonardo , Consoli Arturo , Mangiafico Salvatore
Published: October 2016

Carotid artery dissection is a common cause of juvenile stroke. Endovascular treatment of acute stroke due to carotid dissection can be challenging, and endoluminal crossing of the dissection is sometimes impossible. We describe a case of intentional subintimal recanalisation of a cervical carotid dissection followed by intracranial thrombectomy and stenting. We report the case of a young woman with severe acute ischaemic stroke due to carotid artery dissection and intracranial embolism. After failure of endoluminal crossing of the dissected segment, intentional subintimal crossing with re-entry distally to the dissection was achieved and a stent was deployed. Then, middle cerebral artery thrombectomy was performed achieving good recanalisation. Acute thrombus formed in the bulged segment of the carotid stent and was managed with additional stent placement. The patient had a good clinical recovery. In selected cases, after failure of conventional techniques, subintimal recanalisation of carotid dissections may be performed.
DynaCT angiography for the diagnosis of bilateral bow hunter’s syndrome
Authors: Lu Tony , Chinnadurai Ponraj , Anaya-Ayala Javier E , Diaz Orlando M
Published: October 2016

We herein present a rare case of bilateral positional vertebrobasilar insufficiency secondary to mechanical obstruction of the V2 segment of the vertebral artery in a 71-year-old patient presenting with vertigo, occipital headache, tremors and respiratory irregularities. Two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography is the traditional diagnostic imaging standard but does not capture any peri-vascular bony or soft tissue abnormalities that are important to understand the three-dimensional pathophysiology. Intra-procedural cone-beam computed tomography (CT) is an increasingly used diagnostic adjunct, available in most modern angiographic suites that allows for the three-dimensional visualization of the vasculature as well as CT-like soft tissue visualization of its surrounding anatomy. In this case, we report the additional value of three-dimensional reconstructed cone-beam CT angiographic imaging that led to the successful diagnosis of bilateral positional vertebrobasilar disease. The patient subsequently received C4–C6 cervical decompression and fusion and remains symptom free at 1 year follow-up.
Maximizing value and minimizing barriers: Patient-centered community consultation for research in emergency settings
Authors: Fordyce Christopher B , Roe Matthew T , Dickert Neal W
Published: October 2016

Background:

Patients with cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies are unable to provide prospective consent for clinical trials. In the United States and other countries, regulations permit an exception from the requirement for informed consent in emergency settings. However, many potential barriers exist, as evidenced by the scarcity of US trials conducted under exception from the requirement for informed consent. One persistent challenge is the requirement that investigators consult communities prior to study approval.

Methods:

To improve the community consultation process for emergency studies under exception from the requirement for informed consent, we propose that prioritizing engagement of individuals who have experienced the condition under study, or are at high risk for the condition, fulfills regulatory goals and represents the interests of potential enrollees and the community without impeding research.

Results:

Prioritizing patients engages individuals who are more likely to understand the concerns and experiences of study subjects, to appreciate risks and benefits of the study, and to understand the impact of the disease and intervention on patients’ lives than are members of the general public. Similarly, those explicitly at high risk are more likely to identify as potential participants and may impart some level of accountability on the investigator. Finally, the most logical community of relevance is defined by a combination of condition-related experience and living in the area where a study will be conducted; geographic and condition-related communities should not be treated as distinct. In this sense, patients, their family members, and individuals at high risk within the catchment area represent the appropriate “community.”

Conclusion:

Exception from the requirement for informed consent regulations have advanced the goal of improving care for emergency conditions, but common interpretations of the community consultation requirement threaten research in the United States. Focusing on the goals of learning from and demonstrating respect for those most directly affected by a study through engaging people most connected to the condition of interest will make community consultation more valuable, better inform institutional review boards, and increase efficiency.
White matter hyperintensity volume predicts persistent cognitive impairment in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke
Authors: Sivakumar Leka , Riaz Parnian , Kate Mahesh , Jeerakathil Thomas , Beaulieu Christian , Buck Brian , Camicioli Richard , Butcher Ken
Published: October 2016

Background

Temporary and permanent cognitive changes following transient ischemic attack/minor stroke have been described previously. It is unknown if persisting cognitive deficits in these patients are correlated with acute infarction identified using magnetic resonance imaging.

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that persistent cognitive impairment after transient ischemic attack/minor stroke can be predicted by the volume of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions.

Methods

Acute transient ischemic attack/minor stroke (NIH stroke scale score ≤ 3) patients were prospectively recruited within 72 h of onset. Patients underwent Montreal cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery sequences, at baseline, days 7 and 30. Cognitive testing was repeated at day 90. Diffusion-weighted imaging lesion and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery chronic white matter hyperintensity volumes were measured planimetrically. Cognitive impairment was defined a priori as Montreal cognitive assessment score < 26.

Results

One hundred fifteen patients were imaged at a median (inter-quartile range) of 24.0 (16.6) h after onset. Acute ischemic lesions were present in 91 (79%) patients. Cognitive impairment rates were similar in patients with (47/91, 52%) and without diffusion-weighted imaging lesions (13/24, 54%; p = 0.83). Although linear regression indicated no relationship between acute diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume and day 30 Montreal cognitive assessment scores (β = −0.163, [−2.243, 0.334], p = 0.144), white matter hyperintensity volumes at baseline were predictive of persistent cognitive deficits after 30 days (β = 2.24, [1.956, 45.369], p = 0.005).

Conclusions

In most transient ischemic attack/minor stroke patients who suffer acute cognitive impairment post event, deficits are temporary. Deficits after 30 days of onset are correlated with chronic white matter hyperintensity, suggesting subclinical cognitive impairment and/or impaired ability to compensate for the effects of acute ischemic infarcts.
Forest fragments of the Andean piedmont as carbon sinks
Authors: Aldana Ana M. , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: October 2016

Some tropical countries, such as Colombia, are venturing into the international carbon market by means of avoided deforestation programs, i.e., they seek carbon credits by not cutting down forests. Consequently, basic information about carbon storage in different forest types is urgently needed. We describe the tree community dynamics of forest fragments in cattle ranches of the western Orinoco basin, and their relationship to the forests’ ability to accumulate carbon. We re-sampled three 1-ha vegetation plots after six and seven years of establishment. We found that these forests have different population dynamics; smaller fragments have negative net population change, but the dynamics allow for an annual carbon accumulation rate of around 0.57 Mg ha−1. This rate is similar to the rate reported for some mature Amazon forests and may be attributed to high soil fertility.
Perceived Speed of Compound Stimuli Is Moderated by Component Contrast, Not Overall Pattern Contrast
Authors: Brooks Kevin R. , Thompson Peter
Published: October 2016

The perception of speed is susceptible to manipulations of image contrast, both for simple sine wave and more complex stimuli, such that low-contrast patterns generally appear slower than their high-contrast equivalents. It is not known whether the crucial factor is the contrast of the underlying Fourier components or the contrast of the overall complex pattern. Here, two experiments investigate this issue using compound gratings, comprising two vertical sine wave stimuli with equal contrast, but a 3:1 spatial frequency ratio. Component gratings were summed in “peaks add” and in “peaks subtract” phase, creating conditions with either (a) identical component contrasts, despite differences in overall pattern contrast or (b) differences in component contrasts despite identical overall pattern contrast. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the perceived speed is determined by the contrast of the components regardless of relative phase and hence of overall pattern contrast. Experiment 2 replicated this result while eliminating potential explanations based on differences in spatial frequency content. Along with previous compound grating and plaid studies, the data support a two-stage velocity estimation process involving the derivation of separate speed signals for each Fourier component, followed by integration of these signals across spatial scales.
Enabling and inhibitory factors that influenced implementation of evidence-based practice for urinary incontinence in a nursing home
Authors: Hägglund Doris , Olai Lena
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present follow-up study was to describe staff perceptions of enabling and inhibitory factors that influenced implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) for urinary incontinence in a nursing home. Focus-group interviews were carried out and the text was deductively analyzed using the PARIHS framework and qualitative content analysis. Factors believed to be most enabling for implementation were EBP being considered as relevant and as a social process, and visiting the lavatory being considered as a right for all. One determinant of successful implementation was having clear and involved leaders who had a continuous positive attitude toward EBP and demanded results. Staff members who were given the role of continence agents were important facilitators. The factor believed to inhibit implementation most was staff having to carry out pad-weight tests before prescribing individual incontinence aids. Evidence-based practice offers a successful concept for caring for older people with urinary incontinence in nursing homes. Evidence-based practice should be spread, both local and more widely.
Direct Cost Analysis of Outpatient Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Medicare and Non-Medicare Populations
Authors: Narvy Steven J. , Didinger Tracey C. , Lehoang David , Vangsness C. Thomas , Tibone James E. , Hatch George F. Rick , Omid Reza , Osorno Felipe , Gamradt Seth C.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Providing high-quality care while also containing cost is a paramount goal in orthopaedic surgery. Increasingly, insurance providers in the United States, including government payers, are requiring financial and performance accountability for episodes of care, including a push toward bundled payments.

Hypothesis:

The direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was assessed to determine whether, due to an older population, rotator cuff surgery was more costly in Medicare-insured patients than in patients covered by other insurers. We hypothesized that operative time, implant cost, and overall higher cost would be observed in Medicare patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Billing and operative reports from 184 outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by 5 fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeons were reviewed. Operative time, number and cost of implants, hospital reimbursement, surgeon reimbursement, and insurance type were determined from billing records and operative reports. Patients were stratified by payer (Medicare vs non-Medicare), and these variables were compared.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in the number of suture anchors used, implant cost, surgical duration, or overall cost of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between Medicare and other insurers. Reimbursement was significantly higher for other payers when compared with Medicare, resulting in a mean per case deficit of $263.54 between billing and reimbursement for Medicare patients.

Conclusion:

Operating room time, implant cost, and total procedural cost was the same for Medicare patients as for patients with private payers. Further research needs to be conducted to understand the patient-specific factors that affect the cost of an episode of care for rotator cuff surgery.
Do Employers Forgive Applicants’ Bad Spelling in Résumés?
Authors: Martin-Lacroux Christelle , Lacroux Alain
Published: October 2016

Spelling deficiencies are becoming a growing concern among employers, but few studies have quantified this phenomenon and its impact on recruiters’ choice. This article aims to highlight the relative weight of the form (the spelling skills) in application forms, compared with the content (the level of work experience), in recruiters’ judgment during the selection process. The study asked 536 professional recruiters to evaluate different application forms. The results show that the presence of spelling errors has the same detrimental impact on the chances of being shortlisted as a lack of professional experience, and recruiters’ spelling skills also moderate their judgment.
Leukotriene B4 levels in sputum from asthma patients
Authors: Higham Andrew , Cadden Paul , Southworth Thomas , Rossall Matthew , Kolsum Umme , Lea Simon , Knowles Richard , Singh Dave
Published: October 2016

Poor asthma control is associated with increased airway neutrophils. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. We examined the levels of LTB4 levels in the sputum of asthma patients and the relationship with disease severity.

47 asthma patients (categorised according to Global Initiative for Asthma treatment stage) and 12 healthy controls provided sputum samples that were processed first with PBS to obtain supernatants and secondly with dithiothreitol (DTT) to obtain supernatants. LTB4 levels were determined by ELISA.

LTB4 levels were significantly higher in step 1 (steroid naïve) and step 3 (inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus long acting β-agonist) patients than step 2 patients (ICS alone) (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively). There was very good correlation when comparing PBS processed to DTT processed supernatants.

High LTB4 levels were found in the sputum of asthmatics at step 3 despite ICS use.
Queer Reconfigurations: Bontoc Eulogy and Marlon Fuentes's Archive Imperative
Authors: Bernabe Jan Christian
Published: October 2016

The article explores the archive imperative in the 1995 film Bontoc Eulogy by Filipino American photographer and filmmaker Marlon Fuentes. The archive imperative is a decolonizing aesthetic and political strategy that challenges American colonial visual regimes and knowledge production, particularly in the representations and legibility of Filipino bodies. Fuentes's archive imperative encompasses the multivalent compositional and conceptual crossings that the filmmaker makes in his search for his “grandfather.” Close readings are performed on key moments of the film that draw attention to Fuentes as a postcolonial visual archivist and his film as a postcolonial archive. Fuentes produces queer composite bodies as embodied archives that reconfigure modes of knowledge production that visualizes Filipino bodies in the film as sites of nonnormative, counterarchival knowledge production.
Readymade Mao: Impersonation and Affective Relations
Authors: de Villiers Nicholas , Wu Yongan
Published: October 2016

Zhang Bingjian's documentary Readymade (2008) focuses on the lives of two Mao Zedong impersonators in the People's Republic of China: Mr. Peng Tian, a forty-six-year-old farmer from Hunan Province enrolled in the performance art program of Beijing Film Academy with the financial support of his wife and family; and Chen Yan, a fifty-one-year-old “housewife” from Sichuan Province who is the only female Mao impersonator in China. Zhang's coverage of her life both onstage and off parallels a television interview with her that reveals the personal struggle she has with her husband and daughter who do not approve of her impersonating Mao and refuse to support her. Zhang's documentary raises several important questions about the continuing “cult of personality” of Mao Zedong as a cultural icon, and the mixed feelings he stirs up in different generations of common people when they are faced with him “alive” again through his impersonators. The film also provokes questions about whether impersonation and cross-dressing is ironic/sincere, parodic/respectful, or willed/unconscious. Zhang intends his documentary to act as a “witness of history,” specifically, the historical shifts between Mao's era and the reforms after it, especially the recent emergence of “red business” commodifying Mao's image and contributing to the younger generation's amnesia or disinterest in Mao's political history (beyond patriotic kitsch). While Chen and Peng are reverent toward Mao and truly believe it is their life's purpose or the people's desire for them to impersonate Mao, Zhang is interested in the irony embedded in the fact that their impersonation actually contributes to Mao's transformation into a commodity, entertainment. Zhang highlights the ways the Mao mythos is inadvertently undermined—or overlaid—by their “amateur” performance and the complexity of their personal histories and private lives that they bring into it. Performance studies, queer theory, and theories of postmodernity as a crisis of historical sense illuminate some of these apparent contradictions, but the specifics of China's history and state-controlled versus independent media also complicate universalizing theoretical claims. Zhang's film offers a unique illustration of recent developments by tracing the ways “Mao” has changed in meanings and affective responses since marketization.
Effects ofHd2in the presence of the photoperiod-insensitive functional allele ofHd1in rice
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Hua , Cao Li-Yong , Chen Jun-Yu , Zhang Ying-Xin , Zhuang Jie-Yun , Cheng Shi-Hua
Published: October 2016

The role of photoperiod sensitivity (PS) of flowering genes have become well recognized in rice, whereas little attention has been drawn to the non-PS component of these genes, especially to their influence on gene-by-gene interactions. Rice populations in which the photoperiod-sensitive allele at Hd1 has become insensitive to photoperiod but continued to affect heading date (HD) were used in this study to fine-map a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for HD and analyze its genetic relationship to Hd1. The QTL was delimitated to a 96.3-kb region on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 7. Sequence comparison revealed that this QTL is identical to Hd2. In the near-isogenic line (NIL) populations analyzed, Hd1 and Hd2 were shown to be photoperiod insensitive and have pleiotropic effects for HD, plant height and yield traits. The two genes were found to largely act additively in regulating HD and yield traits. The results indicate that non-PS components of flowering genes involved in photoperiod response play an important role in controlling flowering time and grain yield in rice, which should allow breeders to better manipulate pleiotropic genes for balancing adaptability and high-yielding accumulation.
Analysis of morphine responses in mice reveals a QTL on Chromosome 7
Authors: Crusio Wim E. , Dhawan Esha , Chesler Elissa J. , Delprato Anna
Published: October 2016

In this study we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on mouse Chromosome 7 associated with locomotor activity and rearing post morphine treatment. This QTL was revealed after correcting for the effects of another QTL peak on Chromosome 10 using composite interval mapping. The positional candidate genes are Syt9 and Ppfibp2. Several other genes within the interval are linked to neural processes, locomotor activity, and the defensive response to harmful stimuli.
exprso: an R-package for the rapid implementation of machine learning algorithms
Authors: Quinn Thomas , Tylee Daniel , Glatt Stephen
Published: October 2016

Machine learning plays a major role in many scientific investigations. However, non-expert programmers may struggle to implement the elaborate pipelines necessary to build highly accurate and generalizable models. We introduce here a new R package, exprso, as an intuitive machine learning suite designed specifically for non-expert programmers. Built primarily for the classification of high-dimensional data, exprso uses an object-oriented framework to encapsulate a number of common analytical methods into a series of interchangeable modules. This includes modules for feature selection, classification, high-throughput parameter grid-searching, elaborate cross-validation schemes (e.g., Monte Carlo and nested cross-validation), ensemble classification, and prediction. In addition, exprso provides native support for multi-class classification through the 1-vs-all generalization of binary classifiers. In contrast to other machine learning suites, we have prioritized simplicity of use over expansiveness when designing exprso.
Extending the Concept of Control Beliefs: Integrating the Role of Advice Networks
Authors: Robert Lionel P. , Sykes Tracy Ann
Published: October 2016

Although control beliefs (CBs) can represent many different types of controls, information systems researchers have focused primarily on CBs related to technical compatibility, resource availability, and computer self-efficacy. More recent research has recognized that co-worker advice, which represents situated and improvised learning, can also be an important factor that can enable or impede system use. In addition, because advice from co-workers represents the social context by which the impacts of other traditional CBs are embedded, they may have the potential to alter the relationships between traditional CBs and system use. Against this backdrop, we examined the direct effects of CBs about advice from co-workers on system use as well as its ability to moderate the effects of other types of CBs on system use. To accomplish this, we conducted a three-month study of 112 employees in one business unit of an organization. Results supported our hypotheses that CBs about advice from co-workers directly influence system use and moderate the effects of other CBs on system use.
Strategic Idleness and Dynamic Scheduling in an Open-Shop Service Network: Case Study and Analysis
Authors: Baron Opher , Berman Oded , Krass Dmitry , Wang Jianfu
Published: October 2016

This paper, motivated by a collaboration with a healthcare service provider, focuses on stochastic open-shop service networks with two objectives: more traditional macrolevel measures (such as minimizing total system time or minimizing total number of tardy customers) and the atypical microlevel measure of reducing the incidents of excessively long waits at any workstation within the process. While work-conserving policies are optimal for macrolevel measures, scheduling policies with strategic idleness (SI) might be helpful for microlevel measures. Using the empirical data obtained from the service provider, we provide statistical evidence that SI is used by its schedulers to manage the macro- and microlevel measures. However, the company has no specific rules on implementing SI and the schedulers make decisions based on their own experience. Our primary goal is to develop a systematic framework for the joint usage of SI with dynamic scheduling policies (DSPs). We suggest to use threshold-based policies to intelligently combine SI and DSPs and show that the resulting policies provide an efficient way to simultaneously address both macro- and microlevel measures. We build two simulation models: one based on empirical data and one based on a randomly generated open-shop network. We use both models to demonstrate that an open-shop service network can be systematically and effectively managed to deliver improved service level by using SI.
Red imported fire ant invasion reduces the populations of two banana insect pests in South China
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Zheng , Zeng Ling , Lu Yongyue
Published: October 2016

As a severe invasive pest, red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) had important effects on ecosystem of its infected areas. Here, we surveyed impact of S. invicta on populations of two banana insect pests, banana skipper (Erion tatorus Evans) and banana stephanitis (Stephanitis typical Distant). The results showed that influences of S. invicta on population of E. tatorus and S. typical depend on weed coverage degree of banana plantations. Comparing to the areas without S. invicta, banana skipper population was reduced by 39.2%, 41.4% and 23.4% respectively, in high, moderate and low weed coverage of banana plantations with S. invicta invasion. Banana stephanitis population was reduced by 17.8%, 43.0% and 39.2% respectively, in high, moderate and low weed coverage of banana plantations with S. invicta invasion.
Survey of Ants in Dry Forests of Southwestern Ecuador (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Lattke John E. , Vélez Manuel , Aguirre Nikolay
Published: October 2016

Two dry forests of southwestern Ecuador separated 43 km from each other, one situated at 460 m above sea level and the other at 680 m, are surveyed for ants giving a total of 28 species collected manually and from pitfall traps. Eleven species are shared between the sites whilst four are exclusive to one site and 13 to other. Differences in humidity, rainfall seasonality, and disturbance regimes may account for at least part of the differences observed between the ant communities of the two sites. Dorymyrmex pyramicus peruvianum Wheeler, 1919 andPseudomyrmex kuenckeli (Emery, 1890) are reported from Ecuador for the first time. Cardiocondyla emeryi Forel, 1881 and Camponotus conspicuus zonatus Emery, 1894are reported from mainland Ecuador for the first time. The genus Dorymyrmex Mayr, 1866 is recorded from Ecuador for the first time.
A Quantitative Baseline of Ants and Orchid Bees in Human-Modified Amazonian Landscapes in Paragominas, PA, Brazil.
Authors: Solar Ricardo Ribeiro de Castro , Chaul Júlio Cesar Mario , Maués Márcia , Schoereder José Henrique
Published: October 2016

The lack of effective biodiversity baselines is a major impairment to implement conservation plans. Hence, constructing and updating species lists provides vital information about species distribution records. The Sustainable Amazon Network (in Portuguese Rede Amazônia Sustentável; RAS) is an interdisciplinary research initiative that aims to evaluate land-cover changes effects in eastern Brazilian Amazonia. Within the scope of this project, we sampled ants and orchid bees and herein present a list of species collected in Paragominas, PA, Brazil; the most complete lists of species published to date of these groups for the eastern Amazon. We sampled these insects across several land-cover types, from undisturbed primary forest, through varyingly disturbed primary and secondary forests to production areas (silviculture, pastures and arable fields). In total we recorded 285 species of ants and 36 species of orchid bees. Species richness was higher in primary forests for both groups, followed by production areas. Orchid bees reached their highest richness in secondary forests. For orchid bees, production areas were dominated by a few hyper-dominant species, such as Eulaema nigrita. We acknowledge that the use of different sampling methods would collect additional species, and we recommend this for future assessments if the aim is to make a complete inventory. We expect this study can be used as a baseline for understanding the effectiveness of ongoing changes in forest conservation and land management practices. Finally, this list is of suitable importance in determining conservation status for several taxa described here.
Seasonal Analysis of Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Poneromorph Ant Assemblages in the Amazon Forest
Authors: Pereira Luana Priscila de Carvalho , Almeida Fábio Souto , Vargas André Barbosa , Araújo Marcel Santos de , Mayhé-Nunes Antônio José , Queiroz Jarbas Marçal
Published: October 2016

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of climate seasonality on poneromorph ants in the Brazilian Amazon, by studying variations in composition, richness, and taxonomic and functional diversity. The study was carried out in the Tapirapé-Aquiri National Forest, southeastern Pará State. We collected poneromorph ants in three areas of native forest with pitfall traps and sardine baits on the ground and vegetation, in two dry and rainy seasons. We collected 46 species of poneromorph ants, which belong to two subfamilies and eleven genera. The species composition, richness and taxonomic diversity did not vary significantly between seasons. There was no significant difference in the frequency of species of functional groups between dry and rainy seasons. There was no significant difference in the average richness and average diversity of functional groups between the dry and rainy seasons. In our study we found no seasonal differences in composition, taxonomic and functional richness and diversity of poneromorph ants in the Amazon, which is useful for future studies that aim at using those ants as bioindicators. In addition, the identification of the species made in the present study has special relevance as it contributes to advance the knowledge of poneromorph ant diversity in the Amazon.
Ant-fungus Interactions: Laboulbenia camponoti Batra in Italy and a New Host for L. formicarum Thaxter (Fungi: Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales)
Authors: Gómez Kiko , Espadaler Xavier , Santamaria Sergi
Published: October 2016

One Laboulbenia species is added to the checklist of Italian fungi. Laboulbenia camponoti was detected on the ant Camponotus aethiops. Additionally, L. formicarum was found on a new host (Lasius niger) in France. An updated map of world distribution for the two Laboulbenia is presented. Based on present knowledge, L. camponoti shows a much higher structural and phylogenetic host specificity than L. formicarum.
Determinação do gradiente hidráulico médio em aquífero costeiro influenciado pela variação constante de carga hidráulica em ambiente estuarino
Authors: Negrão Paulo Cesar , Pereira Sueli Yoshinaga , Gasparini Felipe , Leite Valter
Published: October 2016

Na determinação dos gradientes hidráulicos das águas subterrâneas em aquíferos estuarinos, as ondas de pressão decorrentes das flutuações das marés e corpos de água devem ser consideradas.  Para este estudo, monitorou-se por 45 dias as variações de nível de água do Rio Cubatão e carga hidráulica do aquífero raso (em 3 níveis de profundidade) numa área industrial adjacente ao rio, em Cubatão, SP, a fim de se determinar as cargas hidráulicas médias e gradientes médios pelo método conforme proposto por Serfes (1991). Este monitoramento foi contínuo e realizado em dois cenários: com o sistema de remediação (“Air Sparging”) ativado e desativado. Os resultados mostraram a interferência do sistema de remediação e da variação da maré nas cargas hidráulicas dos poços monitorados nos poços próximos ao rio Cubatão, e somente a variação da maré nos poços mais distantes. No entanto, na porção superior do aquífero monitorado mostrou a condição de influência do rio Cubatão nos dois cenários. Condições de efluência e influência na porção intermediária e efluência predominante desse rio na porção mais profunda foram observadas. Nas porções intermediária e profunda, os gradientes hidráulicos calculados apresentam valores baixos (-0,0027 a 0,0030), de modo que a análise sobre o sentido de fluxo deve ser criteriosa.
Enhancing Traffic Safety with Mobile Applications
Authors: Kaartinen H , Jämsä J
Published: October 2016

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have great potential and market on modern traffic environment. Technologies of the day enable the real-time data transfer and presentation for the actors in traffic and outside of it. Inter-cognitive communication is a form of communication where an information system gathers data and processes it to a form of which users can benefit on their decision making. In this paper we will present how deploying new cognitive elements on mobile applications can increase traffic safety. The most important point of view in sharing the traffic data is how to present it for the driver and how to make the data transfer reliable and safe. New vehicles have built-in solutions, such as comprehensive infotainment systems, to present the information and warnings, but older vehicles do not have this option. Therefore the modern devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers can be utilized for these purposes. This paper describes Centria’s research work on developing mobile applications for improving the traffic flow and safety by real-time support for the driver’s decision making. Also, the data security has been studied and tested at Centria, and will be reported in this paper.
Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of five Iranian pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) in maturation stage
Authors: NIKDEL Kosar , SEIFI Esmaiel , BABAIE Hamed , SHARIFANI Mehdi , HEMMATI Khodayar
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of five different pomegranate cultivars. Fruit mass ranged from 109.27 to 78.07 g. Peel thickness of the fruit was recorded from 5.05 to 2.70 mm. The pH, total soluble solids content, the titratable acidity content were within the range of 4.23 to 4.36, 20.00 (◦Brix) to 14.05 (◦Brix), 0.04 to 0.007 mg per 100 g of juice, respectively. Ascorbic acid content was from 4.73 to 1.98 mg per 100 g of juice. The amount of total phenolics in pomegranate cultivars was between 6.36 and 1.78 mg GAE/100 ml. The total flavonoids content also ranged between 4.93 to 2.24 mg GAE/100 ml. The level of antioxidant activity was varied from 86.77 % to 79.54 %. Reducing sugar content ranged between 5.81 to 1.72 mg/100g. Glucose content was found from 3.48 to 1.14 mg/100g. In total based on these results, the cultivar is the main parameter which influences the physic-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates.
Changes in seed oil and protein contents of maize cultivars at different positions on the ear in response to water limitation
Authors: Ghassemi-Golezani Kazem , Heydari Shabnam , Dalil Bahareh
Published: October 2016

A field experiment was carried out as split-split plot in 2014 to assess the effects of four irrigation treatments (irrigations after 60, 80, 100 and 120 mm evaporation, respectively) on oil and protein changes of maize cultivars (SC704, NS640 and DC303: Late, mid and early maturing cultivars, respectively) at different seed positions on the ear (upper, middle and lower positions on the ear). Overall, the highest seed yield was obtained from SC704, followed by NS640 and DC303 cultivars. Seed yield of all cultivars was higher at lower seed position on ear than at middle and upper parts of the ear under different irrigation treatments. The highest oil and protein yields were also recorded for seeds at lower position on the ear. Seed yield of all maize cultivars at various seed positions decreased with increasing irrigation intervals. Oil percentage decreased, but protein percentage increased with decreasing water availability. Water limitation decreased oil and protein yields of maize cultivars. Changes in protein and oil yields of maize cultivars at different seed positions and irrigation treatments were attributed to changes in seed yield.
Nano-iron fertilizer effects on some plant traits of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) under different sowing densities
Authors: YOUSEFZADEH Saeed , Sabaghnia Naser
Published: October 2016

evaluate the effects of iron nano-fertilizer rates (0, 1, 2 and 3 g l-1) and planting density levels (10, 15, 20 and 40 cm) on the fresh herb, essential oil content and other traits under the natural conditions. Traits such as number of flowering branches (NFB), height of first flowering branch (HFB), number of secondary branches (NSB), stem diameter (SD), essential oil content (EOC), dry mass (DM), essential oil yield (EOY), total anthocyanins (TA), chlorophyll a (CA), chlorophyll b (CB), flavonoid 270 nm (F270), flavonoid 300 nm (F300), and total flavonoid (TF) were measured. Results showed that the nano Fe treatment × trait (TT) biplot accounted 39 % and 25 % of total variation, respectively. The vertex treatments in polygon biplot were D2-N2 (15 cm density and 1 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best in the EOC, DM and EOY, while D4-N3 (40 cm density and 2 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best for TA, F270, F300 and TF. Sowing densities (10, 15 and 20 cm) with iron nano-fertilizer treatments (1 and 2 g l-1) were the best combinations of evaluated factors for all the measured traits of the dragonhead.
Internal parasitic fauna of elk (Alces alces) in Poland
Authors: Filip Katarzyna J. , Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander W.
Published: October 2016

The abundance of elk (
Comparison of indirect fluorescent antibody test and the modified agglutination test for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stray dogs from Southern Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Jonatas Campos , Frehse Michelle Salmon , Navarro Italmar Teodorico , Garcia João Luis , Biondo Alexander Welker , Freire Roberta Lemos
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to
A new species of Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1830 (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) from Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) and Gymnotus sp. (Teleostei: Gymnotidae) in Brazil
Authors: Hashimoto Gabriela S.O. , Marchiori Natalia C. , Pádua Santiago B. , Ishikawa Márcia M. , Garcia Juan R.E. , Martins Maurício L.
Published: October 2016

The present study describes a new species of
Detection of Theileria lestoquardi cross infection in cattle with clinical theileriosis in Iran
Authors: Jalali Seyedeh Missagh , Jolodar Abbas , Rasooli Aria , Darabifard Ameneh
Published: October 2016

Theileriosis caused by
A genetic structure of novel population of Fascioloides magna from Poland, Podkarpackie Province, indicates an expanding second European natural focus of fascioloidosis
Authors: Juhásová Ľudmila , Bazsalovicsová Eva , Králová-Hromadová Ivica , Karamon Jacek
Published: October 2016

The veterinary important parasite of ruminants, giant liver fluke
On Linguistic Abilities, Multilingualism, and Linguistic Justice
Authors: Iannàccaro Gabriele , Dell’Aquila Vittorio
Published: October 2016

The notion of linguistic justice should be related to the concept of linguistic ease, by which we mean the full social and communicative freedom of concern of the speaker in a given social interaction involving the use of language(s) present in the society, according to the social norms of use. To acquire an acceptable degree of linguistic ease, the knowledge of at least one L2 is considered important. But the acquisition of a L2 is interfered by the previous linguistic skills of the learner/speaker who, in many cases, does not have a suitable competence even of the languages of the society in which he/she lives.
New Concepts of Modeling and Complex Simulation of Electronic Circuits for Interfacing Tactile Sensors in Cyber-mechatronic Systems
Authors: Constantin Anghel , Gheorghe Gheorghe Ion
Published: October 2016

The paper presents an original concept for interfacing tactile force sensors in modern cyber-mechatronic systems. The authors show the results and conclusions of a PSPICE simulation of an original patented circuit. In the simulations, in models used were introduced some circuit components corresponding to the physical implementation for a practical mechatronic system which has already been used for the analysis of human walking. After these simulations were revealed important aspects of dynamic behavior and was proposed an optimal variant of the interface circuit as a non-typically instrumentation differential circuit spitted in two parts, one near to the sensor, and the second far from the sensor and close to an A/D converter of the data acquisition system. For electrical links between the two parts can be used low cost cable without important loss of the signal / noise ratio.
Study and Optimization of a CO2 Sparger for Carbonated Beverages and Beer by Means of CFD Modeling
Authors: Rinaldi Massimiliano , Cordioli Matteo , Barbanti Davide , Dall’Aglio Marco
Published: October 2016

In the present work, two different geometries of spargers for beverage carbonation were modeled by means of CFD technique, taking into consideration three different flow rates. The first geometry presented a radial inlet of liquid food while the second one a tangential one. Calculation allowed to study the effect of fluid velocities on mixing and to identify the best solution; mathematical results were then confirmed from a qualitative point of view by experimental tests with both water and apple juice. CFD resulted a very useful technique for in-silico designing, not only for technically-simple parts of plants but also for very complicated ones such as carbon dioxide spargers in which gas and liquid are mixed together.