bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spreading of Alfalfa mosaic virus in lavandin in Croatia
Authors: Stankovic Ivana , Vrandecic Karolina , Cosic Jasenka , Milojevic Katarina , Bulajic Aleksandra , Krstic Branka
Published: September 2014

A survey was conducted in 2012 and 2013 to detect the presence and
distribution of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) in lavandin crops growing in
continental parts of Croatia. A total of 73 lavandin samples from six crops
in different localities were collected and analyzed for the presence of AMV
and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) using commercial double-antibody sandwich
(DAS)-ELISA kits. AMV was detected serologically in 62 samples collected at
three different localities, and none of the samples tested positive for CMV.
For further analyses, six selected samples of naturally infected lavandin
plants originating from different localities were mechanically transmitted to
test plants: Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotiana benthamiana and
Ocimum basilicum, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. Molecular
detection was performed by amplification of a 751 bp fragment in all tested
samples, using the specific primers CP AMV1/CP AMV2 that amplify the part of
the coat protein (CP) gene and 3?-UTR. The RT-PCR products derived from the
isolates 371-13 and 373-13 were sequenced (KJ504107 and KJ504108,
respectively) and compared with the AMV sequences available in GenBank. CP
sequence analysis, conducted using the MEGA5 software, revealed that the
isolate 371-13 had the highest nucleotide identity of 99.5% (100% amino acid
identity) with an isolate from Argentina originating from Medicago sativa
(KC881010), while the sequence of isolate 373-13 had the highest identity
with an Italian AMV isolate from Lavandula stoechas (FN667967) of 98.6% (99%
amino acid identity). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the clustering of
selected isolates into four molecular groups and the lavandin AMV isolates
from Croatia grouped into two distinct groups, implying a significant
variability within the AMV lavandin population.
Control of winter forage pea diseases by pea-oat intercropping under field conditions
Authors: Zivanov Dalibor , Jevtic Radivoje , Tancic Sonja , Vasiljevic Sanja , Masirevic Stevan
Published: September 2014

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Institute
of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad to investigate the effect of forage
winter pea and winter oat intercropping on ascochyta blight and powdery
mildew infections. Seeding rations of pea and oat in Treatment 1 (50:50%) and
Treatment 2 (75:25%, respectively) reduced ascochyta leaf infection by 32.5%
and 12.8%, and powdery mildew infection by 12.3% and 17.5%, respectively,
compared to pea monoculture used as a control (Treatment 3). The same seeding
rations in Treatment 1 and 2 reduced ascochyta blight on pea plants by 37.2%
and 18.3%, respectively. However, there were no significant differences
between the treatments in reducing powdery mildew on plants. The effects of
different treatments on the average number of pods per plant, seed per pod,
shriveled pods and seed weight were analyzed using Spearman?s correlation
coefficient. Negative but not statistically significant effects on those
measured parameters were registered in Treatments 2 and 3, while Treatment 1
showed positive effects on all parameters except shriveled pods. According to
all data obtained in this research, the intercropping mixture of pea and oat
at 50:50% seeding ratio had the best effect on the measured parameters while
the intercropping mixture of pea and oat at 75:25% seeding ratio had low to
moderate effect in comparison with pea monocrop.
Finite element and network electrical simulation of rotating magnetofluid flow in nonlinear porous media with inclined magnetic field and hall currents
Authors: Bég Anwar , Rawat S. , Zueco J. , Osmond L. , Gorla R.S.R.
Published: September 2014

A mathematical model is presented for viscous hydromagnetic flow through a
hybrid non-Darcy porous media rotating generator. The system is simulated as
steady, incompressible flow through a nonlinear porous regime intercalated
between parallel plates of the generator in a rotating frame of reference in
the presence of a strong, inclined magnetic field A pressure gradient term
is included which is a function of the longitudinal coordinate. The general
equations for rotating viscous magnetohydrodynamic flow are presented and
neglecting convective acceleration effects, the two-dimensional viscous flow
equations are derived incorporating current density components, porous media
drag effects, Lorentz drag force components and Hall current effects. Using
an appropriate group of dimensionless variables, the momentum equations for
primary and secondary flow are rendered nondimensional and shown to be
controlled by six physical parameters-Hartmann number (Ha), Hall current
parameter (Nh), Darcy number (Da), Forchheimer number (Fs), Ekman number
(Ek) and dimensionless pressure gradient parameter (Np), in addition to one
geometric parameter-the orientation of the applied magnetic field (? ).
Several special cases are extracted from the general model, including the
non-porous case studied earlier by Ghosh and Pop (2006). A numerical
solution is presented to the nonlinear coupled ordinary differential
equations using both the Network Simulation Method and Finite Element
Method, achieving excellent agreement. Additionally very good agreement is
also obtained with the earlier analytical solutions of Ghosh and Pop (2006).
for selected Ha, Ek and Nh values. We examine in detail the effects of
magnetic field, rotation, Hall current, bulk porous matrix drag, second
order porous impedance, pressure gradient and magnetic field inclination on
primary and secondary velocity distributions and also frictional shear
stresses at the plates. Primary velocity is seen to decrease with an
increase in Hall current parameter (Nh) with the converse observed for the
secondary velocity.
Metal ion release from silver soldering and laser welding caused by different types of mouthwash
Authors: Erdogan Ayse Tuygun , Nalbantgil Didem , Ulkur Feyza , Sahin Fikrettin
Published: September 2014

Objective: 

To compare metal ion release from samples welded with silver soldering and laser welding when immersed into mouthwashes with different ingredients.

Materials and Methods: 

A total of 72 samples were prepared: 36 laser welded and 36 silver soldered. Four samples were chosen from each subgroup to study the morphologic changes on their surfaces via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each group was further divided into four groups where the samples were submerged into mouthwash containing sodium fluoride (NaF), mouthwash containing sodium fluoride + alcohol (NaF + alcohol), mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (CHX), or artificial saliva (AS) for 24 hours and removed thereafter. Subsequently, the metal ion release from the samples was measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The metal ion release among the solutions and the welding methods were compared. The Kruskal-Wallis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used for the group comparisons, and post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test was utilized for the two group comparisons.

Results: 

The level of metal ion release from samples of silver soldering was higher than from samples of laser welding. Furthermore, greater amounts of nickel, chrome, and iron were released from silver soldering. With regard to the mouthwash solutions, the lowest amounts of metal ions were released in CHX, and the highest amounts of metal ions were released in NaF + alcohol. SEM images were in accord with these findings.

Conclusions: 

The laser welding should be preferred over silver soldering. CHX can be recommended for patients who have welded appliances for orthodontic reasons.
Essentials of Airway Management, Oxygenation, and Ventilation: Part 2: Advanced Airway Devices: Supraglottic Airways
Authors: Rosenberg M. B , Phero J. C , Becker D. E
Published: September 2014

Offices and outpatient dental facilities must be properly equipped with devices for airway management, oxygenation, and ventilation. Part 1 in this series on emergency airway management focused on basic and fundamental considerations for supplying supplemental oxygen to the spontaneously breathing patient and utilizing a bag-valve-mask system including nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways to deliver oxygen under positive pressure to the apneic patient. This article will review the evolution and use of advanced airway devices, specifically supraglottic airways, with the emphasis on the laryngeal mask airway, as the next intervention in difficult airway and ventilation management. The final part of the series (part 3) will address airway evaluation, equipment and devices for tracheal intubation, and invasive airway procedures.
On refined Hardy-type inequalities with fractional integrals and fractional derivatives
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Himmelreich Kristina , Pečarić Josip
Published: September 2014

The aim of this paper is to present new more general Hardy-type inequalities for different kinds of fractional integrals and fractional derivatives.
Residential schools, respect, and responsibilities for past harms
Authors: Borrows John
Published: September 2014

It is difficult to accept the idea that we may be responsible for harms caused by other people. This article acknowledges challenges faced in this regard in relation to so-called responsibilities for harms suffered by Indigenous peoples in Residential Schools. Recognizing that there are real issues with the scope, cost, fairness, and appropriateness of ways of addressing these harms, this article discusses the role of Indigenous legal and political traditions in discussing this issue. It suggests that we can find more nuanced, subtle, and respectfully engaged ways of listening and responding to one another when the considering responsibilities we may or may not have to our fellow citizens.
The role of reparative justice in responding to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
Authors: Moran Mayo
Published: September 2014

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) is historic in nature and ambitious in its goals. With an estimated value of approximately $5 billion dollars, it aimed not just to settle the massive volume of litigation that the IRS legacy suddenly generated in the late 1990s and early 2000s but also to achieve a ‘fair, comprehensive and lasting resolution’ to the grievous, large-scale historic wrongdoing associated with Indian Residential Schools (IRS). In order to achieve this, the IRSSA established a number of innovative remedies and institutions. This paper seeks to illuminate those lesser-known but vitally important parts of the IRSSA that have compensation as their aim. As outlined here, those institutions can only be understood against the backdrop of the civil litigation system that gave rise to them. The civil justice system of the 1990s showed rather surprising willingness to dismantling some of the key obstacles that prevented IRS cases from getting to court. Nonetheless, the civil justice system retained many critical shortcomings that would have proven fatal for IRS plaintiffs. The compensatory elements of the IRSSA, such as the Common Experience Payment (CEP) and the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), were designed precisely to respond to and correct for these shortcomings. As such, they are an extremely important complement to the more well-known elements of the IRSSA like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This paper suggests that achievement of the overall goal of the IRSSA will depend in a very important way on the success of the reparative elements in achieving their compensatory goals.
Neuropsychological outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with bilateral Ammon's horn sclerosis
Authors: Vogt Viola L. , Witt Juri-Alexander , Malter Michael P. , Schoene-Bake Jan-Christoph , Lehe Marec von , Elger Christian E. , Helmstaedter Christoph
Published: September 2014

Object

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the objective and subjective neuropsychological outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with bilateral Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS).

Methods

Memory and executive functions were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up in 11 surgically treated patients and compared with 8 pharmacologically treated patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and bilateral AHS. The median follow-up duration was 16 months in the surgically treated patients and 80.5 months in the pharmacologically treated group. Subjective outcome was evaluated by questionnaires and included mood, quality of life, subjective memory, and activities of daily living.

Results

At the follow-up assessment, 82% of the surgically treated patients as opposed to 0% of the nonsurgery patients were seizure free. In the surgical group, nonverbal memory performance did not change significantly in any patient after surgery, but there was a floor effect in 55% of the surgical patients. Regarding verbal memory, 9% of the surgical patients improved while 73% declined, despite severe impairments already evident at baseline. In the nonsurgery control group, 13% of the patients declined in nonverbal memory (floor effect in 63%) and 25% declined in verbal memory (floor effect in 25%) at follow-up. None of the controls improved at follow-up. Executive functions remained unchanged on an impaired level in both groups. At follow-up, the patient groups did not differ significantly with respect to mood, quality of life, subjective memory, or activities of daily living. However, in most aspects, surgically treated patients reported a slightly better subjective outcome than pharmacologically treated patients and a significantly improved quality of life.

Conclusions

These results suggest that beyond benefits concerning seizure control, surgically treated patients with bilateral AHS, despite already poor baseline performance, are still at risk for severe postoperative decline in memory. In the light of predominantly minor benefits on a subjective level, the findings put the overall outcome of epilepsy surgery in bilateral AHS patients into perspective.
Endoscopic treatment of intraparenchymal arachnoid cysts in children
Authors: El-Ghandour Nasser M. F.
Published: September 2014

Object

Arachnoid cysts account for 1% of all intracranial lesions. They usually occur in the subarachnoid space of the major cerebral fissures and arachnoid cisterns. They are very rarely located within the brain parenchyma devoid of communication with the subarachnoid space. The author of this study evaluated the role of endoscopy in the treatment of intraparenchymal arachnoid cysts (IPACs), which have a paraventricular location noncontiguous with the basal cisterns.

Methods

The records of all patients who had undergone surgery performed by one neurosurgeon between March 2004 and October 2011 were retrospectively reviewed to find cases of arachnoid cysts with a paraventricular location noncontiguous with the basal cisterns that were treated with a purely endoscopic cystoventriculostomy. Data were collected, summarized, and analyzed as regards improvement in symptomatology, decrease in cyst size, improvement in hydrocephalus, incidence of complications, surgical failure, and incidence of recurrence.

Results

Twelve pediatric patients with symptomatic IPACs were included in this study. The group included 7 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of 5.2 years. All of the patients had undergone endoscopic cystoventriculostomy. In addition, endoscopic third ventriculostomy had been performed during the same operative session in 3 patients who had associated hydrocephalus. Significant clinical improvement occurred in 10 patients (83.3%). Postoperative imaging showed a reduction in the cyst size in 9 patients (75%), whereas the cyst size was unchanged in the remaining 3 patients (25%). A reduction in ventricle size occurred in 2 (66.7%) of the 3 patients who had hydrocephalus. A postoperative subdural hygroma occurred in 2 patients (16.7%) and required the insertion of a subduroperitoneal shunt in 1 patient. During the follow-up period (mean 42.5 months), 1 patient had a recurrence and required a repeat endoscopic procedure.

Conclusions

Endoscopic cystoventriculostomy is recommended in the treatment of symptomatic IPACs. It maintains the basic strategy of cyst fenestration into the lateral ventricle without either the invasiveness of open craniotomy or the implantation of shunt systems. The procedure is simple, effective, and minimally invasive. It saves operative and recovery times and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates.
Evaluation of complication rates of pediatric cranial procedures in which a polyethylene glycol sealant was used
Authors: Zhou Xin , Goodwin C. Rory , Recinos Pablo F. , Yang Jesse X. , Jallo George I.
Published: September 2014

Object

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) sealant in conjunction with standard closure techniques is effective in preventing CSF leaks after cranial procedures in adult patients, but the safety of PEG sealant in the pediatric population has not been shown.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric neurosurgery patients (0–18 years of age) treated from 2005 to 2010 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. There were 163 patients who underwent cranial surgery with the use of PEG sealant as an adjunct to standard closure techniques. There were 92 males and 71 females with an average age of 10.2 years. The incidences of revision surgery, CSF leak, meningitis, and neurological deficit were recorded.

Results

In the cohort's 90-day postoperative clinical course, the authors found that 4 patients (2.5%) required revision surgery, 2 patients (1.2%) developed a CSF leak, 4 patients (2.5%) developed a superficial skin infection, and 1 patient developed meningitis (0.6%) with no deaths or neurological deficits observed.

Conclusions

PEG sealant appears to be a safe adjunct to standard dural closure in pediatric cranial surgery patients to augment dural closure.
An evidence-based medicine model for rare and often neglected neoplastic conditions
Authors: Fisher Charles G. , Goldschlager Tony , Boriani Stefano , Varga Peter Paul , Rhines Laurence D. , Fehlings Michael G. , Luzzati Alessandro , Dekutoski Mark B. , Reynolds Jeremy J. , Chou Dean , Berven Sigurd H. , Williams Richard P. , Quraishi Nasir A. , Bettegowda Chetan , Gokaslan Ziya L.
Published: September 2014

Object

The National Institutes of Health recommends strategies to obtain evidence for the treatment of rare conditions such as primary tumors of the spine (PTSs). These tumors have a low incidence and are pathologically heterogeneous, and treatment approaches are diverse. Appropriate evidence-based care is imperative. Failure to follow validated oncological principles may lead to unnecessary mortality and profound morbidity. This paper outlines a scientific model that provides significant evidence guiding the treatment of PTSs.

Methods

A four-stage approach was used: 1) planning: data from large-volume centers were reviewed to provide insight; 2) recruitment: centers were enrolled and provided the necessary infrastructure; 3) retrospective stage: existing medical records were reviewed and completed with survival data; and 4) prospective stage: prospective data collection has been implemented. The AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor designed six modules: demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, local recurrence, survival, and perioperative morbidity data fields and provided funding.

Results

It took 18 months to implement Stages 1–3, while Stage 4 is ongoing. A total of 1495 tumor cases were captured and diagnosed as one of 18 PTS histotypes. In addition, a PTS biobank network has been created to link clinical data with tumor pathology and molecular analysis.

Conclusions

This scientific model has not only aggregated a large amount of PTS data, but has also established an international collaborative network of spine oncology centers. Access to large volumes of data will generate further research to guide and enhance PTS clinical management. This model could be applied to other rare neoplastic conditions. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01643174 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
A cadaveric analysis of cervical fixation: the effect of intermediate fixation points and dynamization in multilevel cervical fusions
Authors: Lubelski Daniel , McCormick William E. , Ferrara Lisa , Benzel Edward C. , Kayanja Mark
Published: September 2014

Object

The authors conducted a study to compare biomechanical effects on the cervical spine of bridging fixation and intermediate fixation techniques, in both fixed and dynamic modes.

Methods

A biaxial, servohydraulic machine biomechanically tested 23 human cervical spines for stiffness and strain in compression, extension, flexion, and lateral bending through 3 specimen states: 1) intact, 2) defect (corpectomy and discectomy), and 3) grafting with plate application in 1 of 4 constructs: C3–7 dynamized long strut (DLS), C3–7 fixed long strut (FLS), C3–5–7 dynamized multisegment (DMS), and C3–5–7 fixed multisegment (FMS).

Results

Compared with FMS, FLS had significantly greater strain in extension (at C-3 and at the rostral and caudal parts of the graft) and in lateral bending (at C-3 and at the caudal part of the graft). Fixed (FLS and FMS) constructs had greater flexion stiffness than did dynamized (DLS and DMS) constructs and showed a trend toward greater lateral bending stiffness. Instrumentation revealed greater extension strain with the long fixed (FLS and DLS) constructs than with the multifixed (FMS and FMS) constructs at the rostral and caudal parts of the graft but no significant differences between the dynamized (DLS and DMS) and fixed (FLS and FMS) constructs.

Conclusions

Multisegmental fixation provided greater stabilizing forces than did bridging constructs for both dynamized and fixed plates. Use of multisegmental fixation can potentially decrease strain at the screw-plate interface and reduce the rate of hardware failure.
Wirkung von Schutzwald gegen gravitative Naturgefahren – Protect-Bio
Authors: Wasser Berchthold , Perren Bernhard
Published: September 2014

Effect of protection forests on natural hazards due to gravity: Protect-Bio

The “Protect-Bio” project of the Federal Environment Agency aims to appraise the effects of biological protection measures, notably protection forests, in such a way that they can be compared to the effects of technical protection measures with the same objectives. A methodology has been developed in the context of the “Protect” project of the National Platform for Natural Hazards (PLANAT) to assess technical measures, which has several stages: preparation, rapid assessment, evaluation of measures, evaluation of effects. This article shows how the methodology for technical measures can be adapted to protection forests. It appears that the principles of the “Protect” project which must be used to evaluate technical protection measures can be applied to biological protection measures. Protect-Bio widens the framework of the danger assessment (danger map) to risk analysis in general. For most danger processes, procedures can be developed for rapid assessment as well as evaluation of measures and effects. Open questions remain concerning evaluation of effects of protection forests with regard to deep and medium level landslides and flooding. It is hoped that in future the protective effects of forests can be taken into consideration in an appropriate and balanced way when assessing dangers and risks.
Isolation and characterization of 11 microsatellite markers for Glochidion acuminatum (Phyllanthaceae)
Authors: Mochizuki Ko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Kudoh Hiroshi , Kawakita Atsushi
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Glochidion acuminatum (Phyllanthaceae) to investigate pollen dispersal distances and thereby to assess the effectiveness of specialized Epicephala moths as pollinators.

• Methods and Results: Using next‐generation sequencing, 11 polymorphic microsatellite primer pairs were developed for G. acuminatum. The primer pairs were tested on 49 individuals from two populations in Japan. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.12 to 0.85. Probability of identity for all loci combined was lower than 1.27 × 107.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful for evaluating the benefit of specialized Epicephala moth pollination to Glochidion plants.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for a wind‐dispersed tropical tree species, Triplaris cumingiana (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Wei Na , Dick Christopher W.
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Novel microsatellite markers were characterized in the wind‐dispersed and dioecious neotropical tree Triplaris cumingiana (Polygonaceae) for use in understanding the ecological processes and genetic impacts of pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow in tropical forests.

• Methods and Results: Sixty‐two microsatellite primer pairs were screened, from which 12 markers showing five or more alleles per locus (range 5–17) were tested on 47 individuals. Observed and expected heterozygosities averaged 0.692 and 0.731, respectively. Polymorphism information content was between 0.417 and 0.874. Linkage disequilibrium was observed in one of the 66 pairwise comparisons between loci. Two loci showed deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. An additional 14 markers exhibiting lower polymorphism were characterized on a smaller number of individuals.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers have high levels of polymorphism and reproducibility and will be useful in studying gene flow and population structure in T. cumingiana.
Decision-making, human cognition, and equanimity of mind
Authors: Roy Sisir
Published: September 2014

Background:

Decision-making is one of the most puzzling issues in modern neuro-cognitive dynamics. It depends on how the brain behaves at that particular instance and identifies and responds to a signal among myriads of noises that are present in the surroundings (called external noise) as well as in the neurons themselves (called internal noise). The ability to predict the outcome of future events is, arguably, the most universal and significant of all global brain functions. The ability to anticipate the outcome of a given action depends on sensory stimuli from the outside world and previously learned experience and/or inherited instincts. So, there is a need to formulate a theory of inference using prior knowledge for decision-making and judgment, as well as, new empirical evidences.

Aims:

The current paper aims to shed new light on decision-making and judgment with the help of states of mind like neutral mind and equanimity. The paper also aims at highlighting the scientific aspects of these states, which are conducive to proper decision making by an individual.

Method:

The current paper makes use of methods of mathematical modeling based on a generalized version of probability argument in the Bayesian framework, which includes prior knowledge for decision making and human judgment, as well as, quantum theory in order to model the cognitive domain.

Result:

The states of mind like neutral mind and equanimity may help an individual to take correct decision with unbiased judgment, and accomplish right cognition.

Conclusion:

The general Bayesian framework when coupled with quantum theory may help us to understand states of mind like neutral mind and equanimity, in which decision-making happens with unbiased judgment. The current paper also opens up a new dialog between modern science and Indian philosophy as the latter is likely to offer an explanation to the superposed state that has been studied by the scientific community in quantum theory.
Public investment and reelection prospects in developed countries
Authors: Katsimi Margarita , Sarantides Vassilis
Published: September 2014

A growing body of literature suggests that office‐motivated politicians manipulate fiscal policy instruments to enhance their reelection prospects. This article directly examines the impact of fiscal policy on incumbents’ reelection prospects by focusing on the impact of public investment. This impact is estimated using a panel of 20 countries belonging in Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development over the period 1972–1999. We find that the level of public investment in the earlier years of an incumbent's term in office improves their reelection prospects, whereas election year manipulation of public investment is neither rewarded nor punished. Our evidence also suggests that, after controlling for the level of deficit and public investment, the level of government revenue both in the election and nonelection years does not seem to affect reelection prospects. Moreover, we find that deficit creation during elections and in nonelection years are not rewarded by voters.
Feasibility and Effect of a Professional Education Workshop for Occupational Therapists’ Management of Upper-Limb Poststroke Sensory Impairment
Authors: Doyle Susan D. , Bennett Sally
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE. We examined the development, implementation, and effectiveness of a theory-based workshop to facilitate knowledge translation for occupational therapists addressing upper-limb poststroke sensory impairments.

METHOD. Nineteen therapists participated in a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study that included an 8-hr evidence-based workshop designed using the Theory of Planned Behavior. We measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control and intended behaviors regarding sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making.

RESULTS. We noted significant changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control and intended behaviors about sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making and made recommendations for changes in recruitment strategies, outcome measures, and workshop content.

CONCLUSION. A theory-based workshop can potentially affect knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors about sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making. A randomized controlled trial evaluating this intervention is warranted and will potentially improve understanding of methods to facilitate knowledge translation.
Development, Reliability, and Validity of the My Child’s Play (MCP) Questionnaire
Authors: Schneider Eleanor , Rosenblum Sara
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE. This article describes the development, reliability, and validity of My Child’s Play (MCP), a parent questionnaire designed to evaluate the play of children ages 3–9 yr.

METHOD. The first phase of the study determined the questionnaire’s content and face validity. Subsequently, the internal reliability consistency and construct and concurrent validity were demonstrated using 334 completed questionnaires.

RESULTS. The MCP showed good internal consistency (α = .86). The factor analysis revealed four distinct factors with acceptable levels of internal reliability (Cronbach’s αs = .63–.81) and gender- and age-related differences in play characteristics; both findings attest to the tool’s construct validity. Significant correlations (r = .33, p < .0001) with the Parent as a Teacher Inventory demonstrate the MCP’s concurrent validity.

CONCLUSION. The MCP demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. It appears to be a promising standardized assessment tool for use in research and practice to promote understanding of a child’s play.
One- and Three-Screen Driving Simulator Approaches to Evaluate Driving Capacity: Evidence of Congruence and Participants’ Endorsement
Authors: Gibbons Carrie , Mullen Nadia , Weaver Bruce , Reguly Paula , Bédard Michel
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE. We examined the validity of one-screen versus three-screen driving simulators and their acceptability to middle-aged and older drivers.

METHOD. Participants aged 40–55 or 65 and older (N = 32) completed simulated drives first with a single monitor and then with a three-monitor setup, followed by pen-and-paper measures and an interview.

RESULTS. Mean differences between one- and three-screen drives were not statistically significant for Starting/Stopping and Passing/Speed. Correlations between the two drives indicated moderate positive linear relationships with moderate agreement. More errors occurred on the one-screen simulator for Signal Violation/Right of Way/Inattention, Moving in a Roadway, Turning, and Total Scores. However, for Moving in a Roadway, Turning, and Total Scores, correlations between drives indicated strong positive linear relationships. We found no meaningful correlation between workload, computer comfort, simulator discomfort, and performance on either drive. Participants found driving simulators acceptable.

CONCLUSION. Findings support the use of one-screen simulators. Participants were favorable regarding driving simulators for assessment.
Internal Structure of the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports (CHORES) Measure
Authors: Dunn Louise , Magalhaes Lívia C. , Mancini Marisa Cotta
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the internal structure of the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports (CHORES), an assessment of household task participation for children. Rasch analysis was used to examine patterns of item response and scale structure with data collected from caregivers of 132 children and youth ages 6–14 yr with and without disabling conditions. Internal consistency was strong for the total measure and the subscales. The items in both subscales fit the measurement model, and the item difficulty order matched the expected pattern from harder to easier household task performance and degree of caregiver assistance. The sample distribution in the hierarchical continuum showed that younger participants and those with physical disabilities tended to score lower. Some inconsistencies in rating scale use suggest a need for further clarification of the scoring criteria for measurement coherence.
State of Measurement in Occupational Therapy Using Sensory Integration
Authors: Schaaf Roseann C. , Burke Janice Posatery , Cohn Ellen , May-Benson Teresa A. , Schoen Sarah A. , Roley Susanne Smith , Lane Shelly J. , Parham L. Diane , Mailloux Zoe
Published: September 2014

This article presents the current state of measurement in the area of sensory integration within the field of occupational therapy in three areas: (1) phenotypic characterization, (2) intervention adherence and dosage, and (3) outcome measurement. The need for additional measurement tools in all three areas is addressed. In regard to outcome measurement of occupational therapy using sensory integration, the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain outcome data is recommended. Further, a strategy is recommended for obtaining outcome data from direct report from the child or other stakeholder.
Evolution of a Theory: How Measurement Has Shaped Ayres Sensory Integration®
Authors: Mailloux Zoe , Miller-Kuhaneck Heather
Published: September 2014

This special issue of AJOT demonstrates the wide-reaching application of sensory integration concepts and provides multiple examples of the improvements in methodological rigor that occupational therapy researchers have brought to the study of Ayres Sensory Integration® theory.
Using Evidence to Promote the Distinct Value of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Arbesman Marian , Lieberman Deborah , Metzler Christina A.
Published: September 2014

If occupational therapy is to advance in conjunction with the health care system to achieve the triple aim, evidence must be used to pave the way to new roles and areas of practice.
Long-term trends in aerosol optical characteristics in the Po Valley, Italy
Authors: Putaud J. P. , Cavalli F. , Martins dos Santos S. , Dell'Acqua A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Aerosol properties have been monitored by ground-based in situ and remote sensing measurements at the station for atmospheric research located in Ispra, on the edge of the Po Valley, for almost one decade. In situ measurements are performed according to Global Atmosphere Watch recommendations, and quality is assured through the participation in regular inter-laboratory comparisons. Sun-photometer data are produced by the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Data show significant decreasing trends over the 2004–2010 period for a number of variables, including particulate matter (PM) mass concentration, aerosol scattering, backscattering and absorption coefficients, and aerosol optical thickness (AOT). In situ measurement data show no significant trends in the aerosol backscatter ratio, but they do show a significant decreasing trend of about −0.7 ± 0.3% yr−1 in the aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) in the visible light range. Similar trends are observed in the SSA retrieved from sun-photometer measurements. Correlations appear between in situ PM mass concentration and aerosol scattering coefficient, on the one hand, and elemental carbon (EC) concentration and aerosol absorption coefficient, on the other hand. However, no increase in the EC / PM ratio was observed, which could have explained the decrease in SSA. The application of a simple approximation to calculate the direct radiative forcing by aerosols suggests a significant diminution in their cooling effect, mainly due to the decrease in AOT. Applying the methodology we present to those sites, where the necessary suite of measurements is available, would provide important information to inform future policies for air-quality enhancement and fast climate change mitigation.
Direct numerical simulations of particle-laden density currents with adaptive, discontinuous finite elements
Authors: Parkinson S. D. , Hill J. , Piggott M. D. , Allison P. A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. High-resolution direct numerical simulations (DNSs) are an important tool for the detailed analysis of turbidity current dynamics. Models that resolve the vertical structure and turbulence of the flow are typically based upon the Navier–Stokes equations. Two-dimensional simulations are known to produce unrealistic cohesive vortices that are not representative of the real three-dimensional physics. The effect of this phenomena is particularly apparent in the later stages of flow propagation. The ideal solution to this problem is to run the simulation in three dimensions but this is computationally expensive. This paper presents a novel finite-element (FE) DNS turbidity current model that has been built within Fluidity, an open source, general purpose, computational fluid dynamics code. The model is validated through re-creation of a lock release density current at a Grashof number of 5 × 106 in two and three dimensions. Validation of the model considers the flow energy budget, sedimentation rate, head speed, wall normal velocity profiles and the final deposit. Conservation of energy in particular is found to be a good metric for measuring model performance in capturing the range of dynamics on a range of meshes. FE models scale well over many thousands of processors and do not impose restrictions on domain shape, but they are computationally expensive. The use of adaptive mesh optimisation is shown to reduce the required element count by approximately two orders of magnitude in comparison with fixed, uniform mesh simulations. This leads to a substantial reduction in computational cost. The computational savings and flexibility afforded by adaptivity along with the flexibility of FE methods make this model well suited to simulating turbidity currents in complex domains.
Reducing volcanic risk on Fogo Volcano, Cape Verde, through a participatory approach: which outcome?
Authors: Texier-Teixeira P. , Chouraqui F. , Perrillat-Collomb A. , Lavigne F. , Cadag J. R. , Grancher D.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. This research paper presents the outcomes of Work Package 5 (socio-economical vulnerability assessment and community-based disaster risk reduction) of the MIAVITA (MItigate and Assess risk from Volcanic Impact on Terrain and human Activities) research programme conducted on Fogo Volcano, Cape Verde. The study lasted for almost 3 years (May 2010 to January 2012), of which most of the time was spent in the village of Chã das Caldeiras, situated within the 9 km wide caldera of the volcano inside Fogo Natural Park. The objectives of the programme included assessment of the vulnerability of the community at risk in terms of livelihoods, access to resources, and power relations between the local people and the different public and private institutions. These are important factors that need to be investigated in order to understand the root causes of vulnerability of the local people. This case study shows that the voluntary exposure of people to volcanic threats is linked to daily access to sources of livelihood, especially agriculture and tourism. This is despite the perception of people of the risk to their lives and properties. In order to counter the factors of vulnerability, the study also aimed to identify and enhance local capacities. To achieve such an objective, a participatory three-dimensional mapping (P3DM) activity was conducted to facilitate the dialogue between the local people and the different stakeholders as well as to prepare plans and measures to reduce volcanic risk. The P3DM was a half success considering that it has not yet led to an operational plan which takes into account the local capacities. The main reasons included (1) the non-participatory aspect of the project at the beginning which should have identified priorities for people and let them lead the project to ensure the sustainability of (2) deep conflicts within the community which complicated the focus group discussions around the 3-D map, and the difficulties in involving more marginalised people like women and the youth, and (3) the fact that volcanic risk is not a priority for the people, who are more concerned with daily difficulties due to unsustainable livelihoods, a lack of access to water, land tenure, and the restrictions by the Fogo Natural Park administration and the municipal officials. Still, the study was successful in creating a space for dialogue between the local people and the outside stakeholders such as the Natural Park Administration, the Civil Protection, and the Municipality of Santa Catarina, who have all participated actively during the course of the project.
The influence of surface characteristics, topography, and continentality on mountain permafrost in British Columbia
Authors: Hasler A. , Geertsema M. , Foord V. , Gruber S. , Noetzli J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Thermal offset and surface offset are terms that describe the deviation of the mean annual ground temperature from the mean annual air temperature. These offsets are controlled by surface characteristics and topo-climatic factors on a micro- and meso-scales. Macro-climatic conditions may, however, influence the effectiveness of the responsible processes. Existing knowledge on surface- and topography-specific offsets is not easily transferable and limits the applicability of empirical permafrost distribution models over large areas with macro-climatic gradients. In this paper we describe surface and thermal offsets derived from distributed measurements at seven field sites in British Columbia. Key findings are (i) a surprisingly small variation of the surface offsets between different surface types and small thermal offsets in general (excluding wetlands and peat), (ii) a clear influence of the micro-topography at wind exposed sites (snow cover erosion), (iii) a north–south difference of the surface offset of 4 °C in near-vertical bedrock and of 1.5–3 °C on open (no canopy) gentle slopes, (iv) only small macro-climatic differences caused by the reverse influence of snow cover thickness and annual air temperature amplitude. These findings suggest, that empirical permafrost models based on topo-climatic variables may be applicable across regions with significant macro-climatic differences.
In Search of Universal Political Principles:
Authors: Rasmussen Douglas B. , Uyl Douglas J. Den
Published: September 2014

Although it is necessary for the truth of a cognition that the cognition answer to the thing known, still it is not necessary that the mode of the thing known be the same as the mode of its cognition.

—Aquinas, Summa contra gentiles, II, 75

The only safe way to apply Kant’s test of universalizability is to envisage the act in its whole concrete particularity.

—Sir David Ross, Kant’s Ethical Theory
O papel do Conselho de Segurança no Tribunal Penal Internacional
Authors: Somenzari Isteissi Aires Garcia
Published: September 2014

O Estatuto de Roma atribuiu um papel significativo ao Conselho de Segurança da ONU dentro da jurisdição do Tribunal Penal Internacional. Com o final da Segunda Guerra Mundial este Conselho ganhou relevância no cenário mundial, o que em parte explicaria sua competência para enviar casos ao Tribunal ou interromper investigações. No entanto, por ser um órgão de grande força política, questiona-se a legitimidade dessa interferência e, embora se defenda que esse poderá ser um fator de ampliação da competência do Tribunal, teme-se que ela seja usada discricionariamente pelos países com poder de veto, de forma que seus interesses prevaleçam frente aos Direitos Humanos.
A possibilidade de ação do Tribunal Penal Internacional em Uganda e na República Centro Africana: uma justiça que ameaça a paz?
Authors: Santana Jr Maurilio Braz
Published: September 2014

O artigo é uma abordagem sobre a possibilidade de ação do Tribunal Penal Internacional em Uganda e na República Centro Africana
Contratos Internacionais de Franquia
Authors: Szychta Everton Luiz
Published: September 2014

Os contratos internacionais de franquia devem ser estudados devido às suas particularidades e à sua grande utilização. O mercado de franquias internacionais se expandiu bastante nos primeiros anos de século XXI, e continua crescendo. Os contratos internacionais de franquia mais adotados são os do modelo de master franquia. A franquia representa uma parceria e pode proporcionar diversos benefícios aos contratantes, como segurança, economia, conquista de mercado e fortalecimento da marca. Entretanto, devem-se analisar as cláusulas de um contrato como esse, pois elas tratam de assuntos que podem determinar o sucesso ou o fracasso de uma rede de franquias, como: a divisão das responsabilidades, lucros e despesas; o fornecimento de suporte técnico; a utilização de patentes; e a resolução de problemas judiciais. Por isso, um contrato de franquia deve ser elaborado conforme o princípio da boa-fé e sob a idéia de parceria, sociedade.