bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical Community Photoscreening in Very Young Children
Authors: Longmuir Susannah Q. , Boese Erin A. , Pfeifer Wanda , Zimmerman Bridget , Short Lori , Scott William E.
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Recent US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations on vision screening reported insufficient data to recommend vision screening in children <3 years of age. The Iowa photoscreening program, KidSight, has screened children from 6 months of age and older since 2000. We report our experience with vision screening in these children and compare the results of the photoscreens in children younger than 3 years with those of children of preschool age and older.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of results from the Iowa KidSight database using the MTI PhotoScreener containing results of children screened between May 1, 2000, and April 30, 2011.

RESULTS:

During the 11 years of the study, 210 695 photoscreens on children were performed at 13 750 sites. In the <3-year age group, the unreadable rate was 13.0%, the referral rate was 3.3%, and the overall positive-predictive value was 86.6%. In the 3- to 6-year-old children, the unreadable rate was 4.1%, the referral rate was 4.7%, and the overall positive-predictive value was 89.4%.

CONCLUSIONS:

No statistically significant difference was found in screening children from 1 to 3 years old compared with screening children >3 years old. These results confirm that early screening, before amblyopia is more pronounced, can reliably detect amblyogenic risk factors in children younger than 3 years of age, and we recommend initiation of photoscreening in children aged 1 year and older.
Working Memory Training Improves Cognitive Function in VLBW Preschoolers
Authors: Grunewaldt Kristine Hermansen , Løhaugen Gro Christine Christiansen , Austeng Dordi , Brubakk Ann-Mari , Skranes Jon
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Preterm born children perform poorer than term peers on tests of attention and executive functions including working memory tests. Our aim was to evaluate if preterm born preschoolers with very low birth weight (VLBW) would benefit from a computerized working memory training program and if the training would have a generalizing effect on memory, learning, attention, behavior, and anxiety.

METHODS:

A prospective intervention study with a stepped wedge design where 20 VLBW preschoolers aged 5 to 6 years participated. The children trained with the Cogmed JM program for 10 to 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week over a 5-week period. Extensive neuropsychological assessment and parental questionnaires regarding behavior and anxiety were performed before and 4 weeks after intervention.

RESULTS:

The children improved significantly on trained (mean Start Index 42.1 [SD 6.3]), mean Max Index 60.6 [SD 5.7]), and nontrained working memory tasks (Spatial Span backward; 2.3 [before] to 3.6 [after training] [confidence interval {CI} −2.2 to −0.4] and Spatial Span total score; 6.4–8.3 [CI −3.7 to −0.1]). A generalization effect was found on auditory attention (49.6–58.2 [CI −15.5 to −1.6]), phonological awareness (9.3–12.6 [CI −5.2 to −1.4]), visual (memory for faces 20.0–24.9 [CI −7.4 to −2.5]), as well as verbal memory (narrative memory; 12.9–17.5 [CI −7.1 to −2.0], and sentence repetition 15.7–17.7 [CI −3.3 to −0.7]).

CONCLUSION:

This study shows that VLBW preschoolers benefit from a computerized working memory training program. We speculate that such training before starting school may prevent or reduce cognitive problems that impact educational achievement.
Mg alloy treatment for superhydrophobic anticorrosion coating formation
Authors: Boinovich Ludmila B. , Emelyanenko Alexandre M. , Pashinin Andrei S. , Gnedenkov Sergey V. , Egorkin Vladimir S. , Sinebryukhov Sergey L.
Published: February 2013

In this article, the authors describe an efficient process for the fabrication of a composite superhydrophobic coating on Mg-Mn-Ce alloy. The authors show that the preliminary plasma electrolytic oxidation of alloy, with controlled density of surface hydroxyl groups, allows manipulation of the adhesion, structure and water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic coatings, which is formed on top of the Mg alloy. The analysis based on both the electrochemical methods and the evolution of wettability of the investigated surface by different corrosive active media indicates the long-term durability and protective anticorrosion properties of the designed superhydrophobic coatings.
Development of water scenarios for large lakes in Europe: the case of Lake Peipsi
Authors: Iital Arvo , Voronova Viktoria , Klõga Marija
Published: February 2013

Qualitative or quantitative description of the future by developing scenarios is a key method when taking a long-term view, e.g., up to 2050. Previously the time frames covered by the scenarios have usually been no more than 20 years. This period can be too short for achieving long-term goals when, for example, testing watershed management plans. This paper is an attempt to introduce and illustrate the potential of the Story-and-Simulation methodology and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping when drawing up qualitative and semi-quantitative scenarios and the future of Lake Peipsi, one of the largest surface water bodies in Europe. The lake is shared between Estonia and Russia and consists of three unequal parts with different natural conditions and socio-economic problems in the catchment. The scenarios developed in cooperation by the stakeholders and experts were used for assessment of the importance of the major socio-economic and political drivers on water resources and water quality in the area. The results indicate that a stakeholders' panel could provide comprehensive expertise to develop scenarios. However, a participatory scenario development is likely to produce varying results depending on the composition of the stakeholders' panel.
Down-scaling pan-European water scenarios to local visions in the Mediterranean: the Candelaro Basin case study in Italy
Authors: Khadra R. , D'Agostino D. R. , Scardigno A. , Lamaddalena N.
Published: February 2013

In the Mediterranean, the increasing social impacts of water scarcity are growing, but effective measures to manage such scarcity are difficult to implement due to the variability of stakeholders and the weak means to handle new policies. To ameliorate the future of water management in the region, communication between stakeholders has to be improved. The Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000) defines a European framework for water management and protection at each hydrological basin level and gives priority to environment conservation through participatory and consultative programmes. In the perspective of developing and analysing a set of comprehensive scenarios of Europe freshwater futures up to 2050, SCENES project (Water Scenarios for Europe and for Neighbouring States) suggests the use of fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as an Information and Communication tool significantly able to support public participation. The present paper reports on the use of FCM in a typical Mediterranean area, the Candelaro river basin in southern Italy, to elicit public perceptions on the current pressures on and state of water resources. Based on these perceptions and down-scaling the global scenarios, local visions of future changes were developed and their potential environmental and socio-economic effects explored.
Human norovirus infection of Caco-2 cells grown as a three-dimensional tissue structure
Authors: Straub Timothy M. , Bartholomew Rachel A. , Valdez Catherine O. , Valentine Nancy B. , Dohnalkova Alice , Ozanich Richard M. , Bruckner-Lea Cynthia J. , Call Douglas R.
Published: February 2013

Human norovirus (hNoV) infectivity was studied using a three-dimensional model of large intestinal epithelium. Large intestine Caco-2 cells were grown in rotating wall vessel bioreactors for 18–21 days at 37°C and then transferred to 24-well tissue culture plates where they were infected with GI.1 and GII.4 human noroviruses collected from human challenge trials and various outbreak settings, respectively. Compared with uninfected cells, transmission micrographs of norovirus-infected cells displayed evidence of shortening or total loss of apical microvilli, and vacuolization. Quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated an approximate 2–3 log10 increase in viral RNA copies for the infected cells. A passage experiment examined both the ability for continued viral RNA and viral antigen detection. In the passaged samples 1.01 × 106 copies ml−1 were detected by qRT-PCR. Immune electron microscopy using primary antibody to hNoV GI.1 capsids in conjunction with 6 nm gold-labelled secondary antibodies was performed on crude cellular lysates. Localization of antibody was observed in infected but not for uninfected cells. Our present findings, coupled with earlier work with the three-dimensional small intestinal INT407 model, demonstrate the utility of 3-D cell culture methods to develop infectivity assays for enteric viruses that do not readily infect mammalian cell cultures.
Are microbial indicators and pathogens correlated? A statistical analysis of 40 years of research
Authors: Wu J. , Long S. C. , Das D. , Dorner S. M.
Published: February 2013

Indicator organisms are used to assess public health risk in recreational waters, to highlight periods of challenge to drinking water treatment plants, and to determine the effectiveness of treatment and the quality of distributed water. However, many have questioned their efficacy for indicating pathogen risk. Five hundred and forty cases representing independent indicator–pathogen correlations were obtained from the literature for the period 1970–2009. The data were analyzed to assess factors affecting correlations using a logistic regression model considering indicator classes, pathogen classes, water types, pathogen sources, sample size, the number of samples with pathogens, the detection method, year of publication and statistical methods. Although no single indicator was identified as the most correlated with pathogens, coliphages, F-specific coliphages, Clostridium perfringens, fecal streptococci and total coliforms were more likely than other indicators to be correlated with pathogens. The most important factors in determining correlations between indicator–pathogen pairs were the sample size and the number of samples positive for pathogens. Pathogen sources, detection methods and other variables have little influence on correlations between indicators and pathogens. Results suggest that much of the controversy with regards to indicator and pathogen correlations is the result of studies with insufficient data for assessing correlations.
Evaluation of pot-chlorination of wells during a cholera outbreak, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, 2008
Authors: Cavallaro Elizabeth C. , Harris Julie R. , da Goia Mauricio Serafim , dos Santos Barrado Jean Carlos , da Nóbrega Aglaêr Alves , de Alvarenga Júnior Inácio Carvalho , Silva Augusto Paulo , Sobel Jeremy , Mintz Eric
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the ability of UNICEF-designed pot-chlorinators to achieve recommended free residual chlorine (FRC) levels in well water in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, during a cholera outbreak. Thirty wells were randomly selected from six neighbourhoods. Pot-chlorinators – perforated plastic bottles filled with gravel, sand and calcium hypochlorite granules – were placed in each well. FRC was measured before and 24, 48 and 72 h after placement and compared with World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended levels of ≥1 mg L−1 for well water during cholera outbreaks and 0.2–5 mg L−1 in non-outbreak settings. Presence of well covers, distance from wells to latrines, and rainfall were noted. Complete post-chlorination data were collected from 26 wells. At baseline, no wells had FRC >0.09 mg L−1. At 24, 48 and 72 h post-chlorination, 4 (15%), 1 (4%) and 0 wells had FRC ≥1 mg L−1 and 16 (62%), 4 (15%) and 1 (4%) wells had FRC between 0.2 and 5 mg L−1, respectively. Several families reported discontinuing household water chlorination after wells were treated with pot-chlorinators. Pot-chlorinators failed to achieve WHO-recommended FRC levels in well water during a cholera outbreak, and conveyed a false sense of security to local residents. Pot-chlorination should be discouraged and alternative approaches to well-water disinfection promoted.
Water quality indices based on bioassessment: The biotic indices
Authors: Abbasi Tasneem , Abbasi S. A.
Published: February 2013

Water quality indices (WQIs), which translate numerical values of several water quality characteristics of a sample into a single value, play a very important role in the monitoring, comparison and control of water quality. The WQIs of modern and post-modern times have been almost exclusively based on physical and chemical characteristics, and have seldom included ‘biological’ characteristics other than biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and faecal coliforms. During the last three decades of the 20th century, indices based on bioassessment have been increasingly used in some developed countries, besides South Africa and Serbia, to complement the conventional WQIs, but the rest of the world continues to base its WQIs predominantly on physical and chemical characteristics. The serious drawbacks of this approach have been elucidated in this paper and, against that background, the state-of-the-art of biotic indices has been summarized. The paper makes a strong case for greater reliance on bioassessment-based WQIs, especially by developing countries, to strengthen the diagnostic value of the conventional WQIs.
Rainfall and river flows are predictors for β-glucuronidase positive Escherichia coli accumulation in mussels and Pacific oysters from the Dart Estuary (England)
Authors: Campos Carlos J. A. , Kershaw Simon , Lee Ron J. , Morgan Owen C. , Hargin Kevin
Published: February 2013

Rainfall and river flows are environmental variables influencing the microbial status of bivalve mollusc harvesting areas. This study investigated spatial and temporal relationships between rainfall, river flows and concentrations of Escherichia coli in mussels (Mytilus spp.) and Pacific oysters (C. gigas) from three harvesting areas in the Dart Estuary over the period 1996–2009. Mussels growing on the riverbed were found to be more contaminated than oysters growing in the water column. A step change in the levels of the microbial indicator was identified in both species from all harvesting areas. The highest levels of E. coli were detected when total rainfall exceeded 2 mm and water levels in the main tributaries exceeded the mean flow. The magnitude of response in levels of E. coli to these hydrological events varied between species and monitoring points, but was consistently higher between the 3rd and 4th days after the rainfall event. This lag time is assumed to result from catchment topography and geology determining peak levels of runoff at the headwaters 12–24 h after rainfall events. It is considered that future risk management measures may include sampling targeting hydrograph events.
Development of a flocculation sub-model for a 3-D CFD model based on rectangular settling tanks
Authors: Gong M. , Xanthos S. , Ramalingam K. , Fillos J. , Beckmann K. , Deur A. , McCorquodale J. A.
Published: February 2013

To assess performance and evaluate alternatives to improve the efficiency of rectangular Gould II type final settling tanks (FSTs), New York City Department of Environmental Protection and City College of NY developed a 3D computer model depicting the actual structural configuration of the tanks and the current and proposed hydraulic and solids loading rates. Fluent 6.3.26™ was the base platform for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, for which sub-models of the SS settling characteristics, turbulence, flocculation and rheology were incorporated. This was supplemented by field and bench scale experiments to quantify the coefficients integral to the sub-models. The 3D model developed can be used to consider different baffle arrangements, sludge withdrawal mechanisms and loading alternatives to the FSTs. Flocculation in the front half of the rectangular tank especially in the region before and after the inlet baffle is one of the vital parameters that influences the capture efficiency of SS. Flocculation could be further improved by capturing medium and small size particles by creating an additional zone with an in-tank baffle. This was one of the methods that was adopted in optimizing the performance of the tank where the CCNY 3D CFD model was used to locate the in-tank baffle position. This paper describes the development of the flocculation sub-model and the relationship of the flocculation coefficients in the known Parker equation to the initial mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration X0. A new modified equation is proposed removing the dependency of the breakup coefficient to the initial value of X0 based on preliminary data using normal and low concentration mixed liquor suspended solids values in flocculation experiments performed.
Algorithmic network monitoring for a modern water utility: a case study in Jerusalem
Authors: Armon A. , Gutner S. , Rosenberg A. , Scolnicov H.
Published: February 2013

We report on the design, deployment, and use of TaKaDu, a real-time algorithmic Water Infrastructure Monitoring solution, with a strong focus on water loss reduction and control. TaKaDu is provided as a commercial service to several customers worldwide. It has been in use at HaGihon, the Jerusalem utility, since mid 2009. Water utilities collect considerable real-time data from their networks, e.g. by means of a SCADA system and sensors measuring flow, pressure, and other data. We discuss how an algorithmic statistical solution analyses this wealth of raw data, flexibly using many types of input and picking out and reporting significant events and failures in the network. Of particular interest to most water utilities is the early detection capability for invisible leaks, also a means for preventing large visible bursts. The system also detects sensor and SCADA failures, various water quality issues, DMA boundary breaches, unrecorded or unintended network changes (like a valve or pump state change), and other events, including types unforeseen during system design. We discuss results from use at HaGihon, showing clear operational value.
Virus removal retention challenge tests performed at lab scale and pilot scale during operation of membrane units
Authors: Humbert H. , Machinal C. , Labaye Ivan , Schrotter J. C.
Published: February 2013

The determination of the virus retention capabilities of UF units during operation is essential for the operators of drinking water treatment facilities in order to guarantee an efficient and stable removal of viruses through time. In previous studies, an effective method (MS2-phage challenge tests) was developed by the Water Research Center of Veolia Environnement for the measurement of the virus retention rates (Log Removal Rate, LRV) of commercially available hollow fiber membranes at lab scale. In the present work, the protocol for monitoring membrane performance was transferred from lab scale to pilot scale. Membrane performances were evaluated during pilot trial and compared to the results obtained at lab scale with fibers taken from the pilot plant modules. PFU culture method was compared to RT-PCR method for the calculation of LRV in both cases. Preliminary tests at lab scale showed that both methods can be used interchangeably. For tests conducted on virgin membrane, a good consistency was observed between lab and pilot scale results with the two analytical methods used. This work intends to show that a reliable determination of the membranes performances based on RT-PCR analytical method can be achieved during the operation of the UF units.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using wine-processing waste sludge
Authors: Liu Cheng-Chung , Li Yuan-Shen , Chen Yue-Ming , Li Hsuan-Hua , Wang Ming-Kuang
Published: February 2013

Dye wastewaters usually contain toxins and high chroma, making them difficult to treat with biological methods. The adsorption process plays an important role in removing dyes from wastewaters. This study aimed to explore the methylene blue (MB) adsorption mechanism by wine-processing waste sludge (WPWS). The WPWS contains a high cation-exchange capacity (64.2 cmolc kg−1) and organic matter (52.8%). The parameters affecting MB adsorption included pH, initial concentration of MB, reaction temperature, particle size and dosage of WPWS. The WPWS adsorption isotherms of MB were only well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of MB was 285.7 mg g−1 at 25 °C. The activation energy determined by Arrhenius equation is 29.995 kJ mol−1. Under steady-state reaction conditions, the Gibb free energy (ΔG°) ranged from −24.607 to −27.092 kJ mol−1 and ΔH° was −8.926 kJ mol−1, indicating that lower reaction temperature would favor MB adsorption. Therefore, MB adsorption by WPWS was a spontaneous, exothermic and physisorption reaction.
A mechanistic model for fate and removal of estrogens in biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems
Authors: Lust M. , Makinia J. , Stensel H. D.
Published: February 2013

Two estrogen fate and transformation models were integrated with a comprehensive activated sludge model (ASM) to predict estrogen removal based on biomass and solids production. Model predictions were evaluated against published full-scale plant data as well as results from a laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) fed synthetic wastewater. The estrogen fate model relating the rate of total estrogen degradation to soluble estrogen concentrations successfully predicted estrogen removals when compared with measured concentrations. Model fit 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) biodegradation rate constant was 19 to 43% of the estrone (E1) value and 31 to 72% of the 17β-estradiol (E2) value.
Prevalence, distribution, and progression of radiographic abnormalities in the lungs of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii): 89 cases (2002–2005)
Authors: Stockman Jonathan , Innis Charles J. , Solano Mauricio , O'Sullivan Brisson Jennifer , Kass Philip H. , Tlusty Michael F. , Weber E. Scott
Published: February 2013

Objective—To evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and progression of radiographic abnormalities in the lungs of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) and associations between these abnormalities and body weight, carapace length, and hematologic and plasma biochemical variables.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—89 cold-stunned juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed. Dorsoventral and horizontal beam craniocaudal radiographs were evaluated for the presence, distribution, and progression of lung abnormalities. Turtles were categorized as having radiographically normal or abnormal lungs; those with abnormalities detected were further categorized according to the distribution of abnormalities (left lung, right lung, or both affected). Body weight, carapace length, and hematologic and plasma biochemical data were compared among categories.

Results—48 of 89 (54%) turtles had radiographic abnormalities of the lungs. Unilateral abnormalities of the right or left lung were detected in 14 (16%) and 2 (2%), respectively; both lungs were affected in 32 (36%). Prevalence of unilateral abnormalities was significantly greater for the right lung than for the left lung. Evaluation of follow-up radiographs indicated clinical improvement over time for most (18/31 [58%]) turtles. Prevalence of bilateral radiographic abnormalities was positively correlated with body weight and carapace length. There was no significant association between radiographic category and hematologic or plasma biochemical variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radiographic abnormalities of the lungs were commonly detected in cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles. Results of this study may aid clinicians in developing effective diagnostic and treatment plans for these patients.
Nutritional habits of female university students in relation to selfperception
of body
Authors: Suliga Edyta , Wronka Iwona , Pawlińska-Chmara Romana
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To determine whether the self-assessment of body mass has an impact on the nutritional behaviour of young
women.

Material and methods: The material was gathered in cross-sectional research of 1129 female university students. The
measurements of body height, body mass, and waist and hip circumference were taken. Each person completed a questionnaire
concerned the nutritional habits, recreational physical activity, and self-perception of body mass. In this work,
only the data of 925 students with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 were included.

Results: Of the participants, 2.8% of the students assessed their body mass as too low, 75.4% as correct, and 21.8%
as too high. Students assessing their body mass as too low featured the lowest values of BMI and waist circumference,
whereas those with a body mass assessment of too high featured the highest values of BMI. Those students with a body
mass assessment as too high followed a diet and skipped meals far more frequently, consumed breads and sweets far
less frequently, and drank more liquids daily than students who assessed their body mass as correct. No differences
were found in the frequency of recreational physical activity in relation to self-perception of body mass.

Conclusions: BMI values above population average, even if they fit within the norm, are regarded by the students as
too high. The self-assessment of body mass as too high results in undertaking efforts aimed at reducing body mass.
Weaknesses in Applying a Process Approach in Industry Enterprises
Authors: Kučerová Marta , Mĺkva Miroslava , Fidlerová Helena
Published: February 2013

The paper deals with a process approach as one of the main principles of the quality management. Quality management systems based on process approach currently represents one of a proofed ways how to manage an organization. The volume of sales, costs and profit levels are influenced by quality of processes and efficient process flow. As results of the research project showed, there are some weaknesses in applying of the process approach in the industrial routine and it has been often only a formal change of the functional management to process management in many organizations in Slovakia. For efficient process management it is essential that companies take attention to the way how to organize their processes and seek for their continuous improvement.
Project Communication in Functions, Process and Project-Oriented Industiral Companies
Authors: Samáková Jana , Koltnerová Kristína , Rybanský Rudolf
Published: February 2013

The article is focused on the project communication management. Industrial enterprises, which use project management must constantly search the new ways for improving. One of the possibilities is the change of management from a functional oriented to the projectoriented or process-oriented. Process-oriented and project-oriented companies have better project communication management during the all project life cycle. Communication in the project is a very important factor. According to the arguments of several authors, one of the biggest problem is that threaten the success of the project is just the communication. In each project is an important pillar - and that is communication. Only on the base of communication can the project move forward and achieve the target.
The Customer Relationship Management in Terms of Business Practice in Slovakia
Authors: Urdziková Jana , Jakábová Martina , Saniuk Sebastian
Published: February 2013

The aim of the article is to present the results of the research on focus on the customer in relation to the use of customer relationship management in selected business subjects in Slovakia. The main goal of the research is the mapping of current state to ensure the principle of customer orientation and utilizing of CRM in organizations and industrial enterprises in Slovakia. This is the mapping of the current situation of that problem in practical conditions and determines potential opportunities for improvement.
Reasons for Career Termination in Danish Elite Athletes: Investigating Gender Differences and the Time-point as Potential Correlates
Authors: Moesch Karin
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Career termination, an inevitable step in every athlete’s career, has received increased attention within sport psychological research. A career termination that results in psychological problems is of special concern for sport federations, organizations and clubs. Research has shown that it is crucial to consider an athlete’s the reason for career termination. There is evidence that the causes of an involuntary and unplanned career termination are disadvantageous for athletes’ well-being. There are many important aspects of career termination, such as cultural and social aspects, gender, and the time-point of the occurrence. The present study therefore aims at investigating the causes of career termination and possible correlates with gender and the time-point thereof among Danish elite athletes. Method: Data was gathered from 68 retired Danish elite athletes about their reasons for career termination and about its time-point. A qualitative analysis with the reasons mentioned by the athletes was performed. Moreover, t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to analyze differences between males and females, and among athletes ending their career at different time-points in their career. Results: The results revealed 10 different reasons given for career termination with lack of motivation, injury or health problems and family related reasons being the top three. Female athletes mentioned that they ended their career due to family-related reasons more often than their male peers. More than a third of all athletes ended their career before their perceived achievement of peak performance. Financial reasons seemed to be of more importance for career termination for athletes ending their career before or at peaking, whereas family-related reasons were more often mentioned by athletes during or after their performance peak. Discussion and conclusion: The results of the study provide an overview of the career termination reasons of Danish elite athletes, which can provide practitioners and organizations with helpful insight when designing respective interventions. When planning such interventions it could be advantageous to deliver specific support for women to enable them to optimally combine family life with an elite sport career.
Honouring The Wound: War and Performance in the Lives of Hannah Snell, Deborah Sampson and Pauline Cushman
Authors: Lock Georgina K.
Published: February 2013

This essay investigates three women’s cross-dressed service in the military. Hannah Snell (1723-92) served as a British marine and fought the French in India. Deborah Sampson Gannet (1760-1827) fought the British in the American Wars of Independence and Pauline Cushman (1833-1893) claimed to have disguised herself for the Union during the American Civil War. These three are, by no means, the only women to claim action and remuneration as male combatants (Jelinek 53-62),1 when the legal extent of women’s engagement was as unpaid camp followers. However, all three gave accounts of their military exploits to the public through biographies and solo performances on stage.
Opportunities for Multi-Lingual Education in Nepal
Authors: Koirala Bidya Nath
Published: February 2013

For decolonizers language is a tool of domination (Awasthi, 2004; Bourdieu, 1977); for language groups it is a subjectivity and inter-subjectivity (Koirala, 2007); for utilitarian it is a vehicle to take people from the local to the global world (Khadka, 2007); for knowledge seekers and promoters it is a means to generate the hidden treasure of the subalterns' wisdom (Guha, 2005); for linguists' it is a way to save language (Khadka et.al., 2006; Khadka, 2007); for activists it is a means to activate people (Yonjan, 2007); for existentialists language is the socio-political, cultural, and linguistic identity (CRED, 2005; Chirag, 2001), and for pedagogues it is a means to made easy and dignified learning (Mallikarjun, 2002). It means language is the response to the situatedness (Leve & Wegner, 1992). To resolve these concerns one needs language of co-existence, reciprocal learning and teaching.

Nepal has more than hundred languages with 15 scripts (Khadka, Magar, & Koirala, 2006; Koirala, Khadka, & Magar, 2008). Muslim children for example should learn at least three scripts together, the Urdu, the Devnagari, and the English. This situation looks for shared script.
Schooling: Knowledge, Perception and Practices of Parents
Authors: Bharati Saraswoti , Takao Hosokawa
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to provide an insight in policy making for further development in primary education sector. It is based on a field study conducted in Talku Dudhechaur village during September – October, 2008 to analyze the role of parents in schooling in rural area. The study showed that in spite of low economic and education level of the family, there is an increased demand and desire for schooling.However, about half of the parents' attitude towards schooling is still negligent, due to lack of willingness and determination. This confirmed that the establishment of free primary education is not a sufficient solution. Instead making primary education compulsory and involving parents in school education more closely is an urgent need. In addition,compulsory birth registration and implementing modest laws and duty are also required to ensure the change in schooling pattern.
The Challenge of Technical and Vocational Training and Education in Rural Areas: the Case of South-Asia
Authors: Vollmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

Although TVET appears as a viable alternative to general secondary education, available enrolment data in the South Asia show that formal TVET does not attract enough students yet. The lack of political support seems to be based on political considerations by local politicians inclined to follow mainstream thinking and attitudes, avoiding to antagonize their political support groups or voter banks. It may be said, that promoting TVET would currently require a considerable political courage, defying the odds, and going against popular thinking and expectations. This papers highlights the status of TEVT with data and concludes that current TVET policies are not meeting the identified challenges in the rural areas of South-Asia.
Taming Disorderly People One Ticket at a Time: The Penalization of Homelessness in Ontario and British Columbia
Authors: Chesnay Catherine T. , Bellot Céline , Sylvestre Marie-Ève
Published: February 2013

In the last two decades, provincial and local governments in Canada took a new series of measures to regulate urban disorder and control how public spaces were used by homeless people. Ontario became the first province to adopt new legislation with the passage of the Safe Streets Act, 1999. British Columbia soon followed the same path and enacted its own Safe Streets Act in 2004. This article focuses on the enforcement of the Safe Streets Act in Ontario and BC. Using quantitative data on tickets delivered to homeless people, it examines the extent of the penalization of homeless populations and establishes trends in the application of these statutes in both provinces. It concludes that the application reflects tensions around the visibility of homeless people in public spaces, particularly relating to squeegeeing, in both Ontario and British Columbia.
In-Place Pavement Recycling on I-81 in Virginia
Authors: Diefenderfer Brian K. , Apeagyei Alex K. , Gallo Anthony A. , Dougald Lance E. , Weaver Chaz B.
Published: February 2013

During the 2011 construction season, the Virginia Department of Transportation completed an in-place pavement recycling project to rehabilitate a 3.66-mi section of pavement on southbound I-81 in Augusta County near Staunton. In 2008, the directional traffic volume was 23,000 vehicles per day with 28% being trucks (85% of the truck traffic consisted of five- and six-axle tractor trailer combination vehicles). This section of the Interstate showed structurally related deterioration at the pavement surface, had a low structural capacity, and had a history of frequently recurring maintenance. The construction project used three in-place pavement recycling techniques (full-depth reclamation, cold central-plant recycling, and cold in-place recycling) and a unique lane-closure schedule to accomplish the work. A construction contract with a value of $7.64 million and a time frame of approximately 8 months was awarded in December 2010. The in-place recycling portion of the work was completed in fewer than 20 workdays spanning 6 weeks. This construction work represents the first time in the United States that those three recycling techniques were combined in one project on the Interstate system, and the project showed that the construction techniques can be used on higher-volume facilities. The construction techniques and the traffic management plan are described, and the results of acceptance testing and initial field testing are discussed. Suggestions for future study based on lessons learned during this project are offered.
Studying Patterns of Use of Transport Modes through Data Mining: Application to U.S. National Household Travel Survey Data Set
Authors: Diana Marco
Published: February 2013

Data collection activities related to travel require large amounts of financial and human resources to be conducted successfully. When available resources are scarce, the information hidden in these data sets needs to be exploited, both to increase their added value and to gain support among decision makers not to discontinue such efforts. This study assessed the use of a data mining technique, association analysis, to understand better the patterns of mode use from the 2009 U.S. National Household Travel Survey. Only variables related to self-reported levels of use of the different transportation means are considered, along with those useful to the socioeconomic characterization of the respondents. Association rules potentially showed a substitution effect between cars and public transportation, in economic terms but such an effect was not observed between public transportation and nonmotorized modes (e.g., bicycling and walking). This effect was a policy-relevant finding, because transit marketing should be targeted to car drivers rather than to bikers or walkers for real improvement in the environmental performance of any transportation system. Given the competitive advantage of private modes extensively discussed in the literature, modal diversion from car to transit is seldom observed in practice. However, after such a factor was controlled, the results suggest that modal diversion should mainly occur from cars to transit rather than from nonmotorized modes to transit.
Traffic Ground Truth Estimation Using Multisensor Consensus Filter
Authors: MacCarley C. Arthur , Sandberg Erik L.
Published: February 2013

The estimation of traffic ground truth has traditionally been accomplished with a trusted reference detector or by human observation, either live or in time-coded video recordings. These approaches are limited by the error characteristics of any single trusted detector, observation error, or the temporal and spatial resolution of the recorded video used by the human observer. For conventional traffic management purposes, the output of a trusted detector is usually adequate. However, for unbiased performance assessment and comparative ranking of vehicle detectors, an accurate ground truth estimate is essential. With this objective, an automated detector testing system was implemented. This system used consensus filtering methods typically employed in the fusion of data from multisensor networks to optimally estimate ground truth. The algorithm continuously adjusted a level of confidence in each detector under test that was used to form a weighted consensus decision for the presence, speed, and length of each vehicle. Individual detectors under test were then assessed by comparison with the estimated ground truth record and by the confidence factors generated by the algorithm. This paper describes the algorithm and presents the testing methodology to determine its ability to estimate ground truth accurately with the use of synthetic traffic data for which absolute ground truth is known, as well as synthetic detector data derived from the ground truth with known injected errors. The application of this algorithm in the advanced traffic management systems detector testbed of the California Department of Transportation is described.
Understanding Place through use of Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Deutsch Kathleen , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: February 2013

With the increased application of the activity-based approach comes the inherent need to incorporate more details regarding behavior. This need for detail has, in turn, created the need for a deeper understanding of, and theoretical basis for, behavior; data collection and analysis methods that handle more behavioral detail are also needed. Therefore, the use of qualitative and mixed-method approaches in travel behavior has received increased attention over the past few decades. In this paper, quantitative and qualitative methodologies are discussed and applied to data collected in Santa Barbara, California, to measure peoples’ attitudes about their sense of place. Quantitative and qualitative methods are applied, first through a factor analysis and, second, through a qualitative analysis of text from an open-ended question; the results of the two methods are compared. Four factors are derived: the aesthetics and atmosphere, the family- and community-oriented nature of the place, the negative aspects of the place, and the self-benefit of the patronage. The findings of the factor analyses are compared and combined with a text analysis to reach a greater understanding of sense of place and behavior. In addition, unique themes arising from the text analysis are discussed, including parking availability and cost, shopping variety, and the urban environment. Theoretical developments and implications for future research are discussed in light of the analysis findings.
Mid Trimester Missed Abortion Termination Using Intravaginal Misoprostol - A Prospective Study In DMCH
Authors: Mahmood Sharmeen , Afrin Sadia , Dewan Farhana
Published: February 2013

Objectives: The objective of the study was to find out the efficacy and safety of misoprostol in termination of missed abortion.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out during the time from August 2009 to April2010 in Dhaka Medical College Hospital.Results: A total 50 cases of missed abortion (12-28weeks) were included in the study. Tab.misoprostol(2oo?gm) was used pervaginally 4hourly for termination of pregnancy. Maximum 4tab.were used. Outcome variables were doses of misoprostol, expulsion times need for use of oxytocin and D and C and side effect of misoprostol. In the present study, 58% percent (29 out of 50 ) experienced complete expulsion (20% after 1st dose, 24% after 2nd dose 24% after 3rd dose and, 31% after 4th dose).24% cases needed oxytocin drip as an adjunct and 18% needed surgical evacuation when 4 doses of misoprostol (tab cytomis)and oxytocin fail to expel the product of conception. Mean (±SD) time required for expulsion of product of conception was 11.44 ± 4.43 hours in 29 (58%) women who were given tab misoprostol only. The results showed that 5(out of 25) has a complete expulsion after first dose, 13 after second 4 after 3rd  and Mean induction expulsion time was 6.1 hours The most common complication was temperature 6%, vomiting 4%, and diarrhoea 2%.Conclusion: Vaginal application of misoprostol can be used to women with missed abortion   for complete expulsion of the product of conception and may reduce the need for surgical   intervention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v25i2.13742 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2010; Vol. 25(2) : 65-70
El cine experimental de mujeres: antecedentes y desarrollo del cine teórico feminista de los 70 en el Reino Unido
Authors: Pérez Ríu Carmen
Published: February 2013

Este artículo analiza la obra experimental de mujeres centrándose principalmente en la que se produjo durante los años 70 en el Reino Unido y su vinculación con la teoría cinematográfica feminista. La primera parte hace un recorrido por la participación de las mujeres en las diferentes corrientes y movimientos del cine experimental desde la década de los 20 hasta los 70. Esta sección tiene como finalidad situar a las directoras experimentales británicas de los 70 dentro de un panorama global mucho más complejo incluyendo las influencias que recibían desde Europa y EE.UU., donde se encontraba el centro neurálgico de las corrientes cinematográficas de vanguardia. Una segunda parte estudia con más detenimiento el fenómeno del cine experimental feminista en Inglaterra durante la década de los 70, con atención especial a las dos cineastas fundamentales de este fenómeno: Laura Mulvey y Sally Potter. A modo de conclusión se incluyen unas características generales del cine experimental de mujeres.
Tradición, aportes y desafío de la teoría literaria en lengua española. Entrevista a Miguel Ángel Garrido Gallardo
Authors: Pineda Buitrago Sebastián
Published: February 2013

En 1982 salieron las circulares en las que el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas convocaba el Congreso Internacional sobre Semiótica e Hispanismo, celebrado en Madrid en 1983 y cuyos textos se han encontrado durante décadas entre los más citados de la Filología Hispánica internacional. Al cumplirse 30 años de aquel acontecimiento, entrevistamos al profesor del CSIC Miguel Ángel Garrido Gallardo, promotor del congreso, y le preguntamos por las claves, vistas con la perspectiva de los años transcurridos, de la teoría literaria en lengua española, lo que constituyó entonces la cuestión fundamental de debate.
Retinoic Acid Hypersensitivity Promotes Peripheral Tolerance in Recent Thymic Emigrants
Authors: Bhaumik Suniti , Giffon Thierry , Bolinger Derek , Kirkman Richard , Lewis David B. , Weaver Casey T. , Randolph David A.
Published: February 2013

Whereas thymic education eliminates most self-reactive T cells, additional mechanisms to promote tolerance in the periphery are critical to prevent excessive immune responses against benign environmental Ags and some self-Ags. In this study we show that murine CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are programmed to facilitate tolerance in the periphery. Both in vitro and in vivo, naive RTEs more readily upregulate Foxp3 than do mature naive cells after stimulation under tolerogenic conditions. In RTEs, a relatively high sensitivity to retinoic acid contributes to decreased IFN-γ production, permitting the expression of Foxp3. Conversely, mature naive CD4 cells have a lower sensitivity to retinoic acid, resulting in increased IFN-γ production and subsequent IFN-γ–mediated silencing of Foxp3 expression. Enhanced retinoic acid signaling and Foxp3 induction in RTEs upon Ag encounter in the periphery may serve as form of secondary education that complements thymic education and helps avoid inappropriate immune responses. This mechanism for tolerance may be particularly important in settings where RTEs comprise a large fraction of the peripheral T cell pool, such as in newborns or after umbilical cord blood transplant.