bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROJETO DE FUTURO NA DIMENSÃO SÓCIO AFETIVA: COMO SE CONSTROEM AS PERCEPÇÕES DE ALUNOS/AS DO ENSINO SECUNDÁRIO EM PORTUGAL E DO ENSINO MÉDIO NO BRASIL
Authors: De Araujo Marilia Frassetto , Rossi Célia Regina , Teixeira Maria Filomena Rodrigues , Ribeiro Paula Regina Costa
Published: May 2016

A pesquisa buscou compreender o projeto de futuro na dimensão sócio afetiva por alunos/as do Ensino Médio em Portugal e no Brasil. A base teórica se deu através dos conceitos de cultura e adolescência como construções culturais e entende o projeto de futuro na referida dimensão como a definição dos afetos e paixões. Através de grupo focal com os/as adolescentes foi possível analisar suas narrativas sobre o tema, conhecer e analisar os discursos produzidos por eles/as sobre assuntos relacionados a sexualidade, gênero e diversidade sexual. A pesquisa verificou que a maioria dos/as adolescentes refletiam sobre seus projetos de futuro na dimensão sócio afetiva e apontou as diferenças que permeiam os comportamentos dos garotos e das garotas. É essencial problematizar esses assuntos de maneira ética e permitir que o/a adolescente reflita sobre seus relacionamentos entre pares, com a família, na comunidade, com responsabilidade e criticidade. A educação escolar é parte central neste processo.
BRINCADEIRAS DE MENINOS E MENINAS: CENAS DE GÊNERO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Pereira Angelica Silvana , Oliveira Ericka Marcelle Barbosa de
Published: May 2016

Uma das possibilidades das brincadeiras na educação infantil é dar visibilidade às relações de gênero que são construídas histórica e culturalmente nos mais variados espaços sociais. Nas instituições de Educação Infantil, meninos e meninas têm o direito de acesso aos mesmos espaços, mas nem sempre às mesmas oportunidades de manifestarem de forma livre suas intenções, desejos e brincadeiras sem que isso cause estranhezas e demarcações de limites, principalmente no tocante ao gênero. Neste texto será apresentado um recorte de um estudo que teve como objetivo conhecer e problematizar concepções de gênero presentes nas práticas de crianças durante as brincadeiras em uma instituição de Educação Infantil da cidade de Maceió-AL, considerando-se o brincar como um meio de ressignificação e reinterpretação da cultura legitimada socialmente.
Bias in case - Control studies: Can it be avoided?
Authors: Souza Fernanda De Oliveira , Miranda Samilly Silva , Valente Alessandra Laís Pinho , De Araújo Tânia Maria , Smolen Jenny Rose
Published: May 2016

Justificativa e objetivos: Embora os estudos de caso-controle tenham inúmeras vantagens, eles são vulneráveis a vieses que podem mascarar os verdadeiros resultados do estudo e, portanto, devem ser interpretados com cautela. O objetivo deste artigo é realizar criticamente esta abordagem, através de uma revisão da literatura, os erros que podem afetar este tipo de desenho de estudo e as possíveis estratégias para superar esses erros. Resultados e Discussão: Os erros mais conhecidos, presentes no delineamento de estudos caso-controle, foram os relacionados com a seleção e medição. Conclusão: No entanto, embora este tipo de estudo esteja sujeito a possíveis erros, as medidas preventivas postas em prática durante o planejamento de estudos caso-controle e até mesmo durante e após a sua execução podem ajudar a garantir o rigor científico. Esta revisão da literatura pode servir como um instrumento importante para o desenvolvimento e interpretação de estudos de caso-controle.
Constitutional Values, Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Legal Education in South Africa: Shaping our Legal Order
Authors: Fourie Elmarie
Published: May 2016

Law schools have a responsibility to remind law students that by studying law they have the power to transform thoughts, policies and lives, and that practising law is not just about financial rewards, but that its greatest reward is contributing to the betterment of society and ultimately to social change. The values and philosophies that law lecturers instil in law students can contribute to the legal order of the future; a legal order that supports a transformative South Africa. A need exists to bring legal education closer to the values enshrined in our Constitution. In addition to an extensive knowledge of legal principles, critical thinking and research skills, law students should critically engage with our constitutional values. The question remains: How do we transform legal education in South Africa? How do we change the way we teach law students? The introduction of concepts such as therapeutic jurisprudence enhanced by our constitutional values will ensure that we deliver graduates that display a commitment to our constitutional vales and an ability to engage critically with these values. It is important to establish a professional legal identity amongst students from their first year as this will assist in the development of a well-rounded graduate that can contribute to the legal order of the future. Letter writing and drafting skills, the value of plain language, moot court activities, alternative dispute resolution and clinical legal education provide opportunities to integrate valuable therapeutic jurisprudence principles into the curriculum and can allow students to critically engage with our constitutional values. By embodying these values they can improve the legal system, shape our legal order and promote progress toward an equal and free democratic society as envisaged by the Constitution.
Partitioning ecosystems for sustainability
Authors: Murray Martyn G.
Published: May 2016

Decline in the abundance of renewable natural resources (RNRs) coupled with increasing demands of an expanding human population will greatly intensify competition for Earth's natural resources during this century, yet curiously, analytical approaches to the management of productive ecosystems (ecological theory of wildlife harvesting, tragedy of the commons, green economics, and bioeconomics) give only peripheral attention to the driving influence of competition on resource exploitation. Here, I apply resource competition theory (RCT) to the exploitation of RNRs and derive four general policies in support of their sustainable and equitable use: (1) regulate resource extraction technology to avoid damage to the resource base; (2) increase efficiency of resource use and reduce waste at every step in the resource supply chain and distribution network; (3) partition ecosystems with the harvesting niche as the basic organizing principle for sustainable management of natural resources by multiple users; and (4) increase negative feedback between consumer and resource to bring about long‐term sustainable use. A simple policy framework demonstrates how RCT integrates with other elements of sustainability science to better manage productive ecosystems. Several problem areas of RNR management are discussed in the light of RCT, including tragedy of the commons, overharvesting, resource collapse, bycatch, single species quotas, and simplification of ecosystems.
How livestock and flooding mediate the ecological integrity of working forests in Amazon River floodplains
Authors: Lucas Christine M. , Sheikh Pervaze , Gagnon Paul R. , McGrath David G.
Published: May 2016

The contribution of working forests to tropical conservation and development depends upon the maintenance of ecological integrity under ongoing land use. Assessment of ecological integrity requires an understanding of the structure, composition, and function and major drivers that govern their variability. Working forests in tropical river floodplains provide many goods and services, yet the data on the ecological processes that sustain these services is scant. In flooded forests of riverside Amazonian communities, we established 46 0.1‐ha plots varying in flood duration, use by cattle and water buffalo, and time since agricultural abandonment (30–90 yr). We monitored three aspects of ecological integrity (stand structure, species composition, and dynamics of trees and seedlings) to evaluate the impacts of different trajectories of livestock activity (alleviation, stasis, and intensification) over nine years. Negative effects of livestock intensification were solely evident in the forest understory, and plots alleviated from past heavy disturbance increased in seedling density but had higher abundance of thorny species than plots maintaining low activity. Stand structure, dynamics, and tree species composition were strongly influenced by the natural pulse of seasonal floods, such that the defining characteristics of integrity were dependent upon flood duration (3–200 d). Forests with prolonged floods ≥140 d had not only lower species richness but also lower rates of recruitment and species turnover relative to forests with short floods <70 d. Overall, the combined effects of livestock intensification and prolonged flooding hindered forest regeneration, but overall forest integrity was largely related to the hydrological regime and age. Given this disjunction between factors mediating canopy and understory integrity, we present a subset of metrics for regeneration and recruitment to distinguish forest condition by livestock trajectory. Although our study design includes confounded factors that preclude a definitive assessment of the major drivers of ecological change, we provide much‐needed data on the regrowth of a critical but poorly studied ecosystem. In addition to its emphasis on the dynamics of tropical wetland forests undergoing anthropogenic and environmental change, our case study is an important example for how to assess of ecological integrity in working forests of tropical ecosystems.
Post‐fire vegetation and fuel development influences fire severity patterns in reburns
Authors: Coppoletta Michelle , Merriam Kyle E. , Collins Brandon M.
Published: May 2016

In areas where fire regimes and forest structure have been dramatically altered, there is increasing concern that contemporary fires have the potential to set forests on a positive feedback trajectory with successive reburns, one in which extensive stand‐replacing fire could promote more stand‐replacing fire. Our study utilized an extensive set of field plots established following four fires that occurred between 2000 and 2010 in the northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA that were subsequently reburned in 2012. The information obtained from these field plots allowed for a unique set of analyses investigating the effect of vegetation, fuels, topography, fire weather, and forest management on reburn severity. We also examined the influence of initial fire severity and time since initial fire on influential predictors of reburn severity. Our results suggest that high‐ to moderate‐severity fire in the initial fires led to an increase in standing snags and shrub vegetation, which in combination with severe fire weather promoted high‐severity fire effects in the subsequent reburn. Although fire behavior is largely driven by weather, our study demonstrates that post‐fire vegetation composition and structure are also important drivers of reburn severity. In the face of changing climatic regimes and increases in extreme fire weather, these results may provide managers with options to create more fire‐ resilient ecosystems. In areas where frequent high‐severity fire is undesirable, management activities such as thinning, prescribed fire, or managed wildland fire can be used to moderate fire behavior not only prior to initial fires, but also before subsequent reburns.
Decadal Bering Sea seascape change: consequences for Pacific walruses and indigenous hunters
Authors: Ray G. Carleton , Hufford Gary L. , Overland James E. , Krupnik Igor , McCormick‐Ray Jerry , Frey Karen , Labunski Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

The most significant factors currently affecting the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) population are climate change and consequent changes in sea‐ice morphology and dynamics. This paper integrates recent physical sea‐ice change in the Bering Sea with biological and ecological conditions of walruses in their winter–spring reproductive habitat. Historically, walrus in winter–spring depended on a critical mass of sea‐ice habitat to optimize social networking, reproductive fitness, feeding behavior, migration, and energetic efficiency. During 2003–2013, our cross‐disciplinary, multiscale analysis from shipboard observations, satellite imagery, and ice‐floe tracking, reinforced by information from indigenous subsistence hunters, documented change of sea‐ice structure from a plastic continuum to a “mixing bowl” of ice floes moving more independently. This fragmentation of winter habitat preconditions the walrus population toward dispersal mortality and will also negatively affect the availability of resources for indigenous communities. We urge an expanded research and management agenda that integrates walrus natural history and habitat more completely with changing sea‐ice morphology and dynamics at multiple scales, while also meeting the needs of local communities.
Reciprocal feedbacks between spatial subsidies and reserve networks in coral reef meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Spiecker Barbara , Gouhier Tarik C. , Guichard Frédéric
Published: May 2016

Top‐down processes such as predation and herbivory have been shown to control the dynamics of communities across a range of ecosystems by generating trophic cascades. However, theory is only beginning to describe how these local trophic processes interact with spatial subsidies in the form of material (nutrient, detritus) transport and organismal dispersal to (1) shape the structure of interconnected (meta‐) ecosystems and (2) determine their optimal management via reserve networks. Here, we develop a meta‐ecosystem model to understand how the reciprocal feedbacks between spatial subsidies and reserve networks modulate the importance of top‐down control in a simple herbivorous fish–macroalgae–coral system. We show that in large and isolated reserve networks where connectivity between protected and unprotected areas is limited, spatial subsidies remain largely confined to reserves. This retention of spatial subsidies promotes the top‐down control of corals and macroalgae by herbivores inside reserves but reduces it outside reserves. Conversely, in small and aggregated reserves where connectivity between protected and unprotected areas is high, the spillover of spatial subsidies causes a reduction in top‐down control of corals and macroalgae by herbivores inside reserves and an increase in the strength of top‐down control outside reserves. In addition, we demonstrate that there is a trade‐off between local and regional conservation objectives when designing reserve networks: small and aggregated reserves based on the extent of dispersal maximize the abundance of corals and herbivores regionally, whereas large and isolated reserves always maximize the abundance of corals within reserves, regardless of the extent of dispersal. The existence of such “conservation traps,” which arise from the fulfillment of population‐level objectives within local reserves at the cost of community‐level objectives at regional scales, suggests the importance of adopting a more holistic strategy to manage complex and interconnected ecosystems.
Effects of habitat composition and landscape structure on worker foraging distances of five bumble bee species
Authors: Redhead John W. , Dreier Stephanie , Bourke Andrew F. G. , Heard Matthew S. , Jordan William C. , Sumner Seirian , Wang Jinliang , Carvell Claire
Published: May 2016

Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators of both crops and wildflowers. Their contribution to this essential ecosystem service has been threatened over recent decades by changes in land use, which have led to declines in their populations. In order to design effective conservation measures, it is important to understand the effects of variation in landscape composition and structure on the foraging activities of worker bumble bees. This is because the viability of individual colonies is likely to be affected by the trade‐off between the energetic costs of foraging over greater distances and the potential gains from access to additional resources. We used field surveys, molecular genetics, and fine resolution remote sensing to estimate the locations of wild bumble bee nests and to infer foraging distances across a 20‐km2 agricultural landscape in southern England, UK. We investigated five species, including the rare B. ruderatus and ecologically similar but widespread B. hortorum. We compared worker foraging distances between species and examined how variation in landscape composition and structure affected foraging distances at the colony level. Mean worker foraging distances differed significantly between species. Bombus terrestris, B. lapidarius, and B. ruderatus exhibited significantly greater mean foraging distances (551, 536, and 501 m, respectively) than B. hortorum and B. pascuorum (336 and 272 m, respectively). There was wide variation in worker foraging distances between colonies of the same species, which was in turn strongly influenced by the amount and spatial configuration of available foraging habitats. Shorter foraging distances were found for colonies where the local landscape had high coverage and low fragmentation of seminatural vegetation, including managed agri‐environmental field margins. The strength of relationships between different landscape variables and foraging distance varied between species, for example the strongest relationship for B. ruderatus being with floral cover of preferred forage plants. Our findings suggest that management of landscape composition and configuration has the potential to reduce foraging distances across a range of bumble bee species. There is thus potential for improvements in the design and implementation of landscape management options, such as agri‐environment schemes, aimed at providing foraging habitat for bumble bees and enhancing crop pollination services.
Birds of a feather: using species assemblages to assess vulnerability to extinction
Authors: Paini Dean R. , Mokany Karel
Published: May 2016

Estimating extinction vulnerability for a large number of species presents significant challenges for researchers, but is of high importance considering the large number of species that are currently unassessed. We present a method using a type of artificial neural network (self organizing map; SOM), which utilizes the co‐occurrence patterns of species to estimate each species’ vulnerability to extinction. We use this method on Australian bird assemblages and compare the SOM‐generated rankings for vulnerability with assessments from the IUCN Red List for those species in which populations have actually been estimated. For species that have had their populations estimated, the SOM performed well in distinguishing those species ranked of least concern by IUCN from those species in one of the other IUCN categories. Further, 19 species that were identified as highly vulnerable by the SOM analysis have never had their populations estimated and have been ranked by the IUCN of least concern. We show how the SOM can identify spatial variation in vulnerability for a species, and identify those regions in Australia in which the resident species have the greatest levels of vulnerability (central Australia). We conclude that the SOM provides a useful tool for researchers and agencies dealing with conservation strategies focused on large numbers of species and we urge a more detailed assessment of the 19 bird species identified by this analysis as vulnerable to extinction.
A sonic net excludes birds from an airfield: implications for reducing bird strike and crop losses
Authors: Swaddle John P. , Moseley Dana L. , Hinders Mark K. , P. Smith Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Collisions between birds and aircraft cause billions of dollars of damages annually to civil, commercial, and military aviation. Yet technology to reduce bird strike is not generally effective, especially over longer time periods. Previous information from our lab indicated that filling an area with acoustic noise, which masks important communication channels for birds, can displace European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) from food sources. Here we deployed a spatially controlled noise (termed a “sonic net”), designed to overlap with the frequency range of bird vocalizations, at an airfield. By conducting point counts, we monitored the presence of birds for four weeks before deployment of our sonic net, and for four weeks during deployment. We found an 82% reduction in bird presence in the sonic net area compared with change in the reference areas. This effect was as strong in the fourth week of exposure as in the first week. We also calculated the potential costs avoided resulting from this exclusion. We propose that spatially controlled acoustic manipulations that mask auditory communication for birds may be an effective long term and fairly benign way of excluding problem birds from areas of socioeconomic importance, such as airfields, agricultural sites, and commercial properties.
A new exponential Chebyshev operational matrix of derivatives for solving high-order ordinary differential equations in unbounded domains
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed , Raslan Kamal , El Danaf Talaat , Abd Elsalam Mohamed A.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new exponential Chebyshev (EC) operational matrix of derivatives. The new operational matrix of derivatives of the EC functions is derived and introduced for solving high-order linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients in unbounded domain using the collocation method. This method transforms the given differential equation and conditions to matrix equation with unknown EC coefficients. These matrices together with the collocation method are utilized to reduce the solution of high-order ordinary differential equations to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. The solution is obtained in terms of EC functions. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the method. The obtained numerical results are compared with others existing methods and the exact solution where it shown to be very attractive with good accuracy.
Winter Wheat Yields Are Increased by Seed Treatment and Fall‐Applied Fungicide
Authors: Turkington T. Kelly , Beres Brian L. , Kutcher H. Randy , Irvine Byron , Johnson Eric N. , O'Donovan John T. , Harker K. Neil , Holzapfel Christopher B. , Mohr Ramona , Peng Gary , Stevenson F. Craig
Published: May 2016

Poor stand establishment resulting in lower yield is a major constraint to expanding winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) land area across the semiarid temperate regions of the northern Great Plains. We conducted a direct‐seeded study at nine sites across western Canada totaling 26 environments (site‐years) over three growing seasons (2011–2013) to observe the responses of the winter wheat cultivar CDC Buteo to five levels of seed treatment (i) Check–no seed treatment, (ii) tebuconozole [(RS)‐ 1‐(4‐Chlorophenyl)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐3‐(1H, 1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pentan‐ 3‐ol], (iii) metalxyl {2‐[(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐(2‐methoxy‐1‐oxoethyl) amino} propanoic acid methyl ester], (iv) imidacloprid (N‐{1‐[(6‐Chloro‐3‐pyridyl)methyl]‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐yl}nitramide), and (v) dual fungicide/insecticidal seed treatment: tebuconozole, + metalxyl + imidacloprid; and two levels of fall‐applied fungicide (i) Check–no application or (ii) foliar‐applied prothioconazole {2‐[2‐(1‐chlorocyclopropyl)‐3‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropyl]‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione} performed in mid‐October. The check and the fungicide seed treatment, metalaxyl, produced similarly low grain yield resulting in lower net returns, whereas the dual fungicide/insecticide seed treatment provided the highest yield and net returns (CAN+$13 ha−1). Fall‐applied fungicide improved yield (0.06 Mg ha−1), but decreased net returns (–$12 ha−1). Plant density increased slightly (13 plants m−2) when seed treatments included the insecticide component, imidacloprid. Fall foliar fungicides generally improved spring plant density; however, no benefit was observed in seed treatments containing imidacloprid. Greater yield and plant stand stability was observed with fall‐applied foliar fungicide applications; however, fall foliar would be cost prohibitive. The benefits of a fall foliar fungicide application requires further exploration in the context of an added input or as an alternative to a spring application as the net returns of a fall foliar compared to no application in the system render the input cost‐prohibitive.

Core Ideas

Seed treatment increases winter wheat yield.

Fall‐applied fungicide increases winter wheat yield.

Seed treatment increases winter wheat net returns.
Phosphorus Release to Floodwater from Calcareous Surface Soils and Their Corresponding Subsurface Soils under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Jayarathne P. D. K. D. , Kumaragamage D. , Indraratne S. , Flaten D. , Goltz D.
Published: May 2016

Enhanced phosphorus (P) release from soils to overlying water under flooded, anaerobic conditions has been well documented for noncalcareous and surface soils, but little information is available for calcareous and subsurface soils. We compared the magnitude of P released from 12 calcareous surface soils and corresponding subsurface soils to overlying water under flooded, anaerobic conditions and examined the reasons for the differences. Surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soils were packed into vessels and flooded for 8 wk. Soil redox potential and concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and total dissolved Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn in floodwater and pore water were measured weekly. Soil test P was significantly smaller in subsurface soils than in corresponding surface soils; thus, the P release to floodwater from subsurface soils was significantly less than from corresponding surface soils. Under anaerobic conditions, floodwater DRP concentration significantly increased in >80% of calcareous surface soils and in about 40% of subsurface soils. The increase in floodwater DRP concentration was 2‐ to 17‐fold in surface soils but only 4‐ to 7‐fold in subsurface soils. With time of flooding, molar ratios of Ca/P and Mg/P in floodwater increased, whereas Fe/P and Mn/P decreased, suggesting that resorption and/or reprecipitation of P took place involving Fe and Mn. Results indicate that P release to floodwater under anaerobic conditions was enhanced in most calcareous soils. Surface and subsurface calcareous soils in general behaved similarly in releasing P under flooded, anaerobic conditions, with concentrations released mainly governed by initial soil P concentrations.

Core Ideas

Phosphorus released to floodwater was greater from calcareous surface soils than subsurface soils.

Floodwater P concentration significantly increased in >80% of surface soils with time of flooding.

Only 40% of subsurface soils showed a significant increase in floodwater P concentrations with flooding.

Phosphorus released to floodwater was mainly governed by the initial soil P concentration in soils.

Changes in floodwater molar ratios suggest sorption and/or reprecipitation involving Fe and Mn.
An integrated system dynamics – cellular automata model for distributed water-infrastructure planning
Authors: Rozos Evangelos , Butler David , Makropoulos Christos
Published: May 2016

Modern distributed water-aware technologies (including, for example, greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting) enable water reuse at the scale of household or neighbourhood. Nevertheless, even though these technologies are, in some cases, economically advantageous, they have a significant handicap compared to the centralized urban water management options: it is not easy to estimate a priori the extent and the rate of the technology spread. This disadvantage is amplified in the case of additional uncertainty due to expansion of an urban area. This overall incertitude is one of the basic reasons the stakeholders involved in urban water are sceptical about the distributed technologies, even in the cases where these appear to have lower cost. In this study, we suggest a methodology that attempts to cope with this uncertainty by coupling a cellular automata (CA) and a system dynamics (SD) model. The CA model is used to create scenarios of urban expansion including the suitability of installing water-aware technologies for each new urban area. Then, the SD model is used to estimate the adoption rate of the technologies. Various scenarios based on different economic conditions and water prices are assessed. The suggested methodology is applied to an urban area in Attica, Greece.
Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT): Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Slade Susan C. , Dionne Clermont E. , Underwood Martin , Buchbinder Rachelle , Beck Belinda , Bennell Kim , Brosseau Lucie , Costa Leonardo , Cramp Fiona , Cup Edith , Feehan Lynne , Ferreira Manuela , Forbes Scott , Glasziou Paul , Habets Bas , Harris Susan , Hay-Smith Jean , Hillier Susan , Hinman Rana , Holland Ann , Hondras Maria , Kelly George , Kent Peter , Lauret Gert-Jan , Long Audrey , Maher Chris , Morso Lars , Osteras Nina , Peterson Tom , Quinlivan Ros , Rees Karen , Regnaux Jean-Philippe , Rietberg Marc , Saunders Dave , Skoetz Nicole , Sogaard Karen , Takken Tim , van Tulder Maurits , Voet Nicoline , Ward Lesley , White Claire
Published: May 2016

Background

Exercise interventions are often incompletely described in reports of clinical trials, hampering evaluation of results and replication and implementation into practice.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a standardized method for reporting exercise programs in clinical trials: the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).

Design and Methods

Using the EQUATOR Network's methodological framework, 137 exercise experts were invited to participate in a Delphi consensus study. A list of 41 items was identified from a meta-epidemiologic study of 73 systematic reviews of exercise. For each item, participants indicated agreement on an 11-point rating scale. Consensus for item inclusion was defined a priori as greater than 70% agreement of respondents rating an item 7 or above. Three sequential rounds of anonymous online questionnaires and a Delphi workshop were used.

Results

There were 57 (response rate=42%), 54 (response rate=95%), and 49 (response rate=91%) respondents to rounds 1 through 3, respectively, from 11 countries and a range of disciplines. In round 1, 2 items were excluded; 24 items reached consensus for inclusion (8 items accepted in original format), and 16 items were revised in response to participant suggestions. Of 14 items in round 2, 3 were excluded, 11 reached consensus for inclusion (4 items accepted in original format), and 7 were reworded. Sixteen items were included in round 3, and all items reached greater than 70% consensus for inclusion.

Limitations

The views of included Delphi panelists may differ from those of experts who declined participation and may not fully represent the views of all exercise experts.

Conclusions

The CERT, a 16-item checklist developed by an international panel of exercise experts, is designed to improve the reporting of exercise programs in all evaluative study designs and contains 7 categories: materials, provider, delivery, location, dosage, tailoring, and compliance. The CERT will encourage transparency, improve trial interpretation and replication, and facilitate implementation of effective exercise interventions into practice.
Implantation of autologous peripheral nerve grafts into the substantia nigra of subjects with idiopathic Parkinson's disease treated with bilateral STN DBS: a report of safety and feasibility
Authors: van Horne Craig G. , Quintero Jorge E. , Gurwell Julie A. , Wagner Renee P. , Slevin John T. , Gerhardt Greg A.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

One avenue of intense efforts to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the delivery of neurotrophic factors to restore dopaminergic cell function. A source of neurotrophic factors that could be used is the Schwann cell from the peripheral nervous system. The authors have begun an open-label safety study to examine the safety and feasibility of implanting an autologous peripheral nerve graft into the substantia nigra of PD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.

METHODS

Multistage DBS surgery targeting the subthalamic nucleus was performed using standard procedures in 8 study participants. After the DBS leads were implanted, a section of sural nerve containing Schwann cells was excised and unilaterally delivered into the area of the substantia nigra. Adverse events were continuously monitored.

RESULTS

Eight of 8 participants were implanted with DBS systems and grafts. Adverse event profiles were comparable to those of standard DBS surgery. Postoperative MR images did not reveal edema, hemorrhage, or significant signal changes in the graft target region. Three participants reported a patch of numbness on the outside of the foot below the sural nerve harvest site.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the safety outcome of the procedure, targeted peripheral nerve graft delivery to the substantia nigra at the time of DBS surgery is feasible and may provide a means to deliver neurorestorative therapy.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01833364 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Association between trauma and acute hemorrhage of cavernous malformations in children: report of 3 cases
Authors: Fanous Andrew A. , Jowdy Patrick K. , Lipinski Lindsay J. , Balos Lucia L. , Li Veetai
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cavernous hemangiomas are benign congenital vascular abnormalities. Intracerebral cavernous hemangiomas have an appreciable risk of spontaneous hemorrhage. Little is known as to whether head trauma increases the risk of bleeding for these lesions. In this study, the authors present a case series of 3 patients with posttraumatic nonspontaneous hemorrhage of intracerebral cavernous malformations (CMs). For the first time, to the authors' knowledge, they propose that trauma might constitute a risk factor for acute hemorrhage in intracerebral cavernomas.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the charts of all patients with a new diagnosis of intracerebral cavernoma at their pediatric hospital between 2010 and 2014. Patients with a history of head trauma prior to presentation were subsequently studied to identify features common to these posttraumatic, hemorrhage-prone lesions.

RESULTS

A history of head trauma was identified in 3 of 19 cases. These 3 patients presented with seizures and/or headaches and were found to have acute hemorrhage within a cavernous hemangioma. None of these patients had any history of abnormal neurological symptoms. All 3 abnormal vascular lesions had associated developmental venous anomalies (DVAs). The 3 patients underwent resection of their respective vascular abnormalities, and the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed with postsurgical tissue pathology. All 3 patients had complete resolution of symptoms following complete excision of their lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma may represent a risk factor for acute hemorrhage in patients with CMs. The presence of associated DVAs may represent a risk factor for posttraumatic hemorrhage of cavernomas. Excision should be considered in such cases, if feasible.
β2GP1, Anti-β2GP1 Antibodies and Platelets: Key Players in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Ho Yik , Ahuja Kiran , Körner Heinrich , Adams Murray
Published: May 2016

Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) antibodies are commonly found in patients with autoimmune diseases such as the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Their presence is highly associated with increased risk of vascular thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy-related complications. Although they are a subtype of anti-phospholipid (APL) antibody, anti-β2GP1 antibodies form complexes with β2GP1 before binding to different receptors associated with anionic phospholipids on structures such as platelets and endothelial cells. β2GP1 consists of five short consensus repeat termed “sushi” domains. It has three interchangeable conformations with a cryptic epitope at domain 1 within the molecule. Anti-β2GP1 antibodies against this cryptic epitope are referred to as ‘type A’ antibodies, and have been suggested to be more strongly associated with both vascular and obstetric complications. In contrast, ‘type B’ antibodies, directed against other domains of β2GP1, are more likely to be benign antibodies found in asymptomatic patients and healthy individuals. Although the interactions between anti-β2GP1 antibodies, β2GP1, and platelets have been investigated, the actual targeted metabolic pathway(s) and/or receptor(s) involved remain to be clearly elucidated. This review will discuss the current understanding of the interaction between anti-β2GP1 antibodies and β2GP1, with platelet receptors and associated signalling pathways.
All About Audio Equalization: Solutions and Frontiers
Authors: Välimäki Vesa , Reiss Joshua
Published: May 2016

Audio equalization is a vast and active research area. The extent of research means that one often cannot identify the preferred technique for a particular problem. This review paper bridges those gaps, systemically providing a deep understanding of the problems and approaches in audio equalization, their relative merits and applications. Digital signal processing techniques for modifying the spectral balance in audio signals and applications of these techniques are reviewed, ranging from classic equalizers to emerging designs based on new advances in signal processing and machine learning. Emphasis is placed on putting the range of approaches within a common mathematical and conceptual framework. The application areas discussed herein are diverse, and include well-defined, solvable problems of filter design subject to constraints, as well as newly emerging challenges that touch on problems in semantics, perception and human computer interaction. Case studies are given in order to illustrate key concepts and how they are applied in practice. We also recommend preferred signal processing approaches for important audio equalization problems. Finally, we discuss current challenges and the uncharted frontiers in this field. The source code for methods discussed in this paper is made available at https://code.soundsoftware.ac.uk/projects/allaboutaudioeq.
Influence of Immersion Conditions on The Tensile Strength of Recycled Kevlar®/Polyester/Low-Melting-Point Polyester Nonwoven Geotextiles through Applying Statistical Analyses
Authors: Hsieh Jing-Chzi , Li Jia-Hsun , Lou Ching-Wen , Hsieh Chien-Teng , Hsing Wen-Hao , Pan Yi-Jun , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: May 2016

The recycled Kevlar®/polyester/low-melting-point polyester (recycled Kevlar®/PET/LPET) nonwoven geotextiles are immersed in neutral, strong acid, and strong alkali solutions, respectively, at different temperatures for four months. Their tensile strength is then tested according to various immersion periods at various temperatures, in order to determine their durability to chemicals. For the purpose of analyzing the possible factors that influence mechanical properties of geotextiles under diverse environmental conditions, the experimental results and statistical analyses are incorporated in this study. Therefore, influences of the content of recycled Kevlar® fibers, implementation of thermal treatment, and immersion periods on the tensile strength of recycled Kevlar®/PET/LPET nonwoven geotextiles are examined, after which their influential levels are statistically determined by performing multiple regression analyses. According to the results, the tensile strength of nonwoven geotextiles can be enhanced by adding recycled Kevlar® fibers and thermal treatment.
On the Remarkable Features of the Lower Limits of Charge and the Radiated Energy of Antennas as Predicted by Classical Electrodynamics
Authors: Cooray Vernon , Cooray Gerald
Published: May 2016

Electromagnetic energy radiated by antennas working in both the frequency domain and time domain is studied as a function of the charge associated with the current in the antenna. The frequency domain results, obtained under the assumption of sinusoidal current distribution, show that, for a given charge, the energy radiated within a period of oscillation increases initially with L/λ and then starts to oscillate around a steady value when L/λ > 1. The results show that for the energy radiated by the antenna to be equal to or larger than the energy of one photon, the oscillating charge in the antenna has to be equal to or larger than the electronic charge. That is, U ≥ hν or UT ≥ h ⇒ q ≥ e, where U is the energy dissipated over a period, ν is the frequency of oscillation, T is the period, h is Planck’s constant, q is the rms value of the oscillating charge, and e is the electronic charge. In the case of antennas working in the time domain, it is observed that UΔt ≥ h/4π ⇒ q ≥ e, where U is the total energy radiated, Δt is the time over which the energy is radiated, and q is the charge transported by the current. It is shown that one can recover the time–energy uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics from this time domain result. The results presented in this paper show that when quantum mechanical constraints are applied to the electromagnetic energy radiated by a finite antenna as estimated using the equations of classical electrodynamics, the electronic charge emerges as the smallest unit of free charge in nature.
Pediatric Epidemic of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in the Area of L’Aquila, Italy, Four Years after a Catastrophic Earthquake
Authors: Nigro Giovanni , Bottone Gabriella , Maiorani Daniela , Trombatore Fabiana , Falasca Silvana , Bruno Gianfranco
Published: May 2016

Background: A Salmonella enterica epidemic occurred in children of the area of L’Aquila (Central Italy, Abruzzo region) between June 2013 and October 2014, four years after the catastrophic earthquake of 6 April 2009. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from hospitalized and ambulatory children. Routine investigations for Salmonella infection were carried out on numerous alimentary matrices of animal origin and sampling sources for drinking water of the L’Aquila district, including pickup points of the two main aqueducts. Results: Salmonella infection occurred in 155 children (83 females: 53%), aged 1 to 15 years (mean 2.10). Of these, 44 children (28.4%) were hospitalized because of severe dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and fever resistant to oral antipyretic and antibiotic drugs. Three children (1.9%) were reinfected within four months after primary infection by the same Salmonella strain. Four children (2.6%), aged one to two years, were coinfected by rotavirus. A seven-year old child had a concomitant right hip joint arthritis. The isolated strains, as confirmed in about the half of cases or probable/possible in the remaining ones, were identified as S. enterica serovar Typhimurium [4,5:i:-], monophasic variant. Aterno river, bordering the L’Aquila district, was recognized as the main responsible source for the contamination of local crops and vegetables derived from polluted crops. Conclusions: The high rate of hospitalized children underlines the emergence of a highly pathogenic S. enterica strain probably subsequent to the contamination of the spring water sources after geological changes occurred during the catastrophic earthquake.
Specific Magnetic Isolation of E6 HPV16 Modified Magnetizable Particles Coupled with PCR and Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Jimenez Jimenez Ana , Ruttkay-Nedecky Branislav , Dostalova Simona , Krejcova Ludmila , Michalek Petr , Richtera Lukas , Adam Vojtech
Published: May 2016

The majority of carcinomas that were developed due to the infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) are caused by high-risk HPV types, HPV16 and HPV18. These HPV types contain the E6 and E7 oncogenes, so the fast detection of these oncogenes is an important point to avoid the development of cancer. Many different HPV tests are available to detect the presence of HPV in biological samples. The aim of this study was to design a fast and low cost method for HPV identification employing magnetic isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrochemical detection. These assays were developed to detect the interactions between E6-HPV16 oncogene and magnetizable particles (MPs) using commercial Dynabeads M-280 Streptavidin particles and laboratory-synthesized “homemade” particles called MANs (MAN-37, MAN-127 and MAN-164). The yields of PCR amplification of E6-HPV16 oncogene bound on the particles and after the elution from the particles were compared. A highest yield of E6-HPV16 DNA isolation was obtained with both MPs particles commercial M-280 Streptavidin and MAN-37 due to reducing of the interferents compared with the standard PCR method. A biosensor employing the isolation of E6-HPV16 oncogene with MPs particles followed by its electrochemical detection can be a very effective technique for HPV identification, providing simple, sensitive and cost-effective analysis.
Vascular Damage in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Possible Role of Iron and Ferritin
Authors: Pisano Giuseppina , Lombardi Rosa , Fracanzani Anna
Published: May 2016

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries. Recent data indicated that NAFLD is a risk factor by itself contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease independently of classical known risk factors. Hyperferritinemia and mild increased iron stores are frequently observed in patients with NAFLD and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of iron, through oxidative stress and interaction with insulin metabolism, in the development of vascular damage. Moreover, iron depletion has been shown to decrease atherogenesis in experimental models and in humans. This review presents the recent evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and the possible explanation of the role of iron and ferritin in the development of cardiovascular damage in patients with NAFLD, and discusses the possible interplay between metabolic disorders associated with NAFLD and iron in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Toward a Faster Screening of Faulty Digital Chips via Current-Bound Estimation Based on Device Size and Threshold Voltage
Authors: Cheng Ching-Hwa
Published: May 2016

Observations of peak and average currents are important for designed circuits, as faulty circuits have abnormal peaks and average currents. Using current bounds to detect faulty chips is a comparatively innovative idea, and many advanced schemes without them use it as a component in statistical outlier analysis. However, these previous research works have focused on the discussion of the testing impact without a proposed method to define reference current bounds to find faulty chips. A software framework is proposed to synthesize high-performance, power-performance optimized, noise-immune, and low-power circuits with current-bound estimations for testing. This framework offers a rapid methodology to quickly screen potential faulty chips by using the peak and average current bounds for different purposed circuits. The proposed estimation technique generates suitable reference current bounds from transistor threshold voltage and size adjustments. The SPICE-level simulation leads to the most accurate estimations. However, such simulations are not feasible for a large digital circuit. Hence, this work proposes constructing a feasible gate-level software framework for large digital circuits that will serve all of simulation purposes. In comparison with transistor-level Nanosim simulations, the proposed gate-level simulation framework has a margin of error of less than 2% in the peak current, and the computation time is 334 times faster.