bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algerian cinema between commercial and political pressures: The double distortion
Authors: Benkhaled Walid
Published: June 2016

Although ‘transnational’ cinema is now a widely-used category in the literature, to understand what ‘transnational’ means we need also to be able to conceptualize the ‘national’. This article argues that ‘Algerian cinema’ no longer exists. Instead, what is today termed ‘Algerian cinema’ often deals with social problems that are in fact French issues transposed into an Algerian context. The article demonstrates how this situation has arisen by examining the funding of films ‘about’ Algeria via the French Centre national de la cinématographie (CNC), the language quotas that such bodies impose and how these funding mechanisms give films a linguistic identity which is often at odds with the sociocultural context of the scenario. It then turns to explore the academic reception of these films and the way in which they are often used as documentary snapshots into contemporary Algeria, with little attention paid to the ways in which they are products of a particular funding context. Finally, it considers how the Algerian state interacts with these ‘Algerian films’ and the political factors at play in the state’s selective instrumentalization of them. It concludes that in both subject matter and academic analyses, ‘Algerian cinema’ is subject to a double distortion, a situation which the term ‘transnational’ does not capture. The paper will refer to the work of film-makers including Merzak Allouache, Nadir Moknèche and Djamila Sahraoui.
An Assessment of Appropriateness of the Choice of Parameters for Refractory Stampings Fabrication Process
Authors: Orłowicz A. W. , Mróz M. , Tupaj M. , Trytek A. , Kupiec B. , Korzeniowski M. , Pająk D. , Sondej K. , Kozak L.
Published: June 2016

The paper presents results of an analysis of material density distribution in stampings press-moulded in metal dies from raw refractory materials based on alumina-magnesia-carbon aggregate. The stampings, fabricated on LAEIS HPF 1250 pressing machine, are blanks from which refractory precast shapes are manufactured by means of drying and firing. Samples for material density evaluation were cut out from test stampings with the use of diamond-reinforced disc. Density of the material was determined in thirteen layers of stampings denoted with letters A through M.
Determination of Unit Pressure Force in Material Volume in the Course of Refractory Stamping Press Moulding
Authors: Orłowicz A.W. , Mróz M. , Cisek Z. , Tupaj M. , Trytek A. , Kupiec B. , Korzeniowski M. , Sondej K. , Kozak L.
Published: June 2016

The paper presents results of assessment of the unit pressure force within the refractory material volume in the course press-moulding of stampings for refractory precast shapes. The force was evaluated with the use of physical simulation of deformation undergone by lead balls placed in the raw refractory mass subjected to pressing in a metal die. To determine the value of unit pressure force applied to the aggregate grains in the course of stamping press-moulding, physical model of deformation of a sphere induced by the uniaxial stress state was used.
Crosslink the Novel Group of Polymeric Binders BioCo by the UV-radiation
Authors: Grabowska B. , Kaczmarska K. , Bobrowski A. , Kurleto-Kozioł Ż. , Szymański Ł.
Published: June 2016

The spectroscopic FT-IR and FT-Raman methods allowed to identify the cross-linking process of the aqueous composition of poly(acrylic acid)/sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch (PAA/CMS-Na) applied as a binder for moulding sands (as a novel group binders BioCo). The cross-linking was performed by physical agent, applying the UV-radiation. The results of structural studies (IR, Raman) confirm the overlapping of the process of cross-linking polymer composition PAA/CMS-Na in UV radiation. Taking into account the ingredients and structure of the polymeric composition can also refer to a curing process in a binder - mineral matrix mixture. In the system of binder-mineral matrix under the influence of ultraviolet radiation is also observed effect of binding. However, the bonding process does not occur in the entire volume of the investigated system, but only on the surface, which gives some possibilities for application in the use of UV curing surface of cores, and also to cure sand moulds in 3D printing technology.
The Effect of Carbides Orientation in NC11 Steel on Scratch Susceptibility of Die Inserts Used to Press Stampings for Refractory Shapes
Authors: Orłowicz A.W. , Mróz M. , Tupaj M. , Trytek A. , Kupiec B. , Korzeniowski M. , Sondej K. , Kozak L.
Published: June 2016

NC11 steel, in view of the specificity of its manufacturing process, is characterised with band-like orientation of carbides. Depending on the direction of cutting the material for the inserts out of commercially available steel products, carbide bands can be oriented in parallel or perpendicularly to the direction in which aggregate grains move in the process of pressing stampings. It has been found that in case of scratches made in direction perpendicular to carbide bands, depth of the scratches is less than this observed when scratches are made in direction coinciding with prevailing orientation of carbide precipitates.
Microstructure Study of Diffusion Bonding of Centrifuged Structural Steel-Bronze
Authors: Soflaei H. , Vahdat S.E.
Published: June 2016

One of the methods to prevent unsuitable lubrication of moving components of devices and machinery is using bi-metal and three-metal bearings. Centrifugal casting process is one of the manufacturing methods that is used for such bearings. In this study, the purpose is microstructure evaluation of the bonding location and length determination of diffusion bond in structural steel-bronze. A mold made of structural steel with inner diameter of 240mm, length of 300mm and thickness of 10mm was coated by a 6mm film of bronze under centrifugal casting process. At first, a bronze ingot with dimension of 5mm×10mm×20mm is located inside of the hollow cylindrical mold and then the two ends of it will be sealed. During mold rotation with the rate of 800 rpm, two high power flames are used for heating the mold under Ar gas atmosphere to melt the bronze ingot at 1000°C. After 15minutes, the system is cooled rapidly. Results showed that the diffusion bonding of bronze in structural steel to depth of 1.2μm from the bonding line was obtained. In this bonding, copper element was diffused to 50% of its initial concentration.
Microstructure of Mg–Al–RE-type Experimental Magnesium Alloy Gravity Cast into Sand Mould
Authors: Braszczyńska-Malik K.N. , Przełożyńska E.
Published: June 2016

Magnesium alloy with 5 wt% Al, 0.35 wt% Mn and 5 wt% rare earth elements (RE) was prepared and gravity cast into a sand mould. Microstructure investigations were conducted. Analyses of the Mg-Al-RE alloy microstructure were carried out by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and the XRD technique. In the as-cast condition, the alloy was composed of α-Mg, Al11RE3 and Al10RE2Mn7 intermetallic phases. Additionally, due to non-equilibrium solidification conditions, an Al2RE intermetallic phase was revealed.
FSW Welding of Aluminium Casting Alloys
Authors: Pietras A. , Rams B.
Published: June 2016

The article contains basic information associated with the impact of the FSW process parameters on the forming of a weld while friction welding of aluminium casting alloys. Research was conducted using specially made samples containing a rod of casting alloy mounted in the wrought alloy in the selected area of FSW tool acting. Research has thrown light on the process of joining materials of significantly dissimilar physical properties, such as casting alloys and wrought alloys. Metallographic testing of a weld area has revealed the big impact of welding conditions, especially tool rotational speed, on the degree of metal stirring, grain refinement and shape factor of a weld. As the result of research it has been stated that at the high tool rotational speed, the metals stirring in a weld is significantly greater than in case of welding at low rotational speeds, however this fails to influence the strength of a weld. Plastic strain occurring while welding causes very high refinement of particles in the tested area and changing of their shape towards particles being more equiaxial. In the properly selected welding conditions it is possible to obtain joints of correct and repeatable structure, however in the case of the accumulation of cavities in the casting alloy the FSW process not always eliminates them.
Trends in Improving the Structure of a Rotary Dryer
Authors: Kamiński Edmund , Kruglenja Viktor Evgenevič , Kocuba Viktor Iofimovič , Kuboń Maciej , Šaršunov Vjačesłav Alekseevič
Published: June 2016

The article presents rational principles for improving the structure of a flax heap drier. As a result of tests which were carried out, we established that the counter-flow rotary dryer SKM-1 is the most perspective for drying flax heap. For effective drying of the flax heap fine fraction the second rotating screen above the loaded layer of flax heap is suggested in the SKM-1 dryer. Consequently, the drying agent processed on the bottom screen is used for preliminary drying and removal of surface moisture of the material loaded on the top screen. For the purpose of maintaining the uniform drying of the material it is recommended to carry out loosening and hashing during the drying process with the help of the loosening device, established as the V-shaped device on the discharge unit on the way to a mill. The preliminary heating of the flax heap on the top screen essentially accelerates drying and allows the increase of the dryer performance and can minimize energy requirement for drying. The correctly selected modes of the drying process provide favorable conditions for ripening flax seed, avoid damage of drying material and improve its sowing quality.
Physical Properties of Seeds of the Selected Oil Plants
Authors: Krajewska Marta , Ślaska-Grzywna Beata , Andrejko Dariusz
Published: June 2016

The paper examines the selected physical properties of seeds of 8 plants used in agri-food processing industry. These are: winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Adriana cultivar, sesame (Sesamumindicum L.), common flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Luna cultivar, husked sunflower (Helianthus L.) (country of origin – Bulgaria), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Benikocultivar, blue poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Major cultivar, garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), black caraway (Nigella Sativa L.). In the research material we determined the following: mass of thousand seeds (MTS), piling angle and angle of repose, tap and bulk density and compressive resistance of single seeds. Some seeds from the selected plant species differed with shape and size. Thus, the results determining the physical properties were varied.
Assessment of Physical Properties of Briquettes Made of Mixtures of Selected Plant Raw Materials and Post-Fermentation Waste
Authors: Niedziółka Ignacy , Zaklika Beata
Published: June 2016

Searching for renewable energy sources causes the increase in the interest in obtaining and processing of plant biomass for energy purposes. One of the methods of using biomass is to converse it into solid biofuels in the form of briquettes. The research covered briquette production with the use of the following plant raw materials: straw of spring crop mixture (wheat with barley – 50/50%) and oat straw and post-fermentation waste. Samples of fragmented straw with addition of post-fermentation waste were prepared in three various weight participation i.e.: 90/10%, 80/20% i 50/50%. The paper presents an assessment of physical properties of briquettes manufactured from the investigated mixtures of plant raw materials with an addition of post-fermentation waste in the hydraulic piston briquetting machine. We determined the moisture of raw materials and waste, length, diameter and mass of manufactured briquettes as well as their specific density and mechanical strength. We found out that along with the increase of the mass participation of post-fermentation waste in the accepted mixtures of plant materials from 10 to 50% their length increased from 5 to 25% and the mass from 1 to 12%. On the other hand, specific density of briquettes increased from 18 to 24% for grain mixtures and from 3 to 7% for oat straw. Mechanical strength of briquettes was within 88.3-90.6% for grain mixture and 83.6-87.1% for oat straw.
Diamond machining of steel molds for optical components
Authors: Bohr Roland
Published: June 2016

The requirement of ultra precision diamond machining of lens molds in steel is identified. A solution for this type of machining is presented and results of such a machining in steel compared to standard milling and polishing process are shown.
Neutrophil CD64 Index as a superior biomarker for early diagnosis of infection in febrile patients in the hematology department
Authors: Xiong Shu-Dao , Pu Lian-Fang , Wang Hui-Ping , Hu Lin-Hui , Ding Yang-Yang , Li Man-Man , Yang Dong-Dong , Zhang Cui , Xie Jing-Xin , Zhai Zhi-Min
Published: June 2016

Background:

In the hematology department, the availability of biomarkers for early detection of infection is difficult to obtain. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic values of neutrophil CD64 Index, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and to determine whether the combined analysis of these biomarkers offer stronger predictive power in the diagnosis for the infection of febrile patients.

Methods:

Neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6 and CRP levels were determined in 356 febrile patients in the hematology ward from May 2013 to May 2015. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUC), and logistic regression analysis were determined to evaluate the diagnostic values of these biomarkers.

Results:

The levels of the four biomarkers were higher in the infection patients (p<0.001), and the PCT and IL-6 were higher in the patients with positive microbial blood culture (p<0.01). The neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6, CRP had AUCs of 0.95, 0.83, 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. The best cut-off value of the neutrophil CD64 Index to detect infections was 5.06, with high specificity (87.5%) and sensitivity (88.4%). Furthermore, neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 offered the best combination of diagnosis with sensitivity of 93.9% and an AUC of 0.95. In addition, the neutrophil CD64 Index may have a special value to assist the physician to diagnose infection in the neutropenic patients with fever.

Conclusions:

The neutrophil CD64 Index is useful for early identification of infections in febrile patients in the hematology department. The combined analysis of the CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 could further improve its sensitivity.
Evaluating the predictions of three syntactic frameworks for mixed determiner–noun constructions
Authors: Duran Eppler Eva , Luescher Adrian , Deuchar Margaret
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of three linguistic frameworks, the Minimalist Programme (MP), Word Grammar (WG) and the Matrix Language Frame Model (MLF), regarding their predictions of possible combinations in a corpus of 187 German–English code-switched (CS) determiner–noun constructions. The comparison revealed a significant difference in the accuracy of the predictions between the MP and WG, but not between the other frameworks. We draw attention to the fact that while WG and MP deal with the processes of feature agreement between determiner and noun, the MLF is concerned with a broader notion of agreement in language membership. We suggest that advances in our understanding of grammaticality in code-switching will be achieved by combining the insights of all three frameworks instead of considering them in isolation.
Validation of sensitivity and reliability of GPR and microgravity detection of underground cavities in complex urban settings: Test case of a cellar
Authors: Chromčák Jakub , Grinč Michal , Pánisová Jaroslava , Vajda Peter , Kubová Anna
Published: June 2016

We test here the feasibility of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and microgravity methods in identifying underground voids, such as cellars, tunnels, abandoned mine-workings, etc., in complex urban conditions. For this purpose, we selected a cellar located under a private lot in a residential quarter of the town of Senec in Western Slovakia, which was discovered by chance when a small sinkhole developed on the yard just two meters away from the house. The size of our survey area was limited 1) by the presence of a technical room built at the back of the yard with a staircase leading to the garden, and 2) by the small width of the lot. Therefore the geophysical survey was carried out only in the backyard of the lot as we were not permitted to measure on neighbouring estates. The results from the GPR measurements obtained by the GSSI SIR-3000 system with 400 MHz antenna were visualized in the form of 2D radargrams with the corresponding transformed velocity model of studied cross-sections. Only the profiles running over the pavement next to the house yielded interpretable data because the local geological situation and the regular watering of the lawn covering prevailingly the backyard caused significant attenuation of the emitted GPR signal. The Bouguer gravity map is dominated by a distinctive negative anomaly indicating the presence of a shallow underground void. The quantitative interpretation by means of Euler deconvolution was utilized to validate the depth of the center and location of the cellar. Comparison with the gravitational effect of the cellar model calculated in the in-house program Polygrav shows a quite good correlation between the modelled and observed fields. Only a part of the aerial extent of the anomaly could be traced by the used geophysical methods due to accessibility issues. Nevertheless, the test cellar was successfully detected and interpreted by both methods, thus confirming their applicability in similar environmental and geotechnical applications, even in complex urban conditions.
Modeling of Methyl Methacrylate Polymerization Using MATLAB
Authors: Law Woon Phui , Ibrahim Wan Hanisah Wan , Gimbun Jolius
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a modeling of methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization with toluene in the presence of azo-bi’s-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) using MATLAB. This work aims to optimize the initial concentration of initiator and the reactor temperature to achieve a maximum monomer conversion in minimum batch time. The optimization of solution polymerization of MMA based on the three-stage polymerization model (TSPM) was performed using ode23t solver. The non-linear polymerization kinetics considered the gel, glass and cage effect to obtain a realistic prediction. The predicted reactor and jacket temperature showed a reasonable agreement with the experimental data, where the error is about 2.7 % and 2.3 %, respectively. The results showed that a maximum monomer conversion of 94 % was achieved at 0.126 kgmol m–3 of the initial concentration of AIBN and 346 K of the initial reactor temperature in 8,951 s (2.5 h).
Morphological fusion without syntactic fusion: The case of the “verificative” in Agul
Authors: Maisak Timur
Published: June 2016

A crosslinguistically unusual case of morphological fusion, in which two clauses fuse morphologically in the absence of preceding syntactic fusion or clause union, is found in the East Caucasian language Agul. This phenomenon involves a set of “verificative” verbal forms (forms that seek ‘to find out the truth value or the value of an unknown variable’). The verificatives are completely morphologically bound, but manifest clear biclausal properties: in particular, the introduction of a new agentive argument by the verificative (the ergative “verifier”) causes no change in the argument structure of the embedded clause. This article argues that the Agul verificative has grammaticalized from the matrix verb ‘see’ plus an indirect question complement in the conditional form: over time, the two verbal heads have fused into one form. Partial parallels to this development can be found in the related languages Archi and Lezgian, where a semantic shift from ‘see’ to ‘check, find out’ is attested, together with a change in subject encoding from typically experiential (dative) to canonically agentive (ergative). Still, the complete morphologization of the verificative structure in Agul dialects remains exceptional given its comparatively recent origin, the infrequency of the construction, and the general absence of observed cases in which matrix verbs become fused with their complements.
Verb class, case, and order: A crosslinguistic experiment on non-nominative experiencers
Authors: Temme Anne , Verhoeven Elisabeth
Published: June 2016

In several languages, non-nominative experiencers tend to appear early on in utterances, which frequently triggers deviations from the preferred word order. These observations are based on linearization preferences, which in most cases involve gradient levels that cannot be determined precisely through singular intuitions. This article presents a crosslinguistic experimental study on languages with different word order properties (German, Greek, Hungarian, and Korean), offering precise estimates for the effects of experiencer objects on linearization. The findings reveal a strong effect of case in the sense that dative experiencers appear more frequently early in an utterance than accusative experiencers. Based on the specific properties of the investigated languages, we are revising previous hypotheses about the source of the dative/accusative asymmetry and conclude that the asymmetry relates to phrase-structural differences. Accusative experiencers are fronted more frequently than patients of canonical transitive verbs. We argue that this phenomenon relates to a preference for selecting experiencers as aboutness topics, which explains the fact that experiencer-first structures appear in syntactic constructions that may be triggered by aboutness. The results show that the experiencer-first principle interacts with properties of the syntactic structure. The differences between languages can thus be traced back to the basic properties of syntactic typology.
A new method for computing the reliability of consecutivek-out-of-n:F systems
Authors: Gökdere Gökhan , Gürcan Mehmet , Kılıç Muhammet Burak
Published: June 2016

In many physical systems, reliability evaluation, such as ones encountered in telecommunications, the design of integrated circuits, microwave relay stations, oil pipeline systems, vacuum systems in accelerators, computer ring networks, and spacecraft relay stations, have had applied consecutivek-out-of-nsystem models. These systems are characterized as logical connections among the components of the systems placed in lines or circles. In literature, a great deal of attention has been paid to the study of the reliability evaluation of consecutivek-out-of-nsystems. In this paper, we propose a new method to compute the reliability of consecutivek-out-of-n:F systems, withnlinearly and circularly arranged components. The proposed method provides a simple way for determining the system failure probability. Also, we write R-Project codes based on our proposed method to compute the reliability of the linear and circular systems which have a great number of components.
Quantum discord and entanglement in grover search algorithm
Authors: Ye Bin , Zhang Tingzhong , Qiu Liang , Wang Xuesong
Published: June 2016

Imperfections and noise in realistic quantum computers may seriously affect the accuracy of quantum algorithms. In this article we explore the impact of static imperfections on quantum entanglement as well as non-entangled quantum correlations in Grover’s search algorithm. Using the metrics of concurrence and geometric quantum discord, we show that both the evolution of entanglement and quantum discord in Grover algorithm can be restrained with the increasing strength of static imperfections. For very weak imperfections, the quantum entanglement and discord exhibit periodic behavior, while the periodicity will most certainly be destroyed with stronger imperfections. Moreover, entanglement sudden death may occur when the strength of static imperfections is greater than a certain threshold.
Fabrication and characterization properties of polypropylene/polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites prepared with twin-screw extruder
Authors: Esmizadeh Elnaz , Naderi Ghasem , Arezoomand Sahar , Mazinani Saeedeh
Published: June 2016

Polypropylene/polycarbonate (PP/PC) nanocomposites containing various proportions of the organically modified montmorillonite were prepared by extrusion and injection molding process. The morphology of PP/PC nanocomposites was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The nanocomposites with 3 or 5 wt% of nanoclay (NC) show a uniform dispersion of the NC as pointed out by two different methods, TEM and XRD. It was shown that the morphology of dispersed phase (PC) is highly dependent on the content of minor phase, which was correlated with the balance of drop breakup and coalescence. The mechanical properties have been investigated by tensile test and Izod impact test. The virgin PP/PC samples showed a reduction in impact strength and elongation at break and up to 50% increase in Young’s modulus by increase in PP content comparing with the pure PP. Investigating the effect of NC and PC content on the mechanical behavior of PP/PC nanocomposites showed increased Young’s modulus and decreased impact strength with increasing PC and NC loading. An obvious ductile to brittle behavior transition at a high content of PC or NC was supported by notched Izod impact strength experiments and SEM results.
Remembering and forgetting the SFR Yugoslavia. Historiography and history textbooks in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Stefoska Irena , Stojanov Darko
Published: June 2016

This article analyses the interpretations and symbolic markers of the ‘new’ memory created in the Republic of Macedonia in the past few years. The question the authors raise concerns how images of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have been thematized or, likely, left to disappear into oblivion. Analysis of post-1991 historiography and history textbooks in Macedonia suggests that the main waves of change in the historical narrative have all followed the same general lines although not simultaneously. There have been other, minor factors, but the major changes in both domains have been related to the independence of the country, its aspirations to join the EU, and the rise of nationalism.
Greek education. Explaining two centuries of static reproduction
Authors: Kelpanides Michael , Poimenidou Despoina , Malivitsi Zoe
Published: June 2016

Greece’s education system lags behind those of other European countries. Its two overarching problems, which encompass many others, are (a) the incompatibility of school knowledge and societal needs, and (b) the low performance of public schools. Because of these inadequacies, there exists a ‘shadow education system’ of private cramming courses preparing students for the required qualifications for university admission. Despite recurring criticisms from international organizations, the relative position of Greece to other countries has not improved. This paper addresses why there has been no improvement so far despite Greece’s use of available resources and expertise supplied by the EU. To explain why there has been no change, the authors trace the Greek system’s problems to historical antecedents and examine the political and social forces resisting educational change at present.
Age-Related Imbalance Is Associated With Slower Walking Speed: An Analysis From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Xie Yanjun J. , Liu Elizabeth Y. , Anson Eric R. , Agrawal Yuri
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose:

Walking speed is an important dimension of gait function and is known to decline with age. Gait function is a process of dynamic balance and motor control that relies on multiple sensory inputs (eg, visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular) and motor outputs. These sensory and motor physiologic systems also play a role in static postural control, which has been shown to decline with age. In this study, we evaluated whether imbalance that occurs as part of healthy aging is associated with slower walking speed in a nationally representative sample of older adults.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the previously collected 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to evaluate whether age-related imbalance is associated with slower walking speed in older adults aged 50 to 85 years (n = 2116). Balance was assessed on a pass/fail basis during a challenging postural task—condition 4 of the modified Romberg Test—and walking speed was determined using a 20-ft (6.10 m) timed walk. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association between imbalance and walking speed, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates. A structural equation model was developed to estimate the extent to which imbalance mediates the association between age and slower walking speed.

Results:

In the unadjusted regression model, inability to perform the NHANES balance task was significantly associated with 0.10 m/s slower walking speed (95% confidence interval: −0.13 to −0.07; P < .01). In the multivariable regression analysis, inability to perform the balance task was significantly associated with 0.06 m/s slower walking speed (95% confidence interval: −0.09 to −0.03; P < .01), an effect size equivalent to 12 years of age. The structural equation model estimated that age-related imbalance mediates 12.2% of the association between age and slower walking speed in older adults.

Conclusions:

In a nationally representative sample, age-related balance limitation was associated with slower walking speed. Balance impairment may lead to walking speed declines. In addition, reduced static postural control and dynamic walking speed that occur with aging may share common etiologic origins, including the decline in visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular sensory and motor functions.
Changes in Function After a 6-Month Walking Intervention in Patients With Intermittent Claudication Who Are Obese or Nonobese
Authors: Addison Odessa , Ryan Alice S. , Prior Steven J. , Katzel Leslie I. , Kundi Rishi , Lal Brajesh K. , Gardner Andrew W.
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose:

Both obesity and peripheral artery disease (PAD) limit function and may work additively to reduce mobility. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-month, center-based walking program on mobility function between adults who are weight-stable obese and nonobese with PAD.

Methods:

This is a secondary data analysis of 2 combined studies taken from previous work. Fifty-three adults with PAD and intermittent claudication participated in 6 months of treadmill training or standard of care. Patients were divided into 4 groups for analyses: exercise nonobese (Ex), exercise obese (ExO), standard-of-care nonobese (SC), and standard-of-care obese (SCO). Mobility was assessed by a standardized treadmill test to measure claudication onset time (COT) and peak walking time (PWT) as well as the distance walked during a 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test.

Results:

There was a significant (P < .001) interaction (intervention × obesity) effect on 6MWD, wherein both exercise groups improved (Ex = 7%, ExO = 16%; P < .02), the SC group did not change (0.9%; P > .05), and the SCO group tended to decline (−18%; P = .06). Both exercise intervention groups significantly improved COT (Ex = 92%, ExO = 102%; P < .01) and PWT (Ex = 54%, ExO = 103%; P < .001). There was no change (P > .05) in either standard-of-care group.

Conclusions:

Individuals who are obese and nonobese with PAD made similar improvements after a 6-month, center-based walking program. However, patients who are obese with PAD and do not exercise may be susceptible to greater declines in mobility. Exercise may be particularly important in patients who are obese with PAD to avoid declines in mobility.
Relationships between insulin resistance and frailty with body composition and testosterone in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Cheung Ada S , Hoermann Rudolf , Dupuis Philippe , Joon Daryl Lim , Zajac Jeffrey D , Grossmann Mathis
Published: June 2016

Objective

While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been associated with insulin resistance and frailty, controlled prospective studies are lacking. We aimed to examine the relationships between insulin resistance and frailty with body composition and testosterone.

Design

Case–control prospective study.

Methods

Sixty three men with non-metastatic prostate cancer newly commencing ADT (n=34) and age-matched prostate cancer controls (n=29) were recruited. The main outcomes were insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), Fried’s frailty score, body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry and short physical performance battery (SPPB) measured at 0, 6 and 12months. A generalised linear model determined the mean adjusted difference (95% CI) between groups.

Results

Compared with controls over 12months, men receiving ADT had reductions in mean total testosterone level (14.1–0.4nmol/L, P<0.001), mean adjusted gain in fat mass of 3530g (2012, 5047), P<0.02 and loss of lean mass of 1491g (181, 2801), P<0.02. Visceral fat was unchanged. HOMA2-IR in the ADT group increased 0.59 (0.24, 0.94), P=0.02, which was most related to the increase in fat mass (P=0.003), less to lean mass (P=0.09) or total testosterone (P=0.088). Frailty increased with ADT (P<0.0001), which was related to decreased testosterone (P=0.028), and less to fat mass (P=0.056) or lean mass (P=0.79). SPPB was unchanged.

Conclusions

ADT is associated with increased insulin resistance and frailty within 12months of commencement, independently of confounding effects of cancer or radiotherapy. Insulin resistance appears to be mediated by subcutaneous or peripheral sites of fat deposition. Prevention of fat gain is an important strategy to prevent adverse ADT-associated cardiometabolic risks.
Concepción de maestro en Freire
Authors: Rojas Panqueva Sandra Janeth
Published: June 2016

En el libro Pedagogía de la autonomía, Paulo Freire presenta “la cuestiónde la formación docente junto a la reflexión sobre la práctica educativaprogresista a favor de la autonomía del ser de los educandos” (2002: 15),donde se señala la función del maestro: enseñar. La enseñanza tiene unaintencionalidad ética y política que implica una actitud progresista frente almundo. Entre otras, estas son algunas de las preocupaciones que Freireplantea a propósito de la concepción de maestro.En este artículo se pretende: i. Establecer la función del maestro en la obrade Paulo Freire, Pedagogía de la autonomía. ii. Precisar la relación que existeentre la concepción de maestro y la intencionalidad de la enseñanza. iii. Señalarcómo la actitud progresista del docente, además de ser una cualidad,es una opción política-pedagógica, tendiente a la formación de la autonomíade la infancia y la juventud en la escuela.
Estudio descriptivo sobre currículo, en el marco de los sistemas de aseguramiento de la calidad para instituciones de educación superior
Authors: Cruz Anastasia , Carrillo Orlando , Vera Diana Milena , Fajardo Omar E.
Published: June 2016

Las normas de aseguramiento de la calidad de la educación superior enColombia han determinado la inclusión en los currículos de algunos aspectosque modifican la concepción del quehacer académico y de los planes deestudio. El propósito de la presente investigación fue determinar la presenciade la flexibilidad, interdisciplinariedad, transversalidad e integralidad en los planes de estudio de programas presenciales de Licenciatura en Idiomas y de Medicina Veterinaria-Zootecnia (MVZ), en algunas instituciones de las ciudades de Tunja y de Bogotá.La propuesta se desarrolló desde un enfoque cualitativo en cuatro programas que aceptaron participar enel proyecto y permitieron suministrar información, atendiendo a las técnicas de recolección de informaciónutilizadas (investigación documental, entrevista a directivo y a docentes). Con este procedimiento, seposibilitó el eficaz desarrollo del análisis y la codificación de categorías que luego permitieron determinaren el estudio la aplicabilidad y reconocimiento de los elementos del currículo en las instituciones deeducación superior. De esto, se concluyó que la integralidad, flexibilidad e interdisciplinariedad se aplicanparcialmente y se tiene relativo conocimiento de estos y que la transversalidad no está contemplada enlos documentos, pero en algunos casos se aplica. De igual forma, se logró generar una metodologíaaplicable a cualquier programa para la auto-evaluación del mismo.
Historia, memoria y olvido: la historia contada sobre el levantamiento de 1935 en el Partido Comunista de Brasil (1943-1958)
Authors: Fernandes Ribeiro Jayme
Published: June 2016

El artículo caracteriza la manera como, a lo largo de la trayectoria del Partido Comunista de Brasil –PCB–, la memoria en torno a uno de sus hitos fundacionales –la insurrección minera de 1935– varía de acuerdo a las directrices establecidas por las sucesivas líneas políticas de colectividad y, con base en registros de prensa, muestra la transición de la idealización del episodio a su resignificación como una equivocación del pasado que no debe repetirse.
Redescripción del minador foliar de Ficus spp., Leiopleura melichari (Obenberger, 1922) (Buprestidae, Coleoptera)
Authors: Solís-Blanco Ángel , Arguedas-Gamboa Marcela , Rodríguez-Solís María
Published: June 2016

La arboricultura es un componente esencial en el paisaje urbanístico y en el bienestar de las personas que lo habitan. En San José (Costa Rica) se han plantado varias especies de Ficus, de las cuales Ficus costaricana (Liebm.), F. citrifolia Mill.y F. jimenezii Standl. han presentado daños en el follaje por el minador Leiopleura melichari(Obenberger, 1922) (Buprestidae, Coleoptera).En el presente estudio se realizó la redescripción de la especie y la caracterización de los daños. Las larvas producen minas extensivas de forma irregulares hasta medir 65 mm en la parte más extensa; los adultos mastican la lámina foliar por el haz, lo que provoca necrosis del tejido. Los huevos son puestos en grupos (4,36 ± 1,64 huevos por grupo) y miden 0,88 ± 0,14 mm de diámetro. Las larvas son color blanco, semitraslúcidas y pueden medir hasta 12,09 + 0,74 mm de largo en su último instar. Los adultos tienen el cuerpo ovalado y compacto, lentiforme, convexo por arriba y por abajo, con coloraciones verde-azulado y rojo cobre metálicos; miden 3,7 ± 0,2 mm de largo y 2,5 ± 0,2 mm de ancho.
Desmopressin Withdrawal Strategy for Pediatric Enuresis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chua Michael E. , Silangcruz Jan Michael , Chang Shang-Jen , Williams Katharine , Saunders Megan , Lopes Roberto Iglesias , Farhat Walid A. , Yang Stephen S.
Published: June 2016

CONTEXT:

A high relapse rate after discontinuation of desmopressin treatment of pediatric enuresis is consistently reported. Structured withdrawal strategies have been used to prevent relapse.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of a structured withdrawal strategy of desmopressin on the relapse-free rate for desmopressin responder pediatric enuresis.

DATA SOURCES:

Systematic literature search up to November 2015 on Medline, Embase, Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library databases, and related references without language restriction.

STUDY SELECTION:

Related clinical trials were summarized for systematic review. Randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of structured versus abrupt withdrawal of desmopressin in sustaining relapse-free status in pediatric enuresis were included for meta-analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Eligible studies were evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Relapse-free rate was extracted for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect estimates were pooled via the Mantel–Haenszel method with random effect model.

RESULTS:

Six hundred one abstracts were reviewed. Four randomized controlled trials (total 500 subjects) of adequate methodological quality were included for meta-analysis. Pooled effect estimates compared with the abrupt withdrawal, structured withdrawal results to a significantly better relapse-free rate (pooled RR: 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17–1.63; P = .0001). Subgroup analysis for a dose-dependent structured withdrawal regimen showed a significantly better relapse-free rate (pooled RR: 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21–1.80; P = .0001).

LIMITATIONS:

The small number of studies included in meta-analysis represents a major limitation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Structured withdrawal of desmopressin results in better relapse-free rates. Specifically, the dose-dependent structured withdrawal regimen showed significantly better outcomes.
Apresentação
Authors: Sartori Carlos Augusto , Pich Roberto Hofmeister
Published: June 2016

.
Explaining Rationality with Attributions of Knowledge-How
Authors: Rosa Luis
Published: June 2016

In the first part of this paper, we argue that the claim that a subject S believes that ϕ on the basis of good reasons cannot be the only type of explanation why S rationally believes that ϕ. Explaining attributions of rationality only by means of the notion of a belief being based on good reasons generates one version of the problem of regress of reasons. In the second part we flesh out a hypothesis according to which some beliefs are rationally held by a subject S in virtue of the fact that S knows how to produce good reasons for holding them. In the third part we offer reasons for accepting the relevant hypothesis, and we argue that it is more successful than foundationalist, coherentist and infinitist theories in explaining the truth of some attributions of epistemic rationality. In the last part we address the problem of the regress of reasons and sketch a solution for it based on our hypothesis.
Crença verdadeira mais informação adequada: fortalecendo a visão de Foley
Authors: Rodrigues Tiegue Vieira
Published: June 2016

No livro When is Knowledge True Belief? (2012), Richard Foley apresenta uma teoria do conhecimento bastante simples e original, que pretende desbancar as rivais e reorientar a teoria do conhecimento: um sujeito S sabe alguma proposição p se e somente se S verdadeiramente crê que p e não lhe falta nenhuma informação importante. Michael Hannon, em seu artigo “Is Knowledge True Belief Plus Adequate Information?” (2013), faz uma objeção à visão de Foley, acusando-o de oferecer um argumento circular que, ao não diferenciar informação importante de informação não importante, acaba, em última instância, por fazer referência à própria noção de conhecimento. Acredito que a teoria apresentada por Foley está no caminho certo; porém, apresentase de forma incompleta. Neste artigo, apresento uma interpretação subjetivista de relevância epistêmica, proposta originalmente por Floridi, que complementa a visão proposta por Foley e rechaça as objeções levantadas por Hannon.
Infinitism and Inferential Externalism
Authors: Flores Tito
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this essay is to show that the version of epistemological infinitism defended by Peter Klein is externalistic in character. I present the most important questions infinitism is supposed to resolve and also present the fundamental difference regarding internalism and externalism in epistemology. I conclude with an indication of what would be the best way to understand infinitism and how to evade the problems that emerge from Klein’s externalist infinitism.
Mixed-type reverse order laws for the group inverses in rings with involution
Authors: Mosić Dijana , Djordjević Dragan S.
Published: June 2016

We investigate some equivalent conditions for the reverse order laws (ab)# = b†a# and (ab)# = b#a† in rings with involution. Similar results for (ab)# = b#a* and (ab)# = b*a# are presented too.
Microrna Response of Primary Human Macrophages to Arcobacter Butzleri Infection
Authors: zur Bruegge Jennifer , Backes Christina , Gölz Greta , Hemmrich-Stanisak Georg , Scharek-Tedin Lydia , Franke Andre , Alter Thomas , Einspanier Ralf , Keller Andreas , Sharbati Soroush
Published: June 2016

The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in infectious diseases is becoming more and more apparent, and the use of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool and their therapeutic application has become the major focus of investigation. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs involved in the immune signaling of macrophages in response to Arcobacter (A.) butzleri infection, an emerging foodborne pathogen causing gastroenteritis. Therefore, primary human macrophages were isolated and infected, and miRNA expression was studied by means of RNAseq. Analysis of the data revealed the expression of several miRNAs, which were previously associated with bacterial infections such as miR-155, miR-125, and miR-212. They were shown to play a key role in Toll-like receptor signaling where they act as fine-tuners to establish a balanced immune response. In addition, miRNAs which have yet not been identified during bacterial infections such as miR-3613, miR-2116, miR-671, miR-30d, and miR-629 were differentially regulated in A. butzleri-infected cells. Targets of these miRNAs accumulated in pathways such as apoptosis and endocytosis — processes that might be involved in A. butzleri pathogenesis. Our study contributes new findings about the interaction of A. butzleri with human innate immune cells helping to understand underlying regulatory mechanisms in macrophages during infection.
EDUCAÇÃO SEXUAL NO CONTEXTO ESCOLAR: AS ESTRATÉGIAS UTILIZADAS EM SALA DE AULA PELOS EDUCADORES
Authors: Nogueira Natália Souza , Zocca Adriana Rodrigues , Muzzeti Luci Regina , Ribeiro Paulo Rennes
Published: June 2016

A educação sexual é tema transversal em educação e consta nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCNs). Neste sentido, este artigo tem por objetivo compreender quais os materiais didáticos sobre a temática que são adotados no trabalho docente no esclarecimento dos questionamentos dos discentes em sala de aula. Participaram da pesquisa seis professores da educação de jovens adultos (EJA), entre 43 e 66 anos de idade, de uma cidade do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Os resultados mostraram que os professores conhecem os termos sexualidade e educação sexual e eles abordam a temática em sala de aula. Eles utilizam livros, filmes e dialógos na intervenção e destacam a importância da educação sexual na prevenção, quebra de tabus e conscientização dos alunos. Portanto, a educação sexual na escola é relevante e pertinente, assim como, proporciona momentos de reflexões e aprendizados.