bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Telerehabilitation Program Improves Postural Control in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Spanish Preliminary Study
Authors: Ortiz-Gutiérrez Rosa , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Galán-del-Río Fernando , Alguacil-Diego Isabel , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Miangolarra-Page Juan
Published: October 2013

Postural control disorders are among the most frequent motor disorder symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to demonstrate the potential improvements in postural control among patients with multiple sclerosis who complete a telerehabilitation program that represents a feasible alternative to physical therapy for situations in which conventional treatment is not available. Fifty patients were recruited. Control group (n = 25) received physiotherapy treatment twice a week (40 min per session). Experimental group (n = 25) received monitored telerehabilitation treatment via videoconference using the Xbox 360® and Kinect console. Experimental group attended 40 sessions, four sessions per week (20 min per session).The treatment schedule lasted 10 weeks for both groups. A computerized dynamic posturography (Sensory Organization Test) was used to evaluate all patients at baseline and at the end of the treatment protocol. Results showed an improvement over general balance in both groups. Visual preference and the contribution of vestibular information yielded significant differences in the experimental group. Our results demonstrated that a telerehabilitation program based on a virtual reality system allows one to optimize the sensory information processing and integration systems necessary to maintain the balance and postural control of people with multiple sclerosis. We suggest that our virtual reality program enables anticipatory PC and response mechanisms and might serve as a successful therapeutic alternative in situations in which conventional therapy is not readily available.
Active Transportation Safety Features around Schools in Canada
Authors: Pinkerton Bryn , Rosu Andrei , Janssen Ian , Pickett William
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the presence and quality of active transportation safety features in Canadian school environments that relate to pedestrian and bicycle safety. Variations in these features and associated traffic concerns as perceived by school administrators were examined by geographic status and school type. The study was based on schools that participated in 2009/2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. ArcGIS software version 10 and Google Earth were used to assess the presence and quality of ten different active transportation safety features. Findings suggest that there are crosswalks and good sidewalk coverage in the environments surrounding most Canadian schools, but a dearth of bicycle lanes and other traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps, traffic chokers). Significant urban/rural inequities exist with a greater prevalence of sidewalk coverage, crosswalks, traffic medians, and speed bumps in urban areas. With the exception of bicycle lanes, the active transportation safety features that were present were generally rated as high quality. Traffic was more of a concern to administrators in urban areas. This study provides novel information about active transportation safety features in Canadian school environments. This information could help guide public health efforts aimed at increasing active transportation levels while simultaneously decreasing active transportation injuries.
Ultrastructural Interactions and Genotoxicity Assay of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Mouse Oocytes
Authors: Courbiere Blandine , Auffan Mélanie , Rollais Raphaël , Tassistro Virginie , Bonnefoy Aurélie , Botta Alain , Rose Jérôme , Orsière Thierry , Perrin Jeanne
Published: October 2013

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 ENPs) are on the priority list of nanomaterials requiring evaluation. We performed in vitro assays on mature mouse oocytes incubated with CeO2 ENPs to study (1) physicochemical biotransformation of ENPs in culture medium; (2) ultrastructural interactions with follicular cells and oocytes using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM); (3) genotoxicity of CeO2 ENPs on follicular cells and oocytes using a comet assay. DNA damage was quantified as Olive Tail Moment. We show that ENPs aggregated, but their crystal structure remained stable in culture medium. TEM showed endocytosis of CeO2 ENP aggregates in follicular cells. In oocytes, CeO2 ENP aggregates were only observed around the zona pellucida (ZP). The comet assay revealed significant DNA damage in follicular cells. In oocytes, the comet assay showed a dose-related increase in DNA damage and a significant increase only at the highest concentrations. DNA damage decreased significantly both in follicular cells and in oocytes when an anti-oxidant agent was added in the culture medium. We hypothesise that at low concentrations of CeO2 ENPs oocytes could be protected against indirect oxidative stress due to a double defence system composed of follicular cells and ZP.
Fast Disintegrating Quercetin-Loaded Drug Delivery Systems Fabricated Using Coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Li Xiao-Yan , Li Yan-Chun , Yu Deng-Guang , Liao Yao-Zu , Wang Xia
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study is to develop a structural nanocomposite of multiple components in the form of core-sheath nanofibres using coaxial electrospinning for the fast dissolving of a poorly water-soluble drug quercetin. Under the selected conditions, core-sheath nanofibres with quercetin and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) distributed in the core and sheath part of nanofibres, respectively, were successfully generated, and the drug content in the nanofibres was able to be controlled simply through manipulating the core fluid flow rates. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images demonstrated that the nanofibres prepared from the single sheath fluid and double core/sheath fluids (with core-to-sheath flow rate ratios of 0.4 and 0.7) have linear morphology with a uniform structure and smooth surface. The TEM images clearly demonstrated the core-sheath structures of the produced nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results verified that quercetin and SDS were well distributed in the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix in an amorphous state, due to the favourite second-order interactions. In vitro dissolution studies showed that the core-sheath composite nanofibre mats could disintegrate rapidly to release quercetin within 1 min. The study reported here provides an example of the systematic design, preparation, characterization and application of a new type of structural nanocomposite as a fast-disintegrating drug delivery system.
Biofilms: The Stronghold of Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Abdel-Nour Mena , Duncan Carla , Low Donald , Guyard Cyril
Published: October 2013

Legionellosis is mostly caused by Legionella pneumophila and is defined as a severe respiratory illness with a case fatality rate ranging from 5% to 80%. L. pneumophila is ubiquitous in natural and anthropogenic water systems. L. pneumophila is transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced by a variety of devices. While L. pneumophila replicates within environmental protozoa, colonization and persistence in its natural environment are also mediated by biofilm formation and colonization within multispecies microbial communities. There is now evidence that some legionellosis outbreaks are correlated with the presence of biofilms. Thus, preventing biofilm formation appears as one of the strategies to reduce water system contamination. However, we lack information about the chemical and biophysical conditions, as well as the molecular mechanisms that allow the production of biofilms by L. pneumophila. Here, we discuss the molecular basis of biofilm formation by L. pneumophila and the roles of other microbial species in L. pneumophila biofilm colonization. In addition, we discuss the protective roles of biofilms against current L. pneumophila sanitation strategies along with the initial data available on the regulation of L. pneumophila biofilm formation.
Additional Minor Diterpene Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Prakash Indra , Chaturvedula Venkata
Published: October 2013

Two additional novel minor diterpene glycosides were isolated from the commercial extract of the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The structures of the new compounds were identified as 13-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-oxy} ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid {β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-O-β-D-glucupyranosyl-ester} (1), and 13-{β-D-6-deoxy-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-oxy} ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid {β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl-ester} (2), on the basis of extensive 1D (1H- and 13C-) 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) and MS spectroscopic data as well as chemical studies.
The Need for Evidence Based Nutritional Guidelines for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients: Acute and Long-Term Following Treatment
Authors: Owens Joyce , Hanson Sheila , McArthur Jennifer , Mikhailov Theresa
Published: October 2013

High survival rates for pediatric leukemia are very promising. With regard to treatment, children tend to be able to withstand a more aggressive treatment protocol than adults. The differences in both treatment modalities and outcomes between children and adults make extrapolation of adult studies to children inappropriate. The higher success is associated with a significant number of children experiencing nutrition-related adverse effects both in the short and long term after treatment. Specific treatment protocols have been shown to deplete nutrient levels, in particular antioxidants. The optimal nutrition prescription during, after and long-term following cancer treatment is unknown. This review article will provide an overview of the known physiologic processes of pediatric leukemia and how they contribute to the complexity of performing nutritional assessment in this population. It will also discuss known nutrition-related consequences, both short and long term in pediatric leukemia patients. Since specific antioxidants have been shown to be depleted as a consequence of therapy, the role of oxidative stress in the pediatric leukemia population will also be explored. More pediatric studies are needed to develop evidence based therapeutic interventions for nutritional complications of leukemia and its treatment.
Vitamin E Isoforms as Modulators of Lung Inflammation
Authors: Abdala-Valencia Hiam , Berdnikovs Sergejs , Cook-Mills Joan
Published: October 2013

Asthma and allergic diseases are complex conditions caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clinical studies suggest a number of protective dietary factors for asthma, including vitamin E. However, studies of vitamin E in allergy commonly result in seemingly conflicting outcomes. Recent work indicates that allergic inflammation is inhibited by supplementation with the purified natural vitamin E isoform α-tocopherol but elevated by the isoform γ-tocopherol when administered at physiological tissue concentrations. In this review, we discuss opposing regulatory effects of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol on allergic lung inflammation in clinical trials and in animal studies. A better understanding of the differential regulation of inflammation by isoforms of vitamin E provides a basis towards the design of clinical studies and diets that would effectively modulate inflammatory pathways in lung disease.
Restoration of Anal Sphincter Function after Myoblast Cell Therapy in Incontinent Rats
Authors: Bisson Aurélie , Fréret Manuel , Drouot Laurent , Jean Laetitia , Le Corre Stéphanie , Gourcerol Guillaume , Doucet Christelle , Michot Francis , Boyer Olivier , Lamacz Marek
Published: October 2013

Fecal incontinence (FI) remains a socially isolating condition with profound impact on quality of life for which autologous myoblast cell therapy represents an attractive treatment option. We developed an animal model of FI and investigated the possibility of improving sphincter function by intrasphincteric injection of syngeneic myoblasts. Several types of anal cryoinjuries were evaluated on anesthetized Fischer rats receiving analgesics. The minimal lesion yielding sustainable anal sphincter deficiency was a 90° cryoinjury of the sphincter, repeated after a 24-h interval. Anal sphincter pressure was evaluated longitudinally by anorectal manometry under local electrostimulation. Myoblasts were prepared using a protocol mimicking a clinical-grade process and further transduced with a GFP-encoding lentiviral vector before intrasphincteric injection. Experimental groups were uninjured controls, cryoinjured + PBS, and cryoinjured + myoblasts (different doses or injection site). Myoblast injection was well tolerated. Transferred myoblasts expressing GFP integrated into the sphincter and differentiated in situ into dystrophin-positive mature myofibers. Posttreatment sphincter pressures increased over time. At day 60, pressures in the treated group were significantly higher than those of PBS-injected controls and not significantly different from those of normal rats. Longitudinal follow-up showed stability of the therapeutic effect on sphincter function over a period of 6 months. Intrasphincteric myoblast injections at the lesion borders were equally as effective as intralesion administration, but an injection opposite to the lesion was not. These results provide proof of principle for myoblast cell therapy to treat FI in a rat model. This strategy is currently being evaluated in humans in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Enhanced Recovery from Chronic Ischemic Injury by Bone Marrow Cells in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yoo Jongman , Seo Jin-Ju , Eom Jang-Hyeon , Hwang Dong-Youn
Published: October 2013

Even after decades of intensive studies, therapeutic options for patients with stroke are rather limited. Thrombolytic drugs effectively treat the very acute stage of stroke, and several neuroprotectants that are designed to treat secondary injury following stroke are being tested in clinical trials. However, these pharmacological approaches primarily focus on acute stroke recovery, and few options are available for treating chronic stroke patients. In recent years, stem cell-mediated regenerative approaches have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for treating the chronic stage of stroke. In this study, we examined whether systemically administered bone marrow cells (BMCs) could have beneficial effects in a rat model of chronic ischemia. Our transplantation experiments using BMCs obtained from ischemic donor rats showed functional and structural recovery during the chronic stage of stroke. BMC-mediated neural proliferation was prominent in the brains of rats with chronic stroke, and most of the new cells eventually became neurons instead of astrocytes. BMC-mediated enhanced neural proliferation coincided with a significant reduction (~50%) in the number of activated microglia, which is consistent with previous reports of enhanced neural proliferation being linked to microglial inactivation. Strikingly, approximately 57% of the BMCs that infiltrated the chronic ischemic brain were CD25+cells, suggesting that these cells may exert the beneficial effects associated with BMC transplantation. Based on the reported anti-inflammatory role of CD25+regulatory T-cells in acute experimental stroke, we propose a working model delineating the positive effects of BMC transplantation during the chronic phase of stroke; infiltrating BMCs (mostly CD25+cells) reduce activated microglia, which leads to enhanced neural proliferation and enhanced recovery from neuronal damage in this rat model of chronic stroke. This study provides valuable insights into the effect of BMC transplantation in the chronic ischemic brain, which may lead to the development of effective therapy for chronic stroke patients who currently lack satisfactory therapeutic options.
Quality of Air-Transported Human Islets for Single Islet Cell Preparations
Authors: Yamashita Shingo , Ohashi Kazuo , Utoh Rie , Kin Tatsuya , Shapiro A. M. James , Yamamoto Masakazu , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Okano Teruo
Published: October 2013

In new generation medical therapies for type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), cell-based approaches using pancreatic islets have attracted significant attention worldwide. In particular, dispersed islet cells obtained from isolated pancreatic islets have been a valuable source in the cell biology and tissue engineering fields. Our experimental approach to the development of new islet-based DM therapies consisted of creating a monolithic islet cell sheet format using dispersed islet cells. In this experiment, we explored the potential of internationally transporting human islets from Alberta, Canada to Tokyo, Japan and obtaining viable dispersed islet cells. A total of 34 batches of isolated and purified human islets were transported using a commercial air courier service. Prior to shipping, the human islets had been in culture for 0–108 h at the University of Alberta. The transportation period from Alberta to Tokyo was 2–5 days. The transported human islet cells were enzymatically dispersed as single cells in Tokyo. The number of single islet cells decreased as the number of transportation days increased. In contrast, cell viability was maintained regardless of the number of transportation days. The preshipment culture time had no effect on the number or viability of single cells dispersed in Tokyo. When dispersed single islet cells were plated on laminin-5-coated temperature-responsive polymer-grafted culture dishes, the cells showed favorable attachment followed by extension as a monolithic format. The present study demonstrated that long-distance transported human islets are a viable cell source for experiments utilizing dispersed human islet cells.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Imaging Using Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots
Authors: Miyazaki Yoshiyuki , Yukawa Hiroshi , Nishi Hiroyasu , Okamoto Yukihiro , Kaji Noritada , Torimoto Tsukasa , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: October 2013

Quantum dots (QDs) have received much attention for biomolecule and cell imaging applications because of their superior optical properties such as high quantum efficiency, size-tunable emission, and resistance to photobleaching process. However, QDs that are commercially available contain cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic element. Thus, the development of Cd-free and less toxic QDs is strongly desired. In this study, we developed Cd-free QDs (ZnS-coated ZnS-AgInS2 solid solution nanoparticles with a sulfo group: ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H) and investigated the ability of this material to label stem cells. ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H could be transduced into mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (mASCs) using octaarginine peptides (R8), known as cell-penetrating peptides. The optimal ratio of ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H:R8 was found to be 1:100 for labeling mASCs. More than 80% of mASCs labeled with 500 nM ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H were found to be alive, and the proliferation rates of labeled mASCs were maintained at the same rate as that of nonlabeled mASCs. In addition, no abnormalities in the morphology of mASCs labeled with ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H could be observed. These data suggest that ZnS-ZAIS-SO3H may be effective for the labeling of mASCs.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Labeling Using Quantum Dots
Authors: Yukawa Hiroshi , Suzuki Kaoru , Kano Yuki , Yamada Tatsuya , Kaji Noritada , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: October 2013

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have received remarkable attention as the cell sources for clinical applications of regenerative medicine including stem cell therapy. Additionally, labeling technology is in high demand for tracing transplanted cells used in stem cell therapy. In this study, we used quantum dots (QDs), which have distinct fluorescence abilities in comparison with traditional probes, as the labeling materials and investigated whether iPS cells could be labeled with QDs with no cytotoxicity. iPS cells could not be labeled with QDs alone but required the use of cell-penetrating peptides such as octaarginine (R8). No significant cytotoxicity to iPS cells was confirmed by up to 8 nM QDs, and the iPS cells labeled with QDs maintained their undifferentiated state and pluripotency. These data suggest that QDs can be used for fluorescence labeling of iPS cells.
Characterization of 10 microsatellite loci for Bathysa australis (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Reis Talita S. , Ciampi‐Guillardi Maísa , Baldauf Cristina , Souza Anete P. , dos Santos Flavio A. M.
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Bathysa australis is a common subcanopy tree from the Atlantic Forest that is pollinated by bees and wasps and produces autochoric seeds. This species exhibits great phenotypic plasticity along the elevational gradient of Serra do Mar in southeastern Brazil. We expect to assess the genetic diversity and gene flow between populations of this species along the elevational gradient.

• Methods and Results: We developed a microsatellite‐enriched genomic library for B. australis, and 10 microsatellite loci were successfully amplified, ranging from one to 13 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.333 to 0.900 (average: 0.629) and 0.564 to 0.900 (average: 0.742), respectively.

• Conclusions: These are the first microsatellite markers developed for the genus Bathysa and may be useful in other species of the Condamineeae tribe. These primers will be an important tool for studies of population ecology and conservation genetics.
Cyclopamine analogs bearing exocyclic methylenes are highly potent and acid-stable inhibitors of hedgehog signaling
Authors: Moschner Johann , Chentsova Anna , Eilert Nicole , Rovardi Irene , Heretsch Philipp , Giannis Athanassios
Published: October 2013

The chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of new cyclopamine analogs bearing exocyclic methylenes in different positions is described. Bis-exo-cyclopamine 6 was identified as a potent inhibitor of the Gli1-dependent luciferase expression in Shh-LIGHTII cells. An extension of this study to F-ring-modified structures shows the necessity of a rigidly positioned nitrogen atom for bioactivity as well as the presence of the C21 methyl group for acid stability and bioactivity.
UTILIZATION OF PALM OIL FUEL ASH IN CONCRETE: A REVIEW / PALMI ALIEJAUS KURO PELENŲ NAUDOJIMAS BETONE. APŽVALGA
Authors: Safiuddin Md. , Salam Md. Abdus , Jumaat Mohd Zamin
Published: October 2013

Uncontrolled dumping of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) not only occupies valuable land but also creates environmental pollution and health hazard. These problems can be reduced to a large extent by using POFA in concrete. A number of research works have been carried out to investigate the potential of POFA for use as a supplementary cementing material in normal, high strength, high performance, and aerated concretes. This paper presents a review on the use of POFA in different types of concrete. It firstly discusses the physical and chemical properties of POFA. Then the emphasis has been given on the effects of POFA on the fresh and hardened properties, and durability of concrete. This paper shows that both ground and unground POFA increase the water demand and thus decrease the workability of concrete. However, ground POFA has shown a good potential for improving the hardened properties and durability of concrete due to its satisfactory micro-filling ability and pozzolanic activity. In addition to discussing the benefits of POFA, this study has identified certain gaps in the present state of knowledge on POFA concrete, and listed several research needs for future investigation. The findings of this study would encourage the use of POFA as a supplementary cementing material for concrete.

Santrauka

Nekontroliuojami palmių aliejaus kuro pelenų (POFA) sąvartynai ne tik užima vertingus žemės plotus, bet ir teršia aplinką bei kelia pavojų sveikatai. Šios problemos gali būti sumažintos POFA naudojant betone. Daug mokslinių tyrimų buvo atlikta siekiant ištirti POFA potencialą, kad juos būtų galima naudoti kaip papildomą normalių, didelio stiprio, aukštos kokybės ir poringujų betonų cementavimo medžiagą. Šiame straipsnyje apžvelgiama, kaip POFA naudojami įvairių tipų betonams. Visų pirma aptariamos fizinės ir cheminės POFA savybės. Tuomet dėmesys atkreipiamas į šviežio ir sukietėjusio betono savybes bei betono ilgaamžiškuma. Šis straipsnis parodo, kad tiek malti, tiek nemalti POFA padidina vandens poreikį ir blogina technologines charakteristikas. Tačiau malti POFA parodė potencialą gerinant betono atsparumo ir ilgaamžiškumo savybes, nes jie pasižymi geromis mikroužpildų savybėmis ir pucolaniniu aktyvumu. Be to, aptarta POFA nauda, nustatytos tam tikros šiuo metu turimų žinių apie POFA betoną spragos ir išvardyta daugelis tyrimų, kurie turėtų būti atlikti ateityje. Šio darbo išvados turėtųpaskatinti naudoti POFA kaip papildomą rišamąją betono medžiagą.
EFFECT OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS ON CONCRETE FIRE RESISTANCE / POLIPROPIRENO PLUOŠTOĮ TAKA BETONO ATSPARUMUI UGNIAI
Authors: Shihada Samir
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of concrete. In order to achieve this, concrete mixtures are prepared by using different percentages of polypropylene; 0%, 0.5% and 1%, by volume. The samples are heated to 200, 400 and 600 °C, for exposures up to 6 hours, and tested for compressive strength. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that the relative compressive strengths of concretes containing PP fibers were higher than those of concretes without PP fibers. Furthermore, it can be concluded that concrete mixes which are prepared using 0.5% PP fibers, by volume, can significantly promote the residual compressive strength during the heating.

Santrauka

Tyrimo tikslas – išnagrinėti polipropireno pluošto įtaką betono atsparumui ugniai. Buvo gaminami betono mišiniai su 0%, 0,5% ir 1% polipropireno dalimis. Bandiniai buvo kaitinami iki 200, 400 ir 600 °C, laikomi šiose temperatūrose 6 valandas ir bandomi nustatant gniuždomajį stiprį. Remiantis bandymų rezultatais daroma išvada, kad betono su polipropireno pluoštu stipris buvo didesnis už betono be šio priedo stiprį. Kita straipsnio išvada ta, kad betono mišiniai, kurių 0,5% tūrio sudaro polipropireno pluoštas, leidžia labai padidinti liekamajį gniuždomajį įkaitinto betono stiprį.
EIGENFREQUENCIES OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS – METHODS OF CALCULATIONS / GELŽBETONINIŲ SIJŲ TIKRINIAI DAŽNIAI – SKAIČIAVIMO METODAI
Authors: Kaminski Mieczysław , Musiał Michał , Ubysz Andrzej
Published: October 2013

The paper presents method of calculation of eigenfrequencies of the cracked reinforced concrete beams including discreet model of crack. The described method is based on the stiff finite elements method. It was modified in such a way as to take into account local discontinuities – cracks. In addition, some theoretical studies as well as experimental tests of concrete mechanics based on discrete crack model were taken into consideration. The calculations were performed using the author's own numerical algorithm. Moreover, other calculation methods of dynamic reinforced concrete beams presented in standards and guidelines are discussed. Calculations performed by using different methods are compared with the results obtained in experimental tests.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pristatomas įtrūkusių gelžbetonio sijų tikrinių dažnių skaičiavimo metodas, įskaitant diskretinį įtrukio modelį. Metodas pagrįstas standžių baigtinių elementų metodu. Jis buvo patobulintas siekiant įtraukti vietinius nevienalytiškumus – įtrūkius. Taip pat buvo įvertintos kai kurios betono mechanikos teorines studijos ir eksperimentiniai bandymai, pagrįsti diskrečiu įtrūkių modeliu. Skaičiavimai buvo atlikti taikant autorių sukurtą skaitmeninį algoritmą. Be to, pristatomi ir aptariami kiti dinaminiai gelžbetoninių sijų skaičiavimo metodai, pateikti standartuose ir gairėse. Skaičiavimai, atlikti taikant skirtingus metodus, palyginami su rezultatais, gautais eksperimentinių bandymų metu.
ECONOMICAL LOSS DUE TO NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN LITHUANIAN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR / EKONOMINIAI NUOSTOLIAI DĖL DARBUOTOJŲ SAUGOS IR SVEIKATOS REIKALAVIMŲ NEUŽTIKRINIMO LIETUVOS STATYBOS SEKTORIUJE
Authors: Šukys Ritoldas , Čyras Petras , Šakėnaitė Jurgita
Published: October 2013

Research on Economic Losses (consequences) due to Failure to Ensure Occupational Safety and Health Requirements in the Construction Sector was conducted by the order of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour (contract No. 2594-AP). The conducted scientific analysis shows the state of occupational safety and health at work in the construction sector, estimates economic consequences for accidents at work, indicates the economic benefits of investment for occupational safety and health and presents the results of research, findings and recommendations. This would allow to reduce occupational diseases and the number of accidents at work and herewith to avoid economic consequences for state and construction enterprises.

Santrauka

Socialinės apsaugos ir darbo ministerijos užsakymu (sutartis Nr. 2594-AP) atliktas tyrimas Ekonominiai nuostoliai (pasekmės) del darbuotojų saugos ir sveikatos reikalavimų neužtikrinimo statybos sektoriuje 2002–2007 m. Šiame moksliniame tyrime, atlikus darbuotojų saugos ir sveikatos būklės analizę statyboje ir išnagrinėjus nelaimingų atsitikimų darbe ekonomines pasekmes, investavimo į darbuotojų saugą ir sveikatą ekonominę naudą, pateikti tyrimo rezultatai, išvados ir rekomendacijos. Tai padės sumažinti profesinių ligų ir nelaimingų atsitikimu darbe skaičių ir bus išvengta ekonominių nuostolių tiek valstybei, tiek statybos įmonėms.
Significant Interaction between Activated Charcoal and Antiretroviral Therapy Leading to Subtherapeutic Drug Concentrations, Virological Breakthrough and Development of Resistance
Authors: Tseng Alice L , la Porte Charles , Salit Irving E
Published: October 2013

A 42-year-old, treatment-experienced woman, virologically suppressed on tenofovir/emtricitabine and boosted atazanavir, experienced virological breakthrough, drop in CD4+ T-cell count and undetectable drug concentrations. Adherence to treatment was confirmed, but repeat testing yielded similar results. After 2 months, the patient stated that she had been taking activated charcoal to manage gastrointestinal symptoms associated with her combination antiretroviral therapy, but she had recently discontinued the charcoal. Atazanavir concentrations were therapeutic but the patient's viral load rebounded and genotype testing revealed new reverse transcriptase mutations. The patient was changed to zidovudine, lamivudine, and boosted darunavir and achieved viral suppression. At 1 year follow-up, her viral load remained <40 copies/ml. According to the drug interaction probability scale, our patient experienced a probable drug interaction between activated charcoal and atazanavir/ritonavir leading to virological breakthrough and development of resistance.
Near Field Communication - Which Potentials Does NFC Bring for Teaching and Learning Materials?
Authors: Ebner Martin , Maierhuber Martin
Published: October 2013

Near Field Communication (NFC) is deemed to be a future technology with a lot of potential in many areas. One of those areas, learning and teaching, will be covered in this article, showing possible usages of NFC with teaching and learning materials. With a lot of new NFC capable devices presented recently, this technology can be utilized in many areas, including the arbitrarily growing field of mobile learning.

Mobile devices, especially smartphones, can help to close the gap between printed media and online media. Several methods, e.g. two-dimensional barcodes, have already been used to connect the digital world with printed media but almost all of them caused inconveniences or difficulties. NFC presents an easy to use way to share and communicate directly between capable devices or tags that can be applied almost anywhere.

In this publication a first insight to the potential of NFC for teaching and learning content is given. A prototype is programmed to allow data transformation between the print media and the smartphone. It can be summarized that NFC will be the logical successor of QR-Codes.
A Snapshot Overview of the Digital Divide
Authors: Bwalya Kelvin Joseph , Du Plessis Tanya , Rensleigh Chris
Published: October 2013

It can arguably be stated that the digital divide, e-Inclusion, and successful e-Government development are inseparable. The concept of e-Inclusion is an a priori phenomenon to understanding the concept of the digital divide. This chapter provides a theoretical background on the linkages of information access, the digital divide, e-Inclusion, and e-Government. This exploratory study aims to discuss the intricacies of the digital divide and present a snapshot discussion of initiatives taken in Zambia to bridge the divide in the context of e-Government. The discussion presents the likelihood of the realisation of e-Government inclusion in the Zambian context and how this can impact e-Government development in its totality. From the discussion, it is evident that e-Government depends on multi-dimensional factors (such as individual and institutional e-Readiness, relevance of e-Government applications, local culture, propensity to change, and managerial and technical capabilities) to succeed, and this entails that any robust e-Government strategy should incorporate a multivariate approach in its design.
Information Literacy and the Digital Divide
Authors: Dunn Hopeton S.
Published: October 2013

With the increasing spread of information and communications technologies (ICTs) globally, there is heightened debate about the continuing disparities of access and usage. The dialogue has proceeded in many respects oblivious of the centrality of information literacies in capacity building measures to redress the digital divide. This chapter examines both the concepts of the digital divide and information literacies and regards them as highly compatible in their application to the global south following a detailed analysis of issues such as orality and literacy, globalization from below and effective access to technology networks. The chapter concludes with a range of recommendations relating to reforms in strategic thinking and policy planning. The call for heightened emphasis on education including information literacies forms the centerpiece of an analysis grounded in both theory and empirical research.
M-Learning and Y Generation
Authors: Ciussi Melanie , Rosner Gill , Augier Marc , Suder Gabriele
Published: October 2013

This chapter explores “Y generation” students’ attitudes to mobile technologies in the context of education, and use of podcasts on their handhelds in particular. The authors’ intention is to investigate how students use mobile devices to support their formal and informal learning practices. One of the “Big Issues” in mobile learning that the authors address here is the co-existence of personal informal learning and traditional classroom education. After conducting two experiments and a survey, they conclude that the diversity of student attitudes towards using podcasts in education means that they are in the time of “in between years”. Learning “anytime/anywhere” and “digital natives” prove as yet to be a myth for many. The current challenge for podcasting in education is to move from information transmission to knowledge construction and sharing within a formal setting.
Sustainable Development and the Digital Divide Among OIC Countries
Authors: Siwar Chamhuri , Abdulai Abdul-Mumin
Published: October 2013

Undoubtedly, digital technology (DT) has revolutionalised information and communications technology (ICT) base of the global economy, which has impacted tremendously the socio-economic, political, cultural and scientific development in the majority of the world’s economies. The chapter examines “digital divide” in a broader perspective of information and communications technologies (ICTs) that encompass not only computers, but also telephone (line and cellular), television (TV), radio etc. It is an open secret that ICTs have played and will continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining economic development in the developed countries. Through ICTs, creating, storing and sharing enormous volume of information with relative ease in almost all the spheres of human endeavour have been made possible. The power inherent in ICT that can break up barriers and boundaries holding countries, continents and businesses miles apart can never be over-emphasized. Despite the attendant benefits of ICTs, there are still deep-seated ICT inequalities both within and among the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries. This chapter investigates the depth of the existing digital divide among the OIC member countries and to unearth the possible obstacles. Finally, some policy recommendations have been offered towards the end of the chapter.
ICT for Digital Inclusion
Authors: Pee L.G. , Kankanhalli A. , Show V.C.Y. On
Published: October 2013

To bridge the digital divide, subsidized access to information and communications technology (ICT) is often provided in less-developed countries. While such efforts can be helpful, their effectiveness depends on targeted users’ willingness to utilize the ICT provided. This study examines the factors influencing individuals’ use of one such ICT, public internet kiosks, in Mauritius. Findings from a survey indicate that individuals’ self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control have significant effects. This study contributes to research by highlighting key factors influencing the use of public internet kiosks and discussing how the factors’ perception and assessment differ from those in the developed world. Mauritius also provides an interesting context for this study, as her government has been actively promoting the diffusion of ICT in the country yet there have been limited empirical studies on Mauritian and sub-Saharan African users in the digital divide research. Suggestions for promoting the use public internet kiosks in less-developed countries are also provided.
Guidelines for Successful Public Internet Access Points (PIAPs) Implementation
Authors: Arifoglu Ali , Afacan Gülgün , Er Erkan
Published: October 2013

Keywords: Public Internet Access Points (PIAPs), digital divide, ICT services, e-transformation, e-government, telecenters, kiosk, mobile PIAP, multi-purpose PIAP, mini-PIAPs.
Promoting Active Ageing through Technology Training in Korea
Authors: Han Donghee , Braun Kathryn L.
Published: October 2013

By 2050, people aged 60 and older will comprise 33% of Korea’s population, up from about 12% currently. In many occupational sectors, women retire at 55 and men at 60. This rapidly shifting demographic requires a new perspective on retirement and a better image of older persons in Korea. In line with the Active Ageing Framework of the World Health Organization, the Active Ageing Consortium in Asia Pacific (ACAP) advocates for changes to individual practices, social norms, and social policy to support the continued engagement of older adults as active contributors to society in the 21st century. Digital literacy is a critical element of Active Ageing, enhancing participation in today’s modes of communication and social connectivity. To promote the concept of Active Ageing with Digital Ageing, Korea’s Research Institute of Science for the Better Living of the Elderly (RISBLE) aims to increase Korean elders’ access to information and their opportunities for communication and participation. RISBLE’s programs—Cyber Family, Internet Navigator, and the 1080 Family Online Game Festival—help elders master new technology, strengthen intergenerational relations, gain leadership roles, and contribute as community teachers. This chapter reviews the Korean situation of ageing, outlines ACAP’s commitment to Active Ageing with Digital Ageing, and presents information on three RISBLE programs. These “best practices” are shared in hopes that other communities can learn from RISBLE’s work to reduce the ageing digital divide and promote digital life for older persons in South Korea.
Towards Multimodal Mobile GIS for the Elderly
Authors: Doyle Julie , Bertolotto Michela , Wilson David
Published: October 2013

Information technology can play an important role in helping the elderly to live full, healthy and independent lives. However, elders are often overlooked as a potential user group of many technologies. In particular, we are concerned with the lack of GIS applications which might be useful to the elderly population. The main underlying reasons which make it difficult to design usable applications for elders are threefold. The first concerns a lack of digital literacy within this cohort, the second involves physical and cognitive age-related impairments while the third involves a lack of knowledge on improving usability in interactive geovisualisation and spatial systems. As such, in this chapter we analyse existing literature in the fields of mobile multimodal interfaces with emphasis on GIS and the specific requirements of the elderly in relation to the use of such technologies. We also examine the potential benefits that the elderly could gain through using such technology, as well as the shortcomings that current systems have, with the aim to ensure full potential for this diverse, user group. In particular, we identify specific requirements for the design of multimodal GIS through a usage example of a system we have developed. Such a system produced very good evaluation results in terms of usability and effectiveness when tested by a different user group. However, a number of changes are necessary to ensure usability and acceptability by an elderly cohort. A discussion of these concludes the chapter.
Digital Divide and Rural Communities
Authors: Garofalakis John , Koskeris Andreas
Published: October 2013

During the last years, due to the wide spread of World Wide Web (WWW), the Internet has become one of the most valuable and effective communications media and the most inclusive source of information. However, in many cases the difficulties of establishing universal effective access could serve to reinforce current patterns of social exclusion and produce barriers to balanced development instead of supporting it. World widely there is a rising concern over the so-called “digital divide”–a term that refers to the gap existing in the opportunities to access advanced information and communication technologies between geographic areas or by individuals at different socioeconomic levels. The experience shows that specialized initiatives are needed for disadvantaged areas in order to anticipate expansion of current digital divide. This chapter is focusing on the specific instance of digital divide occurring in rural territories, and examines the ways to foster digital culture among citizens, utilizing a specific initiative (the so called “Telecentres”).
India’s Dalits Search for a Democratic Opening in the Digital Divide
Authors: Thirumal P. , Tartakov Gary Michael
Published: October 2013

This chapter seeks to recognize and read the marginal presence on the Internet of India’s most oppressed and stigmatized community, the Dalits, simultaneously as acts of resistance and acts of constituting both self and community. It is an exploratory exercise in writing the social history of technological media in general, and the Internet in particular. The medium of Internet, unlike most associated with script and print that preceded it, offers emerging users access without the censorship of either established authorities or canons of authoritative formal regulation. More significantly, it provides the Dalit community, heretofore excluded from all but the most marginal voice in civil society, with an entrance into the national discourse. And quite as important, it furnishes them with their first meaningful media platform for a nationwide internal discourse, which they have previously been denied.
Caste, Class, and IT in India
Authors: Langran Elizabeth
Published: October 2013

While India has transformed itself into a global leader in IT, its major cities have become enclaves for growth that only benefits a middle- and upper-class minority. Despite the increases in employment, this prosperity has not “trickled down” to the millions of impoverished in a highly fragmented, stratified society. The caste system and the history of India’s middle class have engendered political decisions that have not benefited the poor’s use of technology. It is important to examine Indian culture in order to more fully understand reasons behind the duality of a modern, consumerist IT India and a terribly impoverished India. While there are some initiatives underway to address the digital divide, it is challenging to create replicable models in a complex and diverse country that changes rapidly from one location to another. Providing access to technology is not eliminating the existing social, cultural, political and economic factors that have created the inequities.
Diffusion of Technology in Higher Education Classrooms
Authors: Harrison Jill , Ryan John
Published: October 2013

Technology use is contextual and tends to follow, often invisible, ground rules. Within the situational context of a higher education classroom the rules and sanctions regarding technology use become increasingly complex. Many universities in the United States now require that all incoming students have laptops, with the rationale being that technology is an important tool used to help students organize and catalogue knowledge. Laptops allow students to connect to library and campus resources. Further, requiring laptops on a networked campus creates a sense of digital unity rather than digital divides among students and faculty. The message to students is that personal laptops are important and even required. However, within the context of the higher education classroom, laptop use is often being limited or banned by classroom instructors, a contradiction of the larger university message. As Marcuse (1982) noted, technology is a social process. The diffusion of laptop technology into higher education has altered the modes of producing knowledge and the social relationships organized around that production process. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight how the use of this technology is negotiated between faculty and students and how issues of engagement, the self-production of knowledge, and security influence this negotiation. The authors argue that issues of laptop use in the classroom are rooted in concerns of power, legitimacy, and identity associated with the production of knowledge.