bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: Ezrin Regulates Inflammation by Limiting B Cell IL-10 Production
Authors: Pore Debasis , Matsui Ken , Parameswaran Neetha , Gupta Neetu
Published: December 2015

IL-10 produced by B cells is important for controlling inflammation, thus underscoring the need to identify mechanisms regulating its production. In this study, we demonstrate that conditional deletion of ezrin in B cells increases IL-10 production induced by TLR4 ligation. The MyD88-independent Toll/IL-1R domain–containing adapter inducing IFN-β–IFN regulatory factor 3 pathway is required for Ezrin-deficient B cells to produce higher IL-10 upon LPS stimulation. Treatment of B cells with a novel small-molecule inhibitor of ezrin induces its dephosphorylation and increases LPS-induced NF-κB and IFN regulatory factor 3 activation and IL-10 secretion, indicating a role for threonine 567 phosphorylation of ezrin in limiting IL-10. Loss of ezrin in B cells results in dampened proinflammatory response to a sublethal dose of LPS in vivo, which is dependent on increased IL-10 production. Taken together, our data yield new insights into molecular and membrane-cytoskeletal regulation of B cell IL-10 production and reveal ezrin as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.
Atti Sociali
Authors: Italiana Società Entomologica
Published: December 2015

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Validation of the integration of HIV and AIDS related nursing competencies into the undergraduate nursing curriculum in South Africa
Authors: Marie Modeste Regis R. , Adejumo Oluyinka
Published: December 2015

Background: Being in its fourth decade, HIV remains an epidemic that requires combined efforts for the global fight. The strategies planned and implemented in the fight against HIV include reversing and halting the spread of HIV, increasing health care access, and strengthening the health care system. South Africa has made the fight one of its top priorities, and has developed plans to increase the role of nurses in the management of HIV, demonstrating its willingness, commitment and progress in the fight against HIV.Objective: This article presents the validation process conducted to confirm the integration and mapping of the HIV and AIDS related nursing competencies into the four-year Bachelor of Nursing programme at a university in South Africa.Methods: This study adopted a constructivist paradigm, using a qualitative approach, applyingthe design step of the process model of curriculum development, to validate the inte gration of the mapped HIV and AIDS related nursing competencies into the undergraduate nursing curriculum.Results: For each competency, outcomes were developed for each year. Participants confirmed completeness of outcomes and appropriateness of the mapping of the HIV and AIDS related outcomes into the nursing curriculum, as well as the feasibility and practicability of the integration.Conclusion: Required resources for integration of HIV and AIDS related nursing competencies, such as human resources and nurse educators’ continued personal development were identified, as well as barriers to integration, and measures to eliminate them were discussed. The importance of integration of HIV and AIDS nursing competencies into the curriculum was reiterated.
Student mathematical activity as a springboard to developing teacher didactisation practices
Authors: Biccard Piera , Wessels Dirk
Published: December 2015

This article is part of a larger study on teacher development. The main study investigated teacher development within primary school Mathematics teachers’ classrooms to determine if teaching practices could be enhanced through a didactisation-based programme. It sought to develop teachers within their own environments and classrooms. Design research (both designing the conditions for change and studying the results of those conditions) enabled the researchers to design a programme that was congruent with teachers’ own needs and experiences. The programme ran for a period of a year with regular contact between the teachers and the researcher conducting the programme (the first author). The programme set out nine didactisation practices: active students, differentiation, mathematisation, vertically aligned lessons, accessing student thinking and ideas, probing student thinking and ideas, connecting student ideas, assessing students and reflecting on practice. One practice, student activity, is the focus of this article. It was found that by initiating discussion and cognitive conflict in teachers by using modelling problems, and further allowing teachers to observe pupils working in groups with modelling problems, teachers were starting to incorporate the didactisation practices within their own classrooms. This article documents specifically the fundamental role of student mathematical activity and the importance of improving student mathematical experiences, both for teacher development and for student mathematical learning. The study may be valuable in structuring and planning further effective teacher development programmes.
Performance Evaluation of AERMOD and CALPUFF Air Dispersion Models in Industrial Complex Area
Authors: Jittra Nattawut , Pinthong Nattaporn , Thepanondh Sarawut
Published: December 2015

AERMOD and CALPUFF air dispersion models were evaluated for their performance in predicting nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Maptaphut industrial area in Thailand. Emission data were obtained from 292 point sources in the study domain. Modeled results were compared with those measured data from 10 receptor sites. Evaluation of model performance was carried out by using statistical analysis. Overall results revealed that AERMOD provided more accurate results than CALPUFF model for both NO2 and SO2 predictions. As for the highest value, results from robust highest concentration analysis indicated that AERMOD had better performance in predicting extreme high-end concentration than CALPUFF.
Air Pollutant Mapping with a Mobile Laboratory during the BEE-TEX Field Study
Authors: Yacovitch Tara I. , Herndon Scott C. , Roscioli Joseph R. , Floerchinger Cody , Knighton W. Berk , Kolb Charles E.
Published: December 2015

The Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory was deployed to the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding areas during the Benzene and Other Toxics Exposure field study in February 2015. We evaluated atmospheric concentrations of volatile organic hydrocarbons and other hazardous air pollutants of importance to human health, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzenes, styrene, and NO2. Ambient concentration measurements were focused on the neighborhoods of Manchester, Harrisburg, and Galena Park. The most likely measured concentration of 1,3-butadiene in the Manchester neighborhood (0.17 ppb) exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's E-5 lifetime cancer risk level of 0.14 ppb. In all the three neighborhoods, the measured benzene concentration falls below or within the E-5 lifetime cancer risk levels of 0.4–1.4 ppb for benzene. Pollution maps as a function of wind direction show the impact of nearby sources.
One-dimensional Schubert Problems with
Respect to Osculating Flags
Authors: Levinson Jake
Published: December 2015

We consider Schubert problems with respect to flags osculating the rational normal curve. These problems are of special interest when the osculation points are all real. In this case, for zerodimensional Schubert problems, the solutions are “ as real as possible”. Recent work by Speyer has extended the theory to the moduli space allowing the points to collide. This gives rise to smooth covers (ℝ), with structure and monodromy described by Young tableaux and jeu de taquin.

In this paper, we give analogous results on one-dimensional Schubert problems over .Their(real) geometry turns out to be described by orbits of Schützenberger promotion and a related operation involving tableau evacuation. Over M 0,r, our results show that the real points of the solution curves are smooth.

We also find a new identity involving “first-order” K-theoretic Littlewood-Richardson coefficients, for which there does not appear to be a known combinatorial proof.
Characterization of PM10 sources in the central Mediterranean
Authors: Calzolai G. , Nava S. , Lucarelli F. , Chiari M. , Giannoni M. , Becagli S. , Traversi R. , Marconi M. , Frosini D. , Severi M. , Udisti R. , di Sarra A. , Pace G. , Meloni D. , Bommarito C. , Monteleone F. , Anello F. , Sferlazzo D. M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The Mediterranean Basin atmosphere is influenced by both strong natural and anthropogenic aerosol emissions and is also subject to important climatic forcings. Several programs have addressed the study of the Mediterranean basin; nevertheless important pieces of information are still missing. In this framework, PM10 samples were collected on a daily basis on the island of Lampedusa (35.5° N, 12.6° E; 45 m a.s.l.), which is far from continental pollution sources (the nearest coast, in Tunisia, is more than 100 km away). After mass gravimetric measurements, different portions of the samples were analyzed to determine the ionic content by ion chromatography (IC), the soluble metals by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and the total (soluble + insoluble) elemental composition by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE). Data from 2007 and 2008 are used in this study. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to the 2-year long data set of PM10 mass concentration and chemical composition to assess the aerosol sources affecting the central Mediterranean basin. Seven sources were resolved: sea salt, mineral dust, biogenic emissions, primary particulate ship emissions, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, and combustion emissions. Source contributions to the total PM10 mass were estimated to be about 40 % for sea salt, around 25 % for mineral dust, 10 % each for secondary nitrate and secondary sulfate, and 5 % each for primary particulate ship emissions, biogenic emissions, and combustion emissions. Large variations in absolute and relative contributions are found and appear to depend on the season and on transport episodes. In addition, the secondary sulfate due to ship emissions was estimated and found to contribute by about one-third to the total sulfate mass. Results for the sea-salt and mineral dust sources were compared with estimates of the same contributions obtained from independent approaches, leading to an estimate of the water content bound to the sea salt in the marine source.
European air quality modelled by CAMx including the volatility basis set scheme
Authors: Ciarelli G. , Aksoyoglu S. , Crippa M. , Jimenez J. L. , Nemitz E. , Sellegri K. , Äijälä M. , Carbone S. , Mohr C. , O'Dowd C. , Poulain L. , Baltensperger U. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Four periods of EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme) intensive measurement campaigns (June 2006, January 2007, September–October 2008 and February–March 2009) were modelled using the regional air quality model CAMx with VBS (Volatility Basis Set) approach for the first time in Europe within the framework of the EURODELTA-III model intercomparison exercise. More detailed analysis and sensitivity tests were performed for the period of February–March 2009 and June 2006 to investigate the uncertainties in emissions as well as to improve the modelling of organic aerosols (OA). Model performance for selected gas phase species and PM2.5 was evaluated using the European air quality database Airbase. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) were found to be overestimated for all the four periods with O3 having the largest mean bias during June 2006 and January–February 2007 periods (8.93 and 12.30 ppb mean biases, respectively). In contrast, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) were found to be underestimated for all the four periods. CAMx reproduced both total concentrations and monthly variations of PM2.5 very well for all the four periods with average biases ranging from −2.13 to 1.04 μg m-3. Comparisons with AMS (Aerosol Mass Spectrometer) measurements at different sites in Europe during February–March 2009, showed that in general the model over-predicts the inorganic aerosol fraction and under-predicts the organic one, such that the good agreement for PM2.5 is partly due to compensation of errors. The effect of the choice of volatility basis set scheme (VBS) on OA was investigated as well. Two sensitivity tests with volatility distributions based on previous chamber and ambient measurements data were performed. For February–March 2009 the chamber-case reduced the total OA concentrations by about 43 % on average. On the other hand, a test based on ambient measurement data increased OA concentrations by about 47 % for the same period bringing model and observations into better agreement. Comparison with the AMS data at the rural Swiss site Payerne in June 2006 shows no significant improvement in modelled OA concentration. Further sensitivity tests with increased biogenic and anthropogenic emissions suggest that OA in Payerne was largely dominated by residential heating emissions during the February–March 2009 period and by biogenic precursors in June 2006.
Coarse bedload routing and dispersion through tributary confluences
Authors: Imhoff K. S. , Wilcox A. C.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Sediment routing fundamentally influences channel morphology and propagation of disturbances. However, the transport and storage of bedload particles in headwater channel confluences, which may be significant nodes of the channel network in terms of sediment routing, morphology, and habitat, is poorly understood. To characterize routing processes through confluences of headwater channels, we investigate how sediment routing patterns through headwater confluences compare to those described in low-gradient gravel bed river systems, and how confluences affect the dispersive behavior of coarse bedload particles compared to non-confluence reaches. We address these questions with a field tracer experiment using passive-integrated transponder and radio-frequency identification technology in the East Fork Bitterroot River basin, Montana, USA. Within the confluence zone, transport occurs along scour hole margins in narrow, efficient transport corridors that mirror those observed in finer-grained experiments and field studies. Coarse particles entering confluences experience reduced depositional probabilities, in contrast to the size-selective transport observed in a control reach. Stochastic transport modeling, tail analysis, and use of a dimensionless impulse (I*) suggest that transport distance and variance growth are enhanced through confluences for a given flow strength. We suggest that confluences absent of disturbances enhance sediment transport and dispersive growth through headwater networks.
Expanding spaces of participation: insights from an infrastructural project in rural Nepal
Authors: Cima O.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The spread of participatory development worldwide has multiplied opportunities for local population to engage in paid and unpaid development activities. However, scholars have pointed out that participatory approaches bear the risk of strengthening unequal social structures, despite their emphasis on democratisation and inclusion. This paper investigates the case of a Swiss-funded infrastructural project in rural Nepal, analysing the role of participatory spaces in the dynamics of development resource capture. The empirical material collected suggests that, although participatory development has created more opportunities for social mobility, these opportunities are not necessarily open to everyone. In the case studied, the transformational potential of participation is only partially fulfilled.
Advancing subsurface biosphere and paleoclimate research: ECORD–ICDP–DCO–J-DESC–MagellanPlus Workshop Series Program Report
Authors: Mills H. J. , de Leeuw J. , Hinrichs K.-U. , Inagaki F. , Kallmeyer J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The proper pre-drilling preparation, on-site acquisition and post-drilling preservation of high-quality subsurface samples are crucial to ensure significant progress in the scientifically and societally important areas of subsurface biosphere and paleoclimate research. Two of the four research themes of IODP and ICDP and one of the four research areas of the Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) focus on the subsurface biosphere. Increasing understanding of paleoclimate is a central goal of IODP and incorporated within the scope of the IMPRESS program, the successor of the IMAGES program. Therefore, the goal of our IODP–ICDP–DCO–J-DESC–MagellanPlus-sponsored workshop was to help advance deep biosphere and paleoclimate research by identifying needed improvements in scientific drilling planning and available technology, sample collection and initial analysis, and long-term storage of subsurface samples and data. Success in these areas will (a) avoid biological and other contamination during drilling, sampling, storage and shipboard/shore-based experiments; (b) build a repository and database of high-quality subsurface samples for microbiological and paleoclimate research available for the scientific community world-wide over the next decades; and (c) standardize, as much as possible, microbiological and paleoclimate drilling, sampling and storage workflows to allow results and data to be comparable across both space and time. A result of this workshop is the development and suggested implementation of new advanced methods and technologies to collect high-quality samples and data for the deep biosphere and paleoclimate scientific communities to optimize expected substantial progress in these fields. The members of this workshop will enhance communication within the scientific drilling community by crafting a handbook focused on pre-drilling, drilling and post-drilling operations.
State vs. Culture or State ‘and’ Culture vs. the Individual Body: A review analysis
Authors: Kaur G.
Published: December 2015

This paper reflects on the dichotomy of state and culture through ‘certain groups of people’, impacting their behaviour and wants towards their own health. Analysis commences with a brief commentary on pre-independence India, whereby the rhetoric of nationalism was imprinted on individual bodies through the call for maintaining the health of a nation. This argument is then extended to include the present day-scenario of the state, whereby, the state sees itself as something beyond the individual; where it is the hub of ‘know-how’ of maintaining its population, yet at the same time distant from it. Second section presents the control of culture through community on the bodies of individual members (women). The two arguments are based on the review of an in-depth study by Jeffery and Jeffery (2010) in a village in Uttar Pradesh on the perceptions of the village population on national health policies. The article is concluded, with the necessity to understand and discover discourses of not state vs. culture (or community), but also of state and culture vs. agency vis-à-vis health and health care provisions.K
Using Rituals for Intervention Refinement
Authors: Keller C. , Coe K. , Shaibi G.
Published: December 2015

In this paper we propose a culture-based health promotion/disease prevention intervention model.  This model, which is family-based, incorporates a life course perspective, which involves the identification of individual developmental milestones, and incorporates aspects of culture that have been widely used across cultures to influence behavior and mark important developmental transitions. Central among those cultural traits is the ritual, or rite of passage, which, for millennia, has been used to teach the skills associated with developmental task mastery and move individuals, and their families, through life stages so that they reach certain developmental milestones. Family rituals, such as eating dinner together, can serve as powerful leverage points to support health behavior change, and serve as unique intervention delivery strategies that not only influence behavior, but further strengthen families.
Studentų požiūrio į energinių gėrimų vartojimą ir poveikį organizmui analizė
Authors: Senikienė Žibuoklė , Pajaujytė Sandra , Gintilienė Milda , Šimonienė-Kazlauskienė Genovaitė , Jurkštienė Vilma
Published: December 2015

Reikšmingas energinių gėrimų pardavimo padidėjimas įvyko 2005 – 2006 metais, kuomet pasirodė pirmieji alkoholio ir energinių gėrimų kokteiliai. Minėtuoju laikotarpiu šie gėrimai ėmė populiarėti ir Lietuvoje. Energinių gėrimų populiarumas tarp jaunimo didėja. Tyrimai rodo, kad energinių gėrimų vartojimas dažnai yra susijęs su fizine ir psichine sveikata. Į energinių gėrimų sudėtį įeina įvairiausių medžiagų - taurinas, guarana, karnitinas, ginsenozidų, dekstrozė, inozidolis, vitaminai B6 ir B12 - visos jos išsiskiria tonizuojančiu poveikiu. Tyrimuose pateikti duomenys rodo, jog energinių gėrimų vartojimas yra potencialiai žalingas dėl papildomo širdies darbo krūvio ir sumažėjusio smegenų kraujotakos greičio. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti studentų žinias apie energetinių gėrimų daromą poveikį ir išanalizuoti šių gėrimų vartojimo priežastis. Tyrimas buvo atliktas 2011- 2015 metais Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitete (LSMU) ir Kauno kolegijoje (KK). Apklausta LSMU 200 I – III kursų ir KK 100 I – III kursų studentų, kurių amžius 19 – 22 metai. Studentai buvo tiriami apklausos metodu, atliekant anketinę apklausą raštu. Klausimai – uždarojo ir atvirojo tipo, su pasirenkamais atsakymais. Energinius gėrimus vartojo daugiau nei pusė apklausoje dalyvavusių studentų. Manome, kad jie reprezentuoja studentų populiacijos tendencijas. Tarp 19 – 22 metų jaunimo energinių gėrimų vartojimas nėra susijęs su fizinio aktyvumo skatinimu. Tokius gėrimus vartojantys studentai juos renkasi siekdami didinti protinį aktyvumą. Jaunuoliai, vartojantys energinius gėrimus, nevienareiškmiškai vertina veiksnius, darančius įtaką energinio gėrimo vartojimo pasirinkimui. Jaunuoliai žino apie energinių gėrimų neigiamą poveikį.
Konservantų vartojimo kosmetinėje pudroje būtinumas
Authors: Barragan Ferrer Diana , Barragan Ferrer Jesus Manuel
Published: December 2015

Kosmetikos produktuose vis dažniau atsisakoma konservantų naudojimo dėl jų kenksmingo poveikio sveikatai. Šio tyrimo tikslas nustatyti konservantų naudojimo būtinumą kosmetinėje pudroje, kurioje nėra vandens. Tyrimo metu buvo analizuojamos kosmetinės pudros su konservantu ir be jo bei nustatoma, ar jos abi atitinka HN-64 reikalavimus. Kosmetinių pudrų kokybei nustatyti buvo įvertintas drėgmės kiekis, mikroorganizmų skaičius bei konservanto įtaka mikroorganizmų skaičiui. Iš gautų rezultatų buvo nustatyta, kad tinkamai parinkus kosmetinės pudros ingredientus, nepalankius mikroorganizmų augimui, galima atsisakyti konservantų naudojimo šiame produkte.
Pagyvenusių žmonių miego kokybės įvertinimas
Authors: Šturienė Renata , Kairys Jonas , Jakubauskaitė Aura
Published: December 2015

Tyrimas atliktas 2015 m. sausio mėn. 5 d. – 2015 m. gegužės mėn. 21 d. Apklausa vykdyta Viešojoje įstaigoje Šeškinės poliklinikoje. Apklausoje dalyvavo 150 pagyvenusių žmonių, besilankančių Viešojoje įstaigoje Šeškinės poliklinikoje (anketų grįžtamumas 100 proc.). 47,3 proc. (n=71) pagyvenusių žmonių nurodė, kad jų sveikata vidutiniška (7,08 ± 1,763 (SN) balai). Tiriamieji vidutiniškai vertino ir miego kokybę (40,7 proc., n=61): 41,7 proc. (n=43) moterų ir 38,3 proc. (n=18) vyrų (7,07 ± 2,049 (SN – standartinis nuokrypis) balai. Pasinaudojus Pitsburgo miego kokybės indekso klausimynu nustatyta, kad respondentų miegas dažniau buvo blogas (86,0 proc., n=129) nei geras (14,0 proc., n=21). Kuo geriau respondentai vertino savo sveikatą, tuo geriau įvertino ir savo miego kokybę (rs=0,73; p<0,001). Nustatyta, kad pagrindinės priežastys, dėl kurių suprastėja miego kokybė – stresas, nerimas ir baimė (82,7 proc., n=124). Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad rytinis poilsis 3,41 karto padidina šansą, kad žmogus vertins savo sveikatą geriau nei vidutiniškai (OR (šansų santykis) =3,41; PI (pasikliautinis intervalas) 95: 1,63- 7,12; p<0,001). Sprendžiant miego problemas į slaugytojus ir gydytojus nesikreipė daugiau nei pusė apklaustųjų. Miego problemoms išspręsti pagyvenę žmonės iš medicinos personalo norėtų gauti daugiau informacijos apie miegą (52,7 proc., n=79). Į slaugytojus besikreipiantys pacientai (41,97 proc., n=63) buvo patenkinti jų pagalba ir išsakytais patarimais. Dauguma respondentų (31,3 proc., n=47) apie miegą sužino iš knygų, žurnalų ir interneto, iš slaugytojų – 22 proc. (n=33) apklaustųjų. Besikreipiantiems dažniausiai slaugytojai patarė, kokie vaistai padeda pagerinti miegą (92,1 proc., n=58), o rečiausiai kalbėjo apie miego sutrikimams skirtus tyrimus (82,5 proc., n=52).
Vilniaus miesto šeškinės poliklinikos pacientų apklausa apie sveikatos priežiūros paslaugų prieinamumą – nuomonė pagal pacientų išsilavinimą, užsiėmimą ir pajamas
Authors: Kairys Jonas , Šturienė Renata , Lamanauskaitė Miglė
Published: December 2015

Tyrimas atliktas 2014.12 – 2015.01 laikotarpiu. Buvo apklausinėjami 18 metų sulaukę respondentai. Anketa buvo duodama kas dešimtam pirmą kartą besikreipiančiam pacientui. Išdalinta 450 anketų, grąžinta užpildytų – 442 (atsako dažnis 98,2 proc.). Dauguma tyrime dalyvavusių respondentų (62,1 proc.), turinčių aukštąjį/neb. aukštąjį išsilavinimą, nei respondentų (1,8 proc.), turinčių nebaigtą vidurinį išsilavinimą, nurodė, kad buvo patenkinti Viešosios įstaigos Šeškinės poliklinikos (toliau – Poliklinika) Registratūros darbu. Daugiau specialistų, tarnautojų nei bedarbių, didesnes nei mažesnes pajamas gaunančių respondentų, nurodė, kad per dvejus metus poliklinikoje pagerėjo darbo organizavimas bei teikiamų paslaugų kokybė. Dauguma respondentų (39,6 proc.) konsultacijos pas šeimos gydytoją laukia 1-5 d. 48,1 proc. aukščiausio lygio vadovų nurodė, kad pas akių ligų gydytoją konsultacijos tenka laukti ilgiau kaip 30 dienų. Daugiausia specialistai, tarnautojai (58,3 proc.) nurodė, kad konsultacijos pas neurologą laukia 21-30 d., o dauguma pensininkų nurodė, kad vizito pas neurologą tenka laukti ilgiau kaip 30 d. (63,6 proc.). Daugiausia respondentų, gaunančių nuo 1001-1500 Lt. pajamų, nurodė, kad konsultacijos pas kardiologą laukia 11-20 d., mažiausiai taip teigė respondentai, kurių pajamos iki 500 Lt. Nustatyta, kad asmenys, turintys žemesnį išsilavinimą nei aukštasis/neb. aukštasis, 2,04 karto dažniau kreipiasi į administraciją dėl problemų, kilusių bendraujant su aptarnaujančiu personalu (OR=2,40; PI 95%= 1,27-4,56; p=0,003). 64,3 proc. respondentų nurodė, kad jiems Poliklinika priminė apie būsimą apsilankymą pas gydytoją SMS žinute. Daugiau nei pusė tyrime dalyvavusių respondentų (55,6 proc.) nurodė, kad Poliklinika jiems priminė apie profilaktikos programas.
Averroes y las cosas justas por naturaleza
Authors: García-Huidobro Joaquín
Published: December 2015

En su comentario a la Ética a Nicómaco, Averroes se ocupó del pasaje donde Aristóteles distingue entre las cosas que son justas por naturaleza y aquéllas que lo son en virtud de la ley (V, 7 1134b18-1135a5). Su comentario es particularmente breve, pero plantea algunas dificultades importantes, como su alusión a un derecho naturale legale, que, según Leo Strauss, vendría a ser simplemente un derecho positivo de aceptación general. En este artículo se busca caracterizar lo justo natural y lo justo positivo en el comentario de Averroes y mostrar el alcance de la variación de los criterios propios de la justicia positiva.
De la "pólis" al Estado moderno: una aproximación al problema de lo político en Heidegger
Authors: Martínez Matías Paloma
Published: December 2015

Este trabajo parte de la pregunta por la posibilidad de deducir un planteamiento estrictamente político de los análisis ontológicos de la modernidad llevados a cabo por Martin Heidegger. Con este fin, se examina su interpretación del fenómeno griego de la pólis, así como la distinción que en ella se establece entre esta forma de comunidad y el Estado moderno, fundado para Heidegger en la esencia metafísica de la modernidad. Para clarificar esta cuestión se atiende a la proclamación de valores que Heidegger observa en los diferentes modos de organización estatal que aparecen en la época de la consumación técnica de la metafísica. En conexión con ello, se estudia su visión del nihilismo y se ofrece finalmente una hipótesis sobre la forma de Estado que resultaría coherente con la renuncia a los valores que, a su juicio, exige la manifestación del ente en la modernidad como objeto por entero producible.
Valor social de la fotografía de guerra: Robert Capa en la Guerra civil española
Authors: Clavería López Raquel
Published: December 2015

A partir del análisis de las relaciones entre sociología, fotografía y documentación se realiza un recorrido por algunas de las principales fotografías realizadas por Robert Capa durante la Guerra civil española.
La gran pantalla en guerra: Segunda Guerra Mundial y noticiarios cinematográficos "Luce" (1940-1945
Authors: Coronado Ruiz Carlota
Published: December 2015

En la Segunda Guerra Mundial la propaganda se convirtió en un campo de batalla más: en el caso de Italia era necesario crear en una opinión pública favorable a la guerra sin crear alarmismos. Para ello se utilizó uno de los instrumentos más eficaces para la propaganda del fascismo: el noticiario cinematográfico Luce. Este artículo analiza la representación que los noticiarios producidos desde 1940 hasta 1945 ofrecen de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Se apuntan los temas más recurrentes, las características de las noticias sobre la guerra y se señalan las grandes ausencias debidas a la censura del Régimen de Mussolini.
Determination of mercury, cadmium and lead contents in different tea and teas infusions (Camelia sinensis, L.)
Authors: Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Tomáš Ján , Harangozo Ľuboš
Published: December 2015

The present paper deals with assessing the level of contamination of green (n = 14) and black - fermented (n = 10) teas of different origins (country of origin) (China, India, Japan, Nepal and Taiwan), which are normally available in Slovakia. The contents of the studied contaminants (mercury, cadmium and lead) were observed in samples of dried teas and their infusions. The contaminant contents were investigated by atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction and a graphite furnace GF-AAS (Cd, Pb). The total mercury content was analyzed by CV-AAS method. Concentrations of the studied contaminants in the dried tea samples were as follows: green tea: Hg: 0.0027 ±0.0010 mg.kg-1 (median ± standard deviation); Cd: 0.161 ±0.084 mg.kg-1, Pb: 0.875 ±0.591 mg.kg-1, black tea: Hg: 0.0022 ±0.0014 mg.kg-1, Cd: 0.397 ±0.077 mg.kg-1, Pb: 1.387 ±0.545 mg.kg-1. The contents of the contaminants in the tea infusions were as follows: green tea: Hg: 0.03 ±0.04 μg.L-1, Cd: 0.278 ±0.068 μg.L-1, Pb: 1.975 ±0.503 μg.L-1, black tea: Hg: 0.050 ±0.080 μg.L-1, Cd: 0.291 ±0.054 μg.L-1, Pb: 1.955 ±1.264 μg.L-1. According to the currently valid maximum limits for a particular contaminant in Slovakia, it can be stated that the health standards were not exceeded in any of the tea samples. The limit value of the lead content (2.0 mg.kg-1 DM) was exceeded (by 12.4%) only in one sample of the dried black tea from China (Yunnan - Golden Snow), however it is the limit value valid in China. The results of the analysis of 24 tea samples show that even regular consumption does not pose a health risk to consumers.
Seed protein electrophoresis for identification of oat registered cultivars
Authors: Gregova Edita , Šliková Svetlana , Hozlár Peter
Published: December 2015

The protein diversity of 15 registered oat genotypes (Avena sativa L.) was examined. Acid-PAGE (acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of avenins and SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of the glutelins were used for seed analyses of oat varieties. The result of this study indicated that the genotypes of oat cultivars could effectively be differentiated on the basis of polymorphism, detected between protein patterns. SDS-PAGE result revealed that glutelins presented a higher differentiation power than avenins and could be used as a rapid method for the identification of oat varieties in breeding programmes. Avenin protein band numbers and molecular weight ranged from 5 to 11, and 8 to 45 kDa, respectively. Genetic similarity analysis based on avenin protein ranged from 0,071 to 1. The tree-cluster analysis illustrates the distribution of varieties in two major groups. The first major group was large with eight varieties and following varieties were determined as identical: Vendelín-Zvolen and Prokop-Václav. The second group consisted of six varieties and Detvan-Hronec and Izak-Važec were identical pairs. The number of glutelin protein markers was 22. Genetic similarity coefficients resulted from comparisons by glutelin pattern and they ranged from 0,125 to 0,929 all oat varieties were different from each other. Two Slovakian varieties Izak and Važec from Breeding Station Viglaš-Ptruša with similarity value 92,9% were grouped with variety Vendelin. Two varieties Kanton and Viliam with similiarity value 92% were grouped with Prokop and Valentin. All analysed cultivars could be distinguished by their glutelin pattern and will be useful in oat breeding process.
Oxidative stability of chicken thigh meat after treatment of abies alba essential oil
Authors: Pavelková Adriana , Bobko Marek , Haščí­k Peter , Kačániová Miroslava , Tkáčová Jana
Published: December 2015

In the present work, the effect of the Abies alba essential oil in two different concentrations on oxidative stability of chicken thigh muscles during chilled storage was investigated. In the experiment were chickens of hybrid combination Cobb 500 after 42 days of the fattening period slaughtered.  All the broiler chickens were fed with the same feed mixtures and were kept under the same conditions. The feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotic preparations and coccidiostatics. After slaughtering was dissection obtained fresh chicken thigh with skin from left half-carcass which were divided into five groups (n = 5): C - control air-packaged group; A1 - vacuum-packaged experimental group; A2 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with thylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution 1.50% w/w; A3 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with Abies alba oil 0.10% v/w and A4 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with Abies alba oil 0.20% v/w. The Abies alba essential oil was applicate on ground chicken things and immediately after dipping, each sample was packaged using a vacuum packaging machine and storage in refrigerate at 4 ±0.5 °C. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value expressed in number of malondialdehyde was measured in the process of first storage day of 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th day after slaughtering and expressed on the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in 1 kg sample. The treatments of chicken things with Abies alba essential oil show statistically significant differences between all testing groups and control group, where higher average value of MDA measured in thigh muscle of broiler chickens was in samples of control group (0.4380 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups A1 (0.124 mg.kg-1), A2 (0.086 mg.kg-1), A3 (0.082 mg.kg-1) and A4 (0.077 mg.kg-1) after 16-day of chilled storage. Experiment results show that the treatment of chicken thigh with Abies alba essential oil positively influenced on the reduction of oxidative processes in thigh muscles during chilling storage and use of essential oil is one of the options increase shelf life of fresh chicken meat.
Evaluation of dried salted pork ham and neck quality
Authors: Kunová Simona , Čuboň Juraj , Bučko Ondřej , Kačániová Miroslava , Tkáčová Jana , Hleba Lukáš , Haščí­k Peter , Lopašovský Ľubomí­r
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was analysed chemical and physical parameters of dried salted pork ham and neck. Dry-cured meat is a traditional dry-cured product obtained after 12 - 24 months of ripening under controlled environmental conditions.  Ham and neck was salted by nitrite salt mixture during 1 week. Salted meat products were dried at 4 °C and relative humidity 85% 1 week after salting. The quality of dry-cured meat is influenced by the processing technology, for example length of drying and ripening period. The average moisture of dried salted pork ham was 63.77% and dried salted pork neck was 59.26%. The protein content was 24.87% in dried salted pork ham and significantly lower (20.51%) in dried salted pork neck. The value of intramuscular fat in dried salted pork ham was 4.97% and 14.40% in dried salted pork neck. The salt content was 5.39% in dried salted pork ham and 4.83% in dried salted pork neck. The cholesterol content was 1.36 g.kg-1 in dried salted pork ham and significant lower in dried salted pork neck (0.60 g.kg-1). The value of lightness was 44.36 CIE L* in dried salted pork ham and significantly lower in dried salted pork neck (40.74 CIE L*). The pH value was 5.84 in dried salted pork ham and 5.80 in dried salted pork neck. The shear work was 9.99 kg.s-1 in dried salted pork ham and 6.34 in dried salted pork neck. The value of water activity (aw) was 0.929 in dried salted pork ham and similar 0.921 in dried salted pork neck.
Assessing expression of TAS2R16 receptor on the tongue of elderly persons
Authors: Fekete Tomáš , Židek Radoslav , Maršálková Lenka
Published: December 2015

In conducted study, we assessed expression of TAS2R16 receptor gene on the tongue of elderly persons. The TAS2R16 receptor belongs to family of G-protein coupled bitter taste receptors and is expressed in type 2 taste cells, which are a part of taste buds. The taste buds are distributed across the tongue's surface on the specialised structures called papillae. The TAS2R16 receptor mediates bitter taste in response to β-glucopyranosides such as salicin. The purpose of conducted study was to examine, whether the ageing process influence gene expression and hence the perception of taste at the molecular level. Ageing process is often related to either decreased or total lost perception of taste qualities. It is due to physiological changes in the oral cavity. The changes in taste cell membranes involve altered function of ion channels and receptors, which ultimately lead to decreased tasting ability of elderly people. In addition, various causes, such as oral and systemic diseases, drug administration, lifestyle (i.e. smoking) and some oral conditions (wearing dentures, dental caries and coated tongue), may extracerbate this issue. Loss of taste may become a large factor in reduction of appetite, which may lead to malnutrition. To accomplish the objective of this study, we recruited ten elderly persons. One 25-year old human was used as calibrator. We used non-invasive scrapping method for collecting taste cells from fungiform papillae of each subject. A multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR was performed to amplify cDNA of TAS2R16 and PGK1 genes, whereas the last one served as housekeeping gene. The TAS2R16 gene expression for elderly persons relative to that of young one was calculated according to the 2-ΔCT formula. Results pointed out to increased expression of TAS2R16 gene by 2-fold in 5th and 8th seniors. It is assumed that they perceive more intense bitterness from salicin at the molecular level than 25-year old person. The 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 10th elderly persons have had decreased expression level about 70%, whereas in case of 6th one that was even about 90%. It is supposed that these subjects, in particular last one, respond to salicin very weakly. This data may show evidence of almost total loss of taste. The causes and consequences are discussed in more detail.
The Five Essential Roles of Assessment Practitioners
Authors: Jankowski Natasha A. , Slotnick Ruth C.
Published: December 2015

Assessment practitioners are tasked with a range of responsibilities from enhancing teaching and learning to improving institutional effectiveness and providing quality assurance, yet little is known about the roles and related skill sets needed to undertake these tasks. Through an examination of job postings coupled with a review of the current literature, one-on-one interviews with four leaders in the field of assessment and an exploration of our own professional experience, this paper proposes a framework of five essential roles for assessment practitioners including assessment/method expert, narrator/translator, facilitator/guide, political navigator and visionary/believer.
Notes on the Archaeological Surface Survey of Qal‘at ‘Aïsha: The Highest Fortified Site in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Chaaya Anis
Published: December 2015

Qal‘at ‘Aïsha is a fortress located in the Mount Lebanon range that was discovered during an archaeological survey by the author. Built on a rocky peak 2,219 m above sea level, this stronghold is surrounded by hostile rugged terrain and subject to extreme weather conditions, including low temperatures and abundant snow for six to seven months a year. Qal‘at ‘Aïsha enjoys a unique location with an unimpeded view of the coastline between Ras al-Bassit, Syria, and Batrun, Lebanon. The pottery sherds collected from the site are few, but these few fragments attest to human settlement and occupation between the Chalcolithic and the Late Roman period.
The Legacy of Fakhreddine II—Renaissance Prince of Mount Lebanon
Authors: Scham Sandra A.
Published: December 2015

The Druze Prince Fakhreddine el Maani II is acknowledged by some historians as one of Lebanon's greatest historical figures. He was also a master builder who, inspired by a sojourn in Renaissance Italy, introduced a new architectural style to the region combining both traditional Levantine and European design elements. Today, only a few of these structures have survived to attest to his life and his leadership.
Current Concepts and New Insights from Mouse Models of Mammary Tumors on Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and its Synergy with Mutant p53
Authors: A. Piersigilli  , A. D. Borowsky  , Q. Chen  , N.E. Hubbard  , R.D. Cardiff
Published: December 2015

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into a mesenchymal phenotype. This process occurs during embryogenesis but also in wound healing and in tumors. The neoplastic EMT is characterized by variably complete shedding of epithelial architectural features and acquisition of mesenchymal traits. In immunohistochemistry a variable coexpression of cytokeratins, vimentin or alpha-smooth muscle actin with loss of E-cadherin and other interepithelial adhesion molecules is characteristic. Such transition is associated with mutations both at the genetic (somatic) and epigenetic levels and is believed to confer a more advantageous phenotype for local and distant spread of cancer cells. Mammary carcinoma can exhibit EMT features in humans and mice and it tends to occur more frequently in women with tumors bearing a worse prognosis such as the claudin low subtype within the triple negative cancer. Missense mutation of TP53 is one of the most common mutations in cancer and it is frequently found in EMT tumor types, often with a more aggressive behavior. The current literature and survey of our mouse EMT cases in the Genomic Pathology Center image archives demonstrate a synergy between p53 and EMT that is independent of the initiating oncogene. However, p53 mutation is not sufficient or causal for EMT. Moreover, despite the local malignant behavior, processes such as spontaneous metastases and Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition (MET) appear not to be as frequent and obvious as previously hypothesized.
Utilization of Oilseed Crops for On-farm Energy Security
Authors: Adhikari Suraj , Illukpitiya Prabodh
Published: December 2015

There has been considerable interest focused on the investment for the production of oilseed crops for biodiesel. The advance research is needed to provide knowledge needed for the feasible way of adaptation of oilseed crops for biodiesel. Among the various oilseed crops produced, sunflower is a prominent summer crop that can be used to produce on-farm biodiesel for energy security. The objective of this paper is to estimate the overall economic benefits of biodiesel production from sunflower under small scale settings. The economic viability on production of biodiesel and its market opportunity to the farmers were investigated at its 3 different production stages namely; seed, oil and seed meal, and biodiesel production. The study was based on three different on-farm biodiesel extraction scenarios. For example, the seed press and biodiesel extractor can be operated at three different rates (low, medium and high). Feedstock production, capital investment for biodiesel units and operations costs were considered for the analysis. To calculate cost and revenue in annual equivalent terms, the present values of all costs and revenues over the useful life was transformed into an equivalent annuity. Analysis shows that biodiesel production from sunflower production could generate positive net returns under various scenarios. The analysis per volume basis showed that the production cost of biodiesel from sunflower oil to producer was between $2.00 to $3.21/gal when revenue from seed meal was accounted. The estimated break-even price of sunflower seed range from $0.18 to 0.26/kg depending upon sunflower yield. The findings of this research further improve the understanding of growing sunflower as an oilseed crops and on-farm processing of oil for local biodiesel production that could play vital role in improving farm income as well as sustainable and independent energy for small farmers.
Regional Electric-Power Systems Planning and Carbon Dioxide Emissions Management under Uncertainty
Authors: Li Y.F. , Li Y.P. , Huang G.H.
Published: December 2015

In this study, an interval two-stage integer programming model is formulated for planning electric-power systems and managing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under uncertainty. The developed model can reflect dynamic, interactive, and uncertain characteristics of regional energy systems. Besides, the model can be used for answering questions related to types, times, demands and mitigations of energy systems planning practices, with the objective of minimizing system cost over a long-time planning horizon. The developed model is also applied to a case study of planning CO2-emission mitigation for an electric-power system that involves fossil-fueled and renewable energy sources. Solutions can help generate electricity-generation schemes and capacity-expansion plans under different CO2-mitigation options and electricity-demand levels. Different CO2-emission management policies corresponding to different renewable energy development plans are analyzed. A high system cost will increase renewable energy supply and reduce CO2 emission, while a desire for a low cost will run into risks of a high energy deficiency and a high CO2 emission.