bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribuição espacial da hanseníase na população escolar em Paracatu - Minas Gerais, realizada por meio da busca ativa (2004 a 2006)
Authors: Ferreira Isaias Nery , Evangelista Maria do Socorro Nantua , Alvarez Rosicler Rocha Aiza
Published: January 2008

A detecção da hanseníase no município de Paracatu é elevada em menores de quinze anos, abrangendo cerca de 6,8/10.000 hab. em 2003, e classificada como hiperendêmica. O estudo objetiva distribuir territorialmente os casos de hanseníase em adolescentes e crianças escolares menores de 20 anos, utilizando a estratégia da busca ativa de casos. Realizou-se um estudo de coorte prospectivo e ecológico com 16.623 escolares entre janeiro de 2004 a junho de 2006. No banco de dados utilizou-se o software Excel e na análise o chi2, Intervalo de Confiança - (IC) 95% e Risco Relativo - (RR). Para o geoprocessamento das informações, aplicou-se o Auto CAD - release 2000. Foram diagnosticados 68 casos da doença, sendo 25,1%, multibacilares. Cerca de 85,2% residiam na área urbana, 55,8% eram mulheres e a doença predominava no grupo de 10 a 14 anos (IC95%: 0,49-0,89%) e chi2 = 7,376. Houve um incremento de 38,2% na detecção dos casos no período, com visibilidade à prevalência oculta. Ao considerar a busca ativa em 2004, as microrregiões do Alto do Açude e Vista Alegre apresentaram maior detecção de casos com 41,5/10.000 habitantes, e RR = 10,9 vezes maior do que o Centro de Paracatu, com detecção de 3,8/10.000 habitantes. Em 2005, destacaram-se Paracatuzinho, Chapadinha, São João Evangelista I e II, Bandeirantes, Aeroporto e Bom Pastor, com detecção de 21,8/10000 habitantes, e RR = 8,7 vezes maior do que Nossa Senhora de Fátima e JK com detecção de 2,5/10.000 habitantes. A hanseníase entre escolares foi predominante nas áreas norte, leste, sudeste e central de Paracatu. O geoprocessamento das informações, por meio da busca ativa nas escolas, permitiu a visibilidade da hiperendemia da hanseníase por região, possibilitando aperfeiçoamento da vigilância da enfermidade.
Avaliação do declínio cognitivo e sua relação com as características socioeconômicas dos idosos em Viçosa-MG
Authors: Machado Juliana Costa , Ribeiro Rita de Cássia Lanes , Leal Paulo Fernando da Glória , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre
Published: January 2008

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o declínio cognitivo de idosos (indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais), freqüentadores do Programa Municipal da Terceira Idade (PMTI), em Viçosa, MG, e sua relação com as características socioeconômicas. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo analítico transversal com 74 idosos. Foram incluídos no estudo os idosos alfabetizados que preencheram os seguintes critérios: ausência de perda visual ou auditiva, eventualmente corrigidas, ausência de alterações motoras e paralisia nos membros superiores ou a falta deles, ausência de problemas neurológicos ou psiquiátricos que prejudicassem o desempenho no Mini-Exame do estado mental (MEEM). Os instrumentos de coleta de dados adotados foram um questionário, elaborado pela equipe de pesquisadores para a avaliação das características socioeconômicas, e o MEEM. RESULTADOS: Dentre os idosos avaliados, encontrou-se uma freqüência de declínio cognitivo de 36,5%. A média de pontuação no MEEM foi de 19,48 pontos em um total de 30 pontos e a média da idade dos idosos foi de 68,5 anos. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados encontrados mostram que o menor nível de escolaridade tem influência negativa no estado mental dos idosos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que é alto o número de idosos identificados com declínio cognitivo. Para se concluir um diagnóstico de demência em idosos, cujas respectivas pontuações foram abaixo do determinado, é necessária uma avaliação neuropsicológica mais apurada.
Hábitos de higiene bucal e fatores sociodemográficos em adolescentes
Authors: Freire Maria do Carmo Matias , Sheiham Aubrey , Bino Yedda Avelino
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVO: Investigar os hábitos de higiene bucal de adolescentes e sua relação com o sexo e o nível socioeconômico. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados secundários de um estudo transversal utilizando questionários auto-aplicáveis em 664 escolares de 15 anos, selecionados aleatoriamente de escolas públicas e privadas e suas mães, em Goiânia-GO. RESULTADOS: 51,8% da amostra eram do sexo feminino e 48,2% do masculino, 325 (48,9%) pertenciam ao grupo de nível socioeconômico alto e 339 (51,1%) ao nível baixo. Todos os adolescentes afirmaram que limpavam os dentes. Os principais motivos foram relacionados à saúde (73,5%) e limpeza (40,2%). Os motivos foram associados ao sexo (p<0,001) e nível socioeconômico (p<0,05). A maioria dos adolescentes relatou escovar os dentes três vezes ou mais ao dia (77,7%). Os recursos de higiene mais relatados foram escova (97,6%), creme (90,5%) e fio dental (69,1%). Adolescentes do sexo feminino apresentaram maior freqüência de escovação do que os do masculino (p=0,001). Os horários de escovação mais comuns foram após o almoço (80,3%), antes do café da manhã (73,5%) e antes de dormir (62,5%). A maioria (82,7%) respondeu que não necessita ser lembrada para higienizar os dentes, sendo a necessidade mais freqüente entre os indivíduos do sexo masculino (p=0,017). A mãe foi relatada como a principal pessoa a lembrá-los para higienizar (66,1%) e a dar as primeiras instruções sobre a importância da limpeza dos dentes (81,3%). CONCLUSÕES: Os adolescentes relataram bons hábitos de higiene bucal, os quais são influenciados pelas variáveis sexo e nível socioeconômico.
Evaluation of sources of uncertainty in risk assessments conducted for the US Army using a case study approach
Authors: von Stackelberg Katherine , Vorhees Donna , Moore Dwayne , Cura Jerome , Bridges Todd
Published: January 2008

We identify, categorize, and score sources of uncertainty in human health and ecological risk assessments conducted for several US Army sites to identify better analytical practices and opportunities for targeted research to improve risk estimates. The reviewed assessments are from reports completed within the past 8 y and were obtained from the US Army Environmental Technical Information Center (ETIC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA. Most of the risk assessments incorporated only qualitative uncertainty analysis to demonstrate the conservatism of selected data and predictive models. Food chain transfer (e.g., concentrations of contaminants across trophic levels) dominated quantifiable sources of uncertainty across the risk assessments evaluated. Factors related to dermal exposures ranked high for human health, and effects assessment for ecological endpoints.
Risk assessment methodologies for exposure of great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) to PCBs on the Kalamazoo river, Michigan
Authors: Strause Karl D , Zwiernik Matthew J , Newsted John L , Neigh Arianne M , Millsap Stephanie D , Park Cyrus S , Moseley Pamela P , Kay Denise P , Bradley Patrick W , Jones Paul D , Blankenship Alan L , Sikarskie James G , Giesy John P
Published: January 2008

Dietary exposures of great horned owls (GHO; Bubo virginianus) to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the terrestrial food web at the Kalamazoo River, Michigan, USA, were examined. Average potential daily doses (APDD) in GHO diets were 7- to 10-fold and 3-fold greater at the more contaminated location versus a reference location for site-specific exposures quantified as total PCBs and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQWHO-Avian), respectively. Wetland/aquatic prey contributed significantly to PCB exposure and APDD. Estimates of risk based on comparison of modeled dietary intake (e.g., APDD) to toxicity reference values (TRVs), using a hazard quotient (HQ) methodology, varied between diet composition methods (mass basis vs numeric basis). Mass-basis compositions yielded greater HQs at all sites. Potential risks associated with dietary exposures (”bottom-up” risk assessment methodology) were less than (HQ < 1) benchmarks for effects,. This result is consistent with risk estimates based on concentrations in tissues (”top-down” risk assessment methodology), and indicated PCBs posed no significant risk to terrestrial raptor species. Colocated and concurrent studies that evaluated GHO reproductive performance (nestling productivity) and relative abundance were consistent with results of the risk assessment. Measures of risk based on HQs were consistent with direct measures of ecologically relevant endpoints (reproductive fitness). Uncertainty in risk estimates is contributed during the selection of TRVs for effects in GHO based on TEQWHO-Avian because of the absence of species-specific, dose-response thresholds. This evaluation indicated that a multiple-lines-of-evidence approach provided the best estimate of risk.
Methods to develop consumption advice for methylmercury-contaminated walleye harvested by Ojibwe Tribes in the 1837 and 1842 ceded territories of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Madsen Eric R , DeWeese Adam D , Kmiecik Neil E , Foran Jeffery A , Chiriboga Esteban D
Published: January 2008

The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission produces consumption advisories for methylmercury in walleye (Sander vitreus) harvested by its member tribes in the 1837 and 1842 ceded territories of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, USA. Lake-specific advice is based primarily on regressions of methylmercury concentrations on walleye length and incorporates standard reference doses to generate recommended meal frequencies. The effects of variability and uncertainty are directly incorporated into the consumption advice through confidence bounds for the general population and prediction bounds for the sensitive population. Advice is tailored to the needs of the tribes because harvest and consumption of fish are culturally important. Data were sufficient to provide consumption advice for 293 of the 449 lakes assessed. Most of these carried a recommendation of no more than 4 meals per month for the general population and no more than 1 meal per month for the sensitive population.
Societal cost-benefit analysis for soil remediation in the Netherlands
Authors: van Wezel Annemarie P , Franken Ron OG , Drissen Eric , Versluijs Kees CW , van den Berg Reinier
Published: January 2008

There is a political demand on the efficiency of environmental policy. Cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) can play a role in answering that demand. This societal CBA for nationwide soil remediation operations in The Netherlands distinguishes 4 alternatives for future investments. In the zero alternative government funding will be terminated. Besides this, 3 policy alternatives are distinguished that are government financed. Soil remediation benefits human health, the drinking water supply, housing, perceptions, and the ecosystem. Soil remediation also answers the concerns of the Dutch population. The benefits to health (exposure to cadmium, lead, and carcinogens), drinking water supply, and housing are expressed in monetary terms. The extent that benefits equal the money spent depends partly on the value-loaded choice for the discount rate. Use of the current discount rate of 4% will mean a slightly negative balance whichever policy alternative is chosen. Focusing on nonmoneterized benefits, such as ecology, can cause the scales to tip in another direction. Using a lower discount rate will make future benefits, such as health and drinking water supply, more important. If the discount rate drops to 2% or less, all policy alternatives lead to a positive balance. Predominantly, the health benefits that are veiled in uncertainty can become a reason for applying a surcharge and, in turn, a higher discount rate. In that case, each of the alternatives will result in a net negative balance.
Selecting and evaluating native plants for region-specific phytotoxicity testing
Authors: Olszyke David , Pfleeger Thomas , Lee E Henry , Burdick Connie , King George , Plocher Milton , Kern Jeffrey
Published: January 2008

In this study, we evaluated methodology to determine risks to terrestrial native plant species from potential herbicide drift, focusing on 1) selection of native species for testing, 2) growth of these species, and 3) variability in herbicide response among native species and compared with crop plants. Native plant species were selected for initial testing on the basis of spatial analysis, which indicated that species from Illinois, USA, were at potential risk for off-target effects of herbicide drift. On the basis of preliminary seed germination tests, 5 native plant species (Andropogon gerardi, Polygonum lapathifolium, Solidago canadensis, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, and Tridens flavus) were selected for comparison with crops grown in Illinois, normally used in the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) Vegetative Vigor Test (Avena sativa, Daucus carota, Glycine max, Solanum lycopersicon, and Zea mays), or both. When treated with low concentrations of a test herbicide, sulfometuron methyl, 2 native species, P. lapathifolium and S. canadensis, were as sensitive as the 5 crop species. The effective herbicide concentrations producing a 25% reduction in shoot dry weight (EC25) for these species, ranged from 0.00015 to 0.0014 times a field application concentration of 52 g/ha active ingredient of sulfometuron methyl. S. lateriflorum and T. flavus were less sensitive than the other native species, whereas A. gerardi was tolerant to sulfometuron methyl with no growth reduction at any herbicide concentration tested. This study indicated that native species can be successfully selected and grown, used in the suite of species used in the USEPA's phytotoxicity test to assess risks of chemical herbicides to nontarget plants. It also showed (with a limited number of species) that native species varied more in sensitivity to simulated herbicide drift than crop species often used in phytotoxicity testing and that a Weibull function was useful to calculate EC25 values when low concentrations of herbicides was used.
Removal of ibuprofen from wastewater: comparing biodegradation in conventional, membrane bioreactor, and biological nutrient removal treatment systems
Authors: Smook T.M. , Zho H. , Zytner R.G.
Published: January 2008

Pharmaceuticals are continually being introduced into the influent of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Developing a better understanding of pharmaceutical removal mechanisms within the different treatment processes is vital in preventing downstream contamination of our water resources. In this study, ibuprofen, a popular over-the-counter pain reliever, was monitored by taking wastewater samples throughout the City of Guelph municipal WWTP. Greater than 95% of ibuprofen was found to be removed in the aeration tank, with aerobic biodegradation being the dominant mechanism. For comparison, first-order kinetics were used to quantify ibuprofen biodegradation in a conventional WWTP aeration tank and in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) pilot plant. The rate constants, kbiol, for the conventional tank and the MBR were determined to be (−6.8±3.3) L/g SS*d and (−8.4±4.0) L/g SS*d, respectively. These two rate constants were found to be statistically similar. Preliminary study of a biological nutrient removal pilot system also suggests that ibuprofen can be anaerobically degraded.
Emerging contaminants and treatment options in water recycling for indirect potable use
Authors: Wintgens T. , Salehi F. , Hochstrat R. , Melin T.
Published: January 2008

Solutions to global water stress problems are urgently needed yet must be sustainable, economical and safe. The utilisation of alternative water sources like reclaimed municipal wastewater is one of the most obvious and promising options in integrated water resources management. Among the various beneficial uses of reclaimed wastewater Aquifer Recharge (AR) receives growing attention because it features advantages such as additional natural treatment, storage capacity to buffer seasonal variations of supply and demand as well as mixing with natural water bodies which promotes the acceptance of further uses, particularly indirect potable use. Major concerns about the safety of this exploitation route of an alternative water source are connected to microbial and chemical contaminants occurring in wastewater, among which are emerging trace organics like endocrine disrupters and pharmaceuticals. This paper reviews the current international debate about the relevance of emerging contaminants and technical mitigation options in water recycling for indirect potable use.
How Teachers' Uses of Technology Vary by Tenure and Longevity
Authors: Russell Michael , O'Dwyer Laura M. , Bebell Damian , Tao Wei
Published: January 2008

In spite of large expenditures on and increased access to educational technologies, a concern remains that computer-based technologies are not being integrated into regular instructional practices. While there is evidence to support the hypothesis that newer teachers' familiarity with technology leads to increased technology integration, a question remains about whether technology use is not only related to the number of years they have been in the teaching professional, but also the number of years they have been teaching at their current school. To examine this issue, this research presents the findings from the analysis of survey data collected from the 2,864 teachers. The data show that the relationship between technology use, the amount of time teachers have been teaching throughout their career, and the number of years they have been at their current school varies according to the ways in which technology use is defined. This article discusses the variety of relationships that were observed in the data and their implications for pre-service and in-service teacher training.
The Contribution of DSS to Limiting Differences in Decisions between Successful and Unsuccessful Teachers
Authors: Klein Joseph
Published: January 2008

This study examined the contribution of a Decision Support System (DSS) to minimizing differences between the educational decisions of 310 teachers who were classified, according to the teaching skill categories of the NBPTS, as excellent, mediate, or poor. The teachers were asked to analyze the same educational dilemma, once intuitively and a second time by means of a systematic computer-assisted procedure. The intuitive decisions of the poor and mediate teachers differed significantly from those of the best group. Formulation of decisions with DSS assistance reduced the disparity between the decisions of the competent and of the poor teachers. The article discusses the options and limitations of DSS use in schools and the possibility of employing other means for promoting a systematic approach to decision-making in educational systems.
A study on the fundamental factors determining the efficacy of siRNAs with high C/G contents
Authors: Liao Jie-Ying , Yin James , Chen Fang , Liu Tie-Gang , Yue Jia-Chang
Published: January 2008

Although there are many reports about the efficacy of siRNAs, it is not clear whether those siRNAs with high C/G contents can be used to silence their target mRNAs efficiently. In this study, we investigated the structure and function of a group of siRNAs with high C/G contents. The results showed that single siRNAs against the Calpain, Otoferlin and Her2 mRNAs could induce different silencing effects on their targets, suggesting that the accessibility to target sequences influences the efficacy of siRNA. Unexpectedly, a single siRNA could target its cognate sequence in the 3’UTR of EEF1D or the 5’UTR of hTRF2 or CDC6. Their interaction induced different modes of gene silencing. Furthermore, the introduction of mutations into the 3’ end of the passenger strand showed that the position and number of mutated nucleotides could exert some influence on the efficacy of siRNA. However, these mutations did not completely block the passenger strand from exerting its RNAi effect. Interestingly, our findings also indicated that the target mRNA might play essential roles in maintaining or discarding the guide strand in RISCs. Thus, the conclusion could be drawn that favorable siRNA sequences, accessible target structures and the fast cleavage mode are necessary and sufficient prerequisites for efficient RNAi.
Transformation of Lake Ecosystem into Peat Bog and Vegetation History Based on Durne Bagno Mire (Lublin Polesie, E Poland)
Authors: Bałaga Krystyna
Published: January 2008

In this paper, the history of Durne Bagno, i.e. the largest peat bog in the Lublin Polesie, is shown. Peat bogs are a unique element of the Polesie landscape. They occur mostly in the subregion of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District occupying 1.07% of its area. They fill basin-shaped depressions without outflow, often in the immediate vicinity of dystrophic lakes. Based on interdisciplinary research, the changes of vegetation cover and the Durne Bagno lake-mire ecosystem in the Late Glacial and Holocene are presented. The environmental conditions are reconstructed from pollen analysis, detailed identification of algae of Pediastrum genus and chemical composition of deposits, together with the results of Cladocera analysis. The distribution of archaeological artefacts in the surroundings of Durne Bagno peat bog gives the view on the intensity of settlement in this area. The duration of the limnic and mire stages during the development of the ecosystem was different in different parts of the examined depression. In its central part the limnic stage lasted about 8000 years and included the period from the Late Glacial to the middle Holocene (to about 6000 BP). It is represented by 7 pollen zones and 6 chemical zones. The mire stage contained a part the Atlantic period and on the Subboreal and Subatlantic periods. It is represented by 4 pollen zones and 5 chemical zones. Limnic and mire deposits differ widely in the concentrations of chemical elements. The contents of mineral material and almost all analyzed elements in limnic deposits are high. These deposits are characterized by positive correlation between the contents of Zn and Cr and the frequency of Cladocera fauna. Peat contains very low amount of mineral material. The contents of Ca, Sr and Ba are rather high in sedgemoss peat. The concentrations of these elements decrease upwards due to oligotrophic processes and sedentation of sedge-Eriophorum-Sphagnum peat. Peat succession was modified by pastoral economy of prehistoric man.
Emergency Response Plans and Needs of Communities with Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Liu Rongfang (Rachel) , Schachter Hindy Lauer
Published: January 2008

A major component of an emergency plan is a well-organized evacuation proposal that takes into consideration all people with special needs and that uses all available resources. Given the wide distribution of people with limited English proficiency (LEP) in America's urban areas, especially large metropolitan areas, issues related to LEP communities will occur when large numbers of citizens are evacuated in emergencies. This paper presents a picture of LEP communities, their needs and preferences, and potential concerns for LEP communities in the case of an emergency. The paper raises the issue of addressing LEP populations in the design of emergency plans and proposes tactics that can be used to assist and expedite the evacuation of LEP communities.
Development and Field Evaluation of Variable Advisory Speed Limit System for Work Zones
Authors: Kwon Eil , Brannan Daniel , Shouman Kahled , Isackson Cassandra , Arseneau Bernie
Published: January 2008

A practical methodology to reduce traffic conflicts at work zones was developed and evaluated in the field. The proposed system uses variable advisory speed limits that are determined with a two-stage speed reduction scheme. The system is designed to lower the speed of the upstream traffic approaching the work zone bottleneck to the same level as the downstream flow. The system was implemented at one of the I-494 work zones in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, for a 3-week period in 2006. Data collected from the field indicated a 25% to 35% reduction of the average 1-min maximum speed difference along the work zone area during the 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. morning peak periods after the system was implemented. The reduction in speed difference also resulted in an approximate 7% increase of the total throughput volume measured at the downstream work zone boundary during the 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. periods. The volume increase during the 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. periods was not significant. Estimation of the driver compliance rate, by comparing the speed differences upstream and downstream of the advisory speed limit signs, showed 20% to 60% correlation levels during the morning peak periods.
Driving Simulator Validation for Nighttime Construction Work Zone Devices
Authors: McAvoy Deborah S. , Schattler Kerrie L. , Datta Tapan K.
Published: January 2008

Research was conducted to ascertain the validity of a driving simulator in determining the effectiveness of temporary traffic control devices in a work zone at night. The research was conducted through a field study and a simulator study. The field study examined speeds at six sites. The simulator study involved 127 human subjects. Spot speeds were observed at three locations in a freeway work zone. Locations of the speed studies were at the beginning of the work zone near the transition area, in the middle of the work zone, and at the end of the work zone near the downstream taper. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether participants of the study performed differently in the simulator, compared with in the field. Research results established that because of the motorist's perceived risk of work zones, driving simulators may not replicate mean speeds observed in the field.
Urban Freeway Crash Analysis
Authors: Kopelias Pantelis , Papadimitriou Fanis , Papandreou Konstantinos , Prevedouros Panos
Published: January 2008

Associations between the number of crashes and the severity of crashes with a long list of potentially contributing factors, such as geometric and operational characteristics and weather conditions, were investigated. Both aggregate and disaggregate databases with crash statistics were used. Severity was estimated with constants for the different impact (cost) of fatalities, injuries, and material damages. Noteworthy associations included the negative correlation with the speed limit (spots with lower speed limits have more, or more severe, crashes), existence of merge–diverge pavement markings (suggesting the possibility of an illegal driving maneuver), downhill grade sections, and curves. Several temporal variables such as months, days, or time of day with a higher frequency of crashes worked well in models, but those were findings of local interest. An important outcome of this analysis is the absence of any major correlation, which implies that crashes on the modern and mildly congested Attica Tollway in Greece are events largely attributable to driver behavior and other circumstances that cannot be accounted for by geometric, operational, or other temporal variables. Findings of this research suggest that fixed and temporal roadway characteristics and the presence of rain or wet pavements may explain (and likely contribute to) about 5% to 10% of the crashes and severity of crashes observed in 2004 and 2005 on the Attica Tollway. The 2006 report from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study concluded that nearly 80% of all crashes involved driver inattention, lending support to the finding that roadway and environmental factors are relatively minor causes of crashes.
Survivability Analysis of Large-Scale Intelligent Transportation System Networks
Authors: Abdel-Rahim Ahmed , Oman Paul , Johnson Brian , Tung Li-Wei
Published: January 2008

A case study to assess the survivability of a large-scale urban intelligent transportation system (ITS) network is presented. The ITS for Boise, Idaho, was analyzed on the basis of two survivability assessment techniques, which are discussed and summarized. The first approach provides a qualitative assessment of the Boise ITS; it is based on the survivable systems analysis method as modified for critical infrastructure. The second approach provides a quantitative assessment of network survivability by using a multilayer graph-based approach consisting of the greater Boise area power grid and surface transportation system. The power grid and the physical and control transportation graphs were analyzed to determine the relative criticality of various network components. Macroscopic modeling was used to investigate the effect of components' failure on the network's operational characteristics. The greater Boise area has a population of more than half a million. The analysis presented here serves as a case study showing the means of assessing the importance of various components in critical infrastructure layers. The results have enabled traffic operators and decision makers in the Boise area to understand the effects of failure events and to prioritize threat mitigation alternatives.
Impact of Probabilistic Road Capacity Constraints on the Spatial Distribution of Hurricane Evacuation Shelter Capacities
Authors: Yazici Mustafa Anil , Ozbay Kaan
Published: January 2008

The focus of this study is on determining the change in capacity requirements and desirable shelter locations as a result of link capacity changes during evacuation. A cell transmission-based system optimal dynamic traffic assignment (SO-DTA) formulation first proposed by Ziliaskopoulos is extended by introducing probabilistic capacity constraints. The p-level efficient points method first proposed by Prékopa is used to deal with probabilistic capacity constraints of the proposed stochastic SO-DTA model. The model captures the probabilistic nature of link capacities that change in response to the impacts of events such as hurricanes and earthquakes that can destroy or damage highway links. First, a simple single-destination example network is studied to show the effectiveness of the proposed model. Then the impact of using stochastic and deterministic link capacities is also analyzed with a simplified multiple-origin, multiple-destination version of the Cape May, New Jersey, network. Desirable shelter locations are evaluated by letting the stochastic SO-DTA model assign flows generating the minimum systemwide travel time. The results indicate that introducing probabilistic link capacities can adjust the overall flow in the network as well as shelter utilization. Thus, if planners consider the predictions of the deterministic model, they may face the risk of not having sufficient food, medicine, and other emergency supplies in shelters. This paper suggests a more realistic approach to evacuation planning to avoid the inefficiencies that created problems after such recent major disasters as Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Southeast Asia.
Stochastic Humanitarian Inventory Control Model for Disaster Planning
Authors: Ozbay Kaan , Ozguven Eren Erman
Published: January 2008

The impacts of disasters have recently attracted increased attention from researchers and policy makers. However, there has been little consensus about how an efficient inventory management model can be developed for postdisaster conditions. Victims of a disaster are generally gathered into shelters during and after a severe disaster to ensure their security. Many evacuees do not have the financial resources to leave the disaster area or to find food, drugs, and other necessities. Hence, their vital needs should be supplied efficiently throughout the disaster and postdisaster periods. Without an adequate stock of goods, satisfying the daily requirements of the victims without disruption might be problematic. To solve this problem, humanitarian inventory control models that can aid in adequately responding to a disaster or a humanitarian crisis are needed. In this context, response represents preparedness, planning, assessment, appeal, mobilization, procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution. This paper is concerned with the development of a subproblem of the general humanitarian supply chain problem: an efficient and quick-response humanitarian inventory management model able to determine the safety stock that will prevent disruptions at a minimal cost. The humanitarian inventory management problem is first mathematically formulated as a version of the Hungarian Inventory Control Model. A solution to this time-dependent stochastic model is then proposed by using the p-level efficient points algorithm. The single commodity case results are given, and a sensitivity analysis of the model vis-à-vis various model parameters that affect safe inventory levels is conducted.
Dynamic Network Simplex Method for Designing Emergency Evacuation Plans
Authors: Shen Wei , Nie Yu , Zhang H. M.
Published: January 2008

The cell-based system optimal dynamic traffic assignment (SO-DTA) model has recently been applied to study emergency evacuation by a handful of authors. It is recognized that an optimal solution to this model may contain a phenomenon called traffic holding, which discharges flow at a lower rate than what can be achieved under the given traffic conditions. Mathematically, this is caused by the relaxation of traffic flow propagation constraints. In this paper, an optimal traffic pattern that contains no holding is always proved to exist in the context of evacuation planning. An optimal traffic pattern without holding is much easier and less costly to implement in emergency response. A dynamic network simplex method for solving the simplified SO-DTA model that represents traffic flow propagation by a point-queue model is proposed. By making full use of the network structure, the algorithm is able to identify an optimal solution without holding. For the original cell-based SO-DTA, an iterative procedure is suggested that can effectively eliminate holding in a solution obtained from a conventional linear programming algorithm.
Modeling the Hurricane Evacuation Response Curve
Authors: Fu Haoqiang , Wilmot Chester G. , Zhang Hong , Baker Earl J.
Published: January 2008

The objective of this study is to develop a hurricane evacuation response curve that is sensitive to the characteristics of the hurricane, the time of day, and the type and timing of evacuation notice issued. Two data sets from past hurricanes, Floyd in South Carolina and Andrew in southeastern Louisiana, were used for model development and testing. A model developed on the Hurricane Floyd data set produced plausible results when it was tested with a series of storm scenarios and different evacuation notice policies. The same model predicted evacuation response behavior for Hurricane Andrew that was similar to observed behavior.
Detection of metastases in breast cancer patients
Authors: Mahner S. , Schirrmacher S. , Jenicke L. , Müller V. , Habermann C. R. , Brenner W. , Dose-Schwarz J.
Published: January 2008

Distant metastases at primary diagnosis are a prognostic key factor in breast cancer patients and play a central role in therapeutic decisions. To detect them, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and bone scintigraphy are performed as standard of care in Germany and many centers worldwide. Although FDG PET detects metastatic disease with high accuracy, its diagnostic value in breast cancer still needs to be defined. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of FDG PET with conventional imaging. Patients, methods: A retrospective analysis of 119 breast cancer patients who presented for staging was performed. Whole-body FDG-PET (n=119) was compared with chest X-ray (n=106) and bone scintigraphy (n=95). Each imaging modality was independently assessed and classified for metastasis (negative, equivocal and positive. The results of abdominal ultrasound (n=100) were classified as negative and positive according to written reports. Imaging results were compared with clinical follow-up including follow-up imaging procedures and histopathology. Results: FDG-PET detected distant metastases with a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 83.3%. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of combined conventional imaging procedures was 43.1% and 98.5%, respectively. Regarding so-called equivocal and positive results as positive, the sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET was 93.1% and 76.6%, respectively, compared to 61.2% and 86.6% for conventional imaging. Regarding different locations of metastases the sensitivity of FDG PET was superior in the detection of pulmonary metastases and lymph node metastases of the mediastinum in comparison to chest x-ray, whereas the sensitivity of FDG PET in the detection of bone and liver metastases was comparable with bone scintigraphy and ultrasound of the abdomen. Conclusions: FDG-PET is more sensitive than conventional imaging procedures for detection of distant breast cancer metastases and should be considered for additional staging especially in patients with high risk primary breast cancer.
Geometric models in dosimetry of thyroid remnant mass
Authors: Lončarić S. , Huić D. , Dodig D. , Grošev D.
Published: January 2008

Aim: Absorbed dose to thyroid remnant tissue after 131I ablation becomes mass/size-dependent. This is a direct consequence of the small remnant size and radiation escape starts to be relevant. The self-absorbed fraction becomes mass/size-dependent. We have used Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the influence of the thyroid remnant shape upon the absorbed fraction calculation. Methods: Thyroid residue was modeled using spherical, cylindrical and elliptical shapes. Uniform beta activity distribution and unit density medium (water) within a remnant was assumed. For each of the geometrical models beta self-absorbed fraction (ϕγ) was calculated using Monte Carlo codes, while the mean absorbed dose per unit cumulated activity (Sγ) was calculated using MIRD formalism. Results: For spherical objects Ömono for mean beta energy (E = 0.182 MeV) of 131I is always greater than ϕγ calculated for the complete beta spectrum. For spheres having diameters 2–6 mm and assumption ϕγ=1, Sγ is overestimated by 11–37%. For cylinder and prolate spheroid of the same length and thickness, Sγ for cylinder is 30% smaller because of the greater mass. Similarly, elliptical cylinder and general ellipsoid of the same length and the same perpendicular dimensions (width and breadth), have similar ϕγ, while Sγ for elliptical cylinder is correspondingly smaller. Conclusion: For accurate dosimetry of thyroid remnants having masses <1 g and chordal lengths <1 cm it is necessary to calculate ϕγ for the full beta spectrum, or Sγ will be overestimated. The shape of the remnant may also be important since elongated non-spherical objects may also have ϕγ < 1.
A genetic‐based neuro‐fuzzy controller for blind equalization of time‐varying channels
Authors: Panigrahi Siba Prasada , Nayak Santanu Kumar , Padhy Sasmita Kumari
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a neuro‐fuzzy network (NFN) where all its parameters can be tuned simultaneously using genetic algorithms (GAs). The approach combines the merits of fuzzy logic theory, neural networks and GAs. The proposed NFN does not requirea prioriknowledge about the system and eliminates the need for complicated design steps such as manual tuning of input–output membership functions, and selection of fuzzy rule base. Although, only conventional GAs have been used, convergence results are very encouraging. A well‐known numerical example derived from literature is used to evaluate and compare the performance of the network with other equalizing approaches. Simulation results show that the proposed neuro‐fuzzy controller, all parameters of which have been tuned simultaneously using GAs, offers advantages over existing equalizers and has improved performance.

From the perspective of application and implementation, this paper is very interesting as it provides a new method for performing blind equalization. The main contribution of this paper is the use of learning algorithms to train a feed‐forward neural network for M‐ary QAM and PSK signals. This paper also provides a platform for researchers of the area for further development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geographic variation in Thomas langur (Presbytis thomasi) loud calls
Authors: Wich Serge A , Schel Anne Marijke , de Vries Han
Published: January 2008

Geographic variation in primate vocalizations has been described at two levels. First, at the level of acoustic variation within the same call type between populations and, second, at the level of presence or absence of certain call types in different populations. Acoustic variation is of interest because there are several factors that can explain this variation, such as gene flow, ecological factors and population density. Here we focus on the first level in a Southeast Asian primate, the Thomas langur. We recorded male loud calls in four populations that differed in their geographic distances from each other and had varying geographic barriers in between them, such as rivers and mountain ranges. The presence of these barriers leads to expectations of loud call variation under the gene flow model, which are examined here. We conducted a principal components analysis to condense the number of acoustic variables. With a subsequent discriminant function analysis on the six principal component scores, we found that the percentage of loud calls that were correctly assigned to a population was relatively high (50.0–76.2%) when three randomly selected loud calls from each male were used. Using the discriminant functions from this analysis to predict population membership of the remainder of the loud calls yielded lower, but still relatively high correct assignment percentages (26.2–66.7%). Analyses to examine the influence of barriers on similarities between populations confirm our expectations. We discuss that differences in loud calls are probably most parsimoniously explained by gene flow (or the lack thereof) between the populations and that future studies of genetic differences are crucial to test this hypothesis. Am. J. Primatol. 70:566–574, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New anti‐bacterial polychelates: synthesis, characterization, and anti‐bacterial activities of thiosemicarbazide–formaldehyde resin and its polymer–metal complexes
Authors: Parveen Shadma , Ahamad Tansir , Nishat Nahid
Published: January 2008

New polymeric ligand (resin) was prepared by the condensation of thiosemicarbazides with formaldehyde in the presence of acidic medium. Thisemicarbazide–formaldehyde polymer–metal complexes were prepared with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) in 1:2 metal:ligand molar ratio. The polymeric ligand and its polymer–metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR, 13C NMR and 1H NMR. The geometry of central metal ions was conformed by electronic (UV–vis) and EPR spectra. The antibacterial activities of all the synthesized polymers were investigated against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi (Gram‐negative). These compounds showed excellent activities against these bacteria using the shaking flask method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical algorithms for identification of astronomical X‐ray sources
Authors: Ziaeepour H. , Rosen S.
Published: January 2008

Observations of present and future X‐ray telescopes include a large number of ipitous sources of unknown types. They are a rich source of knowledge about X‐ray dominated astronomical objects, their distribution, and their evolution. The large number of these sources does not permit their individual spectroscopical follow‐up and classification. Here we use Chandra Multi‐Wavelength public data to investigate a number of statistical algorithms for classification of X‐ray sources with optical imaging follow‐up. We show that up to statistical uncertainties, each class of X‐ray sources has specific photometric characteristics that can be used for its classification. We assess the relative and absolute performance of classification methods and measured features by comparing the behaviour of physical quantities for statistically classified objects with what is obtained from spectroscopy. We find that among methods we have studied, multi‐dimensional probability distribution is the best for both classifying source type and redshift, but it needs a sufficiently large input (learning) data set. In absence of such data, a mixture of various methods can give a better final result.We discuss some of potential applications of the statistical classification and the enhancement of information obtained in this way. We also assess the effect of classification methods and input data set on the astronomical conclusions such as distribution and properties of X‐ray selected sources. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EM Cygni: A study of its eclipse timings
Authors: Csizmadia Sz. , Nagy Zs. , Borkovits T. , Hegedüs T. , Bíró I.B. , Kiss Z.T.
Published: January 2008

EM Cygni is a Z Cam‐subtype eclipsing dwarf nova. Its orbital period variations were reported in the past but the results were in conflict to each other while other studies allowed the possibility of no period variation. In this study we report accurate new times of minima of this eclipsing binary and update itsO –C diagram.We also estimate the mass transfer rate in EM Cygni system and conclude that the mass transfer is far from the critical value. The mass transfer rate determined from the eclipse timings is in agreement with the spectroscopically determined value. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photometric monitoring of the blazar 3C 345 for the period 1996–2006
Authors: Mihov B. , Bachev R. , Slavcheva‐Mihova L. , Strigachev A. , Semkov E. , Petrov G.
Published: January 2008

We present the results of the blazar 3C 345 monitoring in Johnson‐Cousins BVRI bands for the period 1996–2006. We have collected 29 V and 43 R data points for this period; the BI light curves contain a few measurements only. The accuracy of our photometry is not better than 0.03 mag in the VR bands. The total amplitude of the variability obtained from our data is 2.06 mag in the V and 2.25 mag in the R band. 3C 345 showed periods of flaring activity during 1998/99 and 2001: a maximum of the blazar brightness was detected in 2001 February – 15.345 mag in the V and 14.944 mag in the R band. We confirm that during brighter stages 3C 345 becomes redder; for higher fluxes the colour index seems to be less dependent on the magnitude. The intra‐night monitoring of 3C 345 in three consecutive nights in 2001 August revealed no significant intra‐night variability; 3C 345 did not show evident flux changes over timescales of weeks around the period of the intra‐night monitoring. This result supports the existing facts that intra‐night variability is correlated with rapid flux changes rather than with specific flux levels. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Soft gamma repeaters activity in time
Authors: Popov S.B.
Published: January 2008

In this short note I discuss the hypothesis that bursting activity of magnetars evolves in time analogously to the glitching activity of normal radio pulsars (i.e. sources are more active at smaller ages), and that the increase of the burst rate follows one of the laws established for glitching radio pulsars. If the activity of soft gamma repeaters decreases in time in the way similar to the evolution of core‐quake glitches (∝t5/2), then it is more probable to find the youngest soft gamma repeaters, but the energy of giant flares from these sources should be smaller than observed 1044–1046 erg as the total energy stored in a magnetar's magnetic field is not enough to support thousands of bursts similar to the prototype 1979 March 5 flare. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)