bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conteúdos e Metodologias de Ensino de Avaliação Psicológica: um Estudo com Professores
Authors: Noronha Ana Paula Porto , Castro Nelimar Ribeiro de , Ottati Fernanda , Barros Mariana Varandas de Camargo , Santana Priscilla Rodrigues
Published: December 2013

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os conteúdos ministrados e as metodologias de ensino utilizadas por professores de graduação em Psicologia, especificamente nas disciplinas relacionadas à avaliação psicológica. O instrumento utilizado foi um questionário com duas seções, a primeira com o objetivo de caracterizar os participantes, e a segunda abordando as disciplinas ministradas. Participaram do estudo 22 professores. Dos respondentes, 72,7% eram do sexo feminino, 77,3% eram docentes de avaliação psicológica e 45,5% se formaram em universidades públicas. Para a questão aberta, sobre as disciplinas ministradas, foram estabelecidas categorias de análise e análise de juízes. Pôde-se constatar que, quanto ao conteúdo ministrado, as técnicas são ensinadas pela maior parte dos respondentes, ao lado dos fundamentos teóricos dos testes. Em contrapartida, o histórico da avaliação e os princípios da elaboração de documentos psicológicos foram os menos contemplados.
Naming New Stimuli After Selection by Exclusion
Authors: Costa Aline Roberta Aceituno da , Grisante Priscila Crespilho , Domeniconi Camila , Rose Julio Cesar Coelho de , Souza Deisy das Gracas de
Published: December 2013

Responding by exclusion in matching-to-sample tasks is a robust behavioral pattern in humans. A single selection, however, does not ensure learning of the arbitrary relationship between the sample and the selected comparison stimulus. The present study aimed to investigate the amount of exposure required until eight preschoolers were able to name two undefined pictures, matched by exclusion, to two undefined words. After establishing a matching-to-sample baseline between pictures and dictated words, two new words were introduced in exclusion probes. On each probe, a new word was dictated and the matrix of comparison stimuli included a new picture and two experimentally defined pictures. Naming emerged after three to10 exclusion trials. Correct naming tended to occur more reliably when the teaching phase established stimulus control by selection.
The Role of Morphosyntactic Awareness in Conventional Lexical Segmentation
Authors: Guimaraes Sandra Regina Kirchner
Published: December 2013

Starting with the alphabetic stage of writing acquisition, the learner struggles with issues related to spelling, including the segmentation of writing in graphic words. This study examined the conventional segmentation of words and its relation to morphosyntactic awareness in a sample of students in the 4th and 5th years of elementary education in public schools. Results reveal a discrepancy between the oral identification of words and performance in the segmentation of writing, with three criteria being used by students to define “word”: (1st) full meaning; (2nd) sequence of letters, not only one or two; (3rd) frequency of word use. Statistical analyses revealed significant positive correlations between conventional segmentation and morphosyntactic awareness. It is inferred that morphosyntactic skills support the establishment of the conventional notion of the word, and it is suggested that teachers promote the development of these skills, in order to ensure a greater command of the written language.
Skills Society and Cognition Policies in the Formation of Teachers
Authors: Dias Rosimeri de Oliveira , Kastrup Virginia
Published: December 2013

This study analyzes the formation of teachers and its relationships with the skills society. According to Sennett the skills society appears in the capitalism mutations and brings within it the notion of portable potential ability, stimulating the workers, so they can cope with acceleration and the short-term of information. The investigation distinguishes two cognition policies in the formation of teachers: (in)formation and (trans)formation, which co-exist. The first is based on information and connects knowing with the transmission and processing of symbolic representations. The second is grounded in experience and highlights the inseparable relationship between knowledge and invention. The study suggests that the processes which reduce formation to training and information, aiming for the development of abilities and competences, consider formation as the acquisition of knowledge ready to be consumed. In another direction, training is an inventive process, which is based on problematization and the knowledge construction experience.
Tubular flange girders with slender webs containing openings
Authors: Hassanein Mostafa Fahmi
Published: December 2013

The influence of square opening sizes on the shear behaviour of hollow tubular flange plate girders is investigated herein. Accordingly, a three-dimensional finite-element model using Abaqus has been employed. The results of the hollow tubular flange plate girders with web openings are compared with equivalent I-section plate girders with flat flanges with openings which have been examined extensively in the literature. The results indicated that employing the hollow tubular flange plate girders with web openings instead of the corresponding I-section plate girders is a high-performance solution for the drop in shear owing to the presence of these openings. Additionally, it is found that there is no need to check the local stresses existing around the openings at the serviceability limit state for hollow tubular flange plate girders with web openings because any local yielding will have a limited effect on deflection. It is furthermore found that the design strength of hollow tubular flange plate girders should consider the sum of the contributions of both the web and the hollow flanges.
An analytical approach for the cross-sectional analysis of generalised beam theory
Authors: Ranzi Gianluca , Luongo Angelo
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an analytical approach for the cross-sectional analysis carried out within the framework of the generalised beam theory. With this method, the in-plane deformations of the conventional modes are determined as the dynamic modes of an unconstrained planar frame, from which the corresponding warping distributions are post-processed. The shape functions adopted for the transverse displacements of the stiffness elements used for the dynamic analysis are derived based on the analytical solutions of the beam problem. In the case of the axial displacements, two sets of shape functions are considered, which correspond to a linear polynomial representation as well as to the analytical dynamic solution. The differences between these two approximations are discussed in relation to the condition of inextensibility applied within the generalised beam theory to each plate segment forming the cross-section. With the proposed procedure, the conventional modes, which include the distortional, shear and local modes, do not need to be calculated separately, as carried out with the classical generalised beam theory, and the approach is applicable to open, partially closed and closed sections. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed approach is outlined by means of two numerical case studies.
The Lifetime Effect of Residential School Attendance on Indigenous Health Status
Authors: Kaspar Violet
Published: December 2013

Objectives. I examined the health impact of lifetime Indian Residential school (IRS) attendance and the mediating influences of socioeconomic status and community adversity on health outcomes in a national sample of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Methods. In an analysis of data on 13 881 Inuit, Métis, and off-reserve First Nations or North American Indian adults responding to the postcensus 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey administered October 2006 to March 2007, I tested the direct effect of IRS attendance on health and indirect effects through socioeconomic and community factors using logistic regression procedures.

Results. Negative health status was significantly more likely with IRS attendance than nonattendance. The direct effect of IRS attendance remained significant although it attenuated substantially when adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and community-level adversities. Community adversity and socioeconomic factors, primarily income, employment status, and educational attainment mediated the effect of IRS on health.

Conclusions. Residential school attendance is a significant health determinant in the Indigenous population and is adversely associated with subsequent health status both directly and through the effects of attendance on socioeconomic and community-level risks.
Indicators of Victimization and Sexual Orientation Among Adolescents: Analyses From Youth Risk Behavior Surveys
Authors: Russell Stephen T. , Everett Bethany G. , Rosario Margaret , Birkett Michelle
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We used nuanced measures of sexual minority status to examine disparities in victimization and their variations by gender, age, and race/ethnicity.

Methods. We conducted multivariate analyses of pooled data from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys.

Results. Although all sexual minorities reported more fighting, skipping school because they felt unsafe, and having property stolen or damaged at school than did heterosexuals, rates were highest among youths who identified as bisexual or who reported both male and female sexual partners. Gender differences among sexual minorities appeared to be concentrated among bisexuals and respondents who reported sexual partners of both genders. Sexual minority youths reported more fighting than heterosexual youths, especially at younger ages, and more nonphysical school victimization that persisted through adolescence. White and Hispanic sexual minority youths reported more indicators of victimization than did heterosexuals; we found few sexual minority differences among African American and Asian American youths.

Conclusions. Victimization carries health consequences, and sexual minorities are at increased risk. Surveys should include measures that allow tracking of disparities in victimization by sexual minority status.
Research Funded by the National Institutes of Health on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations
Authors: Coulter Robert W. S. , Kenst Karey S. , Bowen Deborah J. , Scout
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined the proportion of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations, along with investigated health topics.

Methods. We used the NIH RePORTER system to search for LGBT-related terms in NIH-funded research from 1989 through 2011. We coded abstracts for LGBT inclusion, subpopulations studied, health foci, and whether studies involved interventions.

Results. NIH funded 628 studies concerning LGBT health. Excluding projects about HIV/AIDS and other sexual health matters, only 0.1% (n = 113) of all NIH-funded studies concerned LGBT health. Among the LGBT-related projects, 86.1% studied sexual minority men, 13.5% studied sexual minority women, and 6.8% studied transgender populations. Overall, 79.1% of LGBT-related projects focused on HIV/AIDS and substantially fewer on illicit drug use (30.9%), mental health (23.2%), other sexual health matters (16.4%), and alcohol use (12.9%). Only 202 studies examined LGBT health–related interventions. Over time, the number of LGBT-related projects per year increased.

Conclusions. The lack of NIH-funded research about LGBT health contributes to the perpetuation of health inequities. Here we recommend ways for NIH to stimulate LGBT-related research.
Health Status of Children of Migrant Farm Workers: Farm Worker Family Health Program, Moultrie, Georgia
Authors: Nichols Memorie , Stein Aryeh D. , Wold Judith Lupo
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We evaluated the health status of migrant farmworkers’ children served by the Farm Worker Family Health Program (FWFHP) in Moultrie, Georgia.

Methods. We analyzed data from children aged 0 to 16 years examined through the FWFHP from 2003 to 2011 (n across years = 179–415). We compared their prevalence of overweight, obesity, elevated blood pressure, anemia, and stunting with that of children in the United States and Mexico.

Results. Across study years, prevalence of overweight, obesity, elevated blood pressure, anemia, and stunting ranged from 13.5% to 21.8%, 24.0% to 37.4%, 4.1% to 20.2%, 10.1% to 23.9%, and 1% to 6.4%, respectively. Children in the FWFHP had a higher prevalence of obesity than children in all comparison groups, and FWFHP children aged 6 to 12 years had a higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure than all comparison groups. Older FWFHP children had a higher prevalence of anemia than US children and Mexican children. Children in FWFHP had a higher prevalence of stunting than US and Mexican American children.

Conclusions. We observed an elevated prevalence of obesity, anemia among older age groups, and stunting in this sample of children of migrant workers.
Economic and Political Influence on Tobacco Tax Rates: A Nationwide Analysis of 31 Years of State Data
Authors: Golden Shelley D. , Ribisl Kurt M. , Perreira Krista M.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We evaluated state-level characteristics associated with cigarette excise taxes before and after the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).

Methods. We gathered annual cigarette excise tax rates for all US states and the District of Columbia, between 1981 and 2011, and matched each state–year tax rate with economic, political, attitudinal, and demographic characteristics, creating a data set of 1581 observations. We used panel data regression techniques to assess relationships between key characteristics and state cigarette excise tax levels.

Results. Cigarette excise tax rates grew at more than 6 times the rate of inflation between 1981 and 2011; growth varied by time period and region. We found strong negative associations between Republican Party control of state legislatures and governors’ offices and state cigarette tax rates. Tobacco production, citizens’ attitudes toward taxes and tobacco control, and cigarette tax rates in neighboring states were significantly associated with cigarette tax rates. We found no association between unemployment and tax rates.

Conclusions. Future excise tax growth rate may depend more on the political leanings of state legislators, and the attitudes of the people they represent, than on economic circumstances.
High-Risk Sexual Activity in the House and Ball Community: Influence of Social Networks
Authors: Schrager Sheree M. , Latkin Carl A. , Weiss George , Kubicek Katrina , Kipke Michele D.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We investigated the roles of House membership and the influence of social and sexual network members on the sexual risk behavior of men in the Los Angeles House and Ball community.

Methods. From February 2009 to January 2010, male participants (n = 233) completed interviewer-assisted surveys during a House meeting or Ball event. We used logistic regression to model the effects of sexual network size, influence of sexual network members, House membership status, and their interactions on high-risk sex.

Results. Significant predictors of high-risk sex included number of sexual partners in the nominated social network, multiethnicity, and previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection. House membership was protective against high-risk sex. Additionally, a 3-way interaction emerged between number of sexual partners in the network, influence, and network members’ House membership.

Conclusions. Future research should assess network members’ attitudes and behavior in detail to provide a greater understanding of the dynamics of social influence and to identify additional avenues for intervention.
“A Campaign Won as a Public Issue Will Stay Won”: Using Cartoons and Comics to Fight National Health Care Reform, 1940s and Beyond
Authors: Knoblauch Heidi Katherine
Published: December 2013

On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. As it went through Congress, the legislation faced forceful resistance. Individuals and organizations opposing the ACA circulated propaganda that varied from photographs of fresh graves or coffins with the caption “Result of ObamaCare” to portrayals of President Obama as the Joker from the Batman movies, captioned with the single word “socialism.” The arguments embedded in these images have striking parallels to cartoons circulated by physicians to their patients in earlier fights against national health care. Examining cartoons used in the formative health care reform debates of the 1940s provides a means for tracing the lineage of emotional arguments employed against health care reform.
Metallic ion release from biocompatible cobalt-based alloy
Authors: Dimic Ivana , Cvijovic-Alagic Ivana , Kostic Ivana , Peric-Grujic Aleksandra , Rakin Marko , Putic Slavisa , Bugarski Branko
Published: December 2013

Metallic biomaterials, which are mainly used for the damaged hard tissue
replacements, are materials with high strength, excellent toughness and good
wear resistance. The disadvantages of metals as implant materials are their
susceptibility to corrosion, the elastic modulus mismatch between metals and
human hard tissues, relatively high density and metallic ion release which
can cause serious health problems. The aim of this study was to examine
metallic ion release from Co-Cr-Mo alloy in artificial saliva. In that
purpose, alloy samples were immersed into artificial saliva with different pH
values (4.0, 5.5 and 7.5). After a certain immersion period (1, 3 and 6
weeks) the concentrations of released ions were determined using Inductively
Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). The research findings were
used in order to define the dependence between the concentration of released
metallic ions, artificial saliva pH values and immersion time. The determined
released metallic ions concentrations were compared with literature data in
order to describe and better understand the phenomenon of metallic ion
release from the biocompatible cobalt-based alloy.
Optimization of extraction technology of polysaccharide from foxtail millet using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhu Ai-Shi , Ye Jin-Na , Yan Fei-Na
Published: December 2013

The experiment of extraction of polysaccharide from foxtail millet was
investigated. Response Surface Methodology (RSM),based on a threelevel, three
variablesBox-Behnken design (BBD), was employed to obtain the best possible
combination of liquid-solid ratio(X1: 15.0-25.0 mL?g-1),extraction time (X2:
1.5-2.5h), and extraction temperature (X3: 65.0-75.0?C)for maximum
polysaccharide yields. The experimental data obtained were fitted to a
second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and also
analyzed by appropriate statistical methods (ANOVA). The optimum extraction
conditions were as follows: liquid-solid ratio 20.7mL?g-1, extraction time
2.0h, extraction temperature 72.3?C. Under these conditions, the experimental
yield was 8.08mg?g-1, which is well in close agreement
with8.02mg?g-1predicted value by the model.
First record of Aedes albopictus in Slovakia
Authors: Bocková Eva , Kočišová Alica , Letková Valéria
Published: December 2013

During a routine inspection of the mosquito fauna in the Košická Basin (Eastern Slovakia), in one of the monitored locations we have caught 4 females of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus, using the CO2 baited CDC traps. Occurrence of this particular mosquito has already been reported in many European countries; in Slovakia, however, this is the first finding ever. The finding of Ae. albopictus extends the list of the mosquito fauna in Slovakia to 50 species and Slovakia thus ranks among other 20 European countries where this mosquito was observed. The presence of Ae. albopictus increased the probability of transmission of canine and human dirofilariosis in urban environment.
Alloglossidium demshini sp. nov. (Digenea: Macroderoididae) from leeches in Minnesota
Authors: Tkach Vasyl , Greiman Stephen , Steffes Kayla
Published: December 2013

Alloglossidium demshini sp. nov. is described based on specimens from leeches Haemopis grandis collected in northwestern Minnesota. The new species is morphologically closest to Alloglossidium schmidti. The two species can be readily differentiated based on several morphological characters. The cirrus sac in A. schmidti is almost entirely situated anterior to the ventral sucker while in A. demshini sp. nov. it is situated dorsal to the ventral sucker and its proximal end almost reaches the posterior end of ventral sucker or extends posterior to it. The new species has a prepharynx that is substantially longer than the esophagus while in A. schmidti the situation is the opposite. The two species also differ in the position of the ovary and the position of the testes and vitelline fields in relation to the ends of the ceca. Hirudineatrema oschmarini described from leeches in Eastern Palaearctic and Alloglossidium richardsoni described in North America demonstrate great morphological similarity. Nevertheless, Hirudineatrema cannot be synonymized with Alloglossidium at this point because of several peculiar morphological features of H. oschmarini such as a V-shaped excretory bladder and the apparent presence of a true seminal receptacle in the latter species. These features need to be re-evaluated before any taxonomic decision can be made.
Prevalence of subclinical coccidiosis in river buffalo calves of southwest of Iran
Authors: Bahrami Somayeh , Alborzi Ali
Published: December 2013

Despite the importance of buffalo farming in Iran, little is known in this country about the abundance and distribution of Eimeria spp. in the animal species. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and species characterization of Eimeria oocysts in river buffalo calves of Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. Of the total 108 fecal samples examined for Eimeria, 108 (100%) were found infected with 11 species of the parasite. Among the identified species of Eimeria, E. bovis was found to be the predominant etiological agent (76.85%), followed in order by E. canadensis (62.96%), E. zuernii (47.2%), E. ellipsoidalis (26.85%), E. subspherica (25.92%), E. brasiliensis (19.4%), E. auburnensis (18.51%), E. alabamensis (14.81%), E. pellita (11.1%), E. illinoisensis (5.5%) and E. bukidnonensis (2.7%). In most calves multiple infections with three species were present. While, 20.7% of calves showed heavy infection, 50.4 and 24.8% of calves showed weak and moderate infection, respectively. There was no significant difference in the OPG values between the calves of different localities. There was also no significant difference between the prevalence rate of infection in males and females. A total of 16.6% of all faecal samples were found to be diarrheic. A highly significant relationship could be identified between the occurrence of diarrhea and the level of E. bovis and E. zuernii oocysts excretion. Considering the pervasive occurrence and negative effects of the infection on the health condition and the growth performance of buffalo calves, infections should receive increased attention by both farmers and veterinarians.
Prime-boost vaccination with plasmid DNA followed by recombinant vaccinia virus expressing BgGARP induced a partial protective immunity to inhibit Babesia gibsoni proliferation in dogs
Authors: Cao Shinuo , Mousa Ahmed , Aboge Gabriel , Kamyingkird Ketsarin , Zhou Mo , Moumouni Paul , Terkawi Mohamad , Masatani Tatsunori , Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Fukumoto Shinya , Xuan Xuenan
Published: December 2013

A heterologous prime-boost vaccination regime with DNA and recombinant vaccinia virus (rvv) vectors expressing relevant antigens has been shown to induce effective immune responses against several infectious pathogens. In this study, we describe the effectiveness of the prime-boost strategy by immunizing dogs with a recombinant plasmid followed by vaccinia virus, both of which expressed the glutamic acid-rich protein (BgGARP) of Babesia gibsoni. The dogs immunized with the prime-boost regime developed a significantly high level of specific antibodies against BgGARP when compared with the control groups. The antibody level was strongly increased after a booster immunization with a recombinant vaccinia virus. Two weeks after the booster immunization with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing BgGARP, the dogs were challenged with B. gibsoni parasite. The dogs immunized with the prime-boost regime showed partial protection, manifested as a significantly low level of parasitemia. These results indicated that this type of DNA/rvv prime-boost immunization approach may have use against B. gibsoni infection in dogs.
A survey of biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in NE Bulgaria, with respect to transmission of avian haemosporidians
Authors: Bobeva Aneliya , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Bensch Staffan , Radrova Jana
Published: December 2013

This study presents data from a molecular survey of the species of the genus Culicoides from the region of Kalimok Field Station (NE Bulgaria) and haemosporidian parasites occurring in them in order to investigate the host-parasite specificity of haemosporidians to their dipteran vectors. The identification of Culicoides spp. was carried out by morphological and molecular-genetic methods. We collected and analysed 230 individuals of the genus Culicoides. Nine species were found. Eight species were identified morphologically; Culicoides obsoletus, C. riethi, C. newsteadi, C. circumscriptus, C. festivipennis, C. punctatus, C. pictipennis and C. puncticollis. The ninth species might be classified as either of C. nubeculosus or C. riethi and its identification needs additional investigations. The total prevalence of Haemoproteus in the examined biting midges was 2.17%. Three individuals of C. pictipennis were infected with the Haemoproteus lineage TURDUS2 (prevalence 16.67%), a common parasite of thrushes (Turdidae). Two individuals of C. circumscriptus contained Haemoproteus lineages (prevalence 2.78%); these were the lineage HAWF2 (previously reported from Coccothraustes coccothraustes) and a new lineage CULCIR1 not previously reported in the literature.
Using the giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama) mass breeding aggregation to explore the life cycle of dicyemid parasites
Authors: Catalano Sarah , Whittington Ian , Donnellan Stephen , Gillanders Bronwyn
Published: December 2013

Dicyemid mesozoan parasites, microscopic organisms found with high intensities in the renal appendages of benthic cephalopods, have a complex, partially unknown life cycle. It is uncertain at which host life cycle stage (i.e. eggs, juvenile, adult) new infection by the dispersive infusoriform embryo occurs. As adult cephalopods have a short lifespan and die shortly after reproducing only once, and juveniles are fast-moving, we hypothesize that the eggs are the life cycle stage where new infection occurs. Eggs are abundant and sessile, allowing a huge number of new individuals to be infected with low energy costs, and they also provide dicyemids with the maximum amount of time for survival compared with infection of juvenile and adult stages. In our study we collected giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama) eggs at different stages of development and filtered seawater samples from the S. apama mass breeding aggregation area in South Australia, Australia, and tested these samples for the presence of dicyemid DNA. We did not recover dicyemid parasite cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) nucleotide sequences from any of the samples, suggesting eggs are not the stage where new infection occurs. To resolve this unknown in the dicyemid life cycle, we believe experimental infection is needed.
Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens in Ukraine, an emergent zoonosis: epidemiological report of 1465 cases
Authors: Sałamatin Rusłan , Pavlikovska Tamara , Sagach Olga , Nikolayenko Svitlana , Kornyushin Vadim , Kharchenko Vitaliy , Masny Aleksander , Cielecka Danuta , Konieczna-Sałamatin Joanna , Conn David , Golab Elzbieta
Published: December 2013

The filarial nematode Dirofilaria repens is currently considered to be one of the most extensively spreading human and animal parasites in Europe. In Ukraine, reporting cases of dirofilariasis has been mandatory since 1975, and the disease was included in the national surveillance system for notifiable diseases. Up until December 31st 2012, a total of 1533 cases have been registered, with 1465 cases occurring within the previous 16 years. Most of the cases of dirofilariasis were registered in 6 regions: Kyiv, and the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Chernihiv oblasts. In the years 1997–2002 the highest incidence rate was noted in the Kherson oblast in the south of the country (9.79 per 100 000 people), and the lowest in western Ukraine (0.07–1.68 per 100 000 people). D. repens infections were registered in all oblasts. Parasitic lesions were most often located in the head, the subconjunctival tissue and around the eyes. D. repens lesions were also found in the limbs, torso, male sexual organs, and female mammary glands. Dirofilariasis was diagnosed in persons aged from 11 months to 90 years old, most often among people between 21–40 years of age. Most patients had only one parasitic skin lesion; the majority of isolated nematodes were female. The results of our analysis point to a constant increase in D. repens dirofilariasis incidence in humans in Ukraine. Despite educational efforts, infections have become more frequent and the territory in which the disease occurs has enlarged to encompass the whole of Ukraine. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian sanitary-epidemiological services managed to achieve some measure of success, e.g. by creating a registration system for D. repens infections and establishing proper diagnostics for the disease.
Toward a Feminist Analysis of “Impact”
Authors: Fábos Anita , Haddad Emily
Published: December 2013

Feminist activist and scholar Sondra Hale has made significant contributions to Sudan studies and politics through her research and her participation in Sudanese women’s rights advocacy and other progressive political movements. An analysis of Hale’s professional record as an academic shows a strong relationship between her personal commitment to social justice and her intellectual contributions to the field of gender politics in Sudan, the Middle East, and Africa Using data from Hale’s teaching, research, and activist networks, this study presents both a narrative assessment and a visual map of her career impact. We contrast conventional academic bibliometrics with an alternative mapping of influence through an examination of her participation in Sudanese and other women’s networks. The article makes use of feminist theory to review Hale’s negotiation of a public life that interrogates power and privilege in the American academy, as well as in Sudanese society.
Ein Sensorkonzept zur In-situ-Rissüberwachung in plattenartigen Strukturen
Authors: Bäcker Dennis , Häusler Christoph , Kuna Meinhard
Published: December 2013

Kurzfassung

Es wird eine neuartige Methode zur Rissüberwachung in Bauteilen aus dünnwandigen plattenartigen Strukturen vorgestellt. Dazu wird ein Sensorfeld aus piezoelektrischer Polyvinylidenfluorid-Folie (PVDF-Folie) auf die Oberfläche des rissbehafteten Bauteils appliziert. Infolge der Verformungen in der Rissumgebung entstehen elektrische Signale an den PVDF-Elektroden. Ausgehend von den gemessenen Signalen werden infolge der Lösung einer inversen Aufgabe die charakteristischen Risskenngrößen berechnet, d. h. die Spannungsintensitätsfaktoren des Risses und dessen Lage. Dieses Sensorkonzept wurde in [1–4] bereits für Scheibenprobleme erfolgreich entwickelt. In dieser Arbeit erfolgt die Erweiterung des Sensorkonzeptes auf Plattenprobleme, wobei speziell die Kirchhoff'sche Plattentheorie gewählt wurde. Die Messmethode wird am Beispiel eines Risses der Länge 2a in einer unendlichen Platte unter allseitiger Biegung erprobt.
Effect of Ti Addition on the Microstructure and Properties of a High Speed Steel Roll
Authors: Qihong Cen , Zhiqiang Jiang , Hanguang Fu
Published: December 2013

In the present work, the effect of Ti addition on microstructure and properties of high speed steel (HSS) used for rolls was investigated utilizing optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy spectrum analysis. The results indicated that as-cast microstructure of the HSS roll is mainly composed of MC, M2C and M7C3 eutectic carbides and metallic matrix consishing of a mixture of martensite, austenite, and pearlite. The carbides are connected or placed next to each other to form a network along grain boundaries. The addition of 0.5 wt.-% Ti leads to a great change in the morphology, size and distribution of carbides. The carbide network tends to break, and all carbides are refined and distributed homogeneously in the matrix. After normalizing treatment at 1050 °C, the carbides in the Ti containing HSS roll transform into granular or nodular distribution. The mechanical properties, thermal fatigue, and wear resistance of Ti containing HSS roll are more excellent than that of the HSS roll without titanium.
Vibration response of cement structures under conditions of impact loads
Authors: Huang Yiqi , Luo Zhaoyu
Published: December 2013

A flexible function layer between concrete base and pavement slab is constructed to avoid slab breakdowns caused by poor vibration damping and energy absorption of cement structures. Practical experiments as well as testing and analyzing systems are employed to collect the frequency signals from the pavement structure vibration for a small pavement slab structure subjected to a ball-drop impact. The results reveal that the vibration can be damped out and energy can be absorbed using such a flexible function layer. Based on the contrastive tests, the pavement slab vibration is a declining process under the impact load. The vibration damping effect is more significant with the increase in thickness of the function layer, but becomes slower if the layer reaches a certain thickness. The tests also show that the flexible function layer has a significant role in the vibration damping and energy absorption.
Numerical simulations of Gurenhekou glacier on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Liyun , Tian Lide , Zwinger Thomas , Ding Ran , Zong Jibiao , Ye Qinghua , Moore John C.
Published: December 2013

We investigate the impact of climate change on Gurenhekou glacier, southern Tibetan Plateau, which is representative of the tens of thousands of mountain glaciers in the region. We apply a three-dimensional, thermomechanically coupled full-Stokes model to simulate the evolution of the glacier. The steep and rugged bedrock geometry requires use of such a flow model. We parameterize the temperature and surface mass-balance (SMB) uncertainties using nearby automatic weather and meteorological stations, 6 year measured SMB data and an energy-balance model for a nearby glacier. Summer air temperature increased at 0.02 Ka−1 over the past 50 years, and the glacier has retreated at an average rate of 8.3 m a−1. Prognostic simulations suggest an accelerated annual average retreat rate of ~9.1 ma−1 along the central flowline for the next 25 years under continued steady warming. However, regional climate models suggest a marked increase in warming rate over Tibet during the 21st century, and this rate causes about a 0.9 ± 0.3% a−1 loss of glaciated area and 1.1 ± 0.6% a−1 shrinkage of glacier volume. These results, the rather high warming rates predicted and the small sizes of most Tibetan glaciers, suggest that significant numbers of glaciers will be lost in the region during the 21st century.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver & its Anthropometric Measurement
Authors: Alam Azmeri , Raihan M Al Masudur , Sadiya Salma , Begum Asma , Zeba Zebunnessa
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ibmcj.v2i1.17311 IBMC J 2011; 2(1): 14-16
’Walking With’: A Rhythmanalysis of London’s East End
Authors: Chen Yi
Published: December 2013

In this paper, I will be looking at the practice of walking through the lens of rhythmanalysis. The method is brought to attention by Lefebvre’s last book Rhythmanalysis (2004) in which he suggests a way of interrelating space and time; a phenomenological inquiry hinged on the concrete experience of lived life. My interest in the nuance of walking was initially evoked by the structural film Fergus Walking which was made by the film maker William Raban in 1978. I will explore the potential of using structural films in sensitising us to the temporal-spatial relationship of things. The main body of the paper centres around two themes: Firstly I address the primacy of movement as a mode of engaging with the world. It is through ‘muscular consciousness’ (Bachelard 1964: 11) that walking becomes a form of experiential knowing, feeling, connecting and protesting. Secondly, I examine the practices of walking in relation to the radical transformations of the Docklands’ landscape since the beginning of the 1980s. I propose that the contesting interests of different groups can be explored by analysing the rhythmic interactions of their activities. The transition and recomposition of an economy from locally based industrial activities to globalised financial services were manifested in the syncopation of regeneration rhythms to the living rhythms of the Docklands. The fast changing urban landscapes were negotiated through alternative ways of navigating the streets, hence engendering a different set of rhythms.
Taking a Hike and Hucking the Stout: The Troublesome Legacy of the Sublime in Outdoor Recreation
Authors: Drennig Georg
Published: December 2013

As Henry Thoreau noted in the 1850s, the simple act of walking can be loaded with political and spiritual meaning. Today, taking a hike as an act of engaging in outdoor recreation is equally non-trivial, and therefore subject of the following analysis. As this paper argues, outdoors recreation is still influenced by the legacy of the Sublime and its construction of wilderness. This troublesome legacy means that the cultural self-representation of outdoor sports – and the practice itself – lays claim to the environment in ways that are socially and sometimes even ethni-cally exclusive.

This essay uses William Cronon’s critique of the cultural constructedness of wilderness as a point of departure to see how Western notions of sublime nature have an impact on spatial practice. The elevation of specific parts of the environ-ment into the category of wilderness prescribes certain uses and meanings as nature is made into an antidote against the ills of industrial civilization, and a place where the alienated individual can return to a more authentic self. This view then has become a troublesome legacy, informing the cultural self-representation of those uses of “wilderness” that are known as outdoor recreation.

In its cultural production, outdoors recreation constructs “healthy” and “athletic” bodies exercising in natural settings and finding refuge from the everyday al-ienation of postmodern society. Yet these bodies are conspicuously white, and the obligatory equipment and fashion expensive. Outdoor recreation is a privileged assertion of leisure, often denoting an urban, affluent, and white, background of the practitioner. These practitioners then lay exclusive claim on the landscapes they use.

As trivial as taking a hike or any other form of outdoors recreation may thus seem, they put a cultural legacy into practice that is anything but trivial.
Fashion’s Final Frontier": The Correlation of Gender Roles and Fashion in Star Trek
Authors: Andres Katharina
Published: December 2013

Since its creation in 1966, Star Trek has been a dominant part of popular culture and as thus served as the source for many cultural references. Star Trek’s creator Gene Roddenberry wanted to realize his vision of a utopia but at the same time, he used the futuristic setting of the show to comment on the present time, on ac-tual social and political circumstances. This means that each series can be regarded as a mirror image of the time in which it was created. The clothing of the characters in the different series is one part of that image. The uniforms of The Original Series show influences of the 1960s pop art movement as well as the mini-skirt trend that experienced its peak in that decade. In the course of almost 40 years, however, many things changed. In the 1990s, in Deep Space Nine and Voyager, a unisex uniform replaced the mini-dresses, with few exceptions; the colorful shirts gave way to ones that were mostly black. This trend continues into the new century. This essay interprets the evolution of the female officers’ uniforms from femi-nized dresses to androgynous clothing over the development of the series as a reflection of the change of gender roles in contemporary American society. The general functions of the female characters’ uniforms are the central object of its analysis while the few, but noteworthy exceptions to this pattern are given specific attention. Finally, one of the most intriguing lines of enquiry is, how the prequel series Enterprise, supposed to be set before The Original Series, but produced and aired from 2001 to 2005, fits in the picture.
Development of a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-Based DNA Biosensor for Detection of Synthetic Oligonucleotide of Ganoderma boninense
Authors: Bakhori Noremylia , Yusof Nor , Abdullah Abdul , Hussein Mohd
Published: December 2013

An optical DNA biosensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) utilizing synthesized quantum dot (QD) has been developed for the detection of specific-sequence of DNA for Ganoderma boninense, an oil palm pathogen. Modified QD that contained carboxylic groups was conjugated with a single-stranded DNA probe (ssDNA) via amide-linkage. Hybridization of the target DNA with conjugated QD-ssDNA and reporter probe labeled with Cy5 allows for the detection of related synthetic DNA sequence of Ganoderma boninense gene based on FRET signals. Detection of FRET emission before and after hybridization was confirmed through the capability of the system to produce FRET at 680 nm for hybridized sandwich with complementary target DNA. No FRET emission was observed for non-complementary system. Hybridization time, temperature and effect of different concentration of target DNA were studied in order to optimize the developed system. The developed biosensor has shown high sensitivity with detection limit of 3.55 × 10−9 M. TEM results show that the particle size of QD varies in the range between 5 to 8 nm after ligand modification and conjugation with ssDNA. This approach is capable of providing a simple, rapid and sensitive method for detection of related synthetic DNA sequence of Ganoderma boninense.
Influence of Gold on Hydrotalcite-like Compound Catalysts for Toluene and CO Total Oxidation
Authors: Genty Eric , Cousin Renaud , Capelle Sylvie , Siffert Stéphane
Published: December 2013

X6Al2HT500 hydrotalcites, where X represents Mg, Fe, Cu or Zn were synthetized and investigated before and after gold deposition for toluene and CO total oxidation reactions. The samples have been characterized by specific areas, XRD measurements and Temperature Programmed Reduction. Concerning the toluene total oxidation, the best activity was obtained with Au/Cu6Al2HT500 catalyst with T50 at 260 °C. However, catalytic behavior of Au/X6Al2HT500 sample in both reactions depends mainly on the nature of the support.
Neuritogenic Monoglyceride Derived from the Constituent of a Marine Fish for Activating the PI3K/ERK/CREB Signalling Pathways in PC12 Cells
Authors: Yang Wei , Luo Yan , Tang Ruiqi , Zhang Hui , Ye Ying , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: December 2013

A neuritogenic monoglyceride, 1-O-(myristoyl) glycerol (MG), was isolated from the head of Ilisha elongate using a PC12 cell bioassay system, and its chemical structure was elucidated using spectroscopic methods. MG significantly induced 42% of the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells at a concentration of 10 μM. To study the structure-activity relationships of MG, a series of monoglycerides was designed and synthesised. Bioassay results indicated that the alkyl chain length plays a key role in the neuritogenic activity of the monoglycerides. The groups that link the propane-1,2-diol and alkyl chain were also investigated. An ester linkage, rather than an amido one, was found to be optimal for neuritogenic activity. Therefore, 1-O-(stearoyl) glycerol (SG), which induces 57% of the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells at 10 μM, was determined to be a lead compound for neuritogenic activity. We then investigated the mechanism of action of neurite outgrowth induced by SG on PC12 cells using protein specific inhibitors and Western blot analysis. The mitogen-activated kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 and the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 significantly decreased neurite outgrowth. At the same time, SG increased phosphorylation of CREB in protein level. Thus, SG-induced neuritogenic activity depends on the activation of the extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK), cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and PI3K signalling pathways in PC12 cells.
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Socioeconomic Contexts of Vegetative Cover in Altamira City, Brazil
Authors: Hetrick Scott , Roy Chowdhury Rinku , Brondizio Eduardo , Moran Emilio
Published: December 2013

Ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation can ameliorate problems common to urban environments while improving the quality of life of urban residents. Much research in urban ecology has analyzed urban environmental dynamics in the global north; rapidly urbanizing areas in the global south have not received commensurate attention. The land cover dynamics of mid-sized cities in the global south remain under-explored in particular. In this article, we investigate the spatial patterns and socioeconomic contexts of urban vegetation in Altamira, Brazil, a mid-sized but rapidly expanding city in the Amazon. Using time series remotely sensed imagery, we profile changes in urban land cover, and link them to socioeconomic indicators at the census sector (tract) level. While studies of urban environmental justice in the global north largely report that greener urban landscapes prevail in affluent neighborhoods, our analysis reveals significantly lower vegetative cover in higher-income sectors of Altamira. Vegetative cover is also significantly lower in sectors with higher housing density, time since urbanization and better infrastructure, and appears linked to housing tenure. Studies of vegetative outcomes in similar urban environments should investigate socioeconomic and demographic contexts while also integrating recent infrastructure development and density-dependent growth patterns.
Ethyl 2-(3-Methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2-ylamino)benzoate
Authors: Al-Said Naim , Al-Sghair Ayat
Published: December 2013

A simple route for synthesis of ethyl 2-(3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2-ylamino)benzoate is developed. The present work involves condensation of 2-(2-nitrobenzamido)propanoic acid with ethyl anthranillate followed by the H2/Pd/C reduction to give the amino ester which upon heating in DMF in the presence of FeCl3 affords the title compound. The structure of the title compound was established on the basis of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data.