bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Listeria spp. strains isolated from meat products and meat production plants by multiplex polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Mazza Roberta , Piras Francesca , Ladu Daniela , Putzolu Miriam , Consolati Simonetta Gianna , Mazzette Rina
Published: March 2016

Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes and is considered as a serious health problem, due to the severity of symptoms and the high mortality rate. Recently, other Listeria species have been associated with disease in human and animals. The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to simultaneously detect six Listeria species (L. grayi, L. welshimeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, L. innocua) in a single reaction. One hundred eighteen Listeria spp. strains, isolated from meat products (sausages) and processing plants (surfaces in contact and not in contact with meat), were included in the study. All the strains were submitted to biochemical identification using the API Listeria system. A multiplex PCR was developed with the aim to identify the six species of Listeria. PCR allowed to uniquely identify strains that had expressed a doubtful profile with API Listeria The results suggest that the multiplex PCR could represent a rapid and sensitive screening test, a reliable method for the detection of all Listeria species, both in contaminated food and in clinical samples, and also a tool that could be used for epidemiological purposes in food-borne outbreaks. A further application could be the development of a PCR that can be directly applied to the pre-enrichment broth.
Aflatoxin B1 risk management in Parmigiano Reggiano dairy cow feed
Authors: Canestrari Giorgia , Ricci Barbara , Pizzamiglio Valentina , Biancardi Alberto , Piazza Pierluigi , Merialdi Giuseppe , Tosi Giovanni , Giacometti Federica , Nocetti Marco , Fustini Mattia , Serraino Andrea , Formigoni Andrea
Published: March 2016

This study investigated aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in dairy cow feed and the risk management of AFB1 content in concentrates undertaken by feed industries in the Parmigiano Reggiano area. Data on aflatoxin contamination risk management applied in 29 feed industries were collected and the AFB1 content of 70 feed samples was analyzed. Data were collected within the framework of a quality control program promoted by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium in 2013 and 2014. Audit results showed that the control procedures to prevent AFB1 contamination mainly focused on maize and its by-products. AFB1 concentration resulted lower than 5 ppb (legal EU limit) in all samples; in one out of 70 samples, AFB1 content was 3.8 ppb and in all the other samples it was lower than 3 ppb. Results showed that AFB1 risk management applied by Italian feed industries effectively monitors AFB1 levels in feed below the EU legal limit.
Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat at retail and processing plants’ levels in Central Italy
Authors: Mezher Ziad , Saccares Stefano , Marcianò Rita , De Santis Paola , Flores Rodas Eda Maria , De Angelis Veronica , Condoleo Roberto
Published: March 2016

Human campylobacteriosis remains the most commonly reported gastrointestinal disease in Europe and C. jejuni and C. coli are the two species most frequently involved in such foodborne disease. Based on the sampling plan established in the region of Lazio (Central Italy) the aim of our work was to investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter spp in poultry meat preparations collected by the local veterinary authority at retail shops and processing plants. We also observed whether various factors such as animal species or type of product affected the isolation rate. Occurrence was significantly lower than previous surveys (12/209, 5.7%) and chicken meat was more contaminated than turkey meat.
Effect of selected starter cultures on physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics and biogenic amine content in PGI Ciauscolo salami.
Authors: Ranucci David , Loschi Anna Rita , Miraglia Dino , Stocchi Roberta , Branciari Raffaella , Rea Stefano
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biogenic amine (BA) content of Ciauscolo salami made with and without the use of a selected started culture. Two batches of salami were made following the guidelines of the Protected Geographical Indications: with and without adding a commercial starter culture made of Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus xylosus. Six samples of salami per batch were collected at different ripening times (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days) for physical, chemical and microbiological analyses and for the determination of BA content. No differences were recorded for physical, chemical and microbiological analyses except for Staphylococcus spp. count at the time of casing (T0) and Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen from 30 days (T2) to the end of the ripening time (60 days, T4). After 60 days of ripening, the use of selected starter culture significantly affected the amount of putrescine (195.15 vs 164.43 mg/100 g in salami without and with starters, respectively), cadaverine (96.95 vs 104.40 mg/100 g in salami without and with starters, respectively), histamine (81.94 vs 69.89 mg/100 g in salami without and with starters, respectively) and spermine (36.88 vs 33.57 mg/100 g in salami without and with starters, respectively). Despite significantly higher values of TVBN, the use of selected starter culture determined no significant effects on the BA content of the products.
Assessment of panoral radiograph quality in a dental treatment center
Authors: Abdul-Wahab Hana , Ferguson Donald J. , Abou-Kheir Nadia
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The quality of orthopantogram (OPG) images is primarily a function of patient positioning during image capture. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the quality of digital panoral radiographic images obtained by using the same imaging device in a large dental treatment center on the basis of the radiography technician operator securing the image.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred OPGs radiographs taken on a Kodak 8000C Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric System device in a large dental treatment center comprised the sample. The most recent OPGs beginning at May 2010 through 2007 were selected for three radiography technicians until subgroups of 100 OPGs per technician were obtained. Each panoral was evaluated by two investigators for 21 OPG image errors.

Results

Mean panoral total score was 14.71 and mean grade was 2.41 for the entire sample indicating a “good” quality. Significant differences were found among technicians for 3 of 21 panoral fault variables. The relative contribution to inferior OPG quality was greatest for the following positioning faults in rank order: Gazebo effect (11.3%), condyles pushed out (11.0%), unclear nasal structures (10.0%), airspace over U6s (9.5%), and condyles image top (9.0%).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences among technicians for overall quality indicators (total score and grade). However, statistically significant differences among the three technicians were found for image error wide anterior teeth, Gazebo effect, and unclear nasal structures.
Root resorption following periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics
Authors: Donald J. Ferguson , Machado Irelia , Wilcko M. Thomas , Wilcko William M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Literature evidence suggests that root resorption, an adverse side effect of orthodontic therapy, may be decreased under conditions of alveolar osteopenia, a condition characterized by diminished bone density and created secondary to alveolar corticotomy (Cort) surgery.

Purpose

To compare root resorption of the maxillary central incisors following nonextraction orthodontic therapy with and without Cort surgery.

Materials and Methods

The sample comprised two groups, with and without Cort and was matched by age and gender: Cort-facilitated nonextraction orthodontics with 27 subjects, 53 central incisors of mean age 24.8 ± 10.2 years, and conventional (Conv) nonextraction orthodontics with 27 subjects, 54 incisors with mean age of 19.6 ± 8.8 years. All periapical radiographs were taken with the paralleling technique; total tooth lengths of the right and left central incisors were measured by projecting and enlarging the periapical radiographs exactly 8 times.

Results

t-tests revealed a significant decrease in treatment time in the Cort group (6.3 ± 8.0 vs. 17.4 ± 20.2 months,P = 0.000). Pretreatment root lengths were not significantly different (P = 0.11), but Conv had significantly shorter roots at posttreatment when compared with Cort (P = 0.03). Significant root resorption (P < 0.01) occurred in both Cort (0.3 mm) and Conv (0.7 mm), but the increment of change was significantly greater in Conv (P < 0.03). The variable SNA increased significantly in the Cort (P = 0.001) group and decreased significantly in the Conv group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on the conditions of this study, it may be concluded that Cort-facilitated nonextraction orthodontic therapy results in less root resorption and enhanced alveolar support within a significantly reduced clinical service delivery time frame. Rapid orthodontic treatment and reduced apical root resorption are probably due to the transient osteopenia induced by the Cort surgery and inspired by regional acceleratory phenomenon.
Разложение двоичных мер и объединение замкнутых $\mathscr{U}$-множеств для рядов по системе Хаара
Authors: Plotnikov Mikhail Gennadevich , Plotnikova Yuliya Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2016

Устанавливается ряд свойств конечно-аддитивных функций множества (квазимер) и борелевских мер на многомерных двоичных группах $\mathbb{G}^m$. Полученные результаты применяются к теории рядов по системе Хаара: показывается, что для обширного семейства классов кратных рядов Хаара
на $\mathbb{G}^m$ счетное объединение замкнутых множеств единственности также является множеством единственности.
Библиография: 18 названий.
Топологическая классификация интегрируемых гамильтоновых систем на поверхностях вращения в потенциальном поле
Authors: Kantonistova Elena Olegovna
Published: March 2016

Дается топологическая классификация с точностью до лиувиллевой (послойной) эквивалентности интегрируемых гамильтоновых систем, задающихся геодезическими потоками на двумерных поверхностях вращения с гладким потенциалом. Доказано, что ограничения таких систем на их трехмерные изоэнергетические поверхности моделируются геодезическими потоками поверхностей вращения без потенциала. Также обнаружено, что во многих важных случаях исследуемые системы эквивалентны другим известным механическим системам.
Библиография: 29 названий.
Transport pathways from the Asian monsoon anticyclone to the stratosphere
Authors: Garny Hella , Randel William J.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Transport pathways of air originating in the upper-tropospheric Asian monsoon anticyclone are investigated based on three-dimensional trajectories. The Asian monsoon anticyclone emerges in response to persistent deep convection over India and southeast Asia in northern summer, and this convection is associated with rapid transport from the surface to the upper troposphere and possibly into the stratosphere. Here, we investigate the fate of air that originates within the upper-tropospheric anticyclone from the outflow of deep convection, using trajectories driven by ERA-interim reanalysis data. Calculations include isentropic estimates, plus fully three-dimensional results based on kinematic and diabatic transport calculations. Isentropic calculations show that air parcels are typically confined within the anticyclone for 10–20 days and spread over the tropical belt within a month of their initialization. However, only few parcels (3 % at 360 K, 8 % at 380 K) reach the extratropical stratosphere by isentropic transport. When considering vertical transport we find that 31 %  or 48 % of the trajectories reach the stratosphere within 60 days when using vertical velocities or diabatic heating rates to calculate vertical transport, respectively. In both cases, most parcels that reach the stratosphere are transported upward within the anticyclone and enter the stratosphere in the tropics, typically 10–20 days after their initialization at 360 K. This suggests that trace gases, including pollutants, that are transported into the stratosphere via the Asian monsoon system are in a position to enter the tropical pipe and thus be transported into the deep stratosphere. Sensitivity calculations with respect to the initial altitude of the trajectories showed that air needs to be transported to levels of 360 K or above by deep convection to likely (≧ 50 %) reach the stratosphere through transport by the large-scale circulation.
Chemical analysis of refractory stratospheric aerosol particles collected within the arctic vortex and inside polar stratospheric clouds
Authors: Ebert Martin , Weigel Ralf , Kandler Konrad , Günther Gebhard , Molleker Sergej , Grooß Jens-Uwe , Vogel Bärbel , Weinbruch Stephan , Borrmann Stephan
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Stratospheric aerosol particles with diameters larger than about 10 nm were collected within the arctic vortex during two polar flight campaigns: RECONCILE in winter 2010 and ESSenCe in winter 2011. Impactors were installed on board of the aircraft M-55 Geophysica, which was operated from Kiruna, Sweden. Flights were performed in a height of up to 21 km and some of the particle samples were taken within distinct polar stratospheric clouds (PSC). The chemical composition, size and morphology of refractory particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. During ESSenCe no refractory particles with diameters above 500 nm were sampled. In total 116 small silicate-, Fe-rich-, Pb-rich and aluminum oxide spheres were found. In contrast to ESSenCe early winter, during the late winter RECONCILE mission the air masses were subsiding inside the Arctic winter vortex from upper stratosphere and mesosphere, thus initializing a transport of refractory aerosol particles into the lower stratosphere. During RECONCILE 759 refractory particles with diameters above 500 nm were found consisting of silicates, silicate/carbon mixtures, Fe-rich particles, Ca-rich particles and complex metal mixtures. In the size range below 500 nm additionally the presence of soot was proven. While the data base is still sparse, the general tendency of a lower abundance of refractory particles during PSC events compared to non-PSC situations was observed. The detection of such large refractory particles in the stratosphere, and the fact that these particles were not observed in the particle samples (upper size limit about 5 µm) taken during PSC events, strengthen the hypothesis that such particles are present in the polar stratosphere in late winter and that they can provide a surface for heterogeneous condensation during PSC formation.
A generalised background correction algorithm for a Halo Doppler lidar and its application to data from Finland
Authors: Manninen Antti J. , O'Connor Ewan J. , Vakkari Ville , Petäjä Tuukka
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Current commercially available Doppler lidars provide an economical and robust solution for measuring vertical and horizontal wind velocities, together with the ability to provide co- and cross-polarised backscatter profiles. The high temporal resolution of these instruments allows turbulent properties to be obtained from studying the variation in radial velocities. However, the instrument specifications mean that certain characteristics, especially the background noise behaviour, become a limiting factor for the instrument sensitivity in regions where the aerosol load is low. Turbulent calculations require an accurate estimate of the contribution from velocity uncertainty estimates, which are directly related to the signal-to-noise ratio. Any bias in the signal-to-noise ratio will propagate through as a bias in turbulent properties. In this paper we present a method to correct for artefacts in the background noise behaviour of commercially available Doppler lidars and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio threshold used to discriminate between noise, and cloud or aerosol signals. We show that, for Doppler lidars operating continuously at a number of locations in Finland, the data availability can be increased by as much as 50 % after performing this background correction and subsequent reduction in the threshold. The reduction in bias also greatly improves subsequent calculations of turbulent properties in weak signal regimes.
Nitrification and Nitrite Isotope Fractionation as a Case Study in a major European River
Authors: Jacob Juliane , Sanders Tina , Dähnke Kirstin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In oceans, estuaries, and rivers, nitrification is an important nitrate source, and stable isotopes of nitrate are often used to investigate recycling processes in the water column. The bulk isotope effect of nitrification is hard to predict: It is a two-step-process, where ammonia is oxidized via nitrite to nitrate. Nitrite usually does not accumulate in natural environments, which makes it even more difficult to unravel the divergent isotope effects of both processes. However, during an exceptional flood in the Elbe River in June 2013, ammonium and nitrite accumulated in the water column for a short period, returning towards normal summer conditions within one week. Concentrations were sufficient for the analysis of δ15N-NH4+ and δ15N-NO2− evolution, which has not been studied before in a major European river like the Elbe River. In the concert with changes in SPM and δ15N-SPM, as well as nitrate concentration, δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−, we calculated the isotope fractionation effect during nitrification. We found that in the water column, ammonium and nitrite derived from internal recycling processes, whereas nitrate mainly leached from catchment area. Ammonium and nitrite concentrations increased to 3.4 µmol L−1 and 4.5 µmol L−1, respectively, due to remineralization and ammonium oxidation in the water column. δ15N-NH4+ values increased up to 12 ‰, and δ15N-NO2− ranged from −8.0 ‰ to −14.2 ‰. As water column nitrite concentration decreased, we calculated an isotope effect 15ε of −9.3 ‰ for nitrite oxidation. This isotope effect does not correspond to the inverse isotope fractionation with a positive 15ε proposed by pure culture studies. We hypothesize that the molecular mechanisms that lead to inverse fractionation also apply in natural environments, but that the resulting trend in δ15N-NO2− in this natural environment is masked by dilution with fresh nitrite stemming from ammonium oxidation. Our data are a first approximation of the isotope effect of nitrite oxidation in natural environments and highlight that pure culture results cannot readily be extrapolated to natural microbial assemblages or water bodies.
Mediterranean irrigation under climate change: more efficient irrigation needed to compensate for increases in irrigation water requirements
Authors: Fader M. , Shi S. , von Bloh W. , Bondeau A. , Cramer W.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Irrigation in the Mediterranean is of vital importance for food security, employment and economic development. This study systematically assesses how climate change and increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations may affect irrigation requirements in the Mediterranean region by 2080–2090. Future demographic change and technological improvements in irrigation systems are taken into account, as is the spread of climate forcing, warming levels and potential realization of the CO2-fertilization effect. Vegetation growth, phenology, agricultural production and irrigation water requirements and withdrawal were simulated with the process-based ecohydrological and agro-ecosystem model LPJmL (Lund–Potsdam–Jena managed Land) after an extensive development that comprised the improved representation of Mediterranean crops. At present the Mediterranean region could save 35 % of water by implementing more efficient irrigation and conveyance systems. Some countries such as Syria, Egypt and Turkey have a higher savings potential than others. Currently some crops, especially sugar cane and agricultural trees, consume on average more irrigation water per hectare than annual crops. Different crops show different magnitudes of changes in net irrigation requirements due to climate change, the increases being most pronounced in agricultural trees. The Mediterranean area as a whole may face an increase in gross irrigation requirements between 4 and 18 % from climate change alone if irrigation systems and conveyance are not improved (4 and 18 % with 2 °C global warming combined with the full CO2-fertilization effect and 5 °C global warming combined with no CO2-fertilization effect, respectively). Population growth increases these numbers to 22 and 74 %, respectively, affecting mainly the southern and eastern Mediterranean. However, improved irrigation technologies and conveyance systems have a large water saving potential, especially in the eastern Mediterranean, and may be able to compensate to some degree for the increases due to climate change and population growth. Both subregions would need around 35 % more water than today if they implement some degree of modernization of irrigation and conveyance systems and benefit from the CO2-fertilization effect. Nevertheless, water scarcity may pose further challenges to the agricultural sector: Algeria, Libya, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia, Morocco, Tunisia and Spain have a high risk of not being able to sustainably meet future irrigation water requirements in some scenarios. The results presented in this study point to the necessity of performing further research on climate-friendly agro-ecosystems in order to assess, on the one hand, their degree of resilience to climate shocks and, on the other hand, their adaptation potential when confronted with higher temperatures and changes in water availability.
Depolymerization and mineralization – investigating N availability by a novel 15N tracing model
Authors: Andresen Louise C. , Björsne Anna-Karin , Bodé Samuel , Klemedtsson Leif , Boeckx Pascal , Rütting Tobias
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Depolymerization of soil organic matter such as proteins and peptides into monomers (e.g. amino acids) is currently thought to be the rate limiting step for N availability in terrestrial N cycles. The mineralization of free amino acids (FAA), liberated by depolymerization of peptides, is an important fraction of the total N mineralization. Accurate assessment 10 of peptide depolymerization and FAA mineralization rates is important in order to gain a better understanding of the N cycle dynamics. Due to the short time span, soil disturbance and unnatural high FAA content during the first few hours after the labelling with the traditional 15N pool dilution experiments, analytical models might overestimate peptide depolymerization rate. In this paper, we present an extended numerical 15N tracing model Ntrace which incorporates the FAA pool and related N processes in order to 1) provide a more robust and coherent estimation of production and mineralization rates of FAAs; 2) 15 and 2) suggest an amino acid N use efficiency (NUEFAA) for soil microbes, which is a more realistic estimation of soil microbial NUE compared to the NUE estimated by analytical methods. We compare analytical and numerical approaches for two forest soils; suggest improvements of the experimental work for future studies; and conclude that: i) FAA mineralization might be as equally an important rate limiting step for gross N mineralization as peptide depolymerization rate is, because about half of all depolymerized peptide N is consecutively being mineralized; and that ii) FAA mineralization and FAA 20 immobilization rates should be used for assessing NUEFAA.
Modelling calving front dynamics using a level-set method: application to Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland
Authors: Bondzio Johannes H. , Seroussi Hélène , Morlighem Mathieu , Kleiner Thomas , Rückamp Martin , Humbert Angelika , Larour Eric Y.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Calving is a major mechanism of ice discharge of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, and a change in calving front position affects the entire stress regime of marine terminating glaciers. The representation of calving front dynamics in a 2-D or 3-D ice sheet model remains non-trivial. Here, we present the theoretical and technical framework for a level-set method, an implicit boundary tracking scheme, which we implement into the Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM). This scheme allows us to study the dynamic response of a drainage basin to user-defined calving rates. We apply the method to Jakobshavn Isbræ, a major marine terminating outlet glacier of the West Greenland Ice Sheet. The model robustly reproduces the high sensitivity of the glacier to calving, and we find that enhanced calving triggers significant acceleration of the ice stream. Upstream acceleration is sustained through a combination of mechanisms. However, both lateral stress and ice influx stabilize the ice stream. This study provides new insights into the ongoing changes occurring at Jakobshavn Isbræ and emphasizes that the incorporation of moving boundaries and dynamic lateral effects, not captured in flow-line models, is key for realistic model projections of sea level rise on centennial timescales.
Causes of Poor Academic Performance among Omani Students
Authors: Alami Manizheh
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, poor academic performance is among the main concerns of teachers, syllabus designers, curriculum developers and the whole educational body. The issue becomes worse in non-English speaking countries where the medium of instruction at colleges/ universities is English but students are exposed to English for a limited number of hours before beginning their study at college/university. To answer the question ‘what are the causal factors that affect students’ poor performances in non-English speaking countries like Oman? 151 essays written by students who enrolled for post foundation program at Salalah College of Technology were examined carefully. The factors involved in students’ low academic achievements categorized into four macro groups; student-related factors, teacher- related factors, family- related factors and some other factors such as marriage, health problem, toxic friendships and transportation problem. The findings show that while student-related factors have the highest impact on students’ performance, teacher-related factors had the lowest effect.Keywords: Academic performance, student- related factors, Teacher-related factors, Family-related factors
Oportunidades existentes para proyectos de intervención socio-educativa en Nicaragua
Authors: Téllez Ana Teodora
Published: March 2016

Considero que Nicaragua en los últimos treinta años ha cambiado sustancialmente en los diferentes ámbitos: social, económica, política, ecológica y espiritualmente. El período del neoliberalismo, del capitalismo salvaje, de los años 90 y parte de los 2000 sólo favorecía a la clase empresarial, pues su economía estaba pensada para hacer más pobres a los pobres y más ricos a los ricos.
Digestive Functional Symptoms among Ground Employees in an Airline Company in Relation to Diet, Insomnia and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Takaoka Motoko , Lindgren Torsten , Lundgren Hakan , Norback Dan
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: There are some epidemiological studies on pilots and cabin staff, but we found few health studies on aviation ground employees. The aim was to study associations between digestive symptoms in airline ground employees and diet, insomnia and lifestyle factors.

METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was mailed to all Stockholm ground employees in a Scandinavian airline company, 201 service agents (ticketing and gate service) and 564 office workers from the same company participated. Associations were analysed by multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: Of the service agents, 13.8% reported poor appetite, 17.5%% heartburn, 14.1%, diarrhea, 51.7% bloating, 18.8% constipation and 15.40% epigastralgia. Service agents reported more bloating (OR=1.56; p<0.01), and poor appetite (OR=2.33; p<0.01) than office workers. The prevalence of insomnia was 77.7% among service agents and 63.1% among office workers (p<0.001). In service agents, insomnia was related to poor appetite (OR=2.49; p<0.01), heartburn (OR=2.14; p<0.01), diarrhea (OR=3.62; p<0.001) bloating (OR=1.62; p<0.01), constipation (OR=2.74; p<0.01) and epigastralgia (OR=3.44; p<0.001). In office workers, there were no associations between insomnia and digestive symptoms. In the total material of ground employees (N=765), higher body mass index (BMI) was related to diarrhea and females suffered from more constipation and epigastralgia. Older age was related to heartburn and bloating. Smoking was related to poor appetite, more heartburn and epigastralgia and less constipation. The number of years employed at the airline company was negatively associated with heartburn, diarrhea and bloating. Frequent fast food consumption was associated with more bloating and heartburn. Frequent vegetables consumption was associated with less heartburn.

CONCLUSION: Insomnia and digestive symptoms were more common among service agents than office workers in the same airline company, possible partly due to stress. Besides insomnia, BMI, smoking, female gender, age, and diet were associated with digestive symptoms.
Developing Psychological Well-Being Scale for Preschool Children
Authors: Abed Nazanin , Pakdaman Shahla , Heidari Mahmood , Tahmassian Karineh
Published: March 2016

The aim of this research was to develop a scale in order to measure psychological well-being in preschool children. Three hundred and seventy five to six year old children participated in the research from 5 regions of Tehran, using accidental sampling method. The participants were individually interviewed with the Well-Being in Preschool Children Scale, and their teachers completed Rutter’s Child Behavior Questionnaire about each of them. Data was analyzed with both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods using WLSMV and GEOMIN oblique rotation, to examine factorial structure. Samejima’s graded response model was used to access psychometric features of the items. Test-retest reliability was measured and Pearson’s correlation was also used to assess divergent and convergent validity. Findings revealed that this scale has 3 main factors: self-concept, life satisfaction and resilience. The validity and reliability of the scale is also satisfactory. The well-being indicators in this scale are consistent with previous research on components of well-being in children. In addition there is a negative correlation between psychological well-being and behavioral problems, which is also illustrated in previous research. 
A Conceptual Framework of Displaced Elderly Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Bazzi Lama , Chemali Zeina
Published: March 2016

In the context of ongoing armed conflicts, efforts to provide humanitarian care are often not sustainable or effective in the long run. Additionally, there is a significant gap between interventions that are theoretically feasible and those that are actually implemented in practice. Building on these foundations and challenged by the limited publications on Syrian refugees, especially the elder population, we explore the understudied connection between the day to day elder refugee experience on one hand and the lack of building resources from within on the other. We take the example of Lebanon, where as many as 4000 Syrian refugees crossed into its territory daily and which now has the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Lebanon has limited resources and funding and is strained under this socioeconomic burden. Due to this harsh reality, refugees’ simplest needs are largely unmet and they are easy targets for retaliation by local civilians competing for basic resources. Needless to say, elderly refugees suffer most from these inequities and their status is particularly vulnerable. Within this context, and based on ongoing fieldwork, we offer a conceptual framework which calls for effective and sustainable interventions nurturing resilience in elderly refugees and ultimately aiming to help decrease tensions between the host communities and refugees.
The Challenges and Imperative of Tax System Reform in Nigeria
Authors: Eze Nwosu M. , Iorwuese Tondo E. , Abba Wali B.
Published: March 2016

Tax ranks next to the petroleum sector in terms of volume of public revenue generation in Nigeria as it is a major player in every society of the world. Government imposes taxes on the citizens in order to finance its activities and creates a conducive business environment for its citizens. In the process, responsibilities are assigned to three key elements namely, tax payers, tax authorities and the government. While tax authorities ensure effective collection of tax revenue to the government, tax payers are merely fulfilling their civic responsibilities and obligations. However, the tax system in Nigeria is confronted by myriad problems; multiplicity of taxation, especially among the three tiers of the government, low quality personnel, among others. This raises the need for reforms in the management of the tax system in Nigeria.
Reflection on Labor Standard’s Linkage to International Trade
Authors: Xu Yu-hong
Published: March 2016

Developed countries proposed to link labor standard up to the international trade, which was based on profound economic and social foundation. On this issue, there is a fundamental difference between developed and developing countries: the developed countries think that the low labor standards in the developing countries are a reflection of social dumping, while the developing countries consider labor standard’s linkage to the international trade as an embodiment of trade protectionism in developed countries. Nevertheless, the developed countries still take various measures to promote labor standards in the international trade and this trend tends to be intensified. The ultimate goal of developed countries is to integrate labor standards into the WTO multilateral trading system, and developing countries must face this reality.
Drivers of Inflation in the Economy of Bahrain
Authors: Al-Ezzee Ibrahem H.
Published: March 2016

The study tries to recognize the macroeconomic variables responsible for inflation in Bahrain during the period 1980-2010. For this purpose, co-integration test were used in the empirical analysis. Using Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) Phillips Perron (PP) tests, the variables of the study revealed to be integrated of the order one 1(1) at first difference. Cointegration test was used to state the existence or otherwise of a cointegrating vector in the variables. Trace and Maximum Eigen test value point out co-integration at 5% level of significance pointing to the fact that the variables have a long-run relationship.

The paper found that inflation in the short-run is effected by M2, GEXP, and WACPI supporting the long run analysis. The signs of NEER and IR are not as expected. The error correction term is negative and significant at 1%, so the model is stable and supporting the Co-integration results.

The variance decompositions (VDs) approach is used to capture the relative importance of various shocks and their influences on our variable of inflation. The relative variance of inflation is due the exchange rate and interest rate. The results show that shocks to the CPI itself, Nominal Effective Exchange Rate NEER, Nominal Interest Rate NIR, M2, Government Expenditure GEXP, and Consumer Price Index of Main Partners WACPI over all horizons.
Dividend Changes and Future Profitability: Evidence from the Turkish Stock Market
Authors: Kadioglu Eyup , Ocal Nurcan
Published: March 2016

Most of the previous studies on dividends in Turkey have focused on the effects of dividend announcements. There has been no study investigating the relation between dividend changes and the future profitability of firms. This study investigates this relation by using both ordinary and panel data regression on a data set consisting of 1,239 dividend payouts from 123 companies listed in Borsa Istanbul during the period 2004-2014. This study is unable to demonstrate that dividend changes are related to changes in future earnings. No evidence is found to support the dividend signaling theory, which claims that dividends serve as indicators of the future profitability of firms. On the other hand, future profitability is found to be strongly correlated with profitability in the previous year.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 3
Authors: Zhang Michael
Published: March 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 3
Deficit, Decay and Deprioritization of Transport Infrastructure in Nigeria: Policy Options for Sustainability
Authors: Effiom Lionel , Ubi Peter
Published: March 2016

It is common knowledge that Nigeria’s road infrastructure, and indeed the general infrastructure of sub-Saharan Africa, is in a most despicable condition. This paper formalises this observation by providing current data to support the hypothesis. By deploying descriptive and theoretical methodological approaches, it demonstrates that road infrastructure is not only deteriorating but also suffers from a twin evil of deficit and deprioritisation in the public sector’s preferential scale–a state of indifference of sorts. Long and short term policy choices have to be made to urgently address the issue. In the short term, infrastructure concessions, public private partnerships (PPP), pension funds, sovereign wealth fund, savings from reduction in fuel subsidies, leveraging on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) mechanism–are part of the portfolio of choices that government can readily choose from. In the long term however, the paper recommends increase in the statutory allocation to the states and local governments which would ensure that component units of the federation control more resources to deploy and develop infrastructure in their immediate domain.
Regime shift in a phytoplankton–phosphorus model with vertical structure and seasonality
Authors: Ikeda Kota , Miki Takeshi
Published: March 2016

Many ecological systems are influenced by positive feedbacks between organisms and abiotic environments, which generates multiple stable equilibria of a mathematical model with a hysteresis structure. In addition, discontinuous shifts of system at equilibrium is predicted, which is often called regime shift in ecosystem sciences. This hysteresis structure is unfavorable from environmental management point of view, because the reconstruction of original equilibrium state requests much lower levels of external forcing. Mathematical models proposed in previous works are simple and mathematically tractable ([7],[2]).However, it is difficult to extrapolate from such simple models the occurrence likelihood of regime shift in natural environments since temporally dynamic features in ecology and physico-chemical environments, and spatial dimension are less explored in those models. In this study, we construct a realistic but mathematically tractable model of interaction between phytoplankton and phosphorus, which incorporates (1) 1-dimensional vertical structure of lake ecosystem and (2) seasonal periodic cycle of water mixing. We aim to understand the impact of changes in seasonality in various types of lakes on the occurrence of multiple attractors (periodic solution) and hysteresis structure.
Instrucción en el uso de esquemas para la resolución de problemas aditivos a estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales
Authors: Ramos Laura , Castro Encarnación , Castro-Rodríguez Elena
Published: March 2016

Se presenta un estudio basado en el trabajo de tres estudiantes (17-18 años) con necesidades educativas especiales a los que se les hace una instrucción directa sobre situaciones y problemas aritméticos verbales de suma y resta, de una etapa, mediante el uso de esquemas visuales. El trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar si influye en dichos estudiantes este modelo de implementación de los problemas. Los tres estudiantes presentan tipologías diferentes, por lo que se trata de un estudio de tres casos. El análisis de los datos ha mostrado influencia positiva en los tres estudiantes.
Créditos vol. 34, n.1, marzo 2016
Authors: Enseñanza de las Ciencias Revista
Published: March 2016

Créditos
A Review of Pneumococcal Vaccines: Current Polysaccharide Vaccine Recommendations and Future Protein Antigens
Authors: Daniels Calvin C. , Rogers P. David , Shelton Chasity M.
Published: March 2016

This review describes development of currently available pneumococcal vaccines, provides summary tables of current pneumococcal vaccine recommendations in children and adults, and describes new potential vaccine antigens in the pipeline. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis and bacteremia, remains a cause of morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. Introductions of unconjugated and conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines have each reduced the rate of pneumococcal infections caused by the organism S. pneumoniae. The first vaccine developed, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), protected adults and children older than 2 years of age against invasive disease caused by the 23 capsular serotypes contained in the vaccine. Because PPSV23 did not elicit a protective immune response in children younger than 2 years of age, the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) containing seven of the most common serotypes from PPSV23 in pediatric invasive disease was developed for use in children younger than 2 years of age. The last vaccine to be developed, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), contains the seven serotypes in PCV7, five additional serotypes from PPSV23, and a new serotype not contained in PPSV23 or PCV7. Serotype replacement with virulent strains that are not contained in the polysaccharide vaccines has been observed after vaccine implementation and stresses the need for continued research into novel vaccine antigens. We describe eight potential protein antigens that are in the pipeline for new pneumococcal vaccines.
Evaluation of Measuring Devices Packaged With Prescription Oral Liquid Medications
Authors: Johnson Anthony , Meyers Rachel
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: The US Food and Drug Administration industry guidelines for manufacturers of oral, over-the-counter, liquid medications recommend that these products be packaged with dosage-delivery devices. This study describes the prevalence of these devices and instructions packaged with prescription, oral, liquid medications.

METHODS: This was a descriptive study of prescription oral-liquid medications dispensed during a 6-month period at a community pharmacy. Product information was obtained from the National Library of Medicine's DailyMed database and from the products themselves. Endpoints included provision of a measuring device, the type of device, the maximum dose measurable and intervals on the provided device, and inclusion of instructions to the pharmacist.

RESULTS: A total of 382 liquid prescription medications were included in the study. Forty-nine of the 382 products (12.8%) were packaged with a measuring device. The most commonly provided device was a calibrated dropper (n = 18; 36.7%), followed by an oral syringe with a bottle adaptor (n = 9, 18.4%). Specific instructions on proper use of the provided measuring device were included with 20 products (40.8%). Among the products that did not provide a measuring device, only 70 of the 333 package inserts (21%) included instructions to the pharmacist regarding counseling the patient on proper administration.

CONCLUSIONS: Packaging of prescription oral-liquid medications is inconsistent and leaves room for vast variability in patient or parent administration practices. In the future, patterns of actual dispensing practices among pharmacies and pharmacists would help determine the true incidence of dispensing of measuring devices.
Relación y correspondencia entre diversos indicadores de repercusión en una muestra de artículos de excelencia
Authors: Granda Orive José Ignacio , Alonso Arroyo Adolfo , Pascual Lledó José Francisco , López Padilla Daniel E. , García Río Francisco , Aleixandre Benavent Rafael
Published: March 2016

El objetivo ha sido comparar el factor de impacto a 2 años con autocitas (FI2aCA) con el factor de impacto a 2 años sin autocitas (FI2aSA) y el FI2aCA con el factor de impacto a 5 años (FI5a) así como el FI2aSA con el Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) de las revistas donde fueron publicados artículos de excelencia en tabaquismo de autores españoles en el periodo2008 a2012. La búsqueda se realizó en el SCI-E y en el SSCI-E el 25 de noviembre de 2013. Fueron seleccionados los documentos que tenían el índice h de la muestra global de la estrategia (número de artículos que tienen al menos ese número de citas), empleando para la búsqueda los descriptores “smok*” OR “tobac*”. Se recuperaron 69 artículos de autores españoles en 55 revistas. Encontramos una correlación casi perfecta entre el FI2aCA y el FI2aSA, alcanzando el FI2aCA valores mayores que el FI2aSA. Además encontramos una correlación casi perfecta entre el FI2aCA y el FI5a con una buena concordancia, alcanzando el FI5a valores mayores que el FI2aCA pero con gran variabilidad y heterogeneidad entre revistas. Escasa correlación y concordancia entre el FI2aSA y el SJR. El FI2aSA presenta sistemáticamente valores superiores al SJR y miden, por lo tanto, aspectos diferentes, no siendo extrapolables ni intercambiables.
“L’Europe est dans un état de civilisation avancée: je veux dire qu’elle est très malade”. Crise et régénération d’un mythe chez Artaud
Authors: Martina Della Casa
Published: March 2016

This article analyzes the image of Europe in Artaud’s Mexican writings. The first and the second parts set the purpose and the basis of this study: despite the critical attitude towards Europe, its culture and its civilization, which emerges from an insistent comparison with ancient and modern Mexico, this specific set of writings, strictly related to Artaud’s journey to the country, underlines a complementary and utopic vision of Europe that organizes his discourse. The third part focuses on the writer’s negative perception and image of Europe, while the fourth shows that this image is associated with that of a sick organism that can and needs to be cured. Through an analysis of the different plans and results of the comparison between Mexico and Europe, the fifth part analyzes the ideal Europe that emerges from these writings: a cured and renewed one. The sixth and last part states the conclusion: having gone to Mexico to discover its ancient myths, Artaud seems to have pursued a European one as well.
Vers une approche relationnelle de la culture européenne: le cas de ‘Mons 2015’ et des Capitales européennes de la culture
Authors: Sébastien Fevry
Published: March 2016

On the basis of the European Capitals of culture, and with a focus on Mons 2015, the purpose of this article is to distinguish three epistemological frames around the concept of European culture. In the first paradigm, the European culture is matched with an elitist idea of the culture, built on the model of the bourgeois culture of the nineteen century. With the second paradigm, the European culture is seen through the concept of Europeanization, which implies taking into account the cultural politics enacted by the European Union. The article focuses more on the third model, inspired by Bruno Latour and his theory of the actor-network. This model suggests to consider the agency of the cultural productions themselves, their power to lead cultural mediations between the national (or regional) level and the European one. To shed light on this perspective, the paper examines the film event of Mons 2015, Lust for Life (Minnelli, 1956). This film acts like a relational object, connecting the cultural memory conveyed by Mons 2015 with the local memory of the inhabitants of the Mons area.