bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface wetlands for the treatment of pathogens in stormwater: three case studies at Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
Authors: Méndez H. , Geary P. M. , Dunstan R. H.
Published: September 2009

The treatment of stormwater using surface constructed wetlands has become common in the last decades. However, the use of constructed wetlands for stormwater management has not been thoroughly evaluated in their capacity to treat microbial loads. The case studies presented in this paper are situated at Lake Macquarie, a large estuarine lagoon located approximately 150 km north of Sydney, Australia. To protect the lake ecosystem from the impact of increasing urban development, the local Council constructed numerous stormwater quality improvement devices (SQIDs) at selected locations. The SQIDs typically consisted of trash racks, gross pollutant traps and surface constructed wetlands. To evaluate the effectiveness of three of these devices in reducing faecal contamination, water samples were collected for faecal coliforms (FC) during and following rainfall at inlets and outlets of the structures. Results indicated one of the SQIDs as the most efficient for bacterial reduction, while the other two provided low or non reduction of FC. Results also illustrated dependence of bacteria reduction on flow conditions. Comparison of devices suggested that hydraulic residence times and other design parameters strongly influenced the capacity of each device to reduce FC counts during different weather conditions.
Basin-wide integrated modelling via OpenMI considering multiple urban catchments
Authors: Reußner F. , Alex J. , Bach M. , Schütze M. , Muschalla D.
Published: September 2009

Integrated modelling is currently receiving a lot of attention in the field of urban hydrology. This paper describes a method for carrying out integrated modelling of sewer systems and rivers, where the constituent models are linked to each other using the European OpenMI interface. This has the advantage that, once the necessary software extensions have been carried out, the data sets describing the subsystems can be used as they are without any need for adaptation.
Chemical composition of composted grape marc
Authors: Patti Antonio F. , Issa G. (Jason) , Smernik Ron , Wilkinson Kevin
Published: September 2009

Composted grape marc, produced at the vineyard using different procedures, is generally returned into the vineyard. Information on the chemical composition of these grape marc composts is lacking, particularly the variability that may result from different composting practices. In this study, grape marc composts, varying in age from 3 months to 3 years, were collected from four different vineyards and subjected to detailed chemical analysis. The chemical analysis revealed that all the grape marc composts contained levels of free potassium, in the range of 2–3% w/w. Plant macronutrients such as Ca, S, Mg were present at low levels (<1% w/w), while phosphorus (0.1–0.3% w/w) and nitrogen (1–2% w/w) levels were not very high and mainly present in “plant unavailable” form. The levels of soluble salts, though not excessive, were elevated in all the composts. These salt levels could cause a problem in some soils. Heavy metals were not present in any significant levels. All the grape marc composts analysed provided some benefit in returning nutrients into the vineyard and all were significant potassium sources.
Hydrology and hydraulics expertise in participatory processes for climate change adaptation in the Dutch Meuse
Authors: Wesselink Anna , de Vriend Huib , Barneveld Hermjan , Krol Maarten , Bijker Wiebe
Published: September 2009

Publisher's note. We regret that in the course of production the address and e-mail of the corresponding author were entangled with that of a co-author; also an acknowledgement had not been incorporated into the final version. The correct versions are as given below.
Electronic structure of Ti-doped Sr4Sc2Fe2As2O6 as a possible parent phase for the new FeAs superconductors
Authors: Shein Igor , Ivanovskii Alexander
Published: September 2009

First principle FLAPW-GGA calculations have been performed with the purpose to understand the effect of Ti-doping on the electronic properties for the newly discovered tetragonal iron arsenide-oxide Sr4Sc2Fe2As2O6 (abbreviated as FeAs42226) as the possible parent phase for the new FeAs superconductors. Our results show that the insertion of Ti into Sc sublattice of this five-component iron arsenide-oxide phase leads to the resolute change of electronic structure of FeAs42226. Namely, the insulating oxygen-containing [Sr4Sc2O6] blocks in Ti-doped FeAs42226 became conducting, and this differs essentially from the known picture for all others FeAs superconductors where the conducting [Fe2As2] blocks are alternated with insulating blocks. Moreover in sharp contrast with FeAs-based superconductors with Fe 3d bands near the Fermi level, for Ti-doped FeAs42226 in this region the Ti 3d states are dominated, whereas the Fe 3d states are suppressed.
Positivist Dogmas, Rhetoric, and the Education Science Question
Authors: Howe Kenneth R.
Published: September 2009

Explicit versions of positivism were cast off some time ago in philosophy, but a tacit form continues to thrive in education research, exemplified by the “new scientific orthodoxy” codified in the National Research Council’s Scientific Research in Education (2002) and reinforced in the American Educational Research Association’s Standards for Reporting on Empirical Social Science Research in AERA Publications (2006) . The author rehearses previous critiques of positivist “dogmas” in education research and applies them to the new orthodoxy. Then, borrowing from the emergent field of the “rhetoric of science,” he explores how pursuit of the education science question has nourished a positivist conception of education research. He concludes by suggesting that the education science question should be reframed and briefly suggests how.
Comments on Howe: Toward a More Inclusive “Scientific Research in Education”
Authors: Johnson R. Burke
Published: September 2009

In response to Howe (2009) , the author argues that educational research needs multiple thoughtful perspectives. The author’s standpoint is that of a mixed methods research methodologist. Mixed methods research provides an antidualistic and syncretic philosophy and set of approaches or possibilities for merging insights from diverse perspectives; its working goal is to provide pragmatic, ethical solutions to local and societal problems. To achieve this goal, researchers should cease writing articles that construct straw figures (based on old literature), knock them down, and claim Truth. The author of the present article provides a new set of guidelines for an education science that includes a respectful and important place for all. The author also provides a working value theory that resolves some objectivist and subjectivist differences.
The Family as Tax Dodge: Partnership, Individuality, and Gender in the Personal Income Tax Act, 1942 to 1970
Authors: Tillotson Shirley
Published: September 2009

Abstract:

To pay for the Second World War, the federal government had to tax more Canadians more heavily. In 1942, the amount of tax-exempt personal income was reduced and the rates of taxation were increased. The public responded with perplexity and concern about how the newly taxable, often low-income Canadians were going to pay their taxes. In these protests, and over the course of the next thirty years, the treatment in tax law of individuals as members of families was a focus of debate and changing legal accommodation. Issues such as alimony, family maintenance payments, dependants' deductions, and family businesses presented the tax authorities with puzzles about how to collect an adequate public revenue in ways consistent with common sense beliefs about family relationships. The problem remains unsolved in income tax law because there are conflicting beliefs about and interests at stake in the economic and social meanings of family relationships.
Intensive French in British Columbia: Student and Parent Perspectives and English as Additional Language (EAL) Student Performance
Authors: Carr Wendy
Published: September 2009

This article examines why students participated in British Columbia's first intensive French (IF) program between 2004 and 2008 and what they achieved as a result, with a particular focus on the effect on the French and English language proficiency of English as additional language (EAL) students. Qualitative case studies found that students and parents believe IF affords short- and long-term benefits, especially for education and employment; some, particularly EAL students and their parents, expect advantages related to Canadian citizenship. Oral French proficiency assessments of all IF students (N = 357) found no significant difference between the mean proficiency results of any groups compared, but the distribution of scores showed significant differences between EAL and non-EAL students and between Grade 5 and Grade 6 students in the percentage of students achieving spontaneous communication. English proficiency assessments of EAL students in IF (n = 43) showed their improvement over the school year was significantly greater than that of EAL peers not in IF (n = 43). The implications of this study for inclusion of EAL learners in FSL programs and future research are discussed.
Une approche littératiée : apprendre les sciences et la langue en immersion tardive
Authors: Cormier Marianne , Turnbull Miles
Published: September 2009

Integrating content and language in French immersion (FI) continues to be a topic of concern and great discussion. Classroom observations suggest that FI teachers tend to focus on teaching content and negotiating meaning in the content-based classroom but often neglect language integration. This article presents the results of a quasi-experimental study that assessed the impact of a literacy-based approach to teaching science in late immersion. This approach includes explicit integration of language and science and draws on literacy-based teaching strategies. Results are encouraging, as the experimental group made gains in science and in writing skills.
Le maintien du français chez les fonctionnaires fédéraux anglophones : Impact d'un programme de formation linguistique
Authors: Gentil Guillaume , O'Connor Maureen , Bigras Josée
Published: September 2009

The retention of French language skills among anglophone federal public servants has been an issue since the beginnings of language training in the 1970s. Despite renewed interest in public servants' language use and noticeable advancements in the study of language attrition, however, little research has been conducted on second language retention in the public service context since Edwards (1977). Adopting a critical sociolinguistic perspective, this exploratory multiple case study examines the impact of one language training program on the retention of French among anglophone employees in one federal department. Through triangulated analyses of interviews, observations, and documents on language practices, policies, and ideologies, the study analyzes the program and individual learning trajectories within the context of the department's linguistic economy in order to identify the conditions in which the impact of language training on L2 retention could be optimized.
To Like or Not to Like! Student Perceptions of Technological Activities for Learning French as a Second Language at Five Canadian Universities
Authors: Peters Martine , Weinberg Alysse , Sarma Nandini
Published: September 2009

This article examines student attitudes towards and perceptions of technological activities in the language classroom. Data collected from students (n = 71) in the French language departments of five Canadian universities were used to examine which technological activities students preferred, whether and to what degree different activities were judged useful, and how frequently students perceived that they were doing these activities. Four trends emerged. First, students find computer-assisted activities useful. Second, students prefer activities that are less mediated, more based on authentic materials and more like activities they do in everyday life, to didactic activities. Third, students tend to prefer and judge more useful the computer-assisted activities done individually rather than collaborative activities. Finally, it seems that traditional types of computer-assisted activities such as listening, grammar, and vocabulary exercises are more appreciated and judged more useful than are newer types of activities such as blogs and WebQuests. Concluding remarks offer pedagogical suggestions based on these findings.
Vertical Transmission Status of Hepatitis B Virus in Asymptomatic Carriers in Bangladesh  Experience from a Tertiary Centre
Authors: Harun-or-Rashid M
Published: September 2009

doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3209 TAJ 2008; 21(1)
Is There any Difference in Antibody Titer Between Children and Adults after Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccination?
Authors: Ahad M Abdul , Alim M Abdul , Guho Abhiji , Ekram ARM Saifuddin
Published: September 2009

Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection is in practice in different parts of the world since its availability in 1986. Government of Bangladesh has also included hepatitis B vaccine in EPI schedule since 2005. This study was carried out to assess the seroconversion status among hepatitis B vaccinated individuals. A total of 190 individuals including 150 vaccinated persons and 40 non-vaccinated apparently healthy individuals were included as study population. Sources of vaccinated persons were from both EPI and non-EPI schedule of vaccination. Age and sex matched non-vaccinated individuals served as controls for the study. All individuals constituting the study population were screened for HBsAg by Immunochromatographic strip test and only HBsAg-negative persons were included for estimation of their anti-HBs titer. Out of 150 vaccinated individuals, 133(88.67%) were found to have anti-HBs titer in the protective level (≥10 IU/L), while 17(11.33%) individuals had anti-HBs titer below the protective level (<10 IU/L). All non-vaccinated controls had anti-HBs titers below the protective level. Regarding immune response developed among vaccinated individuals, 67.78%, 23.33% and 8.89% were good-responders, hypo-responders and nonresponders respectively. Mean titer of anti-HBs was found significantly higher among recipients who received booster dose than those who received 3 doses schedule (863.39 IU/L vs. 262.40 IU/L), indicating high antibody titer develops after booster dose. Vaccinated group included 85 (56.67%) men and 65 (43.33%) women with protective level of anti-HBs titer found in 85.88% male and 92.31% female individuals. Vaccinated individuals from lower socioeconomic condition have had comparatively low rate of protective antibody than people from middle and upper classes. Recombinant HB vaccine induces good level of protective immunity among vaccinated persons. The present study showed that the proportion of adults (93.33%) developed level of protective antibody titer was higher than that of children (83.33%). It indicates that there is difference of antibody titer between children and adults after recombinant Hepatitis B vaccination.    doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3210 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 1-11
Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinsons Disease: Its Relationship with Age of Onset, Duration and Stage of Disease and the Dose and Duration of Levodopa Usage
Authors: Ali M Ahmed , Haque Anisul , Anwarulla AKM , Ahmad Quamruddin
Published: September 2009

Parkinson's disease is a disease of motor manifestations but non-motor symptoms are also common in Parkinson's disease. Little emphasis is put on non-motor symptoms of PD and there is little data on the relationship of non-motor symptoms to different aspects of the patient and the disease. In this study the relationship of non-motor symptoms to age at onset, duration and stage of the disease, and dose and duration of levodopa use are studied.128 patients of PD were studied for non-motor symptoms. 111 patients had different types of sensory, autonomic or psychiatric symptoms. Sensory and autonomic symptoms were significantly more common in patients with early age of disease onset and more prolonged duration of the disease, but psychiatric symptoms had no relationship with these factors. In this study it was also found that the frequencies of non-motor symptoms were related to the stage of the disease, longer the duration of the disease more and more non-motor symptoms appear so that 100% patients in stage 5 of the disease had non-motor symptoms. Also sensory and autonomic symptoms were significantly more common in patients with longer duration and higher dose of levodopa use but psychiatric symptoms were significantly commoner in patients with prolonged duration of levodopa use but not to dose of levodopa used.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3211 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 12-17
Comparison of Transabdominal and Transvaginal Sonography in Folicular Monitoring
Authors: Nahar Ziban , Islam AHMT , Akter Hasina , Lovely N Atia
Published: September 2009

Transabdominal sonography (TAS) and Transvaginal sonography (TVS) were compared for follicular monitoring in 62 patients of infertility. These patients were referred for follicular monitoring in normal and stimulated cycles from infertility clinic. Patients' compliance and acceptance was excellent for TVS technique as compared to TAS technique. The overall resolution of ovarian and follicular anatomy was much better in TVS. With TAS only 25.5% had good visualization of follicles as compared to 84.8% (p<0.05) in TVS. TVS offered advantage of much better detection rate of smaller follicles (< 10 mm) and higher accuracy in assessing number of follicles.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3215 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 31-34
Morbidity and Mortality of Low Birth Weight Baby
Authors: Bari MI , Ullah MA , Khatun M
Published: September 2009

This was a prospective study conducted in a cohort of live normal full term singleton newborns delivered in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with the objective to explore their early neonatal health as well as the role of low birth weight on it. A total 770 live normal newborns were Included in this study. For data collection APGAR Score Estimating Checklist and one protested structured questionnaire were used. Simple descriptive as well as analytical techniques including Chi-square t test were done. The results of this study suggested that low weight (LBW) babies were more prone to develop early neonatal morbidity and mortality than normal birth weight (NBW) babies. LBW infants needed more resuscitation and responded less to resuscitative effort than the infants of NBW. Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of early neonatal morbidity and mortality.    doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3216 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 35-39
Clinico-Pathological Profile of Liver Abscess in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Siddiqui MN Alom , Ahad M Abdul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Q Tarikul , Hoque M Azizul , Masum QAAI
Published: September 2009

The study was conducted to assess the clinico-pathological profile of 50 liver abscess cases. This study showed that liver abscess is more common in male than in female. In present study Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA) is much more common than Pyogenic Liver Abscess (PLA) and almost all the cases belonged to low or medium socio-economic class from rural areas. This may be due to poor living conditions, over crowding and unhygienic practices which leads to fecal contamination of food and drinks which help in transmission of amoeba. Liver abscess has correlation with consumption of indigenous alcohol. Ultrasonogram is an easy, widely available non-invasive and dependable investigation to diagnose liver abscess. In the absence of sophisticated investigations (e.g. Serum antibody against amoeba) at hand, only aspiration and study of pus is a good guide to confirm and to differentiate ALA from PLA. Complications like recurrence, pleuro-peritoneal involvement or rupture of the abscess are not common.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3218 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 44-49
Etiology of Upper Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ahmed M Uddin , Ahad M Abdul , Alim MA , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Masum Q Abdullah Al , Tanu Sumona , Uddin Refaz
Published: September 2009

A descriptive study on all cases of haematemesis and or melaena was carried out at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital to observe the demographic profile, clinical presentation, cause and outcome of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh. Fifty adult patients presenting with haematemesis and or melaena admitted consecutively into medical unit were evaluated through proper history taking, thorough clinical examination, endoscopic examination with in 48 hours of first presentation and other related investigations. Patients those who were not stabilized haemodynamically with in 48 hours of resuscitation and endoscopy could not be done with in that period were excluded from this study.Results our results showed that out of 50 patients 44 were male and 6 were female and average age of the patients was 39.9 years. Most of the patients were from low socio-economic condition. Farmers, service holders and laborers were the most (57%) affected group. Haematemesis and melaena (42%), only melaena (42%) and only haematemesis (16%) were the presenting features. Endoscopy revealed that duodenal ulcer (34%) was the most common cause of UGI bleeding followed by rupture of portal varices (16%) , neoplasm (10%) , gastric ulcer (08%) and gastric erosion (06%).Acute upper GI bleeding is a common medical problem that is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. The extensive clinical spectrum of gastrointestinal bleeding may encompass many different clinical scenarios. It is often very difficult to find out the cause and site of bleeding. We find that though cases of ruptured oesophageal varices were increasing, still peptic ulcer disease is the leading cause of haematemesis and melaena.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3220 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 53-57
Pattern of Anorectal Disorders in Surgical Practice in Rajshahi
Authors: Sarkar H , Hassan M , Laila RN
Published: September 2009

Anorectal disorders include a diverse group of pathological disorders that generate significant patient discomfort and disability. Their prevalence in the general population is probably much higher than that seen in clinical practice, since most patients with symptoms referable to the anorectum do not seek medical attention. Although many anorectal conditions are benign & easily treatable, patients may delay seeking medical advice because of embarrassment or fear of cancer. Both malignant and non malignant conditions often present as advanced disease, requiring more extensive treatment and causing greater patients distress than if conditions had been adequately diagnosed and managed at an earlier stage. This article will highlight predominant symptoms of anorectal conditions and to reveal common anorectal conditions only by D/R/E & proctoscopy. This review will also evaluate current diagnostic and therapeutic methods and establish guidelines for subspecialty referral. In this prospective Study 714 patient with anorectal symptoms were examined, 71.7% were male & 28.29% were female. So male female ratio was M: F=2.5:1. 40.06% patients were within 21-30 years old. The most common symptom was per rectal bleeding (63.59%) & the second common symptom was anal pain (56.16%). The most common anorectal disorder was internal hemorrhoid 60.22% & the second one was anal fissure (50.42%). A large percentage of patients (27.17%) have both hemorrhoid and anal fissure. 98.6% disorders were benign and only 1.4% were malignant.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3223 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 69-72
Tuberculosis of the Breast: A Case Report
Authors: Pramanik MAK , Haque M Manjurul , Rashid AM , Begum SMK Nahar , Hasan MN , Bipasha SK , Shahabuddin M
Published: September 2009

A middle aged woman presented with a lump and discharging sinus in her breast. On first look, the lesion seemed to be a carcinoma of breast. The patient got enlarged axillary lymph nodes with fever in the evening, night sweating and loss of weight, indicating the lesion to be of tuberculous in origin. FNAC indicated the lesion to be tuberculous but open biopsy was advised by the pathologist for confirmation. Excision biopsy of the lesion confirmed the lesion as tuberculous. Treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs cured the disease. A lump in the breast with skin involvemennt and axillary lymph node enlargement may be considered a malignant tumour on first sight, but tuberculosis cannot be ruled out, especially if a sinus is present along with systemic manifestations of the disease. doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3224 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 73-76
Massive Subcutaneous Emphysema during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Moosa ASM , Islam M Baharul , Akther Shahina , Rahman M Latifur , Ahmed Nazim Uddin
Published: September 2009

Laparoscopic surgical techniques are increasingly being applied to treat cholelithiasis and other indications of gallbladder diseases. These procedures however are not without potential morbidity. Herein we describe two patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy; those cases were complicated with subcutaneous emphysema and hypercarbia per-operatively. After discontinuation of pneumoperitoneum, saturation of partial pressure of oxygen (SpO2) gradually increased with improvement of the neck subcutaneous emphysema, at the same time the lung ventilation also improved. Our findings show that we have to stop pneumoperitoneum or decrease partial pressure of end carbon dioxide level immediately, when we find a sudden increase of the peak airway pressure or decrease SpO2 with subcutaneous emphysema during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3225 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 77-79
Ethical Issues of Organ Transplantation in Islam
Authors: Kamal M Mostafa
Published: September 2009

Scientists and clinicians must become familiar with the factors that affect the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of their patients that are outside the ken of the traditionally dominant value systems. Although many researchers have addressed the cultural and ethnical factors, very few have considered the impact of religion. Islam, as the largest and fastestgrowing religion in the world, has adherents throughout the world, presents a complete moral, ethical, and medical framework, while it sometimes concurs conflicts with the conventional and secular ethical framework. This paper introduces to the Islamic principles of ethics in organ transplantation involving human subject to address issues of religion and religious ethics. Historical reflections are discussed as to why Muslim thinkers were late to consider contemporary medical issues such as organ donation. Islam respects life and values need of the living over the dead, thus allowing organ donation to be considered in certain circumstances. The sources of Islamic law are discussed in brief to see how the parameters of organ transplantation are derived. The Islamic perception, both Shiite and Sunni, is examined in relation to organ donation and its various sources. The advantages and disadvantages of brain dead and cadaveric donation are reviewed with technical and ethical considerations. The Islamic concept of brain death, informed and proxy consent are also discussed. The concept of rewarded donation as a way to alleviate the shortage of organs available for transplantation is assessed.    doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3230 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 97-103
Variation in Outcome Measures in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Clinical Trials: A Proposed Approach to Achieving Consensus
Authors: RIDDLE DANIEL L. , STRATFORD PAUL W. , SINGH JASVINDER A. , STRAND C. VIBEKE
Published: September 2009

OMERACT began work over a decade ago on a consensus effort to identify optimal outcome measures for knee and hip osteoarthritis clinical trials. Recent evidence indicates extensive variation in outcome measures used in clinical trials of knee and hip arthroplasty published since 2000. This heterogeneity leads to confusion, not only for conducting systematic reviews but also for applying evidence to clinical practice. Given the extensive psychometric research conducted in the past 2 decades, the timing seems ideal to design and implement a study to develop consensus on optimal outcome measures for hip and knee arthroplasty trials. We describe a Delphi survey design and an approach for synthesizing the extensive psychometric literature on the outcome measures used in hip and knee arthroplasty trials. Plans for dissemination of the findings are also discussed. This proposed study could have an important influence on the design and reporting of future randomized trials of knee arthroplasty.
Características sólido-fluido en el crisol del horno alto según el modelo de desgaste nodal (MDN)
Authors: Martín R. , Barbés M. A. , Barbés M. F. , Marinas É. , Ayala N. , Mochón J. , Verdeja L. F. , García F.
Published: September 2009

La porosidad del coque aparece como unas de las variables que más pueden afectar a la producción de arrabio y a la correspondiente corrosión de los revestimientos. Hasta el momento, en la bibliografía existente sobre la corrosión de los revestimientos, siempre se asocia un mayor desgaste con el correspondiente incremento del flujo del fluido (arrabio) en el crisol. No obstante, no se tiene referencia de ningún modelo determinístico que pudiera relacionar, desde el punto de vista teórico, las siguientes variables: corrosión de los revestimientos, porosidad del coque inactivo y flujo del arrabio en el crisol. El Modelo de Desgaste Nodal (MDN), además de justificar los perfiles de corrosión de los revestimientos a lo largo de la campaña, puede ser un instrumento eficaz para interpretar la porosidad del coque y los gradientes de velocidad del arrabio que se generan dentro del crisol.
A NOVEL BLOCKING INDEX BASED ON SIMILARITY MEASUREMENT APPLIED IN DISTINGUISHING THE PATTERNS OF BLOOD PRESSURE SIGNALS AT DYNAMICALLY TRANSITIONAL SITUATION
Authors: Yeh Jia-Rong , Lin Tzu-Yu , Shieh Jiann-Shing , Chen Yun , Peng Chung-Kang
Published: September 2009

Acute mesenteric arterial occlusion is an abdominal catastrophe that carries high morbidity and mortality. The poor outcomes of this disease process are caused by the delay in initiating therapy because of the difficulties in making an accurate and timely diagnosis. In this study, we tried to conduct patterns analysis on blood pressure (BP) signal under simulated situation using an innovative measurement of similarity. The simulations of intestinal artery occlusion were conducted to two young healthy pigs to generate the recordings of blood pressure signals in dynamically transitional situation. Based on the distance measurement of similarity, non-clamping, non-relaxing, and blocking indexes are defined. Moreover, blocking index (BI) performs a good indicator for verifying the pattern of BP signal under the situation of clamping or relaxing. Finally, the analysis results show the feasibility of pattern analysis for identifying the underlying condition of circularity system.
Intertekstualiteit – ensiklopedie en argeologie: Matteus se voorstelling van Jesus as redder
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: September 2009

Intertextuality – encyclopedia and archaeology: Matthew’s presentation of Jesus as saviourThis article aims to explore and to apply what Gérard Genette refers to as kinds of transtextual relationships and what Ulrich Luz, in his application of these insights to the Gospel of Matthew, calls the encyclopaedia of the author or the original readers. The former enterprise entails exploring intertextuality at the synchronic level and the latter examines intertextuality at the diachronic level. The first pertains to Matthew’s pretexts. The second enterprise entails an engagement with pragmatical aspects such as the context of the intended readers and the sedimentation of prior texts designated by the notion intertextuality. In this article the pragmatical aspects concern a discussion of the manner in which the first readers could be addressed by the pretexts of the use of the word sōzō (‘to save’). It consists of three parts. The first represents a concise reflection on criteria and methods relevant to an investigation of intertextuality. The second exemplifies the ‘ encyclopedia’ of Matthew’s intertextuality, that is ‘intertext’, ‘paratext’, ‘hypertext’, ‘hypotext’, ‘architext’, and ‘metatext’. The third part discusses the pretexts of the various occurrences of the word sōzō in Matthew.
Focal Groups On-Line: from the Conceptual Reflections to the Virtual Environment Application
Authors: Abreu Nelsio Rodrigues de , Baldanza Renata Francisco , Gondim Sônia M. Guedes
Published: September 2009

Communication technologies have a renovating role in contemporaneity with regard to human interaction. One can however highlight their influence on other everyday aspects, like their influence in research. The objective of this paper is to describe and discuss the aspects that involve the application of focal groups in a virtual environment, denominated on-line focal groups, with the aim of highlighting factors that can guide their use in research, especially for research which is geared towards investigating opinions and perceptions of social players. The aspects broached in this paper are based in part on the application experience of the players, with a view to elaborating a doctorate thesis. The theoretical fundamentals of presential focal groups and their migration to the virtual environment are also broached. Finally some suggestions are presented to those who are interested in this research strategy, based on the results obtained through this experience.
Administration of the Information and the Process of Bank Negotiation
Authors: Macagnan Clea Beatriz , Lindemann Almir
Published: September 2009

This paper analyzes the quality of the administration of information, identifying deficiencies in the information systems, used in the negotiation process for concession of bank credit, to small and mid-sized companies, under the business managers' perspective. The results make the deficiencies evident and confirm the need for change in the systems of administration of information, in order to allow for both an improvement in the negotiation process of bank credit as well as a larger economical efficiency of the available resources.
Overview: Generation of Gene Knockout Mice
Authors: Hall Bradford , Limaye Advait , Kulkarni Ashok B.
Published: September 2009

The technique of gene targeting allows for the introduction of engineered genetic mutations into a mouse at a determined genomic locus. The process of generating mouse models with targeted mutations was developed through both the discovery of homologous recombination and the isolation of murine embryonic stem cells (ES cells). Homologous recombination is a DNA repair mechanism that is employed in gene targeting to insert a designed mutation into the homologous genetic locus. Targeted homologous recombination can be performed in murine ES cells through electroporation of a targeting construct. These ES cells are totipotent and, when injected into a mouse blastocyst, they can differentiate into all cell types of a chimeric mouse. A chimeric mouse harboring cells derived from the targeted ES cell clone can then generate a whole mouse containing the desired targeted mutation. The initial step for the generation of a mouse with a targeted mutation is the construction of an efficient targeting vector that will be introduced into the ES cells.Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 44:19.12.1‐19.12.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Manipulation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells for Knockout Mouse Production
Authors: Limaye Advait , Hall Bradford , Kulkarni Ashok B.
Published: September 2009

The establishment of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell lines has allowed for the gene?ration of the knockout mouse. ES cells that are genetically altered in culture can then be manipulated to derive a whole mouse containing the desired mutation. To successfully generate a knockout mouse, however, the ES cells must be carefully cultivated in a pluripotent state throughout the gene‐targeting experiment. This unit describes detailed step‐by‐step protocols, reagents, equipment, and strategies needed for the successful generation of gene knockout embryonic stem cells using homologous recombination technologies. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 44:19.13.1‐19.13.24. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Severe iron overload in Blackfan‐Diamond anemia: A case‐control study
Authors: Roggero Simona , Quarello Paola , Vinciguerra Tiziana , Longo Filomena , Piga Antonio , Ramenghi Ugo
Published: September 2009

Chronic iron overload is a serious complication in transfusion‐dependent patients. Few studies have addressed this issue in Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA). We describe a retrospective analysis of iron overload, and its related complications in 31 transfusion‐dependent Italian DBA patients whose records included one or more evaluation of liver iron concentration (LIC) by means of noninvasive magnetic liver susceptometry with a superconductive quantum interference device (SQUID). This cohort is also matched with a group of transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia major patients to look for differences. A severe iron overload was observed in 54% patients, especially among those inadequately chelated. The DBA patients displayed a significantly higher LIC than the regularly chelated β‐thalassemics. This difference may have been attributable to nonoptimal chelation (late onset, type, dose, prescription, and compliance), or an unknown biological mechanism that lead to an early severe iron overload. We therefore suggest that all transfusion patients should have an accurate record of their iron intake, a regular monitoring of iron overload, in order to start chelation when a critical transfusion load is reached, and to test the efficacy/compliance of chelation treatment. Physicians taking care of transfusion‐dependent DBA patients must be concerned about the frequent and early complications such as cardiac toxicity. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prodromal myeloproliferative neoplasms: The 2008 WHO classification
Authors: Kvasnicka Hans Michael , Thiele Juergen
Published: September 2009

The concept of prodromal chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms has been endorsed by the WHO classification implicating a stepwise evolution of disease. Histology of the bone marrow (BM) and borderline to mildly expressed clinical features play a pivotal role for diagnosing prefibrotic‐early primary myelofibrosis. By lowering the platelet count for essential thrombocythemia and regarding BM morphology, early manifestations are tackled. Pre‐polycythemic stages of polycythemia vera with a low hemoglobin level at onset are diagnosed by positive JAK2V617F mutation status, a low erythropoietin value, and characteristic BM features. The revised WHO classification incorporates hematological, morphological, and moleculargenetic parameters to generate a consensus‐based working diagnosis. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of delayed return to work after back injury: A case–control analysis of union carpenters in Washington State
Authors: Kucera Kristen L. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Silverstein Barbara , Cameron Wilfred
Published: September 2009

Methods

Union administrative records identified 20,642 union carpenters who worked in Washington State from 1989 to 2003. The Department of Labor and Industries provided records of workers' compensation claims and associated medical care. Work‐related back claims (n = 4,241) were identified by ANSI codes (back, trunk, or neck/back) or ICD‐9 codes relevant to medical care consistent with a back injury. Cases (n = 738) were defined as back injury claims with >90 days of paid lost time; controls (n = 699) resulted in return to work within 30 days. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) of delayed return to work (DRTW).

Results

Thirty percent of case claims and 8% of control claims were identified by an ICD‐9 code. DRTW after back injury was associated with being female (2.7, 95% CI: 1.3–5.5), age 30–44 (1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) and age over 45 (1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3), four or more years union experience (1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), previous paid time loss back claim (1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5), and ≥30‐day delay to medical care (3.6, 95% CI: 2.1, 6.1). Evidence of more acute trauma was also associated with DRTW.

Conclusions

Use of ICD‐9 codes identified claims with multiple injuries that would otherwise not be captured by ANSI codes alone. Though carpenters of younger age and inexperience were at increased risk for a paid lost time back injury claim, older carpenters and more experienced workers, once injured, were more likely to have DRTW as were those who experienced acute events. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:821–830, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health, medication use, and agricultural injury: A review
Authors: Voaklander Donald C. , Umbarger‐Mackey Michelle L. , Wilson Michael L.
Published: September 2009

Background

Agricultural work in the United States and Canada continues to be one of the most dangerous vocations. Surveillance evidence suggests that older farmers (>60 years of age) are at greater risk of serious injury than their younger counterparts. The purpose of this article was to outline illnesses and medications that may contribute to older farmers' increased risk of agricultural injury and to determine a minimum set of health‐related covariates that could be used in farm injury studies.

Methods

A review of English language literature in Medline, CINAHL, and NIOSH databases was conducted examining disease and medication factors related to farm injury.

Results

Health‐ and disease‐related factors most commonly reported as significantly contributing to agricultural injury included previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis, and sleep deprivation. The use of “any medication” was identified as a significant risk factor for injury in a number of studies. The use of sleep medication was significantly related to injury in two studies.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, it is recommended that at a minimum, researchers collect information on the prevalence of previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis/muscular‐skeletal problems and sleep disturbance as these have been identified as significant risk factors in a number of studies. In addition, where subjects that identify any of these afflictions, further information should be sought on any medications used in their treatment which can add data on disease severity. More research and surveillance activities need to be focused on the older farm worker. This population is critical to the maintenance of the agricultural base in North America and health and safety research initiatives need to address this. By integrating research from the fields of gerontology, occupational health and safety, and injury prevention, innovative interventions could be constructed to assist the aging farmer in the continuation of safe farming. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:876–889, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Learning dynamic information needs: A collaborative topic variation inspection approach
Authors: Wu I‐Chin , Liu Duen‐Ren , Chang Pei‐Cheng
Published: September 2009

For projects in knowledge‐intensive domains, it is crucially important that knowledge management systems are able to track and infer workers' up‐to‐date information needs so that task‐relevant information can be delivered in a timely manner. To put a worker's dynamic information needs into perspective, we propose a topic variation inspection model to facilitate the application of an implicit relevance feedback (IRF) algorithm and collaborative filtering in user modeling. The model analyzes variations in a worker's task‐needs for a topic (i.e., personal topic needs) over time, monitors changes in the topics of collaborative actors, and then adjusts the worker's profile accordingly. We conducted a number of experiments to evaluate the efficacy of the model in terms of precision, recall, and F‐measure. The results suggest that the proposed collaborative topic variation inspection approach can substantially improve the performance of a basic profiling method adapted from the classical RF algorithm. It can also improve the accuracy of other methods when a worker's information needs are vague or evolving, i.e., when there is a high degree of variation in the worker's topic‐needs. Our findings have implications for the design of an effective collaborative information filtering and retrieval model, which is crucial for reusing an organization's knowledge assets effectively.
Anion–Anion Proton Transfer in Hydrogen Bonded Complexes
Authors: Gale Philip A. , Hiscock Jennifer R. , Moore Stephen J. , Caltagirone Claudia , Hursthouse Michael B. , Light Mark E.
Published: September 2009

Complexation of dihydrogen phosphate by an anion receptor containing six hydrogen bond donor groups has been shown to reduce the pKa of the bound anionic species to such an extent that addition of further aliquots of dihydrogen phosphate result in deprotonation of the bound species with the resultant formation of a monohydrogen phosphate receptor complex. X‐ray crystallographic studies confirm monohydrogen phosphate complex formation in the solid state. In this way, this study explains the formation of complexes with unusual stoichiometries when investigating the binding of dihydrogenphosphate anion to hydrogen‐bonding receptors.
A weighting proposal for an ensemble of regional climate models over Europe driven by 1961–2000 ERA40 based on monthly precipitation probability density functions
Authors: Sánchez E. , Romera R. , Gaertner M. A. , Gallardo C. , Castro M.
Published: September 2009

Present climate over Europe is simulated by 12 regional climate models (RCMs), forced by ERA40 reanalysis. A method is proposed to score models from the 1961–1990 monthly precipitation cumulative density functions (CDFs) for each season and eight chosen subregions, compared with the CRU observational database. Ensemble CDF curves compare well against observations for all the subregions and seasons. Higher percentiles (heavy precipitation amounts) show a larger spread among results. Important differences in scores are obtained among models, regions and seasons. Applying the scores to compute 1991–2000 weighted ensemble precipitation, results are slightly closer to observations than the direct (unweighted) ensemble, and some cases show a larger improvement. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society