bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviews
Authors: Buck Christopher , Ioannesyan I. A. , Bramson Loni , Buck Christopher , Covey Linda
Published: June 2015

Gnostic Apocalypse and Islam: Qur’an, Exegesis, Messianism, and the Literary Origins of the Babi Religion. Todd Lawson.1 (2011) London and New York: Routledge. 230 pp. ISBN 978-0-415-49539-4 (hbk), £85.00

The Baha’is of Iran, Transcaspia and the Caucasus. Soli Shahvar, Gad Gilbar and Boris Morozov (eds.) New York: I.B. Taurus & Co Ltd.

Volume 1: Letters of Russian Officers and Officials. International Library of Iranian Studies Volume 26. 2011 ISBN-13 978-1-84885-391-1, ISBN-10 1-84885-391-2 (hbk), $105.00

Volume 2: Reports and Correspondence of Russian Officers and Officials. International Library of Iranian Studies Volume 27. 2012 ISBN-13 978-1-84885-392-8, ISBN-10 1-84885-392-0 (hbk), $105.00

The Bahá’í Faith in Africa: Establishing a New Religious Movement, 1952–1962. Anthony A. Lee. Leiden & Boston: Brill, 2011 xii, 280 pp. Studies of Religion in Africa, vol. 39. ISBN-13: 9789004206847 (hbk), €105,00, $144.00

Philosophic Values and World Citizenship: Locke to Obama and Beyond. Jacoby Adeshai Carter and Leonard Harris (eds.). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2010. 247 pp. ISBN 978-0-7391-4803-7 (hbk), $90.00 (£57.95) ISBN 978-1-4616-3403-4 (eBook), $89.99 (£57.95)

Compassionate Woman: The Life and Legacy of Patricia Locke. John Kolstoe. Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 2011. 226 pp. ISBN 978-1-931847-85-8 (pbk), $21.00. Also available as eBook.
Persecution and Development: The History of the Baha’i Community of Māhfurūzak in Mazandaran, Iran
Authors: Momen Moojan
Published: June 2015

The Baha’i Faith was introduced to the village of Mahfuruzak (near Sari in Mazandaran, Iran) when the village chief invited his nephew Mulla `Ali Jan to come to be the religious leader of the village in about 1871. Mulla `Ali Jan had already become a Baha’i while studying and now gradually started to spread the new religion among the people of the village. Eventually the whole village became Baha’is as did many from surrounding villages. Mulla `Ali and his wife `Alaviyyih Khanum also began the social and economic development of the village. The progress made attracted the enmity of the Muslim clerics of the area who sent false reports to the government, resulting in an attack on the village and the arrest and execution of Mulla `Ali Jan. Despite this, `Alaviyyih Khanum continued the development of the village as well as travelling to spread the Baha’i Faith. The traditional school that had been set up in the village was transformed into a modern school. Persecution of the Baha’i community resumed during and after the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
Baha’i Mage: The Extraordinary Life and Work of Robert Felkin
Authors: Osborn Lil
Published: June 2015

In investigating the relationship between the Baha’is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several individuals emerge as important in both circles; however, none are as prominent in as many fields as Robert Felkin. Felkin was notable as a physician, a missionary, an Anglican, a magician and a Baha’i. The purpose of this paper is to examine his life and work in the context of his search for Ascended Masters and the multiplicity of identities and roles he assumed.
Paleoethnobotany and Ancient Alcohol Production: A Mini-Review
Authors: Biwer Matthew E , VanDerwarker Amber M
Published: June 2015

The production and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the past is an important consideration when addressing issues involving ancient food. However, successfully demonstrating that alcoholic beverages were produced in prehistoric contexts is problematic.  As a result, archaeobotanists have developed a multi-scalar approach, incorporating multiple lines of evidence, to argue for the production of fermented beverages in the past.
Involvement of epigenetic modifiers in the pathogenesis of testicular dysgenesis and germ cell cancer
Authors: Lawaetz Andreas C. , Almstrup Kristian
Published: June 2015

Testicular germ cell cancer manifests mainly in young adults as a seminoma or non-seminoma. The solid tumors are preceded by the presence of a non-invasive precursor cell, the carcinoma in situ cell (CIS), which shows great similarity to fetal germ cells. It is therefore hypothesized that the CIS cell is a fetal germ cell that has been arrested during development due to testicular dysgenesis. CIS cells retain a fetal and open chromatin structure, and recently several epigenetic modifiers have been suggested to be involved in testicular dysgenesis in mice. We here review the possible involvement of epigenetic modifiers with a focus on jumonji C enzymes in the development of testicular dysgenesis and germ cell cancer in men.
Immunomodulatory activity of methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Nfambi Joshua , Bbosa Godfrey S. , Sembajwe Lawrence Fred , Gakunga James , Kasolo Josephine N.
Published: June 2015

Background: Globally, Moringa oleifera is used by different communities to treat various ailments including modulation of the immune system though with limited scientific evidence. The aim was to study the immunomodulatory activity of M. oleifera methanolic leaf extract in Wistar albino rats.

Methods: An experimental laboratory-based study was done following standard methods and procedures. Nine experimental groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX) each comprising of six animals were used. Group I received normal saline. Groups II to IX received 200 mg/kg bwt cyclophosphamide at the beginning of the study. Group III received 50 mg/kg bwt of an immunostimulatory drug levamisole. Groups IV to IX were dosed daily for 14 days with extract at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bwt, respectively, using an intragastric tube. Complete blood count (CBC), delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH), neutrophil adhesion test, and hemagglutination antibody titer were determined using standard methods and procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism 5.0a Software.

Results: There was an increment in WBC, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts at a dose of 1000 mg/kg bwt similar to the levamisole-positive control group. The neutrophil adhesion was statistically significant (p≤0.05) for treatment groups that received 1000 mg/kg bwt (29.94%) and 500 mg/kg bwt at 17.28%. The mean percentage increment in footpad thickness was highest (26.9%) after 8 h of injection of antigen in the footpad of rats dosed 500 mg/kg bwt and this later reduced to 25.6% after 24 h. There was a dose-dependent increment in the mean hemagglutination antibody titer to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) from 10.73±0.57 HA units/μL for the 250 mg/kg bwt to 26.22±1.70 HA units/μL for the 1000 mg/kg bwt.

Conclusions: Methanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera caused a significant immunostimulatory effect on both the cell-mediated and humoral immune systems in the Wistar albino rats.
Determinants of Emergency Management Decision Support Software Technology: An Empirical Analysis of Social Influence in Technology Adoption
Authors: Jennings Eliot , Arlikatti Sudha , Andrew Simon
Published: June 2015

Technology is being applied to governmental functions with the intent to improve governmental operations. Most research on technology acceptance has focused on the private sector with less being applied to the public sector, and little applied to the domain of disaster management. As we continue to expand upon technological applications in governmental affairs, it is important to understand how the increasing role of information and communications technology (ICT) affects disaster management. Utilizing a conceptual model adapting Venkatesh et al’s (2003) unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model to an emergency management context, factors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence along with emergency management specific factors such as threat perception, disaster history, social vulnerability, disaster exercises and emergency management collaboration are used to examine the intent to use EMDSS. Multiple regression analysis using data obtained from a survey of local emergency managers in FEMA Region VI taken in the fall of 2012 indicate that social influence, effort expectancy, community social vulnerability and collaboration among emergency management agencies influences the intent to use EMDSS technology. This study contributes to our understanding of technology adoption among local governments by showing that the factors that influence emergency management officials’ intent to use EMDSS differ from factors found in private sector applications. Most notably, in EMDSS applications, social influence and ease of use are the strongest predictors of intent to use rather than performance expectations.
Vehicle Crash Can FEA Model Simulation and Validation with Experiment Data
Authors: Bayley Thomas , Reddy Sekhar , Fard Mohammad
Published: June 2015

Vehicle crash-can transfers the kinetic energy into strain energy stored in the structure via a sequential deformation wall crushing process. The performance of the crash can FEA model and its ability of predicting mechanical behaviours in a crash event is assessed and verified via the FEA analysis and corresponding experiment data. Compression tests are performed to validate the FEA simulation results. Wall tolerance sensitivity is also investigated via FEA simulation in order to examine if and how the manufacturing defect could impose impact on crash can energy absorption capability. It is found that the performance of crash-can with manufacturing tolerances can be predicted by the FEA model derived in this paper. Internal energy analysis indicates the wall thickness is tolerance insensitive and manufacturing defect can be disregarded under the manufacturing tolerance standards.
Starting solutions for the motion of second grade fluids due to oscillating shear stresses
Authors: Jamil Muhammad
Published: June 2015

Exact analytic solutions for the motion of second grade fluid between two infinite coaxial cylinders are established. The motion is produced by the inner cylinder that at time t = 0+ applies torsional and longitudinal oscillating shear stresses to the fluid. The exact analytic solutions, obtained with the help of Laplace and finite Hankel transforms, and presented as a sum of the steady-state and transient solutions, satisfy both the governing equations and all associate initial and boundary conditions. In the special case when a1 to 0 they reduce to those for a Newtonian fluid. Finally, the effect of various parameters of interest on transient parts of velocity components, velocity profiles as well as comparison between second grade and Newtonian fluids is discussed through graphical illustration.
Prevalence of subnormal testosterone concentrations in men with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dhindsa Sandeep , Reddy Anand , Sukhmoy Karam Jyotheen , Bilkis Sayeeda , Chaurasia Archana , Mehta Aditya , P Raja Keerthi , Batra Manav , Dandona Paresh
Published: June 2015

Background

One-third of men with type 2 diabetes have subnormal testosterone concentrations along with inappropriately normal LH and FSH concentrations. It is not known if the presence of renal insufficiency affects free testosterone concentrations in men with type 2 diabetes.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that type 2 diabetic men with chronic renal disease (CKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) have lower free testosterone concentrations than men with normal renal function (eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Study design and setting

This is a retrospective chart review of patients attending diabetes and nephrology clinics. Men with type 2 diabetes who had the following information available were included in the study: testosterone (total and free) done by LC/MS-MS followed by equilibrium dialysis, sex hormone binding globulin, LH, FSH and prolactin concentrations.

Participants

We present data on T and gonadotropin concentrations in 111 men with type 2 diabetes and CKD (stages 3–5) and 182 type 2 diabetic men without CKD.

Results

The prevalence of subnormal free testosterone concentrations was higher in men with type 2 diabetes and CKD as compared to those without CKD (66% vs 37%, P<0.001). Men with CKD had a higher prevalence of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (26% vs 5%, P<0.001) but not of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH; 40% vs 32%, P=0.22). There was an increase in the prevalence of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with decreasing eGFR. Fifty-two percent of men with renal failure (CKD stage 5) had hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and 25% had HH. In men with CKD, the hemoglobin concentrations were lower in those with subnormal free T concentrations as compared to men with normal free T concentrations (119±19 vs 128±19 g/l, P=0.04).

Conclusions

Two-thirds of men with type 2 diabetes and CKD have subnormal free T concentrations. The hypogonadism associated with CKD is predominantly hypergonadotropic.
Type 2 diabetes-related variants influence the risk of developing multiple myeloma: results from the IMMEnSE consortium
Authors: Ríos Rafael , Lupiañez Carmen Belén , Campa Daniele , Martino Alessandro , Martínez-López Joaquin , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Varkonyi Judit , García-Sanz Ramón , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Dumontet Charles , Cayuela Andrés Jerez , Wętek Marzena , Landi Stephano , Rossi Anna Maria , Lesueur Fabienne , Reis Rui Manuel , Moreno Victor , Marques Herlander , Jurczyszyn Artur , Andersen Vibeke , Vogel Ulla , Buda Gabriele , Orciuolo Enrico , Jacobsen Svend E H , Petrini Mario , Vangsted Annette J , Gemignani Federica , Canzian Federico , Jurado Manuel , Sainz Juan
Published: June 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been suggested to be a risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM), but the relationship between the two traits is still not well understood. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether 58 genome-wide-association-studies (GWAS)-identified common variants for T2D influence the risk of developing MM and to determine whether predictive models built with these variants might help to predict the disease risk. We conducted a case–control study including 1420 MM patients and 1858 controls ascertained through the International Multiple Myeloma (IMMEnSE) consortium. Subjects carrying the KCNQ1rs2237892T allele or the CDKN2A-2Brs2383208G/G, IGF1rs35767T/T and MADDrs7944584T/T genotypes had a significantly increased risk of MM (odds ratio (OR)=1.32–2.13) whereas those carrying the KCNJ11rs5215C, KCNJ11rs5219T and THADArs7578597C alleles or the FTOrs8050136A/A and LTArs1041981C/C genotypes showed a significantly decreased risk of developing the disease (OR=0.76–0.85). Interestingly, a prediction model including those T2D-related variants associated with the risk of MM showed a significantly improved discriminatory ability to predict the disease when compared to a model without genetic information (area under the curve (AUC)=0.645 vs AUC=0.629; P=4.05×10−06). A gender-stratified analysis also revealed a significant gender effect modification for ADAM30rs2641348 and NOTCH2rs10923931 variants (Pinteraction=0.001 and 0.0004, respectively). Men carrying the ADAM30rs2641348C and NOTCH2rs10923931T alleles had a significantly decreased risk of MM whereas an opposite but not significant effect was observed in women (ORM=0.71 and ORM=0.66 vs ORW=1.22 and ORW=1.15, respectively). These results suggest that TD2-related variants may influence the risk of developing MM and their genotyping might help to improve MM risk prediction models.
60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: TRH, the first hypophysiotropic releasing hormone isolated: control of the pituitary–thyroid axis
Authors: Joseph-Bravo Patricia , Jaimes-Hoy Lorraine , Uribe Rosa-María , Charli Jean-Louis
Published: June 2015

This review presents the findings that led to the discovery of TRH and the understanding of the central mechanisms that control hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis (HPT) activity. The earliest studies on thyroid physiology are now dated a century ago when basal metabolic rate was associated with thyroid status. It took over 50 years to identify the key elements involved in the HPT axis. Thyroid hormones (TH: T4and T3) were characterized first, followed by the semi-purification of TSH whose later characterization paralleled that of TRH. Studies on the effects of TH became possible with the availability of synthetic hormones. DNA recombinant techniques permitted the identification of all the elements involved in the HPT axis, including their mode of regulation. Hypophysiotropic TRH neurons, which control the pituitary–thyroid axis, were identified among other hypothalamic neurons which express TRH. Three different deiodinases were recognized in various tissues, as well as their involvement in cell-specific modulation of T3concentration. The role of tanycytes in setting TRH levels due to the activity of deiodinase type 2 and the TRH-degrading ectoenzyme was unraveled. TH-feedback effects occur at different levels, including TRH and TSH synthesis and release, deiodinase activity, pituitary TRH-receptor and TRH degradation. The activity of TRH neurons is regulated by nutritional status through neurons of the arcuate nucleus, which sense metabolic signals such as circulating leptin levels.Trhexpression and the HPT axis are activated by energy demanding situations, such as cold and exercise, whereas it is inhibited by negative energy balance situations such as fasting, inflammation or chronic stress. New approaches are being used to understand the activity of TRHergic neurons within metabolic circuits.
Quality Improvement Effort to Reduce Cranial CTs for Children With Minor Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Nigrovic Lise E. , Stack Anne M. , Mannix Rebekah C. , Lyons Todd W. , Samnaliev Mihail , Bachur Richard G. , Proctor Mark R.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE:

Blunt head trauma is a common injury in children, although it rarely requires surgical intervention. Cranial computed tomography (CT) is the reference standard for the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury but has been associated with increased lifetime malignancy risk. We implemented a multifaceted quality improvement initiative to decrease the use of cranial CT for children with minor head injuries.

METHODS:

We designed and implemented a quality improvement effort that included an evidence-based guideline as well as individual feedback for children aged 0 to 21 years who present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation of minor blunt head trauma. Our primary outcome was cranial CT rate, and our balancing measure was any return to the ED within 72 hours that required hospitalization. We used statistical process control methodology to measure cranial CT rates over time.

RESULTS:

We included 6851 ED visits of which 4242 (62%) occurred in the post–guideline implementation period. From a baseline CT rate of 21%, we observed an absolute reduction of 6% in cranial CT rate (95% confidence interval 3% to 9%) after initial guideline implementation and an additional absolute reduction of 6% (95% confidence interval 4% to 8%) after initiation of individual provider feedback. No children discharged from the ED required admission within 72 hours of initial evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS:

An ED quality improvement effort that included an evidence-based guideline as well as individual provider feedback was associated with a reduction in cranial CT rates without an increase in missed significant head injuries.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a 9-Valent HPV Vaccine
Authors: Van Damme Pierre , Olsson Sven Eric , Block Stanley , Castellsague Xavier , Gray Glenda E. , Herrera Teobaldo , Huang Li-Min , Kim Dong Soo , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Chen Joshua , Christiano Susan , Maansson Roger , Moeller Erin , Sun Xiao , Vuocolo Scott , Luxembourg Alain
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVES:

Prophylactic vaccination of youngwomen aged 16 to 26 years with the 9-valent (6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) human papillomavirus (HPV) virus-like particle (9vHPV) vaccine prevents infection and disease. We conducted a noninferiority immunogenicity study to bridge the findings in young women to girls and boys aged 9 to 15 years.

METHODS:

Subjects (N = 3066) received a 3-dose regimen of 9vHPV vaccine administered at day 1, month 2, and month 6. Anti-HPV serologic assays were performed at day 1 and month 7. Noninferiority required that the lower bound of 2-sided 95% confidence intervals of geometric mean titer ratios (boys:young women or girls:young women) be >0.67 for each HPV type. Systemic and injection-site adverse experiences (AEs) and serious AEs were monitored.

RESULTS:

At 4 weeks after dose 3, >99% of girls, boys, and young women seroconverted for each vaccine HPV type. Increases in geometric mean titers to HPV types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 were elicited in all vaccine groups. Responses in girls and boys were noninferior to those of young women. Persistence of anti-HPV responses was demonstrated through 2.5 years after dose 3. Administration of the 9vHPV vaccine was generally well tolerated. A lower proportion of girls (81.9%) and boys (72.8%) than young women (85.4%) reported injection-site AEs, most of which were mild to moderate in intensity.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data support bridging the efficacy findings with 9vHPV vaccine in young women 16 to 26 years of age to girls and boys 9 to 15 years of age and implementing gender-neutral HPV vaccination programs in preadolescents and adolescents.
Weight Growth Velocity and Postnatal Growth Failure in Infants 501 to 1500 Grams: 2000–2013
Authors: Horbar Jeffrey D. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Badger Gary J. , Edwards Erika M. , Morrow Kate A. , Soll Roger F. , Buzas Jeffrey S. , Bertino Enrico , Gagliardi Luigi , Bellù Roberto
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND:

Very low birth weight infants often gain weight poorly and demonstrate growth failure during the initial hospitalization. Although many of the major morbidities experienced by these infants during their initial NICU stays have decreased in recent years, it is unclear whether growth has improved.

METHODS:

We studied 362 833 infants weighing 501 to 1500 g without major birth defects born from 2000 to 2013 and who were hospitalized for 15 to 175 days at 736 North American hospitals in the Vermont Oxford Network. Average growth velocity (GV; g/kg per day) was computed by using a 2-point exponential model on the basis of birth weight and discharge weight. Postnatal growth failure and severe postnatal growth failure were defined as a discharge weight less than the 10th and third percentiles for postmenstrual age, respectively.

RESULTS:

From 2000 to 2013, average GV increased from 11.8 to 12.9 g/kg per day. Postnatal growth failure decreased from 64.5% to 50.3% and severe postnatal growth failure from 39.8% to 27.5%. The interquartile ranges for the hospitals participating in 2013 were as follows: GV, 12.3 to 13.4 g/kg per day; postnatal growth failure, 41.1% to 61.7%; and severe postnatal growth failure, 19.4% to 36.0%. Adjusted and unadjusted estimates were nearly identical.

CONCLUSIONS:

For infants weighing 501 to 1500 g at birth, average GV increased and the percentage with postnatal growth failure decreased. However, in 2013, half of these infants still demonstrated postnatal growth failure and one-quarter demonstrated severe postnatal growth failure.
MGE2: A framework for cradle-to-cradle design
Authors: Peralta Álvarez Maria Estela , Aguayo González Francisco , Lama Ruíz Juan Ramón , Ávila Gutiérrez María Jesús
Published: June 2015

Design and ecology are critical issues in the industrial sector. Products are subject to constant review and optimization for survival in the market, and limited by their impact on the planet. Decisions about a new product affect its life cycle, consumers, and especially the environment. In order to achieve quality solutions, eco-effectiveness must be considered, therefore, in the design of a process, its product development and associated system. An orderly methodology is essential to help towards creating products that meet both user needs and current environmental requirements, under paradigms that create environmental value. To date, the industry has developed techniques in an attempt to address these expectations under Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C), which is loosely structured around the conceptual frameworks and design techniques. The present work describes a new framework that encompasses all stages of design, and enables interaction under a set of principles developed for C2C. Under this innovative new paradigm emerges the Genomic Model of Eco-innovation and Eco-design, proposed as a methodology for designing products that meet individual and collective needs, and which enables the design of eco-friendly products, by integrating them into the framework of the ISO standards of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), eco-design, eco-labeling, and C2C certification.
Evaluation of the kinetics of oxidation and removal of organic matter in the self-purification of a mountain river
Authors: Rivera Gutiérrez Jorge Virgilio
Published: June 2015

The study is based on the determination of the kinetic rates and assessment of self-purification of the Frio River, due to the uptake of organic load. The kinetic rates were calculated by applying differential and logarithmic methods on concentrations of water quality determinants present in each of the (7) reach of the river. The water system easily recovers the amount of oxygen, kd= 0.4, ka 3.2 d-1, only receives 27.7 Ton. d-1, the organic load, making high concentrations of carbon, ammonium and remain sediment. The length Influence of discharges, LIV- BOD yielded a mean per tranche of 10 km, compared to 3 km each way, means that the river can´t self- purification that need more length of travel. The study illustrates the modeling of the determinants of quality, developed by the QUAL2K, using the calculated rates.
Comfort perception assessment in persons with transfemoral amputation
Authors: Ramirez Patiño Juan Fernando , Gutiérrez Rôa Derly Faviana , Correa Espinal Alexander Alberto
Published: June 2015

Historically, the design and fitting of prostheses had to rely on a slow process of trial and error, depending on the expertise of the prosthetist. Therefore, a clear definition of the concept of comfort and clear knowledge of its contributing factors are important when designing comfortable prostheses. However, there are currently no standardized methods to adequately measure prosthesis-related comfort. The aim of this study is to identify the factors that underlie the concept of comfort with prosthesis use in transfemoral amputees. Forty-one transfemoral amputees completed a questionnaire to evaluate the perception of comfort and to analyze the influence of six factors. It found a significant model that correctly classifies 84.9% of the cases. It can predict whether the patient feels comfort while using the prosthesis. Although all of the factors were significant, the factors with the greatest influence on the perception of comfort were functionality and pain.
Technical efficiency of thermal power units through a stochastic frontier
Authors: Marmolejo-Saucedo José Antonio , Rodríguez-Aguilar Román , Cedillo-Campos Miguel Gastón , Salazar-Martínez María Soledad
Published: June 2015

This work presents a model to obtain a stochastic frontier production function of a Mexican power generation company. The stochastic frontier allows us to evaluate the technical efficiency of an energy producer according of the level of inputs. Electricity generation based on thermal generation is highly expensive due to operational inefficiency of thermal power plants. At the moment, in Mexico, technical efficiency of thermal power units has not been studied for the national electricity system. Therefore, in order to know the productivity levels of thermal generation, an empirical application of the stochastic frontier model is obtained using a panel data of thermoelectric units from the Mexican electricity system for the 2009-2013 period.
Optimization of the distribution of steel pipes using a mathematical model
Authors: Mata-Pérez Miguel , Saucedo-Martínez Jania Astrid
Published: June 2015

Distribution is one of the most important processes in a supply chain, given that it represents up to two thirds of company logistics costs and up to 20% of the total cost of products. For that reason, it is essential to optimize the costs of distribution.  A steel producer located in Monterrey distributes their products to different parts of Mexico. Currently, the distribution is carried out through empirical knowledge, underusing resources and generating unnecessary costs. The aim is to undertake the distribution process more efficiently.  This paper presents an optimization model based on vehicle routing problem (VRP), for the distribution of heavy pipes taking into account the company’s own characteristics, such as: rented heterogeneous fleet, multiple shipments of products, split deliveries and open cycles (meaning that the routes may not necessarily end in the depot).
A framework to evaluate over-costs in natural resources logistics chains
Authors: Pérez-Salas Gabriel , González-Ramírez Rosa G. , Cedillo-Campos Miguel Gastón
Published: June 2015

Foreign trade barriers and duties have been significantly reduced by multilateral agreements and integration mechanisms among nations. Logistics costs represent a significant proportion of the final price of the items, especially of the commodities. For this reason, minimizing logistics costs is an important challenge for nations in order to enhance competiveness of foreign trade and in particular to take advantage of natural resources rents. In this article, we propose a holistic framework for estimating logistics costs, focused on determining over costs that result from inefficient procedures and a lack of adequate public policies and regulations of the public entities. These issues have not been considered in the literature, and this article fills this gap. As a case study, we present the application of the framework to estimate over costs in some natural resources logistics chains of Bolivia. A discussion of the results found is presented together with recommendations for further research.
Városi talajok nehézfém vizsgálatai a nyugat-dunántúli régióban (Esettanulmány)
Authors: Horváth Adrienn , Bidló András
Published: June 2015

Kutatásunkban arra kerestük a választ, hogy az antropogén tevékenységek milyen hatást gyakorolnak a városi talajokra. Sopron és Szombathely város területén és környékén összesen 192 ponton gyűjtöttünk talajmintákat 0–10 cm és 10–20 cm- es mélységben. A kémiai és fizikai talajtulajdonságok laboratóriumi meghatározása után, az oldható toxikus elemek mennyiségének méréséhez (ICP-OES) Lakanen-Erviö-féle kivonatot (Lakenen & Erviö, 1971) készítettünk.

A terepi és a laboratóriumi mérési eredményeket térinformatikai módszerekkel dolgoztuk fel (DigiTerraMap), majd következtetéseket vontunk le a helyszíni adatok, a laboratóriumi értékek és a készített tematikus térképek alapján. A mérések során hat elemet (Co, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) emeltünk ki, melyek kiemelkedő fontosságúak a városi talajokban. A talajminták eredményeinek kiértékelését a Magyarországon hatályos rendeletek határértékei és a Kádár (1998) által javasolt határértékek alapján végeztük.

A szombathelyi talajok kémhatása semleges (pH = 6,9), és a toxikus elemek előfordulása magasabb koncentrációban csak néhány esetben volt jellemző. A minták fele nem tartalmazott kalcium-karbonátot. A városközpont felé haladva folyamatosan nőtt a karbonáttartalom, mely erős összefüggést mutatott a kémhatással (felső rétegben: R2 = 0,75; alsó rétegben: R2 = 0,78). A talajok fizikai félesége mindkét rétegben agyagos vályog volt.

A nehézfémtartalom alapján jelentős eltérés nincs az egy ponton mért egymás feletti rétegek között. A felső rétegben több pont mutat szennyezettségi határértéket meghaladó értéket. Az alsó rétegben, ugyan kevesebb mintavételi ponton, de magasabbak, sőt bizonyos helyen kiugróak a mért nehézfém értékek.

A természetes háttérkoncentrációt nem haladta meg Cd-, Co- és a Ni-tartalom. A Cu-tartalom több esetben nagyobb, mint a természetes háttérkoncentráció, de a szennyezettségi határértéket (40 mg Cu·kg−1) nem érte el.

A forgalmas — elsősorban belvárosi — utak mellől gyűjtött talajok a folyamatos terhelés miatt ólommal szennyezettek. Ez a terhelés a külváros felé haladva mérséklődhet, csökkenhet az Pb-tartalom, de a külvárosi savanyú kémhatású területek felé haladva a kisebb forgalomból származó ólomterhelés is veszélyes lehet, az ólom mozgékonyságának növekedésével. Cinkre nézve 14 db minta az első intézkedési határértéket, kettő pedig a 80 mg Zn·kg−1-ot is meghaladta; mely értékeket a Gyöngyös patak parti mintákban találtunk.

Összefoglalva úgy véljük, hogy a jövőben a patakparti minták további részletes vizsgálatára kell hangsúlyt fektetni. Ezen felül a városi növények elemzésére is sor kerülhet, mivel a patak mentén parkok, sétányok és pihenőövezetek vannak, tehát a talajszennyezés hatással lehet az emberi egészségre. Az összes elemre nézve a leg-magasabb összterhelést a belvárosi parkok talajának két rétegében mértük. A leve-gőből származó szennyeződések megkötődnek a város zöldfelületein, és bemosód-hatnak a parkosított patakpartok talajába.
Az őszi búza ásványielem-tartalmának változása Magyarországon 1839-től napjainkig
Authors: Győri Zoltán
Published: June 2015

Napjainkban mind gyakrabban teszik fel azt a kérdést, hogy az intenzív agrotechnika és az ilyen körülmények között termesztett fajták genetikai adottságai következtében megváltozik-e a takarmányozási/táplálkozás-élettani minőség. A válasz megadását több tényező is nehezíti, hiszen nehéz évtizedekig archiválni a mintákat és azután egy időpontban ugyanazzal a műszerrel, módszerrel a mérést elvégezni. A szerzőnek, lehetősége volt arra, hogy a rendelkezésére álló, 1974–2006 között atomabszorpciós spektrofotométerrel, majd 1988-tól ICP-OES-sel, később ICP-MS-el mért minták adatait ilyen szempontok szerint is feldolgozza. Ehhez még sikerült néhány mintát elemeztetnie az 1839 és 1950 közötti évekből, a hazánkban fellelhető mintagyűjteményekből. A mért ásványielem-tartalmakat (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) a hazai irodalmi adatokkal hasonlította össze.

Az 1974–2006 között kapott nagyszámú adatot összevetve az 1839–1936 közötti eredményekkel megállapította, hogy a Cu, a Zn, a Mn és a Mg esetében figyelhető meg csökkenés. Ez a csökkenés az elemeként változott, hiszen a mangánnál és a réznél több mint 25%-os, míg a cinknél és a magnéziumnál pedig 15%-os. Ezzel szemben a Ca-tartalom mintegy 150 mg·kg-1-mal magasabb, míg a P-tartalom nem változott. A P- és K-tartalomban a korábban BARDÓCZ és PUSZTAI (2013) által kö-zölt nagymértékű csökkenés nem figyelhető meg.
Bioszén hatása a talaj-növény-mikróba rendszerre: előnyök és aggályok — Szemle
Authors: Kocsis Tamás , Biró Borbála
Published: June 2015

A rendelkezésre álló szakirodalmi hivatkozások a bioszén széleskörű felhaszná-lási lehetőségeit jelzik a talaj-növény-mikroba kölcsönhatás alakulására. A bioszén kedvezően befolyásolhatja a talajok fizikai-kémiai tulajdonságait, pl. vízháztartását, agyag- és szervesanyag-tartalmát, a kémhatását, a N- és P-tartalmát, a mezo- és mikroelemek mennyiségét és porózus szerkezete miatt annak levegőzöttségét, az oxigéntartalmát vagy az oxigén relatív mennyiségét a pórustérben.

A növénytáplálásra kifejtett kedvező hatások közvetlenül és közvetve is meg-nyilvánulhatnak. A mikroorganizmusok intenzívebb szaporodása a bioszénnel kezelt területeken az irodalmi adatok alapján jól megalapozottnak tekinthető. A bioszén kiszáradástól való felületi védelmet, oxigéndúsabb környezetet, és adszor-beált szerves anyagokat is jelent a mikroorganizmusoknak; gombáknak és baktéri-umoknak egyaránt. A jobb mikrobiális ellátottság eléréséhez a talaj a fizikai-kémiai tulajdonságok mellett kedvező hőmérséklet és a kémhatás is hozzájárul.

A bioszén növénytermesztési technológiákba történő integrálásának eredményei így leginkább rövidtávon, de termésnövekedésről adnak számot. A növénytermesztés szempontjából hasznos mikroszimbionta nitrogénkötő baktériumok valamint a foszformobilizáló mikorrhiza gombák mennyisége és aktivitása ugyanakkor erősen dózis és termékfüggő. A növény-mikroba szimbiózis hatékonysága a leginkább szükséges és kritikus környezeti stressz-körülmények között rosszabbodhat. Aggó-dásra ad okot a helytelenül használt nagy bioszén-dózisok tápanyag- és/vagy vízle-kötő tulajdonsága és nem utolsó sorban a talajeredetű patogén mikroorganizmusok fokozott felszaporodási lehetősége is.

A bioszén tehát olyan értékes eszköz lehet a kezünkben, aminek előnyeit csak a megfelelő talajfizikai, -kémiai és -biológiai vizsgálatokra alapozottan, odafigyelés-sel és kellő szakmai ismeretekkel együtt használhatunk ki jól és biztonságosan.
Prediction of myocardial tissue loss by quantitative densitometric myocardial blush parameters following ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sasi V , Gavallér H , Kalapos A , Domsik P , Nagy FT , Ungi T , Ungi I , Forster T , Nemes Attila
Published: June 2015

Tissue level myocardial perfusion is one of the most important prognostic factors after successful recanalisation of the occluded coronary artery in patients suffering acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The primary objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between videodensitometric myocardial perfusion parameters as assessed on coronary angiograms directly following successful recanalization therapy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived myocardial tissue loss late after STEMI. The study comprised 29 STEMI patients. Videodensitometric parameter Gmax/Tmax was calculated to characterize myocardial perfusion, derived from the plateau of grey-level intensity (Gmax), divided by the time-to-peak intensity (Tmax). Myocardial loss index (MLI) was assessed by cardiac MRI following 376 ± 254 days after PCI. Results: Signifcant correlations could be demonstrated between MLI and Gmax (r = 0.36, p = 0.05) and Gmax/Tmax (r = 0.40, p = 0.03) using vessel masking. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Gmax/Tmax < 2.17 predicted best MLI = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 with good sensitivity and specifcity data, while Gmax/Tmax < 3.25 proved to have a prognostic role in the prediction of MLI = 0.7. Conclusions: Selective myocardial tissue level perfusion quantitative measurement method is feasible and can serve as a good predictor of myocardial tissue loss following STEMI and revascularization therapy.
Prevalence of physiological and pathological electrocardiographic findings in Hungarian athletes
Authors: Kiss Orsolya , Sydó Nóra , Vargha P , Édes E , Merkely G , Sydó T , Merkely Béla
Published: June 2015

In Hungary, ECG is a keystone of routine athletic screening. Its signifcance is based on simplicity, quickness and high informative value as well as the fact that appearance of pathological ECG signs can precede the formation of structural heart diseases. During screening of healthy athletes, we studied the incidence of athletic ECG changes and pathological ECG abnormalities. Methods: We performed detailed analysis of 12-lead ECG recordings of asymptomatic elite, non-elite and master athletes and controls. Results: 227 athletes (male: 180, age: 27.2±8.7 years) and 89 controls (male: 57, age: 28.1±6.8 years) were examined. Benign ECG signs: sinus bradycardia, early repolarization and isolated Voltage criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy were common and more often in athletes compared to controls. Potentially pathological ECG signs: ST- (6.6% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.05) and T-wave (15.0% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.05) changes and signs of pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (5.3% vs. 0%, p < 0.05) occurred more frequently in athletes compared to controls. Conclusions: Signs of pathological left ventricular hypertrophy and repolarization abnormalities are more often in athletes. No structural heart disease could be verifed in the background of the disorders. However, athletes having pathological ECG should be kept under tight cardiology control. Exact defnition and widespread knowledge of pathological ECG changes is essential in early recognition of high risk athletes.
Organotypic tissue culture investigation of homocysteine thiolactone cardiotoxic effect
Authors: Lopatina Ekaterina V. , Kipenko AV , Penniyaynen VA , Pasatetskaya NA , Djuric D , Krylov BV
Published: June 2015

Homocysteine thiolactone was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of 10–12-day-old chicken embryo cardiac tissue explants at 7 × 10−9 −1 × 10−3 M concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal cardiotoxic effect of homocysteine thiolactone was detected at 1 × 10−3 M, which corresponds to severe hyperhomocysteinemia. The results of experiments on culturing of cardiac tissue explants in the medium containing homocysteine thiolactone (1 × 10−3 M) and ouabain at concentrations regulating the signal-transducing (1 × 10−10 M) and pumping (1 × 10−8 M) functions of Na+,K+ -ATPase indicate that the cardiotoxic effect of homocysteine thiolactone is supposed to result from inhibition of the Na+,K+ -ATPase pumping function.
Állandóság és változás az iskolaérettség megítélésében
Authors: Hanák Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2015

Az iskolaérettség összetett fogalom. Nemzetközi és hazai szakirodalmak különböző aspektusú tudományos eredményeket publikálnak az óvodáskorú gyermekek pszichológiai-pedagógiai vizsgálatával és fejlesztésével kapcsolatban. Vizsgálatunk célja felmérni az óvodát elhagyó gyermekek tanuláshoz szükséges részképességeinek fejlettségi szintjét, és megállapítani, van-e eltérés a pár évtizeddel ezelőtt publikált mérési eredményektől, összehasonlítva őket. A mód- szer a „Meeting Street School Screening Test”. A vizsgálati eredmények az mutatják, hogy az óvodások a motoros minták területén a legjobbak, ezt követi a vizuo-perceptuo-motoros terület, és leggyengébbek a nyelvi területen. Tehát eltérés látható: a téri pozíció látásmódja helyett a verbalitás mint részképesség mutat alacsonyabb fejlettségi szintet. Ezen eredmények tükrében módszertani ajánlások fogalmazhatóak meg az óvodapedagógia területén.
Relaxációs technikák alkalmazása az iskolai gyakorlatban
Authors: József István
Published: June 2015

Az előadásban bemutatásra kerülő módszer gyorsan és egyszerűen beilleszthető egy iskolai osztály mindennapi tevékenységébe, és a feszültség csökkentésén túl a közösség formálásában, valamint a tanulási folyamat segítésében is szerepet játszhat.A szerző négy iskolai osztályban alkalmazta a relaxációt (Autogén tréninget) a tanulók mentálhigiénéjének karbantartása érdekében. Az érintett osztályokat több éven keresztül kísérte figyelemmel. Eredményei tükrében alkalmazhatónak tartja a módszert általános iskolai osztályokban, és bizonyos kitételekkel középiskolai környezetben egyaránt.
A két tanítási nyelvű szakközépiskolai képzés szakmódszertani kérdései
Authors: Karner Cecília , Szanyi Imre
Published: June 2015

A két tanítási nyelvű képzésnek különös nehézségekkel szembenéznie a szakképzés terén, hiszen megfelelő tananyagok és jól kidolgozott módszerek nélkül ellehetetlenülne az ilyen jellegű oktatás. E problémákon elsősorban a felhasználók szükségleteinek mind teljesebb körű figyelembevételével lehet segíteni. Az igények felmérése a Szombathelyi Kereskedelmi és Vendéglátói Szakképző Iskola angol-magyar két tanítási nyelvű képzését kezdő, és azt befejező osztályaiban egy kérdőív segítségével történt, hogy a tanulói válaszok alapján a kiépítendő adatbázist felhasználóbaráttá lehessen tenni. A tanulási technikával összefüggő kérdések (pl. tanulásra fordított idő, internethasználat gyakorisága) mellett a diákoknak lehetőségük volt véleményt nyilvánítani az adatbázis kiépítésére vonatkozóan is – jelen tanulmány ennek eredményéről számol be, kiemelve az évfolyamok közti különbségeket.
Die Sprachfrage in der Bildung der Kindergartenpädagogen
Authors: Elizabeth Kézi
Published: June 2015

The European nurseries were established in the 19th century. The example set in England was soon followed by Hungary, when in 1828 countess Terese of Brunsvik sacrificed her own fortune and founded a nursery in Buda.The ’nursery case’ became an instrument of spreading national language throughout the multi-ethnic Hungarian Kingdom. It is true, the first nursery pedagogues were men with German mother tongue, and the first nurseries were established in places where German speaking citizens were in majority. Nevertheless, an association supporting nurseries of the Reform era, aimed to propagate the Hungarian language.At the same time, sources prove that both educators and children spoke many languages in the nurseries of the 19th century. However, there is no evidence in any sources, that multilingualism would have blocked the spiritual development of children. I believe this could be an appropriate reason for experts, who oppose language education in nurseries.
A roma/cigány tanulók tannyelvi diszkriminációja vagy inklúziója?
Authors: Szilágyi Magdolna
Published: June 2015

A saját nyelv és kultúra őrzése több nemzetközi dokumentumban is megfogalmazott egyetemes emberi jog. Az ismert külföldi jó gyakorlatok ellenére Magyarországon nagyon kevés iskolában valósul meg a kisebbségi nyelv oktatása. A leggyengébb érdekérvényesítő potenciállal rendelkező roma/cigány csoport esetében különösen problémás ez. Az átlag magyar iskola nyelvezete a feltételezett középosztályhoz igazodik. Ezt a sztenderd nyelvhasználatot várják el a diglossziás nyelvhasználatú cigány tanulóktól is, ami a kezdeti kudarcok miatt a tartós sikertelenséget vetíti előre, ami a továbbtanulási adatokban nyomon követhető. A győri oláhcigány csoport nyelvhasználatát vizsgálva egy olyan tendencia látszik, hogy a jelenlegi iskoláskorúak körében megtörik az anyanyelv használatát segítő motiváltság. Ennek visszafordítására szükség van a cigány/roma csoportok nyelvének iskolai inklúziójára.
Memória ficcional da Shoah: Peças em fuga
Authors: Silva Vivien Gonzaga e
Published: June 2015

Ler um romance rigorosamente como ficção é o nosso dever de leitores; produzir ficções capazes de desafiar o nosso senso de realidade, a nossa visão do mundo e da história, é, por assim dizer, o estrito ofício do escritor. No romance Peças em fuga, de Anne Michaels, três homens, Jakob, Athos e Ben – suas criaturas de papel –, se entregam a esse ofício. Este artigo analisa, nesse romance, a memória ficcional da Shoah.
Meu diário
Authors: Poenaru Vlad Eugen
Published: June 2015

Meu diário
A experiência de Munique
Authors: Nazario Luiz
Published: June 2015

Caminhando pela Unter den Linden, Carlo Rondi era feliz naquele verão de 1928. Estudava em Berlim graças a uma bolsa que a Universidade de Bolonha concedera à melhor monografia sobre a literatura alemã. Com um ensaio sobre o herói no teatro de Schiller, Carlo conquistara o cobiçado prêmio. E, agora, podia viver um ano inteiro no estrangeiro, como nunca pudera viver em seu próprio país: livre da família e com dinheiro suficiente para acompanhar a agitação cultural daquela grande metrópole.
Azares de amor y de guerra
Authors: Saed Ivonne
Published: June 2015

Si no hubiese sido por lo que pasó ese día, yo en principio ni siquiera estaría aquí. O mejor dicho no estaría en absoluto. No habría nacido, no se habría reunido nunca ese conjunto de factores – células, fluidos, manías, hábitos, olores, gustos, facciones y deseos – que como resultado dieron el universo irrepetible que es mi persona. Porque igual que para la guerra se necesitan dos, también para el amor y la procreación. Para el amor, al igual que para la guerra, además de dos participantes, se requiere también de un momento justo, una razón precisa, la reunión exacta de elementos que no pueden aplazarse ni suceder en un espacio distinto. Si cualquiera de las partes que forman un suceso bélico o amoroso aconteciera a un metro de donde sucedió o unos minutos después, sería como si el mundo hubiese cambiado su velocidad de giro por un momento imperceptible y a la vez irrecuperable: entonces nada sería igual.
Para meu pai
Authors: Scliar-Cabral Leonor
Published: June 2015

Fumaça nos meus olhos, nevoeiro,

cortinas de infortúnio tão pressagas

a perturbarem os reflexos d’água

espelhando o balouço das palmeiras.