bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new frog of the genus Aromobates (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from Sierra de Perijá, Venezuela
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , INFANTE-RIVERO EDWIN E. , BARRIO-AMORÓS CÉSAR L.
Published: February 2019

A new species of diurnal frog of the genus Aromobates is described from the Sierra de Perijá in the Andes of western Venezuela. The new species is the first dendrobatid reported from this mountain range, though many other congeners are known from the Cordillera de Mérida, also in the Venezuelan Andes. It can be readily distinguished from all congeners by the unique combination of the following characters: dorsal skin granulate, paired and protuberant dorsal digital scutes, finger I shorter than finger II, fringes absent on fingers I and IV, present and conspicuous on all toes, toe webbing basal, dorsolateral stripe present, oblique lateral stripe diffuse, ventrolateral stripe absent. With this new species the number of Aromobates species from Venezuela increases to 13.
Taxonomic revision and morphometric analysis of Meteorus Haliday, 1835 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Meteorinae) from Colombia
Authors: AGUIRRE HELMUTH , SARMIENTO CARLOS E. , SHAW SCOTT R.
Published: February 2019

Meteorus Haliday 1835 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a cosmopolitan genus with nearly 250 species around the world. Its species are koinobiont endoparasitoids that use Coleoptera and Lepidoptera caterpillars as hosts, some of them are important agricultural pests. The Meteorus fauna is better known for the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical and Australian regions, but these wasps are poorly studied in the Neotropical region. From Colombia only two species have been previously reported. The goals of this paper are to study the taxonomic diversity of Meteorus from Colombia and to test the taxonomic value of morphometric characters used to discriminate species. The taxonomic value of the morphometric traits is tested using discriminant function analysis, principal components analysis and graphical exploration of data. A taxonomic key and diagnoses for the species are presented. Nineteen species are newly described: M. amazonensis sp. nov., M. andreae sp. nov., M. antioquensis sp. nov., M. boyacensis sp. nov., M. calimai sp. nov., M. caquetensis sp. nov., M. cecavorum sp. nov., M. chingazensis sp. nov., M. dixi sp. nov., M. farallonensis sp. nov., M. guacharensis sp. nov., M. guineverae sp. nov., M. huilensis sp. nov., M. iguaquensis sp. nov., M. jerodi sp. nov., M. magdalensis sp. nov., M. muiscai sp. nov., M. quimbayensis sp. nov., M. santanderensis sp. nov. Sixteen species are new records for Colombia: M. alejandromasisi Zitani, M. arizonensis Muesebeck, M. corniculatus Zitani, M. desmiae Zitani, M. dimidiatus (Cresson), M. dos Zitani, M. mariamartae Zitani, M. megalops Zitani, M. oviedoi Shaw & Nishida, M. papiliovorus Zitani, M. pseudodimidiatus Zitani, M. rogerblancoi Zitani, M. rugonasus Shaw & Jones, M. townsendi Muesebeck, M. uno Zitani, M. yamijuanum Zitani. Most of the new species are found in Andean forests above 2000 m. New hosts are recorded for M. alejandromasisi, M. laphygmae, M. papiliovorus and M. rubens. The morphometric traits of the head are the most useful for separating species. In contrast, the wings traits are very labile and species differentiation with only wing characters is difficult.
New species in the Neotropical genus Docalidia with a key to known species, notes on distribution, taxonomy and a synoptic catalogue of the genus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae: Teruliini)
Authors: NIELSON M. W.
Published: February 2019

Thirty-five new species of Docalidia in the tribe Teruliini are elucidated with descriptions, illustrations and photographs of the dorsal habitus. These include the following: Docalidia accurationis, sp. nov., D. acuminata, sp. nov., and D. rondoniensis, sp. nov. from Brazil; D. acutula, sp. nov., D. barbata, sp. nov., D. biarcua, sp. nov., D. caudata, sp. nov., D. cirra, sp. nov., D. cornicula, sp. nov., D. cornipes, sp. nov., D. curvatura, sp. nov., D. dennisi, sp. nov., D. deitzi, sp. nov., D. dietrichi, sp. nov., D. dmitrievi, sp. nov., D. fastigata, sp. nov., D. gigantea, sp. nov., D. goncalvesae, sp. nov., D. jonesi, sp. nov., D. mejdalanii, sp. nov., D. parvitatis, sp. nov., D. takiyae, sp. nov., D. timothyi, sp. nov., D. turgida, sp. nov., D. ventroelongata, sp. nov. and D. zhangi, sp. nov. from Colombia; D. bolivari, sp. nov., D. exilitis, sp. nov., D. torquerta, sp. nov. and D. ventrospinata, sp. nov. from Bolivia; D. longiuscula, sp. nov., D. mckameyi, sp. nov., D. tantula, sp. nov. and D. zahniseri, sp. nov. from Ecuador and D. longula, sp. nov. from Peru. Docalidia aculeata Nielson is fixed as the correct spelling for this species name, erroneously spelled as Docalida acus in the abstract and figure legend of the original publication. Docalidia acus is declared a nomen nudum. An updated, synoptic catalogue of all names applicable to Docalidia is given in alphabetical order with new annotations with distribution. A revised key to 174 of 178 known species is also provided.
Systematic revision and phylogeny of the endemic southeastern Asian Pristaulacus comptipennis species group (Hymenoptera: Aulacidae)
Authors: TURRISI GIUSEPPE FABRIZIO , SMITH DAVID R.
Published: February 2019

The endemic southeastern Asiatic Pristaulacus comptipennis species group is revised and illustrated. Twenty species are recognized: P. asiaticus Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (China), P. boninensis Konishi (Japan), P. comptipennis Enderlein (Japan, China, Taiwan, Laos), P. corellianus Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Laos), P. dilleri Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Laos), P. emarginaticeps Turner (Vietnam), P. excisus Turner (Vietnam), P. gusenleitneri Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Thailand), P. insularis Konishi (Japan, South Korea), P. jenningsi Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Laos), P. konishii Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Thailand), P. lagrecai Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Vietnam), P. nobilei Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (China), P. porcatus Sun & Sheng (China), P. sharkeyi Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Thailand), P. thailandensis Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Thailand), P. vietnamensis Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Vietnam, Thailand), P. vilhelmseni Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Laos), P. vivaldianus Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Laos), P. watanabei Turrisi & Smith, sp. nov. (Thailand). Phylogenetic analyses are based on a previous set of 79 morphological characters. Of this data set, 28 informative including five newly added characters were analysed using TNT under different schemes (equal and implied weighting). All analyses support two large clades, the first with five species, and a more derived and diverse one containing 15 species. Other minor clades are identified and discussed. A key for identification of the species is provided.
Ticks (Argasidae, Ixodidae) and tick-borne diseases of continental Southeast Asia
Authors: PETNEY TREVOR N. , SAIJUNTHA WEERACHAI , BOULANGER NATHALIE , CHITIMIA-DOBLER LIDIA , PFEFFER MARTIN , EAMUDOMKARN CHATANUN , ANDREWS ROSS H. , AHAMAD MARIANA , PUTTHASORN NOPPADON , MUDERS SENTA V. , PETNEY DAVID A. , ROBBINS RICHARD G.
Published: February 2019

Knowledge of the tick fauna of continental Southeast Asia is either patchy or, in some cases, for example Cambodia and Myanmar, poor. Nevertheless, 97 species have been recorded from this region, making it one of the most diverse for ticks worldwide. Throughout Southeast Asia, work on tick-borne diseases of stock and companion animals, as well as of humans, is in its infancy, and the medical, veterinary and socio-economic importance of these diseases is largely unknown. Here we review current knowledge of Southeast Asian ticks and tick-borne diseases, with the aim of stimulating further research on this subject.
Does Peacekeeping Really Bring Peace? Peacekeepers and Combatant-perpetrated Sexual Violence in Civil Wars
Authors: Kirschner Shanna , Miller Adam
Published: February 2019

Peacekeeping mitigates killing, but nonlethal violence also influences both positive peace and stability. We evaluate peacekeepers’ effect on one such type of abuse, sexual violence. We posit that peacekeepers raise the cost of abuses and foster institutional and cultural changes that curb violence. We find that missions both reduce the chance of any violence and limit its prevalence; larger deployments and multidimensional missions are more effective. Governments curtail violence more quickly than rebels do in response to military contingents; rebels are especially responsive when missions include large civilian components. These findings contribute to our understanding of peacekeeping in three primary ways: we expand the evaluation of peacekeeping to consider nonlethal violence; we draw attention to mission size, capacity to use force, and civilian-led programming as determinants of effectiveness; and we demonstrate how addressing nonlethal violence requires similar tools as lethal violence but is further enhanced by specific civilian-led initiatives.
The Demise of the Criminal Records Bureau
Authors: Baldwin Chris
Published: February 2019

This article critically analyses the operations of the Criminal Records Bureau (‘the CRB’) and seeks to determine why the Bureau closed abruptly in December 2012. It questions whether the decision to open in March 2002 was expedient, in light of the apparent flaws in the operational assumptions made by Capita Plc, the successful bidder for the CRB contract, and the long-standing problems with the criminal records data. The article then identifies three key failings in the administration of the criminal records checks which it is submitted quickly and decisively eroded public and political confidence in the Bureau. The article concludes by considering who, if anyone, is responsible for the apparent failure of the CRB, and what lessons might be learned by the organisation which replaced it.
A Preliminary Exploration of the Inclusion of a Child With Autism in a Preschool With Complex Dynamic Systems
Authors: Andre Amael , Louvet Benoit , Despois Julien , Velez Christine
Published: February 2019

Based on the complex dynamic system approach, this research aimed to study the variability of the typical configurations of interactions between the adults’ participation and the engagement of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in two activities proposed in a French preschool. The classroom sessions were filmed once a month for 8 months and focused on two activities (free play and adult-led activities). The results of this preliminary exploration revealed that the typical interactions developed differently over time. Indeed, during activities that are adult led, observation behaviors with a passive participation of the adult intensified. Moreover, active engagement behaviors, without and with adult participation, increased meaningfully during free play.
Neither Reform nor Revolution: Social Change and Security in Post-1991 Ethiopia
Authors: Zegeye Abebe
Published: February 2019

The post-1991 political dynamics in Ethiopia has been defined by political polarization amidst multidimensional changes. The political discourse on the federal system and the ethno-national political configuration is stretched between two opposing stances namely the apocalyptic narrative of the opposition and the renaissance narrative of the ruling party. This paper contends that even though the two sides at face value appear different, however, a closer look at both sides reveals that both narratives are harping on the same narrative of invoking fear of disintegration and ethnic mayhem. The difference is one divulges on capitalizing the federal system as recipe for inevitable disaster while the other to have already averted it by instilling a federal system based on Ethno-territorial organization of self-rule. Consequently, the possibility of assessing the multidimensional dyna mics is made to fall between the cracks. Because, the discourse has been truncated to the size of binary interpretation of the overall post-1991 political dynamics, social change and security. Therefore, the imperative for engaging contemporary Ethiopia dynamics by transcending the binary divide.
Heartrending or Uplifting: The Ethiopian Urban Land Tenure System Reform and Its Reflection on Tenure Security of Permit Holders
Authors: Gebremichael Brightman
Published: February 2019

In this article, I reflect on the implication of the urban land tenure systems of the three political regimes of Ethiopia on the objective element of land tenure security of urban landholders, particularly, permit holders. The objective element of land tenure security can be assessed in terms of clarity and breadth, duration, assurance, and enforceability of land rights. On these foundations, I argue that the objective element of tenure security of urban landholders in Ethiopia has been reduced with each subsequent regime. The Imperial regime’s urban land tenure system affected the objective land tenure security of urban landholders in terms of enforceability of land rights—particularly limiting the right to appeal to a presumably independent court of law with regard to the amount of compensation awarded for the loss of land rights through expropriation. The Derg regime’s urban land tenure system, on the other hand, had narrowed the breadth of land rights to possessory right; it introduced other grounds in addition to expropriation, by which a landholder could lose his land rights, it adopted a vague and broad understanding of “public purpose” for expropriation, and it introduced a compensation scheme that left a landholder compensated inadequately; and it totally prohibited bringing a legal action in presumably an independent court of law against the government. Even more, the post-1991 urban land tenure system has perpetuated the objective land tenure insecurity of permit holders by making the land rights unclear until the enactment of regulation; and to be valid for a definite period of time by mandatorily demanding its conversion to lease system.
Neither Tolerance nor Forbearance: The Social Dynamics in the Face of the New Religiosity in Wollo Society
Authors: Gidey Muauz , Zegeye Abebe
Published: February 2019

Wollo society has long been traditionally known for its unique case of dignified-symbiotic-religiosity (DSR) that characterized Ethiopia as the model of peaceful religious coexistence. After nearly 40 years of secular experience, the tremor of reformist and revivalist religious groups has begun to introduce new religiosity that pose grave challenge and at times intolerance against the traditional religiosity. Tragically, Wollo has come to bear the blunt of the revivalist intolerance, although it has not been the rare case of DSR in the mixed history of religious coexistence, accommodation, and repression. The new religiosity has appeared as a potent force defining social relations and shared experiences of Wollo society: both the public and the private lives. The shared history of the people too is not spared of revivalist victimization narratives and counter narratives: tolerance and forbearance. The demystification of religious tolerance and accommodation has tarnished the DSR of Wollo society and the 40-year-old secular establishment. The historical, social, and physical spaces have come to be symbolic embattled spaces of religious exclusivity projected to the future of new religiosity threatening to end the era of DSR of Wollo Society and the legitimacy of the secular establishment.
Who Speaks for Whom? Parliamentary Participation of Women in the Post-1991 Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Eden Fissiha
Published: February 2019

The claim that women are half the sky is more than a cliché when it comes to real political representation and rendering true women agency. Ethiopia has embarked on the recognition of women empowerment and representation, and indeed has achieved substantial changes in light of the statistical share of women in lower parliamentary houses. Although this is a token much praise among academics, however, in light of its sustainability and what their presence in these houses constitutes and the real power of representation and women agency, there is a lot not yet achieved. This is because their representation is not cognizant of the realization of their real capabilities and free women agency to stand for themselves and not because of an obligation imposed on the political parties through mandatory legislation. This study based on the secondary literature survey of women parliamentary representation in Ethiopia contends that the subaltern status of women, despite substantial statistical presence in lower parliamentary houses, which is also the result of absence of strong political parties’ competition, has not been significantly changed that they still cannot speak for themselves.
The State of Human Rights and Human Security in FDRE: A Comparative Case Study of Tigray and Afar Regional States
Authors: Gebru Assefa Le-ake
Published: February 2019

This study is the result of a comparative case study about the protection of human right from the vintage point of the promotion of human security in Tigray and Afar National Regional States in Ethiopia. Despite the multifaceted differences between the two regions, the study shows how the universality of human rights and contextual nature of human security plays off and has comparatively examined the protection and promotion of human right and human security in the study area. In the academic literature, glossy either condemnation or admiration of the state of human right and human security in FDRE (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) is a common representation. However, this study contends that there are similarities and stark differences in the state of human rights and human security between the two regions. Still, human right violations remain to significantly hinder the promotion of human security. Besides political (threats and risks) insecurity, which is common to regions, livelihood insecurity in Afar, personal and physical insecurities in Tigray are major indicators of slack in human right protection.
How Economic Dependency Was Created Through the WTO: A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Fung Ka Yi
Published: February 2019

Adapting the framework of dependency theory, the article asks how the economic dependency of less developed countries (LDCs) on developed countries (DCs) is created through free trade. This article uses South Korea’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a case study to illustrate this economic dependency creation process. Based on second-hand data from existing studies, the European Union, and the WTO, this article finds: (i) due to limited farmland size and high production costs, South Korean agricultural products cannot win a seat in the world market; (ii) the local agricultural sector was destroyed in South Korea because small farmers cannot earn a living by farming; and (iii) since the local agricultural sector cannot support the food demand in South Korea, South Korea now has to import a large amount of food. This article concludes that free trade actually destroys the local agricultural industry and the food security of South Korea, and consequently makes South Korea have to rely heavily on DCs for food import.
Class Struggle Back on the Agenda in Latin America
Authors: Petras James , Veltmeyer Henry
Published: February 2019

The article analyzes the role of the class struggle in the process of capitalist development unfolding on the Latin American periphery of the world system. The central argument is that each advance in the capitalist development process has generated a commensurate response from the working and popular classes in the form of resistance and a class struggle. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary dynamics of development and the resistance, and the particular form taken by the class struggle in the ‘neoliberal era’ of capitalist development and extractive capitalism in the region.
Adolescent Girls’ Disclosure About Dating and Sexuality
Authors: Killoren Sarah E. , Campione-Barr Nicole M. , Jones Samantha K. , Giron Sonia E.
Published: February 2019

Adolescents disclose information about romantic relationships and sexuality to family members and friends, but little is known about the correlates of this disclosure. We examined adolescent girls’ ( N = 68; 34 sister dyads) choice of disclosure partner regarding thoughts/concerns about dating and sexuality. Adolescents were more likely to choose mothers and sisters (compared with friends) as disclosure partners regarding dating and sexuality topics. Using multilevel modeling, we also examined romantic relationship and sexual correlates of disclosure partner selection. Adolescents’ disclosure to mothers and sisters was associated with positive relationships. We also found that adolescents who selected mothers as disclosure partners for sexuality reported greater romantic relationship intimacy and adolescents who selected friends as disclosure partners for sexuality reported less conservative sexual attitudes than other adolescents. Furthermore, our findings revealed that adolescents’ choice of disclosure partner was associated with their sexual attitudes, and these associations differed by topic and sibling status.
Disparities in Rural Tobacco Use, Smoke-Free Policies, and Tobacco Taxes
Authors: Buettner-Schmidt Kelly , Miller Donald R. , Maack Brody
Published: February 2019

Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) remain leading causes of preventable disease, disability, and mortality in the United States. Rural populations are among those being left behind in the recent declining smoking rates and have become a focus of discussions on tobacco-related disparities. This article describes tobacco-related disparities in rural populations including tobacco use, exposure to SHS, smoke-free policies, and tobacco taxes. Nurses, as social justice and tobacco control policy advocates, are needed especially at the local level, where much of the policy work occurs and where nursing’s voice is respected and can be powerful.
What is the evidence that people with frailty have needs for palliative care at the end of life? A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Stow Daniel , Spiers Gemma , Matthews Fiona E , Hanratty Barbara
Published: February 2019

Background:

The number of older people living and dying with frailty is rising, but our understanding of their end-of-life care needs is limited.

Aim:

To synthesise evidence on the end-of-life care needs of people with frailty.

Design:

Systematic review of literature and narrative synthesis. Protocol registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42016049506).

Data sources:

Fourteen electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, EThOS, Google, Medline, NDLTD, NHS Evidence, NICE, Open grey, Psychinfo, SCIE, SCOPUS and Web of Science) searched from inception to October 2017 and supplemented with bibliographic screening and reference chaining. Studies were included if they used an explicit definition or measure of frailty. Quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health tool for observational studies.

Results:

A total of 4,998 articles were retrieved. Twenty met the inclusion criteria, providing evidence from 92,448 individuals (18,698 with frailty) across seven countries. Thirteen different measures or definitions of frailty were used. People with frailty experience pain and emotional distress at levels similar to people with cancer and also report a range of physical and psychosocial needs, including weakness and anxiety. Functional support needs were high and were highest where people with frailty were cognitively impaired. Individuals with frailty often expressed a preference for reduced intervention, but these preferences were not always observed at critical phases of care.

Conclusion:

People with frailty have varied physical and psychosocial needs at the end of life that may benefit from palliative care. Frailty services should be tailored to patient and family needs and preferences at the end of life.
Early Interventionists’ Caregiver Coaching: A Mixed Methods Approach Exploring Experiences and Practices
Authors: Douglas Sarah N. , Meadan Hedda , Kammes Rebecca
Published: February 2019

Early intervention (EI) for infants and toddlers with disabilities relies on family-centered practices. Caregiver coaching, one family-centered practice used in EI, can lead to improved supports by caregivers and improved outcomes for children with disabilities. However, within the research literature, little is understood about the experiences, practices, and barriers EI providers face when coaching caregivers. To understand these issues, a mixed method design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data using questionnaires, EI provider interviews, and coaching logs from EI providers. Results from all three data collection sources for 19 early interventionists provide insight into the perceptions, experiences, benefits, and barriers of caregiver coaching as shared by EI providers in one state. Implications for practice, future research directions, and limitations are discussed.
Hyperadrenocorticism Caused by a Pituitary Ganglioglioma in a Dog
Authors: Ishino Hirokazu , Takekoshi Susumu , Teshima Takahiro , Uchida Kazuyuki , Sakonju Iwao , Hara Yasushi
Published: February 2019

An 11-year-old castrated male Chihuahua dog was presented with complaints of polyuria, polydipsia, abdominal enlargement, and alopecia. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, blood tests, adrenocorticotropin-stimulation test results, and an elevated serum adrenocorticotropin concentration. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed that the pituitary gland was enlarged, compatible with a pituitary macroadenoma. Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was suspected, and transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was thus performed for complete resection of the tumor. After surgery, the serum adrenocorticotropin concentration normalized and the hyperadrenocorticism resolved. Histological and immunocytochemical analyses revealed a benign tumor composed of mature neuronal cells and glial cells, suggestive of a ganglioglioma with immunolabeling for adrenocorticotropin. Careful analysis of the resected tumor revealed no pituitary adenoma tissue. The clinical and histopathologic findings indicated that the ganglioglioma was directly responsible for the hyperadrenocorticism. This is the first case of hyperadrenocorticism caused by a ganglioglioma in a dog.
Mechano-microbial systems: An ecofriendly approach for copper bioleaching from waste printed circuit board
Authors: Awasthi Abhishek Kumar , Li Jinhui
Published: February 2019

Waste printed circuit board (PCB) is attracting serious concerns because the recycling of its valuable metallic portion is made difficult by the existence of hazardous substances. The objective of the present study was to develop a simplified approach for copper bioleaching from waste PCB. In this context, we intended mechano-microbial systems symbolized as SET-I (spore suspension + potato dextrose broth medium + waste PCB powder), SET-II (pre-cultured until the logarithmic phase, without waste PCB powder), and SET-III (fungal metabolites produced at stationary phase). The results of bioleaching studies showed that the developed method achieved the highest copper leaching of 85% by the SET-III approach. This study provides an insight for bioleaching copper from waste PCB. Furthermore, this approach can be established as an ecofriendly method for copper bioleaching by using an integrated system.
Designing a sustainable dynamic collection service for WEEE: an economic and environmental analysis through simulation
Authors: Elia Valerio , Gnoni Maria Grazia , Tornese Fabiana
Published: February 2019

The integration of economic and environmental objectives is crucial in the waste collection sector, especially for flows characterized by a high economic value like waste from electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). WEEE needs a complex and flexible reverse logistics system to face high uncertainty and variability of waste flows, while keeping a high efficiency. A few efforts in the literature have focused on planning an efficient collection service on a local scale. In this paper, a simulation-based methodology is adopted to compare different alternatives for a WEEE collection service in Italy. A dynamic collection scheme (i.e. with variable collection frequencies based on the actual level of waste flow) is simulated in two different logistics configurations, i.e. one based on direct connection and one based on an “hub-and-spoke” network. The impact of adopting electric vehicles is also evaluated. Alternatives are compared through economic and environmental key performance indicators to assess the level of sustainability. Results show the advantages of a “hub-and-spoke” configuration with the use of electric vehicles.
Gas chromatographic analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in compost samples from different origin
Authors: Barcauskaitė Karolina
Published: February 2019

Depending on the origin, the compost produced may contain not only nutrients but also pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. It is very important to determine them in soil-improving substances, because persistent organic pollutants show environmental toxic, cancerogenic, mutagenic effects and do not decompose for a long time. The aim of this study was to determine seven polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations in different kinds of composts produced in Lithuania and to evaluate the appliance of these composts in agricultural land. First, before routine analysis was done a gas chromatography with electron-capture detector method was developed. In this study 145 samples of green waste, sewage sludge, cattle manure, food waste, mixed municipal waste, digestate and composts made from mixed municipal waste after mechanical–biological treatment were analysed. Obtained results show that 28% of investigated cattle manure composts (CMCs) and 10.5% of food waste composts (FWCs) were free from polychlorinated biphenyls. Other kinds of composts investigated in this study (green waste compost (GWC), sewage sludge compost (SSC), mixed municipal waste compost (MMWC), mixed municipal waste compost after mechanical biological treatment (MMWCABMT) and digestate (DIG)) were contaminated 100% with polychlorinated biphenyls. Despite the fact that polychlorinated biphenyls were forbidden 25 years ago, their concentration varied from 2.70 to 163.7 µg kg−1 in different kinds of composts produced in Lithuania. According to get an increasing average amount of Σ7 polychlorinated biphenyls, Lithuanian composts were distributed as follows CMC > GWC > DIG > FWC > SSC > MMWCABMT > MMWC.
Plant-Based Diets in Hispanic/Latino Adult Adventists in the United States and Their Association With Body Mass Index
Authors: Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Estevez Dennys , Fraser Gary E , Hayes-Bautista David E , Flores Hector , Jordan Michael , Singh Pramil N.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To characterize plant-based dietary practices and examine their relationship with body mass index (BMI) in Hispanic/Latino Seventh-day Adventists (SDA).

Design:

Cross-sectional analyses of data among Hispanics/Latinos in the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2).

Setting:

The AHS-2 is a cohort of SDA adults (n = 96 592) in North America.

Participants:

A total of 3475 Hispanics/Latinos who provided demographic, dietary, anthropometric, and lifestyle data at enrollment.

Measures:

Plant-based dietary practices were determined from food frequency questionnaire; BMI, demographic, and lifestyle data were assessed by questionnaire.

Analysis:

In linear regression analysis, plant-based diets were modeled as dummy variables with nonvegetarian as the referent group and log(BMI) as the outcome adjusted for age, sex, education, exercise, nativity, alcohol use, smoking, and energy intake.

Results:

We identified 202 vegans, 664 vegetarians, 409 pesco-vegetarians, 227 semi-vegetarians, and 1973 nonvegetarians. Compared to the nonvegetarian referent (BMI = 27.50), estimated BMI were lower among vegans (23.58, P < .0001), vegetarians (25.24, P < .0001), pesco-vegetarians (26.36, P = .0002), and semi-vegetarians (26.69, P = .130). Other factors associated with lower BMI were being female ( P = .001), nativity (Mexico, P = .002; South America, P < .0001; Caribbean, P = .004), having a college degree or higher ( P = .01), exercise ( P < .0001), and never smoked ( P = .0006).

Conclusion:

Hispanic/Latino SDAs who consumed plant-based diets had lower BMI than nonvegetarians. The application of a plant-based diet as practiced by the Hispanic/Latino Adventists in this population may have public health impact on US Hispanic/Latinos.
Effect of particle size on the ultraprecision polishing process of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Zhao Zhang , zengwen Dong , Wu Hongbing
Published: February 2019

Because of the excellent properties, the application of titanium alloys in the ultraprecision field is attracting more and more attention of scholars. However, the poor machinability of titanium alloys limited their application. To reveal the mechanism of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in ultraprecision polishing, the ultraprecision polishing tests of Ti6Al4V alloy have been carried out after the ultraprecision turning tests. The effect of particle size on the surface roughness has been investigated through the tests. In addition, a 2D finite element model was presented to investigate the ultraprecision polishing process. At the same time, the effect of particle size on the ultraprecision polishing of Ti6Al4V was analyzed by the simulation. The simulation results showed that there existed a critical particle size that can affect the ultraprecision polishing process of Ti6Al4V alloy. The contact process of particle and the workpiece can be regarded as a cutting process when the radius particle is lower than the critical size, while the contact process is a ploughing process when the radius particle is larger than the critical size. The experiments’ results proved that the better surface can be obtained if the radius of particles is slightly larger than the critical size.
Dynamic layer formation in the reattachment zone for a supersonic laminar separated flow
Authors: Zapryagaev Valeriy I , Kavun Ivan N , Trubitsyna Lukeriya P
Published: February 2019

In this work, results of an experimental study of the flow structure in the region of reattachment of a supersonic laminar separated flow are reported. The separated flow is generated by a model shaped as a compression corner consisting of a horizontal flat plate followed by a ramp. The model width is equal to the plate length from the leading edge to the plate/ramp junction line. The ramp angle is varied in the interval φ = 20°–50°. The free-stream Mach number is M∞ = 6 or 8. The analysis of the Pitot pressure profiles near the ramp wall in the downstream direction behind the reattachment line confirms the existence of a high-pressure layer with the total pressure being appreciably greater than in the surrounding flow.
Climate change and flood risk: vulnerability assessment in an urban poor community in Mexico
Authors: Gran Castro Juan Alberto , Ramos De Robles Silvia Lizette
Published: February 2019

The impacts of climate change tend to be unevenly distributed, affecting mostly urban poor communities. This research analyses the case of El Colli, a community with high levels of marginalization and urban poverty in an area characterized by informal settlements in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (state of Jalisco, Mexico). The main objective was to analyse the vulnerability to climate change in El Colli, focusing on the flood risk it is exposed to and using a mixed-methods design with various research tools. The findings show the specific aspects of vulnerability in a context of urban poverty, in which basic municipal services are scarce, government action is inadequate and residents show a high acceptance of risk. Based on the data, we state the need to incorporate local urban challenges into the debate on climate change, particularly those affecting informal settlements.
Peer review
Authors: O’Doherty Kieran
Published: February 2019

Peer-reviewed journals rely on the support of the scholarly community. Journals such as Theory & Psychology could not function without the dedication and conscientiousness of so many scholars who freely share their time and expertise to act as reviewers for manuscripts that have been submitted for publication. Theory & Psychology is grateful for the support it receives from peer reviewers and members of the editorial board.
Effects of carbon nanotube reinforcements on vibration suppression of magnetorheological fluid sandwich beam
Authors: Talebitooti M , Fadaee M
Published: February 2019

Vibration suppression of a carbon nanotube–reinforced sandwich beam with magnetorheological fluid core is numerically investigated by employing the differential quadrature method. The beam has functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced composite base and constraining layers while its core layer is made of magnetorheological fluid. Four different types of distribution of carbon nanotubes along the thickness direction are considered. The extended rule of mixture is used to explain the effective material properties of the base and constraining layers of the beam. The equations of motion and corresponding boundary conditions are derived by applying Hamilton’s principle, and then these coupled differential equations are transformed into a set of algebraic equation applying the differential quadrature method. Natural frequencies and loss factors are extracted and compared with those available in literature. Convergence study has been performed to verify stability of the method. Effects of various parameters such as magnetic field intensity, mode number, and thickness of the magnetorheological fluid core layer on the natural frequencies and loss factors are studied.
Application of Audio Education in Respiratory Medicine Wards
Authors: Zhao Yongmei , Liu Min , Fan Zhihong , Li Jinjing , Shi Ling , Zhang Yixin , Gong Yuerui , Yang Wei
Published: February 2019

Improving the efficiency of patient education can help improve patient’s satisfaction and alleviate the pressure of nurse shortage. This study aimed to develop and pilot an educational audio to improve the effectiveness of inpatient education. A primary literature review was conducted and educational materials were written and recorded by MP3. A pilot study was conducted in 713 adult patients in the department of respiratory medicine at a large urban Shanghai teaching hospital. Patients in the experimental group showed greater satisfaction with their health education. For the education to be effective during the admission, the asthma patients in the experimental group spent less time in face-to-face communication. The feedback rate for disease education among asthma patients in the experimental group was significantly higher. Wider applications of audio in patient education may be valuable to better adjust to nurse reduction and to improve nursing service quality.
Critical Growth Processes for the Midfacial Morphogenesis in the Early Prenatal Period
Authors: Katsube Motoki , Yamada Shigehito , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Takakuwa Tetsuya , Yamamoto Akira , Imai Hirohiko , Saito Atsushi , Shimizu Akinobu , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: February 2019

Background:

Congenital midfacial hypoplasia often requires intensive treatments and is a typical condition for the Binder phenotype and syndromic craniosynostosis. The growth trait of the midfacial skeleton during the early fetal period has been assumed to be critical for such an anomaly. However, previous embryological studies using 2-dimensional analyses and specimens during the late fetal period have not been sufficient to reveal it.

Objective:

To understand the morphogenesis of the midfacial skeleton in the early fetal period via 3-dimensional quantification of the growth trait and investigation of the developmental association between the growth centers and midface.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance images were obtained from 60 human fetuses during the early fetal period. Three-dimensional shape changes in the craniofacial skeleton along growth were quantified and visualized using geometric morphometrics. Subsequently, the degree of development was computed. Furthermore, the developmental association between the growth centers and the midfacial skeleton was statistically investigated and visualized.

Results:

The zygoma expanded drastically in the anterolateral dimension, and the lateral part of the maxilla developed forward until approximately 13 weeks of gestation. The growth centers such as the nasal septum and anterior portion of the sphenoid were highly associated with the forward growth of the midfacial skeleton (RV = 0.589; P < .001).

Conclusions:

The development of the midface, especially of the zygoma, before 13 weeks of gestation played an essential role in the midfacial development. Moreover, the growth centers had a strong association with midfacial forward growth before birth.
Paternal Perinatal Mental Health: At-Risk Fathers’ Perceptions of Help-Seeking and Screening
Authors: Schuppan Kelly M. , Roberts Rachel , Powrie Rosalind
Published: February 2019

Given the prevalence of paternal perinatal mental health concerns, researchers have suggested introducing routine screening. However, little is known about the acceptability of perinatal screening measures in male populations. Furthermore, the need for screening is influenced by men’s perinatal help-seeking behaviors. A thematic analysis of interview data from nine men at risk of paternal perinatal depression and/or anxiety investigated both acceptability of screening and help-seeking behaviors. Themes indicate that routine screening is desired, but acceptability is influenced by perceptions of its intention and possible outcomes. Findings also suggest that barriers to men’s perinatal help-seeking are likely to be minimized by increased awareness and normalization. Future research and clinical practice should account for complexities raised by men’s perceptions of health care services.
Effect of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection on Lipid Profile in Ghanaian Patients
Authors: Quaye Osbourne , Amuzu Benjamin Godfried , Adadey Samuel Mawuli , Tagoe Emmanuel Ayitey
Published: February 2019

Background:

Worldwide, approximately 257 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with the highest infection rates recorded in Africa and Asia. Although HBV infection has been associated with dyslipidemia, which may lead to death via liver related complications, the effect of the virus on the lipid profile of patients remain unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chronic hepatitis B virus infection on lipid profile of sero-positive individuals from Ghana.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from chronic HBV infected patients who were recruited from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, and HBV sero-negative healthy volunteers who were used as controls. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure and body mass index were determined, and HBV profile markers and lipid profiles of the patients were determined using a commercially available kit and a chemistry analyzer, respectively.

Results:

Triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), and total cholesterol were used as indices of lipid metabolism disorder. Body mass index and diastolic blood pressures were significantly elevated in patients compared to healthy volunteers.

Conclusion:

The observed high total cholesterol and LDL, with a significantly lower HDL levels compared to healthy controls suggest an increased cardiovascular disease risk index in the patients. There is therefore the need to regularly monitor HBV infected patients for signs of cardiovascular diseases.
Formation and reactions of the 1, 8-naphthyridine (napy) ligated geminally dimetallated phenyl complexes [(napy)Cu2(Ph)]+, [(napy)Ag2(Ph)]+ and [(napy)CuAg(Ph)]+
Authors: Jin Qiuyan , Li Jiaye , Ariafard Alireza , Canty Allan J , O’Hair Richard AJ
Published: February 2019

Gas-phase ion trap mass spectrometry experiments and density functional theory calculations have been used to examine the routes to the formation of the 1,8-naphthyridine (napy) ligated geminally dimetallated phenyl complexes [(napy)Cu2(Ph)]+, [(napy)Ag2(Ph)]+ and [(napy)CuAg(Ph)]+ via extrusion of CO2 or SO2 under collision-induced dissociation conditions from their corresponding precursor complexes [(napy)Cu2(O2CPh)]+, [(napy)Ag2(O2CPh)]+, [(napy)CuAg(O2CPh)]+ and [(napy)Cu2(O2SPh)]+, [(napy)Ag2(O2SPh)]+, [(napy)CuAg(O2SPh)]+. Desulfination was found to be more facile than decarboxylation. Density functional theory calculations reveal that extrusion proceeds via two transition states: TS1 enables isomerization of the O, O-bridged benzoate to its O-bound form; TS2 involves extrusion of CO2 or SO2 with the concomitant formation of the organometallic cation and has the highest barrier. Of all the organometallic cations, only [(napy)Cu2(Ph)]+ reacts with water via hydrolysis to give [(napy)Cu2(OH)]+, consistent with density functional theory calculations which show that hydrolysis proceeds via the initial formation of the adduct [(napy)Cu2(Ph)(H2O)]+ which then proceeds via TS3 in which the coordinated H2O is deprotonated by the coordinated phenyl anion to give the product complex [(napy)Cu2(OH)(C6H6)]+, which then loses benzene.
Monitoring the stabilities of a mixture of peptides by mass-spectrometry-based techniques
Authors: Fuller Daniel R , Conant Christopher R , El-Baba Tarick J , Zhang Zhichao , Molloy Kameron R , Zhang Connie S , Hales David A , Clemmer David E
Published: February 2019

Biomolecular degradation plays a key role in proteostasis. Typically, proteolytic enzymes degrade proteins into smaller peptides by breaking amino acid bonds between specific residues. Cleavage around proline residues is often missed and requires highly specific enzymes for peptide processing due to the cyclic proline side-chain. However, degradation can occur spontaneously (i.e. in the absence of enzymes). In this study, the influence of the first residue on the stability of a series of penultimate proline containing peptides, with the sequence Xaa–Pro–Gly–Gly (where Xaa is any amino acid), is investigated with mass spectrometry techniques. Peptides were incubated as mixtures at various solution temperatures (70℃ to 90℃) and were periodically sampled over the duration of the experiment. At elevated temperatures, we observe dissociation after the Xaa–Pro motif for all sequences, but at different rates. Transition state thermochemistry was obtained by studying the temperature-dependent kinetics and although all peptides show relatively small differences in the transition state free energies (∼95 kJ/mol), there is significant variability in the transition state entropy and enthalpy. This demonstrates that the side-chain of the first amino acid has a significant influence on the stability of the Xaa–Pro sequence. From these data, we demonstrate the ability to simultaneously measure the dissociation kinetics and relative transition state thermochemistries for a mixture of peptides, which vary only in the identity of the N-terminal amino acid.
From commemoration to celebration: The making of the Norwegian Liberation and Veterans Day
Authors: Haaland Torunn Laugen , Gustavsen Elin
Published: February 2019

This article examines how and to what extent recent wars affect war commemoration. We do this through an analysis of the establishment of a Veterans Day in Norway, instituted on May 8, the traditional Liberation Day in memory of World War 2. We document how this merger has transformed May 8 from a low-key war commemoration to a celebration of the Armed Forces. Through our study, we emphasize how authorities attempt to form new mnemonic practices to give meaning to recent wars. These practices were informed by transnational events, but also constrained by deeply embedded national genres of commemoration. In Norway, the Liberation and Veterans Day has become a secluded event, attended by political and military leaders, but largely ignored by the public. We argue that commemorative practices that fail to resonate with shared experiences in society and are at odds with national identities will have limited appeal and support.