bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criterios para la presentación y publicación de originales
Authors: GAPP Revista
Published: April 2017

Criterios para la presentación y publicación de originales. Gestión y Análisis de Políticas Públicas. Nueva Época. Número 16
Prevención y resolución de conflictos en torno al agua ante la construcción de obras hídricas: Un caso de negación de agenda en México
Authors: Ruiz Ortega Rafael
Published: April 2017

Los conflictos ante obras hídricas son un problema creciente en México. Este trabajo aborda la siguiente cuestión: ¿Por qué a pesar de que en el discurso público se maneja la necesidad de su prevención y/o resolución y contar con una estructura institucional y organizativa, así como con diferentes guías y manuales para ello, estos siguen surgiendo, incluso con mayor intensidad? A partir de revisión documental y hemerográfica, así como de entrevistas con funcionarios mexicanos y actores clave en un conflicto por una obra hídrica, se argumenta que el tema de este tipo de conflictos, asumiendo y demostrando que son un problema público, esta negado en la agenda del gobierno mexicano.
A Sexta Edição da Jovem Arte Contemporânea
Authors: Lopes Almerinda da Silva
Published: April 2017

O texto discorre sobre o incentivo dado pela administração de Walter Zanini às práticas experimentais e conceitualistas na sexta edição da Jovem Arte Contemporânea (1972), promovida pelo Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo.  A isenção de júri de seleção e de pré-requisitos, e a liberdade de criação concedida aos participantes, se por um lado confirmavam a atualidade do pensamento e a coragem daquele dirigente, por outro, a heterogeneidade, efemeridade e caráter inusitado das propostas encontrariam dificuldade de recepção por parte da retrógrada e agonizante crítica jornalística, que protestaria contra a instituição e os organizadores do evento.
Harmful Traditional Practices, Laws, and Reproductive Rights of Women in Nigeria
Authors: Olukolu Yomi Rasul
Published: April 2017

There are many traditional practices in Nigeria that literally affect women's reproductive rights within and without marriages ranging from genital mutilation, harmful traditional practices to control women, early girl marriage, one sided divorce rights in Islamic marriage to men alone, nutritional taboos and other uncouth pregnancy related practices, to unfavorably widowhood practices and inheritance. This chapter intends to bring to the fore these traditional practices which impede the women's reproductive rights in Nigeria with emphasis on the study of the role of law as a therapeutic agent within the therapeutic jurisprudential context. This is done with a view to calling on the Nigerian government to wake up to its responsibility by enacting local laws specifically on women's rights generally or domesticating the various international instruments which the country had so far voluntarily ratified on women's reproductive rights.
Development of Fatigue Testing Machine for Small Sized Specimen in Liquid Environment
Authors: Sugimoto Taiki , Itoh Takamoto , Sakane Masao , Hisaka Chiaki
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the development of a fatigue testing machine for small sized specimens in liquid environment. Since this type of testing machine is not available commercially, it has been designed, developed and built without any reference machine. The machine can operate tests on specimens with the shape of a solid cylinder with a diameter of 2 mm, a gage length of 4 mm and a total length of 34 mm. The testing machine consists of a testing stand, an environment vessel, a liquid cooling system and a test control system. Since the machine operates with combustible liquids, some safety devices have been also installed to prevent the machine from fire and explosion. The tests made for measuring the performance of the machine have been conducted on a specimen made by 440 stainless steel. The maximum applicable frequency by the testing machine is 100 Hz but only in a range of applied stress amplitude from 0 to 800 MPa. In 800 – 1200 MPa, the maximum frequency decreases down to 50 Hz with increase in the stress amplitude.
Transition Region of Nuclear Vessel Steels: Master Curve Approach Using Small Punch Notched Specimens
Authors: Lacalle Roberto , Andrés David , Álvarez José Alberto , Gutiérrez-Solana Federico
Published: April 2017

The behaviour of the materials in ductile-brittle transition region must be known when performing structural integrity assessments of nuclear reactor vessels working under the effects of neutron irradiation. The characterisation of this region has been usually carried out by means of Charpy impact tests. Just during last few years new approaches based on direct fracture mechanics tests have begun to be used. In most of these cases, the Master Curve methodology, which allows the transition region to be characterised using only one parameter (T0 reference temperature), has been employed. In this paper the transition region of two materials –one vessel steel and one common structural steel-has been characterised by means of Small Punch Tests. First of all, this zone has been characterised using conventional specimens and the results were compared with those of Charpy impact tests. Finally a new approach based on the use of notched Small Punch samples together with Master Curve methodology has been proposed.
Are we sustainable? Promoting a culture of sustainability in planned communities with a sustainability focus
Authors: Dessouky Nermin , Moustafa Yara , Tutwiler Richard , Estevez Chelsea , Meier Alan
Published: April 2017

New communities built with the aim of achieving sustainability are becoming increasingly common in Europe, North America, and Japan. These communities have created infrastructures designed for sustainability, for example, using eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy, integrated transportation solutions, and solid waste and wastewater management. Regardless of their location, these communities have found that they must also take into account how social behavior contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. Recently, the sustainability phenomenon has taken hold in the Middle East and North Africa. Purpose-built sustainable communities are now being designed, constructed, and operated in several countries, including The Sustainable City in Dubai, Msheireb in Doha, El Gouna in Egypt, and Masdar in Abu Dhabi. Other communities with less comprehensive, albeit significant, sustainability commitments, are also emerging. This paper studies global sustainable community models and their different approaches towards engendering sustainable behavior among residents. Most of these communities have operated for several years; therefore, they can provide both lessons and inspiration for the rising communities in the Middle East. This paper compiles best practices for promoting a culture of sustainability from the research on global communities, plus early findings from investigations of emerging communities in the Middle East. For example, residents must be actively engaged to connect with and work towards achieving a sustainable community; mere awareness is rarely enough to incite a significant behavioral change. This paper presents a compilation of recommendations for how communities in the Middle East and North Africa can operationalize the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. A sound technical infrastructure is important but environmental, economic, and social sustainability cannot be realized without changing the lifestyle and behavior of the community.
How smart greenery can transform our cities
Authors: Hosny Sherif
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Urbanization is taking place at unprecedented rates with 50% of the world's population living in cities. The global population is expected to grow further to reach 10 billion before it starts to stabilize or decline. Hence, the importance of improving our cities to meet our urge in living in them has become more important than ever before. The term ‘efficiency’ will be one of the major keywords that will shape our thoughts, our future research and innovations.

Efficiency pockets will be analyzed and searched for in every field and in all our needs. The human need for greenery is one of the most basic and primary needs. The health benefits of greenery are not a mere luxury, but the human's proximity to nature has instant effects on his health and moral. So the question is how can we have greenery in cities in the most efficient way possible? Green skins: The concept of green skins has stormed the world in the last decade and is without a doubt a growing trend. But what is a green skin?

As the name suggests, it is greenery applied to the outer surface of an object. This object could be existing or new, functional or abandoned, stationary or in motion. To clarify further, let us imagine the following:

– An abandoned railway turned into a park. New York's sky garden is a living example of such a case;

– The rooftops of city busses could be perfect examples of oxygen-creating green skins;

– Building facades could be entirely covered in greenery. Milan's vertical forest is a prime example of the proximity of this idea coming to reality. Integrated cities: An integrated city would be a further step in creating our own needs not only for landscaping but also for food production.

Growing food in the city instead of on an agricultural land is at its infancy stages. Numerous movements around the world are exploring these possibilities. The benefits of urban agriculture are enormous, ranging from savings in transportation, eating fresher produce, using greenery as a thermal insulator and bringing greenery to our everyday life.

Water- and energy-efficient technologies are being explored and used in this type of agriculture as production per square meter will be a decisive factor. Community roles: The progressive approach in designing green spaces for cities is no longer a task assigned to a single centralized authority or government. The connectedness of communities with city planners should grant a collaborative atmosphere for architects, designers, landscape companies and entrepreneurs to share their ideas and develop them together.

Real estate developers and master planners will either be leading the way with sustainable landscape solutions or fall behind and eventually follow consumers’ expectations. Conclusion: Greenery plays a major role in our urban life and will have to evolve to match the current rate of urbanization.
Growing together in a changing climate
Authors: Shafi Neeshad
Published: April 2017

Throughout the climate change negotiations, young people have shown that they will not wait to inherit a world damaged by climate change, but that they want to be part of creating solutions. They have brought their energy and creativity to the intergovernmental process, demanding concrete action from their governments.

However, young people know that change must not only take place in terms of government, but also at home. They have changed their lifestyles, altering their consumption patterns to make ecologically conscious decisions. We expect young people to continue to lead us by launching environmentally responsible businesses and engaging in scientific research for clean and efficient energy sources.

We hope to foster greater awareness of how young people can get involved as well as promote further ideas and awareness on climate change and lifestyle.
The economics of sustainable retrofitting
Authors: Al-Qahtani Muneera Saad
Published: April 2017

United Nations' parties reaffirmed in the 21st Session of Climate Change Conference held in Paris the need to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degree Celsius (2015). Recent work by the UNEP shows that significant potential energy efficiency aimed at reducing CO2e emissions is in the built environment.

Therefore, retrofitting the existing stock is very important because there is a significant part of Qatar's national energy consumption found in its residential buildings. A detailed analysis of energy consumptions in Qatari villas is yet to be carried out. However, initial studies carried out by Darwish indicate that up to 70% of residential energy consumption goes in air conditioning. The Colliers Company has made a study in the residential market and found that villas in Qatar account for 24% of the existing house stock.

This study is important for the State of Qatar, as it would likely highlight the potential opportunity to increase the efficiency of current villas. This will assist Qatar's villas in becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This paper looks at retrofitting of villas and how we can encourage energy conservation and possible strategies that can be applied.

When refurbishing a Qatari villa, there are a number of initiatives that need assessment to determine which can give the biggest reduction of CO2/m2 level per cost of capital investment (CO2/m2/$).

 ● Energy conservation:

  ○ Controls;

  ○ Update HVAC;

  ○ Import heat gain (building envelope and ventilation).

 ● De-carbonizing the energy:

  ○ Applying renewable energy source (PV, thermal, and ground source heat pump);

  ○ On/off site storage or feeding back the power of renewable energy to the grid.

We will use IES software to develop an energy model for a Qatari villa and run the simulations to assess the coast of each CO2e/m2 cap investment. Anticipated comparisons of the findings with the present UK initiatives, and providing the necessary steps to retrofit would be useful.
The importance of ‘connected green spaces’ in maintaining a successful urban ecology
Authors: Abdul Majid Sara , Sankesa Soujanya , Skelhorn Cynthia , Chatziefthimiou Aspassia D. , Amato Alex , Richer Renee
Published: April 2017

The Qatar National Development Framework 2032 outlines the need for enforcing a green belt around the city of Doha to limit urban sprawl and to create a transition zone from the urban to the natural desert environment. Green spaces have been shown to positively affect physical and mental human health mainly by creating opportunities for active living, improving air quality, as well as lowering temperature and runoff. Connected green spaces (CGSs) may offer greater benefits since a network of green spaces may provide a broader range of essential ecological functions and support a wealthier biodiversity. Here, we explore the planning aspect and form of CGSs, specifically applied to Doha city. First, we put forward the practical and achievable shapes of CGSs and linking corridors. We then present the feasibility of CGSs in arid regions, including the use of treated sewage effluent for irrigation to conserve resources, the need for the selection of native flora and fauna species to sustain connectivity between the built and the natural desert environment, as well as issues of invasive species and pest control. Al Garrafa area will be used as a case study to identify the potential for CGSs in Doha.
Prevalence of microplastics in the marine waters of Qatar
Authors: Castillo Azenith B. , Al-Maslamani Ibrahim , Obbard Jeffrey Philip
Published: April 2017

The issue of plastic pollution in the marine environment is of increasing global concern. As plastics typically have an intrinsic durability, water insolubility and slow degradation rates, debris has now become both ubiquitous and persistent in the marine environment. Overtime, plastic ultimately result in the generation of microplastics via photolytic, thermal and biological degradation processes. Although the potential threat of microplastics on marine ecosystems is well recognized, there is no baseline data available for the Arabian Gulf. The Environmental Science Center of Qatar University has now documented the first evidence for the prevalence of microplastics within the Arabian Gulf, specifically in the marine waters of Qatar Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Qatar has an arid climate and is situated midway along the western coast of the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf. Qatar's coastline is particularly susceptible to marine debris due to the county's rapid urbanization and economic development. Surface seawater samples were collected from 12 stations during May 2015 research cruise of the RV Janan. An optimized and validated protocol was developed for the extraction of microplastics from plankton-rich samples without loss of microplastics present. Plankton present in seawater samples may readily mask the identification of microplastics and lead to an underestimation of the quantity of microplastics present. The protocol involved sample digestion using solutions of 1M NaOH, 10M NaOH, and 16M HNO3 in conjunction at different temperatures. Twenty mL of each solution was spiked with known quantities of reference polymer pellets, of varying diameters (63 μm to 4.70 mm) and used to digest the plankton biomass. The use of 1M NaOH proved to be a more efficient digestion treatment than 10M NaOH and 16M HNO3 solutions. Although 10M NaOH, and 16M HNO3 have been proven effective to mineralize plankton biomass, these solutions also resulted in some structural damage and discoloration of reference polymers with a low pH tolerance: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon. After extraction, the microplastics were characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. In total 30 microplastics were isolated from the mineralized samples, with an average concentration of 0.71 particles m− 3 (range 0–3 particles m− 3). Nine out of 30 were identified as polypropylene, with the majority either granular, sizes ranging from 125 μm to 1.82 mm, or fibrous, sizes from 150 μm to 15.98 mm. Microplastics were more prevalent in areas where nearby anthropogenic activities, including oil-rig installations and shipping operations, are present.
Climate change in Qatar
Authors: Almarri Abdulhadi Nasser
Published: April 2017

Global Warming is global concern nowadays that is related to most if not all of the human activities and their lives. Due to its impact so many conferences, bodies and panels have been conducted to conserve our habitat and sustain the planet for the future generations. Qatar, due to its harsh conditions and as being a peninsula, would suffer from the several impacts of climate change. On 2008, the Qatar National Vision 2030 was approved and it did set several guidelines and among them, there were guidelines those serve the adaptation to the climate changes impacts and strengthen the mitigation of the greenhouse gases and those are going to be reflected as projects and strategies on ground.
Online monitoring of climatic parameters: a statistical study about environmental changes in Qatar
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Abbasi Saddam Akber , Riaz Muhammad
Published: April 2017

Twentieth century has witnessed unprecedented changes in the climate whose profound effects are also observed on ecosystem and human life. The source of these changes are presumed to be increasing concentration of greenhouse gases which result into rise in temperature worldwide. Unwanted effects have also been observed in the Gulf region in terms of reduced but intensive and unpredictable rainfall, average increase in temperature, sea level rise, lack of drinking water and regular drought. Qatar, being a richest country whose economic growth depends on petroleum and natural gas industry, is paying focus on its environmental development programs, which is also a goal of recent national vision. In this study, we have focused on monitoring of temperature and rainfall pattern in Qatar through different control charting schemes, i.e., memory less (Shewhart) and memory type (EWMA and CUSUM) control charting structures; while time series analysis was performed for the period of 1990–2012. It has been observed that temperature have increasing trend while rainfall depicts decreasing trend in last decades. Furthermore, forecasting of average weather is made by memory type structures which may serve as principle tool in environmental development initiatives.
Avaliação do sistema de controle gerencial sob a influência de fatores contingenciais: estudo de caso em um grupo econômico
Authors: Santos Felipe De Oliveira , Jesus Sâmia Regina Picanço de , Souza Waldemar Antônio da Rocha de , Cavalcante Tristão Sócrates Baptista
Published: April 2017

A estrutura do SCG e os artefatos de contabilidade gerencial usados dependem da habilidade de adaptação dos fatores internos às mudanças do ambiente. O objetivo da pesquisa é avaliar a influência de fatores contingenciais sobre a configuração e mutação do sistema de controle gerencial de um grupo econômico, classificando-se como descritiva, estudo de caso, qualitativa e quantitativa. A população alvo da pesquisa foram os diretores e gerentes de um grupo econômico, tendo sido validados 28 questionários. Por meio da estatística descritiva e da modelagem de equações estruturais (MEE), os resultados indicaram que o grupo econômico enfrenta um cenário com alto nível de complexidade e diversidade e que as estratégias mais importantes são a velocidade na entrega, o efetivo serviço de pós-venda, o canal de distribuição amplo e a produção a baixo custo, além do uso intenso de indicadores financeiros e não financeiros. O grupo econômico tem orgulho das ações sociais e ambientais que realiza, posicionando a organização entre as de melhores práticas sustentáveis, usando o marketing em favor da valorização de sua imagem e marcas. Concluiu-se que: (i) as contingências internas influenciam a configuração do SCG; (ii) as contingências internas tem baixa influência sobre as mutações do SCG; (iii) a configuração do SCG e o ambiente possuem influência direta sobre a mutação do SCG; (iv) fatores externos pouco influenciam na ocorrência dos fatores contingenciais internos e; (v) os fatores contingenciais externos não influenciam diretamente na configuração do SCG.
Formulário de Avaliação
Authors: Scarpin Jorge Eduardo
Published: April 2017

Formulário de Avaliação
Editorial
Authors: Scarpin Jorge Eduardo
Published: April 2017

Editorial
DISTRIBUIÇÃO DO VALOR ADICIONADO EM DIFERENTES CONTEXTOS SOCIETÁRIOS À LUZ DA TEORIA CONTRATUAL DA FIRMA
Authors: Góis Alan Diógenes , Almeida Tatiana Aquino , Costa Juliana Almeida , De Luca Márcia Martins Mendes , Vasconcelos Alessandra Carvalho de
Published: April 2017

Com base na influência do contexto societário das empresas perante seus stakeholders, aliado às novas exigências dos usuários da informação contábil, e sob o arcabouço da Teoria Contratual da Firma, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar a relação entre a distribuição do valor adicionado das empresas entre os principais agentes contratuais – empregados, governo, financiadores e proprietários – e o seu contexto societário. Para tanto, realizou-se uma análise descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, com base em uma amostra que reúne 99 empresas, classificadas pela revista Exame Melhores e Maiores, edição 2013, entre as 100 maiores companhias abertas do Brasil por valor de mercado. Os dados coletados referem-se aos exercícios de 2010, 2011 e 2012, foram extraídos das demonstrações financeiras padronizadas e formulários de referência disponíveis no portal eletrônico da BM&FBovespa, e tratados por meio da Correlação de Pearson e da Análise de Correspondência Múltipla. Os resultados demonstraram que (i) empresas pequenas e do setor comércio distribuem parcela maior da riqueza com os empregados e as empresas médio-pequenas e do setor serviço possuem uma maior preocupação com o proprietário; (ii) a distribuição do valor adicionado para os empregados apresentou relação negativa com o contexto societário estrangeiro; (iii) a destinação da riqueza para o governo apresentou relação negativa com o contexto societário familiar e positiva com os contextos societários estatal e estrangeiro; (iv) a parcela da riqueza gerada para os financiadores mostrou relação positiva com o contexto societário estrangeiro; e (v) a distribuição da riqueza com os proprietários demonstrou relação positiva com o contexto societário familiar e negativa com o contexto societário estrangeiro. Conclui-se que o contexto societário, representado pelo maior acionista controlador, influencia a distribuição do valor adicionado com os principais agentes contratuais das empresas, aceitando-se a hipótese geral do estudo.
Raciocínio Crítico e Jogos de Empresas
Authors: Passos Ivan Carlin , Cornacchione Jr. Edgard Bruno , Gaio Luiz Eduardo , Brito Eduardo De , Mori Juliana Sampaio
Published: April 2017

A tecnologia atrai a atenção das novas gerações como a denominada “Geração Y” ou mesmo a “Z”, porém compete com outras atividades que desenvolvem raciocínio critico, como a leitura e solução de problemas. Os softwares chamados de Jogos de Empresas proporcionam uma prática relevante, dado que existe a necessidade de um laboratório (presencial ou virtual) onde os alunos possam realizar experimentos com base na teoria ensinada. Existem softwares desenhados para o desenvolvimento de habilidades de raciocínio crítico por meio da prática de situações cotidianas ou de simulações empresariais (TITTON, 2006; CARNIELLI, BUENO-SOLER E SILVA, 2011). O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar empiricamente a aplicação de uma simulação de Mercado de Capitais para o desenvolvimento de habilidades de Raciocínio Crítico em alunos da área de Negócios. Durante o segundo semestre de 2014, foram analisados os desempenhos de alunos da disciplina Mercado de Capitais do curso de graduação em Administração de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior do interior do Estado de São Paulo. O instrumento de avaliação de raciocínio crítico foi o Ennis Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test (EWCTET). Os participantes preencheram no início e no final do semestre um teste que avalia habilidades de raciocínio crítico (Ennis Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test – EWCTET). O principal resultado foi que a simulação de Mercado de Capitais não obteve efeito significativo no desenvolvimento de habilidades de raciocínio crítico na turma experimento. Este trabalho possui como principal contribuição a inserção da variável Jogos de Empresas nas pesquisas sobre o desenvolvimento de habilidades de Raciocínio Crítico e se justifica por dar continuidade às pesquisas anteriores. Esta pesquisa contribui também para o aumento da discussão sobre diferentes metodologias, ferramentas e recursos que possam ao mesmo tempo melhorar, incentivar e motivar o aprendizado do aluno e desenvolver habilidades requeridas pelo mercado profissional e acadêmico.
Formulário de avaliação
Authors: Costa Flaviano
Published: April 2017

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The effects of intervention on frequent attenders' adherence to health regimens, depression, somatization and hypochondriasis
Authors: Hirsikangas Sari , Kanste Outi , Korpelainen Juha , Kyngäs Helvi
Published: April 2017

Background and objective: Frequent attender is the largest group to whom health care resources are allocated. Therefore potential interventions should be targeted at this group. Nurse-based case management considers frequent attenders’ (FAs’) needs for care as a whole and thus may reduce the use of other health services operators’ resources. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of nurse-led case management on adherence to health regimens, depression, somatization and hypochondriasis in FAs.Methods: The study is a quasi-experimental intervention trial, carried out as a prospective 2-year follow-up design with an intervention group (n = 285) and a control group (n = 435). The hypothesis was that nurse-led case management based intervention would have a positive impact on FAs’ adherence to health regimens, somatization, hypochondriasis, and depression. The intervention patients received nurse-led case management which included an evaluation of patient needs and resources, an individualized care plan, the coordination of multidisciplinary services, and support for self-management. The control patients received the usual care, which means patient support and education during visits to the health center. The data were collected from at least 18 years of age frequent attenders by self-reported instruments: the Adherence of Chronic Disease Inventory, the Whiteley Index, the Symptom Checklist-90-R and Beck Depression Inventory, and one- and two-year follow-ups between October 2008 and May 2011.Results: The intervention had an uplifting effect on the FAs’ mood, and there was a statistically significant difference between the intervention patients and the control patients (p = .03). Intervention reduced somatization with FAs, and it improved FAs’ adherence to health regimens, but there was not a statistically significant difference between groups. Hypochondriasis increased in the intervention group compared to the control group after intervention (p = .01).Conclusions: Nurse-led case management has a positive effect on FAs’ depression symptoms, somatization, and adherence to health regimens. The results will be useful in developing effective nurse-led interventions and support methods for FAs with complex long-term health conditions. Hypochondriasis increased in the intervention group although the purpose was for the community matron to discuss with FAs and reduce their concerns.
Impact of Timed Reading on Comprehension and Speed: A Study on Turkish EFL Learners
Authors: Armagan Kiymet Selin , Genc Zubeyde Sinem
Published: April 2017

Reading process has always been one of the most significant and debatable topics in the area of learning and teaching languages. Reading process in mother tongue (L1) and in a foreign language (L2), the association of these processes, variables affecting reading and the qualities of good and poor readers in L1 and L2 have been investigated greatly. Developments in the area of reading in L1 have frequently raised questions about reading in L2 and a variety of theories have been proposed to account for the relationship between L1 and L2 reading. One of the most fundamental questions raised is related to “reading fluency”. Even though the importance of reading fluency in both L1 and L2 has been emphasized, studies on fluency in L2 are still scarce if we think about its more complicated and multifaceted nature when compared to reading fluency in L1. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of timed reading practices on the comprehension level and reading speed of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Turkish context. A total of 74 students were the participants, who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control group. Experimental group received timed reading activities while the control group did not. Pre-test was applied on the 1st week and post-test was applied on the 7th week. Results illustrated that timed reading intervention positively affected EFL students’ comprehension level and reading speed. Implications for teaching reading in a foreign language were discussed in relation to a number of important details in the findings.
The Application of Indian Tradition of Ahimsa in Modern Politics: Conceptual Analysis on the Foundations of Hard Power and Immorality in National and International Politics
Authors: Temesgen Sisay Assemrie , Ahmed Irshad
Published: April 2017

The Indian tradition, Ahimsa which instils absolute non-violence, equality, universal love and oneness of all human beings is believed to have a guiding role in the conduct of national and international politics. But, the practical contribution of Ahimsa has been insignificant and questionable both in modern national and international politics. Historically contingent truths about the natures of modern national politics have witnessed; values, norms and laws of states are mainly executed by the use of hard power and immoral instruments as conditions dictate. Monopoly of coercive apparatus and conditional immorality are proved to be the core essences of modern states. International relation is also characterized by the logic of political realism which gives priority to state power and national interest than Ahimsa’s universal principles of love and oneness of all human beings. In this article, by using analytic approach, an effort is made to critically analyze concepts to expound the existence of basic contradictions of the moral principles and values of Ahimsa with the basic natures and purposes of the politics of modern sates and international relations.
TAPBPR bridges UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 1 onto MHC class I to provide quality control in the antigen presentation pathway
Authors: Neerincx Andreas , Hermann Clemens , Antrobus Robin , van Hateren Andy , Cao Huan , Trautwein Nico , Stevanović Stefan , Elliott Tim , Deane Janet E , Boyle Louise H
Published: April 2017

Recently, we revealed that TAPBPR is a peptide exchange catalyst that is important for optimal peptide selection by MHC class I molecules. Here, we asked whether any other co-factors associate with TAPBPR, which would explain its effect on peptide selection. We identify an interaction between TAPBPR and UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 1 (UGT1), a folding sensor in the calnexin/calreticulin quality control cycle that is known to regenerate the Glc1Man9GlcNAc2 moiety on glycoproteins. Our results suggest the formation of a multimeric complex, dependent on a conserved cysteine at position 94 in TAPBPR, in which TAPBPR promotes the association of UGT1 with peptide-receptive MHC class I molecules. We reveal that the interaction between TAPBPR and UGT1 facilities the reglucosylation of the glycan on MHC class I molecules, promoting their recognition by calreticulin. Our results suggest that in addition to being a peptide editor, TAPBPR improves peptide optimisation by promoting peptide-receptive MHC class I molecules to associate with the peptide-loading complex.
Competition between histone and transcription factor binding regulates the onset of transcription in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Joseph Shai R , Pálfy Máté , Hilbert Lennart , Kumar Mukesh , Karschau Jens , Zaburdaev Vasily , Shevchenko Andrej , Vastenhouw Nadine L
Published: April 2017

Upon fertilization, the genome of animal embryos remains transcriptionally inactive until the maternal-to-zygotic transition. At this time, the embryo takes control of its development and transcription begins. How the onset of zygotic transcription is regulated remains unclear. Here, we show that a dynamic competition for DNA binding between nucleosome-forming histones and transcription factors regulates zebrafish genome activation. Taking a quantitative approach, we found that the concentration of non-DNA-bound core histones sets the time for the onset of transcription. The reduction in nuclear histone concentration that coincides with genome activation does not affect nucleosome density on DNA, but allows transcription factors to compete successfully for DNA binding. In agreement with this, transcription factor binding is sensitive to histone levels and the concentration of transcription factors also affects the time of transcription. Our results demonstrate that the relative levels of histones and transcription factors regulate the onset of transcription in the embryo.
The behavioral response of prey fish to predators: the role of predator size
Authors: Tang Zhong-Hua , Huang Qing , Wu Hui , Kuang Lu , Fu Shi-Jian
Published: April 2017

Predation is one of the key factors governing patterns in natural systems, and adjustments of prey behaviors in response to a predator stimulus can have important ecological implications for wild fish. To investigate the effects of predators on the behavior of prey fish and to test whether the possible effects varied with predator size, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) and snakehead (Channa argus) (a size-matched predator treatment with a similar body size to prey fish and a larger predator treatment with approximately 2.7 times of the body mass of prey fish) were selected to function as prey and predator, respectively. Their spontaneous activities were videorecorded in a central circular arena surrounded by a ring holding the stimulus fish. The distance between prey and predator fish was approximately 200% of the distance between two prey fish, which suggested that black carp can distinguish their conspecifics from heterospecifics and probably recognize the snakehead as a potential predator. The prey fish spent substantially less time moving and exhibited an overall shorter total distance of movement after the size-matched or large predator was introduced, which possibly occurred due to increased vigilance or efforts to reduce the possibility of detection by potential predators. However, there was no significant difference in either distance or spontaneous activities between two predator treatments. These findings suggested that (1) an anti-predator strategy in black carp might involve maintaining a safe distance, decreasing activity and possibly increased vigilance and that (2) the behaviors of prey response to predators were not influenced by their relative size difference.
Evaluation of cumulative dose distributions from external beam radiation therapy using CT‐to‐CBCT deformable image registration (DIR) for cervical cancer patients
Authors: Eckrich Carolyn , Lee Brandon , Wang Chunhao , Light Kim , Chino Junzo , Rodrigues Anna , Craciunescu Oana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate dose differences between the planning CT (pCT) and dose calculated on pre‐treatment verification CBCTs using DIR and dose summation for cervical cancer patients.

Methods

Cervical cancer patients treated at our institution with 45 Gy EBRT undergo a pCT and 5 CBCTs, once every five fractions of treatment. A free‐form intensity‐based DIR in MIM was performed between the pCT and each CBCT using the “Merged CBCT” feature to generate an extended FOV‐CBCT (mCBCT). DIR‐generated bladder and rectum contours were adjusted by a physician, and dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were calculated. After deformation, the investigated doses were (1) recalculated in Eclipse using original plan parameters (ecD), and (2) deformed from planning dose (pD) using the deformation matrix in MIM (mdD). Dose summation was performed to the first week's mCBCT. Dose distributions were compared for the bladder, rectum, and PTV in terms of percent dose difference, dose volume histograms (DVHs), and gamma analysis between the calculated doses.

Results

For the 20 patients, the mean DSC was 0.68 ± 0.17 for bladder and 0.79 ± 0.09 for rectum. Most patients were within 5% of pD for D2cc (19/20), Dmax (17/20), and Dmean (16/20). All patients demonstrated a percent difference > 5% for bladder V45 due to variations in bladder volume from the pCT. D90 showed fewer differences with 19/20 patients within 2% of pD. Gamma rates between pD and ecD averaged 94% for bladder and 94% for rectum, while pD and mdD exhibited slightly better performance for bladder (93%) and lower for rectum (85%).

Conclusion

Using DIR with weekly CBCT images, the MIM deformed dose (mdD) was found to be in close agreement with the Eclipse calculated dose (ecD). The proposed workflow should be used on a case‐by‐case basis when the weekly CBCT shows marked difference in organs‐at‐risk from the planning CT.
Academic outcomes before and after clinical onset of acquired demyelinating syndromes in children: a matched cohort data linkage study
Authors: Eyre Michael , Absoud Michael , Abdel‐Mannan Omar , Crichton Sarah , Hacohen Yael , Rossor Thomas , Rudebeck Sarah , Giovannoni Gavin , Lim Ming , Hemingway Cheryl
Published: October 2024

It is unknown if cognition is impaired before clinical onset of paediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes. We conducted a matched cohort study using prospectively collected educational data in multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) patients (n = 60) and controls (pooled n = 449,553). Academic performance at ages 10–11 was impaired in MOGAD (−1.27 adjusted z‐score [95% CI: −1.81 to −0.73], P < 0.001) and preclinical MS (−0.40 [−0.80 to −0.0003], P = 0.0498). Moderate/high‐efficacy MS treatment was associated with better final academic performance (0.92 [0.28–1.57], P = 0.005). After clinical onset MS patients missed 8.7% of school (controls 2.9%, P < 0.001) and MOGAD patients 11.9% (controls 2.0%, P < 0.001).
Persistent Patient‐Level Effect of Guselkumab at Consecutive 8‐Week Dosing Visits and Over Time in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Post Hoc Analysis of a 2‐Year, Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Baraliakos Xenofon , Chandran Vinod , Soriano Enrique R. , Nash Peter , Deodhar Atul , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Shiff Natalie J. , Chakravarty Soumya D. , Shawi May , Merola Joseph F. , McInnes Iain B.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Group‐level analyses from the phase 3 DISCOVER‐2 trial of guselkumab demonstrated robust and durable improvements across psoriatic arthritis (PsA) domains. To specifically evaluate continuous disease control in individual patients, persistence of clinically relevant improvements was assessed, both at consecutive guselkumab dosing visits and over time.

Methods

Post hoc analyses included biologic‐naïve patients randomized to 100 mg of guselkumab at week 0, week 4, and then every 8 weeks (Q8W). Improvements in joint (minimal clinically important improvement [MCII] in Disease Activity Index for PsA [DAPSA; ≥7.25], clinical DAPSA [cDAPSA; ≥5.7]), skin (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] 0/1), and overall disease activity (patient global assessment of arthritis and psoriasis [PtGA Arthritis+Psoriasis; MCII ≥ 15 mm], PsA Disease Activity Score [PASDAS; MCII ≥ 0.8]) were assessed. Proportions of patients with maintenance of DAPSA and cDAPSA MCII at consecutive Q8W guselkumab dosing visits (ie, at weeks 4 and 12, weeks 12 and 20, etc through week 52) and patient‐level durability of response through week 100 (Kaplan‐Meier) were determined.

Results

Among 248 patients randomized to guselkumab Q8W, 93% to 99% maintained clinical improvement in joint disease at consecutive Q8W dosing visits through week 52 across time periods. Among guselkumab patients achieving MCII by week 24, estimated probabilities of maintenance of clinical improvement 100 weeks post achievement ranged from 68% (IGA 0/1) to 89% (PASDAS MCII). Median times to loss of improvement were not reached; estimated mean weeks of maintenance of improvement were 58.6, 52.4, 75.7, 83.6, and 76.7, respectively, for DAPSA, cDAPSA, IGA, PtGA Arthritis+Psoriasis, and PASDAS.

Conclusion

Guselkumab provided highly durable patient‐level improvements, both at consecutive Q8W dosing visits for joint disease activity and over time across PsA domains according to physician‐ and patient‐driven assessments.
A Novel Preclinical Murine Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–Like Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: McCrorey Marice K. , Hawkins Kennedy P. , Semenikhina Marharyta , Bernstein Matthew , Lacey Ryan , Colvert C. Alex , Oates Jim C. , Tsao Betty P. , DeLeon‐Pennell Kristine Y. , Palygin Oleg , Cunningham Melissa A. , Van Beusecum Justin P.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects nine women to every man worldwide, and these patients are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Clinical studies have demonstrated that patients with SLE are more likely to develop CVD, including cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Although many preclinical models of SLE are available, including treatment with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonists, a consistent preclinical model of SLE‐like CVD with systemic, cardiac, renal, and cerebral endothelial activation and cardiac dysfunction has yet to be described. Here, we hypothesize that acceleration of SLE with the TLR7/8 agonist resiquimod (R848) will promote cardiac and endothelial activation with subsequent end‐stage organ damage in the SLE‐prone B6.Nba2 mouse model.

Methods

Female and male SLE‐prone B6.Nba2 mice were treated with R848 or acetone, administered topically twice weekly over a four‐week period, to accelerate the development of SLE‐like pathophysiology. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 16 weeks. At 16 weeks, tissues were harvested, weighed, and analyzed by histology, immunofluorescence, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

We found that female R848‐treated mice had increased serum anti‐Smith and immunoglobulin G complex deposition in the kidney, heart, and brain consistent with SLE‐like etiology. Tissue analysis revealed significant enlargement of the spleen in both female and male R848‐treated mice, with only cardiac and renal enlargement in females compared to their respective controls. Echocardiographic imaging revealed left ventricular wall thickening by 4 weeks that was followed by a progressive increase in left ventricular internal diameters and subsequent decrease in ejection fraction over the 16‐week time course in female mice. We found that circulating levels of soluble vascular adhesion molecule‐1 and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 were increased in both female and male R848‐treated mice, whereas cardiac and renal fibrosis were significantly increased in only female R848‐treated mice.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that R848 treatment of SLE‐prone B6.Nba2 mice is a novel preclinical model to study the sex‐dependent pathophysiologic mechanisms of SLE‐like CVD.
Therapeutic JAK1 Inhibition Reverses Lupus Nephritis in a Mouse Model and Demonstrates Transcriptional Changes Consistent With Human Disease
Authors: Twomey Rachel E. , Perper Stuart J. , Westmoreland Susan V. , Srinivasan Swetha , Mathieu Suzanne L. , Frank Kristine E. , Karman Jozsef , Long Andrew J. , Housley William J. , Clarke Stephen H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Janus kinase family members are essential for signaling by multiple cytokines, including many implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. To test whether inhibition of JAK1 signaling can be efficacious in SLE, we used a JAK1‐selective inhibitor (ABT‐317) and evaluated its ability to ameliorate disease in murine SLE.

Methods

Efficacy of ABT‐317 was evaluated using NZB/W‐F1 mice treated prophylactically and therapeutically. Primary endpoints were proteinuria, survival, and saliva production. Other endpoints included histological analysis of kidneys and salivary glands, flow cytometric analysis of splenic cell populations, and gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing in the kidneys, salivary glands, and blood. Publicly available human kidney gene transcription data were used to assess the translatability of the mouse findings.

Results

ABT‐317 was efficacious when dosed prophylactically and prevented disease for up to two months after treatment cessation. When dosed therapeutically, ABT‐317 quickly reversed severe proteinuria and restored saliva production, as well as diminished kidney and salivary gland inflammation. ABT‐317‐induced changes in glomerular morphology coincided with normalization of a human nephrotic gene signature, suggesting translatability to human lupus nephritis (LN).

Conclusion

JAK1 inhibition prevented and reversed kidney and salivary gland manifestations of murine lupus with long‐lasting effects after treatment cessation. These data, along with the presence of JAK1 and nephrotic gene signatures in human LN glomeruli, suggest that a JAK1‐selective inhibitor may be an effective therapeutic in the treatment of human SLE and LN.