bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the MDS-UPDRS a Good Screening Tool for Detecting Sleep Problems and Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Horváth Krisztina , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Ács Péter , Bosnyák Edit , Deli Gabriella , Pál Endre , Janszky József , Faludi Béla , Késmárki Ildikó , Komoly Sámuel , Bokor Magdolna , Rigó Eszter , Lajtos Júlia , Klivényi Péter , Dibó György , Vécsei László , Takáts Annamária , Tóth Adrián , Imre Piroska , Nagy Ferenc , Herceg Mihály , Kamondi Anita , Hidasi Eszter , Kovács Norbert
Published: November 2014

Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) has separate items for measuring sleep problems (item 1.7) and daytime sleepiness (1.8). The aim of our study was to evaluate the screening sensitivity and specificity of these items to the PD Sleep Scale 2nd version (PDSS-2) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). In this nationwide, cross-sectional study 460 PD patients were enrolled. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated between the individual items, domains, and the total score of PDSS-2 and item 1.7 of MDS-UPDRS. Similarly, the items and the total score of ESS were contrasted to item 1.8 of MDS-UPDRS. After developing generalized ordinal logistic regression models, the transformed and observed scores were compared by Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient. Only item 3 difficulties staying asleep and the “disturbed sleep” domain of PDSS-2 showed high correlation with “sleep problems” item 1.7 of the MDS-UPDRS. Total score of PDSS-2 had moderate correlation with this MDS-UPRDS item. The total score of ESS showed the strongest, but still moderate, correlation with “daytime sleepiness” item 1.8 of MDS-UPDRS. As intended, the MDS-UPDRS serves as an effective screening tool for both sleep problems and daytime sleepiness and identifies subjects whose disabilities need further investigation.
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities ofBridelia retusaMethanolic Fruit Extract in Experimental Animals
Authors: Kumar Tekeshwar , Jain Vishal
Published: November 2014

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of methanolic extract ofBridelia retusafruit (BRME) were evaluated against different animal models in rodents. Antinociceptive effects of BRME were assessed in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin test. Anti-inflammatory effects of BRME in three different doses, namely, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, were evaluated by utilizing different animal models representing various changes associated with inflammation, namely, carrageenan-induced paw oedema, histamine and serotonin-induced paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced paw oedema, formalin-induced paw oedema, TPA-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, total WBC count in paw fluid, and myeloperoxidase assay. Also BRME was phytochemically evaluated using chromatographic method. The BRME did not exhibit any signs of toxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The extract showed statistical significant inhibition of induced nociception and inflammation in dose dependent manner. The higher dose of extract significantly inhibited pain and inflammation against control (P<0.001). HPLC results revealed the presence of gallic acid and ellagic acid as phytoconstituents in BRME and it was proven as anti-inflammatory agents. The present study scientifically demonstrated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of fruit ofB. retusamethanolic extract. These effects may be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic phytoconstituents in the extract.
Left-Sided Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Right-Sided Aortic Arch
Authors: Ng Ming-Yen , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Crean Andrew Michael , Li Qin , Deva Djeven Parameshvara
Published: November 2014

We present a 31-year-old female with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and right-sided aortic arch (RAA) with left-sided patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) originating from the left brachiocephalic artery. This is a rare finding but most common site for a PDA in TOF and a RAA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of this rare finding on MRI in the literature.
Explicit versus Implicit Instruction: Which Is Preferable for Learning an Artificial Morphological Rule in Children?
Authors: Ferman Sara , Karni Avi
Published: November 2014

Introduction: It is not clear which method is preferable in the instruction of grammar in children: explicitly, whereby information concerning the nature of the rule to be learned is provided, or implicitly, whereby this information is not provided. In a recent study wherein an artificial morphophonological rule (AMR) was learned without explicit explanation (implicit instruction), unlike 12-year-olds and young adults, 8-year-olds failed to explicitly discover the nature of the rule and to generalize it to novel items. Given that implicit learning mechanisms in children are more mature than explicit ones, here we investigated whether providing explicit explanation can help 8-year-olds learn the AMR. Method: The AMR consisted of phonological transformations of verbs expressing a semantic distinction: whether the preceding noun was animate or inanimate. Results: The explicit explanation exerted an initial positive effect on learning to apply the AMR to repeated items. Importantly, most explicitly instructed learners were able to generalize the AMR to new items correctly, however, with a small decrease in speed. Discussion: Despite immature explicit learning mechanisms, explicit explanation followed by practice can trigger the development of explicit knowledge of a complex language rule in children. This method of instruction enabled rule generalization and enhanced processes of proceduralization.
Executive Dysfunctions, Reading Disabilities and Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation
Authors: Hus Yvette
Published: November 2014

Background: Many students with reading disabilities exhibit persisting reading problems despite intervention. The crucial difference between effective and struggling readers is their executive functions (EFs), and improved functions impact positively on learning to read and reading to learn. Objectives: Firstly, to show that high-risk and struggling students' persisting language and reading difficulties are accompanied by executive dysfunctions. Secondly, to present one student's daily struggles at school in a narrative based on teacher, parent and child interviews. Method: This retrospective study is based on speech-language pathology (SLP) evaluations of a clinical sample of 23 girls and boys aged 6-16 from a range of middle class families. While language and reading evaluations were tailored to the students' particular situation, i.e. age, grade, languages or complaint, EFs were examined in all with the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function teacher questionnaire. Results: Virtually all students exhibited executive dysfunctions, and many showed a high risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that inclusion of EFs in SLP evaluations is valuable in uncovering executive dysfunction comorbidity that may underlie persisting reading disorders. It is proposed that speech-language pathologists explicitly and routinely braid language and reading with EFs in their evaluations so to effectively predict, uncover and prevent persisting reading disabilities in students.
Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Children's Version): A Comparison Study between Children with Typical Development, Children with High-Functioning Autism and Typically Developed Adults
Authors: Vogindroukas Ioannis , Chelas Evripidis-Nikolaos , Petridis Nikolaos E.
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: One of psychology's challenges is to develop and evaluate sensitive tests in the area of social cognition. Yet, there are few available scales that can measure mild deficits in social understanding, especially for typically developing (TD) populations. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (children's version) was translated and adapted for use in the Greek language [RMET-G (child)]. The aim of this study was to examine in the Greek language the qualitative and quantitative differences between TD youngsters and those with high-functioning autism (HFA), as well as the difference between TD children and TD adults. Methods: An interview-based psychometric study was conducted. Participants completed the RMET-G (child), constituting 3 groups: TD children older than 8 years, children with HFA and TD adults. Results: 103 participants completed the study. The results demonstrated that TD adults scored slightly higher than TD children, and children with HFA scored lower than their TD peers. Children with HFA, however, were able to recognize many of the pictures shown in the test. Conclusion: The results of this study, which were the first to be conducted in the Greek language, confirm findings of other studies in the literature conducted with the RMET in the English language.
Persistent Endothelial Damage after Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Sakurai Yoshihiko , Takatsuka Hideo , Onaka Masayuki , Takada Mutsuzo , Nishino Masato
Published: November 2014

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. Although endothelial cell damage associated with vasculitis might lead to the hypercoagulability that is involved in coronary artery disease, the changes in coagulation after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) have not been well investigated in KD. The aims of this study were to address the changes in coagulation before and after IVIG in KD, and to further elucidate the coagulation-inflammation axis, with special attention to endothelial damage. Methods: We retrospectively collected the laboratory data before and after IVIG in 26 pediatric KD patients treated at the Nara Prefecture Western Medical Center between May 2010 and April 2012. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and D-dimer were assessed as coagulation markers. Fibrinogen, ferritin, serum amyloid A, procalcitonin and urine F2 microglobulin were assessed as inflammation markers. Thrombomodulin, antithrombin, factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), and von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) were used to assess endothelial damage. Results: Prolonged PT and APTT before IVIG were significantly shortened after IVIG, and elevated levels of FDP and D-dimer were significantly decreased. Elevated levels of inflammation markers had decreased significantly after IVIG, but levels of FVIII:C and VWF:Ag remained high, even after IVIG. Conclusions: Ameliorated inflammation by IVIG might improve the hypercoagulable state. Nevertheless, our results suggest that endothelial damage might be prolonged in IVIG-treated patients. Control of endothelial damage in KD is critical. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization in Sickle Cell Disease: Listen to Your Ancestors
Authors: Campbell-Lee Sally A. , Kittles Rick A.
Published: November 2014

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization occurs in approximately 30% of transfused sickle cell disease patients compared to 2-5% of all transfusion recipients. Because RBC transfusion is an important part of therapy in sickle cell disease, the need for additional antigen matching once alloimmunization occurs is problematic and leads to therapeutic limitations. Thus, identification of risk factors would benefit this patient population. Genome-wide analyses, in particular, methods which take into account genetic ancestry such as admixture mapping, could identify molecular markers which could be used to identify immune responders to transfusion.
Performing Desire
Authors: Dolan Jill , Wolf Stacy
Published: November 2014

The concept of desire has been theoretically renewed and rewritten constantly in the academy, and yet, it continues to motivate our spectatorship, our scholarship, and our criticism. This issue represents an eclectic and powerful reminder of how desire remains an optic through which we see, feel, and think about performance.
Billy’s World, or Toying with Desire in the Gay 1990s
Authors: Herrera Brian Eugenio
Published: November 2014

The world of Billy—the “anatomically-complete” out and proud gay doll briefly popular in the late 1990s—illuminates not only how gay artists toyed with desire during AIDS’s second decade but also the ephemeral erotics of this now distant moment of the recent gay past.
Desire and Kairos: Cassils’s Terisias
Authors: Wickstrom Maurya
Published: November 2014

In Cassils’s Terisias, the artist’s naked flesh is pressed to a classical Greek male torso made of ice. Cassils’s own heat slowly melts the ice in an act imagined as the innovation of a new temporality.
Hide and Go Seek: Child’s Play as Archival Act in Valerie Solanas’s SCUM Manifesto
Authors: Warner Sara , Watts Mary Jo
Published: November 2014

In contrast to celebratory chronicles that sanitize queer history, Valerie Solanas’s SCUM Manifesto casts bad girls as the central protagonists in the drama of social change. Archiving the adolescent urges and puerile political yearnings of degenerate dykes, it shows revolution to be a dirty girl’s game.
Left Wanting
Authors: Hughes Holly
Published: November 2014

In Spring of 2013, a group of students from the University of Michigan participated in the restaging of The Well of Horniness at the Graduate Center of the City of New York. Remounting the production in NYC some 30 years after its first production answered questions regarding the longevity of the play, but more importantly, generated a whole new set of questions.
Lena Horne and Judy Garland: Divas, Desire, and Discipline in the Civil Rights Era
Authors: Paredez Deborah
Published: November 2014

The diva inhabits and elicits desire that exceeds and implicates the normal. Lena Horne’s 1963 duet with July Garland embodies a model for the ways a Black diva disciplines her body to occupy desire while simultaneously maneuvering against the disciplining clutches of racist desires that circumscribe her body.
Non-Clocklike Features of Psychological Timing and Alternatives to the Clock Metaphor
Authors: Birth Kevin K.
Published: November 2014

This article closely compares the characteristics of clocks to the model of the internal clock that is pervasive in the study of time perception. It argues that in crucial respects, the evidence of timing phenomena is not clocklike. Instead, the existing evidence suggests the need to explore ways to think about timing that match what current research reveals better than the clock metaphor.
Effects of Emotional Valence and Arousal on Time Perception
Authors: Van Volkinburg Heather , Balsam Peter
Published: November 2014

We examined the influence of emotional arousal and valence on estimating time intervals. A reproduction task was used in which images from the International Affective Picture System served as the stimuli to be timed. Experiment 1 assessed the effects of positive and negative valence at a moderate arousal level and Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 with the addition of a high arousal condition. Overestimation increased as a function of arousal during encoding of times regardless of valence. For images presented during reproduction, overestimation occurred at the moderate arousal level for positive and negative valence but underestimation occurred in the negative valence high arousal condition. The overestimation of time intervals produced by emotional arousal during encoding and during reproduction suggests that emotional stimuli affect temporal information processing in a qualitatively different way during different phases of temporal information processing.
The Internal Structure of a Rectangular Frame: Position, Orientation, and Direction
Authors: Guidi Stefano , Palmer Stephen E.
Published: November 2014

Previous research has shown that the structure of a rectangular frame strongly influences perceived goodness-of-fit for a small circular probe positioned within it (Palmer and Guidi, 2011). The center is consistently rated as the best position, followed by positions along the global vertical, global horizontal, and local diagonal symmetry axes. Here we report how goodness-of-fit within a surrounding frame is influenced by the relation between with the orientational and directional structure of the probe and that of the frame. In Experiment 1, fit ratings of short line segments and small ovals (each with two symmetry axes) at 35 positions and four orientations within the frame revealed strong orientational effects, especially when the probe’s and frame’s axes of symmetry were aligned. Experiment 2 extended the paradigm using triangular probes (with a single symmetry axis) at 15 positions and eight pointing directions. The results showed high fit ratings when the probe was aligned with global and local symmetry axes of the frame, and directional increments when the probes pointed upward, rightward, and into the frame. Experiment 3 confirmed the upward, rightward, and inward directional effects of Experiment 2 using a more sensitive Two-Alternative Forced Choice (2AFC) task. Experiment 4 showed that orientational effects were more strongly driven by alignment with the rectangle’s sides than with gravitational or retinal reference frames, especially when the probe was near the sides and vertices of the frame. The relevance of these findings to the empirical study of aesthetic response to images within rectangular frames is discussed.
Changes of Statistical Properties During the Creation of Graphic Artworks
Authors: Redies Christoph , Brachmann Anselm , Hayn-Leichsenring Gregor Uwe
Published: November 2014

During the creation of graphic artworks, we studied the evolution of higher-order statistical image properties (complexity, self-similarity, anisotropy of oriented luminance gradients, the slope of log–log plots of radially averaged Fourier power, and the fractal dimension). First, we analyzed two series of lithographs by Pablo Picasso, which represent transformations of highly aesthetic artworks. Second, one of the authors generated a dataset of 20 grayscale drawings using the computer as a drawing tool. The dataset comprised also the unfinished state images that were saved throughout the production process. The final states of the drawings were compared to versions of the same drawings, in which the constituent pictorial elements were shuffled, thereby diminishing the overall compositional intent of the artist. Results show that self-similarity was a property closely associated with artistic merit in the different types of images analyzed. In a psychological experiment, 20 non-expert participants evaluated the original abstract drawings as more harmonious and ordered but less interesting than the shuffled versions. Our study demonstrates that statistical image properties can be studied during the creation of artworks, if artistic and analytical processes are closely coordinated in a computer-based approach, which offers the possibility to produce appropriate control stimuli.
Redescription of the sun-spider Mummucina titschacki Roewer, 1934 (Solifugae, Mummuciidae) with notes on the taxonomy of the genus
Authors: BOTERO-TRUJILLO RICARDO
Published: November 2014

Mummucina Roewer, 1934 is the second largest genus in the South American sun-spider family Mummuciidae. The limits of this and other genera are largely unexplored, and the traditional classification system is controversial. In the present contribution, the type species Mummucina titschacki Roewer, 1934 is redescribed, aided by scanning electron micrographs and the examination of a series of 72 specimens (including males) from the type locality in Ecuador. Some taxonomic remarks are made.
Diversity of two-component systems: insights into the signal transduction mechanism by the Staphylococcus aureus two-component system GraSR
Authors: Muzamal Uzma , Gomez Daniel , Kapadia Fenika , Golemi-Kotra Dasantila
Published: November 2014

The response to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) in Staphylococcus aureus relies on a two-component system (TCS), GraSR, an auxiliary protein GraX and an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, VraF/G. To understand the signal transduction mechanism by GraSR, we investigated the kinase activity of the cytoplasmic domain of histidine kinase GraS and the interaction with its cognate response regulator GraR. We also investigated interactions among the auxiliary protein GraX, GraS/R and the ATPase protein of the ABC transporter, VraF. We found that GraS lacks autophosphorylation activity, unlike a similar histidine kinase, BceS, of Bacillus subtilis. In addition, the interaction between GraS and GraR is very weak in comparison to the stronger interaction observed between BceS and its conjugated response regulator, BceR, suggesting that CAMP signaling may not flow directly from GraS to GraR. We found that the auxiliary protein GraX interacts with VraF and GraR, and requires the histidine phosphotransfer and dimerization domain of GraS to interact with this protein. Further, VraF requires the GraS region that connects the membrane-bound domain with the cytoplasmic domain of this protein for interaction with GraS. The interactions of GraX with GraS/R and VraF indicate that GraX may serve as a scaffold to bring these proteins in close proximity to GraS, plausibly to facilitate activation of GraS to ultimately transduce the signal to GraR.
Information Infrastructure Development and Governance as Collective Action
Authors: Constantinides Panos , Barrett Michael
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we examine the challenges around the development and scalability of information infrastructures. We identify two possible solutions proposed in the literature, one emphasizing more top-down control and the need for a clear IT governance framework, and a second arguing for a more flexible approach since absolute control is impossible and only leads to drift and unintended outcomes. We suggest that there is a clear gap in the literature in better understanding how to govern the development of information infrastructures using a bottom-up approach. We build on research that approaches IS development as a collective action problem and focus on how different actors frame the infrastructure as a public and private good, and how the framing process is underpinned by actors’ different ideologies. We use our theoretical approach to examine the framing of the development of a regional health information infrastructure in Crete. Our analysis examines how different actors frame the infrastructure as a collective action good and explore their ideological positioning. We explore the struggle around meanings attributed to the good over time as being a public or private one in establishing or sustaining relations of power, and how legitimacy is challenged or reinforced. Finally, we develop contributions on the collective action challenges in infrastructure development and suggest how a polycentric approach to governance might be further developed to promote the ongoing cultivation of information infrastructures from the bottom up.
miR-103 promotes 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis through AKT/mTOR signal pathway with its target being MEF2D
Authors: Li Meihang , Liu Zhenjiang , Zhang Zhenzhen , Liu Guannv , Sun Shiduo , Sun Chao
Published: November 2014

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that partially bind to the 3’ untranslated (3’UTR) regions of target genes in animals and regulate protein production of the target transcripts. MiR-103 has been confirmed to play a critical role in lipid metabolism, however, the target genes and signaling pathway regulated by miR-103 is still unclear. In our experiment, we observed a positive function of miR-103 on the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte. Furthermore, we proved that this function of miR-103 worked through activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway and impairing target gene MEF2D. By inhibiting and over-expressing the MEF2D gene, we found that MEF2D had a negative role in regulating adipocyte key genes, and this function of MEF2D could be impaired by miR-103. In conclusion, we found that miR-103 can promote 3T3-L1 cells differentiation by targeting MEF2D and activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway. These results will shed a light on further study of microRNAs.
Effect of Different Scattaring Technique on Higher Order Soliton
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Tarnveer , Bhatia Kamaljeet Singh
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the decay of higher order soliton in the presence of third order dispersion, intrapulse Raman scattering and self-steepening scattering has been examined in optical fiber soliton communication. The result has been analysed in the form of graphic representation for optical time domain visualizer and optical spectrum analyzer.
New distribution records of the Buff-fronted Owl Aegolius harrisii Cassin, 1849 (Aves: Strigidae) in Peru
Authors: Bravo Antonio García , Barrio Javier
Published: November 2014

We review the distribution of the Buff-fronted Owl Aegolius harrisii harrisii in Peru, supported by unpublished museum records and new specimens and observations. Compared to previous published records, the distribution and elevation range for the species in Peru are expanded significantly. Based on all records, we deduce that the overall distribution of A. harrisii in Peru is almost continuous, from the northwestern Andes to the eastern southern Andes, between 250 and 2960 m. The northern Peruvian Andes show a dense distribution of A. harrisii records compared to the distribution elsewhere in the Andes.
Cyphelium inquinans (Sm.) Trev. (Lichenized: Ascomycota): A new record for India
Authors: Singh Pushpi , Singh K. P.
Published: November 2014

This study reports Cyphelium inquinans as a new distributional record of the calicioid lichens from India. The taxon is characterized by its verrucose gray thallus; larger ascomata with whitish pruina on the upper and outer edge of the exciple and 1-septate, dark brown ascospores with distinctive ornamentation. It is an interesting addition to the lichen flora of India and detailed taxonomic description with illustrations are provided herewith to facilitate the identification of species.
First record of Hastula hastata (Gmelin, 1791) (Mollusca: Conoidea: Terebridae) from Trindade Island, a southwestern Atlantic oceanic island off Brazil
Authors: Abbate Daniel , Lima Patricia Oristanio Vaz de
Published: November 2014

The terebrid gastropod Hastula hastata (Gmelin, 1791) is reported for the first time from Trindade Island, off southeastern Brazil. The new record extends the known geographic range of the species ca. 1,167 km eastward from Vitória, Espírito Santo state.
A Contribution to the flora of Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Pir Panjal Himalaya (Jammu & Kashmir), India
Authors: Dar Gh. Hassan , Malik Akhtar H. , Khuroo Anzar A.
Published: November 2014

The current paper provides a taxonomic inventory of the vascular plant species collected by the authors during the last two decades from the Rajouri and Poonch districts, located along the Pir Panjal range in the Indian Himalayan State of Jammu and Kashmir. The inventory records a total of 352 species, which belong to 270 genera in 83 families. Of the total taxa, the angiosperms are represented by 331 species in 253 genera and 77 families; gymnosperms by 12 species in 9 genera and 3 families; and pteridophytes by 9 species in 7 genera and 3 families. Asteraceae is the largest family, contributing 42 species; while Artemisia is the largest genus, with 5 species. The inventory is expected to provide baseline scientific data for further studies on plant diversity in these two border districts, and can be used to facilitate the long-term conservation and sustainable use of plant resources in this Himalayan region.
Species composition of Amphibians and Reptiles in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Zakaria Nurulhuda , Senawi Juliana , Musa Fakhrul Hatta , Belabut Daicus , Onn Chan Kin , Nor Shukor Md. , Ahmad Norhayati
Published: November 2014

A revised and updated checklist of the herpetofauna of the Krau Wildlife Reserve (KWR), Pahang is presented, which includes 61 species of amphibians and 65 species of reptiles. Five species of amphibians are listed under revised names i.e. Hylarana labialis, H. picturata, Ansonia latiffi, Microhyla mantheyi and Rhacophorus norhayatae; and two species are listed as new locality records for KWR: Hylarana cf. siberu and Theloderma licin. The amphibians and reptiles recorded in KWR are approximately 56% and 22% of the total number of species recorded from Peninsular Malaysia, respectively.
Ancistrus cuiabae Knaack, 1999 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Ancistrinae): first record for the Southern Pantanal
Authors: Severo-Neto Francisco , Dos Santos Priscilla Soares , Sczeny-Moraes Eurico A. , Paiva Fernando
Published: November 2014

Ancistrus cuiabae, an easily identified species of armored catfish from the Upper Paraguay River basin has recently been described from the Cuiabá River basin. Its distribution was previously restricted to the state of Mato Grosso. However, here we report the southernmost record of this species, the first within the Mato Grosso do Sul State.
New state record and geographic distribution map of Rhinella inopina Vaz-Silva, Valdujo & Pombal, 2012 (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Arruda Larissa Ferreira , Peixoto Marco Antônio de Amorim , Guimarães Carla Da Silva , Lacerda João Victor Andrade , Feio Renato Neves
Published: November 2014

We provide the first record of Rhinella inopina in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, in municipalities of Bonito de Minas and Januária. It is also the species southernmost record, extending its known geographic distribution in about 170 and 210 km respectively southeastward its closest previously record, in municipality of Sítio d'Abadia, State of Goiás, Central Brazil.
Uma Análise Comparativa dos Indicadores Financeiros da Petrobras por Meio da Avaliação da Demonstração dos Fluxos de Caixa do Período de 2005 a 2007
Authors: Santos Letícia Goulart dos , Santos Claudio Roberto Morales dos , Quintana Alexandre Costa
Published: November 2014

Uma das principais mudanças ocorridas no cenário atual foi a aprovação da Lei 11.638/07, que, entre outras alterações, determina a substituição da Demonstração de Origens e Aplicações de Recursos – DOAR pela Demonstração dos Fluxos de Caixa – DFC. Essa, mudança é considerada benéfica para os investidores e usuários da informação por ser considerada de linguagem mais simples e clara. O objetivo do presente estudo é demonstrar a situação financeira da empresa Petrobras, no período de 2005, 2006 e 2007, por meio da análise dos indicadores vinculados à Demonstração dos Fluxos de Caixa, que avaliam a liquidez. Uma ferramenta ainda pouco utilizada pelos acionistas são alguns indicadores que facilitam a interpretação da situação financeira da empresa por meio do fluxo de caixa. Os índices foram classificados em quatro grupos, relacionados à cobertura do caixa, à qualidade do resultado, ao dispêndio de capital e ao retorno do fluxo de caixa. Esses têm o propósito de avaliar desde a capacidade de pagamento até as taxas de retorno de caixa. Em termos metodológicos, a pesquisa caracteriza-se, quanto os objetivos, como um estudo descritivo, e, quanto aos procedimentos, como um estudo de caso. Por meio deste estudo pode-se por fim demonstrar a importância dessa análise comparativa para que os envolvidos tenham uma visão mais profunda da verdadeira situação da empresa e das condições de continuidade do seu negócio.
Depreciação no Brasil e na Alemanha: as diferenças na aplicação a um tomógrafo e construção anexa
Authors: Schultz Charles Albino , Weise Andreas Dittmar , Borgert Altair
Published: November 2014

O presente estudo é uma análise das diferentes abordagens da depreciação na legislação fiscal no Brasil e na Alemanha. Foi realizada por meio de um estudo descritivo que simula a aplicação das diferentes fórmulas de cálculo das parcelas de depreciação de um tomógrafo e da construção anexa em um hospital universitário público e um hospital privado. A legislação fiscal brasileira mostrou-se mais simples que a alemã, contudo, ao mesmo tempo, permite um número indefinido de alternativas de depreciação, por ser possível a adoção de fórmulas de cálculo diferentes das especificadas na legislação. Além disso, constatou-se a ausência de uma legislação sobre a depreciação em instituições públicas. Já, na Alemanha, a legislação permite mais fórmulas de cálculo, entretanto, com parâmetros rígidos de enquadramento em determinados métodos utilizados como incentivo. A utilização da depreciação como forma de atribuir incentivos à renovação tecnológica e ao desenvolvimento de setores específicos é idêntica em ambos os países e, normalmente, é exercida por meio da depreciação acelerada. Uma característica específica da legislação alemã consiste no fato desta ser aplicada tanto a hospitais particulares quanto a hospitais públicos, enquanto que no Brasil a depreciação é exclusiva à contabilidade das empresas privadas.
Lei nº 11.638/2007: estudo sobre o nível de conhecimento dos mestres formados pela Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau - FURB
Authors: Söthe Ari , Cunha Jacqueline Veneroso Alves da
Published: November 2014

As alterações na legislação societária afetam diretamente as atividades dos profissionais da área contábil. A atualização rápida do profissional é visualizada pelos usuários como elemento fundamental para valorizar a sua qualidade, principalmente quando este profissional possui sólida formação acadêmica ou ocupa cargos estratégicos na organização. Desta forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o nível de conhecimento dos mestres formados pela FURB – Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau, em relação à Lei nº 11.638/2007. Para atingir este objetivo, foi desenvolvida uma análise descritiva da evolução da lei das sociedades anônimas, desde a sua primeira publicação, pelo decreto-lei nº 2.627/1940, até a versão atual. Posteriormente, foram enviados questionários aos 76 mestres formados pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Contábeis da FURB. A pesquisa foi classificada como de levantamento ou survey e quanto à abordagem do problema caracteriza-se como quantitativa. Os resultados apontam um bom nível de conhecimento dos respondentes, considerando o número de alterações destacadas e o período relativamente curto entre a data da publicação da nova lei e a realização desta pesquisa.
O desempenho dos estudantes ingressantes e concluintes dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis das universidades de Santa Catarina nas questões pertinentes à Contabilidade de custos na prova Enade 2006
Authors: Cittadin Andréia , Ritta Cleyton de Oliveira
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste artigo consiste em verificar o desempenho dos alunos ingressantes e concluintes dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis das universidades de Santa Catarina nas questões do ENADE 2006 relacionadas à disciplina de contabilidade de custos. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, com abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa, por meio de um estudo documental nos relatórios elaborados pelo INEP. Os resultados demonstram que: (i) houve uma concentração do assunto método de custeio variável nas questões da prova ENADE, (ii) a variação média em pontos percentuais entre o desempenho dos alunos ingressantes e concluintes nas questões específicas à contabilidade de custos foi de 13,01%, 8,22%, 3,06% e 3,64% nas questões 16, 30, 33 e 34 respectivamente; (iii) a variação média em pontos percentuais entre o desempenho de modo geral dos alunos ingressantes e concluintes nas questões pertinentes à contabilidade de custos foi de 6,98%. Com isso, verifica-se que o desempenho médio dos alunos é fraco, considerando a relevância da contabilidade de custos na gestão das organizações. Conclui-se que os cursos de Ciências Contábeis das universidades catarinenses devem estar atentos e implementar melhorias no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dessa disciplina, pois os resultados encontrados não foram satisfatórios.
Editorial
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro
Published: November 2014

The third issue of the International Journal of Serious Games (IJSG) introduces a new series of articles about serious game studies. the goal is to develop and support an “engineering” approach, systemizing the studies, allowing comparative analysis and homogeneous data collection. Other scientific and technological articles are also present in the issue.
Assessing 3D Virtual World Disaster Training Through Adult Learning Theory
Authors: Taylor-Nelms Lee , Hill Valerie
Published: November 2014

As role-play, virtual reality, and simulated environments gain popularity through virtual worlds such as Second Life, the importance of identifying best practices for education and emergency management training becomes necessary. Using a formal needs assessment approach, we examined the extent to which 3D virtual tornado simulation trainings follow the principles of adult learning theory employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Training and Education Division. Through a three-fold methodology of observation, interviews, and reflection on action, 3D virtual world tornado trainings were analyzed for congruence to adult learning theory.
Editorial
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro
Published: November 2014

I am pleased to conclude, with this fourth issue, the first year of IJSG publications.It has been an exciting year, in which we started this challenge – in spite of some perplexity, also from friends - and were able to become a reference point for scientific and technological research in the field of serious games and game-based learning.All this could happen thanks to the growing relevance of the serious game field but also to the authors and to the effort and quality of an outstanding team of editors and reviewers, that was able not only to select the submitted papers, but also to accurately coach the authors in order to enhance the quality of the manuscripts.
Ultrafast synthesis of isoquercitrin by enzymatic hydrolysis of rutin in a continuous-flow microreactor
Authors: Wang Jun , An Gong , Gu Shuangshuang , Cui Hongsheng , Wu Xiangyang
Published: November 2014

Isoquercitrin is a rare flavonol glycoside with a wide range of biological
activities and is a key synthetic intermediate for the production of
enzymatically modified isoquercitrin. In order to establish an ultrafast
bioprocess for obtaining isoquercitrin, a novel continuous flow biosynthesis
of isoquercitrin using the hesperidinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of rutin in a
glass-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microreactor was first carried out. Using
the developed microchannel reactor (200?m width, 50?m depth, and 2 m
length) with one T-shaped inlet and one outlet, the maximum yield of
isoquercitrin (98.6%) was achieved in a short time (40 min) under the
following optimum conditions: rutin concentration at 1 g L-1, hesperidinase
concentration at 0.1 g mL-1, reaction temperature at 40?C, and a flow rate
at 2 ?L min-1. The activation energy value Ea of the enzymatic reaction was
4.61 kJ mol-1, and the reaction rate and volumetric productivity were
approximately 16.1-fold and 30% higher, respectively, than those in the
batch reactor. Thus, the use of a continuous-flow microreactor for the
enzymatic hydrolysis of rutin is an efficient and simple approach to achieve
a relative high yield of isoquercitrin.
Modification of natural clinoptilolite and ZSM-5 with different oxides and studying of the obtained products in lignin pyrolysis
Authors: Milovanovic Jelena , Stensrød Ruth , Myhrvold Elisabeth , Tschentscher Roman , Stöcker Michael , Lazarevic Slavica , Rajic Nevenka
Published: November 2014

In this work, different metal oxides (MO) supported on two types of zeolites:
1) natural clinoptilolite (NZ) and 2) synthetic zeolite, ZSM-5 were prepared
and tested as catalysts in the fast pyrolysis of hardwood lignin. NZ was
modified with the CaO and MgO by a simple two steps procedure consisting of
an ion exchange reaction and a subsequent calcination at 773 K. The synthetic
ZSM-5 was modified with several MO species (Ni, Cu, Ca, Mg) by a wet
impregnation and calcination at 873 K. ?he prepared catalysts were
characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron
microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDS) and measurement of
specific surface area (BET method). Acid sites were characterized and
quantified by pyridine (py) absorption using Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR). The catalysts exhibit catalytic activity depanding on
modification, reaction temperature and of the MO contents. The highest yield
of useful phenol in bio-oil was obtained with NiO/ZSM-5 (34.8 wt.%) which
exhibits the highest specific surface area and the highest concetration of
Br?nsted and Lewis acid sites. The studied catalysts did not increase
significantly the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and
heavy compounds compared to non-catalytic experiment.
“Living Well with Diabetes”: Evaluation of a Pilot Program to Promote Diabetes Prevention and Self-Management in a Medically Underserved Community
Authors: Cadzow Renee B. , Vest Bonnie M. , Craig Mary , Rowe Jimmy S. , Kahn Linda S.
Published: November 2014

A substantial disparity exists in the prevalence and effective self-management of diabetes among African Americans in the United States. Community-level programs have the potential to affect self-efficacy and may be helpful in overcoming common barriers to self-management. The Neighborhood Health Talker Program used community members trained as cultural health brokers to engage their communities in conversations about “living diabetes well.” Program evaluators used mixed methods to analyze post-conversation surveys and Health Talker field notes. These indicated an increase in diabetes-related knowledge and increased confidence among conversation participants. Conversations included discussion of barriers and facilitators to lifestyle changes and effective self-management that are frequently overlooked in a clinical setting.
Children's Learning and Goal-Setting at a Diabetes Camp
Authors: Nabors Laura A. , Kichler Jessica C. , Burbage Michelle L. , Swoboda Christopher M. , Andreone Teresa L.
Published: November 2014

Objective. This study provides information about children's learning and goal attainment related to change in their self-management skills during a diabetes camp.

Design and methods. One hundred and thirty-one children completed an evaluation for the first year (year 1), and 68 children completed an evaluation for the second year (year 2). All of the children had type 1 diabetes. During both years, parents provided information about goals for their child before camp started. Children's learning about diabetes self-management, as well as their satisfaction with camp, was assessed at the end of the camp session. In the evaluation for year 2, a goal-setting intervention was also developed, and its effectiveness was assessed through both physicians' and children's reports.

Results. Children learned new information during camp about recognizing and managing the signs of hypo- and hyperglycemia and about counting carbohydrates and rotating insulin pump sites. Children were better able to recall their self-management goals in year 2. In terms of benefiting from camp, boys reported learning more than girls about diabetes management, whereas girls were more likely than boys to report that greater opportunities to express feelings were of value.

Conclusions. Goal-setting was successful in improving children's recall of their self-management goals. Children benefited from the supportive and educational camp atmosphere. Future research should assess the benefits of camp across multiple camp settings and determine whether educational benefits have long-term effects on children's goal-setting and knowledge and whether these benefits lead to psychosocial improvements.
Gender differences in Body Mass Index and physical activity of students of the University of Tuzla
Authors: Atikovic Almir , Hodzic Sanjin , Bilalic Jasmin , Mehinovic Jasmin , Mujanovic Amra Nozinovic , Mujanovic Edin , Kapidzic Alen
Published: November 2014

This study was carried out among undergraduate students at the University of Tuzla (Bosna and Herzegovina) with the objective of examining gender differences in the body mass index (BMI) and the level of Physical Activity (PA) among respondents.

This study was conducted to: determine the body mass index (BMI) and the average weekly number of hours of sport activity in the last six months (PA). A research sample was made of female students (n = 330) in the chronological age of 19.3+1.5 yrs, 60.7%, and of male students (n = 213) in the chronological age of 20.0+1.8 yrs, 39.2%.

On average, the students (both female and male) spend 5.60 (5.03) hours on physical activity per week. Female students spend 4.05 (4.32) hours, while male students dedicate 8.11 (5.30) hours to physical activities. It can be concluded that in principle the students practice physical activities and recreation, but still 1/5 of all students are inactive. The obtained results for the BMI show that the majority of students are in the zone of normal values: female - 278 (84.2%); male - 157 (73.7%). Correlations between BMI and PA amount to (R = .214; p < 0.01) and (R2 = .046; p < 0.01). The results of the T-test show a more significant statistical variable of differences between female and male students at the level of p < 0.05. In comparison to female students, male students have 2.35 kg/m2 higher BMI, and they are more active in physical activities for 4.06 hours in comparison to women.

The focus should be directed to the education of young people, because they can easily adopt healthy habits that should be maintained for life. These results point out the necessity of an integrated approach to prevention and control of risk factors, particularly among youth.
An analysis of the barbell motion depending on its weight in disabled powerlifting
Authors: Seidel Wojciech , Zurowska Anna
Published: November 2014

The aim of the study was to assess the symmetry of flexion and extension movements in upper limbs in disabled powerlifters during bench press with different barbell loads.

29 disabled athletes from the National Powerlifting Team were examined. Mean age was between 23.9 ± 6.1. Mean sport experience was 5.4 ± 3.6 years.

Both flexion and extension movement were performed symmetrically, which was indicated by an insignificant (p < 0.05) difference in the movement onset in the left and the right upper limb.

Time differences in the movement onset and the achievement of maximal angular velocity were statistically insignificant in all trials (loads from 40% to 95% 1RM). During extension with loads over 60% 1RM differences in time of achieving maximal angular velocity were statistically significant or close.
Public treasury looting for global North banking, public welfare denial, migration and sex-slave trafficking of Nigerians after colonialism
Authors: Ingwe Richard
Published: November 2014

Enslaving and victimising the poor by criminals within and outside governments of underdeveloped countries is gaining attention of academics in the social sciences. This article clarifies inter-relationships among modern slavery and trafficking in girls/women for sexual exploitation. It also shows how vulnerability of people victimised by the crime has been increased by policies deriving from neo-liberalism. To facilitate explication of the variables/issues, the study was based on the theoretical/doctrinal and political aspects of neo-liberalism, coinciding with scenarios of declining welfare, increasing susceptibility/vulnerability of Nigeria’s poor (non-elite) and massive unemployed youth to out-migration and traffickers in persons. The explicated issues include modern slavery (generally and trafficking in Nigerian girls/women for sexual exploitation abroad) as well as the relationships among treasury looting and stashing of the loot in the banks of the global North. It is explained how declining welfare (i.e. multiple-dimensional adversities e.g. unemployment) provokes desires in the unemployed to out-migrate and increases their susceptibility to trafficking in persons. Finally, the article is concluded.