bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ABCs of STIs: An Update on Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Yarbrough Melanie L , Burnham Carey-Ann D
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread primarily through sexual contact and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Once identified, some STIs can be cured following appropriate therapy; for others, suppressive regimens and approaches to prevent ongoing transmission are important. The incidence of many common STIs is increasing in the US as well as worldwide, and hundreds of millions of people are currently infected. Laboratory testing plays a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and clinical laboratorians should be familiar with the current guidelines and methods for testing.

CONTENT

Accurate and sensitive methods to diagnose STIs are essential to direct appropriate antimicrobial therapy and interrupt the cycle of disease transmission. This review summarizes laboratory testing for common bacterial, viral, and parasitic causes of STIs. Disease manifestations reviewed include cervicitis and urethritis, genital ulcerative disease, human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis, human papilloma virus, and vaginitis. Recent advancements in the recognition and management of STIs, including updates to diagnostic algorithms, advances in testing methods, and emerging challenges with antimicrobial resistance, are summarized.

Diagnostic methods and therapeutic guidelines for STIs are rapidly evolving. In combination with changing epidemiology, the development of novel therapeutics, and advancements in diagnostic methods, this has resulted in changing practices in laboratory testing and, subsequently, management of disease. Molecular methods have facilitated personalized therapy and follow-up regimens targeted for individual types or strains of some STIs.
Evaluation of metals content among different cosmetic products in the Arabian market
Authors: Younes Ibrahim Md Sahar , Abdel Maguid Md Rania , Khaled Al-Mazroua Maha
Published: April 2016

Background: Cosmetics' use is very popular all over the world and in some parts of Arabian countries. The use of some cosmetics as Kohl is part of culture and traditions, and is used since very young ages. This makes detection of heavy metal content in cosmetics marketed in Egypt and other Arabian markets of crucial importance.Objective: To evaluate the levels of heavy metals content among different cosmetic products in the Arabian market.Methods: Different brands of; anti-freckle creams, eye shadows, eyeliners, facial powders, foundation, henna and lipsticks were purchased from open markets in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Sample preparation and analysis was conducted, to estimate levels of twelve different metals (Pb, As, Cd, Ag, Ba, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results: The mean concentration of some studied metals as Aluminium, lead, arsenic, copper and nickel were higher than permissible levels for cosmetics in some of the studied samples. Para- Phenylenediamine (PPD) was detected in all the studied 7 Henna samples.Conclusion: In conclusion, cosmetic contamination with metals above permissible levels is very common in most of the products available in the developing world and Arabian markets. Physicians and users must be aware of the probable toxicity of these elements and of the clinical signs of systemic poisoning. Considering popular use of cosmetics by different age groups, the hazardous cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to low concentrations of metals like; Aluminium, lead, Arsenic, nickel and copper especially in children, cannot be ruled out. Further studies are recommended in addition, cosmetic market control and legislation procedures should be thoroughly implemented.
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma evansi in dromedary camels and studies on fetal pathology, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Narnaware Shirish D. , Ghorui Samar K. , Kumar Sanjay , Patil Nitin V.
Published: April 2016

In the present study, a total of 14 (73.68%) cases of abortions and two (100%) cases of still births were detected positive for
Two new species of the genus Pterygosoma (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) parasitizing agamid lizards (Sauria: Agamidae) from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Fajfer Monika
Published: April 2016

Two new species of scale-mites parasitizing lizards of the family Agamidae (Sauria) are described:
A new isosporoid coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)from the southern house wren Troglodytes musculus Naumann, 1823 (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae) from Brazil
Authors: doBomfim Lopes Bruno , Rodrigues Mariana Borges , da Silva Lidiane Maria , Berto Bruno Pereira , Luz Hermes Ribeiro , Ferreira Ildemar , Lopes Carlos Wilson Gomes
Published: April 2016

A new isosporoid coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from the southern house wren
Type II transmembrane serine proteases as potential targets for cancer therapy
Authors: Murray Andrew S. , Varela Fausto A. , List Karin
Published: April 2016

Carcinogenesis is accompanied by increased protein and activity levels of extracellular cell-surface proteases that are capable of modifying the tumor microenvironment by directly cleaving the extracellular matrix, as well as activating growth factors and proinflammatory mediators involved in proliferation and invasion of cancer cells, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. These complex processes ultimately potentiate neoplastic progression leading to local tumor cell invasion, entry into the vasculature, and metastasis to distal sites. Several members of the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family have been shown to play critical roles in cancer progression. In this review the knowledge collected over the past two decades about the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-cancerous properties of selected TTSPs will be summarized. Furthermore, we will discuss how these insights may facilitate the translation into clinical settings in the future by specifically targeting TTSPs as part of novel cancer treatment regimens.
Changes of physiological tremor following maximum intensity exercise in male and female young swimmers
Authors: Gajewski Jan , Mazur-Różycka Joanna , Łach Patrycja , Różycki Sebastian , Żmijewski Piotr , Buśko Krzysztof , Michalski Radosław
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in postural physiological tremor following maximum intensity effort performed on arm ergometer by young male and female swimmers.

Methods

Ten female and nine male young swimmers served as subjects in the study. Forearm tremor was measured accelerometrically in the sitting position before the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test on arm ergometer and then 5, 15 and 30 minutes post-test.

Results

Low-frequency tremor log-amplitude (L1−5) increased (repeated factor: p < 0.05) from −7.92 ± 0.45 to −7.44 ± 0.45 and from −6.81 ± 0.52 to −6.35 ± 0.58 in women and men, respectively (gender: p < 0.05) 5 minute post-test. Tremor log-amplitude (L15−20) increased (repeated factor: p < 0.001) from −9.26 ± 0.70 to −8.59 ± 0.61 and from −8.79 ± 0.65 to −8.39 ± 0.79 in women and men, respectively 5 minute post-test. No effect of gender was found for high frequency range.The increased tremor amplitude was observed even 30 minute post-exercise. Mean frequency of tremor spectra gradually decreased post-exercises (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Exercise-induced changes in tremor were similar in males and females. A fatigue produced a decrement in the mean frequency of tremor what suggested decreased muscle stiffness post-exercise. Such changes intremorafter exercise may be used as the indicator of fatigue in the nervous system.
The Presence of Real Food Usurps Hypothetical Health Value Judgment in Overweight People
Authors: Medic Nenad , Ziauddeen Hisham , Forwood Suzanna E. , Davies Kirsty M. , Ahern Amy L. , Jebb Susan A. , Marteau Theresa M. , Fletcher Paul C.
Published: April 2016

To develop more ecologically valid models of the neurobiology of obesity, it is critical to determine how the neural processes involved in food-related decision-making translate into real-world eating behaviors. We examined the relationship between goal-directed valuations of food images in the MRI scanner and food consumption at a subsequentad libitumbuffet meal. We observed that 23 lean and 40 overweight human participants showed similar patterns of value-based neural responses to health and taste attributes of foods. In both groups, these value-based responses in the ventromedial PFC were predictive of subsequent consumption at the buffet. However, overweight participants consumed a greater proportion of unhealthy foods. This was not predicted by in-scanner choices or neural response. Moreover, in overweight participants alone, impulsivity scores predicted greater consumption of unhealthy foods. Overall, our findings suggest that, while the hypothetical valuation of the health of foods is predictive of eating behavior in both lean and overweight people, it is only the real-world food choices that clearly distinguish them.
Successful One-Stage Operative Resection of an Intravenous Leiomyomatosis Involving the Right-Sided Heart Chambers and Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Xu Rongjian , Miao Qi , Liu Xingrong , Zhang Chaoji , Ma Guotao
Published: April 2016

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare neoplastic disorder. It may extend into the right cardiac chambers, which are named after intracardiac leiomyomatosis (ICL). We describe a case of IVL extending into the right heart and pulmonary artery in a 46-year-old woman. The patient successfully underwent a one-stage operation under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The patient fully recovered without major complications and did not exhibit any recurrence at the 9-month follow-up. The unique feature of this case is its involvement with the pulmonary artery, which is uncommon but potentially lethal.
Cross-Talk Between Sporophyte and Gametophyte Generations Is Promoted by CHD3 Chromatin Remodelers inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Carter Benjamin , Henderson James T , Svedin Elisabeth , Fiers Martijn , McCarthy Kyle , Smith Amanda , Guo Changhua , Bishop Brett , Zhang Heng , Riksen Tjitske , Shockley Allison , Dilkes Brian P , Boutilier Kim , Ogas Joe
Published: April 2016

Angiosperm reproduction requires the integrated development of multiple tissues with different genotypes. To achieve successful fertilization, the haploid female gametophytes and diploid ovary must coordinate their development, after which the male gametes must navigate through the maternal sporophytic tissues to reach the female gametes. After fertilization, seed development requires coordinated development of the maternal diploid integuments, the triploid endosperm, and the diploid zygote. Transcription and signaling factors contribute to communication between these tissues, and roles for epigenetic regulation have been described for some of these processes. Here we identify a broad role for CHD3 chromatin remodelers in Arabidopsis thaliana reproductive development. Plants lacking the CHD3 remodeler, PICKLE, exhibit various reproductive defects including abnormal development of the integuments, female gametophyte, and pollen tube, as well as delayed progression of ovule and embryo development. Genetic analyses demonstrate that these phenotypes result from loss of PICKLE in the maternal sporophyte. The paralogous gene PICKLE RELATED 2 is preferentially expressed in the endosperm and acts antagonistically with respect to PICKLE in the seed: loss of PICKLE RELATED 2 suppresses the large seed phenotype of pickle seeds. Surprisingly, the alteration of seed size in pickle plants is sufficient to determine the expression of embryonic traits in the seedling primary root. These findings establish an important role for CHD3 remodelers in plant reproduction and highlight how the epigenetic status of one tissue can impact the development of genetically distinct tissues.
Powerful and Adaptive Testing for Multi-trait and Multi-SNP Associations with GWAS and Sequencing Data
Authors: Kim Junghi , Zhang Yiwei , Pan Wei
Published: April 2016

Testing for genetic association with multiple traits has become increasingly important, not only because of its potential to boost statistical power, but also for its direct relevance to applications. For example, there is accumulating evidence showing that some complex neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases like Alzheimer’s disease are due to disrupted brain networks, for which it would be natural to identify genetic variants associated with a disrupted brain network, represented as a set of multiple traits, one for each of multiple brain regions of interest. In spite of its promise, testing for multivariate trait associations is challenging: if not appropriately used, its power can be much lower than testing on each univariate trait separately (with a proper control for multiple testing). Furthermore, differing from most existing methods for single-SNP–multiple-trait associations, we consider SNP set-based association testing to decipher complicated joint effects of multiple SNPs on multiple traits. Because the power of a test critically depends on several unknown factors such as the proportions of associated SNPs and of traits, we propose a highly adaptive test at both the SNP and trait levels, giving higher weights to those likely associated SNPs and traits, to yield high power across a wide spectrum of situations. We illuminate relationships among the proposed and some existing tests, showing that the proposed test covers several existing tests as special cases. We compare the performance of the new test with that of several existing tests, using both simulated and real data. The methods were applied to structural magnetic resonance imaging data drawn from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to identify genes associated with gray matter atrophy in the human brain default mode network (DMN). For genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genes AMOTL1 on chromosome 11 and APOE on chromosome 19 were discovered by the new test to be significantly associated with the DMN. Notably, gene AMOTL1 was not detected by single SNP-based analyses. To our knowledge, AMOTL1 has not been highlighted in other Alzheimer’s disease studies before, although it was indicated to be related to cognitive impairment. The proposed method is also applicable to rare variants in sequencing data and can be extended to pathway analysis.
Case Report: The Specter of Untreated Congenital Hypothyroidism in Immigrant Families
Authors: Hamdoun Elwaseila , Karachunski Peter , Nathan Brandon , Fischer Melissa , Torkelson Jane L. , Drilling Amy , Petryk Anna
Published: April 2016

Newborn screening has dramatically reduced rates of untreated congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, in low-income nations where newborn screening programs do not exist, untreated CH remains a significant health and societal challenge. The goal of this report is to alert health care providers about the potential of undiagnosed CH in unscreened immigrant children. We report 3 siblings of Somali descent with CH who started treatment with levothyroxine at age 0.5 years, 7.7 years, and 14.8 years and were followed for 8 years. This case series demonstrates a spectrum of severity, response to treatment, and neurocognitive and growth outcomes depending on the age at treatment initiation. Patient 1, now 22 years old, went undiagnosed for 14.8 years. On diagnosis, his height was –7.5 SDs with a very delayed bone age of –13.5 SDs. His longstanding CH was associated with empty sella syndrome, static encephalopathy, and severe musculoskeletal deformities. Even after treatment, his height (–5.2 SDs) and cognitive deficits remained the most severe of the 3 siblings. Patient 2, diagnosed at 7.7 years, had moderate CH manifestations and thus a relatively intermediate outcome after treatment. Patient 3, who had the earliest diagnosis at 0.5 years, displayed the best response, but continues to have residual global developmental delay. In conclusion, untreated CH remains an important diagnostic consideration among immigrant children.
Clinical Decision Support Tool for Parental Tobacco Treatment in Primary Care
Authors: Jenssen Brian P. , Bryant-Stephens Tyra , Leone Frank T. , Grundmeier Robert W. , Fiks Alexander G.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVES:

We created a clinical decision support (CDS) tool and evaluated its feasibility, acceptability, usability, and clinical impact within the electronic health record to help primary care pediatricians provide smoking cessation treatment to parents/caregivers who smoke.

METHODS:

This prospective study of pediatric clinicians and parents was conducted at 1 urban primary care site. Clinicians received training in smoking cessation counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) prescribing, referral to an adult treatment program, and use of the CDS tool. The tool prompted clinicians to ask about secondhand smoke exposure, provide an electronic NRT prescription, and refer. Feasibility was measured by using electronic health record utilization data, and acceptability and usability were assessed with the use of clinician surveys. Parents reported clinical impact, including NRT accepted and used.

RESULTS:

From June to August 2015, clinicians used the tool to screen for secondhand smoke exposure at 2286 (76%) of 3023 visits. Parent smokers were identified at 308 visits, and 165 parents (55% of smokers) were interested in and offered treatment. Twenty-four (80%) of 30 eligible pediatric clinicians used the tool. Ninety-four percent of clinicians surveyed (n = 17) were satisfied with the tool, and the average system usability scale score was 83 of 100 (good to excellent range). We reached 69 of 100 parents sampled who received treatment; 44 (64%) received NRT, and 17 (25%) were currently using NRT.

CONCLUSIONS:

A CDS tool to help urban primary care pediatric clinicians provide smoking cessation treatment was feasible, acceptable, usable, and influenced clinical care. A larger scale investigation in varied practice settings is warranted.
Struggling Authorial Identity of Second Language University Academic Writers in Mexico
Authors: Crawford Troy , Mora Pablo Irasema , Lengeling M. Martha
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the different factors that appear to affect the on-going construction of second language authorial identity in a professional academic environment in Mexico. Through narrative research methodology from a qualitative paradigm, the everyday struggles of two university professors to maintain their professional status in second language writing are explored. The areas of study for these two are chemistry and penal law. With data the learning processes of entering into a community of second language writers are studied as well as the problems they faced and how they resolved them. Finally, the process of negotiating an authorial identity in a second language seems to be a constant underlying struggle composed of a variety of psychological factors.
Unanswered Questions in Colombia’s Foreign Language Education Policy
Authors: Bonilla Carvajal Camilo Andrés , Tejada-Sanchez Isabel
Published: April 2016

Following the trend of much of the Western, non-English speaking world, Colombia has tirelessly strived for spreading English education in an effort to augment economic benefits. This paper aims at providing a critical account of foreign language education policy in Colombia, with special attention to English. It outlines the impact of its multiple transitions over the past decades through a historical description that overviews all previous policies, the critical reception by scholars, and present-day initiatives. We then move on to analysing the choice of English as a synonym for bilingualism and conclude with emerging questions that are to be considered for future debates and reassessments of Colombia’s English-Spanish bilingual education policy.
A rövid távú emlékezet és a munkamemória online mérése: Corsi, számterjedelem és n-vissza
Authors: Kovács Kristóf , Faragó Boglárka , Kövi Zsuzsanna , Rózsa Sándor , Dávid Mária
Published: April 2016

A rövid távú emlékezet és a munkamemória mérésére számos különböző eszközt dolgoztak ki, a számterjedelemtől a komplex terjedelmen át az N-vissza feladatig. Jelen cikk áttekinti az emlékezeti terjedelem mérésének elméleti és módszertani kérdéseit, kitérve a munkamemória-kapacitás területáltalános jellegére, fluid intelligenciával és iskolai teljesítménnyel való kapcsolatára, valamint az életkori különbségekre is. Bemutatásra kerül öt, az emlékezeti terjedelem laboratóriumi vagy online környezetben való mérésére alkalmas feladat magyar változata: a Corsi- és a számterjedelmi feladat oda és visszafelé mért változatai, valamint az N-vissza feladat. A feladatok magyar változatát nagyjából 1000 fős, három életkori csoportot (10, 14 és 18 évesek) tartalmazó mintán vettük fel. Az emlékezeti feladatok életkori változásain és egymással való kapcsolatán kívül bemutatjuk a fontosabb percentilis értékeket tartalmazó normatáblázatokat is.
A multitasking jelenség hatása a feladatvégzésre és az időbeosztásra módszertani előtanulmány
Authors: Kvaszingerné Prantner Csilla , Soltész Péter , Faragó Boglárka , Pléh Csaba , Soltész-Várhelyi Klára
Published: April 2016

Háttér és célok: A modern információs és kommunikációtechnikai (IKT) eszközök alkalmazásának alapvető jellemzője a multitasking jellegű használat, vagyis a több információforrás párhuzamos futtatása. A tanulás kontextusában ez azt jelenti, hogy az IKT-eszközök minimális viselkedéses befektetés ellenében megkönnyítik a tanulási célunknál jutalmazóbb figyelmi folyamatok működtetését. Vizsgálatunk célja, hogy az átlagos IKT-környezetben zajló tanulási folyamatot modellezzük laboratóriumi körülmények között, ezáltal vizsgálva a multitasking hatását a személyek feladatvégzésére.

Módszer: A vizsgálatban alkalmazott főfeladat a Flanker-teszt volt, mely az egyik leggyakrabban alkalmazott figyelmi és gátlási feladat. A főfeladat végzését ugyanakkor időről időre megzavarták bizonyos (villogó vagy egyéb módon jelző) disztraktorok, amelyek lehetővé tették, hogy a főfeladatról a vizsgálati személyek átváltsanak rájuk, és korlátlan mennyiséget „fogyasszanak” belőlük. A vizsgálatot 91 diákkal végeztük el az Eszterházy Károly Főiskoláról. Célunk a disztraktorokkal eltöltött pihenések hosszának, illetve számának főfeladatban nyújtott teljesítményre gyakorolt hatásának felmérése volt.

Eredmények: A pihenések hossza és száma, valamint a reakcióidő között nem találtunk összefüggést. Míg a pihenés hossza és a teljesítmény között erős negatív korreláció volt kimutatható, a sok megszakítás nem mutatott kapcsolatot a teljesítménnyel. Közvetlenül a pihenés után a személyek reakcióideje átlagosan javult. A több feladatot végző személyek arányaiban jobb válaszokat adtak.

Konklúzió/következtetések: Eredményeink a pesszimista multitasking metahipotézist támasztották alá, vagyis azt találtuk, hogy a többet pihenő személyek túlbecsülik a pihenés teljesítményükre gyakorolt hatását, hiszen valójában a több pihenés rosszabb teljesítménnyel járt együtt. Viszont ha a vizsgálati személy képes korlátozni a pihenések hosszát, vagyis a disztraktív ingerek hosszú távra nem vonják el a figyelmét a főfeladatról, ezek a rövid pihenők pozitívan befolyásolják a teljesítményt.
A modern technológia hatása a kognitív képességekre: Áttekintés
Authors: Kovács Kristóf , Faragó Boglárka
Published: April 2016

A cikk a modern technológia kognitív képességekre gyakorolt rövid és hosszú távú hatását vizsgálja. Elsőként a különböző video- és fejlesztő játékok kognitív funkciókra gyakorolt hatását tekintjük át, kiemelve az ezzel kapcsolatos vizsgálatok módszertani nehézségeit. Ezt követően a technológia munkamemóriára gyakorolt hatását vizsgáljuk meg, a közeli és távoli transzferhatásokra összpontosítva. Végül a Flynn-hatás (az IQ-tesztek átlagos eredményében tapasztalt folyamatos növekedés) okait tekintjük át, azt vizsgálva, hogy milyen szerepe lehet a modern technológiának a jelenségben. Az áttekintett kutatások eredményei alapján azt láthatjuk, hogy bár a kognitív fejlesztő játékok és a munkamemóriatréningek fejleszthetnek szűkebb, főként játékspecifikus készségeket, egészséges felnőttek esetében a transzferhatás – és különösen a munkamemória-tréningek esetében a fluid intelligenciára gyakorolt hatás – további alátámasztást igényel. Ugyanakkor az IKT-eszközök és az internet használata átalakíthatja a reprezentációk természetét és az információfeldolgozást.
Az IKT hatása a kognitív működésekre iskoláskorban
Authors: Dávid Mária , Dorner László , Hatvani Andrea , Soltész Péter , Taskó Tünde , Soltész-Várhelyi Klára
Published: April 2016

Háttér és célok: Tanulmányunkban arra kerestük a választ, hogy hogyan változnak a 10–18 éves korosztály képességei, készségei az új infokommunikációs technológiák (IKT) elterjedésével. Feltételezésünk szerint a gyakori IKT-használat bizonyos készségek javulását (például vizuális észlelési képességek), míg más készségek romlását (például verbális és motorikus) eredményezi.

Módszer és minta: 2014 februárjával bezárólag keresztmetszeti vizsgálatot végeztünk három korosztály bevonásával, 492 fős mintán (194 fő 10 éves; 166 fő 14 éves és 132 fő 18 éves). Mindegyik korcsportban alacsony, közepes és magas IKT-használati alcsoportokat különböztettünk meg. Az általunk adaptált online pszichológiai teszteket végeztük el a tanulókkal az alapvető kognitív képességeik vizsgálatára, valamint egyéni adatfelvétele alapuló verbális feladatokat. Ezen kívül a különböző korcsoportokhoz tartozó tanulók kompetenciaméréseinek (szövegértés, matematikai-logikai) és a Hungarofit (alapvető motorikus képességek és állapot) vizsgálati eredményeinek és a tanulmányi eredményeinek összehasonlító elemzése is megtörtént. A vizsgálat egri és Eger környéki általános és középiskolákban zajlott. A nemek aránya a mintában kiegyensúlyozottnak tekinthető (205 fiú és 287 lány).

Eredmények: A gyakoribb számítógép-használat és a reakcióidő pozitív összefüggést mutat minden korcsoportban. A mérsékelt IKT-használat a legtöbb kognitív funkcióval pozitív együttjárást mutat. A matematika és szövegértés kompetenciában nem volt eltérés a három csoport között, ahogyan a Hungarofit mérésekben sem. A magyar nyelv és irodalom, idegen nyelv, matematika tanulmányi eredmény és az összesített tanulmányi átlag tekintetében sem mutatkozott szignifikáns különbség a különböző csoportok között.

Következtetések: A mérsékelt számítógép-használat hatása a kognitív készségekre enyhén pozitív, de ez az iskolai eredményesség mutatókban és kompetenciaadatokban, valamint a mozgásos eredményekben nem manifesztálódik.
Determination of The Basic Characteristics of Sludge for Utilization in Building Cement Composites
Authors: Draganovska Martina , Sicakova Alena , Holub Marian
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of basic research using sludge as a secondary material produced during the process of wet aggregates grading. The basic objective of this study was to identify important properties of sludge for the further use as substitute filler in the cement composites. Results of tests executed, like determination of particle size, bulk density, chemical composition (XRF method), mineralogical composition (XRD method) and both clay lumps and humus content were compared with those of natural aggregate (reference sample), as well as with standard criteria. For all tested properties, sludge shows satisfactory parameters, except the granularity. Here samples demonstrate high portions of fine particles in the 0/4 range. Thus can be concluded, sludge has a potential to be used as filler in cement composites requiring bigger amounts of fine particles, like self-compacting concretes.
A Direct Deliberative Evaluation Method to Choose a Project for Via Giulia, Rome
Authors: Miccoli Saverio , Finucci Fabrizio , Murro Rocco
Published: April 2016

The paper offers a direct and deliberative multi-dimensional valuation method, open to the active involvement of communities, and describes an experimental application for the selection of the best design idea for the rehabilitation of the Moretta road Area in Via Giulia in Rome. Some of the projects submitted in the ‘Concept and design competition’ were evaluated by a group of ‘judges’. After having explored the problem, the judges discussed among themselves and consulted experts and stakeholders, carrying out a multi-dimensional assessment. The valuation process led them, unanimously, to choose the project they regarded as the best.
Functionality and Sustainability Through the Planning Process of a Contemporary Sport Center
Authors: Kovács-Andor Krisztián
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the planning issues of a contemporary sport center through the award-winning plan of the A+ Építész Stúdió on the architectural competition for the Sport Center of the National University of Public Service. The complex urban situation, the architectural shaping of the new, large-scale sport complex between the historical Orczy Garden and the urban texture of the Józsefváros was a serious challenge. To the success of the competition plan a special approach was needed, which was synthesizing the respect of the heritage and values of the past, the contemporary designing principles and the progressive, sustainable architectural attitude of the future. Although the plan will not be realized, the applied architectural solutions can be instructive in the designing process of similar contemporary sport buildings.
The Architecture of Recession — Solidary Architecture
Authors: Tamás Anna Mária
Published: April 2016

The article discusses the effects of the global economic recession - since 2008 — on the Hungarian building construction, thereby affecting the architectural design activity, primarily from the perspective of the change in design view. The recession, which points beyond its economical aspect, emphasizes a vastly complex approach, which makes the handling of the accumulated social and environmental problems inevitable. The designers have to show solidarity towards the constructed and natural environment, and first of all people. The article reveals the current activities and results of the Research Group of Solidary Architecture founded recently at Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs.
Shear Strength Behavior of Mont Terri Opalinus Claystone in Fault Zone
Authors: Buocz Ildikó , Rozgonyi-Boissinot Nikoletta , Török Ákos
Published: April 2016

The paper summarizes the results of direct shear strength tests carried out on Opalinus Claystone deriving from a fault zone, at the site of Mont Terri (North-Western Switzerland). In Mont Terri an Underground Rock Mechanical Laboratory is conducting studies aimed at specifying the rock mechanical parameters of the rock surrounding, which is at the same time the potential host rock of a highly active radioactive waste disposal facility. The samples for the tests were derived from blocks and cores collected from the main fault zone, during the excavation of a tunnel, named: Full scale Emplacement demonstration experiment Gallery (FE Gallery). Direct shear strength tests were carried out on 50x50 mm samples undergoing a 1 MPa constant normal load, where the natural shear plane was parallel to the direction of the shear. The orientation of the bedding planes in the samples was recorded and the maximal shear strength and residual shear stress were determined. The maximal shear strength values obtained from the tests fell in the interval 0.34-0.78 MPa, while the residual values fell between 0.31 and 0.72 MPa. The effect on the shear strength of different angles defined by the bedding and the shear plane of the samples was also examined. The bedding of the samples enclosed different angles with the shear plane, ranging from 0 to 49 degrees.
Patterned Magnetic Recording Media – Issues and Challenges
Authors: Gavrila Horia , Gavrila Doina Elena
Published: April 2016

The conventional magnetic recording approached the physical frontiers of the recording density. The magnetic recording must face the famous trilemma: In order to increase the recording density, smaller grain volumes are needed, but in order to ensure the thermal stability of recorded information, the anisotropy constant should be increased accordingly; what results is an increased anisotropy field, which requires higher writing fields. Such fields are unavailable with the maximum saturation magnetization obtainable with the magnetic materials of the current heads. In order to overcome these problems, new media structures have been proposed. The most promising is the bit-patterned magnetic media (BPM), intensively studied over the last years with the aim of obtaining obtain an ultra-high recording density of hard-disk drives. A BPM comprises monodisperse high-anisotropy nano-particles in a self-organized patterning. They have a higher thermal stability, a lower noise and a higher signal resolution, which leads to a higher recording density and a better SNR. They eliminate the transition noise and, due to the large fraction of the bit volume occupied by the magnetic dots, improve thermal stability. Nevertheless, some important issues such as long-range patterning, control of the surface roughness, signal readout, etc., remain critical problems to solve. Another challenge is the fact that recording on BPM is sensitive to the material and geometry parameter fluctuations that may lead to additional constraints and require tight synchronization of the write-field misregistration time and bit positions. A possible route to higher recording densities is to use a multilevel recording, where more than two states are stored per dot.
Synthesis of SBA-15/MCM-41 bimodal mesoporous silica
Authors: Jaramillo Leyla Y. , Henao Wilson A. , Pabón-Gelves Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

Nanostructured silica materials with different morphologies and adjustable pore size have been studied by researches worldwide for several applications such as catalysis, separation, adsorption, and templates for new materials. The main interest in the development of these materials is to obtain a structure with a specific combination of pore sizes for a particular application. The morphology and textural properties of pores can be easily changed with the modification of the synthesis parameters, among these, the choice of surfactant or structure directing agent (SDA).

Accordingly, in this work, three types of nanostructured silica with different mesoporosity were synthesized by using of CTAB and Pluronic 123 as structure directing agents: SBA-15 and MCM-41 unimodal mesoporous silica and SBA-15/MCM-41 bimodal mesoporous silica.

To evaluate the effect of surfactant on the morphology and textural properties of pores, the materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen sorption (BET).
Organic additives as antimicrobial agents in thermoplastics compounds
Authors: Tomacheski Daiane , Pittol Michele , Ribeiro Vanda F. , Santana Ruth M. C.
Published: April 2016

Development of polymers with antimicrobial characteristics can avoid deterioration and assist in containing spread of pathogens harmful to human health. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of polymeric matrices containing organic antimicrobial additives. Silver organomodified bentonite (Ag_bentonite) and organochlorine molecule in a masterbatch based polyethylene (Cl_PE) were tested in proportion of 2% in a thermoplastic elastomeric formulation. The polymeric matrices were prepared by melt mixing and evaluated in tensile and antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. The additives were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanoscale of Ag_bentonite was verified by SEM. TGA assay showed that Cl_PE is more sensitive to heat than Ag_bentonite. As a result of this lower thermal stability, the addition of Cl_PE reduced the tensile properties of the compound. The sample with Cl_PE was effective against both bacterial strains, reducing the populations of S. aureus and E. coli in 99 and 96%, respectively. The addition of Ag_bentonite did not affect the tensile strength and decreased in 97 and 40% S. aureus and E. coli populations, respectively. The results indicate that the use of organic additives is promissory, but further modifications in processing must be necessary.
The role of English as a scientific metalanguage for research in pragmatics
Authors: Haugh Michael
Published: April 2016

Much of the theorisation undertaken in pragmatics has afforded English a privileged place, not only as the object of analysis but also as the means through which such theoretical discussions have been accomplished. Yet as a number of researchers have pointed out, the language in which the description, analysis, and theorisation of pragmatic phenomena is undertaken can have an influence on how the research object(s) in question are understood. In this article, the role of English as our scientific metalanguage in research on ‘politeness’ in Japanese is considered. It is argued that in order to start managing such challenges for research in pragmatics we need to go beyond the study of abstract or decontextualised meanings of words and move towards the analysis of emic concepts and emic practices. It is concluded that rather than abandoning notions such as ‘politeness’ in favour of seemingly less culturally imbued terms, what is needed instead is greater awareness of what the use of English as a scientific metalanguage both affords for researchers working in pragmatics, along with the challenges it can create for such work.
Variability and multiplicity in the meanings of stereotypical gendered speech in Japanese
Authors: Okamoto Shigeko
Published: April 2016

Recent research on the use of gendered speech in Japanese has demonstrated extensive within-gender diversity, suggesting that the relationship between linguistic forms and gender is variable, not fixed. While this diversity in use suggests a diversity in interpretation, the latter has not been adequately examined in its own right and deserves closer attention, given that it has important implications for the relationship between linguistic forms and social meanings. To address this gap, this article analyses both native speakers’ metapragmatic comments on the use of gendered linguistic forms and the interpretation of such forms used in situated conversations. It considers how and why forms normatively interpreted as feminine or masculine may be (re)interpreted differently by different persons or in different social contexts. Drawing on the notion of indirect and variable indexicality, I consider how such diverse and multiple interpretations can be accounted for in a theoretically coherent manner.
Japanese: A Linguistic Introduction Yoko Hasegawa (2014)
Authors: Vitali LuLu
Published: April 2016

Japanese: A Linguistic Introduction Yoko Hasegawa (2014) Cambridge University Press
Questions Edited by Jan P. de Ruiter (2012)
Authors: Zhang Yahong , Yu Guodong
Published: April 2016

Questions Edited by Jan P. de Ruiter (2012) Cambridge University Press, xi + 254
The Management of Persistent Pain From a Branch of the Trifid Mandibular Canal due to Implant Impingement
Authors: Aljunid Sharifah , AlSiweedi Saif , Nambiar Phrabhakaran , Chai Wen-Lin , Ngeow Wei-Cheong
Published: April 2016

The mandibular canal is a conduit that allows the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle to transverse the mandible to supply the dentition, jawbone, and soft tissue around the lower lip. It is now acknowledged that the mandibular canal is not a single canal but an anatomical structure with multiple branches and variations. Iatrogenic injury to branches of the mandibular canal that carry a neurovascular bundle has been reported to cause injury to the main canal as severe as if the main canal itself is traumatized. These injuries include bleeding, neurosensory disturbance, or the formation of traumatic neuroma, and so far, they have involved cases with the bifid mandibular canal. This current report presents a case of neurosensory disturbance that resulted from the impingement of a branch of a trifid mandibular canal during implant insertion. Its management included analgesics, reexamination, and reinserting a shorter implant.
Monotonic trend and change points in southern Brazil precipitation
Authors: Damé Rita de C. F. , Teixeira Claudia F. A. , Bacelar Luiz C. S. , Winkler Antoniony S. , Santos Jacira P. dos
Published: April 2016

Scientific evidence on climate changes at global level has gained increasing interest in the scientific community in general. The impacts of climate change as well as anthropogenic actions may cause errors in hydro-agricultural projects existent in the watershed under study. This study aimed to identify the presence or absence of trend in total annual precipitation series of the watershed of the Mirim Lagoon, state of Rio Grande do Sul-RS / Brazil / Uruguay (Brazilian side) as well as to detect the period in which they occurred. For that, it was analyzed the precipitation data belonging to 14 weather stations. To detect the existence of monotonic trend and change points, it was used the nonparametric tests of Mann-Kendall and Mann-Whitney, the "t" test of Student for two samples of unpaired data (parametric), as well as the technique of progressive mean. The Weather Station 3152014 (Pelotas) presented changes in the trend in the series of annual precipitation in the period from 1953 to 2007. The methodologies that use subdivided series were more efficient in detecting change in trend when compared with the Mann-Kendall test, which uses the complete series (from 1921 to 2007).
Soil water potential during different phenological phases of coffee irrigated by center pivot
Authors: Evangelista Adão W. P. , Lima Luiz A. , Silva Antônio C. da , Martins Carla de P. , Ribeiro Moisés S.
Published: April 2016

Irrigation management can be established, considering the soil water potential, as the limiting factor for plant growth, assuming the soil water content between the field capacity and the permanent wilting point as available water for crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish the soil water potential interval during four different phenological phases of coffee irrigated by center pivot. The experiment was set at the experimental area of the Engineering Department at the Federal University of Lavras, in Brazil. The coffee variety planted is designated as Rubi, planted 0.8 meters apart, with rows spaced 3.5 meters apart. The treatments corresponded to the water depths applied based on different percentages of Kc and reference evapotranspiration (ET0) values. Sensors were used to measure the soil water potential interval, installed 25 centimeters depth. In order to compare the results, it was considered as the best matric potential the one that was balanced with the soil water content that resulted in the largest coffee productivity. Based on the obtained results, we verified that in the phases of fruit expansion and ripening, the best results were obtained, before the irrigations, when the soil water potential values reached -35 and -38 kPa, respectively. And in the flowering, small green and fruit expansion phases, when the values reached -31 and -32 kPa, respectively.
Bimodal pore distribution on soils under conservation management system for coffee crop
Authors: Carducci Carla E. , Oliveira Geraldo C. de , Zeviani Walmes M. , Lima Vico M. P. , Serafim Milson E.
Published: April 2016

This study aims at detailing bimodal pore distribution by means of water retention curve in an oxidic-gibbsitic Latosol and in a kaolinitic cambisol Latossol under conservation management system of coffee crop. Samples were collected at depths of 20; 40; 80; 120 and 160 cm on coffee trees rows and between rows under oxidic-gibbsitic Latosol (LVd) and kaolinitic cambisol Latossol (LVAd). Water retention curve was determined at matrix potentials (Ψm) -1; -2; -4; -6; -10 kPa obtained from the suction unit; the Ψm of -33; -100; -500; -1,500 kPa were obtained by the Richards extractor, and WP4-T psychrometer was used to determine Ψm -1,500 to -300,000 kPa. The water retention data were adjusted to the double van Genuchten model by nonlinear model procedures of the R 2.12.1 software. Was estimated the model parameter and inflection point slope. The system promoted changes in soil structure and water retention for the conditions evaluated, and both showed bimodal pores distribution, which were stronger in LVd. There was a strong influence of mineralogy gibbsitic in the water retention more negative than Ψm -1500 kPa, reflected in the values of the residual water content.
Environmental adaptation of the source of the subbasin of Rico Stream, Monte Alto - SP, Brazil
Authors: Pissarra Teresa C. T. , Marcussi Aline B. , Leão Gilberto da R. , Galbiatti João A. , Borges Mauricio J. , Campos Sergio
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to define the photographic patterns that represent the use and occupation of the landcover of the "spring" of the Rico Stream subbasin, located at Monte Alto, state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, for environmental adaptation regarding the Brazilian Forest Law. The mapping was performed using remote sensing techniques and visual interpretation of the World View image, followed by the digitalization of the net of drainage and vegetation (natural and agricultural) at the AutoCad software with documents and field work. The study area has 2141.53 ha and the results demonstrated that the main crop is sugarcane with 546.34 ha, followed by 251.22 ha of pastures, 191.71 ha of perennial crops, 57.31 ha of Eucalyptus and 49.52 ha of onion, confirming the advance of sugarcane culture in the region. The region has 375.04 ha of areas of permanent preservation (APPs), and of this area it was found that only 72.17 ha (19.24%) has arboreal vegetation or natural forest, and 302.87 ha of these areas need to be enriched and reforested with native vegetation from the region, according to the current legislation. The data of the area enable future proposals of models for environmental adaptation to the microbasin according to the current environmental legislation.
Polyphenoloxidase activity in peaches after vibration
Authors: Dantas Tiago B. H. , Ferraz Antônio C. de O. , Honório Sylvio L. , Lima Giuseppina P. P.
Published: April 2016

The vibration during transportation is one of the main causes of fruit damage. The actual methodologies used for damage evaluation in fruits seem to be subjective, since most of them are based on visual evaluation. In this study the effect of vibration, for one and two hours, on polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity in peach pulp was investigated. The relation among PPO activity variation, postharvest time and resting time were also considered. Results showed that vibration affects PPO activity. However, it was not possible to correlate PPO activity variation and vibration.
Periodic inspection of sprayers: diagnostic to the northern of Paraná
Authors: Gandolfo Marco A. , Antuniassi Ulisses R. , Gandolfo Ulisses D. , Moraes Eder D. de , Rodrigues Eurípedes B. , Adegas Fernando S.
Published: April 2016

To optimize the use of pesticides, several countries have carried out periodic inspections in agricultural sprayers. In Brazil, knowing the conditions of this machinery canguide researches and investments in guidelines for its use and maintenance. The objective of this study was to verify the state of sprayer maintenance used in the North of the state of Paraná, in Brazil. Several sprayer items were evaluated, such as: presence, status and scale of the manometer, status of the hose, status of the anti-drip component, presence of leaks, status of the bar, status of the filters, state of the spraying nozzles and errors in the targeted flow rate. Machines were named as approved when there was no failure in any item evaluated. The factor that caused the biggest level of reprove among the machines was incorrect scale of manometers, which reproved 84.55% of the machines evaluated. Other outstanding factor was the incorrect flow rate in 75.5% of the tested machines. Only one unit was approved from the total of 110 evaluated sprayers.