bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Surface Soil Water Content in the Red River Valley of the North using Landsat 5 TM Data
Authors: Rijal Santosh , Zhang Xiaodong , Jia Xinhua
Published: May 2013

Due to poor drainage and flat terrain, a prolonged wet cycle since the early 1990s in the Red River Valley (RRV) of the North has caused frequent flooding in most farmland, delaying or even preventing spring planting. To combat high soil water content, farmers have adopted tile drainage practices. To schedule crop planting or to evaluate the efficiency of tile drainage and its potential impacts on water balance and quality in the watershed, soil water content and its changes need to be monitored. Compared to in situ measurements, the use of remote sensing for soil water content monitoring is affordable and can be applied over a large area repetitively. In this study multispectral reflectance of the soil sample from RRV at the bands of Landsat 5 TM sensor were evaluated for various soil water contents in the laboratory experiments. Empirically, the soil water contents at 5 and 15 cm were found to be best predicted using an exponential model based on the difference of bands 1 and 5. While the 5 cm model better represents remotely sensed soil water content, 15 cm model better represents root zone condition and therefore is more relevant for supporting field management decision. Because it was challenging to measure water content accurately at 5‐cm depth in the fields, only 15 cm model was validated. Validation using a total of 70 observations over nine different fields in the RRV showed that the model compared well with the field measurements (r = 0.94) with an average difference less than the model uncertainty of 0.02 cm3/cm3. The 15 cm model has an application range for soil water content between 0.20 and 0.40 cm3/cm3.
The Social Crisis of the Eurozone: The Case of Spain
Authors: Navarro Vicente
Published: May 2013

This article discusses the consequences of the austerity policies promoted by the European Central Bank, the European Commission, and the International Monetary Fund and applied to the peripheral countries of the Eurozone, including Spain. In addition to deteriorating the economic conditions of these countries, these policies are hurting the social well-being of their populations.
A Comparative Study of Population Health in the United States and Canada during the Neoliberal Era, 1980–2008
Authors: Siddiqi Arjumand , Kawachi Ichiro , Keating Daniel P. , Hertzman Clyde
Published: May 2013

This article draws on the vast evidence that suggests, on one hand, that socioeconomic inequalities in health are present in every society in which they have been measured and, on the other hand, that the size of inequalities varies substantially across societies. We conduct a comparative case study of the United States and Canada to explore the role of neoliberalism as a force that has created inequalities in socioeconomic resources (and thus in health) in both societies and the roles of other societal forces (political, economic, and social) that have provided a buffer, thereby lessening socioeconomic inequalities or their effects on health. Our findings suggest that, from 1980 to 2008, while both the United States and Canada underwent significant neoliberal reforms, Canada showed more resilience in terms of health inequalities as a result of differences in: ( a) the degree of income inequality, itself resulting from differences in features of the labor market and tax and transfer policies, ( b) equality in the provision of social goods such as health care and education, and ( c) the extent of social cohesiveness across race/ethnic- and class-based groups. Our study suggests that further attention must be given to both causes and buffers of health inequalities.
Perceived Racial Discrimination and Mental Health in Low-Income, Urban-Dwelling Whites
Authors: Bower Kelly M. , Thorpe Roland J. , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: May 2013

This study examined the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and the presence of anxiety and depression in a sample of low-income, urban-dwelling whites. Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional survey of low-income whites living in an inner-city neighborhood in the mid-Atlantic United States. Perceived racial discrimination was reported by 39 percent of participants. Rates of depression in the population exceed prevalence rates in the general U.S. population. Those who perceived racial discrimination and were bothered by it experienced significantly greater odds of being depressed (OR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.60–4.82) and had higher anxiety scores ( b = 2.02, SE 0.55, p = 0.000) than those who did not perceive racial discrimination. Low-income, urban white populations have been largely ignored in public health research. This study demonstrates that perceived racial discrimination is common in poor urban whites. Further, exposure to discrimination that is perceived as a stressor is associated with mental illness.
Medicare Overpayments to Private Plans, 1985–2012: Shifting Seniors to Private Plans Has Already Cost Medicare US$282.6 Billion
Authors: Hellander Ida , Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie
Published: May 2013

Previous research has documented Medicare overpayments to the private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that compete with traditional fee-for-service Medicare. This research has assessed individual categories of overpayment for, at most, a few years. However, no study has calculated the total overpayments to private plans since the program's inception. Prior to 2004, selective enrollment of healthier seniors was the major source of excess payments. We estimate this has added US$41 billion to Medicare's costs since 1985. Medicare adopted a risk-adjustment scheme in 2004, but this has not curbed private plans' ability to game the payment system. This has added US$122.5 billion to Medicare's costs since 2004. Congress mandated increased payment to private plans in the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act, which was mitigated, to a degree, by the subsequent Affordable Care Act. In total, we find that Medicare has overpaid private insurers by US$282.6 billion since 1985. Risk adjustment does not work in for-profit MA plans, which have a financial incentive, the data, and the ingenuity to game whatever system Medicare devises. It is time to end Medicare's costly experiment with privatization. The U.S. needs to adopt a single-payer national health insurance program with effective methods for controlling costs.
The African Development Bank, Structural Adjustment, and Child Mortality: A Cross-National Analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Pandolfelli Lauren E. , Shandra John M.
Published: May 2013

We conduct a cross-national analysis to test the hypothesis that African Development Bank (AfDB) structural adjustment adversely impacts child mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. We use generalized least square random effects regression models and two-step Heckman models that correct for selection bias using data on 35 nations with up to four time points (1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005). We find substantial support for our hypothesis, which indicates that Sub-Saharan African nations that receive an AfDB structural adjustment loan tend to have higher levels of child mortality than Sub-Saharan African nations that do not receive such a loan. This finding remains stable even when controlling for selection bias on whether or not a Sub-Saharan African nation receives an AfDB structural adjustment loan. We conclude by discussing the methodological implications of the article, policy suggestions, and possible directions for future research.
The Iraqi Medical Brain Drain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Khalisi Nabil
Published: May 2013

This study aims to explore the independent predictors of physicians' emigration from Iraq and the emigration temporal trends of Iraqi doctors. We used a convenience sample of Iraqi physicians, extracting their e-mail addresses from public records of Iraqi Medical Association websites and asking them to complete an online survey. Of the 1,395 Iraqi physicians contacted, 599 responded and 567 were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 202 reside in Iraq and the rest live abroad. Doctors abroad describe better work atmospheres, job satisfaction, and training quality. The majority live in English-speaking countries. Of these, 60 percent left Iraq for security reasons, 99 percent left when they were juniors, and 66 percent of those completed their specialty training and settled abroad forever. Of doctors abroad, 17 percent want to return to Iraq, while 50 percent of doctors in Iraq want to leave. Iraqi doctors' rate of emigration peaked in 2006; these figures have since declined, but remain relatively high. Iraq has lost many of its doctors, and emigration is ongoing. The predictors of emigration shifted from financial issues during the 1990s to security and training concerns after 2003. The mass exodus will impact the health care system in the long term.
School-Based HIV Prevention in Dakar, Senegal: Findings from a Peer-Led Program
Authors: Massey Philip M. , Prelip Michael , Rideau Alexandre , Glik Deborah C.
Published: May 2013

This evaluation study examines the effectiveness of a peer-led technology-focused HIV prevention program targeting in-school youth in Dakar, Senegal. A quasi-experimental design was used to examine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to HIV testing among students at three intervention schools and a comparison school. Findings at the school level vary; however, results suggest that students exposed to intervention activities had a 1.5 greater odds of intending to get HIV tested compared with students not exposed to the program. As access to and use of digital technologies continue to increase throughout parts of sub-Saharan Africa, programs will continue to leverage this medium to diffuse effective health education and promotion messages for intervention.
Intention to Continue with Ivermectin Treatment for Onchocerciasis Control after Eight Years of Annual Distribution in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Uganda
Authors: Okeibunor Joseph C. , Brieger William R. , Abiose Adenike O. , Elhassan Elizabeth , Ndyomugyenyi Richard , Wanji Samuel , Amazigo Uche V.
Published: May 2013

This study identified the socio-demographic correlates of intention to comply with ivermectin treatment, from a structured interview of 2,306 persons aged 10 years and above, grouped into high and low compliers, who took ivermectin 6–8 times and 0–2 times respectively. Simple descriptive statistics were employed in characterizing the respondents into high and low compliers, while some socio-demographic and key perceptual factors were employed in regression models constructed to explain levels of compliance among the respondents. Demographic and perceptual factors associated with intention to comply with prolonged treatment with ivermectin were identified. Intention to comply was higher among married persons (91.8%, p < 0.001); local populations (89.8%, p < 0.001); and those with history of complying with treatment (98.2%, p < 0.001). Perception of onchocerciasis and effectiveness of ivermectin influenced intention to continue. The perceptual factors that drive the intention to comply should inform plans for health education at the project and village levels.
Using the Health Belief Model in Qualitative Focus Groups to Identify HPV Vaccine Acceptability in College Men
Authors: Mehta Purvi , Sharma Manoj , Lee Rebecca C.
Published: May 2013

This study determines predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability among college-aged male students through the qualitative data collection strategy of focus groups. Over the course of 2 months, six focus groups were conducted with 50 participants, with approximately 10 participants in each focus group. Participants were predominately single, heterosexual, about 20 years old, Caucasian males attending a large Midwestern University. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a guide in developing questions for the focus groups. Each question related to a construct of the HBM. A lack of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity of HPV, and barriers toward taking the HPV vaccine were major themes identified from the focus groups. Overall, the focus group proved to be effective in understanding predictors toward HPV vaccine acceptability. Results enabled the researchers to develop an understanding of content needed for effective interventions. This study indicates a need for more qualitative studies exploring attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to HPV vaccine acceptability among at-risk populations.
Estimated GFR and Fracture Risk
Authors: Elliott Meghan J. , James Matthew T. , Quinn Robert R. , Ravani Pietro , Tonelli Marcello , Palacios-Derflingher Luz , Tan Zhi , Manns Braden J. , Kline Gregory A. , Ronksley Paul E. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R.
Published: May 2013

Background and objectives

Although patients with ESRD have a higher fracture risk than the general population, there is conflicting evidence regarding fracture incidence in those with CKD. This study sought to determine the association between estimated GFR (eGFR) and fracture rates.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study identified 1,815,943 community-dwelling adults who had at least one outpatient serum creatinine measurement between 2002 and 2008. Patients with eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and those who required dialysis were excluded. Incident fractures of the hip, wrist, and vertebrae were identified using diagnostic and procedure codes. Poisson regression was used to determine adjusted rates of each fracture type by eGFR, age, and sex.

Results

The median age of the cohort was 47 years (interquartile range, 24), and 7.1% had eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Over a median follow-up of 4.4 years, fracture rates increased with age at all sites. Within each age stratum, unadjusted rates increased with declining eGFR; however, adjusted rates were similar across eGFR categories. For example, among women aged 65–74 years, adjusted hip fracture rates were 3.41 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval, 2.30 to 4.53) and 4.58 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval, 0.02 to 9.14) in those with eGFR ≥90 and 15–29 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Similar results were observed for wrist and vertebral fractures.

Conclusions

In contrast to earlier studies, patients with eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 do not appear to have increased rates of hip, wrist, and vertebral fractures independent of age and sex.
Parathyroidectomy and Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Stage 5 CKD
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yu Xiangbao , Sun Bin , Bai Jianling , Wei Yongyue , Zha Xiaoming , Cui Yiyao , Zeng Ming , Zhang Jingjing , Liu Jia , Mao Huijuan , Zhang Bo , Ren Haibin , Ge Yifei , Xu Xueqiang , Shen Zhixiang , Xing Changying , Cao Kejiang , Wang Ningning
Published: May 2013

Background and objectives

Lower heart rate variability implies increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mineral metabolism and heart rate variability and longitudinal changes of heart rate variability after parathyroidectomy in stage 5 CKD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This cross-sectional study included 118 stage 5 CKD patients, 87 controls, and a prospective study in two subgroups classified as successful (n=17) and unsuccessful (n=4) parathyroidectomy follow-up enrolled from March of 2011 to December of 2012. Blood examination and 24-hour Holter for heart rate variability were measured.

Results

Most heart rate variability indices were lower in stage 5 CKD patients. In multivariate stepwise regression models, serum intact parathyroid hormone was correlated with mean normal-to-normal R–R intervals, mean heart rate, and very low frequency, serum calcium was correlated with SD of 5-minute average of normal R–R intervals, and serum phosphorus was correlated with very low frequency and low frequency/high frequency. Compared with baseline, the successful parathyroidectomy subgroup had significant improvements in mean normal-to-normal R–R intervals, mean heart rate, SD of normal-to-normal R–R intervals, SD of 5-minute average of normal R–R intervals, very low frequency, high frequency, and low frequency/high frequency. There was no significant change of heart rate variability in patients after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy.

Conclusions

Disorders of mineral metabolism are associated with decreased heart rate variability in stage 5 CKD. Successful parathyroidectomy may contribute to reverse this cardiovascular disease risk in severe secondary hyperparathyroidism patients.
Relation between polyphenols content and skin colour in sour cherry fruits
Authors: Viljevac Marija , Dugalic Krunoslav , Jurkovic Vlatka , Mihaljevic Ines , Tomas Vesna , Puskar Boris , Lepedus Hrvoje , Sudar Rezica , Jurkovic Zorica
Published: May 2013

Fruit skin colour plays a major role in quality assessment of food, significantly determining consumer`s choice. Colour of sour cherries depends on anthocyanins which are phenolic compounds (flavonoids) present in high amounts in fruits. The aim of this study was to determine a possible relation between polyphenols (total phenolics and anthocyanins) and colour parameters of fruit skin of sour cherries. The plant material used in this study was twenty two sour cherry genotypes from an orchard of Agricultural Institute Osijek. Total phenolics and anthocyanins contents as well as colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, h and C) of fruit skin were determined. Variability between sour cherry genotypes in total phenolics and anthocyanins as well as in colour parameters was revealed. Total polyphenols content varied from 462.7 to 1049.0 mg GAE/100 g of fresh weight, while total anthocyanins ranged from 160.1 to 495.6 mg CGE/100 g of fresh weight. A significant positive correlation was found between polyphenols and anthocyanins content. Total phenolics content had a significant negative correlation with colour parameters b* and h, while anthocyanins content negatively correlated with colour parameters L*, b* and h. According to the obtained results, genotypes Maraska, Heimanns Konservenweichsel and Rexelle are the richest genotypes in polyphenols and anthocyanins content.
Effects of fertilization and irrigation on the elements of yield of the wine grape variety Vranac
Authors: Popovic Tatjana , Mijovic Slavko , Raicevic Danijela , Pajovic Radmila
Published: May 2013

This work presents the three-year results of the effects of mineral and
different types of organic fertilizers on the elements of the yield (the
relative coefficient of fertility, the absolute coefficient of fertility,
cluster weight and the yield of grapes per area unit) of the Vranac variety
of grape. The research was carried out in Podgorica vineyard, at the location
Ljeskopolje. Eight different variants of nutrition were applied: (1) control
(without fertilization); (2) NPK (8:16:24) - 500 kg/ha; (3) cow manure - 20
t/ha; (4) poultry manure - 10 t/ha; (5) peat - 10 t/ha; (6) cow manure +
poultry manure - 10 + 5 t/ha; (7) cow manure + peat - 10 + 5 t/ha; (8)
poultry manure + peat - 5 + 5 t/ha. All the variants of nutrition were tested
under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The results showed that the
relative coefficient of fertility in all the tested variants of nutrition had
high values. Regarding the number of inflorescences per productive shoot in a
three-year average, a particularly good variant was the cow manure and the
variant with the combination of poultry manure and peat. The application of
mineral and different types of organic fertilizers had a positive effect on
the average cluster weight. The variant with the combination of poultry
manure and peat gave the highest average cluster weight in the three-year
average. All the tested variants of nutrition in the three-year average had a
higher yield than the variant without fertilization. The variant with cow
manure had the highest yield of grapes. Irrigation had a positive effect on
all the tested indicators of the yield.
A bootstrap approach to evaluating the performance of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) in selection of an asymmetric price relationship
Authors: Acquah Henry
Published: May 2013

This study addresses the problem of model selection in asymmetric price
transmission models by combining the use of bootstrap methods with
information theoretic selection criteria. Subsequently, parametric bootstrap
technique is used to select the best model according to Akaike?s Information
Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). Bootstrap simulation
results indicated that the performances of AIC and BIC are affected by the
size of the data, the level of asymmetry and the amount of noise in the model
used in the application. This study further establishes that the BIC is
consistent and outperforms AIC in selecting the correct asymmetric price
relationship when the bootstrap sample size is large.
Investigation of sintering in electroceramics by thermodilatometry
Authors: Trník A. , Moravcíková J. , Keppert M. , Medveď I.
Published: May 2013

Solid-state sintering was investigated in electroceramic samples using
thermodilatometric measurements. The samples were studied in the isothermal
regime at the temperatures 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and 1050?C. The
relative expansion was measured for a period of 8 h. At a given temperature a
dominant diffusion mechanism for the sintering process was determined, and
the corresponding porosity together with the pore size distribution was also
measured.
Structural characterization of the nickel thin film deposited by glad technique
Authors: Potocnik J. , Nenadovic M. , Jokic B. , Strbac S. , Rakocevic Z.
Published: May 2013

In this work, a columnar structure of nickel thin film has been obtained
using an advanced deposition technique known as Glancing Angle Deposition.
Nickel thin film was deposited on glass sample at the constant emission
current of 100 mA. Glass sample was positioned 15 degrees with respect to the
nickel vapor flux. The obtained nickel thin film was characterized by Force
Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy and by Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Analysis indicated that the formation of the columnar structure occurred at
the film thickness of 1 ?m, which was achieved for the deposition time of 3
hours.
Sol-gel as a method to tailor the magnetic properties of Co1+yAl2-yO4
Authors: Milivojevic D. , Babic-Stojic B. , Jokanovic V. , Jaglicic Z. , Brankovic D. , Jovic N. , Colovic B. , Cupic S. , Kojic D.
Published: May 2013

The magnetic properties of mesoscopic materials are modified by size and
surface effects. We present a sol-gel method used to tailor these effects,
and illustrate it on Co1+yAl2-yO4 spinel. Nanocomposites made of spinel oxide
Co1+yAl2-yO4 particles dispersed in an amorphous SiO2 matrix were
synthesized. Samples with various mass fractions -x of Co1+yAl2-yO4 in
composite, ranging from predominantly SiO2 (x = 10 wt%) to predominantly
spinel (x = 95 wt%), and with various Co concentrations in spinel y were
studied. The spinel grain sizes were below 100 nm with a large size
distribution, for samples with predominant spinel phase. Those samples showed
Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with antiferromagnetically interacting Co
ions (? ? -100 K). The grain sizes of spinel stays confined in 100 nm range
even in the spinel samples diluted with as low as 5 wt% concentration of
amorphous SiO2. For the samples with predominant SiO2 the crystalline
nanoparticles are well separated and of size of around 100 nm, but with
presence of much smaller spinel nanoparticles of about 10 nm. The magnetic
properties of the samples with predominant silica phase showed complex
behavior, spin-glass magnetic freezing at the lowest temperatures and lower
absolute value of ? and consequently lower exchange constant.
Reducibility study of Rossetta ilmenite ore briquettes and powder with coke breeze at 800-1100°C
Authors: Abd el , El-Hussiny N.A. , Wassef Marguerite , Khalifa M.G. , Soliman Aly , Shalabi M.E.H
Published: May 2013

Ilmenite ore fine and coke breeze as reduced material were briquetted with
different amounts of organic materials such as molasses or pitch were studied
in this investigation. The produced briquettes at reasonable condition were
reduced in nitrogen atmosphere at temperature range 800 - 1100oC to determine
the factors controlling the reduction and to determine the controlling
mechanism. Also ilmenite ore fine with coke breeze were reduced at the same
temperature range in nitrogen atmosphere without briquetting process, for the
sake of comparison.
Methanol electrooxidation on PtRu modified zeolite X
Authors: Mojovic Z. , Mudrinic T. , Rabi-Stankovic Abu , Ivanovic-Sasic A. , Marinovic S. , Zunic M. , Jovanovic D.
Published: May 2013

Zeolite NaX (faujasite type) was used as a support for platinum-ruthenium
catalyst. A procedure for thermal decomposition of noble metal
acetylacetonates to deposit noble metal clusters on the surface of solid
support was adapted by authors to introduce noble metal clusters in zeolite
cavities. The effectiveness of this composite material for methanol
electrooxidation from alkaline solution was investigated by cyclic
voltammetry. The influence of the concentration of supporting electrolyte,
scan rate and rotation rate on the reaction of methanol oxidation was
investigated. The obtained activity was compared with literature data for
similar catalysts.
The use of image analysis for determination of surface deterioration level of improved alumina based materials subjected to cavitation
Authors: Dimitrijevic M.M. , Dojcinovic M. , Devecerski A. , Jancic-Heinemann R. , Volkov-Husovic T.
Published: May 2013

Alumina based specimens having different content of alumina based fibers were
investigated for possible application as cavitation resistant material.
Cavitation damages of the alumina based specimens were tested by the modified
vibratory cavitation set up. Erosion rates were measured based on the method
developed for metallic samples, mass loss was measured during the experiment.
Surface erosion was determined during the experiment simultaneously to mass
loss measurements. Image Pro Plus Program was applied for surface analysis
during testing. Results indicate that investigated material exhibit excellent
mechanical properties and very good resistance to cavitation erosion.
Intergranular area microalloyed aluminium-silicate ceramics fractal analysis
Authors: Purenovic J. , Mitic V.V. , Kocic Lj. , Pavlovic V. , Randjelovic M. , Purenovic M.
Published: May 2013

Porous aluminium-silicate ceramics, modified by alloying with magnesium and
microalloying with alluminium belongs to a group of advanced multifunctional
ceramics materials. This multiphase solid-solid system has predominantly
amorphous microstructure and micro morphology. Intergranular and interphase
areas are very complex, because they represent areas, where numbered
processes and interactions take place, making new boundaries and regions with
fractal nature. Fractal analysis of intergranular microstructure has included
determination of ceramic grain fractal dimension by using Richardson method.
Considering the fractal nature of intergranular contacts, it is possible to
establish correlation between material electrical properties and fractal
analysis, as a tool for future correlation with microstructure
characterization.
Key Considerations in the Audit of Inventory: A Practice-Oriented Learning Case Utilizing “Diamonds”
Authors: Green Wendy J.
Published: May 2013

The aim of the case is twofold. The primary aim is to facilitate the embedding of the audit assertion constructs into students' knowledge. Students frequently have difficulty in grasping the audit assertions. This case has been developed to provide students with a visual technique to assist their understanding of the assertions. The second aim of this case is to facilitate student understanding of issues pertaining to the audit of inventory, including the role of internal control, the assessment of risks that may lead to material misstatement, including the need to specifically consider fraud risk, and the audit procedures that may reduce these risks. These aims are achieved through providing a rich set of background materials relating to the inventory audit for a company with an inventory of investment diamonds. The case material is presented in two separate modules that build on each other and may be combined to create increased case complexity. The module approach will allow instructors to select the case format most applicable to both their classroom structure and their student needs.
Rating of Perceived Exertion after 12 Weeks of High-Intensity, Intermittent Sprinting
Authors: Heydari Mehrdad , Boutcher Stephen H.
Published: May 2013

The effect of a 12-week high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) intervention on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) response of young males was examined. Participants ( N = 38; M BMI = 28.7 kg · m2, SD = 3.1; M age = 24.9 yr., SD = 4.3) were randomly assigned to either an exercise or control group. The exercise group received HIIE three times per week, 20 min. per session, for 12 weeks. RPE was assessed before and after HIIE training and during pre- and post-maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) testing. After HIIE training, RPE was significantly higher in Weeks 11–12 compared to Weeks 1–2. In contrast, heart rate was similar throughout training. Comparing post- to pre-VO2 max test, RPE was significantly lower in the exercise group, whereas for controls, RPE was similar. Aerobic power improved 15% for the exercise group, with no significant change for controls. HIIE resulted in significant increases in RPE, whereas RPE during the VO2 max test was significantly decreased.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Body Checking Cognitions Scale (BCCS) Portuguese Version
Authors: Kachani Adriana Trejger , Barroso Lucia Pereira , Brasiliano Silvia , Hochgraf Patrícia Brunfentrinker , Cordás Táki Athanássios , Conti Maria Aparecida
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study is evaluate the psychometric results and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese language version of the Body Checking Cognitions Scale (BCCS). Factor analysis and concurrent validity were checked on assessments from participants with and without eating disorders. The scale had good internal consistency. Factor analysis confirmed four components. Control and Eating Disorders groups were discriminated, and results correlated well with the Eating Attitudes Test and Body Shape Questionnaire. The results for the Portuguese version of the BCCS were similar to the original version, and its use is recommended for evaluation of body-checking cognitions in the Brazilian population with or without eating disorders.
Describing Force Patterns: A Method for Classifying Sit-To-Stand Movement in Elderly People
Authors: Chang Chih-Sheng , Leung Cherng-Yee , Liou Jeih-Jang
Published: May 2013

The main contribution of this study is that it examined the sit-to-stand movements of elderly people and then established an assessment method to supplement the existing Berg Balance Scale for the risk of falling in elderly individuals. 36 elderly adults ( M age = 69.9 yr., SD = 4.0) volunteered to participate in this study. Three key points of the sit-to-stand movement were confirmed as aspects of the ground reaction force: the onset, maximum ground reaction force, and seat-off. Based on the characteristics indicated by the force data, the sit-to-stand movement sequences of those who were evaluated at low fall risk with a Berg Balance Scale score between 41 and 55 were classified into three patterns: typical-modal, multimodal, and incompetent-modal patterns. With this increased accuracy, medical practitioners can determine more clearly those participants who require further immediate medical consultation and those that are not at risk of falling.
Aikido Experience and its Relation to Mindfulness: A Two-Part Study
Authors: Lothes John , Hakan Robert , Kassab Karin
Published: May 2013

The martial art Aikido may be useful in the development of mindfulness. In this study, the authors examined the potential association of training in Aikido may have on mindfulness. The sample of Study 1 comprised 159 participants completing two empirically validated scales of mindfulness and awareness, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale. Study 2 was a longitudinal study of 20 Aikido students from beginning through 5th Kyu (approximately 9 months of training). The results from both studies show significant increases in mindfulness scores with increased Aikido training.
Specificity of High-Intensity Intermittent Action Remains Important to MMA Athletes' Physical Conditioning: Response to Paillard (2011)
Authors: Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo , Franchini Emerson
Published: May 2013

This response to Paillard (2011) focuses on the intermittent nature of mixed martial arts (MMA). It also emphasizes that the main goal of MMA athletes is to win by knockout or submission and that these actions normally are high-intensity actions or preceded by high-intensity actions. Additionally, there is evidence that high-intensity intermittent exercise protocols are able to improve aerobic fitness. It is important only to adjust physical training to the athletes' techniques and tactics.
Relationship between Perceived and Actual Motor Competence among College Students
Authors: Wang Jianyu , Liu Wenhao , Bian Wei
Published: May 2013

The relationship between perceived and actual motor competence was examined among college students. Participants were 114 college students (55 men, 59 women; M age = 22.3 yr., SD = 3.9). All participants completed a short survey on perception of motor competence in basketball and took a Control Basketball Dribble Test to assess their actual motor skill. Perceived motor competence in basketball was significantly related to basketball dribbling performance. Given the positive relationship between actual motor competence and perceived competence, enhancing an individual's actual motor competence may contribute to their perceived competence, which may improve an individual's physical activity participation.
Vertical Force and Wrist Deviation Angle in a Sample of Elderly People Using Walkers
Authors: Leung Cherng-Yee , Yeh Po-Chan
Published: May 2013

Walkers are frequently used by elderly people with weak lower limbs and limited balance, but the ergonomie relationship between the use of a walker and stress on the upper limbs is relatively unstudied. The current study assessed wrist deviation and vertical force among elderly individuals using a walker for assistance in walking. 60 elderly volunteers ( M age = 81.0 yr., SD = 8.8) participated, 30 of whom frequently used a walker, and 30 who had no such prior experience. Data were obtained from four load cells and a twin-axis wrist goniometer during assisted ambulation using the walker. No significant group difference was found in gait cycle. Significant wrist deviation occurred, with ulnar deviation/dorsiflexion of the right hand, which was greater than that of the left. Non-experienced participants had larger dorsiflexion than experienced participants. Experienced participants produced larger vertical force than non-experienced participants. The greater the wrist deviation, the greater was the vertical force. The horizontal handles of most marketed walkers cause wrist deviations. This is a concern for users, clinicians, and related industries. Improvements in walker design should be considered.
The Asymmetric Distribution of Informative Face Information during Gender Recognition
Authors: Hu Fengpei , Hu Huan , Xu Lian , Qin Jungang
Published: May 2013

Recognition of the gender of a face is important in social interactions. In the current study, the distribution of informative facial information was systematically examined during gender judgment using two methods, Bubbles and Focus windows techniques. Two experiments found that the most informative information was around the eyes, followed by the mouth and nose. Other parts of the face contributed to the gender recognition but were less important. The left side of the face was used more during gender recognition in two experiments. These results show mainly areas around the eyes are used for gender judgment and demonstrate perceptual asymmetry with a normal (non-chimeric) face.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Using Electroencephalogram Power Indices to Measure Visual Fatigue
Authors: Hsu Bin-Wei , Wang Mao-Jiun J.
Published: May 2013

Electroencephalography (EEG) is widely used in cognitive and behavioral research. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using the EEG power index to measure visual fatigue. Three common visual fatigue measures, critical-flicker fusion (CFF), near-point accommodation (NPA), and subjective eye-fatigue rating, were used for comparison. The study participants were 20 men with a mean age of 20.4 yr. ( SD = 1.5). The experimental task was a car-racing video game. Results indicated that the EEG power indices were valid as a visual fatigue measure and the sensitivity of the objective measures (CFF and EEG power index) was higher than the subjective measure. The EEG β and EEG α were effective for measuring visual fatigue in short- and long-duration tasks, respectively. EEG β/α were the most effective power indexes for the visual fatigue measure.
Caffeine Gum Minimizes Sleep Inertia
Authors: Newman Rachel A. , Kamimori Gary H. , Wesensten Nancy J. , Picchioni Dante , Balkin Thomas J.
Published: May 2013

Naps are an effective strategy for maintaining alertness and cognitive performance; however, upon abrupt wakening from naps, sleep inertia (temporary performance degradation) may ensue. In the present study, attenuation of post-nap sleep inertia was attempted by administration of caffeine gum. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 15 healthy, non-smoking adults were awakened at 1 hr. and again at 6 hr. after lights out (0100 and 0600, respectively) and were immediately administered a gum pellet containing 100 mg of caffeine or placebo. A 5-min. psychomotor vigilance task was administered at 0 min., 6 min., 12 min., and 18 min. post-awakening. At 0100, response speed with caffeine was significantly better at 12 min. and 18 min. post-awakening compared to placebo; at 0600, caffeine's effects were evident at 18 min. post-awakening. Caffeinated gum is a viable means of rapidly attenuating sleep inertia, suggesting that the adenosine receptor system is involved in sleep maintenance.
Trends and Topics in Sports Research in the Social Science Citation Index from 1993 to 2008
Authors: Gau Li-Shiue
Published: May 2013

This descriptive study evaluated behavioral and social science research on sport for 1993 through 2008, examined the characteristics of sport research, and identified mainstream issues appearing during these 16 years. Based on the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) database from 1993 to 2008, 7,655 articles referring to sport or sports were available. The publication analyses showed that 13 core journals published the most articles in the behavioral sciences of sport. By analyzing all titles, author keywords, and KeyWords Plus, the results showed that physical education, athlete performance, and sports participation were the mainstream issues of sport research in the 16-year study period. The words adolescent, youth, and children frequently appeared, indicating that the emphasis of sport research focused on these participant groups. This bibliometric study reviewed global sports research in SSCI, and described certain patterns or trends in prior research on sport.
Microsatellite loci-based distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi genotypes from Chilean chronic Chagas disease patients and Triatoma infestans is concordant with a specific host-parasite association hypothesis
Authors: Venegas Juan , Díaz Felipe , Rojas Tamara , Miranda Sandra , Jercic M. , González Christian , Coñoepán William , Vargas Alex , Pichuantes Sergio , Gajardo Marta , Rodríguez Jorge , Sánchez Gittith
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate if there is specific host-parasite association in Chilean populations of Trypanosoma cruzi. For this purpose, two groups of parasites were analyzed, one from chronic chagasic patients, and the other from Triatoma infestans triatomines in three regions of the country. The first group consisted of four types of samples: parasites from peripheral blood of non-cardiopathic T. cruzi infected patients (NB); parasites from their corresponding xenodiagnosis (NX); parasites from peripheral blood of T. cruzi infected cardiopathic patients (CB) and parasites from their xenodiagnostics (CX). The T. infestans sample in turn was from three regions: III, V and M (Metropolitan). The genetic differentiation by the Fisher exact method, the lineage distribution of the samples, the molecular phylogeny and the frequency of multiclonality were analysed. The results show that not only are the groups of T. cruzi clones from Chagas disease patients and vectors genetically differentiated, but also all the sub-groups (NB, NX, CB and CX) from the III, V and M regions. The analysis of lineage distribution was concordant with the above results, because significant differences among the percentages of TcI, TcIII and hybrids (TcV or TcVI) were observed. The phylogenetic reconstruction with these Chilean T. cruzi samples was coherent with the above results because the four chagasic samples clustered together in a node with high bootstrap support, whereas the three triatomine samples (III, V and M) were located apart from that node. The topology of the tree including published T. cruzi clones and isolates was concordant with the known topology, which confirmed that the results presented here are correct and are not biased by experimental error. Taken together the results presented here are concordant with a specific host-parasite association between some Chilean T. cruzi populations.
Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Cylicocyclus (Nematoda: Strongylidae) based on nuclear ribosomal sequence data
Authors: Bu Yanzhen , Niu Hongxing , Zhang Luping
Published: May 2013

Seven species of Cylicocyclus Ihle, 1922 (Nematoda: Strongylidae) were collected from donkeys from Henan Province, China. Five samples of each species were selected for sequencing. Sixteen different internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences representing the seven species of Cylicocyclus were obtained. Sequence differences in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) among species was lower than that of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2). Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the combined ITS-1 and ITS-2 data sets from the present study and using reference sequences from the GenBank database. The MP and ML trees were similar in topology. The phylogenetic trees were divided into two clades. Clade I included 8 species of Cylicocyclus; within this group, Cylicocyclus leptostomus (Kotlan, 1920) is nested between different samples of Cylicocyclus ashworthi (LeRoux, 1924), suggesting C. ashworthi may represent a species complex. Clade II included Cylicocyclus elongatus (Looss, 1900) and Cylicocyclus ultrajectinus (Ihle, 1920); however, these two species always clustered with the comparative species (Petrovinema poculatum (Looss, 1900) and Poteriostomum imparidentatum Quiel, 1919), suggesting that C. elongatus and C. ultrajectinus represent members of other genera.
Realism and Symbolism in Oscar Wilde's Salome
Authors: Quigley Austine
Published: May 2013

Although Wilde's Salome (1893) has justly been described as "the only completely successful symbolist drama to come out of the English theatre, [one that] has haunted the European imagination ever since," it is a play that has yet to receive a convincing performance on the English stage. The odd combination of historical and avant-garde features that caused it to be banned by the Lord Chamberlain has provided recurring but different problems for others more favorably disposed toward the play. A radical split has evolved in critical discussion between those, like the anonymous writer for the Pall Mall Gazette, who regard the play as a variant on previous and superior work on the Salome theme and those, like Ellmann, who regard it as "anticipatory rather than derivative," and praise it for its incipient modernism. The persisting difficulty is one of deciding just what kind of play this is and what Wilde sought to achieve by writing it. To describe it as a "symbolist drama" is neither untrue nor all of the necessary truth, for Wilde's play is both related to that movement and critical of it. Indeed Wilde's capacity to connect convention to invention is fundamental both to his success as a dramatist and to his interest in what symbolism in general and the Salome story in particular had to offer.
Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Robins, and the Theatre of the Future
Authors: Powell Kerry
Published: May 2013

The story of Oscar Wilde's friendship with the Ibsen actress and theatrical reformer Elizabeth Robins occupies a few paragraphs in many biographies - of Wilde, that is, for at this writing there have been no biographies of Robins, although at least two are in the works. Richard Ellmann's account of their relationship is typical, portraying Wilde as a wise mentor to the young actress newly arrived from Boston in 1888 with hopes of success on the London stage. "His practical advice," Ellmann writes, "was that she should give a matinee performance, and he promised to speak to Beerbohm Tree about her." Robins would always regard Wilde, he adds, "as her benevolent pilot through theatrical shoals.”
The Relationship of Knee-Extensor Strength and Rate of Torque Development to Sit-to-Stand Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Crockett Katie , Ardell Kimberly , Hermanson Marlyn , Penner Andrea , Lanovaz Joel , Farthing Jonathan , Arnold Cathy
Published: May 2013

Purpose: To investigate the association of knee-extensor strength and power to performance in the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30sSTS) in healthy older adults. Method: In a cross-sectional study of 29 healthy older adults aged 60–82 years (12 male, 17 female), hierarchical regression was used to determine the relationship of knee-extensor concentric and eccentric strength, peak rate of torque development (peak RTD) using isokinetic dynamometry, and momentum variables with the number of sit-to-stand repetitions completed in 30 seconds (30sSTSreps). Results: Concentric (180°/s) and eccentric (90°/s) knee-extensor strength were significant independent predictors of 30sSTSreps after controlling for physical activity level, height and weight (adjusted R2=0.425, p=0.004; adjusted R2=0.427, p=0.004 respectively), as was concentric (90°/s) knee-extensor peak RTD (adjusted R2=0.424, p=0.004). Peak linear vertical momentum (PLVM) (adjusted R2=0.615, p<0.001) accounted for 36% of the variance. Conclusions: Generation of PLVM is an important predictor of 30sSTSreps; knee-extensor concentric and eccentric strength and power are associated with improved performance in this common functional task. Focusing on these parameters in exercise interventions may improve functional performance and give insight into specific factors related to success on the test.
Health and Gender in Female-Dominated Occupations: The Case of Male Nurses
Authors: Limiñana-Gras Rosa M. , Sánchez-López M. Pilar , Román Ana I. Saavedra-San , Corbalán-Berná F. Javier
Published: May 2013

The goal of this work is to examine the differential impact that carrying out nursing tasks may have on the health of male nurses who perform their work in female-dominated occupation, and the modulating effect of their conformity to male gender norms. Our study includes 98 male nurses and 98 female nurses, from the University Hospital of Getafe, (in Madrid). The participants completed sociodemographic questionnaire, physical health and Self-perceived Job Satisfaction questionnaires, the GHQ-12, and the Conformity to Gender Norms Questionnaires (CMNI). In general, the male nurses enjoy better health than the female nurses in the variables analyzed. With regard to conformity to masculine gender norms, they show lower conformity to the traditional masculine gender norms than men from the general population. However, the relation of the studied health variables with conformity to masculine gender norms shows classic pattern of habitual health in the men.