bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History Learning Activities for Citizenship Education1
Authors: Vella Yosanne
Published: January 2010

This article describes an attempt to include citizenship within history teaching. The author considers history an ideal context for citizenship education because the learning objectives of citizenship such as enquiry, participation, action and communication are all familiar to history teachers since historical enquiry, interpretations, analysis, explanation and appreciating different perspectives have long been compulsory elements in most history curricula. Here the author uses history as a platform and then moves on to higher order citizenship concepts, in particular human rights and the democratic process. The study was carried out with students' from 12 to 14 years old in two classes from different schools, one a co-educational private school with mixed achievers and one a state girls' school with low achievers. Both classes participated separately in history tasks and activities on an historical site on the island of Malta. The main objective of the follow-up citizenship lessons was to debate whether torture should ever be used in a democratic society.
Imovies, Pre-Service Teachers and Economic History Themes1
Authors: Green Vicki
Published: January 2010

This article describes how pre-service teachers created imovies - digital photographic computer programs showing still and video pictures with music and voice - for use in elementary social studies. The project and the text of the imovies demonstrated a range of economic and technology outcomes. The Imovies depicted such themes from Canadian economic history as contact, immigration, settlement, and resource development taken from those stipulated in the elementary social studies guide for teachers in British Columbia schools.
A Shared Humanity. Using Literature to Develop the Global Dimension for Key Stage Four Pupils (and Above) in Northern Ireland: An Investigation
Authors: Hanratty Brian R.
Published: January 2010

This paper investigates the possibilities for teaching aspects of the global dimension to Key Stage Four pupils (and above) in schools in Northern Ireland by using carefully chosen literature and, importantly, by adopting a dialogical method of education. Three specific strands of the global dimension - conflict resolution, postcolonialism and related issues of diversity and interculturalism, and education for sustainable development -are focused on, and a range of appropriate literary texts is identified and analysed, with some pedagogical suggestions. The analysis is contextualised with reference to some government and curricular initiatives, especially in the context of Northern Ireland; some acknowledgement is made, too, of the somewhat contested role of schools, generally, within the overall global economy. In the concluding section, reference is made to the previous classroom field-testing of ‘Troubles' literature similar to some of the texts in the present study, with positive outcomes observed, namely, a softening of sectarian attitudes among the sixth-form pupils targeted. Some suggestions are offered, finally, for widening the literary net to include materials focused on the global dimension which would be suitable for younger (Key Stage Two/Three) pupils.
Ma'A Lexicon and Afro-Asiatic IV: Ma'A ŝ-
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: January 2010

Ma'A Lexicon and Afro-Asiatic IV: Ma'Aŝ-

The paper represents part of a longer series that examines the lexical stock of the Ma'a language, an exotic Mischsprache combining a Bantu grammar with a basically Cushitic (henceforth, Afro-Asiatic) lexicon, from the standpoint of etymology. This part contains (mostly new) etymologies of Ma'a words with the initial lateral sibilant.
Vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas of the kidney
Authors: Cura Marco , Elmerhi Fadi , Suri Rajeev , Bugnone Alejandro , Dalsaso Timothy
Published: January 2010

Vascular malformations of the kidney are disease processes that involve renal veins and arteries and include congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas. AVMs are congenital communications between arteries and veins with a vascular nidus that bypass the capillary bed. Congenital AVMs are rare and subclassified in cirsoid, angiomatous, and aneurysmal types. Congenital AVMs are different from iatrogenic or traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), which are characterized by a single direct communication between an artery and a vein without an intervening vascular nidus. These lesions may present with a wide range of signs and symptoms that vary from hypertension to renal masses. Imaging is valuable in the detection and characterization of AVM and AVF. The presence of arteriovenous shunting characterizes AVM and AVF. These lesions represent an important group of entities for diagnostic consideration, and understanding the vascular anatomy helps in guiding for proper treatment. This article describes the imaging features of each lesion that help to differentiate it from the others and the endovascular therapies to treat these vascular processes and their possible complications.
Extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma: Computed tomography findings of head and neck involvement
Authors: Kim Jinna , Kim Eung Yeop , Lee Seung-Koo , Kim Dong Ik , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Se-Heon , Choi Eun Chang
Published: January 2010

Background: Extranodal nasal-type natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a rare, but distinct clinical entity in Asian populations. However, it is not uncommon for NKTL to be belatedly or postoperatively diagnosed because radiologists are not familiar with its radiological features.

Purpose: To investigate the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with extranodal nasal-type NKTL involving the head and neck.

Material and Methods: Twenty-nine patients (18 male, 11 female; mean age 51.5 years) with pathologically proven extranodal nasal-type NKTL were enrolled in this study. Two head-and-neck radiologists retrospectively evaluated the CT scans with special attention to the primary site, the extent of involvement, and patterns of the lesions (i.e., morphologic features, ulceration or necrosis, and bone destruction).

Results: The cases of nasal-type NKTL consisted of primary tumors arising from the sinonasal cavity in 13 patients (45%), the naso/oropharynx in three patients (10%), and simultaneous involvement in the nasal cavity and naso/oropharynx in 13 patients (45%). Fourteen patients (48%) showed tumor extension into adjacent structures. Of the 26 patients with involvement of the nasal cavity, 18 (69%) presented with an infiltrative pattern, seven (27%) with a polypoid pattern, and one (4%) with a combined pattern. Areas of necrosis within the tumor were observed in six patients (21%), bone destruction in five (17%), and regional lymphadenopathies in two (7%).

Conclusion: Extranodal NKTL may be initially suggested by CT findings in the head and neck. Clinicians should consider these findings indicative of the possibility of NKTL, and should perform a histopathologic confirmation to establish a diagnosis.
Destructive Testing and Finite Element Analysis to Determine Ultimate Capacity of Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges
Authors: Bechtel Andrew J. , McConnell Jennifer Righman , Chajes Michael J.
Published: January 2010

Current bridge design and rating techniques are based at the component level and thus cannot account for the increase in ultimate capacity that bridges experience because of system-level interactions. Compared with that of a normal bridge, the ultimate capacity of a bridge increases to an even greater extent as bridge supports are skewed because of changes in load paths. Although advances in computer technology have made it possible to conduct accurate system-level analyses, which would allow for more efficient bridge design and rating, the knowledge base surrounding system-level bridge behavior is still too small to make it a highly accurate or intuitive tool. To advance system-level design and rating, two studies were undertaken. First, to evaluate the ultimate capacity of a skewed simple-span steel bridge, a ⅕-scale, slab-on-steel girder bridge was tested to ultimate capacity and then modeled by using finite element analysis. This test provided both insight into the system behavior and validation of an ABAQUS Explicit analysis algorithm and associated modeling techniques. Second, to investigate the effects of skew on the ultimate capacity of simple-span bridges, a parametric study was conducted with finite element analysis. A four-girder, simple-span bridge was modeled with skews varying from 0 to 75 degrees. The results showed that the ultimate capacity of the bridge increased with skew; these results were compared with simple analytical equations to provide insight into the fundamental behavior and load distribution characteristics of skewed bridges.
Use of Precast Bridge Members in Areas of High or Moderate Seismicity
Authors: Kapur Jugesh , Khaleghi Bijan
Published: January 2010

Prefabricated bridge components are in increasing demand for accelerated bridge construction. Precasting eliminates the need for forming, casting, and curing concrete in work zones and makes bridge construction safer while improving quality and durability. Precast bridges consisting of pretensioned girders, posttensioned spliced girders, trapezoidal open box girders, and other types of superstructure members are often used for accelerated bridge construction; however, bridge engineers are concerned with the durability and performance of bridges made of precast members in areas of high or moderate seismicity. The applicability of the AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications to precast prefabricated bridges in areas of high or moderate seismicity was examined. The different seismic design methodologies were reviewed and guidance in their application to precast bridges is provided. The Washington State Department of Transportation design criteria and recent research and bridge projects using the accelerated bridge construction technique in Washington State are reviewed.
Influences of Built Environment on Walking and Cycling by Latent Segments of Aging Population
Authors: Kemperman Astrid , Timmermans Harry
Published: January 2010

Walking and bicycling are relatively easy ways for the growing group of older adults to be physically active. The built environment may facilitate or restrict participation in walking and bicycling trips. A study was done to describe aspects of participation in walking and bicycling activities and to explore their role for various segments of the aging population. Specifically, the effect of environmental characteristics, various types of land use, and degree of urbanization on participation in walking and bicycling, for both leisure and transportation, was examined. Detailed individual travel data were correlated with objectively defined environmental attributes. The results show that people make more walking trips in more highly urbanized areas, whereas they use their bikes more often in less-urbanized areas. A significant effect was found for the impact of total surface of recreation areas on both types of physical activity. Specifically, highly urbanized neighborhoods with a low percentage of recreation and green areas are related to physical inactivity. The study suggests that compact, high-density neighborhoods may not be a good urban design concept if health is considered.
Multistate Nonhomogeneous Semi-Markov Model of Daily Activity Type, Timing, and Duration Sequence
Authors: Ma Tai-Yu , Raux Charles , Cornelis Eric , Joly Iragaël
Published: January 2010

Understanding travelers’ daily travel activity pattern formation is an important issue for activity-based travel-demand analysis. The activity pattern formation concerns not only complex interrelations between household members and individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics but also urban form and transport system settings. To investigate the effects of these attributes and the interrelationship between conducted activities, a multistate semi-Markov model is applied. The underlying assumption of the proposed model is that the state transition probability depends on its adjoining states. The statistical tests of significance affirm that the duration of activity depends not only on its beginning time of day but also on the duration of travel or activity previously conducted. An empirical study based on the Belgian mobility survey is conducted to estimate individuals’ daily activity durations of different episodes and provides useful insight for the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, urban and transportation system settings on the activity pattern formation.
How Do Transit Commuters Make Trade-Offs between Schedule Delay Penalty and Congestion Cost?
Authors: Tian Qiong , Huang Hai-Jun , Lam William H. K.
Published: January 2010

The riding behavior of commuters who take transit from home to workplace during peak periods is examined. Costs associated with the schedule delay penalties for early or late arrival and in-vehicle congestion are considered for formulating a mathematical programming model that generates a solution of equilibrium transit riding behavior. Survey data obtained from the No. 13 light rail transit in Beijing are used to show how these commuters make the trade-off between the two costs. A linear relationship was found between the in-vehicle passenger number and the corresponding transit run number. The concavity and convexity characteristics of in-vehicle congestion cost function and the schedule delay cost function should be opposite. In other words, if the schedule delay cost function is concave, the marginal cost of in-vehicle congestion must increase with each additional passenger; that is, the congestion function is convex, and vice versa. Furthermore, the ratio of arrival late and early penalties was estimated by using a piecewise linear schedule delay cost. The ratio is around 1, which is quite different from the finding reported in literature and thus reflects that commuters in different countries may have different attitudes to the schedule delay costs.
Illusion of Motion
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xie Feng , Levinson David
Published: January 2010

This paper explores drivers’ subjective value of time under moving and stopped freeway travel conditions with a stated preference survey. Unlike previous studies that assumed a constant value of time, this research relates perceived satisfaction of a freeway trip to its quality indicators. Sixty-nine subjects in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, were asked to rank 16 driving scenarios in four condition sets with different durations of ramp wait and freeway travel. Several utility functions were specified in which the weight of ramp delay was a function of the length of the delay and subject-specific variables; the resulting choice models were estimated with rank-ordered logit, binary logit, and rank-ordered mixed-logit techniques. Results suggest that drivers perceive ramp wait as more onerous than freeway travel. They also weight each minute of ramp wait more heavily as the delay increases. Subjects showed some tolerance to the first several minutes of ramp delay (less than 5 min) but perceived long delays as up to 12 times more onerous than time in motion. The derived weighting function for ramp wait can improve the design of freeway traffic control strategies that trade off freeway delay with ramp wait. The findings also enable a more utility-based approach for freeway operations than the current method, which has the engineering efficiency objective of minimizing total system delay or maximizing throughput. Minimizing total perceived travel time is probably more appropriate than minimizing total absolute travel time, which does not take into account driver acceptance. The weighting function can be easily transformed into a value-of-time function for project evaluation purposes.
Exploring the Relationship between Work and Travel Behavior on Weekdays
Authors: Aguiléra Anne , Massot Marie-Hélène , Proulhac Laurent
Published: January 2010

This paper explores the relationship between work and the weekday travel behavior of workers. Commuting trips and business trips are taken into account. Data are from the 1983 and 2001 Travel Survey of the Paris Region. Results show significant differences between working days, when work trips dominate, and nonworking days, when nonwork trips are by far more numerous and more diversified. Moreover, travel behavior differs on workdays regardless of whether a worker makes business trips. This research highlights differences in travel behavior by gender and by professional status by taking into account business trips and by distinguishing between working and nonworking days. The main changes in travel behavior that have occurred from 1983 to 2001 are highlighted.
Evaluating the Impact of Neighborhood Trail Development on Active Travel Behavior and Overall Physical Activity of Suburban Residents
Authors: Burbidge Shaunna K. , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: January 2010

Many studies have examined the impact that the built environment has on physical activity. Much existing research posits that if communities will provide and improve active infrastructure such as trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes, people will become more physically active. However, most of these studies have used cross-sectional methods that have allowed them to establish correlations but not behavioral causality. In this pilot project, a longitudinal design is used to assess a trail construction impact on active travel behavior and overall physical activity among suburban residents. A sample of suburban residents in West Valley City, Utah, was surveyed both before and after the construction of a Class 1 trail in their neighborhood by means of a preliminary household survey, individual activity diaries completed at three preassigned time points (before and twice after the trail's construction), new-resident surveys, and a trail user's intercept survey. This intervention technique (the intercept survey) performed a more direct test of causality by looking at the same group of residents over time and analyzing whether individual changes in behavior occurred following the construction of the trail. The paper shows that trail neighborhood residents did not use the facility after it was built, new residents did not move to the neighborhood because of the trail, and users of the trail came from elsewhere. It also discusses trail amenities that appear to be the more desirable ones.
Implementation of Scheduling Conflict Resolution Model in Activity-Scheduling System
Authors: Auld Joshua , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros) , Roorda Matthew J.
Published: January 2010

This paper estimates the impact of using scheduling rules that are based on a conflict resolution model on scheduling accuracy compared with using a previous set of scheduling rules used in the TASHA model. The rule-based conflict resolution model was previously estimated by using the CHASE scheduling process data to represent the process that individuals undergo when a scheduling conflict occurs within their activity pattern. The updated scheduling rules can handle more conflict cases and allow for more realistic resolution types than the TASHA scheduler. The updated scheduler was compared with the scheduling rules in TASHA for validation by scheduling the planned CHASE activities through use of both schedulers, and the results were compared with the actual executed activity patterns. The results showed that using the scheduler with the conflict resolution model gave better fit to the executed patterns from the survey.
Travel Behavior of Largest Minority Cohorts in Texas
Authors: Jimenez Gustavo , Mattingly Stephen
Published: January 2010

Texas is changing dramatically; minority cohorts are expected to grow and become more than 65% of the Texas population before 2035. When considering issues of environmental justice, transportation professionals in Texas must seek to identify how these demographic changes will affect the transportation system. Gaining an understanding of this problem requires that the prevalent travel behavior and attitudes of minority populations be considered. The research presented in this paper investigates the prevailing travel behavior of the three largest minority cohorts in Texas: U.S.-born Hispanics, Hispanic immigrants, and African Americans. Considering environmental justice, this paper focuses on a study performed to identify the travel behaviors of the minority cohorts of Texas. The researchers used the National Household Travel Survey Add-On for Texas, because it allowed them to examine respondents by race–ethnicity and immigrant status. On the basis of the study's results, it was found that U.S.-born Hispanics emulate Caucasian travel behavior most closely; however, U.S.-born Hispanics have higher nonwork-trip generation rates. Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that Hispanic immigrants drive less than U.S.-born Hispanics, even after accounting for sociodemographics. The study also revealed that African Americans, Hispanic immigrants, and single adults with children produce most transit trips in urban Texas. This study further indicated that Hispanic immigrants–-given their high household sizes, low income, and low vehicle availability–-may be incurring mobility problems. The findings in this study indicate that Texas may be facing a transportation–cultural change because of the different travel characteristics of rapidly growing minority cohorts.
Telecommuting as a Component of Commute Trip Reduction Program
Authors: Zhou Liren , Su Qing , Winters Philip L.
Published: January 2010

This paper applies a generalized ordered logit model to estimate the effects of commute trip reduction (CTR) activities, journey to work distance, job characteristics, and employers’ major business types on telecommuting choices by using Washington State CTR data. Regression results suggest that employers’ CTR promotion activities play an important and positive role in commuters’ telecommuting choices. Employees are more likely to make a transition from not telecommuting to telecommuting at least 1 day per 2 weeks if employers consistently promote CTR strategies to enhance commuters’ awareness of support from employers. Employees commuting longer distances are more likely to make the transition from not telecommuting to telecommuting at least 1 day. Employees’ job characteristics and the employer's major business type act either to drive or constrain employees’ telecommuting decisions.
Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Red Turnip and Purple Wild Sicilian Prickly Pear Fruits
Authors: Calogero Giuseppe , Di Marco Gaetano , Cazzanti Silvia , Caramori Stefano , Argazzi Roberto , Di Carlo Aldo , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto
Published: January 2010

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled by using the bougainvillea flowers, red turnip and the purple wild Sicilian prickly pear fruit juice extracts as natural sensitizers of TiO2 films. The yellow orange indicaxanthin and the red purple betacyanins are the main components in the cocktail of natural dyes obtained from these natural products. The best overall solar energy conversion efficiency of 1.7% was obtained, under AM 1.5 irradiation, with the red turnip extract, that showed a remarkable current density (Jsc = 9.5 mA/cm2) and a high IPCE value (65% at λ = 470 nm). Also the purple extract of the wild Sicilian prickly pear fruit showed interesting performances, with a Jsc of 9.4 mA/cm2, corresponding to a solar to electrical power conversion of 1.26%.
Self-Assembly of Diamondoid Molecules and Derivatives (MD Simulations and DFT Calculations)
Authors: Xue Yong , Mansoori G. Ali
Published: January 2010

We report self-assembly and phase transition behavior of lower diamondoid molecules and their primary derivatives using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two lower diamondoids (adamantane and diamantane), three adamantane derivatives (amantadine, memantine and rimantadine) and two artificial molecules (ADM•Na and DIM•Na) are studied separately in 125-molecule simulation systems. We performed DFT calculations to optimize their molecular geometries and obtained atomic electronic charges for the corresponding MD simulation, by which we predicted self-assembly structures and simulation trajectories for the seven different diamondoids and derivatives. Our radial distribution function and structure factor studies showed clear phase transitions and self-assemblies for the seven diamondoids and derivatives.
Single Molecule Experiments Challenge the Strict Wave-Particle Dualism of Light
Authors: Greulich Karl Otto
Published: January 2010

Single molecule techniques improve our understanding of the photon and light. If the single photon double slit experiment is performed at the “single photon limit” of a multi-atom light source, faint light pulses with more than one photon hamper the interpretation. Single molecules, quantum dots or defect centres in crystals should be used as light source. “Single photon detectors” do not meet their promise―only “photon number resolving single photon detectors” do so. Particularly, the accumulation time argument, the only safe basis for the postulate of a strictly particle like photon, has so far not yet been verified.
Melatonin and Structurally-Related Compounds Protect Synaptosomal Membranes from Free Radical Damage
Authors: Millán-Plano Sergio , Piedrafita Eduardo , Miana-Mena Francisco J. , Fuentes-Broto Lorena , Martínez-Ballarín Enrique , López-Pingarrón Laura , Sáenz María A. , García Joaquín J.
Published: January 2010

Since biological membranes are composed of lipids and proteins we tested the in vitro antioxidant properties of several indoleamines from the tryptophan metabolic pathway in the pineal gland against oxidative damage to lipids and proteins of synaptosomes isolated from the rat brain. Free radicals were generated by incubation with 0.1 mM FeCl3, and 0.1 mM ascorbic acid. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) plus 4-hydroxyalkenal (4-HDA), and carbonyl content in the proteins were measured as indices of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, respectively. Pinoline was the most powerful antioxidant evaluated, with melatonin, N-acetylserotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methoxytryptophol, and tryptoline also acting as antioxidants.
Diode Laser Assisted Filament Winding of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites
Authors: Quadrini Fabrizio , Squeo Erica Anna , Prosperi Claudia
Published: January 2010

A new consolidation method for the laser-assisted filament winding of thermoplastic prepregs is discussed: for the first time a diode laser is used, as well as long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene prepregs. A consolidation apparatus was built by means of a CNC motion table, a stepper motor and a simple tensioner. Preliminary tests were performed in a hoop winding configuration: only the winding speed was changed, and all the other process parameters (laser power, distance from the laser focus, consolidation force) were kept constant. Small wound rings with an internal diameter of 25 mm were produced and compression tests were carried out to evaluate the composite agglomeration in dependence of the winding speed. At lower winding speeds, a stronginterpenetration of adjacent layers was observed.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Study of Bacterial Recovery Viability and Potential Development of Resistance after Treatment
Authors: Tavares Anabela , Carvalho Carla M. B. , Faustino Maria A. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Tomé João P. C. , Tomé Augusto C. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Cunha Ângela , Gomes Newton C. M. , Alves Eliana , Almeida Adelaide
Published: January 2010

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged in the clinical field as a potential alternative to antibiotics to treat microbial infections. No cases of microbial viability recovery or any resistance mechanisms against it are yet known. 5,10,15-tris(1-Methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-(pentafluorophenyl)-porphyrin triiodide (Tri-Py+-Me-PF) was used as photosensitizer. Vibrio fischeri and recombinant Escherichia coli were the studied bacteria. To determine the bacterial recovery after treatment, Tri-Py+-Me-PF (5.0 µM) was added to bacterial suspensions and the samples were irradiated with white light (40 W m-2) for 270 minutes. Then, the samples were protected from light, aliquots collected at different intervals and the bioluminescence measured. To assess the development of resistance after treatment, bacterial suspensions were exposed to white light (25 minutes), in presence of 5.0 μM of Tri-Py+-Me-PF (99.99% of inactivation) and plated. After the first irradiation period, surviving colonies were collected from the plate and resuspended in PBS. Then, an identical protocol was used and repeated ten times for each bacterium. The results suggest that aPDT using Tri-Py+-Me-PF represents a promising approach to efficiently destroy bacteria since after a single treatment these microorganisms do not recover their viability and after ten generations of partially photosensitized cells neither of the bacteria develop resistance to the photodynamic process.
Qualitative and Quantitative Saponin Contents in Five Sea Cucumbers from the Indian Ocean
Authors: Van Dyck Séverine , Gerbaux Pascal , Flammang Patrick
Published: January 2010

To avoid predation, holothuroids produce feeding-deterrent molecules in their body wall and viscera, the so-called saponins. Five tropical sea cucumber species of the family Holothuriidae were investigated in order to study their saponin content in two different organs, the body wall and the Cuvierian tubules. Mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI- and ESI-MS) were used to detect and analyze saponins. The smallest number of saponins was observed in Holothuria atra, which contained a total of four congeners, followed by Holothuria leucospilota, Pearsonothuria graeffei and Actinopyga echinites with six, eight and ten congeners, respectively. Bohadschia subrubra revealed the highest saponin diversity (19 congeners). Saponin mixtures also varied between the two body compartments within a given animal. A semi-quantitative approach completed these results and showed that a high diversity of saponins is not particularly correlated to a high saponin concentration. Although the complexity of the saponin mixtures described makes the elucidation of their respective biological roles difficult, the comparisons between species and between body compartments give some clues about how these molecules may act as predator repellents.
Risk Factors for Overweight and Obesity among Thai Adults: Results of the National Thai Food Consumption Survey
Authors: Jitnarin Nattinee , Kosulwat Vongsvat , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Boonpraderm Atitada , Haddock Christopher K. , Poston Walker S.C.
Published: January 2010

We evaluated the associations between overweight and obesity and socio-economic status (SES), behavioral factors, and dietary intake in Thai adults. A nationally representative sample of 6,445 Thais adults (18–70 years) was surveyed during 2004–2005. Information including demographics, SES characteristics, dietary intake, and anthropometrics were obtained. Overall, 35.0% of men, and 44.9% of women were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) using the Asian cut-points. Regression models demonstrated that age was positively associated with being overweight in both genders. In gender-stratified analyses, male respondents who were older, lived in urban areas, had higher annual household income, and did not smoke were more likely to be classified as overweight and obese. Women who were older, had higher education, were not in a marriage-like relationship and were in semi-professional occupation were at greater risk for being overweight and obese. High carbohydrate and protein intake were found to be positively associated with BMI whereas the frequent use of dairy foods was found to be negatively associated with BMI among men. The present study found that SES factors are associated with being classified as overweight and obese in Thai adults, but associations were different between genders. Health promotion strategies regarding obesity and its related co-morbidity are necessary.
Evaluation of Oil-Palm Fungal Disease Infestation with Canopy Hyperspectral Reflectance Data
Authors: Lelong Camille C. D. , Roger Jean-Michel , Brégand Simon , Dubertret Fabrice , Lanore Mathieu , Sitorus Nurul A. , Raharjo Doni A. , Caliman Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2010

Fungal disease detection in perennial crops is a major issue in estate management and production. However, nowadays such diagnostics are long and difficult when only made from visual symptom observation, and very expensive and damaging when based on root or stem tissue chemical analysis. As an alternative, we propose in this study to evaluate the potential of hyperspectral reflectance data to help detecting the disease efficiently without destruction of tissues. This study focuses on the calibration of a statistical model of discrimination between several stages of Ganoderma attack on oil palm trees, based on field hyperspectral measurements at tree scale. Field protocol and measurements are first described. Then, combinations of pre-processing, partial least square regression and linear discriminant analysis are tested on about hundred samples to prove the efficiency of canopy reflectance in providing information about the plant sanitary status. A robust algorithm is thus derived, allowing classifying oil-palm in a 4-level typology, based on disease severity from healthy to critically sick stages, with a global performance close to 94%. Moreover, this model discriminates sick from healthy trees with a confidence level of almost 98%. Applications and further improvements of this experiment are finally discussed.
Statistical Modeling of SAR Images: A Survey
Authors: Gao Gui
Published: January 2010

Statistical modeling is essential to SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) image interpretation. It aims to describe SAR images through statistical methods and reveal the characteristics of these images. Moreover, statistical modeling can provide a technical support for a comprehensive understanding of terrain scattering mechanism, which helps to develop algorithms for effective image interpretation and creditable image simulation. Numerous statistical models have been developed to describe SAR image data, and the purpose of this paper is to categorize and evaluate these models. We first summarize the development history and the current researching state of statistical modeling, then different SAR image models developed from the product model are mainly discussed in detail. Relevant issues are also discussed. Several promising directions for future research are concluded at last.
Toward Environmentally Sustainable Construction Processes: The U.S. and Canada’s Perspective on Energy Consumption and GHG/CAP Emissions
Authors: Ahn Changbum , Lee SangHyun , Peña-Mora Feniosky , Abourizk Simaan
Published: January 2010

In the building and construction sector, most efforts related to sustainable development have concentrated on the environmental performance of the operation of buildings and infrastructure. However, several studies have called for the need to mitigate the considerable environmental impacts, especially air pollutant emissions and energy consumption, generated by construction processes. To provide a point of reference for initiating the development of environmentally sustainable construction processes, this article identifies energy consumption and air emissions resulting from construction activities and examines previous approaches utilized to assess such environmental impact. This research also identifies the opportunities and challenges to mitigate such environmental impact from construction processes, based on the investigation of current technology policies, regulations, incentives, and guidelines.
The Number of Symmetric Colorings of the Quaternion Group
Authors: Zelenyuk Yuliya
Published: January 2010

We compute the number of symmetric r-colorings and the number of equivalence classes of symmetric r-colorings of the quaternion group.
AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTROPHORESIS GEL WITH LEAST GEOMETRIC DISTORTIONS
Authors: Matuzevičius Dalius
Published: January 2010

The paper presents an algorithm for automated selection of the highest quality two-dimensional gel electrophoresis image. The quality criterion is the amount of vertical geometric distortions of the gel. The aim is to select the least distorted gel from the group received during the same biochemical experiment. Vertical geometric distortions displace proteins of the same molecular mass from the horizontal line and have a greater impact on the determination of protein characteristics than horizontal distortions. After presenting algorithm for evaluation of distortions and selection of base gel results are compared to expert's made selections. If necessary, algorithm may be adapted for horizontal distortion evaluation.
BIOMETRIC FEATURES IN PERSON RECOGNITION SYSTEMS
Authors: Ivanovas Edgaras
Published: January 2010

Lately a lot of research effort is devoted for recognition of a human being using his biometric characteristics. Biometric recognition systems are used in various applications, e. g., identification for state border crossing or firearm, which allows only enrolled persons to use it. In this paper biometric characteristics and their properties are reviewed. Development of high accuracy system requires distinctive and permanent characteristics, whereas development of user friendly system requires collectable and acceptable characteristics. It is showed that properties of biometric characteristics do not influence research effort significantly. Properties of biometric characteristic features and their influence are discussed.
CONTROL AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS
Authors: Vasarevičius Dominykas
Published: January 2010

The paper presents the architecture of the control and statistical data collection system for solar thermal collectors, describing its operating principle and analysis of individual elements, in order to anticipate possible problems and find their solutions. Expanding functionality of the controller of solar thermal collector with online features one can collect data on solar thermal collectors performance in different regions. The paper describes the structure diagram, according to which the system will register operational parameters of the heating system and weather conditions. Data transfer mode, which allows avoiding instant database server load is offered. It is shown, that the simulation of the solar thermal collector operating cycle and optimization of recorded data stream allows over 14 times to reduce the amount of transferred data.
ECONOMICAL INTERPOLATOR IN A ΣΔ D/A CONVERTER
Authors: Puidokas Vytenis
Published: January 2010

The place of interpolator in ΣΔ DACs was briefly discussed. The summarized structure of the most common interpolators was provided. The more applicable interpolators’ structures were suggested and analyzed in comparison with similar one. Having changed the structure of incomplete interpolator and having optimized the stages, it was possible to improve the characteristic of amplitude transfer by 17 dB with less non-zero coefficients and much less FPGA resources. After experimental research of the full converter system (interpolator, modulator and output filter) it was defined that the designed interpolator (including 17 dB gaining) suits only a very limited set of modulators. Another version of interpolator was offered for the system, ensuring the suppression of the additional frequency band in the whole system above 99 dB instead of the previous 66 dB (or 49 dB in the similar version of interpolator).
SENSOR NETWORK DATA FUSION METHODS
Authors: Vervečka Martynas
Published: January 2010

Sensor network data fusion is widely used in warfare, in areas such as automatic target recognition, battlefield surveillance, automatic vehicle control, multiple target surveillance, etc. Non-military use example are: medical equipment status monitoring, intelligent home. The paper describes sensor networks topologies, sensor network advantages against the isolated sensors, most common network topologies, their advantages and disadvantages.
INVESTIGATION OF STRAIN MEASUREMENT METHOD WITH BALANCING CURRENTS
Authors: Masiulionis Ričardas
Published: January 2010

It is shown that construction state identification systems are integral part of public and local warning and security systems. Structure of construction of state identification system is proposed and analysed. It is established that in order to ensure wide usage of such systems it is necessary to solve some scientific problems. A new method for measurement of construction strain is presented. It is based on evaluation of small changes of resistance with balancing currents. Measurements methods of these days are listed and their main advantages are discussed. Structure of strain gauge and formulas for calculating code of resistance changes is presented. Computerized and experimental models are made.
ANALYSIS OF THE SERVICE AVAILABILITY IN MOBILE DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
Authors: Balčiūnas Dmitrijus
Published: January 2010

Main quality assuring characteristics of the GSM based data transmitting networks are analyzed in this work. The networks behaviour and parameters under complicated for the data transmitting environment, when interference or distances are high are analyzed. Data transmitting assurance and improvement are possible when few channels are utilized and proper protocols are involved. Modelling of the high load in networks with different protocols was performed, and possible to use algorithm idea is presented.
FREQUENCY PROPERTIES OF THE NON-HOMOGENEOUS PERIODICAL LINE
Authors: Katkevičius Andrius
Published: January 2010

Frequency properties of the non-homogeneous periodical line are analyzed. The model of the signal path containing the non-homogeneous periodical line is presented. The programs for calculation of line input impedance and transfer coefficient were developed. Calculation results are presented and analyzed. They show that the stop–band appears due to periodical inhomogeneities. Its central frequency depends on the length of the period of the line. The width of the stop–band and the attenuation in it depend on intensities of periodical inhomogeneities.
PARALLEL SYSTEM FOR ANALYSIS OF MEANDER DELAY LINE
Authors: Pomarnacki Raimondas
Published: January 2010

Meander microstrip delay lines (MMDL) are widely used in electronic systems. The basic difficulty designing MMDL is the solution of the dispersion equation, which defines the relation between phase coefficient of electromagnetic wave in the free space and in the investigated MMDL. To shorten the time of solving the dispersion equation the parallel algorithm is offered. The algorithm has been implemented on 8 computers cluster МРICH2. Examination of the operation of the cluster has shown that each doubling of the number of nodes increments the efficiency of the cluster approximately by 40%.
Promoter Insertion/Deletion in the IRF5 Gene Is Highly Associated with Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Distinct Populations, But Exerts a Modest Effect on Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: LÖFGREN SARA E. , YIN HONG , DELGADO-VEGA ANGELICA M. , SANCHEZ ELENA , LEWÉN SUSANNA , PONS-ESTEL BERNARDO A. , WITTE TORSTEN , D’ALFONSO SANDRA , ORTEGO-CENTENO NORBERTO , MARTIN JAVIER , ALARCÓN-RIQUELME MARTA E. , KOZYREV SERGEY V.
Published: January 2010

Objective.

We examined the genetic association of the promoter insertion/deletion (indel) in IRF5 gene with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in distinct populations and assessed its role in gene expression.

Methods.

Four IRF5 polymorphisms were genotyped in 1488 SLE patients and 1466 controls. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR using RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Results.

The promoter indel and rs2070197 had independent genetic effects, which accounted for the association of rs2004640 and rs10954213. Gene expression analysis revealed that rs10954213 exerted the greatest influence on IRF5 transcript levels.

Conclusion.

We corroborated the association of the promoter indel with SLE in 5 different populations and revealed that rs10954213 is the main single-nucleotide polymorphism responsible for altered IRF5 expression in PBMC.
Interleukin 10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Genotypes in Rheumatoid Arthritis — Association with Clinical Response to Glucocorticoids
Authors: de PAZ BANESA , ALPERI-LÓPEZ MERCEDES , BALLINA-GARCÍA FRANCISCO J. , PRADO CATUXA , MOZO LOURDES , GUTIÉRREZ CARMEN , SUÁREZ ANA
Published: January 2010

Objective.

There are dysregulated levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and their role in the disease is controversial. We analyzed the association of functional polymorphisms of IL-10 and TNF-α with susceptibility and disease characteristics at the time of diagnosis, and we also evaluated their possible use as predictors of clinical response to treatments.

Methods.

Patients with recent-onset RA (n = 162) and healthy controls (n = 373) were genotyped for −1082 IL-10 and −308 TNF-α polymorphisms and data were related to clinical and immunological measurements of patients at the time of diagnosis. Response to treatment after 6 months was determined in 125 patients by the absolute change in Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and the American College of Rheumatology criteria for improvement.

Results.

We found a reduced frequency of the low IL-10 producer genotype (−1082AA) in patients with RA compared to controls (26.5% vs 38.9%; p = 0.006), while it is a risk factor for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) positivity (p = 0.028). Evaluation of clinical response to treatments indicated that carriage of the high IL-10 genotype was associated with a favorable outcome (p = 0.009), specifically to prednisone therapy (p = 0.0003). No significant effects were observed with TNF-α polymorphism alone; however, in combination with the IL-10 genotype, it increased the strength of these associations.

Conclusion.

Results show an association between the low IL-10 producer genotype and protection from RA; nevertheless, when other specific genetic and/or environmental factors trigger onset of RA, this genotype may predispose to development of anti-CCP+ RA disease with reduced response to prednisone treatment.
Increased Concentrations of Prostaglandin D2During Post-Fracture Bone Remodeling
Authors: GALLANT MAXIME A. , CHAMOUX ESTELLE , BISSON MARTINE , WOLSEN CATARINA , PARENT JEAN-LUC , ROUX SOPHIE , de BRUM-FERNANDES ARTUR J.
Published: January 2010

Objective.

To test the hypothesis that increased concentrations of prostaglandin D2(PGD2) correlate with bone remodeling. Studies using isolated bone cells indicate that PGD2may be implicated in the regulation of bone homeostasis, with a positive influence on bone anabolism. We studied patients with traumatic fractures and age- and sex-matched healthy controls as anin vivomodel of increased bone remodeling.

Methods.

Thirty-five patients with bone fracture and matched controls were recruited. Urine and sera samples were collected. Urinary 11ß-PGF2α, a PGD2metabolite, and PGE2metabolites (PGEM), serum lipocalin-type PGD2synthase (L-PGDS), bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), and crosslinked C-telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) were measured.

Results.

At 5–6 weeks post-fracture, 11ß-PGF2α, L-PGDS, bone ALP, and CTX were significantly increased in the fracture patients compared to controls. PGEM levels were not different between groups. Levels of 11ß-PGF2αand bone ALP were positively correlated, suggesting that PGD2may be implicated in fracture repair.

Conclusion.

These results support our working hypothesis that PGD2could be implicated in the control of bone anabolism in humans.