bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2. A ESTABILIDADE SOCIAL EM ADMIRÁVEL MUNDO NOVO: UM DIÁLOGO ENTRE ALDOUS HUXLEY E JOHN RAWLS
Authors: FELDENS Guilherme De Oliveira
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo objetiva contrapor criticamente a estabilidade social apresentada na distopia Admirável mundo novo de Aldous Huxley com a sociedade bem-ordenada descrita por John Rawls, aprofundando a ideia de “estabilidade social pelas razões corretas” presente na obra do filósofo norte-americano.
5. O QUE OCORRE APÓS O ESTABELECIMENTO DE UMA PAZ PERPÉTUA? UM OLHAR SOBRE O ADMIRÁVEL MUNDO NOVO DE ALDOUS HUXLEY
Authors: BRUCH Kelly Lissandra
Published: March 2015

Entre uma vida estável, vigiada, sem liberdades e sem vontades, e um estado de permanente guerra, pelo que optar? Há como optar? O presente artigo tem como objetivo traçar um paralelo entre o Admirável Mundo Novo, apresentado na obra de Aldous Huxley, e o estabelecimento de uma possível paz perpétua segundo a lógica de Kant, localizando a obra desse primeiro no contexto em que ela foi escrita – entre as duas grandes guerras – e as inspirações que até hoje a mesma traz, seja para o cinema, seja para a própria realidade. Como resultados verifica-se a necessidade de se revisitar clássicos da literatura como o ora discutido, para que se repense e se rediscuta a atualidade, e se verifique quanto de concreto pode haver em uma ficção, que expõe aquilo que se teme dizer em relação à realidade. Não se acredita em uma paz perpétua, mas em uma evolução constante da humanidade, que implica na existência e na conservação de um direito pleno à liberdade.
3. IVAN ILITCH, HERMENÊTICA, O PAPEL DO SERVIDOR PÚBLICO JUIZ E A MELANCOLIA NO DIREITO
Authors: PINTO Emerson De Lima , NEUBAUER Vanessa Steigleder
Published: March 2015

Resumo: O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar e compreender por meio da obra literária de Tolstói o papel que um servidor público – o juiz – possui na prestação jurisdicional e a compreensão do seu ser junto a um modelo de estado burocrático. O julgar e o papel que a lei quanto ciência ocupa em sua vida e o paralelo que Ilitch traça com seus procedimentos nos tribunais e aquele dispensado pelos médicos frente ao diagnostico de sua doença. Neste processo de reflexão chamamos a atenção para a reforma do Estado e o humanismo de Beccaria como contribuição para o Direito que podem contribuir para um serviço público mais humano e correto.
7. POR UMA EDUCAÇÃO DOS DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS NA CONTEMPORANEIDADE E UMA REVIVESCÊNCIA DA CIÊNCIA DO ETHOS NA FORMAÇÃO DO SUJEITO CONTEMPORÂNEO
Authors: Dos SANTOS Claudecir
Published: March 2015

Este artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar que uma educação com excelência torna possível o fortalecimento da ética e dá sustentabilidade para a construção e vivência dos direitos fundamentais. Frente a isto, apresenta a hipótese de que uma educação para os direitos fundamentais, imbricada em uma revivescência da ciência do ethos, é uma possibilidade viável para fazer com que a ética (enquanto força interna), e o direito (enquanto força externa), transformem-se em instrumentos contribuintes para a conquista da emancipação humana e dos bens supremos que ela proclama. Guiado por uma metodologia que intercala análise, interpretação e reconstrução de ideias, o presente artigo conclui que a eficácia dos direitos fundamentais na contemporaneidade está intimamente ligada à revivescência da ciência do ethos. Por essa razão, sugere que as observações sobre o ato de educar não prossigam de forma desconexa às exteriorizações de conhecimentos que identificam e caracterizam sociedades em diferentes momentos históricos.
11. EL ACCESO A LA CORTE SUPREMA EN ESTADOS UNIDOS Y SUS PROYECCIONES EN ARGENTINA. ASPECTOS PROCESALES
Authors: ROBLEDO Miguel
Published: March 2015

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto analizar una de las principales vías de acceso a la Corte Suprema, en el marco de su competencia por apelación, desde un punto de vista comparado.  Al respecto, en primer lugar, se analiza el régimen norteamericano conformado por el histórico “Writ of Error” y el “Writ of Certiorari”, en el marco de las Rules del Alto Tribunal de EE.UU.  En segundo lugar, se analiza el régimen argentino del Recurso Extraordinario Federal, focalizándose en las recientes modificaciones introducidas mediante las Acordadas 04/07 y demás disposiciones complementarias. Finalmente, se efectúa un balance reflexivo destacando sus principales analogías y diferencias.
6. O VOTO OBRIGATÓRIO CONTRAPOSTO À LIBERDADE INDIVIDUAL NO ESTADO DEMOCRÁTICO DE DIREITO
Authors: ALMEIDA Leonardo , LA BRADBURY Leonardo Cacau Santos
Published: March 2015

A presente pesquisa tem como escopo analisar o voto compulsório no Brasil, tendo em vista que o presente instituto permanece em vigência desde a sua instalação em meados de 1932, tornando-se alvo de constante discussão legislativa, motivo pelo qual verificaremos sua aplicação em contraposto ao atual conceito de democracia e liberdade. Desta forma, tal discussão se faz necessária, considerando o fato de que, a obrigatoriedade do voto, não abrange somente discussões doutrinárias, sendo também alvo de discussão no âmbito legislativo, uma vez que é objeto frequente de projetos de lei, as quais visam alterar o texto constitucional. O voto tem o poder de decidir quem serão os representantes do povo, e é através do voto direto, secreto e universal que se obtém a consolidação dos direitos do eleitor, o que nos faz duvidar se voto é realmente um direito na medida em que é tratado como um dever. Atualmente o voto é tratado como um dever cívico do cidadão, sendo ele, tanto uma obrigação para com o Estado, como também um instrumento que garante a democracia, definição constantemente discutida e não pacificada.
Effect of Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment on Visfatin Concentrations in Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Yun , Chen Ling , Wei Bin , Luo Kai , Yan Fuhua
Published: March 2015

Background: This study aims to assess visfatin concentrations in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and investigate this relationship in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis (CP) before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Methods: Fifty‐four patients with T2DM and CP were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control. Serum and GCF visfatin concentrations and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at different time points (at baseline and 3 and 6 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment).

Results: Serum and GCF visfatin concentrations showed no significant differences between the groups at baseline (t test, P >0.05). A significant decline of visfatin in the treatment group was found in serum and GCF 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment (t test, P <0.01). Baseline and 3‐month HbA1c levels were not significantly different, but at 6 months, a statistically significant difference was detected (t test, P >0.05).

Conclusions: The data suggest that non‐surgical periodontal treatment is helpful for glucose control, an effect that may be associated with reduced visfatin in patients with T2DM and periodontitis. Furthermore, the data suggest that visfatin may be considered an inflammatory marker for periodontal diseases.
Suicide Ideation and Bullying Among US Adolescents: Examining the Intersections of Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Mueller Anna S. , James Wesley , Abrutyn Seth , Levin Martin L.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We examined how race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation shape adolescents’ likelihood of being bullied and vulnerability to suicide ideation.

Methods. We analyzed pooled data from the 2009 and 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 75 344) to assess race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation variation in being bullied and suicide ideation.

Results. White and Hispanic gay and bisexual males, White lesbian and bisexual females, and Hispanic bisexual females were more likely to be bullied than were White heterosexual adolescents. Black lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths’ vulnerability to being bullied was not significantly different from that of White heterosexual youths. Black and Hispanic heterosexual youths were less likely to be bullied than were White heterosexual youths. Despite differences in the likelihood of being bullied, sexual minority youths were more likely to report suicide ideation, regardless of their race/ethnicity, their gender, or whether they have been bullied.

Conclusions. Future research should examine how adolescents’ intersecting identities shape their experience of victimization and suicidality. School personnel should develop antibullying and antihomophobia policies in response to the disproportionate risk of being bullied and reporting suicidality among sexual minority youths.
Transactional Sex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Latin America: Economic, Sociodemographic, and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Oldenburg Catherine E. , Perez-Brumer Amaya G. , Biello Katie B. , Landers Stewart J. , Rosenberger Joshua G. , Novak David S. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Mimiaga Matthew J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We assessed factors associated with engagement in transactional sex among men who have sex with men recruited from one of the largest Internet sites for men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men in Latin America.

Methods. We constructed multilevel logistic regression models to analyze factors associated with engagement in transactional sex in 17 Latin American countries in 2012.

Results. Of 24 051 respondents, 1732 (7.2%) reported being paid for sexual intercourse in the past 12 months. In a multivariable model, higher country-level unemployment was associated with increased odds of transactional sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.07 per 1% increase in unemployment; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.13). Individual or interpersonal factors associated with increased odds of engagement in transactional sex included self-reported HIV (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.69) or sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.59), childhood sexual abuse history (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.48, 2.06), intimate partner violence (past 5 years, AOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.45, 1.95), and sexual compulsivity (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.49, 2.11).

Conclusions. Structural-level economic interventions and those that address individual and interpersonal factors may improve HIV prevention efforts among men who have sex with men who engage in transactional sex.
From Subject to Participant: Ethics and the Evolving Role of Community in Health Research
Authors: Bromley Elizabeth , Mikesell Lisa , Jones Felica , Khodyakov Dmitry
Published: March 2015

Belmont Report principles focus on the well-being of the research subject, yet community-engaged investigators often eschew the role of subject for that of participant. We conducted semistructured interviews with 29 community and academic investigators working on 10 community-engaged studies. Interviews elicited perspectives on ethical priorities and ethical challenges. Interviewees drew on the Belmont Report to describe 4 key principles of ethical community-engaged research (embodying ethical action, respecting participants, generalizing beneficence, and negotiating justice). However, novel aspects of the participant role were the source of most ethical challenges. We theorize that the shift in ethical focus from subject to participant will pose new ethical dilemmas for community-engaged investigators and for other constituents interested in increasing community involvement in health research.
Longitudinal Effects of School Drug Policies on Student Marijuana Use in Washington State and Victoria, Australia
Authors: Evans-Whipp Tracy J. , Plenty Stephanie M. , Catalano Richard F. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Toumbourou John W.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We examined the longitudinal effect of schools’ drug policies on student marijuana use.

Methods. We used data from the International Youth Development Study, which surveyed state-representative samples of students from Victoria, Australia, and Washington State. In wave 1 (2002), students in grades 7 and 9 (n = 3264) and a school administrator from each participating school (n = 188) reported on school drug policies. In wave 2 (2003), students reported on their marijuana use. We assessed associations between student-reported and administrator-reported policy and student self-reported marijuana use 1 year later.

Results. Likelihood of student marijuana use was higher in schools in which administrators reported using out-of-school suspension and students reported low policy enforcement. Student marijuana use was less likely where students reported receiving abstinence messages at school and students violating school policy were counseled about the dangers of marijuana use.

Conclusions. Schools may reduce student marijuana use by delivering abstinence messages, enforcing nonuse policies, and adopting a remedial approach to policy violations rather than use of suspensions.
Modeling the Injury Prevention Impact of Mandatory Alcohol Ignition Interlock Installation in All New US Vehicles
Authors: Carter Patrick M. , Flannagan Carol A. C. , Bingham C. Raymond , Cunningham Rebecca M. , Rupp Jonathan D.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We estimated the injury prevention impact and cost savings associated with alcohol interlock installation in all new US vehicles.

Methods. We identified fatal and nonfatal injuries associated with drinking driver vehicle crashes from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and National Automotive Sampling System’s General Estimates System data sets (2006–2010). We derived the estimated impact of universal interlock installation using an estimate of the proportion of alcohol-related crashes that were preventable in vehicles < 1 year-old. We repeated this analysis for each subsequent year, assuming a 15-year implementation. We applied existing crash-induced injury cost metrics to approximate economic savings, and we used a sensitivity analysis to examine results with varying device effectiveness.

Results. Over 15 years, 85% of crash fatalities (> 59 000) and 84% to 88% of nonfatal injuries (> 1.25 million) attributed to drinking drivers would be prevented, saving an estimated $342 billion in injury-related costs, with the greatest injury and cost benefit realized among recently legal drinking drivers. Cost savings outweighed installation costs after 3 years, with the policy remaining cost effective provided device effectiveness remained above approximately 25%.

Conclusions. Alcohol interlock installation in all new vehicles is likely a cost-effective primary prevention policy that will substantially reduce alcohol-involved crash fatalities and injuries, especially among young vulnerable drivers.
Population Health, Public Health, and Accountable Care: Emerging Roles and Relationships
Authors: Costich Julia F. , Scutchfield F. Douglas , Ingram Richard C.
Published: March 2015

To identify roles for public health agencies (PHAs) in accountable care organizations (ACOs), along with their obstacles and facilitators, we interviewed individuals from 9 ACOs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers.

We learned that PHAs participate in ACO-like partnerships with state Medicaid agencies, but interviewees identified barriers to collaboration with Medicare and commercial ACOs, including Medicare participation requirements, membership cost, risk-bearing restrictions, data-sharing constraints, differences between medicine and public health, and ACOs’ investment yield needs. Collaboration was more likely when organizations had common objectives, ACO sponsors had substantial market share, PHA representatives served on ACO advisory boards, and there were preexisting contractual relationships.

ACO–PHA relationships are not as straightforward as their shared use of the term “population health” would suggest, but some ACO partnerships could give PHAs access to new revenue streams.
Neighborhood Blight, Stress, and Health: A Walking Trial of Urban Greening and Ambulatory Heart Rate
Authors: South Eugenia C. , Kondo Michelle C. , Cheney Rose A. , Branas Charles C.
Published: March 2015

We measured dynamic stress responses using ambulatory heart rate monitoring as participants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania walked past vacant lots before and after a greening remediation treatment of randomly selected lots. Being in view of a greened vacant lot decreased heart rate significantly more than did being in view of a nongreened vacant lot or not in view of any vacant lot. Remediating neighborhood blight may reduce stress and improve health.
The Health at Every Size Paradigm and Obesity: Missing Empirical Evidence May Help Push the Reframing Obesity Debate Forward
Authors: Penney Tarra L. , Kirk Sara F. L.
Published: March 2015

A Health at Every Size (HAES) approach has been proposed to address weight bias and stigma in individuals living with obesity, and more recently articulated as a promising public health approach beyond the prevailing focus on weight status as a health outcome. The purpose of this article is to examine our understanding of HAES within the context of public health approaches to obesity, and to present strengths and limitations of the available evidence. Advancing our understanding of HAES from a public health perspective requires us to move beyond an ideological debate and give greater attention to the need for empirical studies across a range of populations. Only then can the value of HAES, as a weight-neutral, public health approach for the prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases, be fully understood.
Perspectives of Maryland Adults Regarding Caries Prevention
Authors: Horowitz Alice M. , Kleinman Dushanka V. , Child Wendy , Maybury Catherine
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We obtained in-depth information from low-income parents and caregivers of young children about their knowledge and understanding of and practices related to the prevention and control of dental caries (tooth decay).

Methods. In 2010, we conducted 4 focus groups in Maryland communities with low-income, English-speaking parents and caregivers who had at least 1 child aged 6 years or younger or who were pregnant. We developed a focus group guide based on findings of a previous statewide random telephone survey of adults with young children.

Results. Most participants had limited understanding of and extensive misinformation about how to prevent dental caries. They were confused about the use of juice and its impact on their child’s teeth and had limited understanding of the use of fluorides to prevent caries. Most did not drink tap water and did not give it to their children; rather, they used bottled water.

Conclusions. These results and those of the statewide telephone survey strongly suggest the need for educational interventions designed for those with limited levels of education.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Restaurant Menu Calorie Labeling
Authors: Long Michael W. , Tobias Deirdre K. , Cradock Angie L. , Batchelder Holly , Gortmaker Steven L.
Published: March 2015

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between menu calorie labeling and calories ordered or purchased in the PubMed, Web of Science, PolicyFile, and PAIS International databases through October 2013.

Among 19 studies, menu calorie labeling was associated with a −18.13 kilocalorie reduction ordered per meal with significant heterogeneity across studies (95% confidence interval = −33.56, −2.70; P = .021; I2 = 61.0%). However, among 6 controlled studies in restaurant settings, labeling was associated with a nonsignificant −7.63 kilocalorie reduction (95% confidence interval = −21.02, 5.76; P = .264; I2 = 9.8%).

Although current evidence does not support a significant impact on calories ordered, menu calorie labeling is a relatively low-cost education strategy that may lead consumers to purchase slightly fewer calories. These findings are limited by significant heterogeneity among nonrestaurant studies and few studies conducted in restaurant settings.
Increasing Access to Fruits and Vegetables: Perspectives From the New York City Experience
Authors: Sacks Rachel , Yi Stella S. , Nonas Cathy
Published: March 2015

Broad recognition now exists that price, availability, and other structural factors are meaningful barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among low-income adults. Beginning in 2005, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene used the social–ecological model to develop a multifaceted effort to increase fruit and vegetable access citywide, with emphasis in low-income neighborhoods. Overall, the percentage of New York City adults who reported consuming no fruits and vegetables in the previous day decreased slightly over a 10-year period (2002: 14.3% [95% confidence interval = 13.4%, 15.2%]; 2012: 12.5% [95% confidence interval = 11.4%, 13.6%]; P for trend < .001). Our approach hypothesizes that complementary initiatives, implemented simultaneously, will create a citywide food environment that fuels changes in social norms and cultural preferences, increases consumer demand, and supports sustainable access to affordable produce.
Integrated water resources assessment and management in a small watershed – a geomorphic approach
Authors: Rajendra Prasad P. , Reddy N. L. K. , Prasad N. V. B. S. S. , Nooka Raju D.
Published: March 2015

Depleting water resources and increasing human demands on the available fresh water resources suggest the need and scope for integrated water resources assessment and management. Narava basin, a small watershed spread over 105 km2 with a khondalitic suite of rocks and gneisses of Archaean age in the north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, India was studied to propose effective water resources assessment and management strategies. The watershed, with an undulating topography and gentle to steep slopes, is drained by a dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage system. The watershed receives an annual average rainfall of 980 mm. With increasing agricultural activity, monsoon failures, and indiscriminate developmental activities, groundwater during the last two decades has become the main trusted source for irrigation and drinking. A hydrogeomorphological approach integrating remote sensing applications, geoelectrical investigations and hydrological studies was proposed to delineate and study the groundwater potential and recharge dynamics in the Narava watershed. Linking the remote sensing data, morphometric characteristics, topographic analysis, land use/cover assessment and groundwater conditions, hydrogeomorphic maps were prepared. Synergizing the lineament densities with layer parameters, aquifer yields, groundwater occurrence and dynamics, groundwater potential zones were demarcated and classified. Merging the characteristics of groundwater potential, hydrogeomorphology and water balance, suitable water harvesting structures and management strategies are suggested.
Ditch network extraction and hydrogeomorphological characterization using LiDAR-derived DTM in wetlands
Authors: Rapinel S. , Hubert-Moy L. , Clément B. , Nabucet J. , Cudennec C.
Published: March 2015

While much emphasis has been placed on the importance of hydrology as a driving force for wetlands, few small stream drainage networks have been mapped. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data can provide very high-precision topographic maps over large areas, and have been used to extract drainage networks in forested areas, vineyards, and high mountain pastures. The study objective is to reconstruct the ditch network from LiDAR data in wetlands estimating the required accuracy for assessing their functions. Several Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) have been derived from LiDAR data with different point densities, ranging from 4 to 1 point/m² with four interpolation methods. Then, the drainage network has been extracted from each DTM using an object-based image analysis. This approach has been applied in wetlands located near the Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Results have been validated with field data. They show that the quality of the drainage network map significantly depends primarily on the LIDAR data precision (point-density) and, to a lesser extent, on the interpolation method used. A minimum precision of 2 points per m² is required to properly represent the ditch network. The Nearest Neighbor interpolation method provides the best results and in the shortest computation time.
Implementing contour bank farming practices into the J2000 model to improve hydrological and erosion modelling in semi-arid Western Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Steudel Thomas , Bugan Richard , Kipka Holm , Pfennig Björn , Fink Manfred , de Clercq Willem , Flügel Wolfgang-Albert , Helmschrot Jörg
Published: March 2015

Contour bank farming is a well-known agricultural management technique in areas which are characterised by intensive and erosive rainfalls. Contour banks are designed to reduce the flow velocity of overland flow and to intercept water before it concentrates in rills, thereby reducing the risk of soil erosion and land degradation. By their structure, contour banks noticeably impact surface runoff pattern both temporally and spatially. Also subsurface flow may be affected by contour banks. For example, if contour banks intersect the A- and B-horizon of the soil, it can cause significant infiltration of water into the C-horizon, which if saline, can generate saline interflow to downslope areas. Although these aspects have been highlighted in previous research efforts, the quantitative and qualitative impacts of contours on runoff generation and associated erosion dynamics or salinisation are rarely considered in process-based hydrological modelling approaches. In this study an approach was developed to improve distributed hydrological and erosion modelling by integrating contour banks in the delineation and routing of Hydrological Response Units. Applying the distributed and process-based hydrological model J2000 which was modified with a contour bank and erosion module it could be shown that the implementation of contour banks improved the model performance significantly.
Study on Wire Rope Brace Design Method of Prestressed Braced Steel Moment Frame
Authors: Zhang Ailin , Zhao Liang , Liu Xuechun
Published: March 2015

To study the design method of sectional area and initial tension of wire rope brace of the prestressed braced steel moment frame structure system, theoretical analysis of this structure system is conducted in this paper. The lateral stiffness formula is derived. It reveals the lateral stiffness is related to the lateral stiffness of bare steel moment frame, story height, the distance between column and lower end of brace, story drift, material properties and sectional properties of wire rope. The lateral stiffness increases with the growth of story drift and the relationship curve is a concave shape. It is presented the initial prestress degree design formula and method in light of the criterion for determining initial prestress degree. The story drift decreases with the growth of wire rope sectional area and the relationship curve is a concave shape, in terms of this, a wire rope sectional area design formula and method are proposed. The validation of the proposed design formula and method of wipe rope brace is proved by an example analyzed using finite element software package ABAQUS.
Investigation on Emergency Brake Property of a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Based on Functional Virtual Prototyping Model
Authors: Li Shaohua , Chen Jiangbo , Huang Hongwei
Published: March 2015

A Functional Virtual Prototyping full vehicle model for a tri-axial heavy-duty truck is built, and the non-linearity of suspension dampers and tires is also considered. With the trajectory of full vehicle gravity center, longitudinal tire force of front wheel, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and pitch angle as the evaluation indexes of brake property, the influences of system parameters including wheelbase, load shift, road surface roughness and separated road friction coefficient on brake efficiency, stability and ride comfort are analyzed. In addition, the interaction of brake and full vehicle dynamics is studied. Results show that small wheelbase and load shift may improve the brake efficiency of vehicles, small road surface roughness is beneficial to brake stability and ride comfort, and great frictional coefficient difference of separation road will worsen the brake efficiency and stability.
More than a (negative) feeling: Validity of the perceived stress scale in Serbian clinical and non-clinical samples
Authors: Jovanovic Veljko , Gavrilov-Jerkovic Vesna
Published: March 2015

The goal of the present study was to test the validity of a Serbian version
of the Perceived Stress Scale. The PSS was administered to 157 psychiatric
outpatients, 165 adults from the non-clinical population, and 283 university
students. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a
bifactor model of the PSS with one general factor and two specific factors
reflecting perceived distress and perceived self-efficacy. Internal
consistencies of the scale and its two subscales were adequate across
clinical and non-clinical samples. Results supported the ability of the scale
to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical samples. The PSS evidenced
good convergent validity, showing moderate to high positive correlations with
measures of unpleasant emotional states and moderate negative correlations
with positive affect and life satisfaction. All but one correlation remained
significant after controlling for the measures of emotional distress. The
results of the present research support validity of the PSS and its use in
both clinical and non-clinical samples.
Psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the negative acts questionnaire - revised
Authors: Vukelic Milica , Cizmic Svetlana , Petrovic Ivana , Tenjovic Lazar , Giorgi Gabriele
Published: March 2015

The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), together with its earlier
version, The Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ), is one of the most utilized
instruments for exploring workplace bullying, both in applied and scientific
research. Contrary to its widespread use, there are a few published NAQ-R
validation studies. In this paper we wanted to support developing grounds for
future cultural analysis, comparison and development of the NAQ-R which was
created as an instrument primarily for measuring workplace bullying in Anglo-
American cultural settings. The aim of this study was to analyze the
psychometric properties of the Serbian translation of the Negative Acts
Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) by exploring its factor structure, internal
consistency and criterion validity. The sample comprised 1710 employees from
both private and public sector in Serbia. Principal component analysis
revealed one component that explained almost 60% of the total variance. The
Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out in order to test the one, two
and three factor solutions suggested by the authors of the NAQ. The results
of CFA confirmed all three solutions, but only fairly, as some of the fit
indicators did not reach the expected values. Reliability analysis showed
excellent internal consistency of the NAQ-R (Cronbach?s alpha=0.96). The
significant correlations of the NAQ-R with job and organization related
measures, and subjective health and well-being measures provided evidence of
its construct validity. Higher correlations of the NAQ-R with a set of work
related behaviors than the correlations with health related measures were in
accordance with the nature of the phenomenon that is primarily focused on
work-disabling behaviors. The results of this study showed acceptable
psychometric properties of the Serbian translation of the NAQ-R. Obtained
findings indicate that the future development of the Negative Acts
Questionnaire-Revised could follow two streams: one would be a further
refinement of the uniform NAQ as a true cross-cultural measure that would
generate comparable findings and the second one the development of separate
national and/ or regional forms.
Basic dimensions of experience of architectural objects’ expressiveness: Effect of expertise
Authors: Markovic Slobodan , Alfirevic Djordje
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the present study was to compare the structure of experience
of architectural expressiveness of architects and non-architects. Twenty
architects and twenty non-architects rated twenty photographs of
architectural objects on thirty expressiveness scales. Principal components
analysis revealed four factors for both groups of participants:
Aggressiveness, Regularity, Color and Aesthetics. In a cluster analysis two
clusters of architectural objects were obtained: Choleric (high
Aggressiveness and Color) and Phlegmatic (low Aggressiveness and Color, and
high Regularity). All objects were highly rated on Aesthetics. Analysis of
variance has shown that architects rated both clusters as less aggressive
than non-architects. Also, experts rated the Phlegmatic cluster as more
aesthetic, while nonexperts rated the Choleric cluster as more aesthetic.
These results supported the Processing Fluency model: compared to
non-architects, architects processed the expressive information of
minimalistic objects (Phlegmatic cluster) with ease, which led towards
positive hedonic reactions and higher.
Prospects of implicit measures in assessment of defensive function of explicit homophobia in heterosexuals
Authors: Lazarevic Ljiljana , Orlic Ana , Knezevic Goran
Published: March 2015

Some authors state that one of the functions of explicit homophobia is
defensive, and that it has roots in latent attraction towards same sex. Large
body of evidence suggests that implicit techniques enable assessment of those
cognitions hidden from conscious awareness. Sample of 277 heterosexuals
completed several implicit (Implicit Association Test-IAT and Affective
Priming-AP) and explicit measures of attitude (Test of homophobia and
Connotative differential). Multi-group SEM analysis was done to investigate
cross-sample stability of the model postulating influence of IAT and AP
factors on latent explicit factor. Analyses suggest that both in males and
females IAT latent factor predicts negative explicit attitude. Results
revealed that explicit homophobia is related to implicit, negative attitude
toward homosexuals and not to implicit attraction towards same sex.
Activity of Na+/K+-activated Mg2+-dependent ATP-hydrolase in the cell-free extracts of the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio piger Vib-7 and Desulfomicrobium sp. Rod-9
Authors: Kushkevych Ivan , Fafula Roman , Parák Tomáš , Bartoš Milan
Published: March 2015

The aim of our work was to study Na+/K+-activated Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity in cell-free extracts of the sulfate-reducing bacteriaDesulfovibrio pigerVib-7 andDesulfomicrobiumsp. Rod-9 isolated from the human large intestine, and to carry out the kinetic analysis of the enzyme reaction. The maximum ATPase activity for both bacterial strains at +35 ºC was determined. The highest activities of the studied enzyme in the cell-free extracts ofD. pigerVib-7 at pH 7.0 andDesulfomicrobiumsp. Rod-9 at pH 6.5 were measured. Based on experimental data, the analysis of kinetic properties of the ATP-hydrolase reaction by the studied bacteria was carried out. The enzyme activity, initial (instantaneous) reaction rate (V0) and maximum rate of the ATPase reaction (Vmax) was significantly higher inD. pigerVib-7 cells than inDesulfomicrobiumsp. Rod-9. Michaelis constants (Km) of the enzyme reaction for both bacterial strains were determined.
Prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydiaceae in pet dogs in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Cheng Tian , Zou Shang-shu , Wang Xin-Qiu , He Yuan , Liang Yi , Lin Rui-Qing
Published: March 2015

The prevalence of chlamydiosis in pet dogs was surveyed in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. A total of 442 serum samples were collected from three districts of Shenzhen, namely the Futian, Nanshan, and Luohu Districts, and assayed for Chlamydiaceae antibodies by indirect haemagglutination assay. The results showed that the mean positive rate was 6.11%, and the positive rate for the Futian District was the highest (9.52%), followed by the Nanshan District (7.08%), and the Luohu District (4.02%). The positive rate for male dogs was 6.08%, and for female dogs 6.16%. Out of all the 38 breeds of dogs examined, 14 breeds were positive. The positive rate for the Cocker Spaniel dog was the highest (14.2%), followed by the Pekinese dog (10.71%), and the Border Collie dog (10.34%). This is the first time that the seroprevalence of Chlamydiaceae infection in pet dogs in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China was reported, and the results indicated that pet dogs may be an important source for human infection by Chlamydiaceae in Shenzhen and other areas of China.
Expression of cytokines in chicken peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs) exposed to probiotic strains and Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Husáková Eva , Spišáková Viera , Herich Róbert , Kolesárová Martina , Stašová Dominika , Levkutová Mária , Levkut Mikuláš
Published: March 2015

The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, LITAF, iNOS, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP1-ß), and K60 were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs). The PMBCs were isolated from the chicken blood and in vitro exposed to the probiotic strains E. faecium AL41, E. faecium H31, L. fermentum AD1, and infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE147). The PMBCs were evaluated for mRNA expression levels at 24 h and 48 h post infection (p.i.) using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The level of expression of IL-1ß and MIP1-ß was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41+SE (S. Enteritidis + E. faecium AL41) group 48 h p.i. compared to 24 h p.i. Similarly, expression of LITAF was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41 + SE group compared to the control (C - no infected) and S. Enteritidis (SE) group 48 h p.i. In PMBCs treated with E. faecium H31 and S. Enteritidis expression of IL-1ß (P < 0.01) and chemokines K60 and MIP1-ß was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFH31 + SE group 24 h p.i. The iNOS showed upregulated expression (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41 + SE group compared to the control 24 h p.i. and to the C and SE groups 48 h p.i. The results showed that E. faecium AL41 demonstrated the highest immunostimulatory effect on expression of selected cytokines by chicken PMBCs after Salmonella infection. It is supposed that the differences in cytokine induction within SE groups are related to lymphocytes isolated from different animals.
Study of interaction of low doses of ionizing radiation with selected pesticides on Artemia franciscana
Authors: Špalková Michaela , Beňová Katarína , Dvořák Petr , Falis Marcel , Renčko Andrej
Published: March 2015

The aim of our study was to observe the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation, azoxystrobin and glyphosate separately as well as in their mutual combinations on the lethality of Artemia franciscana. Increasing intensity of agricultural production leads to continual exposure of animals to pesticide residues. Animals could be exposed to these negative factors in case of possible nuclear accident. A total of 1000 nauplia, randomly placed in 20 groups (1 control and 19 experimental groups), were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 20, 30, 40 or 50 Gy) and were kept in solution of standardized sea water and standardized sea water with addition of pesticides (azoxystrobin at a concentration of 0.0001 g·l-1 and glyphosate at a concentration of 0.5 g·l-1 individually or in combination). A significant increase of lethality was observed after 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure to only azoxystrobin, but also in the group exposed to the combined effect of azoxystrobin and glyphosate at all time intervals. On the other hand, a significant decrease of lethality was observed in those groups exposed to ionizing radiation even at the dose of 30 Gy at all time intervals compared to non-irradiated groups. These results confirm the toxicity of azoxystrobin to aquatic organisms; non-toxicity of glyphosate to crustaceans and support the theory of radiation hormesis at the level of 30 Gy radiation dose.
Coenzyme Q 10 – its biochemical and related aspects
Authors: Kopřiva Vladimír , Dvořák Petr , Pokorná Jana , Žďárský Michal
Published: March 2015

This review analyses the findings of biochemical and related pharmacotherapeutical aspects of coenzyme Q10. Its important role in the respiratory chain is presented. Furthermore, the article presents administration of coenzyme Q10 as a supplement within preventative measures in medicine, its pharmacotherapeutical aspects and effects in a number of diseases of various aetiologies. Concurrently, it presents the issue of mutual interactions of coenzyme Q10 and its efficacy in combining supplementation with conservative therapy of selected aetiologies.
Assessment of modified Forssell’s myectomy success rate in the treatment of crib biting in horses
Authors: Krisová Šárka , Žert Zdeněk , Žuffová Kristína
Published: March 2015

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the success rate of Forssell’s modified myectomy – surgical treatment of crib biting on 33 horses of various breeds identified as stereotypical cribbers which were referred to the Equine Clinic in Brno between January 2001 and December 2010. The long term outcome was available for all horses. The overall success of the surgery without considering influencing factors was 61%. Thirteen horses (39%) returned to the stereotypical behaviour sooner or later after the surgery. In this retrospective study we confirmed the dependence of success of the surgery on the necessity of early treatment of the problem (up to 6 months after the appearance of initial signs), with the significance level ofP= 0.037. Any connection between age, breed or sex, and positive outcome of the surgery were not confirmed during statistical evaluation. When the horses were diagnosed early enough, an 80% success rate in surgical treatment performed within 6 months from the initial signs of crib biting was recorded, which seems to be very promising. It can be concluded that surgical treatment of crib biting by modified Forsell’s myectomy is the recommended option in the therapy of this oral stereotype.
Impact of the BCG vaccination policy on tuberculous meningitis in children under 6 years in metropolitan France between 2000 and 2011
Authors: Van Bui T , Lévy-Bruhl D , Che D , Antoine D , Jarlier V , Robert J
Published: March 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Excess mortality among the elderly in European countries, December 2014 to February 2015
Authors: Mølbak K , Espenhain L , Nielsen J , Tersago K , Bossuyt N , Denissov G , Baburin A , Virtanen M , Fouillet A , Sideroglou T , Gkolfinopoulou K , Paldy A , Bobvos J , van Asten L , de Lange M , Nunes B , da Silva S , Larrauri A , Gómez I L , Tsoumanis A , Junker C , Green H , Pebody R , McMenamin J , Reynolds A , Mazick A
Published: March 2015

Since December 2014 and up to February 2015, the weekly number of excess deaths from all-causes among individuals?≥?65 years of age in 14 European countries have been significantly higher than in the four previous winter seasons. The rise in unspecified excess mortality coincides with increased proportion of influenza detection in the European influenza surveillance schemes with a main predominance of influenza A(H3N2) viruses seen throughout Europe in the current season, though cold snaps and other respiratory infections may also have had an effect.
Interference of Bilirubin in Creatinine Value Measurement by Jaffe Kinetic Method
Authors: Chaudhary Siddhartha Shankar , Shah Jay Prakash , Mahato Ram Vinod
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND: Creatinine measurement in icteric sample is a major but unresolved problem. Bilirubin causes negative interference in creatinine value measurement using general techniques. The objective of this study was to find differences in creatinine value by Jaffe Kinetic method pre-incubation and without pre-incubation with NaOH. METHODS: This was a cross sectional, descriptive study carried out in 71 samples with different level of bilirubin concentration. We took blood samples of 71 different patients, 48 males and 23 females, from two different hospitals of Kathmandu village. Both creatinine and bilirubin concentration in serum samples were measured by using Staxfax 3300 semi auto analyzer in the hospital. In the laboratory creatinine value was measured by kinetic method and bilirubin measured by Jendrassik/ Grof method using commercial kits. Statistical analysis of quantitative data was done by using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: The results shows differences in creatinine values with respect to methods and extent of bilirubin concentration. It was found that the creatinine obtained by pre-incubation with NaOH has greater value than without pre-incubation (i.e. by direct estimation using working reagent). It was also shown that the high bilirubin cause the interference in greater extent. The significant interference was seen in the sample with bilirubin concentration greater than 20 mg/dl i.e. creatinine value after treatment with NaOH prior to dispensing picric acid is significantly increases, P<0.01 at 99% confidence level. CONCLUSION: This shows that the bilirubin has negative interference in creatinine value measurement by ordinary laboratory practices and interference increases with higher concentration of bilirubin in blood sample. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/acclm.v1i1.12311 Ann. Clin. Chem. & Lab. Med. 1(1) 2015: 25-28
Optimal Bus Lane Infrastructure Design
Authors: Sun Xu , Lu Huapu , Fan Yueyue
Published: March 2015

The study referred to in this paper focused on the problem of bus lane infrastructure design in a given road network. The main goal was to seek optimal planning (bus lane infrastructure layout) and operational strategies (such as bus frequency) in an integrated manner. The decision process involved three parties: the infrastructure planner who designed bus lane infrastructure from a public perspective, transit enterprises that operated buses on the given infrastructure from a business perspective, and travelers who determined their own routes from an individual perspective. The problem was formulated as a trilevel mathematical program, with each level corresponding to one party in the system. A heuristic solution algorithm combining a genetic algorithm and simulated annealing was developed to solve the proposed model efficiently. A case study based on a real-world road network in Beijing was implemented to test the efficiency and applicability of the proposed modeling and computing methods.
Rollback Approach for Demand Consistency Checking of Real-Time Traffic Network State Estimation Models
Authors: Alnawaiseh Ala , Abdelghany Khaled , Hassan Ahmed
Published: March 2015

The paper presents a real-time traffic network state estimation model with online demand consistency checking and updating capabilities. In contrast to reactive-based methodologies proposed in the literature, the model adopted a time rollback with a corrective actions approach. When an instance of inconsistency between the measured and estimated network state was observed, the model was allowed to roll back in time and promptly resimulated a predefined past period after the appropriate model's parameters were adjusted to minimize the observed inconsistency. A demand correction algorithm was developed and used for demand adjustment for each rollback period. The results of applying the developed model for a test bed network are presented. Results show that the approach improves the model's consistency with real-world observations.