bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformant Planning via Symbolic Model Checking
Authors: Cimatti A. , Roveri M.
Published: July 2018

We tackle the problem of planning in nondeterministic domains, by presenting a new approach to conformant planning. Conformant planning is the problem of finding a sequence of actions that is guaranteed to achieve the goal despite the nondeterminism of the domain. Our approach is based on the representation of the planning domain as a finite state automaton. We use Symbolic Model Checking techniques, in particular Binary Decision Diagrams, to compactly represent and efficiently search the automaton. In this paper we make the following contributions. First, we present a general planning algorithm for conformant planning, which applies to fully nondeterministic domains, with uncertainty in the initial condition and in action effects. The algorithm is based on a breadth-first, backward search, and returns conformant plans of minimal length, if a solution to the planning problem exists, otherwise it terminates concluding that the problem admits no conformant solution. Second, we provide a symbolic representation of the search space based on Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs), which is the basis for search techniques derived from symbolic model checking. The symbolic representation makes it possible to analyze potentially large sets of states and transitions in a single computation step, thus providing for an efficient implementation. Third, we present CMBP (Conformant Model Based Planner), an efficient implementation of the data structures and algorithm described above, directly based on BDD manipulations, which allows for a compact representation of the search layers and an efficient implementation of the search steps. Finally, we present an experimental comparison of our approach with the state-of-the-art conformant planners CGP, QBFPLAN and GPT. Our analysis includes all the planning problems from the distribution packages of these systems, plus other problems defined to stress a number of specific factors. Our approach appears to be the most effective: CMBP is strictly more expressive than QBFPLAN and CGP and, in all the problems where a comparison is possible, CMBP outperforms its competitors, sometimes by orders of magnitude.
Conflict-Directed Backjumping Revisited
Authors: Chen X. , Van Beek P.
Published: July 2018

In recent years, many improvements to backtracking algorithms for solving constraint satisfaction problems have been proposed. The techniques for improving backtracking algorithms can be conveniently classified as look-ahead schemes and look-back schemes. Unfortunately, look-ahead and look-back schemes are not entirely orthogonal as it has been observed empirically that the enhancement of look-ahead techniques is sometimes counterproductive to the effects of look-back techniques. In this paper, we focus on the relationship between the two most important look-ahead techniques---using a variable ordering heuristic and maintaining a level of local consistency during the backtracking search---and the look-back technique of conflict-directed backjumping (CBJ). We show that there exists a ``perfect'' dynamic variable ordering such that CBJ becomes redundant. We also show theoretically that as the level of local consistency that is maintained in the backtracking search is increased, the less that backjumping will be an improvement. Our theoretical results partially explain why a backtracking algorithm doing more in the look-ahead phase cannot benefit more from the backjumping look-back scheme. Finally, we show empirically that adding CBJ to a backtracking algorithm that maintains generalized arc consistency (GAC), an algorithm that we refer to as GAC-CBJ, can still provide orders of magnitude speedups. Our empirical results contrast with Bessiere and Regin's conclusion (1996) that CBJ is useless to an algorithm that maintains arc consistency.
Experiments with Infinite-Horizon, Policy-Gradient Estimation
Authors: Baxter J. , Bartlett P. L. , Weaver L.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we present algorithms that perform gradient ascent of the average reward in a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). These algorithms are based on GPOMDP, an algorithm introduced in a companion paper (Baxter & Bartlett, this volume), which computes biased estimates of the performance gradient in POMDPs. The algorithm's chief advantages are that it uses only one free parameter beta, which has a natural interpretation in terms of bias-variance trade-off, it requires no knowledge of the underlying state, and it can be applied to infinite state, control and observation spaces. We show how the gradient estimates produced by GPOMDP can be used to perform gradient ascent, both with a traditional stochastic-gradient algorithm, and with an algorithm based on conjugate-gradients that utilizes gradient information to bracket maxima in line searches. Experimental results are presented illustrating both the theoretical results of (Baxter & Bartlett, this volume) on a toy problem, and practical aspects of the algorithms on a number of more realistic problems.
An Evolutionary Algorithm with Advanced Goal and Priority Specification for Multi-objective Optimization
Authors: Tan K. C. , Khor E. F. , Lee T. H. , Sathikannan R.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents an evolutionary algorithm with a new goal-sequence domination scheme for better decision support in multi-objective optimization. The approach allows the inclusion of advanced hard/soft priority and constraint information on each objective component, and is capable of incorporating multiple specifications with overlapping or non-overlapping objective functions via logical 'OR' and 'AND' connectives to drive the search towards multiple regions of trade-off. In addition, we propose a dynamic sharing scheme that is simple and adaptively estimated according to the on-line population distribution without needing any a priori parameter setting. Each feature in the proposed algorithm is examined to show its respective contribution, and the performance of the algorithm is compared with other evolutionary optimization methods. It is shown that the proposed algorithm has performed well in the diversity of evolutionary search and uniform distribution of non-dominated individuals along the final trade-offs, without significant computational effort. The algorithm is also applied to the design optimization of a practical servo control system for hard disk drives with a single voice-coil-motor actuator. Results of the evolutionary designed servo control system show a superior closed-loop performance compared to classical PID or RPT approaches.
Efficient Methods for Qualitative Spatial Reasoning
Authors: Renz J. , Nebel B.
Published: July 2018

The theoretical properties of qualitative spatial reasoning in the RCC8 framework have been analyzed extensively. However, no empirical investigation has been made yet. Our experiments show that the adaption of the algorithms used for qualitative temporal reasoning can solve large RCC8 instances, even if they are in the phase transition region -- provided that one uses the maximal tractable subsets of RCC8 that have been identified by us. In particular, we demonstrate that the orthogonal combination of heuristic methods is successful in solving almost all apparently hard instances in the phase transition region up to a certain size in reasonable time.
Structured Knowledge Representation for Image Retrieval
Authors: Di Sciascio E. , Donini F. M. , Mongiello M.
Published: July 2018

We propose a structured approach to the problem of retrieval of images by content and present a description logic that has been devised for the semantic indexing and retrieval of images containing complex objects. As other approaches do, we start from low-level features extracted with image analysis to detect and characterize regions in an image. However, in contrast with feature-based approaches, we provide a syntax to describe segmented regions as basic objects and complex objects as compositions of basic ones. Then we introduce a companion extensional semantics for defining reasoning services, such as retrieval, classification, and subsumption. These services can be used for both exact and approximate matching, using similarity measures. Using our logical approach as a formal specification, we implemented a complete client-server image retrieval system, which allows a user to pose both queries by sketch and queries by example. A set of experiments has been carried out on a testbed of images to assess the retrieval capabilities of the system in comparison with expert users ranking. Results are presented adopting a well-established measure of quality borrowed from textual information retrieval.
Accelerating Reinforcement Learning by Composing Solutions of Automatically Identified Subtasks
Authors: Drummond C.
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses a system that accelerates reinforcement learning by using transfer from related tasks. Without such transfer, even if two tasks are very similar at some abstract level, an extensive re-learning effort is required. The system achieves much of its power by transferring parts of previously learned solutions rather than a single complete solution. The system exploits strong features in the multi-dimensional function produced by reinforcement learning in solving a particular task. These features are stable and easy to recognize early in the learning process. They generate a partitioning of the state space and thus the function. The partition is represented as a graph. This is used to index and compose functions stored in a case base to form a close approximation to the solution of the new task. Experiments demonstrate that function composition often produces more than an order of magnitude increase in learning rate compared to a basic reinforcement learning algorithm.
Finding a Path is Harder than Finding a Tree
Authors: Meek C.
Published: July 2018

I consider the problem of learning an optimal path graphical model from data and show the problem to be NP-hard for the maximum likelihood and minimum description length approaches and a Bayesian approach. This hardness result holds despite the fact that the problem is a restriction of the polynomially solvable problem of finding the optimal tree graphical model.
Efficient Reinforcement Learning Using Recursive Least-Squares Methods
Authors: Xu X. , He H. , Hu D.
Published: July 2018

The recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm is one of the most well-known algorithms used in adaptive filtering, system identification and adaptive control. Its popularity is mainly due to its fast convergence speed, which is considered to be optimal in practice. In this paper, RLS methods are used to solve reinforcement learning problems, where two new reinforcement learning algorithms using linear value function approximators are proposed and analyzed. The two algorithms are called RLS-TD(lambda) and Fast-AHC (Fast Adaptive Heuristic Critic), respectively. RLS-TD(lambda) can be viewed as the extension of RLS-TD(0) from lambda=0 to general lambda within interval [0,1], so it is a multi-step temporal-difference (TD) learning algorithm using RLS methods. The convergence with probability one and the limit of convergence of RLS-TD(lambda) are proved for ergodic Markov chains. Compared to the existing LS-TD(lambda) algorithm, RLS-TD(lambda) has advantages in computation and is more suitable for online learning. The effectiveness of RLS-TD(lambda) is analyzed and verified by learning prediction experiments of Markov chains with a wide range of parameter settings. The Fast-AHC algorithm is derived by applying the proposed RLS-TD(lambda) algorithm in the critic network of the adaptive heuristic critic method. Unlike conventional AHC algorithm, Fast-AHC makes use of RLS methods to improve the learning-prediction efficiency in the critic. Learning control experiments of the cart-pole balancing and the acrobot swing-up problems are conducted to compare the data efficiency of Fast-AHC with conventional AHC. From the experimental results, it is shown that the data efficiency of learning control can also be improved by using RLS methods in the learning-prediction process of the critic. The performance of Fast-AHC is also compared with that of the AHC method using LS-TD(lambda). Furthermore, it is demonstrated in the experiments that different initial values of the variance matrix in RLS-TD(lambda) are required to get better performance not only in learning prediction but also in learning control. The experimental results are analyzed based on the existing theoretical work on the transient phase of forgetting factor RLS methods.
The Human FSGS-Causing ANLN R431C Mutation Induces Dysregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR/Rac1 Signaling in Podocytes
Authors: Hall Gentzon , Lane Brandon M. , Khan Kamal , Pediaditakis Igor , Xiao Jianqiu , Wu Guanghong , Wang Liming , Kovalik Maria E. , Chryst-Stangl Megan , Davis Erica E. , Spurney Robert F. , Gbadegesin Rasheed A.
Published: July 2018

Background

We previously reported that mutations in the anillin (ANLN) gene cause familial forms of FSGS. ANLN is an F-actin binding protein that modulates podocyte cell motility and interacts with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway through the slit diaphragm adaptor protein CD2-associated protein (CD2AP). However, it is unclear how the ANLN mutations cause the FSGS phenotype. We hypothesized that the R431C mutation exerts its pathogenic effects by uncoupling ANLN from CD2AP.

Methods

We conducted in vivo complementation assays in zebrafish to determine the effect of the previously identified missense ANLN variants, ANLNR431C
and ANLNG618C
during development. We also performed in vitro functional assays using human podocyte cell lines stably expressing wild-type ANLN (ANLNWT
) or ANLNR431C
.

Results

Experiments in anln-deficient zebrafish embryos showed a loss-of-function effect for each ANLN variant. In human podocyte lines, expression of ANLNR431C
increased cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Biochemical characterization of ANLNR431C
-expressing podocytes revealed hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K/Rac1 signaling axis and activation of mTOR-driven endoplasmic reticulum stress in ANLNR431C
-expressing podocytes. Inhibition of mTOR, GSK-3β, Rac1, or calcineurin ameliorated the effects of ANLNR431C
. Additionally, inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway reduced the expression of endogenous ANLN and mTOR.

Conclusions

The ANLNR431C
mutation causes multiple derangements in podocyte function through hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K/Rac1 signaling. Our findings suggest that the benefits of calcineurin inhibition in FSGS may be due, in part, to the suppression of ANLN and mTOR. Moreover, these studies illustrate that rational therapeutic targets for familial FSGS can be identified through biochemical characterization of dysregulated podocyte phenotypes.
Ways of Knowing and Doing STS: Niki Vermeulen Talks with Wiebe Bijker
Authors: Vermeulen Niki , Bijker Wiebe
Published: July 2018

It is a special moment in the history of STS. With the young discipline transitioning into a not so-young-field-anymore, there is plenty of reason for celebrations: defining groups are celebrating remarkable anniversaries and individual careers are celebrated when founding figures retire. These celebrations are also excellent moments for reflections on pasts, presents and futures of STS and the place of STS in the wider world. In this conversation, Wiebe Bijker, recently subject of his own retirement celebration in Maastricht (Bijker 2017), shares his views on STS. We travel with him from the Netherlands to India, and briefly stop in Edinburgh at SSU where we find the origin of the SCOT abbreviation. On the way, we discuss Dutch activism, teaching, the institutionalization of STS, the emergence of international networks, and different roads STS can take. We end with an optimistic view towards a global future, while emphasizing the importance of the inclusion of history and the classics.
Cracking the Crystal in STS: Marcelo Fetz Talks with Harry Collins
Authors: Fetz Marcelo , Collins Harry
Published: July 2018

In this interview, Harry Collins and Marcelo Fetz discuss Collins’ early work on the importance of tacit knowledge in laboratory research, the revolutionary spirit of early Science and Technology Studies (STS) research, and his concerns about its current intellectual decline which he sees as a result of the popularity of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) approaches and an increasing focus on policy-relevant STS studies. Collins describes how, in the early years of STS, he was part of a group of social scientists, interested in the analysis of scientific knowledge and practices, who immersed themselves in particular research fields, and then used their familiarity with science to develop radical new approaches to the topic. For him, the “interactional expertise” developed in such encounters is a key research tool––STS’s most effective means of generating compelling new ways of understanding science and technology––which should not be abandoned in favor of alternative approaches.  In his following reflection, Marcelo Fetz considers the unifying conditions that were needed to “crack the crystal of science,” and the later problems resulting from the institutionalization of STS.
Introduction: Talking STS
Authors: Mazanderani Fadhila , Fletcher Isabel , Schyfter Pablo
Published: July 2018

Talking STS is a collection of interviews and accompanying reflections on the origins, the present and the future of the field referred to as Science and Technology Studies or Science, Technology and Society (STS). The volume assembles the thoughts and recollections of some of the leading figures in the making of this field. The occasion for producing the collection has been the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the University of Edinburgh’s Science Studies Unit (SSU). The Unit’s place in the history of STS is consequently a recurring theme of the volume. However, the interviews assembled here have a broader purpose – to present interviewees’ situated and idiosyncratic experiences and perspectives on STS, going beyond the contributions made to it by any one individual, department or institution. Both individually and collectively, these conversations provide autobiographically informed insights on STS. Together with the reflections, they prompt further discussion, reflection and questioning about this constantly evolving field.
TÜRKİYE’DE SİVİL HAVACILIK SEKTÖRÜNÜN GELİŞİMİNE GENEL BİR BAKIŞ
Authors: Aksoy Cenk , Dursun Ömer Osman
Published: July 2018

Dünyadaki havacılıkla
ilgili hızlı ilerlemelere paralel olarak Türkiye; uçak trafiği ve yolcu
sayısında kırılan rekorlar, dünyaya örnek olan havaalanı yatırımları, yurt içi
yurt dışı uçuş ağında yaşanan gelişmeler, uçuş emniyeti ve havacılık güvenliği
konusunda yapılan düzenlemeler ile sivil havacılıkta uluslararası alanda önemli
bir konuma yükselmiştir. 2016 yılında yaşanan tüm olumsuzluklara rağmen,
taşıdığı potansiyal, fırsat ve riskleri değerlendirerek atılım ve projelerle
tüm dünyada konuşulmaya devam eden Türkiye, mevcut devlet ve özel
işletmeleriyle kaliteli hizmet sunarak havacılığın konforunu, hızlı ve güvenli
olarak dünyaya ve ülkesine sunmaktadır. 168 ülke ile ikili havacılık anlaşması
bulunan Türkiye’nin dünyada en fazla uçuş ağına sahip ülkelerinden biri olduğu
söylenebilir. 2016 yılında Uluslararası havacılık kurallarını belirleyen ICAO
Konsey Üyesi olmayı başaran Türkiye, uçuş emniyeti ve havacılık güvenliği
konularında da uluslararası düzeyde katkı sağlayan ülkeler arasındadır.
Türkiye’nin ulusal hava yolu şirketi aynı zamanda en değerli markası olan Türk
Hava Yollarının dünyadaki başarısı da ülkede sivil havacılığa verilen önemin
göstergesidir. Türkiye’nin dünyada havacılık açısından bir merkez olmasını
sağlayacak olan 3. Havalimanı yatırımının Türkiye’yi bölgesinde daha güçlü bir
hale getireceği ayrıca ekonomik getirilerinin yanı sıra uluslararası strateji
bağlamında da belirgin avantajlar sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir. Bu kapsamda bu
çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’nin sivil havacılıkla ilgili birikimlerini özetleyerek
güncel veriler ışığında ortaya koymaktır. Ayrıca Türkiye’yi bölgesinde lider ve
dünyada söz sahibi yapacak konuları gündeme getirerek bu konulara ilişkin
farkındalık oluşturmakta amaçlanmıştır.
Las fuentes gráficas de las pinturas barrocas de los Padres de la Iglesia de Mendiguren (Álava) y La Cerca (Burgos). Fortuna de una invención de Pieter de Witte
Authors: Vélez  Chaurri Jóse Javier , Echeverría Goñi Pedro Luis
Published: July 2018

Analizamos aquí las pinturas barrocas de los Padres de la Iglesia de las parroquias de Mendiguren (Álava) y La Cerca (Burgos). Forman parte de sendos programas contrarreformistas del siglo XVII en los que se exalta a la Asunción y la Inmaculada respectivamente. Estas obras son copias de los grabados de A. Sadeler II y J. F. Greuter a partir de una creación de Pieter de Witte.
Sebastián Martínez, el amigo de Goya
Authors: Gil-Díez Usandizaga Ignacio
Published: July 2018

Sebastián Martínez Pérez (Treguajantes-La Rioja 1747 - Murcia 1800) es una personalidad relevante en muy distintos ámbitos y lugares ubicados cronológicamente en las últimas décadas del siglo XVIII. En este artículo me propongo aportar nuevos datos sobre su biografía y ajustar su llamativa relación con el pintor Francisco de Goya, señalando el posible papel que la influencia del riojano jugó en la evolución de las ideas artísticas del genial aragonés.
Jeronimo Grimaldi, un ejemplo de supervivencia política
Authors: García Diego Paulino
Published: July 2018

El embajador y secretario de Estado de origen genoves Jeronimo Grimaldi y Pallavicini, acometió iniciativas significativas en materia de relaciones internacionales. Pero tuvo asimismo una participación activa, pero silenciosa, en las intrigas y pugnas por el poder con Esquilache y, sobre todo, con Aranda, lo que le permitiría mantener su posicion política durante casi trece anos, entre 1763 y 1776.
Awareness and knowledge of medical emergency in dental clinic in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Sheikho Maan Ahmed , Alyahya Faisal Hamad , Alzahrani Fahad Alhussain
Published: July 2018

Background: In dentistry most of the medical emergency considered to be mild, and in some situation it can be very serious. The objective of our study is to assess knowledge and awareness of dental general practitioner, preparedness of dental clinic/team and the prevalence of most common medical emergencies encountered in dental clinics.Methods: This is a cross sectional study using self-administrated electronic questionnaire conducted on dental general practitioners (GPs) working in kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the months of January and February 2018 were recruited.Results: Less than half of the participants (47.3%) usually check vital signs before surgical extraction only and 42% before simple and surgical extraction and 8% before simple extraction only. Only 46.4% of the participants have experienced at least one medical emergency throughout their career. The most common medical emergency encountered is vasovagal syncope followed by hypoglycaemia and seizures, respectively. Majority of GPs have valid BLS and no one answered all question correctly.Conclusions: There are serious problems regarding the knowledge among dental GPs. Further studies needed to assess the education of medical emergency in schools of dentistry.
İnşaat Sektöründe Mesleki Eğitim Performans Göstergeleri
Authors: IŞIK Zeynep , BUDAYAN Cenk , ALADAĞ Hande , DEMİRDÖĞEN Gökhan , YILMAZ Tamer , ARDITI David
Published: July 2018

İnşaat sektörünün proje temelli yapısı göz önüne alındığında, bir projenin başarısının hem şirketin hem de sektörün başarısını etkilemesi beklenmektedir. Mesleki eğitim de inşaat sektöründe proje başarısının önemli bir parçasıdır. İnşaat projelerinde çalışanların mesleki anlamda eğitilmesi, işçilikten kaynaklı hataları azaltarak sahadaki verimliliği ve projenin performansını artıracaktır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çalışmaya veri teşkil eden ülkelerin mesleki eğitim TPG arasında karşılaştırmalı bir değerlendirme yapmaktır. Bu amaçla, inşaat sektöründeki mesleki eğitim kurumlarının Temel Performans Göstergeleri (TPG’ler), Kurumsal Karne (KK) yönteminin finansal, stajyer memnuniyeti, iç süreç ve öğrenme ve büyüme perspektifleri kullanılarak tanımlanmıştır. TPG’ler Almanya, Hollanda, Litvanya ve Türkiye'de gerçekleştirilen çalıştaylarda değerlendirilmiş; toplanan veriler, Bulanık Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci (BAHS) kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir.
İstanbul’da Yol Kenarı Parklarda Kullanıcı Alışkanlıklarının İncelenmesi
Authors: DEMİR Abdullah
Published: July 2018

İstanbul, yaklaşık
15 milyonluk nüfusu, 2,669 milyonu otomobil olmak üzere 3,875 milyonluk araç
parkı ve kontrollü/kontrolsüz park etmenin %70 aşan oranda yol kenarlarında
olduğu mega bir şehirdir. Bu çalışmada İstanbul’daki yol
kenarı otopark kullanıcı davranışlarındaki değişimler, yaklaşık 8 yıllık
otopark verilerinden yararlanılarak; saat, gün, ay, mevsim ve yıllara göre
analiz edilmiştir. Ayrıca ücret artışının ve kısa süreli ücretsiz park
uygulamalarının etkileri de incelenmiştir. Çalışma neticesinde; günde %20’lik
park girişinin saat 09.00 ile 11.00 arasında, en fazla işlemin haftanın orta
günü olan Çarşamba’da, en az işlem ve en uzun ortalama park etme süresinin de
Pazar gününde meydana geldiği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yıllar geçtikçe
araçların otoparkta kalma sürelerinin artış göstererek 2 saate yaklaştığı ve
Avrupa yakasında saat 14.00-15.00 arasında doluluk oranının %86’ya eriştiği de
saptanmıştır. Bir diğer önemli incelemede yol kenarı otoparklarda uygulanan
0-15 dakika ücretsiz park seçeneğinin geçici bir süre kaldırılmasıyla;
devinimlerde belirgin düşme, tahsilat oranında, her bir işlem başına düşen
gelirde, ortalama park etme sürelerinde ise artış olduğu ve 15 dakika ücretsiz
park etme hakkının tekrar uygulanmasıyla birlikte tahakkuk-tahsilat oranında
belirgin artış olduğu ve bu durumun kullanıcı ödeme alışkanlığını pozitif yönde
etkilediği de tespit edilmiştir.
Capacidade combinatória de híbridos de milho para eficiência e resposta ao uso do fósforo uso do fósforo
Authors: Colombo Gustavo André , Vaz-de-Melo Aurélio , Souza André Silva de , Silva José Guilherme Carneiro
Published: July 2018

Recentes estimativas apontam que o estresse nutricional que aflige áreas agrícolas ao longo do mundo pode levar à extinção precoce de reservas naturais de fósforo, de forma que o desenvolvimento de genótipos de milho eficientes no uso do nutriente terá papel fundamental na agricultura.Neste sentido, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar, por meio de cruzamentos dialélicos, as capacidades geral (CGC) e específica (CEC) da combinação de oito híbridos comerciais de milho, em níveis distintos de adubação fosfatada, com o intuito de identificar combinações híbridas promissoras para as condições edafoclimáticas das regiões sul do estado do Tocantins. Os oito híbridos comerciais e suas 28 combinações híbridas foram avaliados no ano agrícola de 2011/2012, em ambientes denominados baixo fósforo e alto fósforo; foram determinadas a produção de grãos (PROD), a eficiência no uso do fósforo (EUP) e a resposta ao uso do fósforo (RUP). Observou-se maior contribuição da ação gênica não aditiva no controle dos atributos. Apenas o genitor AG 1051 apresentou estimativas positivas de CGC para todas as características avaliadas em ambos os ambientes de cultivo, sendo descrito como promissor para compor hibridações que visem à EUP, RUP e PROD, independente do nível de adubação fosfatada proposto. De acordo com as estimativas de CEC para PROD em baixo fósforo e EUP, a combinação híbrida AG 2040 x P30F53 é classificada como promissora. Da mesma forma, a combinação híbrida BM 2202 x P30F80 é classificada como promissora para PROD em alto fósforo e RUP.
How the rights of all school students and teachers are affected by special educational needs or disability (SEND) services: Teaching, psychology, policy
Authors: Alderson Priscilla
Published: July 2018

This paper considers how teachers, psychologists and policymakers can respect the rights of all school students, through methods that are principled, humane, cost-effective and democratic. It examines how special educational needs and disability (SEND) services affect all school students
and teachers, and their rights. The paper considers the history of rights, their meaning and purpose, and how and why they are important. Respect for rights can grow in several ways: in understanding the social and medical models of disability; in choices about SEND services; in educational
psychology services; in the way 'normal' and 'special needs' students learn to live and work together, or else to live separate lives when it is then harder for disabled people to join in mainstream society as children and adults. The conclusion relates inclusive and special school policies
to larger political concerns.
Brain drain in higher education: Critical voices on teacher education in Yemen
Authors: Muthanna Abdulghani , Sang Guoyuan
Published: July 2018

Brain drain is a context-based issue and has direct impact on the quality of higher education for institutions where a significant number of instructors migrate to take up work in other countries. This is a critical problem in Yemen where higher teacher education programmes still lack
teachers. Interpretive analysis of in-depth interviews with two university administrators and ten teacher educators revealed four key factors affecting the occurrence of brain drain: ineffective application of sabbatical leave regulations; failure to equalize returning teachers' salaries with
those of their colleagues; lack of resources to support research; and the presence of internal and external conflicts. The study also provides insights for decreasing brain drain in Yemen.
The weakness of 'powerful knowledge'
Authors: White John
Published: July 2018

This article offers a philosophical critique of Michael Young's notion of 'powerful knowledge', as found largely in his own but also in others' writings since 2009. The first part of the article focuses on the definitional connection that Young makes between 'powerful knowledge' and
systematic relationships between concepts. It argues that most of the school subjects that Young sees as providing 'powerful knowledge' fall short on this requirement. It also comments on the place of educational aims and of everyday concepts in Young's thinking. The second part of the article
draws attention to similarities and differences between Young's notion and the philosopher Paul Hirst's notion of 'forms of knowledge', claiming that Young's position is vulnerable to many of the critiques of Hirst's notion formulated between the 1960s and the 1990s.
Correlation between caries experience in Sudanese school children and dietary habits, according to a food frequency questionnaire and a modified 24-hr recall method
Authors:   University of Khartoum, Sudan, Nurelhuda NM , Malde MK ,   National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) Bergen, Norway, Ahmed MF ,   Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, UK, Trovik TA ,   University of Tromsø, Norway
Published: July 2018

World -wide epidemiological studies have found positive correlations between sugar - sweetened snack intake and dental caries in developing countries and the contrary in developed countries . The pattern of sugar -sweetened snack intake and the magnitude of its effect on the prevalence of dental caries differs from one population to another rendering it important to study each situation separately. In Sudan, to the best of our knowledge, the relation between dietary habits and oral health has not been reported previously, with the exception of a single study by Emslie, in 1966. The aims of this study among 12- year -old public and private school attendees in Khartoum w ere to test the hypothesis that the frequency of intake of sugar -sweetened snacks and beverages is associated with caries experience and socio -demographics, using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ ) and Food Behaviour Checklist (FBC) . A school -based survey was conducted among the 12- year -old school children of Khartoum state. Data was collected through face to face interviewer administered questionnaires. Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index was measured using WHO criteria. No significant association was found between the total frequency of intake of the listed sugar -sweetened items and caries experience ( DMFT >0 n=298) . The 7 food items were inserted in a multiple variable logistic regression model (Nagelkerke 0.026]) alongside the socio -demographic variables with the Higher caries Experience Group as the dependent, and the soft drinks demonstrated a statistically significant association (OR 1.5 95% CI [ 1.0 – 2.4]) . The hypothesis that the frequency of intake of sugar -sweetened snacks or beverages is associated with caries experience and socio -demographics in Khartoum 12- year -old school children is accepted in the higher caries experience group in that the high consumption of soft drinks was found to be a risk indicator for dental caries. School health promotion programs should be established, with the common risk factor approach in mind, thus, addressing the risk factor of poor dietary habits , which is common to many chronic conditions within a wider context .
Health and Health Care Disparities in Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases: Learning from One to Improve the Other
Authors: Mensah George A.
Published: July 2018

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):133-134; doi:10.18865/ed.28.3.133.
Sociodemographics, But not Acculturation Proxies, Account for Differences in Lifetime Cessation between White and Hispanic Smokers
Authors: Castro Yessenia , Bares Cristina B. , Castillo Berenice , Kennedy Ariel
Published: July 2018

Objective: Prominent addiction theories predict that Hispanic smokers should have more success at quitting than White smok­ers due to less physical dependence on average, but extant findings are mixed. This might be due in part to a lack of attention to confounding demographic and accultura­tion-related variables. Our study compared likelihood of lifetime cessation between White and Hispanic men and women of different language proficiency, nativity and residency status, controlling for age, educa­tion, and poverty level.

Method: Data from 123,574 White and Hispanic participants in the 2011-2015 National Health Interview Surveys were used. Logistic regression analyses examined ethnic differences in odds of being a former smoker. Predicted probabilities of being a former smoker were calculated from these models.

Results: In unadjusted analyses, White men demonstrated higher odds of being a former smoker compared with Hispanic men, Hispanic women, and White women. In adjusted analyses, Hispanics demonstrated higher odds of being a former smoker compared with Whites, and differences by acculturation proxies emerged.

Conclusions: Not accounting for demo­graphics may suppress ethnic differences in likelihood of smoking cessation. Among His­panics, demographics may be more impor­tant determinants of lifetime quitting than acculturation-related characteristics.

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):145-152; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.145
To Text or Not to Text? Technology-based Cessation Communication Preferences among Urban, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Smokers
Authors: Alcaraz Kassandra I. , Riehman Kara , Vereen Rhyan , Bontemps-Jones Jeuneviette , Westmaas J. Lee
Published: July 2018

Objective: Effective smoking cessa­tion interventions are needed to reduce tobacco-related disparities. Communication technology-based interventions are increas­ingly being employed to help smokers quit, with controlled research demonstrating effi­cacy of text messaging and email in increas­ing abstinence. Understanding preferences for such strategies among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers can inform targeted intervention planning. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers’ use of and access to communication technology; and 2) elucidate preferences for receiving quitting information and support via email and text message.

Design: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study collected data from a self-administered survey and focus groups in September 2017.

Participants: A community-based, sample of 15 predominantly African American, socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers aged 21-64 years.

Results: Smartphone ownership was high, although use of communication-based cessation resources such as web sites and smartphone apps was low. Four themes emerged relevant to preferences for receiv­ing quitting information and support via email and text message: access, appro­priateness, intended use, and satisfaction. Although initially participants were mixed in their preferences for receiving emails vs texts, 80% preferred emails over texts when presented with sample emails and text mes­sages containing cessation information.

Conclusions: In this sample of socioeco­nomically disadvantaged smokers, emails were preferred over text messages for smoking cessation assistance. Although both email and text message strategies may be acceptable to socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers generally, issues such as access and intended use should be considered to inform specific disparity-reducing intervention approaches.

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):161-168; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.161.
Commentary: Educational and Clinical Training Considerations for Addressing Tobacco-Related Cancer Health Disparities
Authors: Sheffer Christine E. , Webb Hooper Monica , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: July 2018

In the United States, tobacco use is a lead­ing contributor to inequities in cancer health among individuals for many ethnic, racial, sexual minority, and other minority groups as well as individuals in lower socioeconom­ic groups and other underserved popula­tions. Despite remarkable decreases in tobacco use prevalence rates in the United States over the past 50 years, the benefits of tobacco control efforts are not equitably distributed. Tobacco-related disparities include higher prevalence rates of smoking, lower rates of quitting, less robust responses to standard evidence-based treatments, substandard tobacco treatment delivery by health care providers, and an increased burden of tobacco-related cancers and other diseases.

Among the multiple critical barriers to achieving progress in reducing tobacco treatment-related disparities, there are several educational barriers including a uni­dimensional or essentialist conceptualiza­tions of the disparities; a tobacco treatment workforce unprepared to address the needs of tobacco users from underserved groups; and known research-to-practice gaps in un­derstanding, assessing, and treating tobacco use among underserved groups.

We propose the development of competen­cy-based curricula that: 1) use intersection­ality as an organizing framework for relevant knowledge; 2) teach interpersonal skills, such as expressing sociocultural respect, a lack of cultural superiority, and empathy as well as skills for developing other-oriented therapeutic relations; and 3) are grounded in the science of the evidence-based treat­ments for tobacco dependence. These cur­ricula could be disseminated nationally in multiple venues and would represent signifi­cant progress toward addressing tobacco-re­lated disparities.

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):187- 192; doi:10.18865/ed.28.3.187.
Sleep Disorders and Symptoms in Blacks with Metabolic Syndrome: the Metabolic Syndrome Outcome Study (MetSO)
Authors: Williams Natasha J. , Castor Chimene , Seixas Azizi , Ravenell Joseph , Jean-Louis Girardin
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Sleep disturbance is a major public health issue and is comorbid with the cluster of conditions associated with meta­bolic syndrome (MetS). Our study explored the presence of sleep disturbance, including daytime sleepiness, the risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia symp­toms, in a cohort of adult Black men and women with MetS.

Methods: Patients (n=1,013) from the Met­abolic Syndrome Outcome Study (MetSO), 2009-2012, met criteria for MetS based on guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel and provided sociodemographic data and the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) questionnaire to assess OSA risk, sleep char­acteristics, and physician-reported diagnosis of a sleep disorder.

Results: Prevalence of the components of MetS included: diabetes (60%); obesity (67%); hypertension (94%); and dyslip­idemia (74%). Based on the ARES, 49% were at risk for OSA. Of all study patients, slightly more than half (53%) reported feel­ing sleepy during the day, and 10% reported an insomnia diagnosis. The most common sleep disturbance reported by 46% of the patients was early morning awakenings (EMA). This was closely followed by 42% who reported difficulty staying asleep (DSA) and 38% reporting difficulty falling asleep (DFA). Seventy percent reported short sleep (≤ 6 hours), whereas a minority (19%) reported long sleep (≥ 9 hours). Only 12% used sleep aids. Women, compared with men, reported greater daytime sleepiness, greater DFA, and greater DSA (57% vs 45%; 41% vs 32.4%; 45% vs 37%), respectively.

Conclusion: Blacks with MetS reported insomnia symptoms and insomnia disor­der, use of sleep aids, feeling sleepy during the day, and inadequate sleep durations. The presence of these sleep characteristics suggests that patients with MetS should be referred for further sleep assessment.

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):193-200; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.193
Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Common Mental Disorders in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Smolen Jenny Rose , De Araújo Edna Maria , De Oliveira Nelson Fernandes , De Araújo Tania Maria
Published: July 2018

This study applies the perspective of intersectionality, defined as social identi­ties combining with one another and with structural societal factors to produce health inequities, to assess the interaction between race, gender, and common mental disorders (CMD) in northeastern Brazil. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire was used to assess CMD among a representative sample of adults in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil (N=3273). Four groups (Black men, Black women, White women, White men) repre­sented the intersection of race and gender. We used a Chi square test to compare the four groups and Poisson regressions to de­termine prevalence ratios (PR). White men had the lowest prevalence of CMD (11.1%) and Black women had the highest (37.2%). After adjusting for covariates, Black women had a statistically significantly higher preva­lence of CMD than White men (PR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.39-4.25), though the prevalence among White women was not statistically significantly different from White men (PR=1.74; 95% CI: .93-3.30). Interaction tests were conducted on the multiplicative and additive scale, although the results were not statistically significant. These findings indicate that the experience of being both Black and a woman in Brazil is associated with elevated prevalence of CMD. Programs and interventions are needed to address this burden and research is needed to further explore its cause.

Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):207- 214; doi:10.18865/ed.28.3.207
Impact des Processus Hydrochimique sur la Qualité des Eaux souterraines de la Ville de N’Djaména-Tchad
Authors: Edith Kadjangaba , Daїra Djoret , Jean-Claude Doumnang Mbaigane , Anaclet Ndoutamia Guelmbaye , Yaya Mahmout
Published: July 2018

The problem of access to water in quality and quantity is a major challenge, because it strongly influences the socio-economic conditions of populations in developing countries. The water of the basement of the city of N'Djamena is not sheltered from the risk of pollution. She disposes very little functional wastewater disposal system because the collection networks are almost non-existent, moreover there is a lack of infrastructures for evacuation of household waste, as well as the solid waste treatment units. In addition, under the town of N'Djamena there are two main aquifers located respectively at about 10 and 60 m depth, and the presence of an intermediate aquifer about 30 m deep was also noted. Like all urban cities, these aquifers are not immune to the risks associated with human activities. In order to highlight the influence of the hydrochemical process on the groundwater quality of the city of N'Djamena, a study was conducted on a sample of well water and borehole. In total, 20 open wells and 16 boreholes were sampled and analyzed. The pH and the temperature were measured in situ using the pH 323 / Set B mixed electrode and the conductivity using the Lf 318 / Set electrode. It is the same for the alkalinity which is determined by titrimetry, using a HACH / 16900 brand digital titrator. The analysis of major ions was carried out at the Laboratory of Hydrogeology of the University of Avignon. the anions (Cl - , SO42- , NO3 - ) were analyzed using a Dionex ion chromatograph, and the cations (Ca2+ , Mg2+ , Na+ , K + ) using an atomic absorption spectrometer for with a relative uncertainty of 5%. The results of the in-situ parameters have shown that the waters have a pH which is around 6.85 in the wells and 7.24 in the boreholes and the measured temperature is close to the ambient temperature of the air which is 28 ° C. The mineralization of the waters is sometimes high and this results in values of conductivities that can reach 1253 μS / cm), especially in the wells. This increase in conductivity is accompanied by an increase in Cl - and NO3 - ions in the water. Groundwater has a wide variety of chemical facies, among which mention may be made of calciumbicarbonate-type water, sometimes nitrated, sodium bicarbonate and potassium and nitrate, which may have high chloride contents and bicarbonate and chloride and nitrate calcium or sodium. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has shown that the main processes influencing groundwater chemistry are hydrolysis of silicates, cation exchange between groundwater and clayey minerals, evaporation and the impact of human activities.
Adaptabilité Biologique Chez Des Enfants Issus De Milieu De Vie Différent
Authors: Jérôme Kouadio Kouakou , Firmin Kouassi Kouakou , Pazé Kouamé N’guessan
Published: July 2018

The biological adaptability of the child seems to be realized according to the living conditions that are offered to him. The influence of these conditions on the biophysiological functioning of the child was not sufficiently examined. This paper focuses on comparing the biological adaptability of children living in poorer socio-health conditions to that of their peers from a more appropriate socio-health environment. It covered 189 Ivorian children aged between 6 and 59 months, including 103 from inadequate social and health care settings and 86 that was selected in a relatively adequate sociohealth environment. The examination of the biological adaptability of the two groups of children was done by considering the frequencies of physical diseases. The results show that infants and children who live in an environment that lacks infrastructure for quality drinking water, hygienic toilet for their needs, lost wells or washbasins for sewage disposal, and trashes or covered barrels for the conservation of household garbage have a higher rate of biological miss-adaptabilities than their peers from an environment that offers these possibilities. The rate of malaria (26.4%, 20.6%), intestinal infections (28.4%, 37.4%), anemia (7.5%, 10.9%) in infants and children whose health and social needs are not realized differ significantly from those of their counterparts who have less difficulty achieving theirs (malaria: 19.5%, 18.4%, intestinal infections: 0%, 0%, anemias: 0%, 0%). These results confirm the hypothesis that the structuring of the living environment is a factor that has a variable effect on biological adaptability.