bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tendências e diversidade na utilização empírica do Modelo Demanda-Controle de Karasek (estresse no trabalho): uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Alves Márcia Guimarães de Mello , Hökerberg Yara H M , Faerstein Eduardo
Published: June 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: O modelo demanda-controle de Karasek tem sido utilizado para investigar associação entre estresse no trabalho e desfechos de saúde. Entretanto, diferentes instrumentos e definições têm sido adotados para aferir a exposição "alta exigência no trabalho", o que dificulta a comparação de resultados entre estudos. OBJETIVO: Descrever os instrumentos e as definições adotadas para a variável de exposição "estresse no trabalho", avaliada segundo o modelo demanda-controle, nos estudos observacionais publicados até 2010. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática de estudos observacionais publicados até dezembro de 2010, que avaliaram a exposição "estresse no trabalho", aferido segundo o modelo demanda-controle de Karasek e utilizaram o JCQ ou seus derivados, desde que explicitado nos textos. RESULTADOS: Entre 877 resumos selecionados, 496 (57%) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Identificou-se tendência à produção bibliográfica crescente no tema. A maioria dos estudos foi de natureza seccional; não encontramos diferenças relevantes entre as populações de estudo masculinas e femininas. Suécia, EUA, Japão e Canadá concentraram 57% das publicações, em sua maioria incluindo mais de 1.000 participantes e ocupações diversificadas. Desfechos cardiovasculares e seus fatores de risco foram os mais estudados (45%), seguidos por aqueles relacionados à saúde mental (25%). Em 71% dos estudos foi utilizado o Job Content Questionnaire (com 2 a 49 itens) e, em 19% do total, a versão sueca (Demand Control Swedish Questionnaire). Quadrantes de exposição demanda-controle foram utilizados em 51% dos trabalhos, mas com variados pontos de corte; escores das duas dimensões foram analisados em separado em 27%, e sua razão em 14% do total. Apoio social no trabalho foi avaliado em 44% dos estudos. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo Karasek deverá continuar a suscitar pesquisas epidemiológicas e esperamos que os pesquisadores enfrentem essas questões teóricas e metodológicas ainda pendentes.
Prevalência e fatores associados à desnutrição e ao excesso de peso em menores de cinco anos nos seis maiores municípios do Maranhão
Authors: Chagas Deysianne Costa das , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Batista Rosangela Fernandes Lucena , Simões Vanda Maria Ferreira , Lamy Zeni Carvalho , Coimbra Liberata Campos , Alves Maria Teresa Seabra Soares de Britto e
Published: June 2013

Prevalências de desnutrição e excesso de peso em menores de cinco anos e sua associação com fatores socioeconômicos, sanitários e demográficos foram estimadas nos seis maiores municípios do Maranhão, em 2006/2007. Por meio de inquérito domiciliar por amostragem 1.214 crianças menores de cinco anos foram aleatoriamente selecionadas. Foi utilizada amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios, representativa dos seis municípios maranhenses com mais de cem mil habitantes. Foram aplicados questionários padronizados para as mães ou responsáveis pelas crianças e aferidos peso e estatura. Para classificação da desnutrição foram utilizados os pontos de corte < - 2 escores z pelos indicadores peso para idade, peso para estatura e estatura para idade. Para a classificação do excesso de peso foram considerados > +2 escores z, de acordo com o indicador peso para estatura, seguindo recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Pelo índice peso para idade a prevalência de desnutrição foi de 4,5%, pelo índice estatura para idade 8,5% estavam com desnutrição pregressa e pelo índice peso para estatura 3,9% encontravam-se com desnutrição atual, enquanto 6,7% apresentavam excesso de peso. Crianças de famílias chefiadas por mulheres apresentaram menores prevalências de desnutrição (Razão de Prevalências = 0,4). Variáveis socioeconômicas não estiveram associadas à desnutrição ou ao excesso de peso. Recebimento de benefício do programa bolsa família não foi associado à desnutrição ou excesso de peso. A prevalência de desnutrição infantil foi baixa, mas o excesso de peso foi mais prevalente do que a desnutrição. Não foi detectada desigualdade social em relação à desnutrição em crianças menores de cinco anos, sugerindo evolução favorável no sentido de maior equidade.
Situação dos municípios do estado de São Paulo com relação à compra direta de produtos da agricultura familiar para o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE)
Authors: Villar Betzabeth Slater , Schwartzman Flavia , Januario Bruna Lourenço , Ramos Jamile Fernandes
Published: June 2013

INTRODUCAO: Em 2009, foi aprovada a Lei 11.947, a qual dispõe sobre o atendimento da alimentação escolar e consolida a vinculação da agricultura familiar com o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE), ao estipular que no mínimo 30% do total dos recursos financeiros repassados pelo Governo Federal aos estados e municípios deverão ser utilizados na aquisição de gêneros alimentícios diretamente da agricultura familiar. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a situação dos municípios do estado de São Paulo com relação à compra de produtos diretamente da agricultura familiar após a aprovação da Lei 11.947. METODO: O diagnostico foi realizado nos meses de junho a agosto de 2011 por instituições vinculadas à Comissão Estadual Intersetorial da Alimentação Escolar (CEIA). Para o levantamento foi utilizado questionário e realizada entrevista telefônica com os representantes dos 645 municípios. RESULTADOS: Em um total de 613 municípios foi possível obter as seguintes informações: 47% (288) já haviam realizado as compras locais pelo menos uma vez, em todas as suas etapas. Dos 325 municípios que não efetivaram o processo em todas as fases, 57% não haviam publicado a chamada pública; 37% publicaram, mas não assinaram o contrato de aquisição; 2% publicaram, assinaram o contrato, mas não haviam recebido os produtos; e 4% publicaram, receberam os produtos mas ainda não haviam pago os agricultores. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos revelam que aproximadamente 50% dos municípios avaliados estão em situação positiva com relação às compras locais para o PNAE. Entretanto, o número de municípios que não publicou a chamada ou que não assinou o contrato é ainda importante, merecendo atenção dos setores envolvidos.
Toward a mechanism for eastern North American forest mesophication: differential litter drying across 17 species
Authors: Kreye Jesse K. , Varner J. Morgan , Hiers J. Kevin , Mola John
Published: June 2013

Long‐term fire exclusion has altered ecological function in many forested ecosystems in North America. The invasion of fire‐sensitive tree species into formerly pyrogenic upland forests in the southeastern United States has resulted in dramatic shifts in surface fuels that have been hypothesized to cause reductions in plant community flammability. The mechanism for the reduced flammability or “mesophication” has lacked empirical study. Here we evaluate a potential mechanism of reduced flammability by quantifying moisture retention (response time and initial moisture capacity) of foliar litter beds from 17 southeastern tree species spanning a wide range of fire tolerance. Ak‐means cluster analysis resulted in four species groups: a rapidly drying cluster of eight species; a five‐species group that absorbed little water but desorbed slowly; a two‐species group that absorbed substantial moisture but desorbed rapidly; and a two‐species cluster that absorbed substantial moisture and dried slowly. Fire‐sensitive species were segregated into the slow moisture loss clusters while fire‐tolerant species tended to cluster in the rapid drying groups. Principal‐components analysis indicated that several leaf characteristics correlated with absorption capacity and drying rates. Thin‐leaved species with high surface area : volume absorbed the greatest moisture content, while those with large, curling leaves had the fastest drying rates. The dramatic shifts in litter fuels as a result of invasion by fire‐sensitive species generate a positive feedback that reduce the windows of ignition, thereby facilitating the survival, persistence, and continued invasion of fire‐sensitive species in the uplands of the southeastern United States.
Dependence of stream predators on terrestrial prey fluxes: food web responses to subsidized predation
Authors: Atlas William I. , Palen Wendy J. , Courcelles Danielle M. , Munshaw Robin G. , Monteith Zachary L.
Published: June 2013

Resource subsidies in the form of energy, materials, and organisms can support the productivity of recipient ecosystems. When subsidies increase the abundance of top predators, theory predicts that top‐down interactions will be strengthened. However, the degree to which subsidies intensify predation should be constrained by the strength of interactions between predators and their prey. To test the potential for subsidies to drive strong top‐down control by two stream predators, steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) we reduced terrestrial prey and manipulated the presence of predators in 32 stream reaches. Prey subsidies supported elevated growth of predatory steelhead in our study system and in the absence of allochthonous prey steelhead experienced a 187% reduction in growth. Despite the high biomass of subsidized predators, there was little support for strong top‐down control of herbivore biomass, or a trophic cascade as measured by changes in AFDM and chlorophyll‐a. This result was consistent across subsidy treatments, suggesting that predatory steelhead are unable to increase exploitation of aquatic prey in the absence of terrestrial prey subsidies. The potential for top‐down control was apparently limited by the fact that most (82%) herbivores in our study system were armored and relatively invulnerable to predation. These results demonstrate the potential importance of behavioral and morphological adaptations that can temper predator prey interactions in highly subsidized ecosystems.
Fostering Self-Regulated Skills in an Educational Psychology Course for Brazilian Preservice Teachers
Authors: Boruchovitch Evely , Ganda Danielle R.
Published: June 2013

The relevance of self-regulated learning is well acknowledged by research, and converging evidence suggests that people can be taught self-regulatory skills, thus improving their behavior as learners. Researchers have recommended that educational psychology courses for preservice teachers should help future teachers become better learners as well as more effective teachers. An attempt was made to explore the challenge of creating an effective teaching approach to increase preservice teachers’ awareness of their personal learning. This idea was implemented in an educational psychology course for 26 Brazilian students in a teacher education program at a public university in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The procedures employed to foster self-regulatory skills and the results obtained from the experience are discussed in this article. Data were collected on 2 occasions using a self-efficacy for self-regulated learning scale and a general self-reflective activity. A structured diary about the students’ learning experiences was also required. Results showed reported gains in self-regulatory skills, greater awareness of affective and motivational states, and an improvement in study practices. Findings are discussed in terms of both the importance of improving students’ self-regulatory skills and the implications that such an initiative may have for future teaching practices.
Development of Successful Intelligence Through Movie Making: The Role of the Forethought Phase of Self-Regulation
Authors: Zbainos Dimitrios , Karoumpali Golfo , Kentouri Despoina
Published: June 2013

This study investigated how the forethought phase of self-regulation is related to the cultivation of successful intelligence (SI) through a filmmaking project. The sample included 83 middle school students divided into an intervention and a control group. Students in the former group received a 3-month intervention involving the making of short movies for the cultivation of SI, whereas the latter continued with traditional teaching. Both groups were tested for their SI before and after the intervention and completed a questionnaire for the forethought phase components of self-regulation. This article presents the analyses of students’ responses to the forethought phase components questionnaire. The results demonstrated that, in general, students of the intervention group expressed higher levels of forethought self-regulation indicators than their peers in the control group; the relationship, however, between self-regulation and SI measures was relatively weak.
Extensions of Cognitive Ability Assessment With Dynamic Testing Using Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Teo Pearly , Roodenburg John
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the extension of Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC)–based cognitive assessment with dynamic testing using self-regulated learning (SRL). It was based on extensive review, which called for an integrative assessment of the propensity for learning and cognition of children with learning disabilities (LDs). The objective was to examine whether a brief SRL engagement during dynamic testing could enhance self-regulatory behaviors and performance in 3 CHC areas and reveal differences in SRL processes. There were 50 children at risk for LDs assigned to 2 groups: 1 group participated in dynamic extensions of assessment with SRL (involving thinking aloud and mediated learning experience); the control group undertook the same tasks without SRL. Significant intergroup differences were found in behaviors across three CHC areas and test performance in writing but not in fluid reasoning or memory tasks. Thinking-aloud processes revealed SRL capacities not evident in static assessment. Implications of dynamic extensions of tests using SRL were discussed.
Labor Market Surveys: Importance to and Preparedness of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Barros-Bailey Mary , Saunders Jodi L.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore certified rehabilitation counselors’ (CRCs’) importance of and preparedness in the labor market survey (LMS) competency through data collected by theKnowledge Validation Inventory-Revised(KVI-R) instrument used by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification’s (CRCC) 2011 role and function study (CCRC, 2011b; Leahy, Chan, Sung, & Kim, 2011). LMS is a primary data collection method for gathering occupational and labor market information. Thus, this competency was examined because of its importance in the areas of rehabilitation counseling where this data is usually applied—transferable skills analysis, vocational decision making, job development and placement, and forensics. In this ex post facto secondary analysis, the single largest group of CRCs found LMS to beverytoextremely importantbut also reported onlymoderate preparednessto perform the function. Significant differences were found by geographical location, particularly between the Mid and South Atlantic, and in experience. Discussion, conclusions, implications, and areas for further research are addressed.
Communities of Practice: A Knowledge Translation Tool for Rehabilitation Professionals
Authors: Bezyak Jill L. , Ditchman Nicole , Burke Jana , Chan Fong
Published: June 2013

Increased attention to evidence-based practice (EBP) among rehabilitation professionals closely corresponds to recent interest in knowledge translation, which connects quality research to rehabilitation practice aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities. Despite the importance of knowledge translation for rehabilitation professionals, the concept is often overlooked or misunderstood. This article provides a brief review of knowledge translation to clarify potential misconceptions. In addition, communities of practice (CoPs) are introduced as a specific tool for knowledge translation. An overview of CoPs and guidelines for design, development, and use are reviewed. The flexibility and common ownership of CoPs provide an ideal approach for rehabilitation researchers, practitioners, and consumers to work together to develop knowledge and effective practice guidelines.
Experimental Studies and Verification of a Differential Target Antenna Coupling Method for Sensing and Imaging Subsurface Targets
Authors: Sternberg Ben K. , Dvorak Steven L.
Published: June 2013

We have developed a new electromagnetic geophysical system, the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) method, which can significantly improve target sensing and imaging capabilities compared to conventional measurements. In a companion paper, we developed the theory behind this method. In the current paper, we show an experimental validation of the method by comparing the measured and calculated responses for a variety of precisely known, small-scale targets. Excellent agreement has been obtained in all cases where the target was in contact with the earth. The DTAC method uses at least two frequencies. One frequency is used as a reference signal to establish the null direction at that frequency, and then a different frequency is used to measure the change in the null at that new frequency. We can also use an arbitrary number of frequencies with just one reference frequency for wide-bandwidth measurements. The DTAC method is not sensitive to the orientation of the receiver coil and it is relatively insensitive to variations in the background resistivity. Small-scale prototype measurements show that the DTAC method can detect targets deeper and with greater resolution of target dip, strike, and thickness than conventional methods. It is also possible to orient the DTAC array so that it is not sensitive to surface interference.
Analytical and Numerical Studies of a Differential Target Antenna Coupling Method for Sensing and Imaging Subsurface Targets
Authors: Dvorak Steven L. , Sternberg Ben K.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we develop the theoretical basis and carry out numerical studies on a new Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) method for imaging objects within the earth. The DTAC method uses a separate transmitter and a rotating receiver to collect the magnetic field data. The DTAC method uses at least two frequencies. One frequency is used as a reference signal to establish the null direction at that frequency, and then a different frequency is used to measure the change in the null at that new frequency. We can also use an arbitrary number of frequencies with just one reference frequency for wide-bandwidth measurements. By comparing the characteristics of the null magnetic fields at these two or more frequencies, this technique allows one to precisely determine the orientations of the measuring array from the measured data. This allows for the nulling out of the overwhelming effects of the layered earth, thereby allowing for the measurement of the much smaller target response. In this paper, we have assumed a horizontal array with an intended separation between transmitter and receiver of the order of kilometers and a very powerful transmitter. The depth of investigation in this case was also of the order of kilometers. This type of array is applicable to natural resource investigations, e.g., mining, geothermal, and petroleum.
Towards advanced control for anaerobic digesters: volatile solids inferential sensor
Authors: Oppong G. , Montague G. A. , O'Brien M. , McEwan M. , Martin OBE FREng E. B.
Published: June 2013

The lack of instrumentation in anaerobic digestion processes is a key bottleneck as sensors and analysers are necessary to reduce uncertainty related to the initial conditions, kinetics and the input concentrations of the process. Without knowledge of the process conditions, the process is inevitably difficult to control. This paper looks into the potential for developing a soft sensor for volatile solids (VS), an important variable that is currently only monitored offline. A VS inferential sensor is developed using data from an industrial process and compared with the results from a simulation study where feed flow and biogas production rate are used for modelling VS.
Underground water area rehabilitation project in Hungary financed by the Hungarian government to save the environment of the river Sió's using membrane technology
Authors: Kiraly Mr. Uzor , Lakner Mr. Gabor
Published: June 2013

This article is a case study about a real environmental project in Hungary that is financed by the Hungarian Government. The main task of the project is to re-cultivate the area of an old leather factory in the town of Simontornya, including soil exchange and underground water rehabilitation. This article itself mainly gives detailed technological information about the underground water treatment process, but also basic information about the recultivation parts of the whole project. The basic question of the underground water treatment project was how to withdraw 168,000 m3 of highly polluted underground water, remove the very heavily polluted metals and salts (arsenic, boron, chrome, ammonia, nitrate, chloride) and infiltrate the treated water back into the ground, all over a period of 2 years. The solution implemented is an integrated membrane system (NF; RO) including conventional physical and chemical pre-treatment and softening, with a selective ion exchange process for post-treatment. One further key aspect of the technology applied was to minimise the waste created during the whole process.
An economic analysis of energy generation and food waste diversion for enhanced biogas production at a colorado wastewater treatment facility
Authors: Robbins Cristian A. , Sharvelle Sybil
Published: June 2013

Food waste diversion to enhance biogas production for energy generation in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is an emerging trend in the United States. Using an interested WWTP in Fort Collins, Colorado a study was completed to determine the efficacy and viability of implementing a food waste diversion program utilizing food waste as a feedstock in their existing anaerobic digesters to enhance biogas production. The results of the study concluded that a food waste diversion program would result in a loss of approximately $2.5 million over a 20 year period making the program unfeasible currently. However, the use of excess biogas produced in the plant's anaerobic digesters from the processing of the municipal solid waste stream (MSW) to fuel a reciprocating engine energy generation technology would result in an estimated return on investment of $1.63 million, and an estimated return on investment of $1.25 million for a microturbine energy generation technology over the same 20 year time period. Changes to multiple variables in the economic analysis such as higher energy costs and higher landfill tipping fees could result in a more positive outlook for a future food waste diversion program in Northern Colorado. This study can be used by other WWTPs in the US and other countries as a model to determine the initial economic feasibility of a food waste diversion program in their area. WWTPs in locations with greater costs associated with energy and tipping fees than those reported in this study may find a food waste diversion program economically viable and beneficial.
Multivariate statistical analysis of the hydro-geochemical characteristics for Mining groundwater: a case study from Baishan mining, northern Anhui Province, China
Authors: Chen Song , Fu Xue Hai , Gui He Rong , Sun Lin Hua
Published: June 2013

Major ions were analyzed for twenty five groundwater samples collected from diverse aquifer in Baishan mining, northern Anhui province, China. Conventional graphical and multivariate statistical approach were completed to identify the hydro-geochemical process and water-rock interaction, that be combined with the Cluster Analysis (CA) and Fisher discriminant analysis to recognize the sealed samples, the result showed: the diverse samples have vary ions inheriting from aquifer, samples collected from Sandstone aquifer (SA) is characterized by the high concentration of Na+ + K+, for the feldspar weathering is dominant; Ordovician limestone aquifer (OA) waters have abundance Ca2+ and Mg2+, for the dissolution of calcite and dolomite obviously; the dissolution of calcite and other calcareous concretions are dominant in Taiyuan formation water (TA) and Quaternary aquifer (QA) for the high ratio of Ca2+/Mg2+, otherwise the varied content of SO42– and HCO3− could distinguish the two aquifer water. Twenty five groundwater samples, containing six sealed samples, had been subdivided in to four groups by the CA, what are corresponded with four aquifers. Fisher discriminant functions were obtained and the efficiency was acceptable for the error rate 4% in all twenty five samples.
Chemical Design of Nanocrystal Solids
Authors: Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: June 2013

This account highlights our recent and present activities dedicated to chemical synthesis and applications of inorganic nanostructures. In particular, we discuss the potential of metal amides as precursors in the synthesis of metallic and semiconductor nanocrystals. We show the importance
of surface chemical functionalization for the emergence of collective electronic properties in nanocrystal solids. We also demonstrate a new kind of long-range ordered, crystalline matter comprising colloidal nanocrystals and atomically defined inorganic clusters. Finally, we point the reader's
attention to the high potential benefits of size- and shape-tunability of nanocrystals for achieving higher performance of rechargeable Li-ion battery electrodes.
Atomic Mutagenesis of the Ribosome: Towards a Molecular Understanding of Translation
Authors: Polacek Norbert
Published: June 2013

The multifaceted repertoire of non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in organisms of all three domains of life emphasizes their fundamental role in biology. Research in my lab focuses on revealing the regulatory and catalytic function of small and large ncRNAs in different model organisms.
In particular we are interested in understanding ncRNA/protein complexes such as the vault complex or the ribosome. The ribosome, the central enzyme of protein biosynthesis, is a multifunctional ribonucleoprotein particle composed of two unequal subunits that translates the genome's message
into all proteins needed for life. The crucial role the translation machinery plays in gene expression is also mirrored by the fact that the ribosome represents the main target for antibiotics. Decades of genetic, biochemical and recent crystallographic studies revealed the ribosome as an
RNA-enzyme with roots in the 'RNA world'. Despite these experimental insights, the catalytic and regulatory mechanisms of the ribosomal RNA are still not fully understood at the molecular level. To unravel the detailed contributions of rRNA nucleotides for protein synthesis we have developed
and applied an 'atomic mutagenesis' approach. This tool allows the role of specific 23S rRNA functional groups and even individual atoms to be studied during various stages of the ribosomal elongation cycle with thus far unequalled precision. This experimental approach bridges the disciplines
of biochemistry and organic chemistry and has recently revealed specific functional 23S rRNA groups involved in peptide bond synthesis, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, GTPase activation, and tRNA translocation.
Hierarchical Zeolites Overcome all Obstacles: Next Stop Industrial Implementation
Authors: Verboekend Danny , Mitchell Sharon , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: June 2013

This review emphasizes key recent accomplishments towards the industrial exploitation of hierarchically structured zeolites in catalytic processes. A major milestone comprises the demonstration that affordable post-synthetic modifications enable the transformation of any conventional
zeolite into hierarchical analogues with tunable porosity and functionality. Through specific examples, belonging to the transformation of fossil fuel and renewable feedstocks, we quantitatively illustrate the spectacular benefits attained upon application of hierarchical zeolite catalysts
due to improved accessibility or modification of the type and distribution of active sites. A crucial step for these exciting lab-designed materials to be implemented in industrial processes is to shape them into technical forms. Accordingly, we studied the synthesis, characterization, and
catalytic evaluation of millimeter-sized hierarchical zeolite bodies, enriching the fundamental understanding on scale-up and representing an additional solid step towards the commercial application of these materials.
Understanding the impact of degradation of concrete structures
Authors: Veerman Rene , Koenders Eddie
Published: June 2013

Concrete infrastructures are mostly designed for a service-life of eighty to hundred years. During this service life these structures are loaded by traffic and environmental actions which affect the structural and material induced degradation mechanisms. In the last fifty years, the traffic intensity has increased significantly, i.e. heavier vehicles passing at higher frequencies and at higher velocities, initiating an increased number of local damage types to many infrastructures. In addition, damage caused by material degradation mechanisms such as chloride ingress, ASR and local degradation mechanisms have increased as well. These processes have turned out to reduce the expected service-life of concrete infrastructures to a large extend. In order to assess the effect of structural and material degradation on the performance of infrastructure a simply supported beam has been developed with the aim to include dominant material and structural related degradation phenomena. In this first order approach, the effect of the on-going hydration of compression strength, creep and the effect of stochastic traffic loads on bridge structures have been taken into account while the degradation mechanisms such as ASR and chloride ingress have not been explicitly modelled yet. In this model the influence on the strength capacity and stiffness is calculated and the effect on the bridge performance is evaluated. With the knowledge acquired from this simplified model, in the coming years, a more realistic model will be developed which also accounts for the material degradation mechanisms. The model will be validated with real time data archived from the Hollandse bridge monitoring system.
LE NOUVEAU (nouveau theatre)
Authors: Arrabal Fernando
Published: June 2013

A CARACAS comme a Tokyo, a�New York comme a Moscou, le theatre est en pleine metamorphose. Ces derniers mois, pour assister a�la creation de mes pieces, j'ai parcouru le monde et partout j'ai pressenti une meme renaissance de la scene: tout est en crise, semble-t-il, sauf le theatre.
Conversational Theology: The Wit and Wisdom of Karl Barth
Authors: Hunsinger George
Published: June 2013

During the last decade of his life (1959-1968), right up to the time of his death at age eighty-two, Karl Barth took part in an astonishing number of recorded conversations and interviews. Collected transcripts fill two large volumes in the Gesamtasugabe to form a total of more than one thousand pages. The second of the two volumes, Gespriiche 1964—1968, will be discussed here.
Wisdom Is as Wisdom Does: The Use of Folk Proverbs in Q 7:31-35
Authors: Shantz Colleen
Published: June 2013

The short section of Q that compares John and Jesus (Q 7:31-35) is notoriously difficult to interpret. In the main, the difficulty is attributed to the piecemeal composition of the unit whose four elements—(l) a statement of comparison (to what shall I compare this generation ... ), (2) the saying about children in the agora, (3) the comment on the respective table manners of John and Jesus and the reactions they elicit, and (4) the saying about Wisdom—seem to fit together artificially, if not clumsily. Although the history of composition of the passage is debated, there is broad agreement that it was not cut of whole cloth; each of four distinct forms is detachable from the others and the intentions of the redactor in bringing these pieces together is far from clear. Wendy Cotter rehearses some of the scholarly confusion as follows: (1) the switch at verse thirty-three from "this generation" to John and Jesus, (2) the common difficulty of reading the saying on children as an exact allegory for the comment on John and Jesus; and, related to this, (3) the lack of parallel correspondence in vocabulary.
Humanities
Authors: Knox Bernard , Flinn John , Love
Published: June 2013

Reviews of books on the humanities published in Canada in 1967.
Reviews
Authors: Warkentin Germaine , Stevens Paul , Gatrell Simon , Reibetanz  , Rosenberg Aubrey
Published: June 2013

Marjorie O'Rourke Boyle, Petrarch's Genius: Pentimento and Prophecy, reviewed by Germaine Warkentin

Jeffrey Knapp, An Empire Nowhere: England, America, and Literature From 'Utopia' to 'The Tempest' reviewed by ___________

Pamela Dalziel, ed., Thomas Hardy: The Excluded and Collaborative Stories, reviewed by Simon Gatrell

David Marr, Patrick White: A Life, reviewed by J. M. Reibetanz

Raymond Trousson, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. II. Le deuil éclatant du bonheur, reviewed by Aubrey Rosenberg
Entropy-Based Fast Largest Coding Unit Partition Algorithm in High-Efficiency Video Coding
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Qu Jianfeng , Bai Huihui
Published: June 2013

High-efficiency video coding (HEVC) is a new video coding standard being developed by the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding. HEVC adopted numerous new tools, such as more flexible data structure representations, which include the coding unit (CU), prediction unit, and transform unit. In the partitioning of the largest coding unit (LCU) into CUs, rate distortion optimization (RDO) is applied. However, the computation complexity of RDO is too high for real-time application scenarios. Based on studies on the relationship between CUs and their entropy, this paper proposes a fast algorithm based on entropy to partition LCU as a substitute for RDO in HEVC. Experimental results show that the proposed entropy-based LCU partition algorithm can reduce coding time by 62.3% on average, with an acceptable loss of 3.82% using Bjøntegaard delta rate.
Autophagy in Prostate Cancer and Androgen Suppression Therapy
Authors: Ziparo Elio , Petrungaro Simonetta , Marini Elettra , Starace Donatella , Conti Silvia , Facchiano Antonio , Filippini Antonio , Giampietri Claudia
Published: June 2013

The role of autophagy is known to be highly complex and context-dependent, leading to both cancer suppression and progression in several tumors including melanoma, breast and prostate cancer. In the present review, recent advances in an understanding of the involvement of autophagy in prostate cancer treatment are described. The regulatory effects of androgens on prostate cancer cell autophagy are particularly discussed in order to highlight the effects of autophagy modulation during androgen deprivation. A critical evaluation of the studies examined in the present review suggests the attractive possibility of autophagy inhibition combined with hormonal therapy as a promising approach for prostate cancer treatment.
Combining Hexanoic Acid Plant Priming with Bacillus thuringiensis Insecticidal Activity against Colorado Potato Beetle
Authors: García-Robles Inmaculada , Ochoa-Campuzano Camila , Fernández-Crespo Emma , Camañes Gemma , Martínez-Ramírez Amparo , González-Bosch Carmen , García-Agustín Pilar , Rausell Carolina , Real María
Published: June 2013

Interaction between insect herbivores and host plants can be modulated by endogenous and exogenous compounds present in the source of food and might be successfully exploited in Colorado potato beetle (CPB) pest management. Feeding tests with CPB larvae reared on three solanaceous plants (potato, eggplant and tomato) resulted in variable larval growth rates and differential susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin as a function of the host plant. An inverse correlation with toxicity was observed in Cry3Aa proteolytic patterns generated by CPB midgut brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from Solanaceae-fed larvae, being the toxin most extensively proteolyzed on potato, followed by eggplant and tomato. We found that CPB cysteine proteases intestains may interact with Cry3Aa toxin and, in CPB BBMV from larvae fed all three Solanaceae, the toxin was able to compete for the hydrolysis of a papain substrate. In response to treatment with the JA-dependent plant inducer Hexanoic acid (Hx), we showed that eggplant reduced OPDA basal levels and both, potato and eggplant induced JA-Ile. CPB larvae feeding on Hx-induced plants exhibited enhanced Cry3Aa toxicity, which correlated with altered papain activity. Results indicated host-mediated effects on B. thuringiensis efficacy against CPB that can be enhanced in combination with Hx plant induction.
Metabolite Identification through Machine Learning— Tackling CASMI Challenge Using FingerID
Authors: Shen Huibin , Zamboni Nicola , Heinonen Markus , Rousu Juho
Published: June 2013

Metabolite identification is a major bottleneck in metabolomics due to the number and diversity of the molecules. To alleviate this bottleneck, computational methods and tools that reliably filter the set of candidates are needed for further analysis by human experts. Recent efforts in assembling large public mass spectral databases such as MassBank have opened the door for developing a new genre of metabolite identification methods that rely on machine learning as the primary vehicle for identification. In this paper we describe the machine learning approach used in FingerID, its application to the CASMI challenges and some results that were not part of our challenge submission. In short, FingerID learns to predict molecular fingerprints from a large collection of MS/MS spectra, and uses the predicted fingerprints to retrieve and rank candidate molecules from a given large molecular database. Furthermore, we introduce a web server for FingerID, which was applied for the first time to the CASMI challenges. The challenge results show that the new machine learning framework produces competitive results on those challenge molecules that were found within the relatively restricted KEGG compound database. Additional experiments on the PubChem database confirm the feasibility of the approach even on a much larger database, although room for improvement still remains.
Biomedical Importance of Indoles
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra , Kaushik Neha , Attri Pankaj , Kumar Naresh , Kim Chung , Verma Akhilesh , Choi Eun
Published: June 2013

The indole nucleus is an important element of many natural and synthetic molecules with significant biological activity. This review covers some of the relevant and recent achievements in the biological, chemical and pharmacological activity of important indole derivatives in the areas of drug discovery and analysis.
Ion Permeability of Free-Suspended Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Films Prepared Using an Alginate Scaffold
Authors: Sato Katsuhiko , Shiba Takuto , Anzai Jun-ichi
Published: June 2013

Layer-by-layer (LbL) films were prepared over an aperture (diameter 1–5 mm) on a glass plate to study ion permeation across free-suspended LbL films. LbL films were prepared by depositing alternating layers of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) on the surface of a glass plate with an aperture filled with an alginate gel, followed by dissolution of the alginate gel. PAH-PSS films prepared in this way showed permeability to inorganic salts, depending on the size and charge. Permeability to alkali metal chlorides depended on the Stokes radius of the alkali metal cations. The effect of the type of halide was negligible because of the halides’ smaller ionic radii. Permeation of multivalent ions such as Ru(NH3)63+ and [Fe(CN)6]3− was severely suppressed owing to Donnan exclusion.
Estimation of Offshore Wind Resources in Coastal Waters off Shirahama Using ENVISAT ASAR Images
Authors: Takeyama Yuko , Ohsawa Teruo , Yamashita Tomohiro , Kozai Katsutoshi , Muto Yasunori , Baba Yasuyuki , Kawaguchi Koji
Published: June 2013

Offshore wind resource maps for the coastal waters off Shirahama, Japan were made based on 104 images of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) onboard the ENVISAT satellite. Wind speed fields were derived from the SAR images with the geophysical model function CMOD5.N. Mean wind speed and energy density were estimated using the Weibull distribution function. These accuracies were examined in comparison with in situ measurements from the Shirahama offshore platform and the Southwest Wakayama buoy (SW-buoy). Firstly, it was found that the SAR-derived 10 m-height wind speed had a bias of 0.52 m/s and a RMSE of 2.33 m/s at Shirahama. Secondly, it was found that the mean wind speeds estimated from SAR images and the Weibull distribution function were overestimated at both sites. The ratio between SAR-derived and in situ measured mean wind speeds at Shirahama is 1.07, and this value was used for a long-term bias correction in the SAR-derived wind speed. Finally, mean wind speed and wind energy density maps at 80 m height were made based on the corrected SAR-derived 10 m-height wind speeds and the ratio U80/U10 calculated from the mesoscale meteorological model WRF.
Soft Stethoscope for Detecting Asthma Wheeze in Young Children
Authors: Yu Chun , Tsai Tzu-Hsiu , Huang Shi-Ing , Lin Chii-Wann
Published: June 2013

Asthma is a chronic disease that is commonly suffered by children. Asthmatic children have a lower quality of life than other children. Physicians and pediatricians recommend that parents record the frequency of attacks and their symptoms to help manage their children’s asthma. However, the lack of a convenient device for monitoring the asthmatic condition leads to the difficulties in managing it, especially when it is suffered by young children. This work develops a wheeze detection system for use at home. A small and soft stethoscope was used to collect the respiratory sound. The wheeze detection algorithm was the Adaptive Respiratory Spectrum Correlation Coefficient (RSACC) algorithm, which has the advantages of high sensitivity/specificity and a low computational requirement. Fifty-nine sound files from eight young children (one to seven years old) were collected in the emergency room and analyzed. The results revealed that the system provided 88% sensitivity and 94% specificity in wheeze detection. In conclusion, this small soft stethoscope can be easily used on young children. A noisy environment does not affect the effectiveness of the system in detecting wheeze. Hence, the system can be used at home by parents who wish to evaluate and manage the asthmatic condition of their children.
The Geography of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and a New Low Carbon Urban Transition Theory
Authors: Newton Peter , Newman Peter
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the early phases of a 21st century energy transition that involves distributed generation technologies employing low or zero carbon emission power sources and their take-up within Australia, with particular reference to the major cities and solar photovoltaics (PV). This transition is occurring in a nation with significant path dependency to overcome in relation to fossil fuel use. Tracking the diffusion of solar PV technology within Australia over the past decade provides a basis for assessing those factors underpinning its exponential growth and its associated geography of diffusion. Positive evidence that there are pathways for cities to decarbonise is apparent but there appear to be different pathways for different city forms with lower density suburban areas showing the biggest take-up of household-based energy technologies. This suggests a model for the low carbon urban transition involving combinations of simple technological changes and harder structural changes, depending upon which parts of the urban fabric are in focus. This is being called a New Low Carbon Urban Transition Theory.
Limited Stability of Microcystins in Oligopeptide Compositions of Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria): Implications in the Definition of Chemotypes
Authors: Agha Ramsy , Cirés Samuel , Wörmer Lars , Quesada Antonio
Published: June 2013

The occurrence of diverse oligopeptides in cyanobacteria, including the cyanotoxins microcystins, has been recently used to classify individual clones into sub-specific oligopeptide chemotypes, whose composition and dynamics modulate microcystin concentrations in cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanobacterial chemotyping allows the study of the ecology of chemotypical subpopulations, which have been shown to possess dissimilar ecological traits. However, the stability of chemotypes under changing abiotic conditions is usually assumed and has not been assessed in detail. We monitored oligopeptide patterns of three strains of Microcystis aeruginosa under different nutrient and light conditions. MALDI-TOF MS revealed alterations in the microcystins signatures under N and P poor conditions and high light intensities (150 and 400 μmol photons m−2s−1). Variations in the general oligopeptide composition were caused by a gradual disappearance of microcystins with low relative intensity signals from the fingerprint. The extent of such variations seems to be closely related to physiological stress caused by treatments. Under identical clonal compositions, alterations in the oligopeptide fingerprint may be misinterpreted as apparent shifts in chemotype succession. We discuss the nature of such variations, as well as the consequent implications in the use of cyanobacterial chemotyping in studies at the subpopulation level and propose new guidance for the definition of chemotypes as a consistent subpopulation marker.
Les fédérations sportives
Authors: Zintz Thierry , Winand Mathieu
Published: June 2013

En Belgique, les fédérations sportives sont des acteurs essentiels dans le domaine du sport et de l’activité physique. Au nombre de cent soixante environ, elles regroupent plusieurs centaines de clubs, qui affilient quelque deux millions de personnes. La présente étude est consacrée au cadre politique, juridique, économique et social dans lequel évoluent les fédérations belges. Au niveau mondial, diverses structures réglementent la pratique sportive en promouvant l’exercice physique, en harmonisant les réglementations, en organisant les compétitions internationales ou en réglant les litiges (UNESCO, OMS, CIO, Tribunal arbitral du sport, Agence mondiale antidopage, fédérations internationales, etc.). Au niveau européen, l’attention des autorités se porte sur les apports sociaux et éducationnels du sport, ainsi que sur ses implications économiques. Au niveau belge, enfin, une multitude d’instances encadrent les activités des fédérations sportives : l’Autorité fédérale, les communautés, les régions, les provinces, les communes, le COIB, l’ADEPS, le BLOSO, etc. Situant le rôle et l’influence de chacun de ces acteurs, ce Courrier hebdomadaire analyse notamment la gestion du sport dans l’architecture institutionnelle, particulièrement complexe, de la Région bruxelloise. Dans une visée plus prospective, T. Zintz et M. Winand abordent également la question de la performance organisationnelle du système sportif belge.