bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between subjective and objective nasal breathing assessments in examinees with nasal septum deformities
Authors: Savovic Slobodan , Smajic Miroslav , Molnar Slavko , Jovancevic Ljiljana , Buljcik-Cupic Maja , Kljajic Vladimir , Pilija Vladimir
Published: April 2013

Background/Aim. Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent disorders
because of which patients see their Ear, Nose and Throath (ENT) doctors.
Impaired nose breathing is a subjective symptom and it often does not
coincide with clinical nose findings and functional tests of breathing
function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish if there is an
accordance between a subjective nose breathing assessment and objective
methods (rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry) in assessing nose breathing
function in patients with diverse nasal septum deformity degrees, as well as
to establish an accordance between these two objective methods. Methods. This
study involved the total of 90 examinees divided into three groups. The group
I consisted of examinees with nasal septum deformities less than 10?. The
group II consisted of examinees with nasal septum deformities ranged from 10?
to 15?. The group III involved examinees with nasal septum deformities over
15?. Each examinee had subjectively graded his/her nasal breathing on the
side of the nose septum deformity from 0 to 10, and afterwards the whole
noses. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were done on the side of the
nasal septum deformities and after that on the other side of the nose using
the Interacoustics SRE 2000 device. Results. In the groups II and III there
was a positive correlation between a subjective nose breathing assessment and
rhinomanometric values both on the side of the nasal septum deformities and
the nose as a whole, (p < 0.05), and no correlation between these traits in
the group I (p > 0.05). In none of the examined groups correlation was found
between a subjective nose breathing assessment and rhinometric values, both
minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and volume (VOL), both on the side of the
nasal septum deformities and the nose as a whole (p > 0.05). There was no
correlation found between rhinomanometric and rhinometric MCA and VOL values
in either on the sides of nasal septum deformities or the nose as a whole in
any of the examined groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Rhinomanometry
significantly correlates with the subjective nose breathing assessment and it
can be used as a reliable and objective indicator of nose breathing in
everyday clinical practice. Acoustic rhinometry, on the other hand, which
does not correlate with a subjective nose breathing assessment could have a
greater significance in a scientific sense than in clinical applying.
Did the 2003 Tax Act Increase Capital Investments by Corporations?
Authors: Campbell John L. , Chyz James A. , Dhaliwal Dan S. , Schwartz William C.
Published: April 2013

On May 28, 2003, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (2003 Tax Act) reduced shareholder-level taxes on dividends and capital gains. One of the goals of the 2003 Tax Act was to encourage capital investment by corporations. We investigate whether firms increased investment in response to the Act. We first document that capital expenditures increase after the 2003 Tax Act. We then use a difference-in-differences research design to show that this increase in capital expenditures varies predictably with two shareholder-level tax-motivated hypotheses. First, we find that the increase in investment is smaller for firms largely held by investors that are less sensitive to shareholder-level taxes. Second, we find that the increase in investment is larger for firms most likely to fund investment from new equity issuances rather than internal funds. Additional analysis suggests that while the majority of firms increase investment after the tax cut, a small subset of larger, older, and cash-rich firms increased dividend payout instead. Overall, our results suggest that, consistent with the intent of policymakers, the shareholder-level tax rate reductions set forth in the 2003 Tax Act increased corporate investment.

JEL Classifications: G12, G31, G32, G24
Use of the Estimated Glucose Disposal Rate as a Measure of Insulin Resistance in an Urban Multiethnic Population With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Epstein Eric J. , Osman Jamie L. , Cohen Hillel W. , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Lewis Oksana , Crandall Jill P.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance has been described in type 1 diabetes mellitus, is related to risk of vascular complications, and may be more common in certain ethnic groups. Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) is a validated clinical tool for estimating insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetes. Because previous reports of eGDR in adults with type 1 diabetes have included few ethnic minorities, this study explored interethnic differences in eGDR and the relationship of eGDR with diabetic vascular complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a sample that included 207 white, black, or Hispanic adults with prior clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes who were receiving care at an urban academic medical center. eGDR (milligrams per kilogram per minute) was calculated using HbA1c, waist circumference, and hypertensive status. Race/ethnicity was self-reported. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of association of eGDR with diabetes complications (cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease above stage 3).

RESULTS

Forty-two percent of the participants were women, and mean age was 45 ± 15 years; 34% were white, 32% were Hispanic, and 34% were black. Ethnicity was significantly associated with eGDR; blacks had significantly lower eGDR (5.66 ± 2.34) than Hispanics (6.70 ± 2.29) and whites (7.20 ± 2.03) (P < 0.001). Patients with the lowest eGDR compared with the highest had a significantly greater risk of any diabetes complication (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.2–8.1]) compared with the least insulin-resistant patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In an urban clinic population of patients with type 1 diabetes, blacks were significantly less insulin sensitive than whites or Hispanics, and lower eGDR was associated with diabetes complications. Further study is needed to determine whether using eGDR to target interventions can improve outcomes.
Impact of Riverbank Erosion Hazard in the Jamuna Floodplain Areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MR
Published: April 2013

The paper provides an overview of Bangladesh populations displaced by river erosion. The study describes the physical environmental conditions of the study area with a special attention to natural disasters of the region. It focuses the socio-demographic profile of the victims of the study area. Caused riverbank erosion a considerable proportion of the victims are compelled to leave the original homestead plot and take shelter by the road side embankment, neighbors land and relative land. The health condition of the victims is very low. Since the natural environmental situations, the economic crisis and poverty have been found to be related to natural disaster like riverbank erosion, so in this decade of environment the policy makers and researcher at the national level need to be aware of the magnitude of the environmental conditions of the riverbank erosion victims. In fact that, caused riverbank erosion every year unemployment, landless and poverty are increasing which is responsible to country wide unstable condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14627 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 55-65, June-December 2010
Molecular Characterization of Phomopsis vexans Isolates of Eggplant of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MM , Asaduzzaman M , Meah MB
Published: April 2013

Forty-four isolates of Phomopsis vexans were collected from eggplant producing areas of Bangladesh during the 2008-2009 growing seasons. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) technique was used to develop molecular markers. The MR-20 primer amplified template DNA for all isolates studied and resulted in distinct bands. The banding patterns of P. vexans isolates were separated into five groups after results with Taq polymerase. The highest genomic DNA concentration 50 ng/?l was found in the isolates of 8, 14, 26, 27 and 38, and the lowest concentration of genomic DNA was found 12.5 ng/?l in the isolates of 1, 2, 5, 15, 17, 22, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 40, 41, 42 and 43. Based on the fingerprinting the 44 isolates of Phomopsis vexans were categorized into five different groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14636 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 131-140, June-December 2010
Tuberous Sclerosis - A Case Report
Authors: Ali M , Un-Naher Zeba , Hossain GM Faruk , Zabber Zahida , Islam Shafiqul
Published: April 2013

The aim of this case report was to present a typical case of tuberous sclerosis. On 28 April 2012 a 8 year old female student reported as out patient of Ophthalmology Department, BSMMU, Dhaka. After taking history from the patient, ocular and systemic examinations were done. This patient had recurrent attacks of convulsion since 2 months of age and blurring of vision for 3 months. Ocular examination revealed fundus astrocytomas and patchy iris hypo-pigmentation. Systemic examination present with adenoma sebaceum. For diagnosis purpose, she was advised for investigation. CT scan of brain-Multiple cerebral calcification with bilateral multifocal cerebral atrophy. USG of whole abdomen-suggestive of cystitis. Methodical ocular and systemic examinations with appropriate investigations are mandatory to diagnose a case of tuberous sclerosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14648 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 59-63, June-December 2011
Bacterial Infestation in Different Fish at Rajshahi
Authors: Khatun H , Hossain MD , Jahan SN , Khanom DA
Published: April 2013

The present study was carried out from July 2005 to June 2007 and diseased freshwater fishes were collected from different water bodies and fish landing centre of three study areas, namely City Corporation area, Rajshahi; Paba upazila and Charghat upazila, Rajshahi. In the present study the load of bacteria in lesion, liver and kidney of H. molitrix showed considerable variation in different months during the study period. Monthly variation of bacterial load in body lesion varied from 3.17×104 CFU/g (July05) to 2.13×107 CFU/g (March07), in liver it varied from 7.17×103 CFU/g (July05) to 5.13×106 CFU/g (March06) and in kidney it varied from 5.87×103 CFU/g (July05) to 6.33×105 CFU/g (March06). From two years observation, monthly variation of bacterial load in 3 sampling ponds were varied from 4.00×106 CFU/ml (June07) to 3.93×107 CFU/ml (July05) in case of pond-1. In pond-2 bacterial load varied from 1.27×106 CFU/ml (May07) to 5.33×107 CFU/ml (September06). In pond-3 the bacterial load varied from 2.10×106 CFU/ml (June07) to 2.10×108 CFU/ml (July06). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14650 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 77-84, June-December 2011
Land Cover Change Analysis Around the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh using Remote Sensing and GIS Application
Authors: Rahman MR , Begum S
Published: April 2013

Land cover change is a widespread and prominent feature in Bangladesh. It is more energetic in the South-west coastal region such as Khulna and Satkhira region. The research was completed by 30 years (1980 to 2009) by using four Landsat satellite images (1980, 1989, 2002 and 2009). During research it was originated that the main classes of changes were homestead, fallow land, water bodies and mangrove vegetation in the study area. The most imperative change was observed in fallow lands (the types of cultivable lands with or without any standing crops and also uncultivable lands). Fallow land was decreased, concerning 2,259 sq km in 2009 which land was 3,867 sq km during in 1980. It was dropped 49% to 29% of total study area between the years of 1980 to 2009. The water bodies were increased about 10% in those 30 years, regarding 14% to 24%. The total water bodies covered 1140 sq km at 1980 which was increased 1851 sq km during 2009 in the study area. The sea-level rise, increasing salinity and availability of less fresh water are responsible for inland intrusion of saline water and creating favorable environment for shrimp farming in the region. As a result farmers are converting fallow lands to shrimp farming which is economically very beneficial. Important agricultural and non-agricultural lands also converted by homestead intended for increasing population of Bangladesh. There was only 398 sq km (only 5%) area covered by homestead during 1980. But the homestead covered area was increased about 1490 sq km (19%) at 2009. So, compared to the last 30 years 14% homesteads land cover areas are increased. There was not any astonishing changed in mangrove vegetation. Some mangroves areas were shattered and some other mangroves were full-fledged again in delta areas. The harmful land cover changes are not expectable for the natural environment. But it transpires by many natural and anthropogenic tricks now a day. So, the authority should seize initiatives to protect this category of catastrophe. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14652 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 95-107, June-December 2011
RETRACTED: Suppression of epileptogenesis-associated changes in response to seizures in FGF22-deficient mice
Authors: Lee Clara H. , Umemori Hisashi
Published: April 2013

In the developing hippocampus, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 22 promotes the formation of excitatory presynaptic terminals. Remarkably, FGF22 knockout (KO) mice show resistance to generalized seizures in adults as assessed by chemical kindling, a model that is widely used to study epileptogenesis (Terauchi et al., 2010). Repeated injections of low dose pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induce generalized seizures (“kindled”) in wild type (WT) mice. With additional PTZ injections, FGF22KO mice do show moderate seizures, but they do not kindle. Thus, analyses of how FGF22 impacts seizure susceptibility will contribute to the better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of epileptogenesis. To decipher the roles of FGF22 in the seizure phenotype, we examine four pathophysiological changes in the hippocampus associated with epileptogenesis: enhancement of dentate neurogenesis, hilar ectopic dentate granule cells (DGCs), increase in hilar cell death, and formation of mossy fiber sprouting (MFS). Dentate neurogenesis is enhanced, hilar ectopic DGCs appeared, and hilar cell death is increased in PTZ-kindled WT mice relative to PBS-injected WT mice. Even in WT mice with fewer PTZ injections, which showed only mild seizures (so were not kindled), neurogenesis, hilar ectopic DGCs, and hilar cell death are increased, suggesting that mild seizures are enough to induce these changes in WT mice. In contrast, PTZ-injected FGF22KO mice do not show these changes despite having moderate seizures: neurogenesis is rather suppressed, hilar ectopic DGCs do not appear, and hilar cell death is unchanged in PTZ-injected FGF22KO mice relative to PBS-injected FGF22KO mice. These results indicate that FGF22 plays important roles in controlling neurogenesis, ectopic migration of DGCs, and hilar cell death after seizures, which may contribute to the generalized seizure-resistant phenotype of FGF22KO mice and suggests a possibility that inhibition of FGF22 may alleviate epileptogenesis.
Bio-Hydrogen Production from Pineapple Waste Extract by Anaerobic Mixed Cultures
Authors: Reungsang Alissara , Sreela-or Chakkrit
Published: April 2013

A statistical experimental design was employed to optimize factors that affect the production of hydrogen from the glucose contained in pineapple waste extract by anaerobic mixed cultures. Results from Plackett-Burman design indicated that substrate concentration, initial pH and FeSO4 concentration had a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) influence on the hydrogen production potential (Ps) and the specific hydrogen production rate (SHPR). The path of steepest ascent was undertaken to approach the optimal region of these three significant factors which was then optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). The presence of a substrate concentration of 25.76 g-total sugar/L, initial pH of 5.56, and FeSO4 concentration of 0.81 g/L gave a maximum predicted Ps of 5489 mL H2/L, hydrogen yield of 1.83 mol H2/mol glucose, and SHPR of 77.31 mL H2/g-volatile suspended solid (VSS) h. A verification experiment indicated highly reproducible results with the observed Ps and SHPR being only 1.13% and 1.14% different from the predicted values.
Modeling Evaluation of Tidal Stream Energy and the Impacts of Energy Extraction on Hydrodynamics in the Taiwan Strait
Authors: Chen Wei-Bo , Liu Wen-Cheng , Hsu Ming-Hsi
Published: April 2013

Tidal stream speeds in straits are accelerated because of geographic and bathymetric features. For instance, narrow channels and shallows can cause high tidal stream energy. In this study, water level and tidal current were simulated using a three-dimensional semi-implicit Eulerian-Lagrangian finite-element model to investigate the complex tidal characteristics in the Taiwan Strait and to determine potential locations for harnessing tidal stream energy. The model was driven by nine tidal components (M2, S2, N2, K2, K1, O1, P1, Q1, and M4) at open boundaries. The modeling results were validated with the measured data, including water level and tidal current. Through the model simulations, we found that the highest tidal currents occurred at the Penghu Channel in the Taiwan Strait. The Penghu Channel is an appropriate location for the deployment of a tidal turbine array because of its deep and flat bathymetry. The impacts of energy extraction on hydrodynamics were assessed by considering the momentum sink approach. The simulated results indicate that only minimal impacts would occur on water level and tidal current in the Taiwan Strait if a turbine array (55 turbines) was installed in the Penghu Channel.
On the Feasibility of Using Poles Computed from Frequency Domain Spectroscopy to Assess Oil Impregnated Paper Insulation Conditions
Authors: Hadjadj Yazid , Meghnefi Fethi , Fofana Issouf , Ezzaidi Hassan
Published: April 2013

Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) is an effective tool allowing assessing the condition of oil-paper insulation system in power equipment. However, results from these measurements are known to be greatly influenced by various parameters, including insulation aging, moisture content, and insulation geometry/volume, together with environmental condition such as temperature. In this contribution, a series of experiments have been performed under controlled laboratory conditions. The dielectric response of the oil impregnated paper, along with the degree of polymerization and moisture content, were monitored. Since dielectric parameters are geometry dependent, poles (independent of the geometry) which depends on resistivity and permittivity, were considered to assess the condition of the insulation. From the investigations performed on new and aged samples, it is shown that poles (P) can be regarded as insulation aging indicator. It is also shown that a per unit value based on the Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF), measured in the frequency range from 1 to 1000 Hz can be correlated to moisture content in the insulation paper.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Pharmacokinetic Study of Novel Liguzinediol Prodrugs
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Wei , Wen Hong-Mei , Bian Hui-Min , Zhang Jing , Chen Lei , Chen Long , Yang Kun-Di
Published: April 2013

Liguzinediol (LZDO) ester prodrugs 3–5 were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their potential use in prolonging the half-life of the parent drug LZDO (1a) in vivo. Prodrugs 3–5 were found to display a potent positive inotropic effect on the myocardium, without the risk of arrhythmia. Prodrugs 3–5 rapidly underwent enzymatic hydrolysis to release the parent compound LZDO in 1–3 h in rat liver microsomes and rat plasma. The half-life of the parent compound was prolonged after intragastric administration of prodrug 3, which was found to be a superior prodrug candidate for increasing myocardial contractility.
Alternative Sources of Omega-3 Fats: Can We Find a Sustainable Substitute for Fish?
Authors: Lenihan-Geels Georgia , Bishop Karen , Ferguson Lynnette
Published: April 2013

Increasing demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) containing fish oils is putting pressure on fish species and numbers. Fisheries provide fish for human consumption, supplement production and fish feeds and are currently supplying fish at a maximum historical rate, suggesting mass-scale fishing is no longer sustainable. However, the health properties of EPA and DHA long-chain (LC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) demonstrate the necessity for these oils in our diets. EPA and DHA from fish oils show favourable effects in inflammatory bowel disease, some cancers and cardiovascular complications. The high prevalence of these diseases worldwide indicates the requirement for alternative sources of LC-PUFA. Strategies have included plant-based fish diets, although this may compromise the health benefits associated with fish oils. Alternatively, stearidonic acid, the product of α-linolenic acid desaturation, may act as an EPA-enhancing fatty acid. Additionally, algae oils may be a promising omega-3 PUFA source for the future. Algae are beneficial for multiple industries, offering a source of biodiesel and livestock feeds. However, further research is required to develop efficient and sustainable LC-PUFA production from algae. This paper summarises the recent research for developing prospective substitutes for omega-3 PUFA and the current limitations that are faced.
Performance Improvement of the One-Dot Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Aflatoxin B1 by Using a Smartphone-Based Reading System
Authors: Lee Sangdae , Kim Giyoung , Moon Jihea
Published: April 2013

This study was conducted to develop a simple, rapid, and accurate lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) detection method for point-of-care diagnosis. The one-dot LFIA for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was based on the modified competitive binding format using competition between AFB1 and colloidal gold-AFB1-BSA conjugate for antibody binding sites in the test zone. A Smartphone-based reading system consisting of a Samsung Galaxy S2 Smartphone, a LFIA reader, and a Smartphone application for the image acquisition and data analysis. The detection limit of one-dot LFIA for AFB1 is 5 μg/kg. This method provided semi-quantitative analysis of AFB1 samples in the range of 5 to 1,000 μg/kg. Using combination of the one-dot LFIA and the Smartphone-based reading system, it is possible to conduct a more fast and accurate point-of-care diagnosis.
Locative Meaning-making: An Arts-based Approach to Learning for Sustainable Development
Authors: Eernstman Natalia , Wals Arjen
Published: April 2013

The term sustainable development is often criticized for having lost credibility due to a lack of clear-cut delineation. The same holds true for education designed to foster sustainable development often referred to as education for sustainable development (ESD). This contribution agrees that the term suffers from a want of meaning, but argues that the persistent hunt for a definition—i.e., a fixed generic description—produces rather than resolves this deficit. What sustainable development means is context and time dependent and is therefore necessarily ambiguous, open-ended and dynamic. Hence, the success of ESD depends on the paradoxical imperative of reducing vagueness while at the same time maintaining ambiguity. This paper explores how this can be established and proposes a process informed by the arts. Drawing from dialogic practices, site-specific theatre and a project conducted in a British village, this writing discusses elements that constitute a process of “context-based meaning finding”. It concludes that ESD essentially starts with and revolves around re-embedding SD in life and the act of living, engaging people in place through processes in which communities yield their own, context and time specific interpretations of sustainable development.
Service Quality Perception and Satisfaction in a New Zealand Festivalscape: Buying Behavior Effects
Authors: Bruwer Johan
Published: April 2013

This study identified three festivalscape dimensions, namely generic festival features, specific events and comfort amenities, and entertainment features, as indicators of quality perception. A strong relationship between the quality perception and satisfaction constructs could not
be found, similar to other studies. The study was conducted on 389 attendees at a major wine festival in the Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand. The research provides new insight to festivalscape knowledge in that it identifies the first-time and repeat visitor dynamic as a predictor of actual
buying behavior at a festival. The higher the percentage of repeat visitors, the higher the likelihood of (wine) buying. The festival's entertainment features are a stronger predictor of buying behavior than generic festival features or specific events and comfort amenities. Repeat visitors,
35 years and older in age, are the highest yielding visitor group from a financial viewpoint. First-time visitors are far more short-term oriented than repeat visitors in their planning when making the final decision to attend the festival event.
Tourism and the Services Sector Growth in Singapore
Authors: Anwar Sajid , Valadkhani Abbas
Published: April 2013

Within the context of a trivariate vector autoregressive framework that includes the degree of services sector openness, this article examines the link between tourism growth and services sector growth in Singapore. Empirical analysis based on Johansen's cointegration approach shows
that the three variables are cointegrated (i.e., a stable long-run relationship exists among tourism growth, the degree of openness of the service sector, and services sector growth). The services and manufacturing sectors are regarded as the twin engines of Singapore's economic growth. It
can be argued that tourism growth contributes to economic growth in Singapore through its impact on the services sector.
Characteristics of leaf shapes among two parental Drosera species and a hybrid examined by canonical discriminant analysis and a hierarchical Bayesian model
Authors: Hoyo Yuri , Tsuyuzaki Shiro
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Although nondestructive, convenient species identification is desirable for follow‐up research and species conservation, species identification is often confusing, particularly when an interspecific hybrid shows intermediate morphological characteristics between the parental species.

• Methods: Drosera anglica Hudson (2n = 40) and D. rotundifolia L. (20) bear the hybrid Drosera obovata Mert. et Koch (30). The samples were identified based on seed fertility and a cytological investigation (DNA amount) before examination. Then, 13 measured morphological traits—including leaf size, leaf shape, and flowering—were used in a canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). Leaf length and width were used in a hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM).

• Key results: The majority of the traits of D. obovata were intermediate between the two parental species. However, D. obovata developed larger leaves than the parental species. The identification error of the CDA based on the 13 morphological traits was 4.9%. Errors occurred more often with smaller leaves. When the CDA was used for blade length and width only, the error increased to 6.2%. The HBM, based on the relationships between blade length and width, showed the lowest identification error—4.7%—by improving the identification of small leaves.

• Conclusions: The HBM enabled convenient, nondestructive measurements for species identification by considering nonlinear relationships between morphological traits and measurement error. The HBM is likely to be applicable to various follow‐up studies, as well as species conservation.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIOR OF SPECIAL DOUBLE-ROW SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Authors: Fang Kai , Zhang Zhongmiao , Liu Xingwang , Zhang Qianqing , Lin Cungang
Published: April 2013

A special double-row support structure used for braced excavation was modeled numerically using finite element method. The performance of the braced excavation depends on the interaction between the two walls of the support structure. Comprehensive parametric studies were carried out to investigate the influence factors on the performance. It was ascertained that the support structure behavior was largely influenced by overlapping length of two support walls, embedment ratio of inner support wall and spacing between two support walls. Appropriate parameters should be chosen to limit wall deflection and to maintain the stability of the support structure.
MEASURING INFORMATION DEPENDENCY FOR CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Authors: Liao Pin-Chao , Thomas Stephen R. , O’Brien William J.
Published: April 2013

Information dependency may be the most important key for managing information exchange to reduce project risks. Studies to date have not successfully discovered objective and quantitative surrogate to measure information dependency. This paper suggests an approach to measure information dependency with the productivity relationships among various disciplines for heavy industrial engineering projects. As part of a Construction Industry Institute (CII) study, the authors identified the information exchange pattern of engineering disciplines. Based on the patterns, the authors discovered the information dependency that various engineering disciplines had with their productivity relationships and conducted a survey afterwards for validation. Both results show significant and consistent evidence suggesting that: 1) information of equipment and piping disciplines is statistically dependent rather than the other paired disciplines; and 2) productivity relationship can be a legitimate surrogate to measure information dependency between equipment and piping disciplines. As such, this study enlightens a research trajectory for improvement of engineering productivity.
NEW ANALYTICAL MODEL TO GENERALIZE THE BARCELONA TEST USING AXIAL DISPLACEMENT
Authors: Pujadas Pablo , Blanco Ana , Cavalaro Sergio , Fuente Albert de la , Aguado Antonio
Published: April 2013

The Barcelona Test has proved to be very suitable for the systematic control of the tensile properties of Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC). Nevertheless, the need to measure the total circumferential opening displacement (TCOD) of the specimen entails the use of an expensive circumferential extensometer. In order to simplify the test, studies from the literature propose the use of the axial displacement of the press (δ) instead of the TCOD, obtaining empirical equations to correlate the energy estimated with both measurements. However, these equations are only valid for δ ranging from 1 to 4 mm and were adjusted based on the test results of just a few types of FRC. The verification of this formulation for other types of FRC shows an average error of 51.1%, thus limiting the simplification proposed for the test. In this paper, a new analytical model to convert the δ into the TCOD is developed and validated for a wide range of FRC. Besides being applicable to the whole range of δ, the new model provides a clear physical understanding of the main mechanism observed during the test and shows an average error of only 6.7%, making it possible to simplify the Barcelona test.
INFLUENCE OF VARYING SOIL PROPERTIES ON EVALUATION OF PILE RELIABILITY UNDER LATERAL LOADS
Authors: Kozubal Janusz , Puła Wojciech , Wyjadłowski Marek , Bauer Jerzy
Published: April 2013

A three dimensional probabilistic approach to analyzing laterally loaded piles is presented. Two typical subsurface models are used in the analyses: the first one consists of layered linear elastic soil where each layer has a random modulus of elasticity; while the second model takes the form of linear elastic soil with a random modulus of elasticity that increases with depth. Efficient step by step procedures for the reliability computation involving pile displacements are proposed. The solution is based on three-dimensional modeling by the finite element method. A series of results has been obtained for various values of elastic parameters of the soil. Next by a non-linear regression procedure a response surface is obtained. To get the final response surface allowing for a reliability analysis, an iterative algorithm based on the so-called design point concept is applied. The failure criterion is defined as the pile head displacement exceeding displacement threshold. The two cases of piles subjected to lateral load are computed. The paper illustrates the influence of the two distinct types of subsurface variability on the probabilistic analysis. A pronounced effect of the random variability of both the lateral force and the elastic modulus of the upper layer on reliability indices has been shown in results of numerical examples.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION ANALYSIS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Authors: Danatzko Joseph M. , Sezen Halil , Chen Qian
Published: April 2013

The engineering community has been striving to design more sustainable buildings in an attempt to reduce both environmental impact and energy use during all phases of design, construction and operation. Design professionals currently have very limited guidance or tools to incorporate life-cycle and sustainability concepts into their designs. After reviewing the capabilities and limitations of four current life cycle analysis (LCA) computer programs, this research has selected the Athena Impact Estimator v4.0 to perform parametric studies of structural members made up of different construction materials. The energy consumption values are calculated and compared for columns, beams, concrete suspended slabs, precast double-tee sections and various other floor types. While Athena did offer some insights based on its LCA results, this research has concluded that existing LCA and sustainability analysis programs have too few options to meet the current needs of design professionals. A more accurate, sophisticated whole-building LCA tool needs to be developed to assess sustainable properties of design alternatives and to produce the most sustainable structural systems.
INTEGRATING GREEN RATING SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY FOR FERRY TERMINALS
Authors: Thompson Michael , Haselbach Liv , Poor Cara , Wolcott Michael
Published: April 2013

When attempting to achieve sustainability goals for integrated facilities, many green rating systems are available to guide the design, construction, operations and maintenance of a project. Due to the large number of sustainability tools that are available or mandated, it can be confusing to determine which set of guidelines to follow. For the Washington State Ferries (WSF), there is no green rating system which correlates perfectly with the unique intermodal challenges presented by ferry terminals. This paper focuses on five rating systems applicable to WSF: GreenLITES, LEED, Sustainable Sites Initiative, The Port Authority of NY/NJ Sustainable Infrastructure Guidelines (draft), and the draft Marine Vessel Environmental Performance Assessment (MVeP). These rating systems are integrated with a developing set of sustainable ferry guidelines in a green rating integration platform (GRIP). The GRIP readily relates credits and guidelines across multiple systems, aiding WSF in making decisions in accordance with sustainability goals. The GRIP format might similarly be applied to other integrated projects to more effectively and economically address sustainability across all aspects of projects and facility operations.
Pharmacokinetics, urinary excretion and plasma protein binding of ofloxacin in water buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Ola Ajay K. , Sandhu Harpal S. , Dumka Vinod K. , Ranjan Bibhuti
Published: April 2013

Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of an intravenous dose of 5 mg.kg–1 ofloxacin were investigated in water buffalo calves. Plasma concentrations of ofloxacin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ofloxacin was rapidly distributed from the central to the peripheral compartment as evidenced by a short distribution half-life (0.09 h ± 0.003 h) and high K12 (4.7 h–1 ± 0.1 h–1), and was detected in plasma for 8 h. The large volume of distribution (2.48 L.kg–1 ± 0.18 L.kg–1) obtained in this study indicated high distribution of ofloxacin in water buffalo calves. The elimination half-life, the area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve and total body clearance were 2.11 h ± 0.13 h, 6.20 µg.mL—1 ± 0.23 µg.mL—1.h and 0.81 mL.kg–1.h–1 ± 0.03 mL.kg–1.h–1, respectively. About 18.7% of administered drug was bound to plasma proteins and approximately 32.5% of the administered dose was recovered in urine within 48 h. The results of the study indicated a favourable pharmacokinetic profile of ofloxacin in water buffalo calves, which suggests that ofloxacin may be effective against urinary pathogens in this species.
Evaluation of a short-term medical mission to Syrian refugee camps in Turkey
Authors: Alghothani Nora , Alghothani Yousef , Atassi Bassel
Published: April 2013

Background: The escalating political and humanitarian crisis in Syria has left thousands detained, killed or displaced in neighboring countries. Given the permission and co-operation of the Turkish health authorities, a short-term medical mission to the Syrian refugee camps in the Hatay province was arranged. Materials and Methods : To assess this mission′s impact and potential expansion to serve other more emergently inflicted areas both inside and outside the Syrian borders, an evaluation was conducted via survey questionnaire of participating physicians. Results: While almost all respondents found the experience worthwhile and fulfilling, medical, social and educational challenges as well as possible solutions were outlined. Conclusion: The use of several specified principles to further guide efforts towards providing service, education, relief, and awareness would result in greater effect, sustainability and growth of the mission.
Modes of Public Serivces Delivery The Case of Spanish Local Governments
Authors: Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz , García-Sánchez Isabel María , Prado-Lorenzo José Manuel
Published: April 2013

In the last decades, there has been a spectacular increase in the number of entities providing public services in Spain. Functional decentralisation and externalisation processes became relevant and they made it possible to modernise the Spanish public sector, which was out of touch with new ideas in the rest of the Europe. In this study, we expose the evolution of these processes from 1999 to 2010, through a qualitative analysis using the biplot technique. The results show a trend toward functional decentralisation that is more important in the largest cities, especially through the creation of public companies and autonomous organisations.
Constructing Tanzanian Enterpreneurial Subjects: Neoliberal Development Through Local Governance
Authors: Pikalo Jernej , Banjac Marinko
Published: April 2013

This paper examines how the simultaneous enhancement of local governance and capacity building as a development strategy advances the idea not only of the self-help and self-responsibility of communities but, above all, how this strategy of neoliberal development is a form of production of subjectivity through which individuals are constituted as homo oeconomicus, or, more precisely, as entrepreneurial subjects. Employing Foucault’s insights from two series of lectures, given at the Collège de France, titled Security, Territory, Population and The Birth of Biopolitics, the article examines neoliberal development incentives and policies as an effect closely related to the government of individuals as a part of a specific community or locality. These insights are reflected through the specific case study of the Tanzanian Social Action Fund. The case of TASAF shows, when analysed on two diverse but complementary levels, of delineation (descriptive) and implementation (through concrete practices), how governmental (neoliberal) strategy, by employing moral dimensions, shapes individuals into entrepreneurial subjects who act with economically rational and are at the same time convinced that improvement of their own lives depends predominantly on themselves.
Naus frágeis e novos paradigmas em literatura e educação
Authors: Cunha Maria Zilda
Published: April 2013

O século XX assistiu a quebra de referências que ancoravam o mundo social, a transição paradigmática demandou olhar em revista das questões relacionadas ao homem, sociedade, ciência, arte. Nessa perspectiva, traçamos o objetivo deste trabalho: refletir acerca da Literatura Infantil, enquanto fenômeno que se constitui na tensão dialética – Literatura/Educação. Focamos dois momentos da história da civilização ocidental: o da associação da literatura ao processo educacional, com a inscrição da criança nasociedade, e a contemporaneidade, época em que a literatura infantil revigora o jogoliterário, redimensionando processos de formação dos jovens leitores. As articulações aqui presentes constituem sínteses do percurso de docência e pesquisa na USP em Estudos Comparados e Literatura Infantil/Juvenil. Investigação que aprofunda estudos do nosso mestrado e doutorado sobre a formação do pensamento moderno, a dinâmica de construção de conceitos que engendram a práxis educativa e as céleres transformações que motivam releituras. Dentre estas, a do problema da escola em razão de um novo leitor que opera atos de leitura no interfluxo de redes virtuais, com múltiplos códigos, linguagens, e franco acesso à complexidade das questões sociais. As novas gerações vivenciam a mudança paradigmática intensamente, motivo peloqual a Educação não pode se distanciar dos questionamentos que envolvem as rápidas transformações. Sinalizamos com obra de Ângela Lago (2006) como criativamente aliteratura contemporânea para crianças e jovens reflete a complexidade que vivemos,constituindo-se em forte aliada à educação para o acesso ao conhecimento do real e apossibilidade de adoção de uma práxis mais crítica.
Literatura infantil y educación primaria: análisis del valor formativo de los libros más leídos en España
Authors: Encabo-Fernández Eduardo , Jerez-Martínez Isabel
Published: April 2013

El propósito de esta aportación es mostrar cuál es la relación que se establece entrelos libros más leídos en Literatura Infantil en España, concretamente en el nivel deEducación Primaria. Tratamos de averiguar si el valor formativo de los mismos es eladecuado o si los textos únicamente responden a un criterio comercial. Debatiremosen el interior de esta aportación cuestiones relevantes como la posibilidad delestablecimiento de un canon formativo y las dificultades que ello conlleva, eldesarrollo de la lectura y la Literatura Infantil en el currículo oficial o el mismo análisispormenorizado de todas aquellos textos que son los más demandados, comprados yleídos por la población infantil española.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Leisure and Social Participation for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review
Authors: Berger Sue , McAteer Jessica , Schreier Kara , Kaldenberg Jennifer
Published: April 2013

This systematic review examined evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to maintain, restore, and improve performance in leisure and social participation for older adults with low vision. We identified and reviewed 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Four themes related to interventions to improve leisure and social participation emerged from the literature review: using a problem-solving approach, delivering a combination of services, providing skills training, and making home visits and environmental adaptations. The strongest evidence supports using a problem-solving approach to improve leisure and social participation for older adults with low vision. Evidence was moderate supporting the delivery of a combination of services, either by one professional or through an interdisciplinary approach. Results for the effectiveness of skills training and home visits and home adaptations were mixed. Implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Performance of Daily Activities at Home for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Chiung-Ju , Brost Melodie A. , Horton Vanessa E. , Kenyon Sarah B. , Mears Kristen E.
Published: April 2013

The impact of age-related vision loss on older adults’ independence at home is profound. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to maintain, restore, and improve performance in daily activities at home for older adults with low vision. We searched and screened abstracts from multiple electronic databases and identified 17 studies that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three themes in intervention approaches emerged: multicomponent intervention, single-component intervention, and multidisciplinary intervention. Strong evidence of effectiveness was found in studies that applied a multicomponent approach; these interventions involved teaching knowledge and skills that older adults with low vision need to help overcome the disablement process. Evidence also suggests that multiple sessions of training with low vision devices and special viewing skills to compensate for vision loss are necessary to have a positive effect on daily activities. Finally, multidisciplinary intervention that focused on personal goals yielded greater positive outcomes than interventions that were not personalized.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Promote Driving and Community Mobility for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review
Authors: Justiss Michael D.
Published: April 2013

A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to improve or maintain the driving performance and community mobility of older adults with low vision. The results of this review identified a limited number of articles—eight—that met the inclusion criteria. Identified intervention strategies included the use of bioptics or prisms, multidisciplinary vision rehabilitation for community mobility, driving simulator training, driver education programs, and orientation and mobility training. Evidence is insufficient for the effectiveness of these interventions in improving or maintaining the driving performance or community mobility of older adults with low vision. Key study limitations included heterogeneity of sample characteristics (age, type of vision impairment), lack of standardization of interventions (device type, time, intensity duration), and lack of standardized assessments to measure driving and community mobility. This evidence-based review is informative for discussion of practice, education, and research implications.