bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlação entre postura da cabeça, intensidade da dor e índice de incapacidade cervical em mulheres com queixa de dor cervical
Authors: Soares Juliana Corrêa , Weber Priscila , Trevisan Maria Elaine , Trevisan Claudia Morais , Rossi Angela Garcia
Published: September 2013

A dor cervical é o sintoma mais comum das disfunções cervicais, frequentemente relacionado à manutenção de posturas inadequadas. As alterações posturais da cabeça estão associadas à ocorrência de dor cervical, sendo a anteriorização a alteração mais comum. O objetivo foi investigar a correlação entre postura da cabeça, intensidade da dor e índice de incapacidade cervical - neck disability index (NDI). O grupo estudo (GE) foi composto por mulheres na faixa entre 20 e 50 anos com queixas de dor cervical por mais de três meses, e o grupo controle (GC), por mulheres assintomáticas. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica (EVA), a incapacidade pelo NDI e a postura da cabeça pelo ângulo craniovertebral (CV). A normalidade dos dados foi verificada pelo teste de Lilliefors, e a comparação entre os grupos pelo teste t de Student para amostras independentes e a associação entre as variáveis pela correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância foi de 5%. O GE apresentou médias menores para o ângulo CV (p=0,02). O ângulo CV demonstrou correlação negativa com a EVA (r=-0,48) e o NDI (r=-0,15), sugerindo que quanto menor o ângulo, maior a intensidade da dor e a incapacidade cervical. O NDI e a EVA apresentaram correlação positiva (r=0,59). O ângulo CV em indivíduos com dor cervical foi significativamente menor que em assintomáticos, apresentando correlação moderada com o NDI e a dor.
Avaliação da capacidade funcional em idosos diabéticos
Authors: Anjos Daniela Maria da Cruz dos , Araújo Isabella Lima , Barros Vivian Morais , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes , Pereira Daniele Sirineu
Published: September 2013

O diabetes mellitus (DM) tem associação com várias comorbidades que comprometem ainda mais a funcionalidade do idoso. Essa doença crônica está vinculada ao risco de incapacidade para realizar atividades rotineiras. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a capacidade funcional de idosos diabéticos e não diabéticos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional transversal que avaliou 40 idosos, divididos em dois grupos, sendo 20 diabéticos (71,1±4,6 anos) e 20 não diabéticos (71,7±4,4 anos). Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto ao gênero, idade e índice de massa corpórea (IMC). Para avaliação da capacidade funcional foram realizados o teste de desempenho físico modificado (TDMF) e o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). A percepção subjetiva do esforço foi avaliada por meio da escala de Borg modificada e o teste de sensibilidade pela percepção de um conjunto de seis monofilamentos de náilon de Semmes-Weinstein. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Mann-Whitney test. O grupo de idosos diabéticos percorreu menor distância no TC6 (396±55,6x481,5±73,1 m; p=0,0003) e apresentou pior teste de sensibilidade quando comparado com os não diabéticos, mas nenhuma diferença foi encontrada no TDMF. Os idosos diabéticos relataram pior aptidão física quando comparados com os não diabéticos.
Efficient treatment of an electroplating wastewater containing heavy metal ions, cyanide, and organics by H2O2 oxidation followed by the anodic Fenton process
Authors: Zhao Xu , Wang Haidong , Chen Fayuan , Mao Ran , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui
Published: September 2013

A real electroplating wastewater, containing heavy metals, cyanide, and organic contaminants, was treated by electrocoagulation (EC), H2O2 oxidation, H2O2 pre-oxidation followed by EC, and the anodic Fenton process and the efficacy of the processes was compared. Concentration of cyanide, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr was largely decreased by EC within 5 min. When the reaction time was extended, removal of residual cyanide, Cu, and Ni was limited. In H2O2 oxidation, the concentration of cyanide decreased from initial 75 to 12 mg L−1 in 30 min. The effluents from the H2O2 oxidation were further treated by EC or anodic Fenton. In EC, the concentration of total cyanide, Ni, and Cu decreased to below 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 mg L−1, respectively. Removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand by EC was less than 20.0%. By contrast, there was 73.5% reduction by the anodic Fenton process with 5 mM H2O2 at 30 min; this can be attributed to the oxidation induced by hydroxyl radicals generated by the reaction of H2O2 with the electrogenerated Fe2+. Meanwhile, residual cyanide, Cu, and Ni can also be efficiently removed. Transformation of organic components in various processes was analyzed using UV-visible and fluorescence excitation-emission spectra.
Combining adsorption with anodic oxidation as an innovative technique for removal and destruction of organics
Authors: Brown N. W. , Roberts E. P. L.
Published: September 2013

Coupling of adsorption with electrochemical oxidation is a novel approach to the treatment of aqueous organics that has demonstrated a number of key benefits over the individual application of these processes. This is based on a highly conducting adsorbent material, developed under the trade name Nyex™, that is able to rapidly adsorb the organics and anodically oxidise them within a single treatment unit. Successful scale up of the process (in both continuous and batch operation) has been achieved for the polishing of two separate groundwaters (one containing relatively simple petrol, diesel and their degradation products and the other with a range of more complex organics). Treatment showed that low discharge consents can be achieved, including the removal of more complex and difficult to treat compounds to below the limits of detection. Energy consumption for electrochemical regeneration was relatively low (down to 0.5 kWh/m3) suggesting that the process could be a practical alternative approach for effluent polishing.
Treatment of tapioca starch wastewater by a novel combination of physical and biological processes
Authors: Fettig J. , Pick V. , Austermann-Haun U. , Blumberg M. , Phuoc N. V.
Published: September 2013

A pilot plant combining dissolved air flotation, anaerobic degradation in an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor and aerobic post-treatment in a vertical flow constructed wetland has been used to treat tapioca starch wastewater for more than 2.25 years. It is demonstrated that organic matter (chemical oxygen demand by >98%), nitrogen (Kjeldahl-N by >90%) and cyanide (total cyanide by >99%) can be removed very efficiently under stable operating conditions. The removal efficiency for phosphorus is lower (total-P by 50%). The treatment concept, which includes several sustainable aspects, e.g. production of energy to be used on-site, low operation demands and minimal use of chemicals, could be interesting for small- and middle-sized tapioca processing plants.
Reduction of nutrient contaminants into shallow eutrophic waters through vegetated treatment beds
Authors: Han P. , Vijayaraghavan K. , Reuben S. , Estrada E. S. , Joshi U. M.
Published: September 2013

One of the most effective mitigative approaches to eutrophication is the reduction of nutrient loading into water bodies. Bioremediation presents an economically viable and ecologically sustainable technology to nutrient pollution control taking advantage of the remarkable ability of plants and their associated microbial community to assimilate and remove nutrients from the environment. In this study, four emergent macrophytes (Cyperus haspan, Pandanus amaryllifolius, Pontederia cordata and Thalia geniculata) and two floating plants (Hygroryza aristata and Pistia stratiotes) were deployed in bank-side treatment beds and comparatively assessed for their remediative capabilities for nutrient control. P. stratiotes exhibited the highest removal efficiency for both nitrate and phosphate among the six plant species studied. Emergent macrophytes, P. amaryllifolius, C. haspan and P. cordata, were also found to be highly effective in nutrient uptake exhibiting removal efficiencies up to 100%. With the exception of T. geniculata, depletion of nutrients as a result of plant uptake significantly impeded the natural colonization of algae invariably leading to improvements in water quality in terms of turbidity and pH. Suppression of algae proliferation by T. geniculata was not preceded by a reduction in nutrient concentrations suggesting that T. geniculata may be directly inhibiting algal growth through allelopathy.
KN-B removal from water by non-thermal plasma
Authors: Liu Ya-nan , Tian Lu , Li Rui , Mei Shu-fang , Xue Gang , Ognier Stéphanie
Published: September 2013

The degradation of Reactive Black 5 (KN-B) in water using double-dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) was studied. Experimental results showed that the KN-B degradation rate increased as the initial pH decreased. Low concentrations of Fe2+ enhanced the degradation, whereas high concentrations of Fe2+ hindered the degradation. The results showed that DDBD did not noticeably reduce total organic carbon but did reduce the pH value and improve the biodegradability of the solution significantly. Furthermore, the UV–Vis spectra of the dye showed that the chromophore group was damaged and that the solution was decolorized after the 10-min degradation process.
Estimating subcatchment runoff coefficients using weather radar and a downstream runoff sensor
Authors: Ahm Malte , Thorndahl Søren , Rasmussen Michael R. , Bassø Lene
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a method for estimating runoff coefficients of urban drainage subcatchments based on a combination of high resolution weather radar data and flow measurements from a downstream runoff sensor. By utilising the spatial variability of the precipitation it is possible to estimate the runoff coefficients of the separate subcatchments. The method is demonstrated through a case study of an urban drainage catchment (678 ha) located in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. The study has proven that it is possible to use corresponding measurements of the relative rainfall distribution over the catchment and downstream runoff measurements to identify the runoff coefficients at subcatchment level.
Formation, breakage and re-formation of flocs formed by cationic starch
Authors: Lin Qintie , Peng Huanlong , Lin Qinlu , Yin Guangcai
Published: September 2013

The efficiency of flocculation can be significantly improved through floc breakage and re-formation under appropriate conditions. To obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved and to relate floc properties to separation efficiency, the effects of mixing conditions on the formation, breakage and re-formation of flocs formed by kaolin and cationic starch were investigated through conventional jar test procedure and continuous optical monitoring. It has been found that the breakage of flocs was fully reversible and the polymer flocculant could resist strong shear; even having been sheared for four times, the flocculation index (FI) value would be higher than that of the original flocs. The results indicated flocs formed at neutral and alkaline conditions had better shear resistance than those at acidification conditions, and the mode of floc rupture was large-scale fragmentation.
Application of CFD modelling at a full-scale ozonation plant for the removal of micropollutants from secondary effluent
Authors: Launer M. , Lyko S. , Fahlenkamp H. , Jagemann P. , Ehrhard P.
Published: September 2013

Since November 2009, Germany's first full-scale ozonation plant for tertiary treatment of secondary effluent is in continuous operation. A kinetic model was developed and combined with the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS® CFX® to simulate the removal of micropollutants from secondary effluents. Input data like reaction rate constants and initial concentrations of bulk components of the effluent organic matter (EfOM) were derived from experimental batch tests. Additionally, well-known correlations for the mass transfer were implemented into the simulation model. The CFD model was calibrated and validated by full-scale process data and by analytical measurements for micropollutants. The results show a good consistency of simulated values and measured data. Therewith, the validated CFD model described in this study proved to be suited for the application of secondary effluent ozonation. By implementing site-specific ozone exposition and the given reactor geometry the described CFD model can be easily adopted for similar applications.
A quantitative speciation model for the adsorption of organic pollutants on activated carbon
Authors: Grivé M. , García D. , Domènech C. , Richard L. , Rojo I. , Martínez X. , Rovira M.
Published: September 2013

Granular activated carbon (GAC) is commonly used as adsorbent in water treatment plants given its high capacity for retaining organic pollutants in aqueous phase. The current knowledge on GAC behaviour is essentially empirical, and no quantitative description of the chemical relationships between GAC surface groups and pollutants has been proposed. In this paper, we describe a quantitative model for the adsorption of atrazine onto GAC surface. The model is based on results of potentiometric titrations and three types of adsorption experiments which have been carried out in order to determine the nature and distribution of the functional groups on the GAC surface, and evaluate the adsorption characteristics of GAC towards atrazine. Potentiometric titrations have indicated the existence of at least two different families of chemical groups on the GAC surface, including phenolic- and benzoic-type surface groups. Adsorption experiments with atrazine have been satisfactorily modelled with the geochemical code PhreeqC, assuming that atrazine is sorbed onto the GAC surface in equilibrium (log Ks = 5.1 ± 0.5). Independent thermodynamic calculations suggest a possible adsorption of atrazine on a benzoic derivative. The present work opens a new approach for improving the adsorption capabilities of GAC towards organic pollutants by modifying its chemical properties.
Fe(II) oxidation during acid mine drainage neutralization in a pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Zvimba J. N. , Mathye M. , Vadapalli V. R. K. , Swanepoel H. , Bologo L.
Published: September 2013

This study investigated Fe(II) oxidation during acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization using CaCO3 in a pilot-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) of hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 90 min and sludge retention time (SRT) of 360 min in the presence of air. The removal kinetics of Fe(II), of initial concentration 1,033 ± 0 mg/L, from AMD through oxidation to Fe(III) was observed to depend on both pH and suspended solids, resulting in Fe(II) levels of 679 ± 32, 242 ± 64, 46 ± 16 and 28 ± 0 mg/L recorded after cycles 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, with complete Fe(II) oxidation only achieved after complete neutralization of AMD. Generally, it takes 30 min to completely oxidize Fe(II) during cycle 4, suggesting that further optimization of SBR operation based on both pH and suspended solids manipulation can result in significant reduction of the number of cycles required to achieve acceptable Fe(II) oxidation for removal as ferric hydroxide. Overall, complete removal of Fe(II) during AMD neutralization is attractive as it promotes recovery of better quality waste gypsum, key to downstream gypsum beneficiation for recovery of valuables, thereby enabling some treatment-cost recovery and prevention of environmental pollution from dumping of sludge into landfills.
Potential fertilizing properties of sewage sludge treated in the sludge treatment reed beds (STRB)
Authors: Kołecka Katarzyna , Obarska-Pempkowiak Hanna
Published: September 2013

In previous research the fertilizer value of sludge from reed beds was evaluated based on the sampling sludge on different depths from four Danish sludge treatment reed beds (STRB) after long periods of stabilization. The dewatering efficiency of sewage sludge in the STRB is comparable to mechanical dewatering. The long-term stabilization of sewage sludge progressively decreases the concentration of organic matter due to the process of humification. The aim of the work was to determine the changes of organic matter concentration, nutrients concentrations as well as speciation of selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu and Zn) in vertical profile of the sewage sludge stabilized in the STRB for 7–15 years. The analyzed sewage sludge was collected from the STRB treating sludge from four municipal wastewater treatment plants located in Denmark serving from 9,000 to 40,000 person equivalent. Analyzed heavy metals (except for Zn) were mostly bound with the most stable – residual – fraction. The most stable metals were Pb and Cr, where the share of the residual fraction exceeded 80.0%. The most mobile metal was Zn, where the share of the mobile fractions (calculated as the sum of I, II and III fractions) exceeded 85.0%. The high concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus is the decisive factor in the high valuation of sludge stabilized in the STRB as fertilizer.
Modelling and monitoring of integrated urban wastewater systems: review on status and perspectives
Authors: Benedetti Lorenzo , Langeveld Jeroen , Comeau Adrien , Corominas Lluís , Daigger Glen , Martin Cristina , Mikkelsen Peter Steen , Vezzaro Luca , Weijers Stefan , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: September 2013

While the general principles and modelling approaches for integrated management/modelling of urban water systems already present a decade ago still hold, in recent years aspects like model interfacing and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent generation as complements to sewer modelling have been investigated and several new or improved systems analysis methods have become available. New/improved software tools coupled with the current high computational capacity have enabled the application of integrated modelling to several practical cases, and advancements in monitoring water quantity and quality have been substantial and now allow the collecting of data in sufficient quality and quantity to permit using integrated models for real-time applications too. Further developments are warranted in the field of data quality assurance and efficient maintenance.
Relationship between self-supporting behaviors and self-concept among primary school students in China
Authors: Ling Hui , Luo Yang-Mei , Zhang Jian-Ren
Published: September 2013

Our aim in this study was to explore the relationship between self-supporting behaviors and self-concept among primary school students in China. Participants were 193 primary school students in grades 5 and 6 who completed the Self-supporting Behaviors Questionnaire for Children Aged
6-12 (SBQ 6-12) and the Tennessee Self-concept Scale (TSCS). We divided the responses into two groups of a high self-supporting group, consisting of the highest 27% of the SBQ 6-12 total scores, and a low self-supporting group consisting of the lowest 27% of the total scores. The high self-supporting
group got significantly higher scores than did the low self-supporting group in all subscales of the TSCS. All scores for subscales of the TSCS were significantly and positively correlated with scores for all dimensions of the SBQ 6-12. Thus, the children's self-supporting behaviors were closely
related to their self-concept. The higher the level of self-supporting behavior, the more positive was the child's self-concept.
Effects of culture and social cynicism on anxious attachment transference from mother to partner
Authors: Wen Yueran , Liu Liu , Yuan Chunyong
Published: September 2013

We examined the role of culture and social cynicism beliefs in the transference of an anxious attachment style from mother to romantic partner among a group of undergraduates from the US (n = 200) and Hong Kong (n = 147). The results showed that anxious attachment to mother
and to partner was moderately correlated among both cultural groups. However, social cynicism beliefs were found to moderate the relationship between anxious attachment to mother and attachment to partner among U.S. but not Hong Kong Chinese participants. This observed differential effect
of social cynicism beliefs could be explained by differences in self-direction values across the 2 cultural groups. The findings in the study are of theoretical significance as they provide insights for further research on the influences of cultural variables and personal beliefs on attachment
transference.
Laotian entrepreneurs' optimism and new venture performance
Authors: Chen Shouming , Liao Zhiguo , Redd Tammi , Wu Sibin
Published: September 2013

Research into entrepreneurial optimism and its impact on firm performance has produced inconsistent results. We analyzed 146 Laotian entrepreneurs and found that entrepreneurial optimism was positively related to their new venture performance. We also found that level of education and
motivation moderated the relationship between entrepreneurs' optimism and their new ventures. In our study we extended entrepreneurship research on optimism by investigating the relationship between entrepreneurial optimism and new venture performance in an emerging economy.
Personality as an indirect predictor of academic achievement via student course experience and approach to learning
Authors: Diseth Åge
Published: September 2013

How personality traits predict students' course experience, approaches to learning (SAL), and academic achievement were investigated. A path analysis showed that personality traits predicted course experience, which, in turn, predicted SAL and academic achievement. Personality traits
accounted for 27% of the variance in teaching quality, and 18% of the variance in appropriate workload. Furthermore, personality traits and course experience accounted for 19% of the variance in deep SAL, 55% of the variance in surface SAL, and 48% of the variance in strategic SAL. The whole
model accounted for 13% of the variance in examination grades. It was concluded that individual differences in personality should be taken into account when investigating learning in terms of students' course experience and SAL.
Effect of collaborative LEGO® block construction on Japanese young women's sense of acceptance
Authors: Kato Daiki , Asai Miho , Yoshie Mio
Published: September 2013

In this study we examined the effect of constructing a collaborative LEGO® block creation on the sense of being accepted by others (Ibasho) in Japanese young women at the stage of late adolescence. The participants were 20 Japanese female university students whose Ibasho scores
were based on comparisons before and after the construction task was completed. The findings indicated that the scores after the construction task were higher than the scores before completing the task (t(19) = −1.81, p < .10). In addition, the scores regarding the sense
of role significantly increased after the students completed their construction (t(19) = −3.18, p < .01). These results indicate that a collaborative task facilitated the division of roles in groups and positively affected the participants' Ibasho. These findings present
a new possibility for the application of LEGO® block construction in group therapy.
Structure and mechanism of organizational cultural identification in a Chinese business context
Authors: Chen Chih-Chung , Yang Baiyin
Published: September 2013

Our goal in this paper was to explore the structure and mechanism of organizational cultural identification. Based on a grounded theory method we interviewed 52 Chinese managers, and 4 dimensions of cultural identification were extracted from the data we gathered. We then developed
the Organizational Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS) and pretested this measure with 117 employees. We conducted a field study with 480 employees of 8 Chinese enterprises, testing a 2-hierarchy structure of organizational cultural identification. Using hierarchical regression and structural
equation model (SEM) methods, we found that organizational cultural identification had a positive impact on organizational commitment, and a negative impact on turnover intention. The results demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for the OCIS scale measuring organizational cultural
identification.
Social motivations and consumption behavior of spectators attending a Formula one motor-racing event
Authors: Kim Suk-Kyu , Byon Kevin K. , Yu Jae-Gu , Zhang James J. , Kim Chong
Published: September 2013

Our purpose was to examine the relationship between spectator social motivations and sport consumption behavior in the context of Formula One (F-1) motor-racing events. Respondents were spectators who attended 3 F-1 races held in Shanghai, China. Through a structural equation modeling
analysis, we found that achievement seeking and salubrious effects were motivating factors related to repurchase intentions. Achievement seeking, entertainment, and catharsis were also motivating factors associated with word-of-mouth intentions concerning F-1 events.
Parental emotional warmth and career decision-making difficulties: A model of intellectual-cultural orientation and conscientiousness
Authors: Hou Chunna , Wu Lin , Liu Zhijun
Published: September 2013

We used a mediation model and an integrated, moderated mediation model to examine the effects of parental emotional warmth, intellectual-cultural orientation in family factors, and conscientiousness on the career decision-making difficulties of Chinese college students. We tested 1,196
undergraduate students by employing the conscientiousness subscale of the Chinese version of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), the Career Decision-making Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ), the revised Chinese version of the Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran scale (EMBU), and
the Family Environment Scale–Chinese Version (FES-CV). Our results showed that, in the mediation model, parental emotional warmth had an indirect effect on college students' career decision-making difficulties through the mediation of conscientiousness. In the integrated model, this
indirect effect was moderated by an intellectual-cultural orientated family environment.
Knockdown of Glyoxalase 1 Mimics Diabetic Nephropathy in Nondiabetic Mice
Authors: Giacco Ferdinando , Du Xueliang , D’Agati Vivette D. , Milne Ross , Sui Guangzhi , Geoffrion Michele , Brownlee Michael
Published: September 2013

Differences in susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy (DN) between mouse strains with identical levels of hyperglycemia correlate with renal levels of oxidative stress, shown previously to play a central role in the pathogenesis of DN. Susceptibility to DN appears to be genetically determined, but the critical genes have not yet been identified. Overexpression of the enzyme glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which prevents posttranslational modification of proteins by the glycolysis-derived α-oxoaldehyde, methylglyoxal (MG), prevents hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in cultured cells and model organisms. In this study, we show that in nondiabetic mice, knockdown of Glo1 increases to diabetic levels both MG modification of glomerular proteins and oxidative stress, causing alterations in kidney morphology indistinguishable from those caused by diabetes. We also show that in diabetic mice, Glo1 overexpression completely prevents diabetes-induced increases in MG modification of glomerular proteins, increased oxidative stress, and the development of diabetic kidney pathology, despite unchanged levels of diabetic hyperglycemia. Together, these data indicate that Glo1 activity regulates the sensitivity of the kidney to hyperglycemic-induced renal pathology and that alterations in the rate of MG detoxification are sufficient to determine the glycemic set point at which DN occurs.
Prandial Insulin Dosing Using the Carbohydrate Counting Technique in Hospitalized Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dungan Kathleen M. , Sagrilla Colleen , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Osei Kwame
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To compare a modified fixed meal dosing strategy to flexible meal dosing in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients (N = 126) with refractory hyperglycemia or requiring at least 20 units of insulin per day were randomly assigned to fixed meal dosing (including withholding the dose if less than half of the meal tray was consumed) or flexible meal dosing based upon carbohydrate intake. The inpatient diabetes management team made all treatment adjustments. Outcomes included day 3 mean glucose, 72-h glucose trend analysis, hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L), and inpatient diabetes treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean glucose on day 3 was 9.5 and 8.8 mmol/L in the fixed and flexible meal groups, respectively (P = 0.26). The frequency of hypoglycemia was 23 and 39% overall in the fixed and flexible meal groups (P = 0.08), with half of events occurring in the morning. There was a wide range of carbohydrate intake (median 51 g/meal, 10–90% range 26–72 g on day 3). The fixed dose group required significantly more prandial insulin overall and more correction insulin over time. There was no difference in composite treatment satisfaction or dosing miscalculations between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A fixed meal dosing strategy provided similar glucose control as flexible meal dosing, when managed by an inpatient diabetes treatment team. However, a larger sample size would be needed to definitively evaluate a treatment effect of flexible meal dosing in the hospital. Further study is needed to improve the delivery of bolus insulin in hospitalized patients.
Impact of Sex and Age at Onset of Diabetes on Mortality From Ischemic Heart Disease in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Harjutsalo Valma , Maric-Bilkan Christine , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To study whether ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) depends on the age at onset of diabetes and whether this effect is sex specific.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study examined long-term IHD-specific mortality in a Finnish population-based cohort of patients with early-onset (0–14 years) and late-onset (15–29 years) T1D (n = 17,306).

RESULTS

During 433,782 person-years of follow-up, 478 deaths from IHD were observed. Within the early-onset cohort, the average crude mortality rate in women was 33.3% lower than in men, whereas in the late-onset cohort, mortality was only one-half that in men. In contrast, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was higher in women than in men (21.6 [95% CI 17.2–27.0] vs. 5.8 [5.1–6.6]). The difference in SMR between sexes was more striking in the early-onset cohort (women 52.8 [36.3–74.5], men 12.1 [9.2–15.8]). The SMR was also greater in women in the late-onset cohort (15.8 [11.8–20.7]) compared with men (5.0 [4.3–5.8]). The relative risk of dying from IHD was greatest in women aged <40 years and 40–60 years in the early- and late-onset cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of mortality from IHD is exceptionally high in women with early-onset T1D compared with women in the background population. These observations underscore the importance of identifying risk factors early in women and delivering more-aggressive treatment after diagnosis.
SIRS Is Valid in Discriminating Between Severe and Moderate Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , Hobizal Kimberlee B. , Raspovic Katherine Marie , Rosario Bedda L.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective, single-center study was designed to distinguish severe diabetic foot infection (DFI) from moderate DFI based on the presence or absence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The database of a single academic foot and ankle program was reviewed and 119 patients were identified. Severe DFI was defined as local infection associated with manifestation of two or more objective findings of systemic toxicity using SIRS criteria.

RESULTS

Patients with severe DFI experienced a 2.55-fold higher risk of any amputation (95% CI 1.21–5.36) and a 7.12-fold higher risk of major amputation (1.83–41.05) than patients with moderate DFI. The risk of minor amputations was not significantly different between the two groups (odds ratio 1.02 [95% CI 0.51–2.28]). The odds of having a severe DFI was 7.82 times higher in patients who presented with gangrene (2.03–44.81) and five times higher in patients who reported symptoms of anorexia, chills, nausea, or vomiting (2.22–11.25). The mean hospital length of stay for patients with severe DFI was ∼4 days longer than for patients with moderate DFI, and this difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRS is valid in distinguishing severe from moderate DFI in hospitalized patients. Patients with severe DFI, as by manifesting two or more signs of systemic inflammation or toxicity, had higher rates of major amputation and longer hospital stays and required more surgery and more subsequent admissions than patients who did not manifest SIRS.
The Total Graph of a Commutative Semiring
Authors: Atani Shahabaddin Ebrahimi , Saraei Fatemeh Esmaeili Khalil
Published: September 2013

We introduce and investigate the total graph of a commutative semiring with non-zero identity. The main purpose of this paper is to extend the definition and some results given in [2] to a more general semiring case.
On the Growth of Solutions of Some Second Order Linear Differential Equations with Entire Coefficients
Authors: Belaïdi Benharrat , Habib Habib
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we investigate the order and the hyper-order of growth of solutions of the linear differential equation where n≥2 is an integer, Aj (z) (≢0) (j = 1,2) are entire functions with max {σ A(j) : (j = 1,2} < 1, Q (z) = qmzm + ... + q1z + q0 is a nonoonstant polynomial and a1, a2 are complex numbers. Under some conditions, we prove that every solution f (z) ≢ 0 of the above equation is of infinite order and hyper-order 1.
A necessary and sufficient condition for some steady Ricci solitons to have positive asymptotic volume ratio
Authors: Gao Xiang
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we firstly establish a useful ODE relationship between R1(c) and V1(c) on the steady Ricci soliton. Based on this, we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for some complete noncompact steady gradient Ricci solitons to have positive asymptotic volume ratio.
On the Images of Ellipses Under Similarities
Authors: Özgür Nihal Yilmaz
Published: September 2013

We consider ellipses corresponding to any norm function on the complex plane and determine their images under the similarities which are special Möbius transformations.
Controlled G-Frames and Their G-Multipliers in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Rahimi Asghar , Fereydooni Abolhassan
Published: September 2013

Multipliers have been recently introduced by P. Balazs as operators for Bessel sequences and frames in Hilbert spaces. These are opera- tors that combine (frame-like) analysis, a multiplication with a fixed sequence ( called the symbol) and synthesis. One of the last extensions of frames is weighted and controlled frames that introduced by P.Balazs, J-P. Antoine and A. Grybos to improve the numerical efficiency of iterative algorithms for inverting the frame operator. Also g-frames are the most popular generalization of frames that include almost all of the frame extensions. In this manuscript the concept of the controlled g- frames will be defined and we will show that controlled g-frames are equivalent to g-frames and so the controlled operators C and C' can be used as preconditions in applications. Also the multiplier operator for this family of operators will be introduced and some of its properties will be shown.
Bipolar Fuzzy Line Graph of a Bipolar Fuzzy Hypergraph
Authors: Narayanamoorthy S. , Tamilselvi A.
Published: September 2013

This paper introduces the concept of a bipolar fuzzy line graph of a bipolar fuzzy hypergraph and some of the properties of the bipolar fuzzy line graph of a bipolar fuzzy hypergraph are also examined.
P2P Traffic Identification Based on Host and Flow Behaviour Characteristics
Authors: Yan Jinghua , Wu Zhigang , Luo Hao , Zhang Shuzhuang
Published: September 2013

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks have been widely applied in file sharing, streaming media, instant messaging and other fields, which have attracted large attention. At the same time P2P networks traffic worsens the congestion of a network significantly. In order to better manage and control P2P traffic, it is important to identify P2P traffic accurately. In this paper we propose a novel P2P identification scheme, based on the host and flow behaviour characteristics of P2P traffic. First we determine if a host takes part in a P2P application by matching its behaviour with some predefined host level behaviour rules. Subsequently, we refine the identification by comparing the statistical features of each flow in the host with several flow feature profiles. The experiments on real world network data prove that this method is quite efficient to identify P2P traffic. The classification accuracy achieves 93.9 % and 96.3 % in terms of flows and bytes respectively.
Current Practices, Trends and Challenges in K-12 Online Learning
Authors: Dichev Christo , Dicheva Darina , Agre Gennady , Angelova Galia
Published: September 2013

Online learning is one of the fastest growing trends in Technology- Enhanced Learning (TEL). Technology in combination with an instruction that addresses the cognitive and social processes of knowledge construction could offer more diverse and effective online learning opportunities than their face-to-face counterparts. In this review we attempt to summarize different forms and practices in K-12 online and blended learning as they appear in various regional, national and cultural contexts. The article starts with introducing some basic concepts and terminology, sums up the state of K-12 online learning around the world and ends with summarizing some trends and challenges observed in current K-12 online learning practices.
Face identification under uncontrolled environment with LGFSV face representation technique
Authors: Singh Kavita , Zaveri Mukesh , Raghuwanshi Mukesh
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a new log Gabor-FPLBP-SVD (LGFSV) face representation technique that extracts singular values from log Gabor_FPLBP response image to form the LGFSV feature for face representation. The proposed LGFSV is invariant to changes in pose, illumination and facial expression. The novelty of this paper comes from (i) the design of minimal number of log Gabor filters to cover all directional shape features from face image which is further applied with Four phase Local Binary Pattern to enhance texture features in all direction; (ii) the extraction of singular value from each local matrix of log Gabor_FPLBP response image to form feature for face identification using nearest neighbour classifier; and (iii) extensive performance evaluation. In particular, the performance of the proposed LGFSV for face identification under pose variation and change in illumination and expression is evaluated on standard face databases such as ORL; Head Pose Image Database, Georgia Tech Face Database, CMU-PIE, GTAV and RLCI face databases. Experimental results with LGFSV show a significant improvement over individual face representation techniques.
Pruning algorithms of neural networks — a comparative study
Authors: Augasta M. , Kathirvalavakumar T.
Published: September 2013

The neural network with optimal architecture speeds up the learning process and generalizes the problem well for further knowledge extraction. As a result researchers have developed various techniques for pruning the neural networks. This paper provides a survey of existing pruning techniques that optimize the architecture of neural networks and discusses their advantages and limitations. Also the paper evaluates the effectiveness of various pruning techniques by comparing the performance of some traditional and recent pruning algorithms based on sensitivity analysis, mutual information and significance on four real datasets namely Iris, Wisconsin breast cancer, Hepatitis Domain and Pima Indian Diabetes.
Knowledge about Tuberculosis among Drug Users in Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Shrestha P
Published: September 2013

Background Drug use is a significant risk factor for acquiring tuberculosis (TB) infection and progressing to active TB due to high Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seroprevalence, low socio-economic status, poor environmental conditions and problems of access to health care. Illicit drug users are at high risk for TB. Objective To assess the knowledge about TB among drug users whereas the specific objectives are to assess the knowledge about how TB is acquired, transmitted and prevented, the signs and symptoms of TB including diagnosis, curability and the source of information. Methodology Descriptive cross sectional study among 45 male and 18 female drug users in two centers each of Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Semi structured interview schedule was used to collect data. In Depth Interview (IDI) was conducted among 5 drug service providers using IDI guidelines. Results Majority of users (42%) were between 25-29 years and male (71%). About 13% respondents had family history of drug use. Major source of information was print media. Only 33% respondents had the correct knowledge about the causes of TB; however knowledge regarding signs and symptoms was found to be good. About 64% respondents had correct knowledge regarding transmission and 44% about its diagnosis. About 97% respondents knew that TB can be cured but not about the medications and treatment duration. Most users (71%) were familiar with preventive measures. In-depth Interview with drug service providers revealed that drug users are at high risk of acquiring TB as their knowledge regarding TB was poor and drug users ignored about TB. Conclusion Although drug users are at high risk for contracting and spreading TB, the level of knowledge about TB was low. It is necessary to provide them with TB related information and education to reduce the burden of TB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8719   Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 1-6
Doing Focus Groups in the Health Field: Some Lessons from Nepal
Authors: Van Teijlingen E , Simkhada P , Stephens J
Published: September 2013

This paper addresses two research issues, one related to the running of focus groups and one more generally, on the link between researchers and local health officials. The objective of this article is to alert potential focus group researchers of some of the challenges related to conducting focus groups in rural areas. Our view-point article highlights the key issues of our experience in conducting focus groups in Nepal. Furthermore, it reflects on likely reasons why the challenges occurred and, where possible, offers some solutions to improve the running of focus groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8722 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 15-17
Beyond Criminal Justice: A Case Study of Responding to Human Trafficking in Canada
Authors: Kaye Julie , Winterdyk John , Quarterman Lara
Published: September 2013

Despite increasing awareness of human trafficking in Canada, there is limited knowledge about how local communities are responding to the experiences of trafficked persons. By focusing on the case of counter-trafficking responses in Calgary, Alberta, this project represents the first Canadian attempt to document how a major urban centre is addressing human trafficking. The exploratory project surveyed 53 respondents representing agencies involved in the counter-trafficking response, which in various capacities serve individuals victimized by trafficking. Building on the survey findings, five focus group discussions were conducted during the autumn of 2011. The article suggests that, while a criminal justice framework is important for addressing human trafficking, local strategies will benefit from an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration that emphasizes the rights of the trafficked persons above the needs of law enforcement.
Ethnic Presentations and Cultural Constructs: The Chinese/Irish Servant inPatsy O’Wang
Authors: Ou Hsin-yun
Published: September 2013

Abstract:

T.S. Denison’s Patsy O’Wang gives insight into the place of Chinese and Irish immigrants in a changing American racial hierarchy. The present article argues that, while the play demonstrates the significance of American nationalism, the title character, of mixed blood, ironically challenges the traditional racial ideologies that constructed social meanings through biological differences and suggests that the ethnic identity is made through cultural constructs.
Out of Exile: The Recusal of the Chicago Police from American Film and Television, 1961–2011
Authors: Arntfield Michael
Published: September 2013

Abstract:

The prime-time debut and subsequent cancellation of the Fox police procedural The Chicago Code, in 2011, briefly returned the once iconic Chicago Police Department to a place of prominence in the American crime drama. The series marked an end to the once official and later unofficial fifty-year moratorium on the fictionalized use of the department’s name, image, and uniform in film and television, as well as a controversial ordinance prohibiting police dramas from being filmed on location in Chicago itself. The present article examines what impact this protracted self-exile from the mythography of the police —the depiction of the police myth in the arts and media—has meant for the Chicago Police Department in terms of its place in both American society and the national police subculture during a time when other police departments were undertaking significant modernization and commercialization efforts. The article additionally examines what the legacy of The Chicago Code may mean for the Chicago Police Department’s imagistic reinvention and eventual reintegration into American popular culture.
Effects of Interest Rate and Exchange Rate on Volatility of Market Index at Dhaka Stock Exchange
Authors: Muktadir-al-Mukit Dewan
Published: September 2013

The paper investigates the effects of the exchange rates and interest rates on stock market performance by using monthly time series data for the economy of Bangladesh, over the period of 1997 to 2010. This study uses econometric techniques of measuring the long and short term relationship between variables using the concept of Cointegration and Error Correction Model and analysis of Variance Decomposition. Causal relationships have been investigated using Granger causality test. By employing Cointegration technique it is observed that in the long run, a one percent increase in exchange rate and in interest rate contributes1.04% increase and 1.71 % decrease in market index respectively. The estimated error correction coefficient indicates that 7.8 percent deviation of stock returns are corrected in the short run. Finally, Granger causality analysis suggests the existence of a unidirectional causality from market index to exchange rate and from interest rate to market index. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbt.v7i2.16451 Journal of Business and Technology Vol.7(2) 2012: 1-18
Commercial Bank Selection Process Used by Individual Customers: Factor Analysis on Banks of Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Afroza , Perveen Rumana
Published: September 2013

This study is conducted to identify the factors that motivate the customers to select commercial banks for their valuable transactions. Necessary data are collected from 206 respondents. It is found that easy account opening is the most important variable as it has the highest mean value 4.25. From varimax rotation matrix it is observed that responsiveness is the most important factor to customers which includes friendliness, personality, counseling and foreign exchange service. Special services such as loan and deposit schemes, electronic fund transfer service, cash management service, merchant banking, supporting the customer in bad time have also been found as important. Convenience, assurance, reliability and safety factors are also of considerable importance to customers to choose a bank. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbt.v7i2.16452 Journal of Business and Technology Vol.7(2) 2012: 19-35