bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Finite Element Model for Writing Long-Period Fiber Gratings by CO2 Laser Radiation
Authors: Coelho João , Nespereira Marta , Abreu Manuel , Rebordão José
Published: August 2013

In the last years, mid-infrared radiation emitted by CO2 lasers has become increasing popular as a tool in the development of long-period fiber gratings. However, although the development and characterization of the resulting sensing devices have progressed quickly, further research is still necessary to consolidate functional models, especially regarding the interaction between laser radiation and the fiber’s material. In this paper, a 3D finite element model is presented to simulate the interaction between laser radiation and an optical fiber and to determine the resulting refractive index change. Dependence with temperature of the main parameters of the optical fiber materials (with special focus on the absorption of incident laser radiation) is considered, as well as convection and radiation losses. Thermal and residual stress analyses are made for a standard single mode fiber, and experimental results are presented.
The Capability of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors to Measure Amputees’ Trans-Tibial Stump/Socket Interface Pressures
Authors: Al-Fakih Ebrahim , Osman Noor , Eshraghi Arezoo , Adikan Faisal
Published: August 2013

This study presents the first investigation into the capability of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to measure interface pressure between the stump and the prosthetic sockets of a trans-tibial amputee. FBG element(s) were recoated with and embedded in a thin layer of epoxy material to form a sensing pad, which was in turn embedded in a silicone polymer material to form a pressure sensor. The sensor was tested in real time by inserting a heavy-duty balloon into the socket and inflating it by using an air compressor. This test was conducted to examine the sensitivity and repeatability of the sensor when subjected to pressure from the stump of the trans-tibial amputee and to mimic the actual environment of the amputee’s Patellar Tendon (PT) bar. The sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 127 pm/N and a maximum FSO hysteresis of around ~0.09 in real-time operation. Very good reliability was achieved when the sensor was utilized for in situ measurements. This study may lead to smart FBG-based amputee stump/socket structures for pressure monitoring in amputee socket systems, which will result in better-designed prosthetic sockets that ensure improved patient satisfaction.
A Novel Angular Acceleration Sensor Based on the Electromagnetic Induction Principle and Investigation of Its Calibration Tests
Authors: Zhao Hao , Feng Hao
Published: August 2013

An angular acceleration sensor can be used for the dynamic analysis of human and joint motions. In this paper, an angular acceleration sensor with novel structure based on the principle of electromagnetic induction is designed. The method involves the construction of a constant magnetic field by the excitation windings of sensor, and the cup-shaped rotor that cut the magnetic field. The output windings of the sensor generate an electromotive force, which is directly proportional to the angular acceleration through the electromagnetic coupling when the rotor has rotational angular acceleration. The mechanical structure and the magnetic working circuit of the sensor are described. The output properties and the mathematical model including the transfer function and state-space model of the sensor are established. The asymptotical stability of the sensor when it is working is verified by the Lyapunov Theorem. An angular acceleration calibration device based on the torsional pendulum principle is designed. The method involves the coaxial connection of the angular acceleration sensor, torsion pendulum and a high-precision angle sensor, and then an initial external force is applied to the torsion pendulum to produce a periodic damping angle oscillation. The angular acceleration sensor and the angle sensor will generate two corresponding electrical signals. The sensitivity coefficient of the angular acceleration sensor can be obtained after processing these two-channel signals. The experiment results show that the sensitivity coefficient of the sensor is about 17.29 mv/Krad·s2. Finally, the errors existing in the practical applications of the sensor are discussed and the corresponding improvement measures are proposed to provide effective technical support for the practical promotion of the novel sensor.
Design Methodology for Appropriate Technology: Engineering as if People Mattered
Authors: Sianipar Corinthias , Yudoko Gatot , Dowaki Kiyoshi , Adhiutama Akbar
Published: August 2013

Since the emerging of its idea circa four decades ago, Appropriate Technology (AT) had been proven as a comprehensive solution in a limited condition. However, practitioners & academia have different opinions with engineers on how an AT must be designed. Researchers had noted the crucial factors in the issue as such, and they gave a notion of the urgency for a dedicated design methodology for AT. This study, therefore, aims to provide it. Such methodology is developed by incorporating AT characteristics, fundamental issues in community empowerment, and the principles of existing design methodologies. The methodology emphasizes combination between bottom-up and top-down design approaches. It means that an AT must be started purely from local conditions rather than given technical specifications, and be given back to local people to be seamlessly integrated into their routines. It also underlines the crucial importance of community involvement throughout design stages. By looking at previous design methodologies that were developed based on pure Engineering Problem Solving (EPS), this study delivers a fresh and comprehensive one that covers surrounding issues and concepts to produce an AT based on the real meaning of technological appropriateness.
Sustainability Indicators Integrating Consumption Patterns in Strategic Environmental Assessment for Urban Planning
Authors: Castellani Valentina , Sala Serenella
Published: August 2013

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) practices in Europe have been traditionally applied to assess potential environmental impacts due to socio-economic drivers implying specific land use (viz. infrastructure, building and industrial development). However, other socioeconomic drivers related to citizen behavior, such as household consumption, may significantly contribute to the overall local impacts, but are usually neglected in SEA. Aiming at enlarging the traditional approaches adopted in SEA, the present study integrates two environmental sustainability indicators capturing different aspects of consumption patterns: ecological footprint and carbon balance. The two indicators are calculated in addition to a more traditional set of environmental indicators in order to: (i) understand if the level of consumption of the local community exceeds the limits of natural resources of the area (in a perspective of self-sustainment at the local scale); and (ii) identify the role of spatial planning choices in determining the environmental sustainability of the entire system. The two indicators are calculated and discussed in the context of the SEA of the urban master plans of four municipalities in northern Italy. The two indicators may represent a good proxy for lifestyle impacts, even if some strengths and weaknesses arose from the application to the case study.
Practical theologians’ calling to serve in the field of gerontology
Authors: Theron Petria M.
Published: August 2013

The South African demographic statistics echo the global trend of an ageing population. This fact poses challenges to the country’s labour supply, to health care, retirement and intergenerational relations. The elderly are faced with specific challenges such as negative views regarding older people, discrimination and prejudice based on age, changing roles, the loss of a support system when children emigrate, financial problems, abuse and neglect, emotions of fear and depression, and the struggle to find meaning in life and suffering. The field of study that concerns ageing and older adulthood is called gerontology. Joan Erber defines it as ‘the study of the biological, behavioural, and social phenomena that occur from the point of maturity to old age.’ It is an interdisciplinary field where different disciplines seek to address the problems associated with ageing. Biologists focus on the biological processes of ageing, psychologists focus on aspects like mental abilities, personality and behaviour, whilst sociologists study the social roles, group behaviour and status of older people. The question may be asked what is being done regarding the spiritual and emotional needs of the elderly. This is the niche of practical theology, as indicated by one definition of practical theology that it is ‘a place where religious belief, tradition and practice meet contemporary experiences, questions and actions and conducts a dialogue that is mutually enriching, intellectually critical, and practically transforming’ according to Pattison and Woodward. The aims of this exploratory article are (1) to investigate to what extent research in practical theology has addressed the spiritual and emotional needs of the elderly and (2) to identify opportunities where practical theology may provide service in the field of gerontology.
Dynamics of configuring and interpreting the disaster risk script: Experiences from Zimbabwe
Authors: Bongo Pathias P. , Chipangura Paul , Sithole Mkhokheli , Moyo Funa
Published: August 2013

People in Zimbabwe have been faced with disasters in different forms and at various levels. When people experience hazard events and disasters, they perceive these phenomena through lenses that are largely shaped by their local day-to-day experiences and some external influence. As they do this, they develop their own local conception of hazards and disasters, and they tend to model their response or preparedness through this. This article argues that on the basis of this premise, each society therefore develops its own unique and localised way of interpreting the disaster, which comes in the form of a ‘script’, that needs to be deciphered, read, analysed and understood within local priorities and knowledge systems. The hazard may be the same, say, fire, but as it occurs in different communities, they configure and read the fire script differently, hence spawning different response and prevention strategies. The way people anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a particular disaster stems from their perception of it, based on their own local conceptions of reality. The article argues that effective disaster risk reduction must focus on people’s holistic understanding of the unfolding scenario, thereby feeding into disaster risk early warning systems. For effective understanding of the utility of early warning systems, the socio-cultural processes involved in the ideation of the disaster cannot be ignored. It is also critical to examine people’s past experiences with external early warning systems, and how much faith they put in them.
Adversity in pastoral leadership: Are pastors leaving the ministry in record numbers, and if so, why?
Authors: Elkington Robert
Published: August 2013

As churches in the West grapple with the rising tide of secularism, post-modernism and individualised spirituality, the leaders of those churches become casualties of these macro-environmental factors. Statistics show that three pastors in North America leave the vocational ministry every day to move into a different career path. This ongoing loss of leadership must prove detrimental for churches, which in turn are confronting declining attendance figures, declining income and low volunteerism from the membership. It would seem that pastoral leadership is vital to the health and sustenance of the church, and yet churches all over North America are losing pastoral leadership on a daily basis. This article attempts, through the use of Osmer�s heuristic, to review why it is that pastors are leaving the ministry and what might be done to stem that tide. A missional ontology in contrast to a Christendom ontology together with a review of workplace adversity and the Scriptural data on suffering in the ministry are developed for the reader as potential solutions to stem the tide.
Automated end-to-side anastomosis to the middle cerebral artery with C-Port xA: A feasibility study on human cadavers
Authors: Fontanella Marco , Benevello Chiara , Panciani Pier , Ronchetti Gabriele , Bacigaluppi Susanna , Stefini Roberto , Spena Giannantonio , Garbossa Diego , Ducati Alessandro
Published: August 2013

Background: Anastomosis to the superficial temporal artery is suitable in patients with functional and structural impairment of the middle cerebral artery (i.e., complex aneurysms and skull base tumors), as either definitive treatment or an additional safety measure. A shorter occlusion time or a non-occlusive technique is expected to reduce the risk of cerebral ischemia following the procedure. In this cadaver study, we assessed the fitness of C-Port xA; device for use in superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass. Materials and Methods: Seven fixed human head specimens were prepared through eight pterional craniotomies. The superficial temporal artery was dissected and the sylvian fissure was opened to access the MCA. The C-Port xA was tested on each of the eight exposures. We recorded the lengths of both donor and recipient vessel, the durations of the procedure and the craniotomy, and sylvian scissure opening sizes. The bypass was then assessed by pressure injection of methylene blue in the donor vessel. Results: C-Port xA-assisted STA-MCA anastomosis was successfully accomplished in seven dissections. A minimum STA length of 7 cm, a sylvian scissure opening larger than 5 cm, and a craniotomy size of at least 6 × 6 cm appeared to be the requisites for a safe maneuverability of the device. The MCA occlusion time lasted in all cases less than 4.5 min, and we observed a clear improvement in time performance with growing experience. Conclusions: The results suggest that the C-Port xA device is suitable for STA-MCA bypass. We experienced a shorter occlusion time and a shorter learning curve compared to conventional techniques. Further miniaturization and special adaptation of this device may allow a future application even to deeper intracranial vessels. Clinical trials will have to assess the long-term results and benefits of this minimal occlusive technique.
Prognostic factors in acute stroke, regarding to stroke severity by Canadian Neurological Stroke Scale: A hospital-based study
Authors: Faraji Fardin , Ghasami Keyvan , Talaie-Zanjani Afsoon , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Stroke is an acute vascular disease and the second leading cause of death in the world. We have assessed the patients on hospital admission with some other prognostic factors besides the preliminary neurological examinations in order to estimate their clinical status in the future. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed on the patients admitted to Valiasr Hospital of Arak within 72 h of stroke onset from April to October 2011. Diagnosis of stroke in the suspected patients was done by a neurologist and verified by the findings of the computed tomography scans. For each patient, a specific questionnaire, which described its stroke severity according to canadian neurological scale of stroke (CNSS), was prepared in order to define the severity of the stroke. Systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure of the patients was measured at the admission and their level of blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride was also determined. Results: Out of 62 patients under study (mean age, 66.14 ΁ 10.9 years), 36 (58.1%) were males and 26 (41.9%) were females. Overall, 66.1% of the patients were diagnosed with the ischemic stroke, while 33.9% were diagnosed with the hemorrhagic stroke. Regression analysis showed that cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were the most important prognostic factors of the severity of stroke (CNSS). Conclusion: Diastolic blood pressure and serum cholesterol level have the potential to be used for assessing the stroke outcome as well as to improve the stroke rehabilitation.
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: Clinical review and report of three cases
Authors: Summers Johanne , Balasubramani Yagnesh , Chan Patrick , Rosenfeld Jeffrey
Published: August 2013

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare condition, of unknown pathogenesis, that primarily affects the thoracic spinal cord. It is characterized by ventral displacement of the spinal cord through a dural defect. The aim of this study was to review the literature and to present a retrospective single center experience with three cases of ISCH.The literature review analyzed a total of 78 relevant publications on ISCH, which included a total of 171 patients, supplemented with 3 patients treated at our institution. Numerous case reports have demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes after surgery; however, follow-up is predominantly short, data are incomplete, the condition is frequently misdiagnosed, and it is difficult to predict which patients will benefit from surgery. We identified 159 cases treated with surgical management. The mean symptom duration was 54 months, and the mean follow-up 33 months. The result at follow-up was improved neurological outcome in 74%, unchanged result in 18%, and worse outcome in 8%. There were 15 cases of conservative management, with mean symptom duration 52 months and mean follow-up 33 months. The neurological outcome was unchanged in 100%. ISCH is a rare condition causing progressive thoracic myelopathy, and the natural history is unknown. There is a lack of evidence-based treatment strategies, and the majority of cases are treated with surgical management at diagnosis. Management of ISCH needs to be individualized for each patient, and clinicians should be encouraged to report new cases, standardize case reports, and ensure long-term follow-up.
Interference of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Palade C , Ciurea Alexandru , Nica D , Savu R , Moisa Horatiu
Published: August 2013

Programmed cell death is crucial for the correct development of the organism and the clearance of harmful cells like tumor cells or autoreactive immune cells. Apoptosis is initiated by the activation of cell death receptors and in most cases it is associated with the activation of the cysteine proteases, which lead to apoptotic cell death. Cells shrink, chromatin clumps and forms a large, sharply demarcated, crescent-shaped or round mass; the nucleus condenses, apoptotic bodies are formed and eventually dead cells are engulfed by a neighboring cell or cleared by phagocytosis. The authors have summarized the most important data concerning apoptosis in subarachnoid hemorrhage that have been issued in the medical literature in the last 20 years.
Increasing the Selectivity of Threat through Post-Training Instructions: Identifying One Stimulus as Source of Danger Reduces the Threat Value of Surrounding Stimuli
Authors: Boddez Yannick , Baeyens Frank , Hermans Dirk , Van der Oord Saskia , Beckers Tom
Published: August 2013

The present study aimed to investigate whether instructional threat information can be used to remediate overgeneral threat appraisal. We investigated whether identifying one specific stimulus as cause of danger might reduce threat value of other stimuli that were present during an aversive conditioning event. Participants were shown two neutral stimuli, followed by an aversive shock. After the training phase, instructions informed the participants that one of the two stimuli was causative for the occurrence of the shock. Threat appraisal of the stimuli was measured through shock-expectancy ratings and skin conductance. Results demonstrate that identifying one stimulus as cause of shock successfully reduced shock-expectancy to the other stimulus that preceded the aversive shock event. The study suggests that singling out one stimulus as cause of danger decreases the threat value of other stimuli that were present during an aversive conditioning event, which makes it a potentially interesting strategy for the treatment of clinical anxiety.
Cognitive Processes in Worry and Paranoia: Investigation of the Looming Cognitive Style
Authors: Clemente Jacinta , Gleeson John F. , Lim Michelle H.
Published: August 2013

The present study investigated a cognitive vulnerability known as the Looming Cognitive Style (LCS), which has previously been associated with anxiety and worry but not depression, in a group of pathological worriers. The present study is the first to examine LCS in a group diagnosed with a psychotic disorder with a history of persecutory delusions. Twenty-five individuals assessed as pathological worriers and 24 individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder were included in the study. In the present study, 63 percent of the psychosis group met the criteria for pathological worry. While both groups did not significantly differ on mean levels of LCS, current findings add to growing empirical evidence that the LCS is a cognitive vulnerability specific to anxiety and suggest that the psychological processes underlying worry in individuals with anxiety are distinct from processes underlying worry in psychosis.
Emotion Regulation and its Influence on Body-Related Distress in Overweight Women
Authors: Svaldi Jennifer , Naumann Eva , Trentowska Monika , Lackner Helmut K. , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna
Published: August 2013

Overweight and obese individuals are at greater risk for the development of a major depressive disorder. A main factor contributing to negative affect in obese women is body-related worrying. Given the potential benefits of various emotion regulation (ER) strategies in the modification of negative affect, the aim of the present study was to test whether experimentally-induced body dissatisfaction can be modified by ER strategies in obese women. Body dissatisfaction was experimentally induced in a group of 37 obese women using model pictures. Following this, participants were randomly assigned to two different ER strategies: rumination on present emotions and thoughts, or acceptance of whatever thoughts and feelings come up. Weight and appearance satisfaction, distress about body feelings and mood were assessed both prior to, immediately after, and 4 min after the induction. Psychophysiological parameters were assessed continuously. The main results reveal that after the use of ER strategies, weight and appearance satisfaction returned to baseline levels. However, in the rumination condition, distress about body feelings remained above and mood below baseline. In the acceptance condition distress and mood returned to baseline levels. The results are discussed in terms of the usefulness of ER strategies with regard to reducing body-related distress.
Interpretive Bias Modification for Disgust
Authors: Whitton Alexis E. , Grisham Jessica R. , Henry Julie D. , Palada Hector D.
Published: August 2013

Evidence suggests that cognitive bias modification paradigms (CBM-I) targeting interpretive biases can modify threat-based biases in anxious individuals, thereby reducing anxiety symptoms. However, no research to date has examined whether such paradigms can modify disgust-relevant biases. This is an important issue given evidence of disgust's role in a number of anxiety disorders. Sixty participants completed a computerised CBM-I task that trained either benign (n = 30) or disgust-based (n = 30) interpretive biases. The effects of training on the interpretation of novel material, behavioural avoidance, physiology, and self-reported symptoms were examined. Disgust-based, but not benign training increased self-reported disgust propensity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and negative affect, from pre- to post-training, however, training did not affect the interpretation of novel material, behavioural or physiological responses. Results provide further evidence of disgust responses being particularly resistant to modification, and also highlight the need for CBM-I studies to include objective measures of emotional change in addition to self-report.
Assessment of past, present and future health-cost externalities of air pollution in Europe and the contribution from international ship traffic using the EVA model system
Authors: Brandt J. , Silver J. D. , Christensen J. H. , Andersen M. S. , Bønløkke J. H. , Sigsgaard T. , Geels C. , Gross A. , Hansen A. B. , Hansen K. M. , Hedegaard G. B. , Kaas E. , Frohn L. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. An integrated model system, EVA (Economic Valuation of Air pollution), based on the impact-pathway chain has been developed to assess the health-related economic externalities of air pollution resulting from specific emission sources or sectors. The model system can be used to support policy-making with respect to emission control. In this study, we apply the EVA system to Europe, and perform a more detailed assessment of past, present, and future health-cost externalities of the total air pollution levels in Europe (including both natural and anthropogenic sources), represented by the years 2000, 2007, 2011, and 2020. We also assess the contribution to the health-related external costs from international ship traffic with special attention to the international ship traffic in the Baltic and North seas, since special regulatory actions on sulfur emissions, called SECA (sulfur emission control area), have been introduced in these areas. We conclude that, despite efficient regulatory actions in Europe in recent decades, air pollution still constitutes a serious problem for human health. Hence the related external costs are considerable. The total health-related external costs for the whole of Europe are estimated at 803 bn euros yr−1 for the year 2000, decreasing to 537 bn euros yr−1 in the year 2020. We estimate the total number of premature deaths in Europe in the year 2000 due to air pollution to be around 680 000 yr−1, decreasing to approximately 450 000 in the year 2020. The contribution from international ship traffic in the Northern Hemisphere was estimated to 7% of the total health-related external costs in Europe in the year 2000, increasing to 12% in the year 2020. In contrast, the contribution from international ship traffic in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea decreases 36% due to the regulatory efforts of reducing sulfur emissions from ship traffic in SECA. Introducing this regulatory instrument for all international ship traffic in the Northern Hemisphere, or at least in areas close to Europe, would have a significant positive impact on human health in Europe.
Amino acid composition and δ15N of suspended matter in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Gaye B. , Nagel B. , Dähnke K. , Rixen T. , Lahajnar N. , Emeis K.-C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Sedimentation in the ocean is fed by large aggregates produced in the surface mixed layer that sink rapidly through the water column. These particles sampled by sediment traps have often been proposed to interact by disaggregation and scavenging with a pool of fine suspended matter with very slow sinking velocities and thus a long residence time. We investigated the amino acid composition and stable nitrogen isotopic ratios of suspended matter sampled during the late SW monsoon season in the Arabian Sea and compared them to those of sinking particles to investigate organic matter degradation/modification during passage through the water column. We found that amino acid (AA) composition of mixed layer suspended matter corresponds more to fresh plankton and their aggregates, whereas AA composition of suspended matter in the sub-thermocline water column deviated progressively from mixed layer composition. We conclude that suspended matter in deep waters and in the mixed layers of oligotrophic stations is dominated by fine material that has a long residence time and organic matter that is resistant to degradation. Whereas SPM in areas of high primary productivity is essentially derived from fresh plankton and thus has a strong imprint of the subsurface nitrate source, SPM at oligotrophic stations and at subthermocline depths appears to exchange amino acids with the DOC pool influencing also the δ15N values.
Global database of surface ocean particulate organic carbon export fluxes diagnosed from the 234Th technique
Authors: Le Moigne F. A. C. , Henson S. A. , Sanders R. J. , Madsen E.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The oceanic biological carbon pump is an important factor in the global carbon cycle. Organic carbon is exported from the surface ocean mainly in the form of settling particles derived from plankton production in the upper layers of the ocean. The large variability in current estimates of the global strength of the biological carbon pump emphasises that our knowledge of a major planetary carbon flux remains poorly constrained. We present a database of 723 estimates of organic carbon export from the surface ocean derived from the 234Th technique. The dataset is archived on the data repository PANGEA® (www.pangea.de) under doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.809717. Data were collected from tables in papers published between 1985 and early 2013. We also present sampling dates, publication dates and sampling areas. Most of the open ocean provinces are represented by multiple measurements. However, the western Pacific, the Atlantic Arctic, South Pacific and the southern Indian Ocean are not well represented. There is a variety of integration depths ranging from surface to 300 m. Globally the fluxes ranged from 0 to 1500 mg C m−2 d−1.
Non-stationary flood frequency analysis in continental Spanish rivers, using climate and reservoir indices as external covariates
Authors: López J. , Francés F.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Recent evidences of the impact of persistent modes of regional climate variability, coupled with the intensification of human activities, have led hydrologists to study flood regime without applying the hypothesis of stationarity. In this study, a framework for flood frequency analysis is developed on the basis of a tool that enables us to address the modelling of non-stationary time series, namely, the "generalized additive models for location, scale and shape" (GAMLSS). Two approaches to non-stationary modelling in GAMLSS were applied to the annual maximum flood records of 20 continental Spanish rivers. The results of the first approach, in which the parameters of the selected distributions were modelled as a function of time only, show the presence of clear non-stationarities in the flood regime. In a second approach, the parameters of the flood distributions are modelled as functions of climate indices (Arctic Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Mediterranean Oscillation and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation) and a reservoir index that is proposed in this paper. The results when incorporating external covariates in the study highlight the important role of interannual variability in low-frequency climate forcings when modelling the flood regime in continental Spanish rivers. Also, with this approach it is possible to properly introduce the impact on the flood regime of intensified reservoir regulation strategies. The inclusion of external covariates permits the use of these models as predictive tools. Finally, the application of non-stationary analysis shows that the differences between the non-stationary quantiles and their stationary equivalents may be important over long periods of time.
An Investigation of the Southern Ocean Surface Temperature Variability Using Long-Term Optimum Interpolation SST Data
Authors: Maheshwari Megha , Singh Rajkumar Kamaljit , Oza Sandip Rashmikant , Kumar Raj
Published: August 2013

An attempt is made to understand the long-term variability of SST using NOAA optimum interpolation SST data for the period (1982–2011) in the Southern Ocean. This dataset has been used (i) to study the interannual variability in SST anomaly and (ii) to carry out regression analysis to compute linear trend in the annual averaged Southern Ocean SST. It is observed that summer season exhibits more variability than winter. Moreover, El Nino/La Nina events apparently play a critical role in the variability of Southern Ocean SST. Thus, higher SST anomalies were observed in El Nino years (e.g., 1983), while cooler anomalies were seen during La Nina years (e.g., 1985). In addition, the eastern and western sides of Antarctica experience episodes of warm and cold SST. Western parts of the Southern Ocean experienced higher anomalies during 1992, 1993, and 1994, while the eastern part experienced positive anomalies in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2003. The paper also highlights the different regions of the Southern Ocean showing statistically significant positive/negative trends in the variability of interannual average SST. However, in general, the Southern Ocean as a whole is showing a weak interannual cooling trend in SST.
Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors in Teda Health Centre, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Abraraw , Kibret Biniam , Bekalu Eylachew , Abera Sendeku , Teklu Takele , Yalew Aregawi , Endris Mengistu , Worku Ligabaw , Tekeste Zinaye
Published: August 2013

Objective. To assess the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection and associated risk factors in Teda Health Centre, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Teda Health Centre from February to April, 2011. Stool samples were collected from 410 study participants and analysed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic data were collected by using standardized questionnaire. Result. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this study was 62.3%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasite (23.2%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (12.4%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (8.9%), hookworm (6.6%), Hymenolepis nana (1.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.2%). Absence of toilet and hand washing after toilet was shown to be associated with intestinal parasitic infection ( for both). Furthermore, swimming and less shoe wearing habits showed a significant prevalence of S. mansoni and hookworm infections, respectively. Conclusion. The present study showed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in the study area. Absence of toilet and hand washing after toilet was found to be associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Therefore, there is a need for integrated control programme to have a lasting impact on transmission of intestinal parasitic infection.
Vzdělávací politika: rozdílná vymezení, předpoklady a implikace
Authors: Veselý A.
Published: August 2013

Cílem této teoretické studie je vymezit různé přístupy k vymezení vzdělávací politiky, rozebrat předpoklady, na kterých jsou postaveny, a ukázat implikace těchto přístupů. V první části studie je ukázána trojdimenzionálnost pojmu politika. Ve druhé části jsou diskutovány různé definice vzdělávací politiky. Ve třetí části, která je strukturována do pěti samostatných kapitol, jsou postupně rozebrány klíčové dimenze různých přístupů ke vzdělávací politice. Studie je zakončena implikacemi pro výzkum i praxi. Podle autora je vhodné odlišit pět aspektů, ve kterých se definice vzdělávací politiky nejvíce rozcházejí. Za prvé, má-li se vzdělávací politika chápat spíše jako sada konkrétních událostí, nebo jako proces. Za druhé, nakolik je politika explicitně vyjádřená v dokumentech versus nakolik je třeba ji odkrývat na základě analýzy jednání aktérů. Za třetí, kdo politiku tvoří. Za čtvrté, zdali je politika spojena s nějakým záměrem, nebo jde o jakékoli, i nezáměrné, jednání. Za páté, zdali mají přednost struktury, které politika vytváří, nebo aktéři, kteří v rámci těchto struktur jednají. Studie dochází k závěru, že vymezení vzdělávací politiky jako oblasti studia je třeba podstatně rozšířit a překonat některé nerealistické předpoklady i umělé hranice, v rámci kterých se vzdělávací politika analyzuje. V rámci jednotlivých výzkumů je ovšem třeba vždy pečlivě vymezit a zpřesnit, jaký aspekt vzdělávací politiky máme na mysli.
Vtelená kognícia, jej filozofické východiská a potenciálny význam pre pedagogiku
Authors: Obertová Z.
Published: August 2013

Cieľom príspevku je teoreticky priblížiť teóriu vtelenej kognície, zasadiť ju do širšieho filozofického rámca a uviesť jej potenciálny prínos pre pedagogiku. Príspevok postupuje od ozrejmenia samotného pojmu vtelenie, jeho pôvod vo fenomenológii (M. Merleau-Ponty) i využitie v kultúrnej antropológii (T. J. Csordas). V ďalšej časti sa venujeme filozofickému rámcu, ktorý mal vplyv na teóriu vtelenej kognície a potlačenie dualistického pohľadu na telo a myseľ, ozrejmujeme aspekty vtelenia dotvárajúce obraz vtelenia. V rámci prínosu vtelenej kognície pre súčasnú pedagogiku sa zameriavame na dve oblasti skúmania vtelenej kognície, a to na jazyk a matematiku, ktoré sú považované za prevažne kognitívne a abstraktné koncepty oddelené od tela. Ukázalo sa, že teória vtelenej kognície nedostatočne vysvetľuje to, čo vlastne telo je, a o akom tele sa tu pojednáva. Z uvedeného vyplýva, že v oboch uvádzaných oblastiach (jazyk a matematika) je významnou časťou najmä skúmanie a význam gest a telesnej skúsenosti pre proces chápania abstraktným systémom a učenia. Zistili sme, že prínos vtelenej kognície pre pedagogiku spočíva v orientácii na telesné konanie, aktivitu a vplyv prostredia a telesnej skúsenosti na kogníciu, ktoré uľahčujú proces učenia.
Informální učení v kariéře žen
Authors: Hloušková L.
Published: August 2013

Cílem příspěvku je popsat, jak informální učení ovlivňuje kariérový rozvoj žen. Odpovědi na uvedenou otázku vychází z kvalitativního šetření, které bylo součástí výzkumu podle zadání Centra Euroguidance ČR s názvem: Potřeby dospělých ve vztahu k řízení své kariéry a možnosti jejich uspokojování prostřednictvím služeb kariérového poradenství. Kvalitativní šetření bylo realizováno v duchu biografického výzkumu s využitím metody životního příběhu a pro účely tohoto příspěvku byl sestaven výzkumný vzorek sedmi žen různého věku, stejného stupně vzdělání, s minimálně jednoletou zkušeností v zaměstnání a s různými typy změn v kariéře. Z dat vyplývá, že se ženy učí buď v důsledku tlaku určité situace, nebo tzv. do zásoby. Pokud se ženy učí v důsledku tlaku konkrétní situace, informální učení představuje nástroj uspokojování různých potřeb vnímaných jako deficit. Ženy, které se učily výhradně v důsledku tlaku aktuálních situací, obvykle neplánovaly svůj kariérový rozvoj v dlouhodobé perspektivě a informální učení se z hlediska řízení kariérového rozvoje stává nástrojem změny aktuálního stavu. V případě, že se ženy učí tzv. do zásoby, snaží se uspokojit potřeby, které lze podle Maslowovy pyramidy potřeb zahrnout do tzv. seberealizačních potřeb. Tyto ženy plánovaly svůj kariérový rozvoj v dlouhodobém horizontu a informální učení lze v jejich případech považovat za přímý nástroj jejich kariérového rozvoje.
Vyhledávání mimořádných prožitků a preference učebního stylu studenta
Authors: Culková D.
Published: August 2013

Cílem empirické studie je zjistit, jaké učební styly studenti preferují v souvislosti s tendencí vyhledávat mimořádné prožitky a jaké tvoří přirozené skupiny (shluky) z hlediska těchto dvou proměnných, pohlaví a příslušnosti ke všeobecně či tělovýchovně zaměřené gymnaziální třídě. V první části jsou představena teoretická východiska, kterými jsou teorie stylu učení autorky Dunnové a koncept tendence vyhledávat mimořádné prožitky autora Zuckermana. Druhá část příspěvku popisuje použité výzkumné metody včetně ověření reliability a validity použitého nástroje pro sběr dat, kterým je dotazník. Metodou zpracování dat je shluková analýza, která zprostředkovává vhled do velkého počtu proměnných. Třetí část studie seznamuje s hlavními výsledky, které diskutuje a zpracovává do doporučení do praxe. Nejvýraznější rozdíly mezi pohlavími a příslušností k typu třídy byly zjištěny v tendenci vyhledávat mimořádné prožitky a částečně ve stylech učení. Dívky sportovních tříd nejméně vyhledávají napětí a dobrodružství, nevyhledávají nové zkušenosti, jsou nejvíce rezistentní vůči nudě a nejvíce respektují normy a pravidla. Chlapci jsou nejčastěji členy shluku, který je charakteristický nevyhledáváním napětí a dobrodružství, vyhledáváním nových zkušeností, prožitků prostřednictvím nerespektování norema nízkou rezistencí vůči nudě. Chlapci ze sportovně zaměřených tříd mají nízkou odpovědnost při učení, úkoly potřebují mít strukturované a preferují zážitkové učení. Z uvedeného vyplývá, že preference učebního stylu a tendence vyhledávat mimořádné prožitky může u gymnaziálních studentů souviset, stejně tak může souviset s pohlavím a příslušností k typu třídy.
Effect of Fermentation on Nutrient and Antinutrient Contents of Cocoyam Corm
Authors: Adegbehingbe Kehinde Tope  , Fakoya Soji
Published: August 2013

Objective: Cocoyam corms were fermented with the aim of enhancing and reducing its nutrient and antinutrient contents respectively.
Methods: Cocoyam corm was fermentated naturally by submerged fermentation method in a sterile medium (distilled water) for four days. Microbial examination of the fermenting corms was carried out at 24hours interval for four days.
Results: Twenty bacterial strains were isolated within the fermentation periods. They include the general: Micrococcus species, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The total bacteria count increased from 5.70 log cfu/ml to 8.97 log cfu/g while fungal count increased from 3.33 log cfu/g to 4.84 log cfu/g. Temperature and the total titratable acidities increased from 27oC to 35oC and 1.13% to 3.72% respectively while the pH values decreased from 5.68 to 3.75. The result of the proximate analysis showed that the fermented sample had higher protein (12.00%), ash (2.84%) and fat (4.84%) contents than the unfermented sample which contained 7.30%, 2.4% and 4.55% respectively. However, moisture, fibre and carbohydrate contents decreased from 9.70%, 3.00% and 73.04% in unfermented sample to 8.94%, 2.78% and 67.60% in fermented sample respectively. All the antinutrient contents decreased at the end of the fermentation [phytate (1.32-0.38) g/100DM, oxalate (0.72-0.21) g/100DM, tannin (0.18-0.07) g/100DM, saponin (0.45-0.22) g/100DM, hydrocyanide (22.27-10.22)g/kg of the fermented sample than the unfermented one.
Inhibitory Effect of a Combined Treatment of Glycyrrhizin and Caffeine on Tumor Promotion by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate in Two-Stage Carcinogenesis in Mouse Skin
Authors: Ken Yasukawa
Published: August 2013

Cancer prevention is an important problem in the field of public health. Glycyrrhizin, a natural sweetening agent, is one of the components of licorice and caffeine in coffee and tea. Glycyrrhizin and caffeine were found to inhibit tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in two-stage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. Furthermore, the combined treatment of glycyrrhizin and caffeine is more effective than their single treatment on tumor promotion by TPA in mice following initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.
Low Dose β Carotene Supplementation Diminishes Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetics and Healthy Individuals
Authors: José M. Moreno  , Irene Leets  , Rafael J. Puche  , Ana M. Salazar  , Jham F. Papale  , Gloria Alvarado  , María N. García-Casal
Published: August 2013

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, multifactorial disease, and oxidative stress one of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with its appearance and development. The objective was to determine the effect of supplementation with β-carotene to type 2 diabetics and healthy individuals, on iron metabolism, oxidative balance, and antioxidant plasma capacity, using doses similar to the daily nutritional requirement. A total of 117 randomly selected non-smoker volunteers participated in the study. Type 2 diabetics (34) and healthy individuals (24), received 6 mg β-carotene for 45 d, and were compared to similar non-supplemented diabetic (33) and control (26) groups. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, end and 30 days after finishing supplementation, to determine hemoglobin, hematocrit unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, ferritin, glycemia, glycosilated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, oxidized LDL, copper, zinc, TBARS, FRAP, nitrites, GPx, SOD, folates, retinol and β-carotene. In supplemented diabetics, there was a significant diminution in copper concentrations (24.8%), and TBARS (9.5%), associated with a non significant increase in FRAP. Also, hemoglobin decreased and oxidized LDL augmented in supplemented diabetics. All the changes were still present one month after finishing the supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation with β-carotene had a positive effect on the oxidative balance of both, type 2 diabetics and healthy individuals, which makes the inclusion of β-carotene rich foods, part of the prevention and/or treatment strategies in type 2 diabetes.
Migrants maghrébins et leurs descendants : un marché matrimonial sur les deux rives de la Méditerranée
Authors: Kateb Kamel
Published: August 2013

Les sociétés maghrébines sont en transition d’un système matrimonial à mariage précoce et arrangé par le groupe familial vers un système à mariage tardif où le libre choix du conjoint devient effectif. La socialisation dans la société française a-t-elle favorisé la fin de cette transition pour les descendants de migrants ? Pour répondre à cette question générale, nous avons comparé, en utilisant les données d’enquêtes sur l’histoire familiale EHF(1999) et sur l’histoire de vie HDV (2003), des descendants de migrants maghrébins avec des immigrés du Maghreb arrivés récemment en France et présentant des caractéristiques socioéconomiques similaires. Nous avons constaté qu’un processus de socialisation sous double contrainte (familial et sociétal) diversifie les comportements chez les descendants de migrants et favorise de nouveaux flux migratoires à la faveur d’un marché matrimonial qui s’appuie sur les deux rives de la Méditerranée.
Environnement familial au Burkina Faso : typologie et cohabitation parents-enfants
Authors: Miangotar Yode , Legrand Thomas
Published: August 2013

Cette étude décrit l’environnement familial desenfants et des adolescents du Burkina Faso au moyen des donnéesdes Enquêtes démographiques et de santé (EDS) de1993 et de 2003 et de l’Enquête nationale sur lesadolescents de 2004 et elle explore la relation entre la cohabitationparentale et les caractéristiques du chef de ménage, duménage et des enfants ou des adolescents ainsi que lascolarisation de ces derniers. Les résultats montrent que lamajorité des enfants (78,4 % en 1993 et 77,6 % en2003) et des adolescents (61,1 % en 2004) vit auprès de sesdeux parents, en union monogame ou polygame. La proportion des enfantset des adolescents orphelins, qu’ils soient confiés oucohabitant avec un seul parent, est non négligeable. C’estdans l’adolescence que la cohabitation avec les deux parents estla moins répandue. La cohabitation avec les parents estassociée significativement aux caractéristiques du chefde ménage, du ménage, des enfants et des adolescentsainsi qu’à la scolarisation de ces deux groupes.
Quelques exemples d’interactions entre sons et objets quotidiens dans la création musicale européenne
Authors: Bosseur Jean-Yves
Published: August 2013

Les interactions du sonore et du visuel constituent une préoccupation qui s’est fortement développée en Europe au cours des dernières décennies. Se sont engagés dans cette voie aussi bien des plasticiens (Monika von Wedel, Milan Grygar, Bernard Pourrière) que des musiciens (Hugh Davies, Jacques Rémus, Rolf Julius). Ces phénomènes d’échanges entre plusieurs disciplines artistiques, trop longtemps maintenues à l’écart les unes des autres par l’esthétique académique, sont ressentis comme de plus en plus nécessaires, et les outils technologiques développés depuis ces dernières décennies offrent de nouvelles perspectives à cet égard.