bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessibility to tuberculosis treatment: assessment of health service performance
Authors: Arakawa Tiemi , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Scatolin Beatriz Estuque , Scatena Lúcia Marina , Ruffino-Netto Antônio , Villa Tereza Cristina Scatena
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the accessibility of patients to the treatment of tuberculosis in Ribeirão Preto, countryside of São Paulo State. Evaluation study type, with a quantity approach. Interviews with 100 patients initiated on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy between 2006-2007 were conducted, using a structured questionnaire based on the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT). Data were analyzed through variance analysis. There was a positive feedback regarding to organizational accessibility, however, the performance of health services has been unsatisfactory in providing transportation vouchers and in addressing the need to use transport for displacement to the health unit, resulting in indirect costs to patients. The services with the highest number of patients treated were those with higher irregularity in the conduct of home visits, showing that the availability of resources (human, material and time) and the organization of care may influence the accessibility to treatment.
Methods for nurses to measure body composition
Authors: Moran Jose Maria , Lavado-Garcia Jesus Maria , Pedrera-Zamorano Juan Diego
Published: August 2011

Among the methods available for assessing body composition, traditional methods like hydrodensitometry and skin-fold measurements are well known. In this review, we focus on the impedance and interactance methods, which use systems that are usually inexpensive, easily transportable and simple to operate. We also discuss the usefulness of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, particularly for the measurement of fat distribution. Nurses need to be skilled in the use of the equipment and familiar with the techniques.
Produção e análise de vídeogravações em pesquisas qualitativas
Authors: Garcez Andrea , Duarte Rosalia , Eisenberg Zena
Published: August 2011

Uma das críticas feitas a estudos empíricos de base qualitativa diz respeito ao uso inadequado de metodologias de pesquisa, fruto de uma relação pouco criteriosa entre objeto/problema de pesquisa e procedimentos de produção de dados. Muitas vezes, deixa-se de levar em conta que a adoção de determinada metodologia é orientada pelo que é necessário fazer para obter material empírico cuja densidade e riqueza permitam uma melhor apreensão dos diferentes aspectos que envolvem o problema acerca do qual se empreende uma investigação, para que seja possível formular hipóteses bem fundamentadas. Cabe ao pesquisador escolher o método que melhor se adéqua à obtenção dos dados e aos pressupostos teóricos que a orientam, e, para tanto, ele precisa ter conhecimento de diferentes possibilidades de escolha. O presente artigo apresenta reflexões e orientações acerca do uso, cada vez mais frequente, de videogravações na realização de pesquisas qualitativas, discutindo especificidades da produção e da análise de materiais audiovisuais articulados a procedimentos de investigação em ciências sociais e humanas. As considerações apresentadas aqui foram construídas a partir da experiência com o uso desse recurso em pesquisas realizadas pelas autoras ao longo dos últimos cinco anos, em diálogo com publicações de outros pesquisadores que, tendo também trabalhado com esse recurso, relatam, em seus textos, dificuldades e soluções relacionadas à sua adoção. Espera-se, assim, contribuir para o debate acerca da necessária e estreita correlação entre objeto e método em estudos empíricos.
Saberes pesqueiros relacionados à coleta de siris e caranguejos (Decapoda: Brachyura) no município de Conde, Estado da Bahia
Authors: Magalhães Henrique Fernandes de , Costa Neto Eraldo Medeiros , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: August 2011

O presente artigo registra os saberes pesqueiros empíricos relacionados com o extrativismo de crustáceos braquiúros de importância econômica no município de Conde, Litoral Norte do Estado da Bahia, caracterizando as técnicas e apetrechos empregados na coleta desses crustáceos, além de discutir aspectos ligados à comercialização do pescado e à territorialidade. Os dados foram obtidos no período de setembro de 2007 a dezembro de 2009 mediante entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observações comportamentais, recorrendo-se às técnicas usuais de registro etnográfico. Foram entrevistados 57 pescadores artesanais, de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 10 e 78 anos. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente comparando-se os saberes locais com a literatura acadêmica especializada. Foram realizadas quatro campanhas de análise biométrica de siris (Callinectes spp.) com o objetivo de determinar a proporção sexual e morfométrica. Os resultados mostram que a coleta de crustáceos tem uma motivação predominantemente econômica, embora também seja a principal fonte de subsistência local. Na análise biométrica dos indivíduos de siris foi evidenciada a preferência por animais de porte maior, independente do gênero. A pesca artesanal dos crustáceos em Conde é realizada com uma diversidade de técnicas e apetrechos que, de forma direta ou indireta, interfere na dinâmica faunística e ecossistêmica. Embora haja uma consciência conservacionista por parte dos participantes da pesquisa, evidenciam-se diferentes atitudes de manejo. Trabalhos posteriores podem vir a fornecer subsídios visando ao manejo e uso sustentável destes recursos pesqueiros, vindo a beneficiar as comunidades locais.
Registro semiautomático entre imagens infravermelhas e RGB coletadas por um par de câmaras digitais
Authors: Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia , Lopes Rodrigo Ferreira
Published: August 2011

A utilização de imagens adquiridas por sensores CCDs de médio formato, em plataformas aéreas, é uma alternativa para a redução de custos de projetos de aerolevantamento. Porém, a utilização de sensores que captem somente a banda do visível (RGB) restringe algumas aplicações, tornando-se relevante integrar um sensor adicional que capte o infravermelho próximo (IR). No mercado há várias soluções para a aquisição simultânea de várias bandas espectrais. Uma alternativa que possibilita uma redução nos custos de integração é coletar as bandas RGB com uma câmara e a infravermelha com uma segunda câmara. É necessário, então, registrar as imagens, o que implica em determinar um conjunto de pontos ou feições correspondentes, calcular uma função de mapeamento polinomial e reamostrar uma das imagens. Um dos problemas mais críticos é a determinação de correspondência entre as imagens, devido às diferenças radiométricas entre as imagens. Neste trabalho são utilizadas técnicas de detecção de pontos de interesse e é proposta uma função de correspondência usando as diferenças nas magnitudes e direções dos gradientes de intensidade entre as imagens RGB e IR. Foram realizados vários experimentos com a técnica proposta, indicando que é possível utilizar esta técnica obtendo-se erros residuais inferiores a 1,5 pixel.
Accuracy of the Pharmacogenetic Dosing Table in the Warfarin Label in Predicting Initial Therapeutic Warfarin Doses in a Large, Racially Diverse Cohort
Authors: Shin Jaekyu , Kayser Steven R.
Published: August 2011

Study Objectives. To compare the accuracy of the pharmacogenetic dosing table included in the warfarin label with two empiric dosing strategies in predicting initial therapeutic warfarin doses, and to identify factors that influence the accuracy of the table.

Design. Retrospective cohort study.

Data Source. International Warfarin Pharmacogenetic Consortium database.

Patients. A total of 3727 racially diverse patients receiving stable doses of warfarin who had international normalized ratios (INRs) between 2.0 and 3.0.

Measurements and Main Results. Mean absolute error (MAE) and mean percentage of patients whose predicted doses were within 20% of their actual therapeutic doses (percentage within 20%) were compared between the pharmacogenetic table and two empiric dosing strategies. In the first strategy, warfarin 5 mg/day was used, and in the second strategy, dosing varied depending on the patient's race. The mean percentage of patients whose actual doses were within the ranges of the table (percentage within range) was also calculated. Warfarin dosing using the table resulted in a lower MAE (10.9 mg/wk) and a higher percentage within 20% (41.5%) than both empiric dosing strategies (MAE 12.3–12.6 mg/wk, percentage within 20% of 31.8–32.7%). In addition, using the table showed similar MAE, mean percentage within 20%, and mean percentage within range across the different racial groups. Dosing according to the table had higher mean percentage within 20% (56.4% vs 15.4%) and higher mean percentage within range (53.3% vs 19.2%) in the intermediate‐dose group (> 21 but ≤ 49 mg/wk) than in the low‐dose group (≤ 21 mg/wk). Being female and taking amiodarone were identified as factors that significantly increased the likelihood that the patient's predicted dose would be outside of 20% of their actual therapeutic dose or outside the range of the pharmacogenetic table.

Conclusion. Using the pharmacogenetic dosing table included in the warfarin label resulted in higher accuracy of dosing prediction than two empiric dosing strategies. The table had similar accuracy across racial groups and better accuracy in patients receiving an intermediate dose of warfarin. When the table is used for warfarin dosing, women and patients receiving amiodarone may require more intensive monitoring of their warfarin therapy.
Updates in Hormonal Emergency Contraception
Authors: Shrader Sarah P. , Hall Larissa N. , Ragucci Kelly R. , Rafie Sally
Published: August 2011

In recent years, there have been many updates in hormonal emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception has been available for several years to prevent pregnancy when used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, and it was recently approved for nonprescription status for patients aged 17 years or older. Current research suggests that the primary mechanism of action is delaying ovulation. Ulipristal is the newest emergency contraception, available by prescription only, approved for use up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The primary mechanism of action is delaying ovulation. When compared with levonorgestrel emergency contraception, ulipristal was proven noninferior in preventing pregnancy. Evidence suggests that ulipristal does not lose efficacy from 72–120 hours; however, more studies are warranted to support this claim. Many misconceptions and controversies about hormonal emergency contraception still exist. Research does not support that increased access to emergency contraception increases sexual risk‐taking behavior. Several studies suggest that health care providers, including pharmacists, could benefit from increased education about emergency contraception. It is important for pharmacists to remain up‐to‐date on the most recent hormonal emergency contraception products and information, as pharmacists remain a major point of access to emergency contraception.
Experimental design of diffusion and desorption of contaminant in heterogeneous media
Authors: Jiang Guannan , Crimi Michelle , Fowler Kathleen , Fu Xiaojing
Published: August 2011

Storage of contaminants in low permeability media (LPM) presents a great challenge for prediction of remediation effectiveness and efficiency. The reason lies in the contaminants' complex behaviors within heterogeneous media. Both interparticle and intraparticle diffusion contribute to the difficulty of precise site assessment. Sorption of contaminants – especially within LPM – may sequester the contaminants from active treatment, while desorption over a long period of time leads to contaminant release from storage and consequent re-contamination. Research has been conducted toward better understanding of contaminant diffusion and sorption/desorption processes to better predict contaminant response to site treatment. However, most of the research has been carried out within homogeneous media, while real scenarios in environmental problems feature media whose permeability and other characteristics vary significantly over the treatment volume. Further, few efforts have combined the interparticle/intraparticle diffusion and sorption/desorption processes together. This research aims at a feasible experimental design of diffusion and desorption of contaminant in heterogeneous media to address the gaps in previous research. A 2-D experimental system was designed to evaluate interparticle/intraparticle diffusion processes of trichloroethylene (TCE) in heterogeneous media. The 2-D system was modified to include organic matter in media for simulation of sorption/desorption processes. Results of the research will improve the understanding of how these different transport processes act together within heterogeneous media. Results will also allow for the evaluation of the impact of contaminant mass transport from within low permeability media at a potential treatment site and can support the development of mathematical tools/models combining interparticle/intraparticle and sorption/desorption processes. Such a model will promote more accurate site assessment and provide more confidence in the choice of an effective, economically optimized remediation strategy.
Mental Representation of Spatial Information in Children with Non-Verbal and Reading Disabilities: Two Case Studies
Authors: Meneghetti Chiara , Mammarella Irene C.
Published: August 2011

Non-verbal learning disability (NLD) is a specific difficulty related to the processing of visuo-spatial material. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the profile of NLD as regards ability to process and comprehend spatial descriptions, through the analysis of individual cases. Our study examined one child with NLD (M.N.), plus a second child (G.B.) with reading disability (RD) for comparison. The two children had similar reading comprehension ability. They listened to two spatial descriptions, in both survey (i.e., bird's-eye view) and route (i.e., person's point of view) perspective, plus one non-spatial description. They then answered questions about the descriptions and relocated landmarks from the spatial descriptions on a map. Performance of the child with NLD was poor in spatial descriptions but good in the non-spatial description. In particular, task performance was poorer after survey description learning. Instead, G.B. performed well in both non-spatial and spatial (i.e., survey and route) descriptions. The NLD child was shown to be specifically impaired in ability to mentally represent spatial information in survey perspective.
The Depiction of Wheels by Blind Children: Preliminary Studies on Pictorial Metaphors, Language, and Embodied Imagery
Authors: Sánchez Maribel Tercedor , Faber Pamela , D'Angiulli Amedeo
Published: August 2011

Blind (and visually impaired) children make use of perceptual cues from multimodal sensory input of known objects when they draw. In this study, we examined drawings of spinning wheels made by 12-year-old congenitally blind children. The drawings can be analyzed in terms of metaphoric and metonymic mappings from perceptual cues of different objects. Just as metaphoric language is understood through embodiment, the drawings are made through embodiment or perceptual symbolic simulations that have their parallel in language. We considered the relation between metaphor in haptic drawings and language from the perspective of situated simulation in which imagery, motion, and introspection play a crucial role in the shaping of concepts. Reference corpora offer evidence of the verbal correlates of such simulations in English and Spanish.
Case Study Method and Problem-Based Learning: Utilizing the Pedagogical Model of Progressive Complexity in Nursing Education
Authors: McMahon Michelle A , Christopher Kimberly A.
Published: August 2011

As the complexity of health care delivery continues to increase, educators are challenged to determine educational best practices to prepare BSN students for the ambiguous clinical practice setting. Integrative, active, and student-centered curricular methods are encouraged to foster student ability to use clinical judgment for problem solving and informed clinical decision making. The proposed pedagogical model of progressive complexity in nursing education suggests gradually introducing students to complex and multi-contextual clinical scenarios through the utilization of case studies and problem-based learning activities, with the intention to transition nursing students into autonomous learners and well-prepared practitioners at the culmination of a nursing program. Exemplar curricular activities are suggested to potentiate student development of a transferable problem solving skill set and a flexible knowledge base to better prepare students for practice in future novel clinical experiences, which is a mutual goal for both educators and students.
Law of the Landless: The Dalit Bid for Land Redistribution in Gujarat, India
Authors: McDougal Topher
Published: August 2011

Tenuous land access contributes to food and livelihood insecurity, and fuels conflicts in many rural societies. In such cases, the ability of government legal institutions to structure and ultimately transform the conflict depends not just on the adoption of laws favorable to progressive land redistribution, but also the effective implementation of those laws in the face of elite influence in local government. This paper presents a case study of an identity-based social movement for Outcastes in India (the Navsarjan Trust) struggling to bring about the successful implementation of land redistribution laws in Gujarat, India. I contend the Dalit land movement recognizes outcomes of state policy as products of caste struggles within a nested hierarchy of local government institutions. I argue Navsarjan’s strategy is to modify the strength of links between levels in this hierarchy in order to produce favorable results for the Dalit land rights movement. This strategy explodes the myth of human rights movements as necessarily antagonistic to government function, portraying government rather as a framework that structures social struggle.
Citizenship in the Digital Age: The Case of Denmark
Authors: Jensen Jakob Linaa
Published: August 2011

This article discusses citizenship in the age of new media using Denmark as a critical case study. It argues for the importance of considering cultural as well as political aspects of citizenship, and for the inclusion of emotions and belonging as well as rational political acts. There are strong relationships between the experience and practice of citizenship, and it is demonstrated that intensive media use and experience/practice of citizenship are highly interrelated: eager media users are also the most active and confident citizens. To a certain extent new media tend to reinforce existing behavior patterns and attitudes: those feeling engaged are those who use ICTs most widely, and new media provide them with yet another platform for practicing citizenship. It is also shown, however, that there is a segment of new media users who prefer online cultural and social activities to offline ones. As this segment grows, one might expect an expanded number of active citizens, mobilized by the new media themselves.
Fractional derivatives of Colombeau generalized stochastic processes defined on R+
Authors: Rajter-Ciric Danijela
Published: August 2011

We consider Caputo and Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives of a
Colombeau generalized stochastic process G defined on R+. We give proper
definitions and prove that both are Colombeau generalized stochastic
processes themselves. We also give a solution to a certain Cauchy problem
illustrating the application of the theory. 2000 Mathematics Subject
Classification: 46F30, 60G20, 60H10, 26A33
The Necessity of Implementation of Diversity Management Caused by the Actual Development of Cross-border Labour Mobility in EU
Authors: Chebeň Juraj , Lančarič Drahoslav , Savov Radovan
Published: August 2011

The Necessity of Implementation of Diversity Management Caused by the Actual Development of Cross-border Labour Mobility in EU

The article refers to the problemacy of international labour mobility seen as a response to many changes in political as well as in economical and social development in Europe in the last decade. In the first part of the article there is a short summary of the mentioned development in the area of immigration and labour mobility in Europe. The second part of the article deals with diversity in general and with managing of diversity in particular, there are some practical examples of possible problems as well. The last part of the article offers some suggestions for successful implementation of diversity management in enterprises.
Quality of Educational Programs in Life-long Learning
Authors: Lacková Alica , Karkalíková Marta
Published: August 2011

Quality of Educational Programs in Life-long Learning

The paper deals with a systematic approach to education as well as to other areas, which represents a tool ensuring that education was performed effectively and efficiently, that it had positive influence on the society and the individual and it had improved their job performance and quality of life. This rational approach to the development of educational programs, their execution and quality evaluation enables to reach strategic education aims successfully and in a way that they suit and stimulate the requirements of practice.
Bankruptcy Trustee in Insolvency Proceedings as an Entrepreneur and as a Subject of the Proceeding
Authors: Veterníková Mária , Mišura Ján
Published: August 2011

Bankruptcy Trustee in Insolvency Proceedings as an Entrepreneur and as a Subject of the Proceeding

The article deals with the position and activities of bankruptcy trustee in bankruptcy proceeding, restructuring proceeding and in proceeding on debt relief. These proceedings are being called insolvency proceedings. The paper brings a closer look on conditions of trustee's activity and his/her activities in various types and stages of insolvency proceedings. The authors analyze the fact whether trustee's activity meets all attributes of enterprising.
Efficiency optimization of a closed indirectly fired gas turbine cycle working under two variable-temperature heat reservoirs
Authors: Ma Zheshu , Wu Jieer
Published: August 2011

Efficiency optimization of a closed indirectly fired gas turbine cycle working under two variable-temperature heat reservoirs

Indirectly or externally fired gas turbines (IFGT or EFGT) are interesting technologies under development for small and medium scale combined heat and power (CHP) supplies in combination with micro gas turbine technologies. The emphasis is primarily on the utilization of the waste heat from the turbine in a recuperative process and the possibility of burning biomass even "dirty" fuel by employing a high temperature heat exchanger (HTHE) to avoid the combustion gases passing through the turbine. In this paper, finite time thermodynamics is employed in the performance analysis of a class of irreversible closed IFGT cycles coupled to variable temperature heat reservoirs. Based on the derived analytical formulae for the dimensionless power output and efficiency, the efficiency optimization is performed in two aspects. The first is to search the optimum heat conductance distribution corresponding to the efficiency optimization among the hot- and cold-side of the heat reservoirs and the high temperature heat exchangers for a fixed total heat exchanger inventory. The second is to search the optimum thermal capacitance rate matching corresponding to the maximum efficiency between the working fluid and the high-temperature heat reservoir for a fixed ratio of the thermal capacitance rates of the two heat reservoirs. The influences of some design parameters on the optimum heat conductance distribution, the optimum thermal capacitance rate matching and the maximum power output, which include the inlet temperature ratio of the two heat reservoirs, the efficiencies of the compressor and the gas turbine, and the total pressure recovery coefficient, are provided by numerical examples. The power plant configuration under optimized operation condition leads to a smaller size, including the compressor, turbine, two heat reservoirs and the HTHE.
Experimental investigations into the impact of the void fraction on the condensation characteristics of R134a refrigerant in minichannels under conditions of periodic instability
Authors: Kuczyński Waldemar , Charun Henryk
Published: August 2011

Experimental investigations into the impact of the void fraction on the condensation characteristics of R134a refrigerant in minichannels under conditions of periodic instability

This paper present the results of experimental investigations of condensation of R134a refrigerant in pipe minichannels with internal diameters 0.64, 0.90, 1.40, 1.44, 1.92 and 3.30 mm subject to periodic pressure instabilities. It was established that as in conventional channels, the displacement velocity of the pressure instabilities distinctly depends on the frequency of their hydrodynamic generation. The void fraction distinctly influences the velocity of the pressure instabilities. The form of this relationship depends on the internal diameter of the minichannels and on the method of calculating the void fraction.
Adaptive synthesis of a wavelet transform using fast neural network
Authors: Stolarek J.
Published: August 2011

Adaptive synthesis of a wavelet transform using fast neural network

This paper introduces a new method for an adaptive synthesis of a wavelet transform using a fast neural network with a topology based on the lattice structure. The lattice structure and the orthogonal lattice structure are presented and their properties are discussed. A novel method for unsupervised training of the neural network is introduced. The proposed approach is tested by synthesizing new wavelets with an expected energy distribution between low- and high-pass filters. Energy compaction of the proposed method and Daubechies wavelets is compared. Tests are performed using sound and image signals.
Resource allocation for robust project scheduling
Authors: Klimek M. , Łebkowski P.
Published: August 2011

Resource allocation for robust project scheduling

The paper presents a formal description of the resource allocation problem for resource-constrained project scheduling. A schedule can be executed by various resource flow networks which may differ in terms of resistance to disruptions occurring during project execution. The authors define such criteria of evaluating a resource flow network which can be more useful than robustness metrics used so far in the research. The authors discuss the importance of robust scheduling for execution projects and propose metrics for resource allocation robustness which take into consideration the stability of the final schedule. Those metrics make it possible to carry out a more precise analysis concerning the properties of the resource flow network in terms of its robustness to disruptions in comparison with a well known flexibility indicator,flex.
Nanostructured bone-like scaffolds for restoration of trabecular bone remodeling capability
Authors: Nowak M. , Firkowska I. , Giersig M.
Published: August 2011

Nanostructured bone-like scaffolds for restoration of trabecular bone remodeling capability

This paper presents the theoretical study about carbon nanotube substrates for tissue engineering and its applications. Because the replacement of bone tissue with artificial tissue can violate the remodeling process completely, the artificial material should not only consist of the same material properties, but also exhibit other characteristics which are equally important and need to be taken into consideration. These are above all the mechanosensation. Besides replacing natural tissue, the nanostructured scaffolds presented in the paper can help the tissue growth by stimulating this process. The developed trabecular bone remodeling simulation method responsible for the nanostructured scaffold behavior is implemented here. Thus, the nanostructured bone-like scaffolds reflect the remodeling capability of the biological system, not only due to their application as replacement of natural tissue, but also due to their effects in the field of mechanosensation.
Numerical methods of solving equations of hydrodynamics from perspectives of the code FLASH
Authors: Murawski K. , Lee D.
Published: August 2011

Numerical methods of solving equations of hydrodynamics from perspectives of the code FLASH

In this paper we review numerical methods for hydrodynamic equations. Internal complexity make numerical solutions of these equations a formidable task. We present results of advanced numerical simulations for a complex system with a use of a publicly available code, FLASH. These results proof that the numerical methods cope very well with this task.
A greedy algorithm for the DNA sequencing by hybridization with positive and negative errors and information about repetitions
Authors: Kwarciak K. , Formanowicz P.
Published: August 2011

A greedy algorithm for the DNA sequencing by hybridization with positive and negative errors and information about repetitions

In this paper a greedy algorithm for some variants of the sequencing by hybridization method is presented. In the standard version of the method information about repetitions is not available. In the paper it is assumed that a partial information of this type is a part of the problem instance. Here two simple but realistic models of this information are taken into consideration. The first one assumes it is known if a given element of a spectrum appears in the target sequence once or more than once. The second model uses the knowledge if a given element of a spectrum occurs in the analyzed sequence once, twice or at least three times. The proposed greedy algorithm solves the variant of the problem with positive and negative errors. Results of a computational experiment are reported which, among others, confirm that the additional information leads to the improvement of the obtained solutions. They also show that the more precise model of information increases the quality of reconstructed sequences.
Application of evolutionary algorithm to design minimal phase digital filters with non-standard amplitude characteristics and finite bit word length
Authors: Słowik A.
Published: August 2011

Application of evolutionary algorithm to design minimal phase digital filters with non-standard amplitude characteristics and finite bit word length

In this paper an application of evolutionary algorithm to design minimal phase digital filters with non-standard amplitude characteristics and with finite bit word length is presented. Four digital filters with infinite impulse response were designed using the proposed method. These digital filters possess: linearly falling characteristics, linearly growing characteristics, nonlinearly falling characteristics, and nonlinearly growing characteristics, and they are designed using bit words with an assumed length. This bit word length is connected with a processing register size. This register size depends on hardware possibilities where digital filter is to be implemented. In this paper, a modification of the mutation operator is introduced too. Due to this modification, better results were obtained in relation to the results obtained using the evolutionary algorithm with other mutation operators. The digital filters designed using the proposed method can be directly implemented in the hardware (DSP system) without any additional modifications.
FPGA and ASIC implementation of the algorithm for traffic monitoring in urban areas
Authors: Szczepański S. , Wöjcikowski M. , Pankiewicz B. , KŁosowski M. , Żaglewski R.
Published: August 2011

FPGA and ASIC implementation of the algorithm for traffic monitoring in urban areas

This paper describes the idea and the implementation of the image detection algorithm, that can be used in integrated sensor networks for environment and traffic monitoring in urban areas. The algorithm is dedicated to the extraction of moving vehicles from real-time camera images for the evaluation of traffic parameters, such as the number of vehicles, their direction of movement and their approximate speed. The authors, apart from the careful selection of particular steps of the algorithm towards hardware implementation, also proposed novel improvements, resulting in increasing the robustness and the efficiency. A single, stationary, monochrome camera is used, simple shadow and highlight elimination is performed. The occlusions are not taken into account, due to placing the camera at a location high above the road. The algorithm is designed and implemented in pipelined hardware, therefore high frame-rate efficiency has been achieved. The algorithm has been implemented and tested in FPGA and ASIC.
Stability of continuous-discrete linear systems described by the general model
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: August 2011

Stability of continuous-discrete linear systems described by the general model

New necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of positive continuous-discrete linear systems described by the general 2D model are established. A procedure for checking the asymptotic stability is proposed. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated on examples.
Impact of control representations on efficiency of local nonholonomic motion planning
Authors: Duleba I.
Published: August 2011

Impact of control representations on efficiency of local nonholonomic motion planning

In this paper various control representations selected from a family of harmonic controls were examined for the task of locally optimal motion planning of nonholonomic systems. To avoid dependence of results either on a particular system or a current point in a state space, considerations were carried out in a sub-space of a formal Lie algebra associated with a family of controlled systems. Analytical and simulation results are presented for two inputs and three dimensional state space and some hints for higher dimensional state spaces were given. Results of the paper are important for designers of motion planning algorithms not only to preserve controllability of the systems but also to optimize their motion.
Toward Evidence-based, Client-centred Nutrition Education Guidelines: Dietitian and Consumer Survey Results
Authors: MacLellan Deborah , Morley Catherine , Traviss Karol , Cividin Theresa
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Dietitian and consumer perspectives on nutrition education needs and preferences were explored, as these relate to health status.

Methods: Phases 1 and 2 of a three-phase, mixed-methods study are reported. Phase 1 was a national online survey of dietitians, which was designed to inform the development of a consumer survey (Phase 2). Consumers responded to an online survey about their demographics, medical conditions, and nutrition education needs (what they wanted to learn) and preferences (how they wanted to learn). Phase 3 involved teleconferenced discussion groups with dietitians across Canada to develop guidelines for nutrition education.

Results: Dietitian respondents (n=441) perceived that consumer health status was important in predicting needs and preferences for nutrition education; emotional support was considered most important for consumers with life-altering medical conditions. Consumers (n=680) expressed interest in an array of nutrition education approaches; cooking tips, recipes, and supplement advice were the most popular. Respondents with and without medical conditions had similar nutrition education needs and preferences.

Conclusions: Because of the complexity of nutrition education and consumers’ preference for a spectrum of approaches and delivery methods, evidence-based nutrition education guidelines are important to inform dietetics training for the provision of client-centred nutrition education.
Food Management Behaviours: In Food-insecure, Lone Mother-led Families
Authors: Sim S. Meaghan , Glanville N. Theresa , Mcintyre Lynn
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Little is known about how food is managed in households where food resources are scarce. In this study, the household food management behaviours utilized by foodinsecure, lone mother-led families from Atlantic Canada were characterized, and relationships among these behaviours and diet quality were examined.

Methods: Thematic analysis of 24 in-depth interviews from a larger study of mother-led, low-income families was integrated with sociodemographic characteristics, food-insecurity status, and four weekly 24-hour dietary recalls for all household members to yield a family behaviour score (FBS) as a summative measure of food management behaviours, and a healthy plate score (HPS) as a measure of diet quality.

Results: Five distinct food management behaviours were identified: authoritative, healthism, sharing, structured, and planning behaviours. An increase in the FBS was associated with a proportional increase in the HPS. Authoritative, healthism, and planning food management behaviours were the strongest predictors of the HPS for all household members (p<0.05). The structured management behaviour was related to the degree of food insecurity.

Conclusions: The FBS and HPS tools hold promise as a way to identify food-insecure families at risk of low diet quality. The next phase of this research will validate the use of these tools in the practice setting.
Nutritional Analysis of a Long-term Care Menu: Before and After an Increase in the Raw Food Cost Allowance
Authors: Wright-Thompson Ashley , Piché Leonard
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Regular, nontherapeutic menus were compared before and after an increase in the Ontario long-term care (LTC) raw food cost allowance (RFCA). The purpose was to determine whether any significant nutritional differences existed between the old and new menus and whether they met target values for adequacy, according to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) nutrient recommendations or other target values relevant to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

Methods: A southeastern Ontario LTC facility fall/winter 2006/2007 menu and fall/winter 2007/2008 menu were used for nutrient analysis with ESHA Food Processor SQL 10.1.0. Each menu was compared with target values based on Canada's Food Guide (CFG) for 1992 and 2007, and with DRI nutrient recommendations.

Results: The 2007/2008 menu provided significantly more servings of vegetables and fruit, meeting the 2007 CFG recommendations, and significantly greater amounts of some nutrients (e.g., vitamin C, protein, magnesium, potassium, fibre, and total water). It also came closer to meeting DRI target recommendations.

Conclusions: While some improvements have been made to the menu in this specific facility, further improvements, possibly through supplementation, must be made to ensure nutritional adequacy for all residents.
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Authors: Corby Lynda
Published: August 2011

Change is the one constant in a constantly changing world, including the world of dietetic practice. Over a 40-year career, I have witnessed and participated in many such changes. Key lessons from my early career with Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba Health include an understanding of the power of teamwork, of the importance of communication skills, of the need for shared knowledge and expertise, and of ways to connect nutrition messages with food and eating. Later, my work as director of education in a family medicine residency program taught me the value of building a portfolio of knowledge and skills and of working with families. Similarly, my work with the Organization for Cooperation in Overseas Development led me to appreciate the need for cultural sensitivity in our work. Opportunities with Dietitians of Canada have shown me that future directions must include continued interdisciplinary development of policy and position papers. Other important challenges include determining issues relevant to various areas of dietetic practice, working to achieve Vision 2020 goals, and inspiring and nurturing new leadership among younger Dietitians of Canada members.
Clustering of Specific Health-related Behaviours: Among Toronto Adolescents
Authors: Turner Kaitlin , Dwyer John J. M. , Edwards A. Michelle , Allison Kenneth R.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: The clustering of specific health-related behaviours was examined among adolescents.

Methods: In 2005, cluster analysis was conducted to identify homogeneous groups of Toronto, Ontario, 14- to 17-year-old adolescents (n=445) with similar behaviour patterns according to self-reported measures of moderate to vigorous physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET] hours a week of MVPA), sedentary behaviours (viewing television or videos, using a computer/the internet, doing homework, and talking with friends), fruit and vegetable consumption, and alcohol consumption.

Results: Three clusters of adolescents were identified: “active, high screen-time users,” “active, low screen-time users,” and “less active, least frequent drinkers.”

Conclusions: Identifying clusters of adolescents with similar health-related behaviour patterns suggests that researchers and practitioners should develop and implement interventions tailored to specific clusters.
POTENTIAL REPRESENTATION METHOD FOR THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: Janavičius Arvydas Juozapas , Jurgaitis Donatas , Turskienė Sigita
Published: August 2011

A general solution of the Schrödinger equation in the potential representation has been obtained in the form of integral equations. In this representation, the wave function for positive and negative energies or bound states can be expressed as a product of the unperturbed solution for model potential and the function which depends on the additional potential or potential perturbation. Here we have proved that this method is equivalent to the method of variation of constants for negative energies. The linearly independent solutions of Schrödinger equation for harmonic oscillator potential have been obtained for derivation of integral equations, which are used for finding eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for Woods–Saxon potential. Eigenvalues obtained by numerical iterations of these integral equations are in good agreement with results obtained by the discretization method. The kernels of the obtained integral equations are proportional to the perturbation or difference of Woods–Saxon and harmonic oscillator potentials.
WEAK SOLUTIONS OF BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS IN NONTUBE DOMAINS FOR FOURTH-ORDER EQUATIONS OF COMPOSITE TYPE
Authors: Korzyuk Victor , Kovnatskaya Olga
Published: August 2011

In the paper existence and uniqueness of weak solutions of boundary value problems in nontube domains for fourth-order equations of composite type are proved by methods of functional analysis.
T Cell-Derived Act1 Is Necessary for IL-25–Mediated Th2 Responses and Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Swaidani Shadi , Bulek Katarzyna , Kang Zizhen , Gulen Muhammet Fatih , Liu Caini , Yin Weiguo , Abbadi Amina , Aronica Mark , Li Xiaoxia
Published: August 2011

The cellular and molecular mechanisms driven by IL-25 and its cognate receptor IL-17RB necessary for the promotion of Th2-mediating pathogenic pulmonary inflammation remains to be defined. We have previously reported the critical role of the U-box-type E3 ubiquitin ligase Act1 (1) for the downstream signaling of the IL-17 cytokine family including the Th2-promoting cytokine IL-25 (IL-17E) (2). In this study, we report that IL-25–driven but not conventional IL-4–driven Th2 polarization and cytokine production is impaired in Act1-deficient T cells. Also, Act1 deficiency in the T cell compartment results in the abrogation of eosinophilic airway infiltration as well as airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse models of Ag-induced airway inflammation. The in vivo generation of Ag-specific Th2 cytokine-producing cells is defective in the absence of Act1 expression in T cells after OVA/aluminum hydroxide immunization. Notably, the production of OVA-specific IgG1 but not IgG2a or IgE is also impaired. At the molecular level, we report that IL-25–mediated induction of Th2 master regulator GATA-3 and the transcription factor GFI-1 is attenuated in Act1-deficient T cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that Act1 expression in T cells is required for cellular and humoral Th2-mediated allergic responses and the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, in part, through Act1's function in IL-25–induced development of Th2 T cells.
Decreased AIRE Expression and Global Thymic Hypofunction in Down Syndrome
Authors: Lima Flavia A. , Moreira-Filho Carlos A. , Ramos Patrícia L. , Brentani Helena , Lima Leandro de A. , Arrais Magaly , Bento-de-Souza Luiz C. , Bento-de-Souza Luciana , Duarte Maria I. , Coutinho Antonio , Carneiro-Sampaio Magda
Published: August 2011

The Down syndrome (DS) immune phenotype is characterized by thymus hypotrophy, higher propensity to organ-specific autoimmune disorders, and higher susceptibility to infections, among other features. Considering that AIRE (autoimmune regulator) is located on 21q22.3, we analyzed protein and gene expression in surgically removed thymuses from 14 DS patients with congenital heart defects, who were compared with 42 age-matched controls with heart anomaly as an isolated malformation. Immunohistochemistry revealed 70.48 ± 49.59 AIRE-positive cells/mm2 in DS versus 154.70 ± 61.16 AIRE-positive cells/mm2 in controls (p < 0.0001), and quantitative PCR as well as DNA microarray data confirmed those results. The number of FOXP3-positive cells/mm2 was equivalent in both groups. Thymus transcriptome analysis showed 407 genes significantly hypoexpressed in DS, most of which were related, according to network transcriptional analysis (FunNet), to cell division and to immunity. Immune response-related genes included those involved in 1) Ag processing and presentation (HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB3, CD1A, CD1B, CD1C, ERAP) and 2) thymic T cell differentiation (IL2RG, RAG2, CD3D, CD3E, PRDX2, CDK6) and selection (SH2D1A, CD74). It is noteworthy that relevant AIRE-partner genes, such as TOP2A, LAMNB1, and NUP93, were found hypoexpressed in DNA microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. These findings on global thymic hypofunction in DS revealed molecular mechanisms underlying DS immune phenotype and strongly suggest that DS immune abnormalities are present since early development, rather than being a consequence of precocious aging, as widely hypothesized. Thus, DS should be considered as a non-monogenic primary immunodeficiency.