bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limnology of Kandy Lake before the outbreak of cyanaobacteria bloom in May 1999. II Photosynthetic primary production
Authors: Silva E.I.L. , Samaradiwakara S.R.M.S.
Published: May 2015

In situ photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll-a contents of planktonic algae were determined monthly for two consecutive years (September 1996 — August 1998) employing light-dark bottle technique in Kandy Lake. The objective of the study was to determine the photosynthetic characteristics and subsequent primary production under prevailing climatic and hydro-ecological regime of this urban man-made eutrophic water body.Photosynthesis occurred mainly to a 4 m depth with light saturated maximum rate at subsurface water under clear sky indicating surface inhibition. Chlorophyll-a (chl-a) content, and photosynthetic rates were relatively low during the rainy 'seasons compared to dry weather conditions. However, both parameters showed a progressive increase towards the end of the study period. With respect to chl-a content (16-45 µg l-1) and specific photosynthetic rates (4-42 mg mg-1 chl-a hr-1), Kandy lake was eutrophic during the study period. However, area based net primary production was always positive (0.073-1.775 g 02 m-2 hr- 1) with a daily mean gross value of 9.80 g 02m-2 d-1 (± 6.20).
Anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics of a diazepam-ketamine combination compared with propofol in dogs
Authors: Ferreira Jacques P. , Dzikit T. Brighton , Zeiler Gareth E. , Buck Roxanne , Nevill Bruce , Gummow Bruce , Bester Lynette
Published: June 2015

Induction of anaesthesia occasionally has been associated with undesirable behaviour in dogs. High quality of induction of anaesthesia with propofol has been well described while in contrast variable induction and recovery quality has been associated with diazepam-ketamine. In this study, anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics of diazepam-ketamine combination with propofol alone were compared in dogs undergoing elective orchidectomy. Thirty-six healthy adult male dogs were used. After habitus scoring (simple descriptive scale [SDS]), the dogs were sedated with morphine and acepromazine. Forty minutes later a premedication score (SDS) was allocated and general anaesthesia was induced using a combination of diazepam-ketamine (Group D/K) or propofol (Group P) and maintained with isoflurane. Scores for the quality of induction, intubation and degree of myoclonus were allocated (SDS). Orchidectomy was performed after which recovery from anaesthesia was scored (SDS) and times to extubation and standing were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Kappa Reliability and Kendall Tau B tests. Both groups were associated with acceptable quality of induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Group P, however, was associated with a poorer quality of induction (p = 0.014), prolonged induction period (p = 0.0018) and more pronounced myoclonus (p = 0.003), but had better quality of recovery (p = 0.000002) and shorter recovery times (p = 0.035) compared with Group D/K. Diazepam-ketamine and propofol are associated with acceptable induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Propofol had inferior anaesthetic induction characteristics, but superior and quicker recovery from anaesthesia compared with diazepam-ketamine.
Асимптотические разложения распределений канонических $V$-статистик третьего порядка
Authors: Borisov Igor' Semenovich , Volod'ko Nadezhda Vladimirovna
Published: June 2015

В работе получен второй член асимптотического разложения Эджворта для функций распределения
канонических статистик Мизеса третьего порядка, построенных по выборкам растущего объема из последовательности независимых одинаково распределенных случайных величин. Оценка остаточного члена имеет правильный порядок малости $O(n^{-1})$.
Апостериорная интеграция вероятностей. Элементарная теория
Authors: Kryazhimskiy Arkady Viktorovich
Published: June 2015

Предлагается подход к апостериорной интеграции вероятностных распределений, служащих независимыми априорными моделями наблюдаемого элементарного события из заданного конечного набора элементарных событий. Под апостериорной интеграцией понимается уточнение сведений, доставляемых априорными вероятностями. В основу подхода положено понятие апостериорного события в произведении вероятностных пространств, отвечающих априорным вероятностям. Условная вероятность на пространстве-произведении, задаваемая апостериорным событием, естественным образом определяет вероятность на множестве исходных элементарных событий; последняя принимается за результат апостериорной интеграции априорных моделей. Указываются условия, при которых интеграция повышает информативность априорных вероятностей; исследуются алгебраические свойства интеграции как бинарной операции на множестве вероятностей; рассматривается вопрос об интегральной сходимости бесконечных последовательностей вероятностей.
Оптимальное оценивание сигнала, наблюдаемого во фрактальном гауссовском шуме
Authors: Artemov Aleksey Valer'evich , Burnaev Evgenii Vladimirovich
Published: June 2015

Мы рассматриваем задачу оценивания векторного параметра $\boldsymbol \theta=(\theta_0,\ldots,\theta_n)^{\top}$ коэффициента сноса фрактального броуновского движения. Коэффициент сноса представляется в виде разложения $\sum_{i=0}^{n}\theta_{i}\varphi_{i}(t)$ по конечному числу известных функций $\varphi_i(t)$, $i=0,\ldots,n$. Для параметров коэффициента сноса получены оценка максимального правдоподобия, а также байесовские оценки для нормального и равномерного априорных распределений.
Малые уклонения взвешенной суммы независимых положительных случайных величин с общим распределением, убывающим в нуле не быстрее степени
Authors: Rozovskii Leonid Victorovich
Published: June 2015

В заметке показано, что известная асимптотика для вероятностей малых уклонений взвешенной суммы независимых положительных случайных величин с общим распределением остается справедливой, если это распределение в нуле убывает не быстрее некоторой степени.
El impacto del cambio de paradigma en el modelo de negocio de la música pop
Authors: Seguí Moreno María
Published: June 2015

El presente trabajo es una síntesis del proyecto final del Máster Interuniversitario en Gestión Cultural, de la Universitat Politècnica de València y la Universitat de València. Internet ha sido el gran motor de transformación de la sociedad en los últimos años. En la industria musical ha supuesto un cambio estructural e irreversible, que se refleja en la actual visión del modelo de negocio de los profesionales del sector. Por otra parte, las publicaciones especializadas toman una gran importancia como filtro de la música de calidad, en un panorama en el que músicos y consumidores se encargan de establecer las directrices para la configuración de un nuevo modelo.
Comunidades creativas en torno a un Proyecto de gestión cultural, en el ámbito universitario, con alumnos y alumnas del Grado de Educación Social de la Universidad de Extremadura
Authors: Möller Recondo Claudia Marcela
Published: June 2015

Se presentan los resultados de un Proyecto de Innovación Docente, desarrollado en el marco de la Asignatura “Gestión Cultural”, del Grado de Educación Social en la Facultad de Formación del Profesorado de la Universidad de Extremadura (España) desarrollado entre 2012 y 2014; avalado y financiado por el propio Centro, por el Vicerrectorado de Extensión, por la Consejería de Educación y Cultura del Gobierno de Extremadura, por la Red Europea de Cooperación Itinerarios Culturales europeos Las rutas europeas del emperador Carlos V y por el Programa “Meet your MEP” del Parlamento europeo.

Se constituyeron comunidades creativas en torno a lo que dimos en llamar un ecosistema de Gestión cultural, y el objetivo fue que los alumnos/as perfeccionen las competencias de pensar, crear, elaborar y gestionar proyectos culturales a la vez que realizar una acción experiencial en torno a una de las rutas españolas del emperador Carlos V.
A synthesis of cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNC) measurements within the EUCAARI network
Authors: Paramonov M. , Kerminen V.-M. , Gysel M. , Aalto P. P. , Andreae M. O. , Asmi E. , Baltensperger U. , Bougiatioti A. , Brus D. , Frank G. , Good N. , Gunthe S. S. , Hao L. , Irwin M. , Jaatinen A. , Jurányi Z. , King S. M. , Kortelainen A. , Kristensson A. , Lihavainen H. , Kulmala M. , Lohmann U. , Martin S. T. , McFiggans G. , Mihalopoulos N. , Nenes A. , O'Dowd C. D. , Ovadnevaite J. , Petäjä T. , Pöschl U. , Roberts G. C. , Rose D. , Svenningsson B. , Swietlicki E. , Weingartner E. , Whitehead J. , Wiedensohler A. , Wittbom C. , Sierau B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Cloud Condensation Nuclei Counter (CCNC) measurements performed at 14 locations around the world within the EUCAARI framework have been analysed and discussed with respect to the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation and hygroscopic properties of the atmospheric aerosol. The annual mean ratio of activated cloud condensation nuclei (NCCN) to the total number concentration of particles (NCN), known as the activated fraction A, shows a similar functional dependence on supersaturation S at many locations; exceptions to this being certain marine locations, a free troposphere site and background sites in south-west Germany and northern Finland. The use of total number concentration of particles above 50 and 100 nm diameter when calculating the activated fractions (A50 and A100, respectively) renders a much more stable dependence of A on S; A50 and A100 also reveal the effect of the size distribution on CCN activation. With respect to chemical composition, it was found that the hygroscopicity of aerosol particles as a function of size differs among locations. The hygroscopicity parameter κ decreased with an increasing size at a continental site in south-west Germany and fluctuated without any particular size dependence across the observed size range in the remote tropical North Atlantic and rural central Hungary. At all other locations κ increased with size. In fact, in Hyytiälä, Vavihill, Jungfraujoch and Pallas the difference in hygroscopicity between Aitken and accumulation mode aerosol was statistically significant at the 5% significance level. In a boreal environment the assumption of a size-independent κ can lead to a potentially substantial overestimation of NCCN at S levels above 0.6%; similar is true for other locations where κ was found to increase with size. While detailed information about aerosol hygroscopicity can significantly improve the prediction of NCCN, total aerosol number concentration and aerosol size distribution remain more important parameters. The seasonal and diurnal patterns of CCN activation and hygroscopic properties vary among three long-term locations, highlighting the spatial and temporal variability of potential aerosol-cloud interactions in various environments.
Continuous measurements of greenhouse gases and atmospheric oxygen at the Namib Desert Atmospheric Observatory
Authors: Morgan E. J. , Lavrič J. V. , Seifert T. , Chicoine T. , Day A. , Gomez J. , Logan R. , Sack J. , Shuuya T. , Uushona E. G. , Vincent K. , Schultz U. , Brunke E.-G. , Labuschagne C. , Thompson R. L. , Schmidt S. , Manning A. C. , Heimann M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A new coastal background site has been established for observations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the central Namib Desert at Gobabeb, Namibia. The location of the site was chosen to provide observations for a data-poor region in the global sampling network for GHGs. Semi-automated continuous measurements of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, atmospheric oxygen, and basic meteorology are made at a height of 21 m a.g.l., 50 km from the coast at the northern border of the Namib Sand Sea. Atmospheric oxygen is measured with a differential fuel cell analyzer (DFCA). Carbon dioxide and methane are measured with an early-model cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS); nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide are measured with an off-axis integrated cavity output spectrometer (OA-ICOS). Instrument-specific water corrections are employed for both the CRDS and OA-ICOS instruments in lieu of drying. The performance and measurement uncertainties are discussed in detail. As the station is located in a remote desert environment, there are some particular challenges, namely fine dust, high diurnal temperature variability, and minimal infrastructure. The gas handling system and calibration scheme were tailored to best fit the conditions of the site. The CRDS and DFCA provide data of acceptable quality when base requirements for operation are met, specifically adequate temperature control in the laboratory and regular supply of electricity. In the case of the OA-ICOS instrument, performance is significantly improved through the implementation of a drift correction through frequent measurements of a reference cylinder.
Investigation of energy transport and thermospheric upwelling during quiet magnetospheric and ionospheric conditions from the studies of low- and middle-altitude cusp
Authors: Živković T. , Buchert S. , Ritter P. , Palin L. , Opgenoorth H.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. We investigate energy fluxes and small, kilometre-scale Birkeland currents in the magnetospheric cusp at a 1–3 Earth radii altitude and in the ionosphere using satellites when they were, according to the Tsyganenko model, in magnetic conjunction within 50–60 km and up to 15 min apart. We use Cluster and CHAMP satellites, and study three conjunction events that occurred in 2008 and 2009, when the Cluster spacecraft were crossing the cusps at only a few Earth radii altitude. Our goal is to understand better the influence of processes in the magnetospheric cusp on the upper thermosphere and its upwelling which was usually observed by the CHAMP satellite passing the cusp. Three studied events occurred under relatively quiet and steady magnetospheric and ionospheric conditions, which explains why observed thermospheric density enhancements were rather low. Our findings point out that for each studied event soft electron precipitation influences thermospheric density enhancements in a way that stronger electron precipitation produces stronger thermospheric upwelling. Therefore, in the case of these weak events, soft electron precipitation seems to be more important cause of the observed, thermospheric density enhancements than is the Joule heating.
Distribution of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers in surface soils of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau: implications of brGDGTs-based proxies in cold and dry regions
Authors: Ding S. , Xu Y. , Wang Y. , He Y. , Hou J. , Chen L. , He J.-S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The methylation index of branched tetraethers (MBT) and cyclization ratio of branched tetraethers (CBT) based on the distribution of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGT) are useful proxies for the reconstruction of mean annual air temperature (MAT) and soil pH. Recently, a series of 6-methyl brGDGTs were identified which were previously co-eluted with 5-methyl brGDGTs. However, little is known about 6-methyl brGDGTs in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), a critical region of the global climate system. Here, we analyze 30 surface soils covering a large area of the QTP, among which 6-methyl brGDGTs were the most abundant components (average 53 ± 17% of total brGDGT). The fractional abundance of 6-methyl brGDGTs showed a good correlation with soil pH, while the global MBT'5ME calibration overestimates MAT in the QTP. We therefore proposed a MBT5/6 index including both 5- and 6-methyl brGDGTs, presenting a strong correlation with MAT in QTP: MAT = −20.14 + 39.51 × MBT5/6 (n = 27, r2 = 0.82; RMSE = 1.3 °C). Another index, namely IBT (isomerization of branched tetraether), based on carbon skeleton isomerization of the 5-methyl to 6-methyl brGDGTs, is dependent on soil pH: pH = 6.77 − 1.56 × IBT (n = 27; r2 = 0.74, RMSE = 0.32). Our study suggests that changing the position of methyl group of brGDGTs may be another mechanism for some soil bacteria to adapt to the ambient pH change in addition to the well-known cyclization.
A 500-year seasonally resolved δ18O and δ13C, layer thickness and calcite aspect record from a speleothem deposited in the Han-sur-Lesse cave, Belgium
Authors: Van Rampelbergh M. , Verheyden S. , Allan M. , Quinif Y. , Cheng H. , Edwards L. R. , Keppens E. , Claeys P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Speleothem δ18O and δ13C signals enable climate reconstructions at high resolution. However, scarce decadal and seasonally resolved speleothem records are often difficult to interpret in terms of climate due to the multitude of factors that affect the proxy signals. In this paper, a fast-growing (up to 2 mm yr−1) seasonally laminated speleothem from the Han-sur-Lesse cave (Belgium) is analyzed for its δ18O and δ13C values, layer thickness and changes in calcite aspect. The studied record covers the period between AD 2001 and 1479 as indicated by layer counting and confirmed by 20 U / Th ages. The Proserpine proxies are seasonally biased and document drier (and colder) winters on multidecadal scales. Higher δ13C signals reflect increased prior calcite precipitation (PCP) and lower soil activity during drier (and colder) winters. Thinner layers and darker calcite relate to slower growth and exist during drier (and colder) winter periods. Exceptionally dry (and cold) winter periods occur from 1565 to 1610, at 1730, from 1770 to 1800, from 1810 to 1860, and from 1880 to 1895 and correspond to exceptionally cold periods in historical and instrumental records as well as European winter temperature reconstructions. More relative climate variations, during which the four measured proxies vary independently and display lower amplitude variations, occur between 1479 and 1565, between 1610 and 1730, and between 1730 and 1770. The winters during the first and last periods are interpreted as relatively wetter (and warmer) and correspond to warmer periods in historical data and in winter temperature reconstructions in Europe. The winters in the period between 1610 and 1730 are interpreted as relatively drier (and cooler) and correspond to generally colder conditions in Europe. Interpretation of the seasonal variations in δ18O and δ13C signals differs from that on a decadal and multidecadal scale. Seasonal δ18O variations reflect cave air temperature variations and suggest a 2.5 °C seasonality in cave air temperature during the two relatively wetter (and warmer) winter periods (1479–1565 and 1730–1770), which corresponds to the cave air temperature seasonality observed today. Between 1610 and 1730, the δ18O values suggest a 1.5 °C seasonality in cave air temperature, indicating colder summer temperatures during this drier (and cooler) interval. The δ13C seasonality is driven by PCP and suggests generally lower PCP seasonal effects between 1479 and 1810 compared to today. A short interval of increased PCP seasonality occurs between 1600 and 1660, and reflects increased PCP in summer due to decreased winter recharge.
A size-composition resolved aerosol model for simulating the dynamics of externally mixed particles: SCRAM (v 1.0)
Authors: Zhu S. , Sartelet K. N. , Seigneur C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Size-Composition Resolved Aerosol Model (SCRAM) for simulating the dynamics of externally mixed atmospheric particles is presented. This new model classifies aerosols by both composition and size, based on a comprehensive combination of all chemical species and their mass-fraction sections. All three main processes involved in aerosol dynamics (coagulation, condensation/evaporation and nucleation) are included. The model is first validated by comparison with a reference solution and with results of simulations using internally mixed particles. The degree of mixing of particles is investigated in a box model simulation using data representative of air pollution in Greater Paris. The relative influence on the mixing state of the different aerosol processes (condensation/evaporation, coagulation) and of the algorithm used to model condensation/evaporation (bulk equilibrium, dynamic) is studied.
Analysis of the linearised observation operator in a soil moisture and temperature analysis scheme
Authors: Dharssi I. , Candy B. , Steinle P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Several weather forecasting agencies have developed advanced land data assimilation systems that, in principle, can analyse any model land variable. Such systems can make use of a wide variety of observation types, such as screen level (2 m above the surface) observations and satellite based measurements of surface soil moisture and skin temperature. Indirect measurements can be used and information propagated from the surface into the deeper soil layers. A key component of the system is the calculation of the linearised observation operator matrix (Jacobian matrix) which describes the link between the observations and the land surface model variables. The elements of the Jacobian matrix (Jacobians) are estimated using finite difference by performing short model forecasts with perturbed initial conditions. The calculated Jacobians show that there can be strong coupling between the screen level and the soil. The coupling between the screen level and surface soil moisture is found to be due to a number of processes including bare soil evaporation, soil thermal conductivity as well as transpiration by plants. Therefore, there is significant coupling both during the day and at night. The coupling between the screen level and root-zone soil moisture is primarily through transpiration by plants. Therefore the coupling is only significant during the day and the vertical variation of the coupling is modulated by the vegetation root depths. The calculated Jacobians that link screen level temperature to model soil temperature are found to be largest for the topmost model soil layer and become very small for the lower soil layers. These values are largest during the night and generally positive in value. It is found that the Jacobians that link observations of surface soil moisture to model soil moisture are strongly affected by the soil hydraulic conductivity. Generally, for the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) land surface model, the coupling between the surface and root zone soil moisture is weak. Finally, the Jacobians linking observations of skin temperature to model soil temperature and moisture are calculated. These Jacobians are found to have a similar spatial pattern to the Jacobians for observations of screen level temperature. Analysis is also performed of the sensitivity of the calculated Jacobians to the magnitude of the perturbations used.
Biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity as key drivers of ecosystem services provided by soils
Authors: Smith P. , Cotrufo M. F. , Rumpel C. , Paustian K. , Kuikman P. J. , Elliott J. A. , McDowell R. , Griffiths R. I. , Asakawa S. , Bustamante M. , House J. I. , Sobocká J. , Harper R. , Pan G. , West P. C. , Gerber J. S. , Clark J. M. , Adhya T. , Scholes R. J. , Scholes M. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Soils play a pivotal role in major global biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nutrient and water), while hosting the largest diversity of organisms on land. Because of this, soils deliver fundamental ecosystem services, and management to change a soil process in support of one ecosystem service can either provide co-benefits to other services or can result in trade-offs. In this critical review, we report the state-of-the-art understanding concerning the biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity in soil, and relate these to the provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural ecosystem services which they underpin. We then outline key knowledge gaps and research challenges, before providing recommendations for management activities to support the continued delivery of ecosystem services from soils. We conclude that although there are knowledge gaps that require further research, enough is known to start improving soils globally. The main challenge is in finding ways to share knowledge with soil managers and policy-makers, so that best-practice management can be implemented. A key element of this knowledge sharing must be in raising awareness of the multiple ecosystem services underpinned by soils, and the natural capital they provide. The International Year of Soils in 2015 presents the perfect opportunity to begin a step-change in how we harness scientific knowledge to bring about more sustainable use of soils for a secure global society.
The Role of Leadership Skills of High School Principals in Their Knowledge Management Process Competencies
Authors: Balkar Betül , Şahin Sevilay
Published: June 2015

School principals play an important role in assisting educational institutions in achieving knowledge and gaining knowledge management competence and hence, as a real knowledge organization, in meeting the needs of the age. In order to realize knowledge management, principals should take an active role both as knowledge managers and leaders. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which leadership skills of high school principals predicted their knowledge management process competencies. In the context of this purpose, the study also aimed at investigating the relationships between principals’ leadership skills and their knowledge management competencies. The sample of the study realized in a relational screening model was comprised of 573 high school teachers working in Adana province of Turkey. The surveying method was utilized for data collection and the data obtained were statistically analyzed. The results of the study suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between principals’ knowledge management competencies and their leadership skills and that the high school principals’ leadership skills are a predictor of their knowledge management process competencies. The findings of the study emphasize applicability of knowledge management at schools from a social perspective and point out that leadership of the school principal is a facilitator factor to carry out knowledge management processes at schools.    
The Status Quo of Doctoral Education in Universities in Zimbabwe
Authors: GARWE Evelyn Chiyevo
Published: June 2015

Globally, the importance of highly qualified human resources (holders of doctoral degrees) in providing the requisite skills for knowledge economies is well acknowledged. Sadly, African universities are reportedly lagging behind in terms of satisfying the required quantity and quality of doctoral graduates (Harle, 2013). This study was aimed at providing empirical evidence on the status of doctoral education in Zimbabwe as well as identifying the reasons for the status quo. Documentary evidence and telephonic interviews were used to collect data from all the 15 (40%) registered universities in Zimbabwe. The interviews involved doctoral students enrolled in local universities as well as in foreign universities, aspiring doctoral candidates and senior academics based in local universities.The findings showed that six out of the 15 universities were offering programmes at doctoral level in 2014 giving a share of 0.2%. The combined doctoral degree enrolment was 150 translating to a share of 0.18% of the total student enrolments. A total of 28 people graduated with doctorates from Zimbabwean universities in 2014. Approximately 565 academics from Zimbabwean universities were pursuing doctoral degrees at universities in the region notably in South Africa and Zambia and yet only one university in Zimbabwe enrolled students from the region. The reasons for this state of affairs included the stringent regulatory environment regarding doctoral study in Zimbabwe, shortage of supervisors due to brain drain, unavailability of doctoral programmes at 60% of the local universities and inadequate funding and resources. The study the study recommends that ZIMCHE and universities should revisit their standards and regulations. In addition, government needs to adequately remunerate university staff and provide funding for research and doctoral studies.
Explaining the Type of Audience Attitude toward the Content of Religious Medium (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (Case Study)
Authors: Roshandel Arbatani Taher , Labafi Somayeh
Published: May 2015

This article is written to theoretically and empirically explain analytical model. In the model, audience attitude toward the content of religious medium (IRIB) is defined as internal variable and the aspects of audience religiosity, his religious knowledge, and type of religiosity as external variables. Each of the variables formulated in research model has theoretical bases. Research method is survey. Data was collected using a handmade questionnaire which was reliable and valid based on test. The statistical population of the study consisted of Isfahan people (n=300). They were randomly sampled. In this study, the effect of aspects of audience religiosity, type of his religiosity and religious knowledge on his attitude toward the content of religious medium is examined in terms of several hypotheses. The analytical model of the study is designed using AMOS. Model fit indices show that Chi square index indicates numerical value of 3.28. Based on what Schumacher and Lomax (2009) suggest as acceptable (i.e. if it is between 1 and 5), it is a good value. In addition to the above index, other indices are also computed for respective model. One of them is Root Mean Square Error of Estimation (RMSEA). It is obtained 0.078 (i.e. <0.08).      
Thyroid gland disturbances in pediatric shift work nurses employed in clinical hospital centre
Authors: Hrvoje Lalić
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is an attempt to explore the cause of thyroid gland disturbances in female pediatric nurses employed in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in an Eastern European hospital. A group of twenty hospital nurses was studied of whom fourteen suffered from some type of thyroid gland disturbances and a group of twenty primary care nurses with only sporadic incidence of thyroid disturbances. Regarding hypothyroidism they differ statistically significantly, p = .0399, as to obesity p = .0017, comparing thyroiditis p = .0374, and by goiter p = .008. Pediatric hospital nurses’ occupation requires contact with sick newborns and small children for 12-hour shifts. Thyroid gland disturbances are not fully explained, they vary from genetically origins, autoimmune processes, environmental stressors. Daily high level stress exposure of the mentioned hospital nurses can contribute to developing thyroid disturbances. Trained medical staff under the pressures of caring for this population may become sick. In such departments more nurses should be employed if shift work is performed under elevated stress. Signs of this stress might include inadequate nourishment causing obesity and cigarette smoking especially in night shifts. It is the task of Occupational Medicine to determine if stress exposure causes thyroid disturbances, especially in 12 hour shift workers, resulting in interventions to enhance preventive measures.
Cross Sectional Analysis of Short Sale Determinants on U.S. Blue Chips
Authors: Linnertová Dagmar
Published: June 2015

Short sale is a market practice that allows participle in overpricing markets. The fundamental goal of short sale is to sell borrowed securities, repurchase them back after their prices decrease and then return them to a lender. The aim of this paper is to investigate determinants of the short sale (measured by short sale ratio or SIR) activity. Based on the previous studies the short sale determinants are represented by market specific variables and fundamental-to-price ratios and correspond with hypotheses that explain investor motivations of going short. A panel regression with fixed effect is applied to determine these variables. The trend of short sale is analyzed by splitting the full sample period in three sub periods. There are identified factors such as abnormal rate of return, volume of trade, volatility, market capitalization and beta coefficient that are stable long term and influence the level of short sale. The results of fundamentals-to price ratio is not unambiguous and these variables do not considerably influence the level of short sale.
As histórias em quadrinhos (HQ’s) na formação dos professores de Ciências e Biologia
Authors: Tavares Júnior Melchior José
Published: June 2015

O objetivo desse texto foi refletir sobre HQ's como recurso didático no ensino de Ciências e Biologia. Da experiência como docente do curso de Ciências Biológicas, ministrando a disciplina Metodologia de Ensino desde 2009, inferimos que as HQ's podem ser úteis na educação, os futuros professores aprovam sua utilização, proporiam que seus alunos elaborassem suas próprias HQ's. Alertamos para a adequação conceitual, pois a utilização da HQ pressupõe corrreção absoluta, salvo nos casos em que o professor deseje comparar ao conceito adequado; para a linguagem, uma vez que muitos cartunistas utilizam uma linguagem chula em suas produções; para a imagem, pois os autores constroem personagens que não são facilmente identificados como pessoas ou são animais desconhecidos; para os valores, pois os quadrinhos podem emitir juízos particulares dos autores.
Representações visuais na modernidade líquida: o que os manequins falam de nós?
Authors: Souza Michely Calciolari , Baliscei João Paulo , Teruya Teresa Kazuko
Published: June 2015

O fluxo de imagens, transformações tecnológicas e o culto ao corpo e à beleza são características que marcam a contemporaneidade. Fotografias, ilustrações e imagens da mídia difundem modelos com os quais as pessoas podem se identificar. Objetivou-se analisar como os sujeitos são representados pelos manequins de lojas. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma contagem de manequins, em um shopping center da cidade de Maringá, Paraná. Fora constatado que os manequins representam, em sua maioria, as pessoas de cor ou raça branca. Verificou-se que o número de manequins de outras cores não corresponde ao número de brasileiros que se consideram pretos/as, pardos/as, amarelos/as ou indígenas. A partir disso, discutiu-se a importância da formação docente para os aspectos visuais da contemporaneidade.
Experiências formativas do outro diferente em ambientes de amizade
Authors: Strieder Roque , Herbert Fabiana
Published: June 2015

O artigo investiga possibilidades de se firmarem experiências formativas envolvendo as dimensões da amizade e as vivências na amizade, como dinâmicas potencializadoras do reconhecimento do outro. Considera as relações pedagógicas, visando à homogeneização, como portadoras do risco de submeter e excluir o outro e o diferente. Reconhece a necessária prudência diante da complexidade e das dificuldades históricas de compreensão do outro. O estudo tem como base a buscagem em referenciais teóricos e entende que a vivência na amizade permite a construção de visões positivas de mundo, de si e do outro como seres humanos singulares e diversos. A convivência na amizade como um com-sentir contempla cenários de respeito à alteridade, um respeito que passa pela descoberta de si e do outro como exercício dessa convivência.The article investigates possibilities to establish formative experiences involving the dimensions of friendship and experiences in friendship, as dynamic potentiating the recognition of the other. Considers the pedagogical relations, aiming to homogenization, as carriers of the risk of submitting and excluding the other and the different. Recognize the required prudence given the complexity and historical difficulties in understanding the other. The study is based on the search for theoretical references and believes that the experience of friendship allows the construction of positive visions of the world, of themselves and others as unique and diverse human beings. The coexistence in friendship as a consent (feel with) scenarios with respect to otherness, a respect that goes by the discovery of self and other as an exercise of this coexistence.
Transferir tecnologia para outros espaços escolares
Authors: Alonso Ángel San Martin , Chacón José Peirats
Published: June 2015

O modelo de transferência de tecnologia oferece uma visão da análise das inovações geradas por esses processos na organização dos centros escolares como destinatários da tecnologia. Os dados estudados decorrem de investigação atualmente em curso em doze (12) territórios autônomos espanhóis sobre o Programa Escola 2.0. Nesta fase estamos realizando a estatística descritiva e referências de algumas entrevistas e observações em centros docentes participantes do Programa “Centros Educativos Inteligentes”. Dos primeiros resultados adiantamos que no sistema escolar segue-se um padrão de transferência singular: alta dependência da administração educativa, maior ênfase na habilidade do que no conhecimento e, finalmente, escassa formação prévia do centro receptor.
Complexidade, conhecimento e educação: a emergência de um novo paradigma epistemológico no contexto contemporâneo
Authors: Silva Sidinei Pithan da
Published: June 2015

O presente estudo tematiza a emergência de um novo paradigma epistemológico no cenário contemporâneo, o qual sinaliza para a problemática da complexidade implicada em toda dinâmica do conhecimento humano. O texto em questão constitui-se resultado de uma pesquisa realizada no intuito de investigar as contribuições do pensamento complexo para a educação a partir dos escritos de Edgar Morin. A abordagem metodológica orienta-se por uma perspectiva hermenêutica e dialética, a qual busca privilegiar a leitura crítica das obras de Morin situando-as numa leitura de conjunto e procurando extrair delas relações entre concepções epistemológicas, éticas e políticas. O resultado desta leitura, quando tematizada no âmbito escolar, consiste em compreender o novo desafio da escola no trato com o conhecimento. Para além de ensinar conhecimentos, a escola precisa ensinar uma nova relação com o conhecimento. Esta pressupõe uma leitura mediata e complexa da realidade, reelaborando o significado da ciência e do conhecimento no contexto societário.
Educação de jovens e adultos e educação especial: a (re) invenção da articulação necessária entre as áreas
Authors: Haas Clarissa
Published: June 2015

Este estudo exploratório propõe a aproximação entre a Educação Especial e a Educação de Jovens e Adultos, analisando as contribuições que os direcionamentos legais e políticos nacionais acerca da Educação Especial na perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva, as publicações dos Fóruns EJA e a produção acadêmica têm propiciado ao diálogo entre as duas áreas. A imersão teórica e crítica nos “lugares” considerados legítimos para que esse diálogo aconteça foi feita a partir da premissa da EJA no ensino comum, como espaço escolar potencializador para que os jovens e adultos com deficiência desenvolvam seus modos singulares de aprender. A investigação apontou a timidez de estudos com esse viés e a necessidade de ampliar a discussão sobre o Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) para os jovens e adultos com deficiência.
O Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação do Estado de São Paulo (IDESP): Práticas Escolares Resultantes
Authors: Gesqui Luiz Carlos
Published: June 2015

Mensurado anualmente – com base apenas nas taxas de aprovação de todos os alunos e nos resultados de testes padronizados de parte dos alunos – a partir de 2008, o Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação no Estado de São Paulo (IDESP) indica a qualidade da educação básica das mais de cinco mil escolas de sua rede pública de ensino regular. Por meio de participações em reuniões pedagógicas em quatro destas escolas, todavia, no período de 2008 a 2011, observou-se, que o IDESP determina a utilização de práticas escolares que priorizam resultados estatísticos em detrimento do processo educativo, das quais se destacam a excessiva aplicação de exames simulados e a promoção – pautada basicamente nos registros de sua frequência – dos alunos para a série seguinte.
Dietary Intake of Children with Type 1 Diabetes in Bahrain: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Al-Haddad Fatima , Musaiger Abdulrahman , Al-Qallaf S. Mahmood , Hart Kathryn
Published: June 2015

Background & Objectives: Bahrain is reported to rank amongst the top 10 countries for diabetes prevalence worldwide. In particular, growing numbers of children are being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).The objective of this study was to describe the dietary intake of Bahraini children with T1DM as compared to a sample of healthy counterparts and to determine whether the nutrient intakes of Bahraini children with T1DM meet the current recommendations.
Design & Setting: This was a case-control study. Dietary intake, estimated using a24-hour dietary recall, for the cases was gathered from the Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit at the Salmaniya Medical Complex and compared to the 24-hour recalls of children without diabetes recruited from Local Health Centers.
Patients & Methods: 50 children aged 6-12 years receiving a confirmed diagnosis of T1DM in the years 2009 and 2010 compared with 55 healthy comparators.
Results: Children with T1DM consumed significantly more calories than controls (p<0.001) and significantly more protein relative to their RDA (p<0.029). Both groups failed to meet the RDA values for dietary fiber and for Vitamin D. Sodium intakes were in excess of RDA values although no significant difference was observed between groups (p=0.403).
Conclusion: The diets of both children with and without T1DM were found to contain excess protein and sodium and inadequate fiber, vitamin D and calcium. Children with T1DM also appeared to consume excess energy and fat. There is a need to endorse existing dietary guidelines for children with T1DM.
Effect of an α-Tocopherol-Containing Antioxidant Parenteral Emulsion upon Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants
Authors: Arboleya Silvia , Reyes-Gavilán Clara G. de los , Konstantinou Dimitris , Skouroliakou Maria , Gueimonde Miguel
Published: June 2015

Preterm babies are born with an immature intestine and are at higher risk for intestinal failure and needing for parenteral nutrition than full-term newborns. These babies show an altered intestinal microbiota, which may results of key importance for later health. However, there is a lack of information on effect of parenteral formulas upon the establishing infant microbiota. Moreover, the microbiota alterations present in preterm newborns have been related with an altered redox-potential which hinders the establishment of strict anaerobes. Thus, interventions aimed at reducing the oxidative stress in these infants, including those under parenteral nutrition, could also affect the intestinal microbiota composition. We assessed the effect upon the gut microbiota of the administration during 30 days of a lipid emulsion, containing ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and α-tocopherol, or a control emulsion containing soybean-bases lipids to parenterally-fed preterm newborns. In spite of its high antioxidant potential, the infants receiving the experimental fat emulsion showed a trend to increase of facultative anaerobes such as enterobacteria and specifically of Klebsiella. This study stresses the need of further work monitoring the impact of early-life parenteral nutrition on the establishment of the intestinal microbiota.
The Role of Animal Source Foods in Improving Nutritional Health in Urban Informal Settlements: Identification of Knowledge Gaps and Implementation Barriers
Authors: James Allison E. , Palmer Guy H.
Published: June 2015

Childhood undernutrition is a health crisis in the rapidly expanding informal settlements of low-income countries worldwide. Nearly half of Kenyan children in the Kibera settlement, in Nairobi, were reported to be stunted, indicating low height-for-age. Stunted children are at greater risk for poor cognitive and physical health outcomes in the long-term, problems that tend to be perpetuated in subsequent generations. Animal-source foods (ASF) supply a calorically dense source of micro- and macronutrients, and supplementation with ASF has been shown to improve linear growth and cognition. Correspondingly, increasing consumption of ASF by pregnant women and children has been proposed as a means to disrupt the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition caused by food insecurity. Household surveys indicate that consumption of ASF is low in urban slums, despite the availability of these foods in local markets. Here we review the studies addressing the role of ASF in the diets of the urban poor and identify knowledge gaps relevant to improving nutrition by increasing consumption of ASF. Based predominantly on studies in Kibera and greater Nairobi, these gaps include determining the minimal amount and frequency of dietary ASF to prevent stunting, defining how consumer preferences, markets, and income interact to impede or promote ASF consumption, and understanding the interaction between diet and both clinical and sub-clinical enteric disease on growth outcomes.
Prevalence of Obesity and its Influencing Factors in Affluent School Children of Tumkur: Lessons from South India
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Amruth M. , Kumar Prashant , Balakrishna A.G. , Prabhudeva M.C.
Published: June 2015

Background: Obesity is defined by WHO “as a condition of abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue, to the extent that health may be impaired”. The problem of childhood obesity is quite high in rich and affluent countries.

To estimate the prevalence of obesity among school children aged 6-15 years in three affluent schools of Tumkur.
To study the influencing factors of obesity among school children.

Methods: Study Design: Case Control study.
Study Settings: Three affluent schools of Tumkur city, Karnataka, South India. Sample size was 2000 Students of three affluent schools and duration of study was from June to August 2014.
Each Child’s height and weight were measured by adopting standard procedure. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using BMI charts based on NCHS (national center for health statistics) standards. A child was considered obese if the BMI was > 95th percentile cutoff point which is specific to the age and sex of the child. To determine the association of (life style) influencing factors of obesity in children, mothers were interviewed in presence of children to gather information’ about their child’s daily (24 hour) activity.
Results: Out of 2000 children 66 were obese. The prevalence was 3.3% in school children in the age group of 6-15 years in three affluent schools of Tumkur. In our study, Prevalence of obesity was more in boys (3.47%) on comparison to girls (3.04%). There is increased prevalence of obesity in age group of six, eleven and twelve years. In this study 77.2% cases spent less than 2 hrs in a day and 22.7% cases spent more than 2 hrs in physical activities. Prevalence of obesity was more in children who spent less than 2 hrs in a day in physical activities. This was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Prevalence of obesity in school children aged 6-15 yrs is 3.3% in three affluent schools of Tumkur. Prevalence of obesity was more in boys on comparison with girls. Physical activity was the significant influencing factor of obesity among school children.
Complementary alternation discourse constructions in English: A preliminary study
Authors: Iza Erviti Aneider
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the essential features of a group of constructions that belong to the family of complementary alternation discourse constructions in English. In this group of constructions, X and Y are two situations such that Y is less likely (or more likely) to happen than X. Each member of this group (X Let Alone Y, X Much Less Y, X Never Mind Y, X Not To Mention Y, Not X Nor Y, X Still Less Y, Not X Not Even Y, and X To Say Nothing of Y) introduces subtle changes in focal structure, resulting in changes on the overall coherence of the text. Based on these theoretical explanations, the paper specifies the conditions for the use of one connector with preference over the others. Finally, the paper argues that in these constructions we find two types of cognitive operations at work: simple cognitive operations (negative addition and/or re-association) and operation amalgams, which combine different cognitive operations.