bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substratos alternativos para produção de repolho e beterraba em consórcio e monocultivo
Authors: Costa Luiz A. de M. , Pereira Dercio C. , Costa Mônica S. S. de M.
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, determinar o desempenho dos substratos alternativos no desenvolvimento radicular e na parte aérea da beterraba e do repolho, tal como no seu comportamento no campo em consórcio e monocultivo. Foram realizados dois experimentos em blocos casualizados cujos tratamentos foram: T0 (substrato Plantmax®); T1 (100% de composto); T2 (50% de composto, 20% de areia, 20% de casca de arroz carbonizada e 10% de pó de basalto); T3 (45% de composto, 20% de areia, 20% de casca de arroz carbonizada e 15% de pó de basalto); T4 (40% de composto, 5% de areia e 15% casca de arroz carbonizada e 20% de pó de basalto) e T5 (35% de composto, 5% de areia e 15% de casca de arroz carbonizada e 25% de pó de basalto). O primeiro experimento foi em bandejas de 200 células; o segundo foi no campo em monocultivo e consociado com tratamentos constituídos pelos substratos utilizados em bandeja. No canteiro para o repolho os substratos em monocultivo e consorciado apresentaram acúmulos semelhantes de massa seca da cabeça; já para beterraba o diâmetro da raiz com o substrato comercial apresentou superioridade para o consórcio comparado ao monocultivo, enquanto para a produção de beterraba e repolho em sistema de monocultivo e consorciado podem ser recomendados os substratos alternativos.
Efeito da estação do ano sobre o desempenho produtivo de codornas no semiárido paraibano
Authors: Guimarães Mércia C. da C. , Furtado Dermeval A. , Nascimento José W. B. do , Tota Laura da C. A. , Silva Claudete M. da , Lopes Karoline B. de P.
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito das estações chuvosa e seca no desempenho produtivo e na qualidade dos ovos de codorna no semiárido paraibano. Utilizaram-se 2.400 codornas das linhagens japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica) e europeia (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), com 60 dias de idade no início e 150 dias ao final. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 3 correspondendo às duas linhagens, duas estações e três meses, com 12 repetições. Mensurou-se a temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa do ar, velocidade do vento, carga térmica radiante e o índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade, durante 24 h por dia e se avaliaram o consumo de ração, produção de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos. Para qualificação do ovo foram mensuradas as variáveis: peso do ovo, peso do albúmen, peso da gema, peso da casca e espessura da casca. O desempenho produtivo das aves foi melhor na estação chuvosa quando foram registrados os melhores índices de conforto térmico e as aves da linhagem japonesa foram mais eficientes quanto às características quantitativas dos ovos do que a europeia.
Las pulsaciones canibalísticas de la oralidad
Authors: Obaid Francisco Pizarro
Published: February 2014

El presente trabajo propone revisitar los fundamentos histórico- conceptuales del componente canibalístico asociado a la concepción freudiana de la oralidad, con el fin de interrogar sus hipótesis rectoras y analizar su posible aporte a la comprensión de los trastornos alimentarios. En primer lugar, se interrogará el origen histórico del término caníbal. Luego, se analizarán las vías de introducción del canibalismo en el campo psicoanalítico, para, finalmente, proponer que las paradójicas relaciones al deseo y la necesidad, que evidencian los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, podrían ser redefinidas como pulsaciones canibalísticas de la oralidad.
A clivagem psíquica e o paralelismo discursivo na clínica psicanalítica
Authors: Salztrager Ricardo , Herzog Regina
Published: February 2014

O ponto de partida da discussão é a constatação clínica de um paralelismo discursivo, em alguns pacientes, entre duas modalidades de enunciados que, apesar de coexistirem lado a lado, jamais estabelecem relações conflitantes ou formações de compromisso. Nossa hipótese é de que o paralelismo discursivo em questão é efeito de uma clivagem psíquica. A base para a discussão é o modelo de aparelho psíquico da"Carta 52".
A primeira tese brasileira sobre a alienação mental: leituras, plágios e ciência
Authors: Oda Ana Maria Galdini Raimundo
Published: February 2014

Este artigo apresenta o texto "Considerações gerais sobre a alienação mental" (Peixoto, 1837), considerada a primeira tese na área de psiquiatria no Brasil. Seu autor copiou literalmente extensos trechos de dois dicionários médicos franceses, o Dictionnaire de médecine et de chirurgie pratiques e o Dictionnaire des sciences médicales. Não se trata de apropriação destes textos científicos, mas de plágio, na maior parte da tese. O específico contexto de produção desta e de outras teses de alunos das Faculdades de Medicina do século XIX deve ser considerado, quando se analisa a história da psiquiatria no país, relativizando o papel das teses como expressão local do alienismo, ou como indicativas de uma produção acadêmica típica das Faculdades de Medicina.
Possibilidades e desafios na inclusão escolar
Authors: Kibrit Bruna
Published: February 2014

Apresenta-se o caso de um acompanhamento terapêutico feito junto a uma aluna com síndrome de Down, a trajetória cumprida junto a ela e junto à escola. Discute-se a possibilidade de construir um projeto singular e o lugar em que a educação se encontra para o surgimento de um sujeito desejante.
Literatura, perversão e psicanálise
Authors: Rosa Jr. Norton Cezar Dal Follo da , Poli Maria Cristina
Published: February 2014

A partir de clássicos da literatura, cotejados com a leitura de Jacques Lacan, o artigo aborda as contribuições deste campo para a clínica psicanalítica concernente ao estudo da perversão. Neste momento da pesquisa, propomos a discussão de quatro obras: A filosofia na alcova, escrita pelo Marques de Sade, Em busca do tempo perdido, de Marcel Proust, Lavoura arcaica, de autoria de Raduan Nassar e Finnegans Wake, de James Joyce.
Avaliação de desempenho das concentrações capilares de zinco como método diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco: um estudo comparativo com as concentrações séricas de zinco
Authors: Pedraza Dixis Figueroa , Sales Márcia Cristina
Published: February 2014

OBJETIVO: Examinar o poder diagnóstico de deficiência de zinco das concentrações capilares desse mineral por meio da comparação com as concentrações séricas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 170 crianças na faixa etária dos 12 aos 72 meses. A análise da Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor foi utilizada para identificar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do melhor ponto de corte para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco no cabelo. Verificou-se ainda a significância estatística da área sob a curva. RESULTADOS:O ponto de corte apontado como ótimo para o zinco no cabelo foi de 292,52ppm (sensibilidade de 55,6% e especificidade de 60,8%), com uma área sob a curva de 0,549, sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco pelas concentrações capilares desse elemento, em comparação às concentrações séricas de zinco, mostra baixa sensibilidade e ponto de corte ideal superior ao sugerido. Permanece, ainda, a necessidade de novos estudos que possibilitem a obtenção de indicadores bioquímicos mais sensíveis e específicos para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco na população, sob tudo sem importantes limitações técnicas.
Fatores demográficos e hábitos de vida relacionados com a inatividade física de lazer entre gêneros
Authors: Sá-Silva Suzana Patrícia de , Yokoo Edna Massae , Salles-Costa Rosana
Published: February 2014

OBJETIVO: Analisar a associação entre variáveis sociodemográficas e hábitos de vida com Inatividade Física de Lazer, entre os sexos, em população de baixa renda. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional, em Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro (2005). A coleta de dados constou de visita domiciliar e amostra de 1 113 adultos. Foram avaliados alguns dados sobre Atividade Física de Lazer, informações sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida (hábito de fumar, consumo de refrigerantes) e medidas antropométricas. Na análise de dados foi empregado o modelo hierárquico, utilizando a regressão de Poisson e a Inatividade Física de Lazer (indivíduos que responderam não praticar nenhum tipo de Atividade Física de Lazer) como desfecho. O primeiro nível do modelo considerou variáveis sociodemográficas e o segundo, o estado nutricional (índice de massa corporal em kg/m² (baixo peso <18,5; eutrófico ≥18,5 e <25,0; sobrepeso ≥25,0 e <30,0; e obeso ≥30,0), hábitos de vida e consumo alimentar. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de Inatividade Física de Lazer foi de 33,0% (IC95%: 28,6-37,6) para os homens, e 67,0% (IC95%: 62,3-71,3) para as mulheres. No modelo final, entre os homens, a Inatividade Física de Lazer foi associada com excesso de peso (sobrepeso: RP=1,50, obesidade: RP=1,50, p-valor=0,004) e cor de pele (pretos/pardos: RP=0,71, p-valor=0,003). Entre mulheres, a Inatividade Física de Lazer foi associada com escolaridade (RP=1,15, p-valor=0,019), perímetro de cintura (RP=0,87, p-valor=0,042), hábito de fumar (RP=1,17, p-valor=0,003) e maior ingestão de refrigerantes (RP=1,22, p-valor=0,015). CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores associados com a Inatividade Física de Lazer diferiram entre os gêneros. As mulheres possuíam estilos de vida não saudáveis, ou seja, fumavam, consumiam mais refrigerantes, e eram mais inativas fisicamente.
Reprodutibilidade de questões acerca da percepção do ambiente alimentar e acerca do consumo de frutas e hortaliças entre gestantes
Authors: Zuccoloto Daniela Cristina Candelas , Bertola Mariana Rocha , Isobe Michela Teixeira , Sartorelli Daniela Saes
Published: February 2014

OBJETIVO: Verificar a reprodutibilidade de um questionário a respeito da percepção do ambiente alimentar e acerca do consumo de frutas e hortaliças em gestantes. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado em 2010 e conduzido com 48 gestantes usuárias do serviço público de saúde de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. O questionário é composto por 11 questões de múltipla escolha que incluem a percepção do ambiente alimentar para o consumo de frutas e hortaliças. Para verificação da reprodutibilidade, o questionário foi aplicado em duplicata, com intervalo entre 15 e 45 dias. RESULTADOS: A concordância entre as respostas foi avaliada por meio do teste de Kappa ponderado ou Kappa. Verificou-se concordância forte (Kappa entre 0,6 e 0,79) para: número de refeições ao dia, hábito de se alimentar no local de trabalho, distância entre a residência e local de aquisição de frutas, verduras e legumes e qualidade de frutas, verduras e legumes no local de aquisição. Concordância moderada (Kappa entre 0,4 e 0,59): hábito de se alimentar fora do domicílio, em restaurantes do tipo "self-service" ou "por quilo", em lanchonetes, se adquire alimentos em mercearias, lojas de conveniência ou padaria, motivo da escolha do local para aquisição de frutas, verduras e legumes e variedade de frutas, verduras e legumes. CONCLUSÃO: O questionário sobre a percepção do ambiente alimentar e para o consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes apresentou boa precisão entre gestantes.
Effects of mandibular protraction appliance associated to fixed appliance in adults
Authors: Furquim Bruno D'Aurea , Henriques José Fernando Castanha , Janson Guilherme , Siqueira Danilo Furquim , Furquim Laurindo Zanco
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to conduct a cephalometric evaluation of the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects resulting from treatment of adult patients presenting Class II malocclusion, performed with a Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: The sample consisted of teleradiographs obtained before and after treatment of 9 adult patients (initial mean age of 22.48 years) with bilateral Class II, division 1, malocclusion. Paired t test (p < 0.05) was applied to compare initial and final values. RESULTS: t test revealed an increase in anteroinferior facial height and posterior facial height. The dental changes include: extrusion of upper incisors, buccal inclination, protrusion of lower incisors, mesialization and extrusion of mandibular molars. Regarding the soft tissue component, there was an increase in nasolabial angle in addition to upper lip retrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of treating Class II malocclusion adult patients, by means of using Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed appliance were mostly observed in the mandibular arch, and consisted of buccal inclination, protrusion and intrusion of incisors, and mesialization and extrusion of the molars.
Cephalometric evaluation of the predictability of bimaxillary surgical-orthodontic treatment outcomes in long face pattern patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Gimenez Carla Maria Melleiro , Bertoz Francisco Antonio , Gabrielli Marisa Aparecida Cabrini , Magro Filho Oswaldo , Garcia Idelmo , Pereira Filho Valfrido Antonio
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare by means of McNamara as well as Legan and Burstone's cephalometric analyses, both manual and digitized (by Dentofacial Planner Plus and Dolphin Image software) prediction tracings to post-surgical results. METHODS: Pre and post-surgical teleradiographs (6 months) of 25 long face patients subjected to combined orthognathic surgery were selected. Manual and computerized prediction tracings of each patient were performed and cephalometrically compared to post-surgical outcomes. This protocol was repeated in order to evaluate the method error and statistical evaluation was conducted by means of analysis of variance and Tukey's test. RESULTS: A higher frequency of cephalometric variables, which were not statistically different from the actual post-surgical results for the manual method, was observed. It was followed by DFPlus and Dolphin software; in which similar cephalometric values for most variables were observed. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the manual method seemed more reliable, although the predictability of the evaluated methods (computerized and manual) proved to be reasonably satisfactory and similar.
Shedding light on spectrophotometry: The SpecUP educational spectrophotometer
Authors: Forbes Patricia B.C. , Nöthling Johan A.
Published: February 2014

Students often regard laboratory instruments as ‘black boxes’ which generate results, without understanding

their principles of operation. This lack of understanding is a concern because the correct interpretation of

analytical results and the limitations thereof is invariably based on an understanding of the mechanism

of measurement. Moreover, a number of tertiary institutions in Africa have very limited resources and

access to laboratory equipment, including that related to the field of photonics, which prevents students

from acquiring hands-on practical experience. We address both of these challenges by describing how

students can assemble a novel, low-cost spectrophotometer, called the SpecUP, which can then be

used in a range of experiments. The same kind of information can be generated as that obtained with

costly commercial spectrophotometers (albeit of a lower quality). With the SpecUP, students also have

the opportunity to vary instrumental parameters and to observe the effects these changes have on their

experimental results, allowing for enquiry-based learning of spectroscopic principles. The results obtained

for some chemistry-related spectrophotometric experiments are described for each of the two operational

modes of the SpecUP, although the instrument can be applied in fields ranging from physics to biochemistry.
Building response to adjacent deep basement construction
Authors: Fong Fiona H. Y. , Standing Jamie R. , Bourne-Webb Peter J.
Published: February 2014

Field observations of the response of a building adjacent to a 23-m-deep basement excavation for a development adjacent to Harrods department store in London, are presented and discussed. This paper focuses on No. 3 Hans Crescent located within the most critical zone, on a re-entrant corner, of the excavation. Top-down construction and underpinning techniques were implemented to minimise ground movements and building damage. Vertical and horizontal displacements were monitored using precise levelling and total station surveys, allowing building responses to be synthesised and related to construction activities. Primary observed and deduced trends are that the effects of underpinning and diaphragm walling were local, whereas piling and excavation had a global impact, and that settlement was primarily caused by diaphragm walling and piling, whereas piling and excavation caused the most horizontal displacement. The zone of influence of horizontal displacements extended farther than that for vertical displacements, which became negligible at a distance of about twice the excavation depth. The No. 3 Hans Crescent property experienced hogging for most construction stages, and sagging developed towards the end of excavation, with in-plane distortions of the building walls and out-of-plane tilting. Observations from monitoring results and post-construction condition surveys indicate that the damage category was negligible, corroborating pre-construction predictions.
Variability in root production, phenology, and turnover rate among 12 temperate tree species
Authors: McCormack M. Luke , Adams Thomas S. , Smithwick Erica A. H. , Eissenstat David M.
Published: February 2014

The timing of fine root production and turnover strongly influences both the seasonal potential for soil resource acquisition among competing root systems and the plant fluxes of root carbon into soil pools. However, basic patterns and variability in the rates and timing or fine root production and turnover are generally unknown among perennial plants species. We address this shortfall using a heuristic model relating root phenology to turnover together with three years of minirhizotron observations of root dynamics in 12 temperate tree species grown in a common garden. We specifically investigated how the amount and the timing of root production differ among species and how they impact estimates of fine root turnover. Across the 12 species, there was wide variation in the timing of root production with some species producing a single root flush in early summer and others producing roots either more uniformly over the growing season or in multiple pulses. Additionally, the pattern and timing of root production appeared to be consistent across years for some species but varied in others. Root turnover rate was related to total root production (P < 0.001) as species with greater root production typically had faster root turnover rates. We also found that, within species, annual root production varied up to a threefold increase between years, which led to large interannual differences in turnover rate. Results from the heuristic model indicated that shifting the pattern or timing of root production can impact estimates of root turnover rates for root populations with life spans less than one year while estimates of root turnover rate for longer lived roots were unaffected by changes in root phenology. Overall, we suggest that more detailed observations of root phenology and production will improve fidelity of root turnover estimates. Future efforts should link patterns of root phenology and production with whole‐plant life history traits and variation in annual and seasonal climate.
Implementation of Alberta's drinking water safety plans
Authors: Reid D. C. , Abramowski K. , Beier A. , Janzen A. , Lok D. , Mack H. , Radhakrishnan H. , Rahman M. M. , Schroth R. , Vatcher R.
Published: February 2014

Traditionally, the regulatory approach to maintaining the quality and safety of drinking water has largely been a prescriptive one based on the ability of any given supply to meet standards set for a number of different chemical and biological parameters. There are a number of issues around the assumptions and the limitations of a sampling and analysis regime. The basis for such regimes is essentially reactive rather than proactive and, consequently, the cause of the concern may already have impacted consumers before any effective action can be taken. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development has developed a template for recording drinking water safety plans together with guidance notes to help complete them. The template has been developed in MS-Excel and has been designed in a straightforward step-wise manner with guidance on the completion of each sheet. It includes four main risk tables covering each main element of water supply which are pre-populated with commonly found ‘generic’ risks and these are carefully assessed before considering what action is required to deal with significant risks. Following completion of the risk tables, key risks are identified and the interventions required to bring them into control.
Personal Financial Literacy among High School Students in New Zealand, Japan and the USA
Authors: Cameron Michael P. , Calderwood Richard , Cox Ashleigh , Lim Steven , Yamaoka Michio
Published: February 2014

Personal financial literacy is becoming increasingly important in the modern world, especially for young people. In this article, the authors compare the financial literacy of high school students in Hamilton, New Zealand, with samples from Japan and the USA. The authors compare not only overall financial literacy, but also literacy across five dimensions (or ‘themes’) of financial literacy and across three cognitive levels. They find that financial literacy is poor overall in all three countries, but is substantially worse in New Zealand and the USA than in Japan. The performance is similar across themes and cognitive levels for US and New Zealand students, but Japanese students perform better mostly in terms of their greater knowledge of terminology and definitions, rather than better comprehension and ability to apply their knowledge. This suggests that all three countries should work harder to develop the financial literacy of their high school students.
Incidence of Bladder Cancer in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Metformin or Sulfonylureas
Authors: Mamtani Ronac , Pfanzelter Nick , Haynes Kevin , Finkelman Brian S. , Wang Xingmei , Keefe Stephen M. , Haas Naomi B. , Vaughn David J. , Lewis James D.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies evaluating the effect of metformin on cancer risk have been impacted by time-related biases. To avoid these biases, we examined the incidence of bladder cancer in new users of metformin and sulfonylureas (SUs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cohort study included 87,600 patients with type 2 diabetes in The Health Improvement Network database. Use of metformin or an SU was treated as a time-dependent variable. Cox regression–generated hazard ratios (HRs) compared metformin use with SU use, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, obesity, and HbA1c level.

RESULTS

We identified 196 incident bladder cancers in the metformin cohort and 66 cancers in the SU cohort. Use of metformin was not associated with decreased bladder cancer risk (HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.60–1.09]). This association did not differ by sex (P for interaction = 0.20). We observed no association with duration of metformin relative to SU use (3 to <4 years of use: 0.57 [0.25–1.34]; 4 to <5 years of use: 0.93 [0.30–2.85; ≥5 years of use: 1.18 [0.44–3.19]; P for trend = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of metformin is not associated with a decreased incidence of bladder cancer. Similar methods should be used to study other cancers that have previously been identified as potentially preventable with metformin.
“Jockeys and Joyriders” Revisited: Young Offenders' Involvement in Motor Vehicle Thefts in the Province of Quebec
Authors: Tremblay Pierre , Sauvêtre Nadège
Published: February 2014

In this article we assess the spillover effect of occupationally embedded criminal markets on patterns of juvenile delinquency. We interviewed a respondent-driven sample of 34 juvenile car theft offenders in Montreal as well as a convenience sample of 13 incarcerated adolescents who also had been involved in car thefts. Subjects were asked to provide a portrait of their careers in car theft. Patterns of co-offending, criminal achievements, apprehension avoidance tactics, and occupational background of fathers are analysed. Joyriders (involved in temporary retention thefts) and jockeys (involved in theft-for-sale thefts) are compared across criminal career characteristics.
Sero-Prevalence and Risk Factors for Leptospirosis in Abattoir Workers in New Zealand
Authors: Dreyfus Anou , Benschop Jackie , Collins-Emerson Julie , Wilson Peter , Baker Michael , Heuer Cord
Published: February 2014

Leptospirosis is an important occupational disease in New Zealand. The objectives of this study were to determine risk factors for sero-prevalence of leptospiral antibodies in abattoir workers. Sera were collected from 567 abattoir workers and tested by microscopic agglutination for Leptospira interrogans sv. Pomona and Leptospira borgpetersenii sv. Hardjobovis. Association between prevalence and risk factors were determined by species specific multivariable analysis. Eleven percent of workers had antibodies against Hardjobovis or/and Pomona. Workers from the four sheep abattoirs had an average sero-prevalence of 10%–31%, from the two deer abattoirs 17%–19% and the two beef abattoirs 5%. The strongest risk factor for sero-positivity in sheep and deer abattoirs was work position. In sheep abattoirs, prevalence was highest at stunning and hide removal, followed by removal of the bladder and kidneys. Wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and facemasks did not appear to protect against infection. Home slaughtering, farming or hunting were not significantly associated with sero-prevalence. There is substantial risk of exposure to leptospires in sheep and deer abattoirs in New Zealand and a persisting, but lower risk, in beef abattoirs. Interventions, such as animal vaccination, appear necessary to control leptospirosis as an occupational disease in New Zealand.
Validation of the Two Standard MODIS Satellite Burned-Area Products and an Empirically-Derived Merged Product in South Africa
Authors: Tsela Philemon , Wessels Konrad , Botai Joel , Archibald Sally , Swanepoel Derick , Steenkamp Karen , Frost Philip
Published: February 2014

The 500-m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned area products, MCD45A1, MCD64A1, and a merged product were validated across six study sites in South Africa using independently-derived Landsat burned-area reference data during the fire season of 2007. The objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate the likelihood of the improved detection of small burns through an empirically-derived merged product; (ii) quantify the probability of detection by each product using sub-pixel burned area measures; and, (iii) compare the mean percent concurrence of burned pixels between the standard products over a ten-year time series in each site. Results show that MCD45A1 presented higher detection probabilities (i.e., 3.0%–37.9%) for small fractions ≤50%, whereas MCD64A1 appeared more reliable (i.e., 12.0%–89.2%) in detecting large fractions >50% of a burned MODIS pixel, respectively. Overall, the merged product demonstrated improved detection of the burned area in all fractions. This paper also demonstrates that, on average, >50% of MODIS burned pixels temporally concur between the MCD45A1 and MCD64A1 products in each site. These findings have significant implications for fire monitoring in southern Africa and contribute toward the understanding of the range and of the sources of errors present in the MODIS burned area products.
Magnetic Sensor for Building Structural Vibrations
Authors: García Alfonso , Morón Carlos , Tremps Enrique
Published: February 2014

This paper shows a new displacement-to-frequency transducer based on the variation of a coil inductance when a magnetic core is partially or completely inserted inside. This transducer is based on a Colpitts oscillator due its low manufacturing price, behavior and immunity to noise. A tank circuit with a configuration in parallel was used because it can be employed at lower frequencies and it enables it to make a direct analysis. The sensor has a dynamic range equal to the length of the coil. The cores can exchange sensors (coils with its ferromagnetic core) using the same electronic measuring system. In this way, with only an electronic circuit, the core sensor determines the measurement range. The obtained resolution is higher than 1/100,000, and the sensor also allows the measurement and knowing in real time the effect of vibration, thermal expansion, referred overload movements, etc.., that can occur in the structural elements of a building.
A Comprehensive Study of Data Collection Schemes Using Mobile Sinks in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Khan Abdul , Abdullah Abdul , Anisi Mohammad , Bangash Javed
Published: February 2014

Recently sink mobility has been exploited in numerous schemes to prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Contrary to traditional WSNs where sensory data from sensor field is ultimately sent to a static sink, mobile sink-based approaches alleviate energy-holes issues thereby facilitating balanced energy consumption among nodes. In mobility scenarios, nodes need to keep track of the latest location of mobile sinks for data delivery. However, frequent propagation of sink topological updates undermines the energy conservation goal and therefore should be controlled. Furthermore, controlled propagation of sinks’ topological updates affects the performance of routing strategies thereby increasing data delivery latency and reducing packet delivery ratios. This paper presents a taxonomy of various data collection/dissemination schemes that exploit sink mobility. Based on how sink mobility is exploited in the sensor field, we classify existing schemes into three classes, namely path constrained, path unconstrained, and controlled sink mobility-based schemes. We also organize existing schemes based on their primary goals and provide a comparative study to aid readers in selecting the appropriate scheme in accordance with their particular intended applications and network dynamics. Finally, we conclude our discussion with the identification of some unresolved issues in pursuit of data delivery to a mobile sink.
Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Switching to Hemodialysis: A Competing Risks Analysis
Authors: Pajek Jernej , Hutchison Alastair J. , Bhutani Shiv , Brenchley Paul E.C. , Hurst Helen , Perme Maja Pohar , Summers Angela M. , Vardhan Anand
Published: February 2014

Background

We performed a review of a large incident peritoneal dialysis cohort to establish the impact of current practice and that of switching to hemodialysis.

Methods

Patients starting peritoneal dialysis between 2004 and 2010 were included and clinical data at start of dialysis recorded. Competing risk analysis and Cox proportional hazards model with time-varying covariate (technique failure) were used.

Results

Of 286 patients (median age 57 years) followed for a median of 24.2 months, 76 were transplanted and 102 died. Outcome probabilities at 3 and 5 years respectively were 0.69 and 0.53 for patient survival (or transplantation) and 0.33 and 0.42 for technique failure. Peritonitis caused technique failure in 42%, but ultrafiltration failure accounted only for 6.3%. Davies comorbidity grade, creatinine and obesity (but not residual renal function or age) predicted technique failure. Due to peritonitis deaths, technique failure was an independent predictor of death hazard. When successful switch to hemodialysis (surviving more than 60 days after technique failure) and its timing were analyzed, no adverse impact on survival in adjusted analysis was found. However, hemodialysis via central venous line was associated with an elevated death hazard as compared to staying on peritoneal dialysis, or hemodialysis through a fistula (adjusted analysis hazard ratio 1.97 (1.02 – 3.80)).

Conclusions

Once the patients survive the first 60 days after technique failure, the switch to hemodialysis does not adversely affect patient outcomes. The nature of vascular access has a significant impact on outcome after peritoneal dialysis failure.
Decreased Circulating Klotho Levels in Patients Undergoing Dialysis and Relationship to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Oh Hyung Jung , Nam Bo Young , Lee Mi Jung , Kim Chan Ho , Koo Hyang Mo , Doh Fa Mee , Han Jae Hyun , Kim Eun Jin , Han Ji Suk , Park Jung Tak , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Han Dae-Suk , Han Seung Hyeok
Published: February 2014

Introduction

It has been reported that klotho deficiency is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in experimental kidney disease models. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are particularly characterized by increased oxidative stress and inflammation. However, little is known about the relationship between these features and klotho in patients with ESRD.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study of 78 patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Serum concentrations of klotho, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 8-isoprostane were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To define factors independently associated with klotho, we determined Spearman's correlation coefficients for between co-variates and conducted multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

Patients were classified by median concentration of klotho. In patients with klotho levels > 329.6 pg/mL, serum 8-isoprostane and IL-6 levels were significantly higher than in those with klotho levels < 329.6 pg/mL. In correlation analyses, log 8-isoprostane (γ = -0.310, p = 0.006) and log IL-6 (γ = -0.343, p = 0.002) were inversely correlated with log klotho. After adjustment for age, gender, mean arterial pressure, log intact parathyroid hormone, and log IL-6, log 8-isoprostane was independently associated with log klotho (β = -0.158, p = 0.040). However, the significant relationship between klotho and IL-6 was not seen in an adjusted model.

Conclusions

This study showed that circulating klotho levels were significantly associated with 8-isoprostane levels in patients undergoing PD, suggesting a potential link between klotho deficiency and enhanced oxidative stress in ESRD patients.
FUZZY MULTICRITERIA EVALUATION OF HEALTH RESEARCH INVESTMENTS
Authors: Kahraman Cengiz , Süder Aslı , Kaya İhsan
Published: February 2014

Health research and investments are expensive, and its explicit social, health and economic impacts are hard to define. There are many challenges and assumptions in defining specific returns on investment in health research. In the literature, there is no common approach to evaluate health research impacts. Single criterion methods are generally used with validated indicators to track overall outcomes or outcomes in a specific health research area. These methods have the ability of considering only one criterion at a time, which is usually the cost of the investment. A multicriteria method is proposed for taking care of many conflicting criteria of health research investments. The difficulty of measuring intangible criteria is captured by the fuzzy set theory. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used for the selection among four possible health research investment alternatives. A sensitivity analysis is made for the changes in the values of various parameters.
Is the Madrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index Useful for Differentiating Psoriatic Arthritis from Psoriasis Alone and Healthy Controls?
Authors: Eder Lihi , Jayakar Jai , Thavaneswaran Arane , Haddad Amir , Chandran Vinod , Salonen David , Rosen Cheryl F. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: February 2014

Objective.

To assess the usefulness of the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI) in classifying patients as having psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and comparing entheseal abnormalities between patients with PsA, psoriasis alone (PsC), and healthy controls (HC).

Methods.

Patients with PsC were assessed to exclude inflammatory arthritis. The MASEI scoring system was used to quantify the extent of ultrasonographic (US) entheseal abnormalities. The total MASEI score was categorized into items that reflected inflammatory abnormalities (MASEI-inflammatory) and chronic damage (MASEI-damage). Nonparametric tests were used to compare MASEI scores across the groups. A cutoff point of MASEI ≥ 20 was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the MASEI to classify patients as having PsA.

Results.

Patients with PsA (n = 50), PsC (n = 66), and HC (n = 60) were assessed. Total MASEI scores were higher in patients with PsA than in those with PsC, and both those groups were higher than HC (p < 0.0001). MASEI-inflammatory showed a similar trend (p < 0.0001). MASEI-damage was higher in patients with PsA compared to both patients with PsC and HC (p < 0.0001); however, no difference was observed between patients with PsC and HC. No significant difference in MASEI scores was found across the 3 groups in patients with a body mass index > 30. The sensitivity of the MASEI score to correctly classify patients as having PsA was 30% and the specificity was 95% when compared to HC and 89% when compared to PsC.

Conclusion.

The severity of US entheseal abnormalities is highest in patients with PsA followed by PsC and is lowest in healthy controls. MASEI can specifically classify patients as having PsA.
Influence of γ-Radiation on Optical and Electric Properties of 90Bi2Te3-10Bi2Se3 Doped Films of P-and N-Types Conductivity
Authors: Abdullayev Nadir Mamed og. , Naghiyev Faig Bakhman og. , Jalilov Nasrulla Zeynal og , Memmedov Nazim Rza og , Mamedova Ilaha Telman q.
Published: February 2014

There has been investigated the influence of y-radiation on absorption spectra in energy range 1÷6.5 eV and temperature dependence of 90Bi2Te3-10Bi2Se3 film conductivity of p-and n-types conductivity within 1÷5 eV. It is established that ?-irradiation of films with intensity ?=1.384 rad/sec brings about the formation of temporary lattice defects.
Long Destruction of Structurally Damaged Composite Pipe
Authors: B. Akhundov Mohammed , Sh. Sadayev Azber
Published: February 2014

Composite materials represent the important class of anisotropic materials. Unlike the previous works of authors in which estimations of long durability of an anisotropic pipe are given within the bounds of criterion of the destruction being generalization of the first theory of durability on the maximal stretching or compressing strain on the account of the process of damageability, in the given work the estimation of long durability is given within the bounds of the structural criterion of durability offered in work of one of the authors. According to him, destruction of a material is defined by the greatest level of the accumulated volume of damageability on some of proper stress-strain states. A problem in revealing stages of scattered destruction of an anisotropic pipe with the use of the simplified variant of criterion of durability, has been solved in the given work.
Cooperative Rural Banks: Can They Survive? Evidence Using all Cooperative Rural Banks in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayamaha Ariyarathna
Published: February 2014

Cooperative rural banks (CRBs) play an important role in providing the rural credit needs offering loans, pawning facilities and savings in rural sector in Sri Lanka. Last few decades even though large number of financial institutions has been increasing in Sri Lanka, CRBs have gained an increasing share of financial assets, which has been particularly helpful for satisfying the growing demand for loans and advances in poor people in the country. However, in general, efficiency of CRBs in Sri Lanka highly criticized today on their performance in poor management of their assets and consequently, the sustainability of these institutions is uncertain. Furthermore, the numbers of failures in formal and informal small financial institutions have been occurred over the past few decades in Sri Lanka, the efficiency of CRBs in Sri Lanka is more concern. This study evaluates the efficiency of CRBs in Sri Lanka by using all CRBs operate in Sri Lanka, 1,193 branches, including North and East provinces. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of CRBs is undertaken by districts by using a Total Factor Productivity measurement, Data envelopment analysis (DEA). It is found that the CRBs in Sri Lanka do not operate efficiently during the period of 2005 to 2010 in providing microcredit activities. This indicates that the survival of CRBs in Sri Lanka in their current form is uncertain in the current financial system. However, the findings suggest that in terms of geographical districts operating, there are significant differences in the efficiency of CRBs. Therefore, the findings of this study contribute to understanding the underlying problems for efficiency in particular all CRBs in Sri Lanka.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6450Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:1-15
Comparative Advantage in Interntional Trade: A Study Based on Leading Exports in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sachithra KMV , Sajeevi GAC , Withanawasm MPK , Jayathilake WMSA
Published: February 2014

The export and import economic policy has both advantages and disadvantages. In Sri Lanka, however, export and import economy led to unsymmetrical export portfolio, which has continuously outcome for deficit trade balances. The main objective of this study is to identify international competiveness of Sri Lankan exports. Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) indices use to identify the trade pattern, the sectors in which an economy has a comparative advantage, by comparing the country of interests’ trade profile with the world average. Trade Balance Index (TBI) is employed to analyze whether a country has specialization in export (as net-exporter) or in import (as net-importer) for a specific group of products. This paper concludes that even though, Sri Lanka has comparative advantage for leading exports, it does not provide significant contribution to overcome negative impact of comparative disadvantage and net import products.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6453 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:51-85
Determinants of Turnover Intention of Sewing Machine Operators: Case from leading Apparel Company
Authors: Liyanage DM , Galhena BL
Published: February 2014

This paper mainly explores the determinants of turnover intention of the sewing machine operators (SMOs) in apparel industry. The paper aims to identify the impact of SMOs’ turnover intention on job satisfaction & organizational commitment and coping strategies for retention of SMOs. The study used survey method where data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaire from sample of 200 SMOs employed in a leading garment factory in Sri Lanka. Factors analysis extracted two components of determinants of the turnover intention: controllable and uncontrollable factors. Results revealed that the residency, civil status, recognition, work load, social image, job alternatives and work life balance is the significant predictors of the SMOs’ turnover intention. Turnover intention is significantly and negatively correlated with job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Sample t-test found a significant difference between the civil status and residency with the turnover intention. Increasing the salary levels, introduce skilled based incentive schemes, providing more facilities and treating employees in a friendly manner are the most effective retention strategies.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6535 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:107-123
Conflicting Effects of Market Volatility on the Power of Two-Pass OLS Test of the CAPM: A Simulation Analysis
Authors: Fernando Sandun , Nimal PD
Published: February 2014

The study focuses on widely used CAPM test, the two-pass test. It is argued and shown by a simulation that power of the test does not continuously decrease when the standard deviation of market premium increases as existing literature reports. Rather it is peaked at the middle indicating the standard deviation of market premium has negative as well as positive effects on the power. The implication of this finding is that rejecting the CAPM is highly possible in lesser volatile market as in a highly volatile market even when the CAPM exists in those markets.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i1.6542 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(1) 2013:18-38
The Socio-Economic Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Sri Lankan Tea Manufacturing Companies (Special Reference to Kandy District)
Authors: Wijerathna IDC , Gajanayaka Ridmi
Published: February 2014

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is very important topic in the present competitive business environment. The aim of this exploratory study is to capture the current status of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awareness, commitment and practices level of tea manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka and assessing the socioeconomic impact of company CSR on employees and smallholders. The study provides an overview of company CSR practices as well as of employee and smallholder experiences and perceptions of CSR practices of tea manufacturing companies. The research study is based on Kandy district and three perspectives factory owners, employees and smallholders were used in exploring the CSR level and its socioeconomic impact. To achieve the research objectives tea manufacturing company’s CSR practices are studied in three domains: CSR to employees, smallholders and environment. The researcher used mixed method comprising both quantitative and qualitative elements. There is a positive relationship between tea manufacturing company CSR level and the socioeconomic condition of employee and the smallholders. When it consider about the overall situation, current CSR practices of tea manufacturing companies have not made a positive impact on socioeconomic development of employees and smallholders. Tea manufacturing companies should consider CSR strategies that are in the interest of all stakeholders and relevant to the business.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i1.6546 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(1) 2013:113-142
Organizational and union citizenship behavior: Are they unilateral or multilateral in Sri Lankan public sector context
Authors: Dhammika KAS
Published: February 2014

Empirical studies on citizenship behavior of employees are largely centered on organizational citizenship behavior of employees. Other form of citizenship behavior of employees such as union citizenship has been identified. However, studies on citizenship behavior with a multilateral perspective are scant in behavioral studies and in Sri Lankan context in particular. The objective of this study is to examine whether organizational and union citizenship behavior are exhibited simultaneously by unionized employees in Sri Lanka. A sample of 200 employees was selected for this study from selected number of public sector organizations. A standard questionnaire was used to assess the organizational and union citizenship behavior of respondents. Bivariate correlation and model testing with structural equation modeling were applied for the analysis of the data. It was found that organizational and union citizenship behavior can be observable simultaneously among the respondents indicating a multilateral citizenship behavior. Further, it was revealed that the degree of coexistence of organizational and union citizenship behavior increases when the union tenure period of employees increases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i2.6548 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(2) 2013:23-31