bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Dry Grassland Restoration in the Se Alpine Foreland of Austria – A Study of Early Spontaneous Colonisation Patterns
Authors: Sengl Philipp , Wagner Viktoria , Magnes Martin
Published: August 2015

We investigated early spontaneous colonisation patterns during semi-dry grassland restoration at two sites in SE Austria. The sites were left to regenerate passively without addition of plant propagules on a former arable field and an apple orchard. The sites were prepared only by ploughing (arable field) or clear cutting (apple orchard) and subsequently mowed annually. We studied whether, four years after project initiation, target species from adjacent semi-dry grasslands had established at the restored sites. We asked: 1) Does passive restoration lead to the establishment of target species? 2) Do abiotic parameters or distance to reference sites explain early colonisation patterns? 3) Do plant traits predict the colonisation success of different species? At each site, we collected data in 4 m × 4 m plots, in which we sampled the vegetation, analysed abiotic parameters (soil potassium- and phosphorus-content, soil-pH, slope) and recorded the minimum distance to the reference site. We tested for correlations between abiotic variables, plant traits and colonisation success. Colonisation patterns were not driven by abiotic soil conditions but rather by nearest distance to the reference sites. In addition, the vegetation developed differently in the former arable field and the apple orchard. Competitive species of the Arrhenatherion and thermophilic ruderal associations dominated the early restoration stage at both sites. Passive restoration of semi-dry grasslands on former agricultural land is unlikely to succeed unless complemented by initial ploughing, nutrient stripping and addition of propagules of rare species.
The Vegetation of the Buna River Protected Landscape (Albania)
Authors: Fanelli Giuliano , De Sanctis Michele , Gjeta Ermelinda , Mullaj Alfred , Attorre Fabio
Published: August 2015

The vegetation of Buna River Protected Landscape is described. The area comprises both the alluvial plain of the lower course of the Buna river that marks the boundary between Montenegro and Albania, and a carbonatic range. The vegetation is characterized by a high β-diversity (27 alliances and 46 associations), especially in wetlands and dry grasslands. In the area it is possible to distinguish 1 dunal and 4 hygro-sequences in the alluvial plain and 3 xeroseries in the carbonatic range. Associations Clematido viticellae-Punicetum granati and Periploco graecae-Alnetum glutinosae are described as new.
What Might a Sustainable Population of Trees in Wood-Pasture Sites Look Like?
Authors: Kirby Keith J.
Published: August 2015

Wood-pastures are important for their open-ground biodiversity and for the old trees they contain. However, younger trees to replace the current generation of old trees are often scarce, a potential threat to the future of the habitat mosaic and of species dependent on the trees. A simple model was used to illustrate how many younger trees might be expected under different assumptions of desired final density of old trees and rates of loss as trees age for an oak-dominated wood-pasture. From these the overall canopy cover of the landscape was estimated under an active pollarding regime and where the trees grow to full crown size. Canopy cover was often five times as great under full crown as under a pollarding regime; much of the canopy cover was in the younger (often missing) cohorts. The openness of current wood-pastures is in part a consequence of the absence of a sustainable tree population structure. Some protected sites may be too small to allow space for the missing generation of trees and at the same time retain current levels of openness. Analogies between current wood-pasture structures and ‘natural wood-pastures’ of the pre-Neolithic era must take account of the missing generations of trees.
Exploring Life Forms for Linking Orthopteran Assemblage and Grassland Plant Community
Authors: Labadessa Rocco , Forte Luigi , Mairota Paola
Published: August 2015

Orthopterans are well known to represent the majority of insect biomass in many grassland ecosystems. However, the verification of a relationship between the traditional descriptors of orthopteran assemblage structure and plant community patterns is not straightforward. We explore the usefulness of the concept of life forms to provide insights on such ecosystem level relationship. For this purpose, thirty sample sites in semi-natural calcareous grasslands were classified according to the relative proportion of dominant herbaceous plant life forms. Orthopteran species were grouped in four categories, based on the Bei-Bienko’s life form categorization. The association among plant communities, orthopteran assemblages and environmental factors was tested by means of canonical correspondence analysis. Orthoptera groups were found to be associated with distinct plant communities, also indicating the effect of vegetation change on orthopteran assemblages. In particular, geobionta species were associated with all the most disturbed plant communities, while chortobionta and thamnobionta seemed to be dependent on better preserved grassland types. Therefore, the use of life forms could help informing on the relationships of orthopteran assemblages with grassland conservation state. Information on such community relationships at the local scale could also assist managers in the interpretation of habitat change maps in terms of biodiversity changes.
Silane nanofilm formation by sol-gel processes for promoting adhesion of waterborne and solvent-borne coatings to wood surface
Authors: Gholamiyan Hadi , Tarmian Asghar , Ranjbar Zahra , Abdulkhani Ali , Azadfallah Mohammad , Mai Carsten
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to promote the adhesion of waterborne and solvent-borne coatings [polyurethane (PU) and alkyd] on wood surfaces by silane nanofilm formation by means of sol-gel processes. Tetraethoxysilane and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane served as sol-gel materials. The silane-based materials improved the adhesion strength. The positive effects can be explained by the changes in the wood surface chemistry induced by the sol-gel process. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed an increase in -C-H and -C-C bonds and a decrease in -C-O bond. Microscopic observation by fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy together with NIS-Elements analysis software showed that the silica component of nanosol covered the whole wood surface homogeneously, whereas alkyd and PU coatings were deposited preferentially in the surface depressions. The combined analysis of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and XPS demonstrated that the surface was covered with silicon oxides (SiO2) attached to hydrocarbon chains.
Sex variation in patellar tendon kinetics during running
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Taylor Paul John
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether female recreational runners exhibit distinct patellar tendon loading patterns in relation to their male counterparts.

Methods

Twelve male (age 26.55 ± 4.11 years, height 1.78 ± 0.11 m, mass 77.11 ± 5.06 kg) and twelve female (age 26.67 ± 5.34 years, height 1.67 ± 0.12 m, mass 63.28 ± 9.75 kg) runners ran over a force platform at 4.0 m • s–1. Lower limb kinematics were collected using an eight-camera optoelectric motion capture system which operated at 250 Hz. Patellar tendon loads were examined using a predictive algorithm. Sex differences in limb, knee and ankle joint stiffness were examined statistically using independent samples t tests.

Results

The results indicate that patellar tendon force (male = 6.49 ± 2.28, female = 7.03 ± 1.35) and patelllar tendon loading rate (male = 92.41 ± 32.51, female = 111.05 ± 48.58) were significantly higher in female runners.

Conclusions

Excessive tendon loading in female runners indicates that female runners may be at increased risk of patellar tendon pathologies.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and indicators of adiposity in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Straatmann Viviane Schultz , Veiga Gloria Valeria da
Published: August 2015

Purpose

In view of the increasing prevalence of overweight at early ages and its possible association with physical inactivity, investigations into the best method to assess physical inactivity and its association with excess weight in epidemiological studies are required. This study aimed to examine the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity with indicators of adiposity in an adolescent population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved a random sample of 697 students aged 12–19 years from public schools in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Overweight was classified according to body mass index. Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance, cardiorespiratory fitness by a 9 min run/walk test (T9), and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to verify the magnitude of the associations.

Results

Adolescents with poor T9 performance were more likely to be overweight (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.0) and have excess body fat (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.3) than those with better performance. Those classified as moderately active by the IPAQ were more likely to have excess body fat than those classified as active (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.8).

Conclusions

Because of the greater magnitude of the association between cardiorespiratory fitness, as assessed by using the T9, with being overweight and having excess body fat, the T9 may serve as a valuable instrument in the school environment to identify inactive adolescents who are at risk of developing obesity.
Correlates of body image in Polish weight trainers
Authors: Guszkowska Monika , Maziarczyk Tomasz
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine body image and body satisfaction in Polish adult men involved in resistance training and to investigate their relationships with objective anthropometric and training characteristics.

Methods

The study included 176 males aged 18–31 years with 1–14 years resistance training experience. The Figure Rating Scale, Body Satisfaction Scale and a self-designed questionnaire were administered.

Results

Approximately 62% of the participants would like to be more muscular, only 29% accepted their appearance and 9% would like to be less muscular. The body selected as the personal ideal (M = 5.34) was less muscular than the body considered by the participants to be ideal by other men (normative body; M = 6.07) and was more muscular than the body thought to be most attractive to women (M = 5.10). Actual and ideal body muscularity correlated positively with age and body mass, height and BMI. Dissatisfaction with trunk and motor characteristics correlated positively with ideal body and the body considered most attractive to women as well as with the discrepancy indices between the above factors and the actual body.

Conclusions

Men regularly involved in resistance training were found to strive for a muscular physique. The normative body, the physique believed to be desired by other men, was more muscular than what was considered preferential to women. However, the latter constitutes a stronger determinant of the level of body satisfaction in men engaged in resistance training.
Managing stress in schools: teachers coping with special education children
Authors: Braun-Lewensohn Orna
Published: August 2015

Teaching is one of the most stressful professions worldwide. This study aimed to explore how teachers cope with teaching – in regular classes – special education children who get some assistance through special integration programs in their schools but no additional assistance in their regular classes. More specifically, I examined coping strategies in two cultural groups of teachers – Jews and Arabs. Furthermore, I investigated how the different coping strategies explain stress reactions of state anxiety and state anger in the two cultures in the background of this special situation. Six hundred and thirty-four Jewish and Arab teachers (80% Jews) completed self-report questionnaires, including Cope, state anxiety and state anger in their free time during the period of November 2010 to January 2011. Significant differences were revealed among Jewish and Arab teachers in usage of coping strategies. Although both Jews and Arabs used mostly “problem solving” strategies, Jewish teachers used these strategies more compared to their Jewish counter-parts, while Arab teachers used more “emotional coping” and “disengagement” strategies. The relationships between the different coping strategies and stress reactions were mostly in the same direction for both groups. However, the strengths of the relationships were significantly different. The obtained variance of anxiety and anger by coping strategies was greater among Jewish teachers than among their Arabs counterparts. The results are discussed in relationship to the Stress and Coping Theory of Lazarus and Folkman. Emphasis is placed on the uniqueness of each culture and how each culture translates interaction with stressful situations into coping strategies.
Intrapersonal competencies and service leadership
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Lin Li
Published: August 2015

Intrapersonal competencies form the foundation of one’s development, and they are fundamental qualities of leadership competences. Four types of intelligence are highlighted in the literature of positive psychology: intelligence quotient (IQ), emotional intelligence quotient (EQ), adversity quotient (AQ) and spiritual intelligence quotient (SQ). It is argued that these competences are important in a service leader. Through this lecture, it is expected that students will understand the basic concepts and the importance of different intrapersonal competencies (IQ, EQ, AQ and SQ). We also discuss the relationship between these intrapersonal competencies and effective service leadership. Finally, ways to promote different intrapersonal competencies are depicted.
Adolescent developmental assets and service leadership
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Ma Cecilia M.S. , Liu Ting Ting
Published: August 2015

In the field of positive youth development, it is generally asserted that developmental assets or positive youth development qualities contribute to positive adolescent developmental outcomes. In the context of training for service leadership, it is argued that the promotion of developmental assets would help university students develop the foundational competence of service leaders. In this paper, the lesson plan of Lecture Eleven in a course entitled “Service Leadership” run in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is discussed. In the lecture, four developmental assets related to positive identity (self-esteem, self-efficacy, purpose in life and optimism about the future) proposed by Peter Benson are presented. In addition, the possible contribution of different developmental assets to the development of service leadership is highlighted. Moreover, students are encouraged to reflect on their self-identity and explore effective ways to promote their positive self-image.
Clarification of Date Syrup by Activated Carbon: Investigation on Kinetics, Equilibrium Isotherm, and Thermodynamics of Interactions
Authors: Ahdno Hossein , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda
Published: August 2015

The present work studies the removal of colored components from date syrup by activated carbon powder. The clarification process was carried out at an experimental batch set up and the role of activated carbon content, temperature and residence time was investigated on adsorption efficiency. The experimental data were analyzed by intra-particle diffusion, pseudo first- and second-order models. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon increases with increase of process temperature. Adsorption kinetics could be best modeled by the pseudo second-order model. Also, Langmuir isotherm describes the equilibrium data variation better than Freundlich and Temkin equations. The feasibility of adsorption was evaluated by measuring color removal at three temperatures and Van’t Hoff equation was used for computation of Gibbs energy. Thermodynamically, the process is endothermic accompanied with increase in randomness and decrease in Gibbs energy. Finally, the optimum temperature for clarification of date syrup was determined to be 50°C.
Analysis of Cyanotoxins Presence from Experimental Cyanobacteria Concentrations in the Trasona Reservoir (Northern Spain) Using Support Vector Regression
Authors: Alonso Fernández J.R. , García Nieto P.J. , Martínez Torres J. , Díaz Muñiz C.
Published: August 2015

Cyanotoxins, a kind of poisonous substances produced by cianobacteria, are responsibles for health risks in surface waters used for drinking or for recreation. As a result, anticipate its presence is a matter of importance to prevent risks. The aim of this study is to build a regression model for predicting cyanotoxin presence in the Trasona reservoir (Northern Spain). Some biological parameters related to cyanobacteria and ciantoxin by production are mesasured and the support vector machine (SVM) technique at local scale is applied with success. The results obtained are two-fold. Firstly, the significance of each kind of cyanobacteria on the cyanotoxins presence in the reservoir has been determined, showing the existence of a synergistic behaviour between two species of cyanobacteria. Finally, a predictive model able to forecast the possible presence of cyanotoxins in a short term was obtained.
Non-anachronism in the historical sociolinguistic study of Portuguese
Authors: Marquilhas Rita
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses the methods that historical sociolinguists can use in order to avoid anachronism. It is argued that there are four practical ways of triggering a sense of scale, both for external variables that correlate with past language use and for the linguistic data that we inherited from past societies: by learning from social and cultural historians, by visiting judicial archives, by making scholarly digital editions, and by using corpus linguistic statistical procedures. The case study focused on here is Portuguese in the Early Modern period, from the sixteenth century to the early nineteenth century. The size of an ideal sample of informants is discussed, based on the demographic history of Portugal. Furthermore, social categories are established relevant in the context of Portuguese cultural history, taking into account the social world that made sense to Early Modern people. Next, I introduce a corpus of Early Modern letters containing a close-to-conversational register, and discuss two case studies. An analysis of spelling variation in the corpus shows the diachronic dialectal spread of a merger of sibilants. The statistical analysis of keywords shows the pervasiveness of register markers as well as some typical uses found in epistolary communication by social actors from different social strata.
A New High Precision Power Detector of Complex Voltage Signals
Authors: Petrović Predrag B.
Published: August 2015

A current-mode bipolar power detector based on a novel synthesis of translinear loop squarer/divider is presented. The circuits consist of a single multiple-output current controlled current differencing transconductance amplifier (MO-CCCDTA), two current controlled conveyors (CCCII), and one resistor and one capacitor that are both grounded. The errors related to the signal processing and errors bound were investigated and presented in the paper. The PSpice simulation and experimental results are depicted, and agree well with the theoretical anticipation. The measurement results show that the scheme improves the accuracy of the detector to better than 0.04 % and wide operating frequency range from 50 Hz to 10 MHz. The maximum power consumption of the detector is approximately 5.80 mW, at ±1.2 V supply voltages.
Classification of the Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field Radiation Measurement from the Laptop Computers
Authors: Brodić Darko , Amelio Alessia
Published: August 2015

The paper considers the level of the extremely low-frequency magnetic field, which is produced by laptop computers. The magnetic field, which is characterized by extremely low frequencies up to 300 Hz is measured due to its hazardous effects to the laptop user's health. The experiment consists of testing 13 different laptop computers in normal operation conditions. The measuring of the magnetic field is performed in the adjacent neighborhood of the laptop computers. The measured data are presented and then classified. The classification is performed by the K-Medians method in order to determine the critical positions of the laptop. At the end, the measured magnetic field values are compared with the critical values suggested by different safety standards. It is shown that some of the laptop computers emit a very strong magnetic field. Hence, they must be used with extreme caution.
“Anticipation of the future” – Faith in urban space. Opportunities and challenges of church-based action in the social and religious ambivalences of the city
Authors: Conrad Ruth
Published: August 2015

In my paper I follow the thesis that cities are ambivalent and constantly produce ambivalences. Whoever reflects on the church in a changing world of the 21
Wolfhart Pannenberg’s Eschatological Theology: In Memoriam
Authors: Youn Chulho
Published: August 2015

The theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg is best defined as an eschatological theology. This article explores how his entire theology is permeated by the eschatological perspective. I first analyze several essential themes of Pannenberg’s eschatological theology and then critically reflect upon major issues relating to them. Finally, I argue that it is the power of God’s love that makes possible the contingency of history and the consummation of the eschatological future, God’s temporality and eternity, God’s dependence upon the world and eternal self-identity, and the unity of the economic Trinity and the immanent Trinity.
Voice, Incarnation and the United States Supreme Court
Authors: Monateri Pier Giuseppe
Published: August 2015

The aim of this paper is to investigate what we mean by “voice” in legal documents. Whose voice is speaking in a Constitution? Does a code of laws have a voice? And, above all, can a judge be said to be a “voice” of the law? As we shall see, this question of the voice speaking in a legal document, is not commonly afforded. Henceforth, we should make reference to literary theories to reappraise the meaning of legal documents from the standpoint of searching for the voice speaking in them. In this way, we shall try to envision a new approach to the legitimacy of reading in order to reframe the problematic relation between the judge as a reader and the texts. This point is of peculiar interest in the actual debate in the United States about the reading of the Constitution, and represents, also, a key factor in comparing different jurisdictions; it is a central point in comparative law and attempts to portray the Geography of the Nomos, through the “representation” of the various “legal voices” that unite, or divide, the different jurisdictional spaces of world governance.
Scale Effect in Direct Shear Tests on Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Soból Emil , Sas Wojciech , Szymański Alojzy
Published: August 2015

The depletion of natural resources is forcing researchers to explore the possibilities of new aggregates, such as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). In this article, the mechanical properties and the influence of the size of the direct shear box on the obtained parameters were examined. The study was conducted in two apparatus: medium (120 × 120 mm) and large (250 × 250 mm). In each of these devices, a total of 6 tests were performed: 3 for dry sample and 3 at optimum moisture content. From the results, the conclusions described below have been drawn
Improved Formulation of the Hardening Soil Model in the Context of Modeling the Undrained Behavior of Cohesive Soils
Authors: Truty Andrzej , Obrzud Rafał
Published: August 2015

The analysis of an important drawback of the well known Hardening Soil model (HSM) is the main purpose of this paper. A special emphasis is put on modifying the HSM to enable an appropriate prediction of the undrained shear strength using a nonzero dilatancy angle. In this light, the paper demonstrates an advanced numerical finite element modeling addressed to practical geotechnical problems. The main focus is put on serviceability limit state analysis of a twin-tunnel excavation in London clay. The two-phase formulation for partially saturated medium, after Aubry and Ozanam, is used to describe interaction between soil skeleton and pore water pressure.
Testing of Undrained Shear Strength in a Hollow Cylinder Apparatus
Authors: Wrzesiński Grzegorz , Lechowicz Zbigniew
Published: August 2015

The paper presents the results of tests performed in a Torsional Shear Hollow Cylinder Apparatus on undisturbed cohesive soils. The tests were performed on lightly overconsolidated clay (Cl) and sandy silty clay (sasiCl). The main objective of the tests was to determine the undrained shear strength at different angles of rotation of the principal stress directions. The results of laboratory tests allow assessing the influence of rotation of the principal stress directions on the value of undrained shear strength that should be used during designing structure foundations
Investigation of the Growth Behaviour of Cobalt Thin Films from Chemical Vapour Deposition, Using Directly Coupled X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Tchoua Ngamou Patrick Hervé , El Kasmi Achraf , Weiss Theodor , Vieker Henning , Beyer André , Zielasek Volkmar , Kohse-Höinghaus Katharina , Bäumer Marcus
Published: August 2015

Thin films and coatings are a basis for many technological processes,
including microelectronics, electrochemistry and catalysis. The
successful deposition of metal films and nanoparticles by chemical
vapour deposition (CVD) needs control over a number of
physico-chemical processes such as precursor and substrate selection,
delivery, temperature, pressure and flow conditions. Here, cobalt thin
films were deposited by means of pulsed-spray evaporation chemical
vapour deposition (PSE-CVD) from ethanol solutions of
Co(acac)2 and Co(acac)3 on bare glass and silicon
substrates. The physico-chemical properties of the grown films were
characterised by XRD (X-ray diffraction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy) and HIM (helium ion microscopy). Co(acac)2
enabled the growth of cobalt metal at lower temperatures than
Co(acac)3. The difference in deposition temperature was
attributed to the ability of ethanol to reduce Co(acac)2
better than Co(acac)3. In addition, the film deposited from
Co(acac)2 exhibited a higher metal content and a less porous
structure than that deposited from Co(acac)3. Increasing the
substrate temperature enhanced the carbon content because of the
thermal decomposition of both precursors. Using a nickel seed layer
improved the growth rate until a critical temperature of
360 ℃, at which the thermal decomposition of the
precursor becomes predominant. A decrease in the deposition
temperature when using the nickel seed layer was only observed with
Co(acac)2 precursor; the growth behaviour under these
conditions was monitored with a unique UHV-compatible PSE-CVD reactor
directly attached to an XPS system and ascribed to an enhancement of
its catalytic reduction by ethanol.
Subclinical hypercortisolism: a state, a syndrome, or a disease?
Authors: Di Dalmazi Guido , Pasquali Renato , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: August 2015

Subclinical hypercortisolism (SH), defined as alterations of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms related to cortisol secretion, is a common finding in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. The clinical correlates of this pathological condition have become clearer over the last few years. The aim of this review is to summarize the co-morbidities and the clinical outcomes of patients with SH. According to the analysis of the results of the studies published within the last 15 years, hypertension and type 2 diabetes are a common finding in patients with SH, occurring roughly in 2/3 and 1/3 of the patients respectively. Moreover, several additional cardiovascular and metabolic complications, like endothelial damage, increased visceral fat accumulation and impaired lipid metabolism have been shown to increase the cardiovascular risk of those patients. Accordingly, recent independent reports investigating the natural history of the disease in a long-term follow-up setting have shown that patients with SH have a higher incidence of cardiovascular events and related mortality. Moreover, longitudinal studies have also shown increased incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Future research is needed to improve the diagnostic performance of hormonal tests, by assessment of the complete steroid profile with more accurate assays, and to define the efficacy of surgical vs medical treatment in a randomized-controlled setting.
Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 by LG13 improves glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Zhao Leping , Pan Yong , Peng Kesong , Wang Zhe , Li Jieli , Li Dan , Tong Chao , Wang Yi , Liang Guang
Published: August 2015

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) controls the production of active glucocorticoid (GC) and has been proposed as a new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We have previously reported that a natural product, curcumin, exhibited moderate inhibition and selectivity on 11β-HSD1. By analyzing the models of protein, microsome, cells and GCs-induced micein vitroandin vivo, this study presented a novel curcumin analog, LG13, as a potent selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor.In vivo, Type 2 diabetic mice were treated with LG13 for 42 days to assess the pharmacological benefits of 11β-HSD1 inhibitor on hepatic glucose metabolism.In vitrostudies revealed that LG13 selectively inhibited 11β-HSD1 with IC50values at nanomolar level and high selectivity over 11β-HSD2. Targeting 11β-HSD1, LG13 could inhibit prednisone-induced adverse changes in mice, but had no effects on dexamethasone-induced ones. Further, the 11β-HSD1 inhibitors also suppressed 11β-HSD1 and GR expression, indicating a possible positive feedback system in the 11β-HSD1/GR cycle. In type 2 diabetic mice induced by high fat diet plus low-dosage STZ injection, oral administration with LG13 for 6 weeks significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, hepatic glucose metabolism, structural disorders, and lipid deposits. LG13 exhibited better pharmacological effectsin vivothan insulin sensitizer pioglitazone and potential 11β-HSD1 inhibitor PF-915275. These pharmacological and mechanistic insights on LG13 also provide us novel agents, leading structures, and strategy for the development of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors treating metabolic syndromes.
Investigation of Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Faeces for the Diagnosis of Giardiasis
Authors: Bond Ashley , Vernon April , Reade Sophie , Mayor Arno , Minetti Corrado , Wastling Jonathan , Lamden Kenneth , Probert Chris
Published: August 2015

Background: Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by the flagellated intestinal protozoan Giardia duodenalis. Several methods are available for the laboratory diagnosis of Giardia, ranging from the microscopic identification of the parasite trophozoite and cyst stages, to immunodiagnosis and PCR. Giardia has unique metabolic pathways resulting from its lack of mitochondria, making it an ideal target for volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling.

Aim: To characterise the VOC profile of stool infected with Giardia to detect differences from those found in samples of diarrhoea without Giardia or other infections.

Method: Stool was obtained from patients with confirmed Giardia infection and controls with diarrhoea but no identifiable infection. Faecal headspace gas extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to extract and identify VOCs.

Results: More than 100 VOCs were identified when control and Giardia groups were combined, of which 24 showed significant differences between the two groups (p<0.05). Three VOCs had a significantly greater prevalence amongst Giardia cases (p<0.0001) and 9 VOCs showed a significant difference in terms of abundance (p<0.05). AUROC analysis demonstrated a value of 0.902.

Conclusion: There is a significant difference in the VOC profile of stool from subjects infected with Giardia spp, when compared with non-infected controls. These findings can be explained by the unique metabolism of Giardia.
Severe Refractory Anemia in Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia. A Case Report
Authors: Balaban Vasile Daniel , Popp Alina , Grasu Mugur , Vasilescu Florina , Jinga Mariana
Published: August 2015

Background: Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (Waldmann’s disease) is a rare disease characterized by dilated lymphatics in the small bowel leading to an exudative enteropathy with lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia and hypogammaglobulinemia.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 23 year-old male who presented with chronic anemia and in whom primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed. A low-fat diet along with nutritional therapy with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation improved the protein-losing enteropathy, but did not solve the anemia. Octreotide was also unsuccessful, and after attempting angiographic embolization therapy, limited small bowel resection together with antiplasmin therapy managed to correct the anemia and control the exudative enteropathy.Conclusions: Although primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is usually adequately managed by nutritional therapy, complications such as anemia can occur and can prove to be a therapeutic challenge.
Infliximab Therapy for Corticosteroid-Resistant Ipilimumab-Induced Colitis
Authors: Beniwal-Patel Poonam , Matkowskyj Kristina , Caldera Freddy
Published: August 2015

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A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Størsrud Stine , Pontén Irina , Simrén Magnus
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims: Few effective treatment options exist for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many patients state the use of aloe vera products reduce their symptoms. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in adult patients with IBS in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study.

Methods: Sixty-eight adult patients diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome III criteria were randomized to receive AVH200® or matching placebo for four weeks. Symptom questionnaires were completed on a weekly basis and the patients were asked if they had had adequate relief of their gastrointestinal symptoms.

Results: A tendency towards a higher proportion of responders in the aloe vera group (55%) vs. placebo (31%), (p=0.09) was observed, and the proportion of subjects who reported adequate relief at least 50% of the weeks during the treatment period tended to be larger in the aloe vera vs. placebo group (33% vs. 14%; p=0.12). The overall severity of the gastrointestinal symptoms was reduced in the aloe vera group (314±83 vs. 257±107; p=0.003) but not the placebo group (276±88 vs. 253±100; NS), without difference between the groups (p=0.10). AVH200® was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: Even though the primary endpoint was not met, AVH200® seems to be a promising treatment option for patients with IBS owing to the positive results seen within the secondary endpoints. This study may have been underpowered to detect a clinically meaningful difference between the treatment groups, and therefore larger randomized, controlled studies are required to confirm these results and to elucidate potential mechanisms explaining its effect.
Fiction in Drama Education Offers Learning Opportunities for All - Philosophical Perspectives in Drama Education
Authors: Nyberg Crister
Published: August 2015

In philosophy fiction poses deep problems. The existence of fictional objects is questionable and that makes it difficult to use the concept of truth in fiction. How can we understand fiction if we cannot make reasonable judgments about it? The philosophical theory I develop in my PhD research suggests that understanding fiction rests essentially on our ability to use words differently in different contexts. This means that fiction offers multiple ways to read with large scale of difficulty. In education it is a challenge to find a method that takes into account the different learning abilities of the pupils, especially of pupils with special needs. My goal is to show that using fiction in drama education helps in developing metacognitive skills in a way that takes into account all learners. Using the concept of truth in constructing understanding of fiction is in essential position. The fact that supports the conclusions of the present study is that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties in understanding fictional stories and in pretending. Pretense is often considered as a central characteristic of understanding fiction but people with ASD can engage in fiction when meanings are rigid like in mathematics. Thus, it is not pretending but metarepresentation that is required. The scale of understanding fiction ranges from rigid understanding of meanings based on personal experiences to very abstract poetic use of language with endless references to other texts. Drama educational practices can offer all these, and metacognitive abilities are in essential position.
Cultural aspects regarding public health
Authors: García Ubaque Juan Carlos
Published: August 2015

It is often perceived that cultural aspects represent a limitation which must be considered when regarding the development and implementation of public health intervention activities is often perceived, usually because there are varying degrees of difficulty concerning relationships, communication and understanding between communities and experts in this particular field. Nevertheless, different social groups’ beliefs and practices still survive and carry great force when addressing the various issues of interest regarding public health, as shown by the articles in this issue of the journal on such issues as cardiovascular risk factors, smoking and alcohol consumption, breastfeeding, physical activity, health service access, nutrition, healthcare team-patient-family relationship or implementing specific risk eradication, control or mitigation actions. However, there is relatively little public health-related information concerning how this issue can be understood and addressed, possibly because consensus is still lacking between sociologists and anthropologists working in the healthcare field. It would thus seem clear that more research is needed in this field, so that, while advances have been made regarding a situational description, advances should also be made in constructing diagnostic and intervention methodologies which would be truly accessible to those who (without being experts on this topic) are taking on the operational work amongst communities, so that cultural matters cease being a barrier and become rather an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of knowledge and practice regarding public health It may be realistic to consider formal and informal regulatory aspects, a sense of identity and belonging to a particular group and implicit or explicit power and control mechanisms incorporated into a group of interest’s everyday life as themes and possible starting points for such an approach. It is thus important to approach how these aspects are expressed in the home, jobs and public spaces (i.e. the three major areas of modern life) and as embodied in speech, language, customary practices, relationships and social organisation.
Arts Education of Pupils with Special Educational Needs: Objectives and Principles
Authors: Vilkelienė Aldona
Published: August 2015

Changes in society, democratization of education enable to shift towards persons with disabilities, in order to integrate them into society without causing discomfort neither the person, nor those around him. Categorization of disabilities and disorders according to medical criteria does not meet the educational objectives of pupils with special educational needs, as both developmental disorders and learning difficulties create the variety of abilities, needs and interests of pupils in the class. Such variety refers to school for all pupils, to involving (inclusive) education. According to the results of surveys, although the pupils with special educational needs are involved in general education, the teacher still remains alone with his philosophy and methods, without being offered an opportunity for cooperation, consultancy support, which is one of conditions for success in the involving (inclusive) education. Lack of systematic research is still observed, which brings out the didactics issues of art education of pupils with special educational needs, therefore, the analyzed scientific problem is relevant. The objectives of special art education are focused not only on the pupils having special educational needs, but also to the surrounding people – teachers, classmates, family, society, and even more, to their mutual interactions. Such change of didactic goals reveals the new art education principles. The subjects of the article are the didactic goals and principles, educating the pupils with special needs by art. Applying the method of analysis of the scientific literature, the article reveals the research of the world and Lithuanian scientists in the field of special art pedagogy and theoretically justifies six principles of art education: art education focused on the emotionally positive interaction between the learner and teacher, directed to the learner’s family and society; art education is of moral aspect; content of art education is integral and perceived; educational methods are applied in complex; in the process of art education the verbal and nonverbal reflections predominate; art education is personally and socially meaningful for the pupils with special educational needs.
Fundamental Features of 16–18 Years Old Road Cyclists’ Training
Authors: Ališauskienė Rasa , Milašius Kazys
Published: August 2015

Lithuanian young cyclists are the winners of various international road cycling events, however, methodic of their preparation, change of their body development, as well as of body and functional capacity indices during yearly training cycle have been of little investigation yet.  To have as many as possible objective criteria, helping to ensure a more fluent optimization of road cyclists’ training process and observation of change in their preparedness, it is relevant to carry out investigation on basic features of preparedness and training sessions, so that later on this data would be of use in improving preparation of young road cyclists.

The aim of the work was to carry out analysis on young road cyclists’ preparation, change in their body and functional capacities in yearly training cycle, and to provide the summarized results.

The results of the research highlighted good preparation of young Lithuanian cyclists in organizational aspect. Training load in yearly cycle reached 1 213 hours, work on road compiled 1006 hours, work on special cycle ergo meter – 118 hours, and 156 hours were allocated for general preparation. In one year, young athletes participated in 437 training sessions, and during them they overcame 22 115 km by bicycle. Muscle power indices of the investigated when performing short duration work did not experience change during the period of investigation. This typical for road cyclists feature was evidenced, confirming the fact that such physical ability is not characteristic to road cyclists. Young cyclists’ indices of special working capacity and indices of blood respiratory system functional capacity used to increase significantly in yearly training cycle.

The cyclists, who participated in our research, were successful at Lithuanian and international competitions. The athletes’ demonstrated results testimony the appropriately balanced program of their training, and the progress of the athletes’ body and functional power during yearly training cycle. This allows presuming that these athletes have favorable perspectives to perfect their mastership in future.
Development of thermally insulated sustainable building model
Authors: Dakwale Vaidehi A. , Ralegaonkar Rahul V.
Published: August 2015

Appropriate construction materials with low thermal conductivity are required to control excess heat gain in building surfaces exposed to hot climates. This paper elaborates on the development and application of three sustainable building materials, namely hollow bricks using construction waste, double-glazed windows insulated with ultraviolet (UV) rejection film and reflecting/insulating roof treatment material. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the developed materials were investigated. To investigate the thermal performance experimentally, two small-scale models were developed over the study area. A two-room model (M1) built with fly ash brick, double-glazed (plain glass) windows with UV rejection film (W1) and a conventional reinforced cement concrete roof was compared with another two-room model (M2) built with construction waste bricks, double-glazed (commercial glass) windows with UV rejection film (W2) and a reinforced cement concrete roof that underwent a reflecting/insulating treatment. The results showed that the thermal transmittance of the wall and the roof of model M2 was reduced by 73% and 25% respectively compared with the wall and roof of model M1. Temperature analyses revealed that the west and east rooms of M2 were respectively 2·3% and 5·0% cooler than those of M1.
Material quantities and embodied carbon dioxide in structures
Authors: De Wolf Catherine , Yang Frances , Cox Duncan , Charlson Andrea , Hattan Amy Seif , Ochsendorf John
Published: August 2015

This paper analyses data from 200 buildings to identify the embodied environmental impact of building structures. In recent years, the percentage of embodied carbon dioxide in the whole life cycle impact of buildings has been increasing while innovations have lowered operational carbon dioxide. Operational carbon dioxide emissions are due to heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, whereas embodied carbon dioxide is associated with materials extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, maintenance and demolition. Limited research on the latter prevents an accurate evaluation of the whole life cycle impact of buildings. Therefore, leading engineers have emphasised the urgent need for a global, standard assessment method for embodied carbon dioxide. To this end, this paper offers a uniform method by describing current work, quantifying material weights and finally calculating embodied carbon dioxide ranges. The approach is cradle-to-gate but can be expanded to cradle-to-grave. The survey contains data on 200 recently completed buildings obtained from industry. The results show that structural material quantities vary between 200 kg/m2 and 1800 kg/m2 and embodied carbon dioxide caries on the range 150–600 kgCO2e/m2. These numbers are analysed by programme type, structural system, size, number of floors and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) certification. In doing so, the paper emphasises the important role that structural engineers play in sustainability.