bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Efficacy of Gallic Acid and MiADMSA with Limited Beneficial Effects over MiADMSA against Arsenic-induced Oxidative Stress in Mouse
Authors: Pachauri Vidhu , Flora S.J.S.
Published: August 2015

Gallic acid is an organic acid known for its antioxidant and anticancer properties. The present study is focused on evaluating the role of gallic acid in providing better therapeutic outcomes against arsenic-induced toxicity. Animals pre-exposed to arsenic were treated with monoisoamyl meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (MiADMSA), a new chelating drug, alone and in combination with gallic acid, consecutively for 10 days. The study suggests that (1) gallic acid in presence of MiADMSA is only moderately beneficial against arsenic, (2) monotherapy with gallic acid is more effective than in combination with MiADMSA after arsenic exposure in reducing oxidative injury, and (3) MiADMSA monotherapy as reported previously provides significant therapeutic efficacy against arsenic. Thus, based on the present results, we conclude that gallic acid is effective against arsenic-induced oxidative stress but provides limited additional beneficial effects when administered in combination with MiADMSA. We still recommend that lower doses of gallic acid be evaluated both individually and in combination with MiADMSA, as it might not exhibit the shortcomings we observed with higher doses in this study.
Comparison of IAD and starch-iodine indices at harvest and how they relate to post-storage firmness retention in Ambrosia™ apples over three growing seasons
Authors: Toivonen Peter M. A.
Published: August 2015

Toivonen, P. M. A. 2015. Comparison of IAD and starch-iodine indices at harvest and how they relate to post-storage firmness retention in Ambrosia™ apples over three growing seasons. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1177–1180. Starch–iodine index and IAD values were recorded for Ambrosia™ apples at harvest and compared with firmness retention after controlled atmosphere storage. The starch–iodine index correlated with firmness retention only in 2012. Harvest IAD values were associated with firmness retention in all years. Seasonal differences in temperature patterns were possible factors affecting the starch–iodine index. IAD was more consistent between seasons for monitoring maturity.
Comparing invariants of Legendrian knots
Authors: Golla Marco
Published: August 2015

We prove the equivalence of the invariants EH

(L)

and

\mathcal L^–(\pm L)

for oriented Legendrian knots

L

in the 3-sphere equipped with the standard contact structure, partially extending a previous result by Stipsicz and Vértesi. In the course of the proof we relate the sutured Floer homology groups associated with a knot complement

S^3\setminus K

and the knot Floer homology of

(S^3,K)

and define intermediate Legendrian invariants.
A topological grading on bordered Heegaard Floer homology
Authors: Huang Yang , Ramos Vinicius Gripp Barros
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we construct a canonical grading on bordered Heegaard Floer homology by homotopy classes of nonvanishing vector fields. This grading is a generalization of our construction of an absolute grading on Heegaard Floer homology and it extends the well-known grading with values in a noncommutative group dened in [5].
Lagrangian concordance is not a symmetric relation
Authors: Chantraine Baptiste
Published: August 2015

We provide an explicit example of a non trivial Legendrian knot

\Lambda

such that there exists a Lagrangian concordance from

\Lambda_0

to

\Lambda

where

\Lambda_0

is the trivial Legendrian knot with maximal Thurston–Bennequin number. We then use the map induced in Legendrian contact homology by a concordance and the augmentation category of

\Lambda

to show that no Lagrangian concordance exists in the other direction. This proves that the relation of Lagrangian concordance is not symmetric.
Positive topological quantum field theories
Authors: Banagl Markus
Published: August 2015

We propose a new notion of positivity for topological field theories (TFTs), based on S. Eilenberg’s concept of completeness for semirings. We show that a complete ground semiring, a system of fields on manifolds and a system of action functionals on these fields determine a positive TFT. The main feature of such a theory is a semiring-valued topologically invariant state sum that satisfies a gluing formula. The abstract framework has been carefully designed to cover a wide range of phenomena. We indicate how to employ the framework presented here in constructing a new differential topological invariant that detects exotic smooth structures on spheres.
Atmospheric isoprene ozonolysis: impacts of stabilised Criegee intermediate reactions with SO2, H2O and dimethyl sulfide
Authors: Newland M. J. , Rickard A. R. , Vereecken L. , Muñoz A. , Ródenas M. , Bloss W. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Isoprene is the dominant global biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. Reactions of isoprene with ozone are known to form stabilised Criegee intermediates (SCIs), which have recently been shown to be potentially important oxidants for SO2 and NO2 in the atmosphere; however the significance of this chemistry for SO2 processing (affecting sulfate aerosol) and NO2 processing (affecting NOx levels) depends critically upon the fate of the SCIs with respect to reaction with water and decomposition. Here, we have investigated the removal of SO2 in the presence of isoprene and ozone, as a function of humidity, under atmospheric boundary layer conditions. The SO2 removal displays a clear dependence on relative humidity, confirming a significant reaction for isoprene-derived SCIs with H2O. Under excess SO2 conditions, the total isoprene ozonolysis SCI yield was calculated to be 0.56 (±0.03). The observed SO2 removal kinetics are consistent with a relative rate constant, k(SCI + H2O) / k(SCI + SO2), of 3.1 (±0.5) × 10−5 for isoprene-derived SCIs. The relative rate constant for k(SCI decomposition) / k(SCI+SO2) is 3.0 (±3.2) × 1011 cm−3. Uncertainties are ±2σ and represent combined systematic and precision components. These kinetic parameters are based on the simplification that a single SCI species is formed in isoprene ozonolysis, an approximation which describes the results well across the full range of experimental conditions. Our data indicate that isoprene-derived SCIs are unlikely to make a substantial contribution to gas-phase SO2 oxidation in the troposphere. We also present results from an analogous set of experiments, which show a clear dependence of SO2 removal in the isoprene–ozone system as a function of dimethyl sulfide concentration. We propose that this behaviour arises from a rapid reaction between isoprene-derived SCIs and dimethyl sulfide (DMS); the observed SO2 removal kinetics are consistent with a relative rate constant, k(SCI + DMS) / k(SCI + SO2), of 3.5 (±1.8). This result suggests that SCIs may contribute to the oxidation of DMS in the atmosphere and that this process could therefore influence new particle formation in regions impacted by emissions of unsaturated hydrocarbons and DMS.
Characteristics and sources of submicron aerosols above the urban canopy (260 m) in Beijing, China during 2014 APEC summit
Authors: Chen C. , Sun Y. L. , Xu W. Q. , Du W. , Zhou L. B. , Han T. T. , Wang Q. Q. , Fu P. Q. , Wang Z. F. , Gao Z. Q. , Zhang Q. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The megacity of Beijing has experienced frequent severe fine particle pollution during the last decade. Although the sources and formation mechanisms of aerosol particles have been extensively investigated on the basis of ground measurements, real-time characterization of aerosol particle composition and sources above the urban canopy in Beijing is rare. In this study, we conducted real-time measurements of non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) composition at 260 m at the 325 m Beijing Meteorological Tower (BMT) from 10 October to 12 November 2014, by using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) along with synchronous measurements of size-resolved NR-PM1 composition at near ground level using a High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR–ToF–AMS). The NR-PM1 composition above the urban canopy was dominated by organics (46 %), followed by nitrate (27 %) and sulfate (13 %). The high contribution of nitrate and high NO3−/SO42− mass ratios illustrate an important role of nitrate in particulate matter (PM) pollution during the study period. The organic aerosol (OA) was mainly composed by secondary OA (SOA), accounting for 61 % on an average. Different from that measured at the ground site, primary OA (POA) correlated moderately with SOA, likely suggesting a high contribution from regional transport above the urban canopy. The Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit with strict emission controls provides a unique opportunity to study the impacts of emission controls on aerosol chemistry. All aerosol species were shown to have significant decreases of 40–80 % during APEC from those measured before APEC, suggesting that emission controls over regional scales substantially reduced PM levels. However, the bulk aerosol composition was relatively similar before and during APEC as a result of synergetic controls of aerosol precursors such as SO2, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition to emission controls, the routine circulations of mountain–valley breezes were also found to play an important role in alleviating PM levels and achieving the "APEC blue" effect. The evolution of vertical differences between 260 m and the ground level was also investigated. Our results show complex vertical differences during the formation and evolution of severe haze episodes that are closely related to aerosol sources and boundary layer dynamics.
Optimal ranking regime analysis of TreeFlow dendrohydrological reconstructions
Authors: Mauget S. A.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The optimal ranking regime (ORR) method was used to identify 6–100-year time windows containing significant ranking sequences in 55 western US streamflow reconstructions, and reconstructions of the level of the Great Salt Lake and San Francisco Bay salinity during 1500–2007. The method's ability to identify optimally significant and non-overlapping runs of low- and high-rankings allows it to re-express a reconstruction time series as a simplified sequence of regime segments marking intra- to multi-decadal (IMD) periods of low or high streamflow, lake level, and salinity. Those ORR sequences, referred to here as Z-lines, can be plotted to identify consistent regime patterns in the analysis of numerous reconstructions. The Z-lines for the 57 reconstructions evaluated here show a common pattern of IMD cycles of drought and pluvial periods during the late 16th and 17th centuries, a relatively dormant period during the 18th century, and the reappearance of alternating dry and wet IMD periods during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although this pattern suggests the possibility of similarly active and inactive oceanic modes in the North Pacific and North Atlantic, such centennial-scale patterns are not evident in the ORR analyses of reconstructed Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation, and North Atlantic sea-surface temperature variation. However, given the inconsistency in the analyses of four PDO reconstructions, the possible role of centennial-scale oceanic mechanisms is uncertain. In future research the ORR method might be applied to climate reconstructions around the Pacific Basin to try to resolve this uncertainty. Given its ability to compare regime patterns in climate reconstructions derived using different methods and proxies, the method may also be used in future research to evaluate long-term regional temperature reconstructions.
The MIS 5 palaeoenvironmental record in the SE Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Río Antas, Almería, Spain)
Authors: Torres T. , Ortiz J. E. , Blázquez A. M. , Ruiz Zapata B. , Gil M. J. , Martín T. , Sánchez-Palencia Y.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Landwards of a MIS5 bar, a borehole core (SRA) was analyzed to establish the relationship between the lagoonal record and the raised beach deposits in the surroundings of the Antas river mouth and to reconstruct the Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental evolution of the southern Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. 63 samples were recovered for amino acid racemization dating, 86 samples for sedimentological and paleontological determination, 37 samples for pollen identification and 54 for biomarker analysis. AAR revealed that the borehole record contains MIS11, MIS6 and MIS5 deposits, the latter extensively represented. During the end of MIS6 and MIS5, a sand barrier developed and created a shallow lagoon with alternating terrestrial inputs this process being common in other Mediterranean realms. Litho- and biofacies allowed the identification of distinct paleoenvironments through time, with the presence of a lagoonal environment alternating with alluvial fan progradation. Biomarkers indicated constant input from terrestrial plants, together with variable development of aquatic macrophytes. The palynological content allowed the reconstruction of the paleoclimatological conditions during MIS6 and 5, with evidence of seven scenarios characterized by alternating arid and relatively humid conditions.
How different sources of climate databases influence assessment of growth response in dendroclimatic analyses – case study from Lapland
Authors: Sitko R. , Vido J. , Škvarenina J. , Pichler V. , Scheer L. , Škvareninová J. , Nalevanková P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The paper deals with the comparison of the time series from different climate databases. We compared the measured data with the modelled data of monthly and seasonal temperature means and precipitation totals. Reliable and as long as possible time series of such data represent the basic starting point of dendroclimatic analyses. We evaluated the differences in the growth response of spruce derived using different databases of the stated climatic characteristics. The stem cores used to derive the cross-correlation function were taken from Hårås locality situated in the boreal zone of the Swedish part of Lapland. We compared the measured records from the nearest meteorological stations situated 18 and 40 km away from the locality with the interpolated values from CRU TS 3.21 climate database and with the reconstructed 502-year-long database. The spatial resolution of the modelled databases was 0.5° × 0.5° of latitude and longitude. We found a systematic error of different magnitudes in the modelled values, and we also quantified a random error and the overall accuracy of the data. The temperature model underestimated the data in comparison with the measured values, while the precipitation model overestimated the data. We also found that the radial increments of spruce correlated more strongly with the temperature than with the precipitation. Hence, in the conditions of the boreal zone, temperature is a more important factor affecting tree-ring formation. We found significantly higher correlations between the radial increment and the modelled precipitation data than with the data measured at the precipitation station situated 18 km from the locality of interest.
Aboriginality Under the Microscope: The Biological Descent Test in Australian Law
Authors: de Plevitz Loretta , Croft Larry
Published: August 2015

In order to access statutory rights and privileges designed for the exclusive benefit of indigenous people, Aboriginal people must prove their Aboriginal descent. Descent is judicially interpreted to mean genetic difference. Analyses of the human genome demonstrate that all humans are closely related and that race as a single definable genetic characteristic does not exist. Australian Aboriginal populations are among the most ancient and genetically diverse in the world, therefore there is no way of identifying a distinctly Aboriginal genotype. This paper argues that the present legal test is both unprovable and infringes international human rights.
Bats, from Evolution to Conservation
Authors: Mora José Manuel
Published: August 2015

Ceiba, 2012. Volumen 53(1):1-5
Ampliación en la Distribución de Cinco Especies de Murciélagos en Honduras Basada en Detección por Medios Acústicos
Authors: Espinal Mario , Mora José Manuel
Published: August 2015

En Honduras, el estudio de los murciélagos ha aumentado, incluido el uso de detectores acústicos. El aporte de los equipos acústicos para la detección de los ultrasonidos de los murciélagos ha sido significativo para incrementar nuestro conocimiento sobre estos mamíferos. Muestreamos la comunidad de murciélagos del municipio de San Marcos de Colón en el sur de Honduras, departamento de Choluteca. Durante cuatro visitas de una semana al sitio trabajamos con el equipo de detección acústica  “ANABAT SD2 CF Bat Detector” y logramos la identificación de 24 especies de murciélagos insectívoros. De estos, cinco especies no eran conocidas para el sitio de estudio por lo que su detección representa una ampliación de su ámbito de distribución. Las especies aquí reportadas son Myotis keaysi, Perimyotis subflavus, Lasiurus cinereus (Vespertilionidae), Cynomops mexicanus y Eumops underwoodi (Molossidae).Ceiba, 2012. Volumen 53(1):30-37
Clinical Outcomes of Right-Lobe Split-Liver versus Orthotopic Liver Transplants from Donors More than 70 Years Old
Authors: Memeo Riccardo , de'Angelis Nicola , Salloum Chady , Compagnon Philipe , Laurent Alexis , Feray Cyrille , Duvoux Cristoph , Azoulay Daniel
Published: August 2015

Context—

The imbalance between the organ supply and the number of potential transplant recipients led to consideration of expanded-criteria liver donors.

Objective—

To compare right-lobe split-liver transplants (RL-SLTs) with orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) from donors more than 70 years old (OLT-O) and OLTs from donors less than 55 years old (OLT-Y).

Methods—

Seventy-one patients who received an RL-SLT were matched for age, sex, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score with 71 patients who underwent OLT-O and 142 patients who underwent OLT-Y. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results—

Longer operation time was associated with RL-SLT ( P < .001) as well as more blood loss ( P = .03) and transfusions ( P = .05). Postoperative morbidity was less in the OLT-Y group, with a lower rate of grades III to IV Clavien-Dindo complication (30%), compared with values in OLT-O (52%) and RL-SLT (38%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated better 1-year and 3-year survival rates in the OLT-Y group (97% and 92%, respectively), compared with 92% and 86.3%, respectively, in the RL-SLT group; and 84.5% and 73%, respectively, in the OLT-O group ( P = .03). Kaplan-Meier analysis also demonstrated differences between the groups in terms of 1-year and 3-year graft survival rates, which were 92% and 86%, respectively, in OLT-Y; 77% and 66%, respectively, in the OLT-O, and 84.2% and 76.6%, respectively, in the RL-SLT group ( P = .01).

Conclusion—

Even if OLT-Y guarantees better patient and graft survival, both RL-SLT and OLT-O can be used safely to expand the pool of liver donors, showing acceptable clinical results and complications rates.
Application de l’approche inductive dans l’étude du code architectural agni ndénié (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Ehui Prisca Justine
Published: August 2015

La logique architecturale de l’habitat traditionnel inclut dans sa spécificité une pluralité de facteurs socioculturels et matériels. Les formes symboliques de sa fréquentation, construites sur les notions d’ordre et de sécurité, traduisent d’une part la triple relation entre habitant-habitante, habité-habitants et habité-non habité, et d’autre part les rapports au genre. Afin de contribuer à la connaissance du code architectural agni, une étude a été menée dans une démarche inductive impliquant un important capital instrumental composé de l’observation directe, de la photographie, de l’entretien semi-structuré et du dessin. Les résultats montrent l’existence chez l’Agni ndénié d’un type d’habitat vernaculaire construit sur le genre.
La pertinence de l’étude des formations interculturelles dans l’approfondissement des enjeux de la diversité ethnoculturelle dans les établissements scolaires
Authors: Grégoire-Labrecque Geneviève
Published: August 2015

La diversité ethnoculturelle dans les établissements scolaires a été beaucoup étudiée dans les dernières décennies au Québec. Pourtant, l’ethnographie des formations interculturelles du MELS destinées aux enseignants, aux professionnels non enseignants ainsi qu’aux directions scolaires dévoile un pan des enjeux de la diversité ethnoculturelle non exploité jusqu’à maintenant : l’espace de négociation entre les intervenants scolaires et les formateurs-chercheurs. D’une part, nous survolerons les différents choix méthodologiques ayant permis d’analyser la rencontre entre les formateurs-chercheurs et les intervenants scolaires venus s’informer davantage. L’observation participante des formations interculturelles a notamment permis de comparer les attentes et les réactions des intervenants scolaires avec les stratégies mises de l’avant par les formateurs. D’autre part, nous évoquerons les enjeux de la diversité ethnoculturelle dans les établissements scolaires du Québec, tels que l’impact du discours sur l’interculturel des intervenants scolaires, l’éthique professionnelle des enseignants et la complexité de la réflexion amorcée par ces derniers en formation interculturelle.
Recueillir l’expérience d’enfants : de la théorisation enracinée à l’innovation méthodologique. Violence, harcèlement et empathie du point de vue d’élèves de 9 à 12 ans
Authors: Kerivel Aude
Published: August 2015

Recueillir les expériences de violence et de harcèlement à l’école d’enfants (âgés de 9 à 12 ans) et regarder la manière dont la compétence à l’empathie impacte ces situations, tels sont les objectifs de cette enquête. Nous proposons dans cet article d’expliciter la face cachée du processus de recherche évaluative, à savoir notre cheminement. La théorisation enracinée nous a menée à l’innovation méthodologique pour approcher au mieux ce phénomène et cette population particulière. Le va-et-vient entre terrain et théorie, et la construction d’un questionnaire ludique visant à « faire parler le terrain », en évitant de manière optimale d’imposer nos préconceptions, nous a conduite à une réflexion sur le recueil de données en sociologie.
Du tâtonnement ethnographique au discernement de sens : enquêtes participatives en boucherie et dans la zone d’attente des mineurs isolés étrangers
Authors: Perrot Adeline , Zinn Isabelle V.
Published: August 2015

Partant d’univers de recherche a priori éloignés – la boucherie et la zone d’attente des mineurs isolés étrangers – cet article repose sur une affirmation commune : pour rendre compte des catégories mobilisées par les enquêtés, il faut se mettre en situation de les percevoir. En ce qu’elle rend observable et descriptible le recours à des catégories in situ, l’ethnographie est apparue comme un moyen d’accéder à ce qui est constitutif des expériences de travail. L’enrôlement dans les actions en cours s’est réalisé selon des conditions d’entrée et des modalités distinctes : stagiaire volontaire et experte involontaire. En examinant les configurations d’enquête, l’article montre comment la modulation de la présence participative peut induire le déplacement de la problématique de recherche.
A National Library for the 21st century – knowledge and cultural heritage online
Authors: Jøsevold Roger
Published: August 2015

Since 2004, the National Library of Norway has worked systematically to develop a digital National Library. The core of this activity has been to digitize the whole collection and to seek ways to disseminate the digital content to the biggest possible audience. Being a true multimedia library, the collection holds published material in a wide spectrum of media: from traditional printed material to radio, TV, audio, film and music. The library also harvests the Norwegian internet domain ‘.no’. Today the digital library contains 2.8 million digital objects, which adds up to 4000 TB of unique digital content. By use of extended collective licensing everyone with a Norwegian IP address can freely access and read all books published in Norway up to 2001. In addition, through agreements with the major Norwegian newspapers, all Norwegian libraries can offer access to complete digital historical newspaper collections. The most important matter to make this happen has been a strategic partnership and cooperation with rights holders and publishers. This partnership has built trust and confidence and has resulted in a cooperation where knowledge and costs are shared.

The National Library of Norway offers digital library services that provide online access to full-text versions of all books published in Norway up until the year 2001, access to digital newspaper collections from the major national and regional newspapers in all libraries in the country, and opportunities for everyone with internet access to search and listen to more than 40,000 radio programmes recorded between 1933 and the present day.

The foundation for this development was laid in 2004 when the National Library adopted a digitization strategy for the creation of a National Library for the 21st century. This was later followed up by the decision in principle in 2006 to digitize the entire collection.
Arendt, role theory and the ethical evaluation of action
Authors: Bonner Kieran
Published: August 2015

In what way can social action be simultaneously inquired into and ethically evaluated by social theory? This paper explores the responsibility sociology has with regard to the political and ethical implications of its knowledge production and does so through a case study examination of the sociological concept of role. It compares and evaluates the different orientations that ground the concept of role and Arendt’s concept of action, which is then expanded to address the critique of the social sciences by theorists like Arendt and Foucault. The paper engages a particular tradition of reflexive sociology in the context of the danger of banal evil (Eichmann) and in the context of modern structures of domination that makes that danger more prevalent. Arguing that a theoretical non-empirical reflexivity is called for, and drawing on the phenomenological reflexivity of Berger and the constitutive reflexivity of Blum and McHugh, the paper seeks to demonstrate the need for a reflexive awareness of the actor’s responsibility for action and the theorist’s responsibility for formulating action that can make conceptual space for reasoned evaluation oriented by and to principle.
A charismatic church in a post-Catholic Ireland: negotiating diversity at Abundant Life in Limerick City
Authors: Ganiel Gladys
Published: August 2015

This article analyses Abundant Life Christian Church in Limerick City, a multi-ethnic, Pentecostal/charismatic congregation in the Assemblies of God denomination. It provides insights about how religious groups are negotiating immigration and ethnic diversity and how charismatic expressions of Christianity are engaging in Ireland's post-Catholic public sphere. The study revealed remarkably harmonious relationships between native Irish and immigrants of diverse backgrounds, which were built in large part on a leadership model in which one ethnic group did not hold significantly more power than others. The study also found that people at Abundant Life seemed anxious to establish their legitimacy as a Christian church, a concern that was rooted in previous, and even current, experience of Ireland as a ‘Catholic country’. Congregants displayed varying degrees of openness towards Catholicism, but what was striking was how often they described their own faith in contrast to Catholicism. The institution that is the Catholic Church in Ireland cast a long shadow over Abundant Life congregants’ own experience of Christianity and continues to define Ireland's post-Catholic religious market.
Hate crime: an overview of significance and relevance to Irish sociology
Authors: Carr James , Haynes Amanda , Schweppe Jennifer
Published: August 2015

The authors of this article had been working on the issue of hate crime from within frustrated disciplinary silos: from a sociological perspective, and from a legal perspective. In 2012, however, we began to discuss potential avenues for interdisciplinary research: tentative at first, and then with increasing energy and determination. In September 2014, the Hate and Hostility Research Group at the University of Limerick launched A Life Free From Fear – Legislating for Hate Crime in Ireland: An NGO Perspective. The Report presents the perspectives of civil society organisations who endeavour to challenge hate crime, and provides an analysis of the efficacy of Irish legislation in this area. The report received widespread media attention for the issue of hate crime and, at least in the short term, has been successful in placing it on the political agenda. This article will provide an overview of some key concerns relating to hate crime in an Irish context and conclude by raising the question of the relevance of this emergent field of research to Irish sociology.
Teaching stats: A crisis in Irish sociology?
Authors: Hannan Carmel
Published: August 2015

There is now a lack of quantitative capacity among practitioners and teachers in sociology in Ireland. Yet interest in the value of quantitative methods among governments, funding organisations and society in general are on the increase. Social science research councils and funders in other countries, notably the UK, have realised there is a problem and are now attempting to remedy this through increased funding for the recruitment of quantitatively trained academics for example, Q-Step. The paper examines a number of developments notably Big Data, increases in transdisciplinary research and developments in mixed methods research which, it is argued, underline the need for more and better quantitative methods teaching in sociology. The paper calls for sociology departments to re-think their curricula and actively promote the teaching of a range of methods at the undergraduate level.
Probing Grade 10 Students about Their Mathematical Errors on Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
Authors: Makonye Judah P. , Khanyile Duduzile Winnie
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this research was to explore to what extent probing learners'1 errors on simplifying algebraic fractions would help them to reduce those errors. The study assumed that students' errors and misconceptions persist because they handle mathematical concepts as if they were isolated chunks of knowledge. A sample of 15 grade 10 girls took part in the research. Data was collected in three stages. A pre-test requiring learners to simplify algebraic fractions was issued to the students. Thereafter, their scripts were analysed for errors. During interviews, students were probed on the errors they exhibited in solving the tasks. Students then wrote a post-test to determine how much errors and misconceptions were overcome as a result of the probing process. The results showed that students overcame 98.6 per cent of their pre-test errors. We recommend that in every case, teachers need to be on the lookout of their learners' mathematical errors. Then they must probe their learners on the errors as it helps learners to overcome their errors as this study shows.
Parental involvement as a correlate of academic achievement of primary school pupils in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fajoju Samuel A. , Aluede Oyaziwo , Ojugo Augustine I.
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the relationship between parental involvement in children's education and the academic achievement of primary six pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was employed in this study. The sample consisted of 1895 primary six pupils (1024 males and 863 females drawn from 37,908 primary six pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. An instrument labeled (PIRS) was used to collect data from the sample. Data analysis indicated that parental involvement significantly influenced pupils' academic achievements in three core subjects, English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science, in primary school and that the higher the parental involvement, the higher the achievement of pupils in the three core subjects. Based on these findings, it was recommended that parents be more involved in the education of their children/wards and that parents monitor their children's school attendance. In addition, school counsellors and educational psychologists should employ diverse approaches to achieve greater parental involvement in their schools.
Condições atmosféricas e volumes de aplicação na dessecação de Urochloa ruziziensis e vegetação espontânea
Authors: Almeida Dieimisson Paulo , Timossi Paulo César , Lima Suzete Fernandes , Silva Uadson Ramos da , Reis Edésio Fialho dos
Published: August 2015

Na dessecação de cobertura vegetal é comum a ocorrência de falhas, resultante da deposição insuficiente de herbicidas. Dessa forma, torna-se importante conhecer os fatores que possam interferir na aplicação. Com o presente trabalho objetivou-se pesquisar a eficiência da pulverização de volumes de aplicação em diferentes condições atmosféricas. As aplicações foram realizadas ao longo do dia para dessecação de Urochloa ruziziensis e de vegetação espontânea para o estabelecimento de plantio direto. Foi adotado o delineamento de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições em esquema de parcelas subdivididas 2 x 4. As parcelas foram constituídas de volumes de aplicação (50 e 200 L ha-1); e as subparcelas por diferentes condições atmosféricas obtidas com a aplicação em horários distintos (4:30, 10:30, 16:30 e 22:30 horas) ao longo do dia. Na aplicação utilizou-se um pulverizador de pesquisa customizado pressurizado por CO2 com ponta de pulverização modelo TT 110015, gerando gotas médias. Utilizou-se o herbicida glyphosate na dose de 1,3 kg ea ha-1. Aos 5, 10, 15 e 20 dias após a aplicação do herbicida foram realizadas avaliações visuais da porcentagem de controle das coberturas vegetais. As condições atmosféricas (temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento e irradiância) encontradas nos horários de aplicação não exerceram influência na eficácia do herbicida no controle de U. ruziziensis em ambos os volumes de aplicação. A redução do volume de calda influência na eficácia de controle da vegetação espontânea em todas as condições atmosféricas em que o herbicida foi aplicado.
Controle químico de Talinum paniculatum em três estádios de desenvolvimento
Authors: Barbosa André Prechlak , Silva André Felipe Moreira , Albrecht Alfredo Júnior Paiola , Barroso Arthur Arrobas Martins , Victória Filho Ricardo , Albrecht Leandro Paiola , Garcia Victor Volante
Published: August 2015

Talinum paniculatum é uma espécie pertencente à família Portulacacea, conhecida popularmente como maria-gorda, planta daninha em culturas como a cana-de-açúcar, feijão comum, soja, milho e cenoura, além de áreas não agrícolas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se estudar a eficácia de herbicidas no controle de T. paniculatum, assim como seu efeito na massa fresca e seca destas plantas em três estádios de desenvolvimento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições, posicionados em três estádios: 4-6 folhas, 10-12 folhas e florescimento. Para avaliar a eficácia dos tratamentos aferiu-se a porcentagem de controle das plantas, além de sua massa fresca e seca. Houve maior controle para alguns tratamentos dentro das fases de desenvolvimento das plantas daninhas, com aplicação de isoxaflutole, diuron+hexazinone, ametryn e imazapic no primeiro estádio, glyphosate na dose de 2000 g e.a. ha-1, diuron+hexazinone e 2,4-D no segundo estádio e 2,4-D, glyphosate na dose de 2000 g e.a. ha-1 e amônio glufosinato no terceiro estádio. A massa fresca e seca das plantas daninhas foi afetada, seguindo o comportamento obtido para o controle. O uso de herbicidas se mostrou eficiente na minoria dos arranjos testados para o controle de T. paniculatum. O estádio de desenvolvimento da planta influencia a eficácia de controle dos tratamentos.
Rapid Ultrasound in Shock (RUSH) Velocity‐Time Integral
Authors: Blanco Pablo , Aguiar Francisco Miralles , Blaivas Michael
Published: August 2015

Ultrasound assessment of patients in shock is becoming the standard of care in emergency and critical care settings worldwide. One of the most common protocols used for this assessment is the rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) examination. The RUSH protocol is a rapid evaluation of cardiac function, key vascular structures, and likely sources of hypotension. Stroke volume is an established important value to assess in the setting of shock, allowing the provider to predict the patient's response to treatment. However, the calculation of stroke volume or its surrogates is not part of any protocol, including RUSH. We propose the addition of ultrasound calculation of stroke volume or surrogates to the RUSH protocol and provide support for its utility and relative ease of calculation. The resulting product would be the RUSH velocity‐time integral protocol.
Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography for Diagnosing Collateral Transformation of the Hepatic Artery After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lyu Su-Qin , Ren Jie , Zheng Rong-Qin , Meng Xiao-Chun , Huang Ming-Sheng , Wang Ping
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine the contrast‐enhanced sonographic features of hepatic artery collateral transformation in patients with hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation.

Methods

Ninety‐nine liver transplant recipients who underwent contrast‐enhanced sonography were recruited from April 2004 to May 2014. The reference standards were conventional angiography and computed tomographic angiography. The contrast‐enhanced sonographic features of the hepatic artery in patients with and without collateral arteries were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All 15 patients with hepatic artery collateral transformation had hepatic artery thrombosis (10 of 15) or hepatic artery stenosis (5 of 15). The collateral artery detection rate on contrast‐enhanced sonography was 100%. The peripheral hepatic artery could not be visualized by contrast‐enhanced sonography in most of the patients with hepatic artery collateral transformation (14 of 15). Additionally, many small tortuous collateral arteries in the porta hepatis region were visualized during the arterial and early portal phases, showing reticulated/patchy (15 of 15) and striped (3 of 15) enhancement patterns on contrast‐enhanced sonography.

Conclusions

Collateral transformation of the hepatic artery in patients with hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation appears to have characteristic features on contrast‐enhanced sonography, especially a reticulated or patchy enhancement pattern in the porta hepatis region during the arterial and early portal phases combined with the absence of the peripheral hepatic artery. Contrast‐enhanced sonography may be a novel method for diagnosing hepatic artery collateral transformation, which may be a highly specific sign of hepatic artery thrombosis or stenosis.
Evaluation of Tongue Cancer Using High‐Resolution Sonography
Authors: Dhoot Nilu Malpani , Hazarika Suman , Choudhury Binoy , Kataki Amal C. , Baruah Ranjan , Goswami Hridaynanda
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the role of sonography in assessing tongue cancer compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

A randomized prospective study was performed on 40 cases of tongue cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging and sonography of the tongue were performed, tumor spreading to particular sites was recorded in all cases. Sonographic and MRI findings were correlated with histopathologic findings in 18 operable cases. In 22 inoperable cases, sonography was compared only with MRI.

Results

In operable patients, sonography achieved sensitivity of 61.1%, whereas MRI achieved sensitivity of 94.4%. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The results for detection of individual site involvement on sonography and MRI were as follows: intrinsic muscles only, 0 and 6, respectively; tongue base, 5 and 5; genioglossus muscle, 34 and 34; mylohyoid muscle, 9 and 8; sublingual space, 12 and 14; sublingual neurovascular bundle, 12 and 12; submandibular gland, 3 and 3; spread across the lingual septum, 17 and 17; and alveolar involvement, 0 and 1. There was no significant difference (P> .05) between sonography and MRI in detecting involvement of the above‐mentioned sites except for cases with only intrinsic muscles and alveolar involvement. Tumors involving intrinsic tongue muscles only were not visualized on sonography. They all underwent surgery, resulting in reduced sensitivity of sonography in operable cases.

Conclusions

Even though small tumors were difficult to visualize, sonography can play an important role in assessment of tumor extension in large growths, especially when MRI is unavailable, contraindicated, or unaffordable, and for posttreatment follow‐up.
Cardiac Limited Ultrasound Examination Techniques to Augment the Bedside Cardiac Physical Examination
Authors: Kimura Bruce J. , Shaw David J. , Amundson Stan A. , Phan James N. , Blanchard Daniel G. , DeMaria Anthony N.
Published: August 2015

The current practice of physical diagnosis is dependent on physician skills and biases, inductive reasoning, and time efficiency. Although the clinical utility of echocardiography is well known, few data exist on how to integrate 2‐dimensional screening “quick‐look” ultrasound applications into a novel, modernized cardiac physical examination. We discuss the evidence basis behind ultrasound “signs” pertinent to the cardiovascular system and elemental in synthesis of bedside diagnoses and propose the application of a brief cardiac limited ultrasound examination based on these signs. An ultrasound‐augmented cardiac physical examination can be taught in traditional medical education and has the potential to improve bedside diagnosis and patient care.
Examination of Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness in the Thigh Site for Intramuscular Injection in Obese Individuals
Authors: Zaybak Ayten , İsmailoğlu Elif Günay , İsmailoğlu Eren
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the thickness of subcutaneous (SC) tissue in the dorsogluteal and thigh sites in obese adults and its suitability for intramuscular injection using a standard‐length needle.

Methods

The sample for this prospective study consisted of 54 obese adults who presented to the ultrasound unit of the radiology clinic of a university hospital in the province of İzmir, Turkey, between June 2012 and August 2013. The study received Institutional Review Board approval, and informed written consent was obtained from all participants. The thickness of the SC tissue in the dorsogluteal and thigh sites was measured by sonography. The sonographic measurements were performed by a radiology specialist.

Results

The mean thicknesses of the SC tissue were 61.70 ± 15.73 mm in the dorsogluteal site, 27.05 ± 8.52 mm in the rectus femoris site, and 23.23 ± 8.44 mm in vastus lateralis site. The SC tissue was thicker in the dorsogluteal than the thigh site (P < .001).

Conclusions

A standard needle used in intramuscular injections to the thigh site would be effective in reaching the muscle in the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis sites in all men and in 77.8% of women, although it is not usually adequate for gluteal injection.
Assessment of Substantial Liver Fibrosis by Real‐time Shear Wave Elastography in Methotrexate‐Treated Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kim Tae Yeob , Kim Ji Yeoun , Sohn Joo Hyun , Lee Hye-Soon , Bang So-Young , Kim Yongsoo , Kim Min Yeong , Jeong Woo Kyoung
Published: August 2015

Objectives

A concern about methotrexate (MTX)‐related liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unresolved. This study investigated the correlation between liver stiffness and the cumulative MTX dose and the risk factors associated with substantial liver fibrosis assessed by real‐time shear wave elastography (SWE), a recently introduced technique to evaluate liver stiffness in patients with RA.

Methods

Data from 185 patients with RA were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to cumulative MTX dose (group 1, total dose <1500 mg; group 2, 1500–4000 mg, and group 3, >4000 mg) and compared with healthy control participants. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate correlations between liver stiffness and other clinical and laboratory variables. Substantial liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness of greater than 8.6 kPa by SWE. Associated factors were tested in a multivariate logistic analysis.

Results

The mean liver stiffness value in healthy controls was significantly lower than in patients with RA treated with MTX (P< .006), but there was no significant difference among the MTX groups. Liver stiffness and the cumulative MTX dose was not correlated. Substantial liver fibrosis was detected only in 9 patients (4.9%). Multivariate analysis adjusted by age and sex revealed that only a high body mass index (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–2.39; P < .001) was associated with liver stiffness of greater than 8.6 kPa.

Conclusions

Substantial liver fibrosis on SWE was observed in about 5% of MTX‐treated patients with RA and was associated with only a high body mass index but not with the cumulative MTX dose, suggesting that other comorbidities might have a more important role in liver fibrosis.
Maximum Peak Systolic Velocity and Management of Highly Vascularized Retained Products of Conception
Authors: Van den Bosch Thierry , Van Schoubroeck Dominique , Timmerman Dirk
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate blood loss and procedure‐related complications during and after surgical removal of retained products of conception with high‐velocity enhanced myometrial vascularity.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 18 consecutive women with a diagnosis of retained products of conception and enhanced myometrial vascularity, with a peak systolic velocity (PSV) higher than 60 cm/s. All underwent ultrasound‐guided surgical removal of the retained products under general anesthesia. Blood loss during the procedure was collected and recorded. The removed tissue was sent for histologic examination. An ultrasound examination was repeated within 24 hours.

Results

Five patients had retained products of conception after a term delivery, 1 after a second‐trimester termination of pregnancy, 7 after a spontaneous first‐trimester miscarriage, and 5 after a first‐trimester termination elsewhere. The PSV in the area of enhanced myometrial vascularity at diagnosis ranged from 61.0 to 152.6 cm/s (mean, 104.9 cm/s). The estimated blood loss at surgery ranged from 20 to 1000 mL (mean, 200 mL). After surgery, the PSV in the myometrium dropped dramatically (≤30 cm/s in all but 1 case). In all cases, trophoblastic tissue was confirmed at histologic examination.

Conclusions

Although surgical removal of retained products of conception was uneventful in most cases, heavy bleeding has to be anticipated in cases of high‐velocity flow in the myometrium underlying residual trophoblastic tissue. Accordingly, in cases of high‐velocity enhanced myometrial vascularity, we advocate surgical removal of the residual tissue under ultrasound guidance by an experienced surgeon and in the presence of a fully informed anesthetist.