bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home and back again: Texts and contexts in Turkish immigrant theatre in France
Authors: Schneider Annedith
Published: March 2014

This article argues that the public space of theatre in an immigrant language can contribute to making immigrants and their offspring feel at home in the host country. In France, however, there is little public support for theatre in immigrant languages, since it is perceived as segregating immigrants from French cultural spaces and encouraging communautarisme, or the fragmentation of society along ethnic or religious lines, thus violating the spirit of equality inscribed in the constitution. Through interviews with the Turkish-French theatre group Kebab Show and analysis of their plays, this article argues that what anti-communautaristes see as theatre intended to segregate immigrant communities may instead contribute to making them at home in France. For older members of the community, native-language theatre provides a bridge between the country of origin and France. For their children and grandchildren born in France, this native-language theatre publicly acknowledges a part of themselves that is usually relegated to private home spaces. Filled with word play and humorous situations that require knowledge of both Turkish and French cultures, such theatre suggests the important role that native and bilingual theatre can play in the process of helping all the generations of an immigrant community feel at home.
Review
Authors: Zhou Mi
Published: March 2014

Fortress Europe: Dispatches from a Gated Continent, Matthew Carr (2012) London: Hurst & Company, 256 pp., ISBN 978-1849042536 (hbk), £15.00
¿Son diferentes los migrantes circulares? La integración, el bienestar y la intención de quedarse de los que migran por primera vez y de los migrantes circulares
Authors: Braun Michael
Published: March 2014

Con datos tomados del proyecto PIONEUR sobre la migración interna en la Unión Europea, definiremos (una forma débil) de migrantes circulares como el colectivo de aquellos migrantes que ya habían experimentado una estancia prolongada en el país de residencia (en lo sucesivo abreviado a PDR) antes de su traslado definitivo. A continuación, se ofrecerá una descripción de este colectivo junto con sus características sociodemográficas y se emplearán análisis de regresión (multinivel) para determinar si la migración circular explica las diferencias en algunas variables dependientes (como el dominio del idioma, el apego al PDR) que arrojan esos migrantes teniendo en cuenta las características sociodemográficas. De este modo, la migración circular estaría relacionada con un mayor contacto con la cultura del PDR y con una decisión consciente de regresar al país.
Efficient Direct-Drive Small-Scale Low-Speed Wind Turbine
Authors: Kishore Ravi Anant , Marin Anthony , Priya Shashank
Published: March 2014

There is growing need for the green, reliable, and cost-effective power solution for the expanding wireless microelectronic devices. In many scenarios, these needs can be met through a small-scale wind energy portable turbine (SWEPT) that operates near ground level where wind speed is of the order of few meters per second. SWEPT is a three-bladed, 40 cm rotor diameter, direct-drive, horizontal-axis wind turbine that has very low cut-in wind speed of 1.7 m/s. It operates in a wide range of wind speeds between 1.7 m/s and 10 m/s and produces rated power output of 1 W at wind speed of 4.0 m/s. The wind turbine is capable of producing electrical power up to 9.8 W at wind speed of 10 m/s. The maximum efficiency of SWEPT was found to be around 21% which makes it one of the most efficient wind turbines reported at the small scale and low wind speed. These advancements open many new opportunities for embedding and utilizing wireless and portable devices.
Application of Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Rotatable Design for Modeling and Optimization of Catalyst Compositions in Ethanol Synthesis via CO Hydrogenation
Authors: Li Fang , Ma Hongfang , Ying Weiyong
Published: March 2014

A statistical analysis about the effect of catalyst compositions on ethanol synthesis from CO hydrogenation was studied. The effect of Rh loading (0–3 wt.%), Fe loading (2–10 wt.%) and Mn loading (0.5–2.5 wt.%) of RhMnFe/γ-Al2O3 was studied through response surface methodology (RSM) combined with a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). A linear and a quadratic model were proposed to correlate the three variables to the two responses: CO conversion and ethanol selectivity. The predicted values for ethanol selectivity were in a good agreement with the experimental values, with R2 of 0.9779. The optimum conditions for achieving the maximum ethanol selectivity (27.8%) while limiting CO conversion at a moderate level (>20%) were as follows: Rh loading of 2.5 wt.%, Mn loading of 2.5 wt.% and Fe loading of 4 wt.%. Two representing catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR and DRIFTS.
Modeling Uncertainties in Power System by Generalized Lambda Distribution
Authors: Xiao Qing
Published: March 2014

This paper employs the generalized lambda distribution (GLD) to model random variables with various probability distributions in power system. In the context of the probability weighted moment (PWM), an optimization-free method is developed to assess the parameters of GLD. By equating the first four PWMs of GLD with those of the target random variable, a polynomial equation with one unknown is derived to solve for the parameters of GLD. When employing GLD to model correlated multivariate random variables, a method of accommodating the dependency is put forward. Finally, three examples are worked to demonstrate the proposed method.
The Oxidation of Rhenium and Identification of Rhenium Oxides During Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Ethylene: An In-Situ XPS Study
Authors: Greiner Mark T. , Rocha Tulio C. R. , Johnson Benjamin , Klyushin Alexander , Knop-Gericke Axel , Schlögl Robert
Published: March 2014

Rhenium is catalytically active for many valuable chemical reactions,
and consequently has been the subject of scientific investigation for
several decades. However, little is known about the chemical identity
of the species present on rhenium surfaces during catalytic reactions
because techniques for investigating catalyst surfaces in-situ – such
as near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) –
have only recently become available. In the current work, we present
an in-situ XPS study of rhenium catalysts. We examine the oxidized
rhenium species that form on a metallic rhenium foil in an oxidizing
atmosphere, a reducing atmosphere, and during a model catalytic
reaction (i.e. the partial-oxidation of ethylene).

We find that, in an oxidizing environment, a Re2O7 film
forms on the metal surface, with buried layers of sub-oxides that
contain Re4+, Re2+ and Re
δ+ (δ ∼ 1)
species at the Re2O7/Re interface. The Re2+ containing
sub-oxide is not a known bulk oxide, and is only known to exist on
rhenium-metal surfaces. The Re2O7 film sublimes at a very
low temperature (ca. 150 ℃), while the
Re4+, Re2+ and Re
δ+ species remain stable in
oxidizing conditions up to at least 450 ℃. In
a reducing atmosphere of H2, the Re2+ species remain on the
surface up to a temperature of 330 ℃, while
Re
δ+ species can be detected even at
550 ℃.

Under conditions for partial-oxidation of ethylene, we find that the
active rhenium catalyst surface contains no bulk-stable oxides, but
consists of mainly Re2+ species and small amounts of Re4+
species. When the catalyst is cooled and inactive, Re2O7 is
found to form on the surface. These results suggest that Re2+ and
Re4+ species may be active species in heterogeneous rhenium
catalysts.
Probing Phase Transitions with Supersonic Beams – A Joint Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Christen Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Pulsed, supersonic beams of propane have been investigated by
mass-resolved time-of-flight measurements as a function of source
pressure, covering sub- and supercritical expansion conditions. The
experimental observation of a pronounced change in the terminal flow
velocity is explained in terms of a thermodynamic model that is
capable of describing the expansion of gases, liquids, and
supercritical fluids; in particular, it allows the treatment of the
vapor-liquid phase boundary and the critical point. Its major
prediction is a distinct pressure dependence of the mean terminal flow
velocity that is caused by condensation both in the stagnation
reservoir and during the jet expansion. The agreement with
experimental data is excellent.
An Adaptive Network Fuzzy Inference System Approach for Site investigation
Authors: Jelušič Primož , Žlender Bojan
Published: March 2014

Site investigation has to be effective and must be carried out in a systematic way. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the number of investigation points, field tests, and laboratory tests for a description of a building site. Such an assessment depends on many parameters based on experiences which cannot be physically evaluated. The guidance on spacing is available from many sources, and such guidance provides a starting point for the extent of investigation. The recommendations were examined and used for building of the model to predict the optimal number of investigation points. Several parameters with the biggest influence on the number of investigation points were considered. The influence of each parameter was determined on the basis of recommendations and engineering judgment. Increments of the minimum number of investigation points for a different building site conditions were used to construct the model with adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The formed ANFIS-SI model was applied on reference cases. There is a good agreement between the model and the reference cases. Additionally, the recommendations for the type and frequency of tests in each stratum are provided to optimize the soil investigation. The ANFIS-SI model, with integrated recommendations, can be used as a systematic decision support tool for engineers to evaluate the number of investigation points for a description of the building site.
Unique Features of the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Megagenome Revealed Through Sequence Annotation
Authors: Wegrzyn Jill L , Liechty John D , Stevens Kristian A , Wu Le-Shin , Loopstra Carol A , Vasquez-Gross Hans A , Dougherty William M , Lin Brian Y , Zieve Jacob J , Martínez-García Pedro J , Holt Carson , Yandell Mark , Zimin Aleksey V , Yorke James A , Crepeau Marc W , Puiu Daniela , Salzberg Steven L , de Jong Pieter J , Mockaitis Keithanne , Main Doreen , Langley Charles H , Neale David B
Published: March 2014

The largest genus in the conifer family Pinaceae is Pinus, with over 100 species. The size and complexity of their genomes (∼20–40 Gb, 2n = 24) have delayed the arrival of a well-annotated reference sequence. In this study, we present the annotation of the first whole-genome shotgun assembly of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), which comprises 20.1 Gb of sequence. The MAKER-P annotation pipeline combined evidence-based alignments and ab initio predictions to generate 50,172 gene models, of which 15,653 are classified as high confidence. Clustering these gene models with 13 other plant species resulted in 20,646 gene families, of which 1554 are predicted to be unique to conifers. Among the conifer gene families, 159 are composed exclusively of loblolly pine members. The gene models for loblolly pine have the highest median and mean intron lengths of 24 fully sequenced plant genomes. Conifer genomes are full of repetitive DNA, with the most significant contributions from long-terminal-repeat retrotransposons. In depth analysis of the tandem and interspersed repetitive content yielded a combined estimate of 82%.
Electrical Property of Transparent TiO2:Nb / ZnO:Ga Layered Film
Authors: Ichiyanagi Seiji , Yamada Yasuji , Funaki Shuhei
Published: March 2014

Nb-doped TiO2 (TNO) films, Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films and TNO/GZO layered films were fabricated on glass substrates and electrical properties of TNO/GZO layered films were investigated in terms of interaction between TNO and GZO layers. By a thermal annealing in vacuum, the observed resistivity of the TNO/GZO layered films was lower than that of the single layered films fabricated and annealed at the same conditions. The resistivity reduction observed in the layered structure is not explained by the parallel connection of the TNO and GZO layers, indicating that there exists an interaction between these two layers. The TNO/GZO films with low resistivity have still been transparent.
Nursing care in childcare services: Acantose nigricans as a marker for metabolic risk
Authors: Vieira Caroline Evelin Nascimento Kluczynik , Mariz Larissa Soares , Medeiros Carla Campos Muniz , Enders Bertha Cruz , Coura Alexsandro Silva
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the association between the presence of Acantose nigricans and metabolic changes in overweight adolescents, so as to ascertain the relevance of the identification of this marker in the nursing consultation. METHOD: a cross-sectional study undertaken between April 2009 and April 2010 with 118 adolescents who were service users of the Center for Child Obesity in Campina Grande in the Brazilian State of Paraíba (PB). The presence of Acantose nigricans, and the subjects' anthropometric measurements, were investigated. The following exams were made: insulin, triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol, Glucose and the homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: there was association between the presence of Acantose nigricans and participants with insulin resistance (p=0.008), metabolic syndrome (p=0.031), elevated triglycerides (p=0.045) and altered HDL (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: the suggestion is supported that the detection/identification of Acantose nigricans may be used in the nursing consultation as a tool for identifying overweight adolescents with greater risk of metabolic changes.
Asessment of evaluation of transference support and training impact on the work of nurses
Authors: Bastos Lucelia Ferreira Lima , Ciampone Maria Helena Trench , Mira Vera Lúcia
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES: to assess the impact of the Training Course on Prevention and Treatment of PU, in width and depth; to observe and analyze the variables of transference support of training, offered by the organization and to verify the existence of the relationship between transference support and training impact. METHODS: this was a quantitative study, in which data were collected through the application of Likert-type instruments, conducted with 75 nurses participating in a training at a hospital organization in São Paulo city. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: there was a positive impact in width and depth, and the variables of transference support were strongly related to the impact, and situational factors of support were the main predictors of impact. CONCLUSION: the results pointed toward pathways to redirect the practice of instructional actions in the work environment of individuals in the study scenario and in similar situations that occur in organizations.
Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in individuals with HIV/ AIDS attended in a Brazilian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Reinato Lilian Andreia Fleck , Pio Daiana Patrícia Marchetti , Lopes Letícia Pimenta , Pereira Fernanda Maria Vieira , Lopes Ana Elisa Ricci , Gir Elucir
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the prevalence of nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in individuals with HIV/AIDS under inpatient treatment in a teaching hospital in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). METHOD: a cross-sectional study undertaken in two units specialized in attending people living with HIV/AIDS, in the period August 2011 - July 2012. Socio-demographic and clinical data was collected through individual interviews and from the medical records; samples of nasal secretion were collected with Stuart swabs on the first day of inpatient treatment. Ethical aspects were respected. RESULT: of the 229 individuals with HIV/AIDS hospitalized in this period, 169 participated in the study, with Staphylococcus aureus being identified in the culture tests of 46 (27.2%) of the individuals, resistance to oxacillin being evidenced in 10 (21.8%) participants. CONCLUSION: the results of the research indicate that the prevalence of colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in individuals with HIV/AIDS in the specialized units was considered relevant, possibly contributing to future investigations and, moreover, to the implementation of measures to prevent and control this pathogen in this population.
Physical Activity and Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Diabetic Adults From Great Britain: Pooled Analysis of 10 Population-Based Cohorts
Authors: Sadarangani Kabir P. , Hamer Mark , Mindell Jenny S. , Coombs Ngaire A. , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between specific types of physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a large nationally representative sample of adults with diabetes from Great Britain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

There were a total of 3,038 participants (675 deaths) with diabetes in the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Surveys conducted between 1997 and 2008. Participants aged ≥50 years at baseline were followed up for an average of 75.2 months for all-cause and CVD mortality. Data were collected on self-reported frequency, duration, and intensity of participation in sports and exercise, walking, and domestic physical activity, from which the number of MET-hours/week were derived. Sex-specific medians of time spent in each type of physical activity (for those physically active) were calculated, and Cox proportional hazards regression conducted to examine type-specific associations between the level of physical activity and all-cause and CVD mortality risk.

RESULTS

Inverse associations with all-cause and CVD mortality were observed for overall physical activity in a dose-response manner after adjusting for covariates. Compared with those who individuals were inactive, participants who reported some activity, but below the recommended amount, or who met the physical activity recommendations had a 26% (95% CI 39–11) and 35% (95% CI 47–21) lower all-cause mortality, respectively. Similar results were found for below/above median physical activity levels. Sports and exercise participation was inversely associated with all-cause (but not CVD) mortality, as were above average levels of walking. Domestic physical activity was not associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate physical activity levels were associated with better prognosis in diabetic adults.
Association Between Short Leukocyte Telomere Length, Endotoxemia, and Severe Periodontitis in People With Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Masi Stefano , Gkranias Nikolaos , Li KaWa , Salpea Klelia D. , Parkar Mohamed , Orlandi Marco , Suvan Jean E. , Eng Heng L. , Taddei Stefano , Patel Kalpesh , Darbar Ulpee , Donos Nikos , Deanfield John E. , Hurel Steve , Humphries Steve E. , D’Aiuto Francesco
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and diagnosis of periodontitis are associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality in diabetes. This study investigated the association between LTL, endotoxemia, and severity of periodontitis in a large cohort of people with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Six hundred thirty individuals (371 with type 2 and 259 with type 1 diabetes) were recruited from the University College Hospital in London, U.K. During a baseline visit, blood was collected for standard biochemical tests and DNA extraction, while a dental examination was performed to determine diagnosis and extent of periodontitis. LTL was measured by real-time PCR, and endotoxemia was assessed by the limulus amoebocyte lysate method.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-five individuals were diagnosed with gingivitis, 327 with periodontitis (114 with moderate and 213 with severe disease), and 48 with edentulous. Diagnosis of periodontitis was associated with shorter LTL (P = 0.04). A negative association between LTL and endotoxemia was found in the severe periodontitis and type 2 diabetes groups (P = 0.01 for both). Shorter LTL was associated with increased extent of periodontitis (P = 0.01) and increased insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment). Multiple adjustments for biochemical, anthropometric, and medication-use variables did not affect the results.

CONCLUSIONS

LTL is associated with endotoxemia and diagnosis of periodontitis in people with diabetes. LTL shortening might represent a novel biological pathway accounting for previous epidemiological data that documented higher prevalence of diabetes and its complications in people with periodontitis and vice versa.
Investigation of a Mycobacterium bovis outbreak in cattle at a Colorado dairy in 2010
Authors: Francisco Tolani I. , Orloski Kathleen A. , Roberts Nancy J.
Published: March 2014

Objective—To describe an epidemiological investigation of a bovine tuberculosis outbreak on a Colorado dairy operation.

Procedures—A cull dairy cow infected with Mycobacterium bovis (index cow) was detected at a Texas abattoir during routine slaughter surveillance and subsequent diagnostic testing. This initiated an epidemiological investigation that was performed in accordance with USDA regulations.

Results—The index cow was traced back to a Colorado dairy (index herd). Of the 908 cattle in the index herd, 101 (11.1%; 86 adult cattle > 2 years old and 15 immature cattle ≤ 2 years old) were infected with M bovis. Fourteen M bovis–infected cattle ≤ 2 years old were identified on 5 additional premises that had purchased cattle from the index herd directly or indirectly. All 115 affected cattle were infected with the same genetic type (spoligotype) of M bovis. A substantial proportion of cattle that left the index herd during the 5 years previous to the identification of the index cow were untraceable because of a lack of unique animal identification and inadequate records.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that neonatal calves can have an important role in the transmission of M bovis. Also, this report highlights the exigent need for unique individual identification of livestock, including neonatal animals, so that thorough epidemiological investigations of reportable (zoonotic or foreign animal) diseases can be conducted when necessary.
Effects of maropitant, acepromazine, and electroacupuncture on vomiting associated with administration of morphine in dogs
Authors: Koh Ronald B. , Isaza Natalie , Xie Huisheng , Cooke Kirsten , Robertson Sheilah A.
Published: March 2014

Objective—To evaluate effects of maropitant, acepromazine, and electroacupuncture on morphine-related signs of nausea and vomiting in dogs and assess sedative effects of the treatments.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—222 dogs.

Procedures—Dogs received 1 of 6 treatments: injection of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, maropitant citrate, or acepromazine maleate or electroacupuncture treatment at 1 acupoint, 5 acupoints, or a sham acupoint. Morphine was administered after 20 minutes of electroacupuncture treatment or 20 minutes after injectable treatment. Vomiting and retching events and signs of nausea and sedation were recorded.

Results—Incidence of vomiting and retching was significantly lower in the maropitant (14/37 [37.8%]) group than in the saline solution (28/37 [75.7%]) and sham-acupoint electroacupuncture (32/37 [86.5%]) groups. The number of vomiting and retching events in the maropitant (21), acepromazine (38), 1-acupoint (35), and 5-acupoint (34) groups was significantly lower than in the saline solution (88) and sham-acupoint electroacupuncture (109) groups. Incidence of signs of nausea was significantly lower in the acepromazine group (3/37 [8.1%]) than in the sham-acupoint group (15/37 [40.5%]). Mean nausea scores for the saline solution, maropitant, and sham-acupoint electroacupuncture groups increased significantly after morphine administration, whereas those for the acepromazine, 1-acupoint electroacupuncture, and 5-acupoint electroacupuncture groups did not. Mean sedation scores after morphine administration were significantly higher in dogs that received acepromazine than in dogs that received saline solution, maropitant, and sham-acupoint electroacupuncture treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Maropitant treatment was associated with a lower incidence of vomiting and retching, compared with control treatments, and acepromazine and electroacupuncture appeared to prevent an increase in severity of nausea following morphine administration in dogs.
Awareness, perceived relevance, and acceptance of large animal hospital surveillance and infection control practices by referring veterinarians and clients
Authors: Ekiri Abel B. , House Amanda M. , Krueger Traci M. , Hernandez Jorge A.
Published: March 2014

Objective—To assess awareness, perceived relevance, and acceptance of surveillance and infection control practices at a large animal referral hospital among referring veterinarians and clients who sent horses to the facility for veterinary care.

Design—Survey.

Sample—57 referring veterinarians and 594 clients.

Procedures—A 15-question survey targeting Salmonella enterica as an important pathogen of interest in horses was sent to clients who sent ≥ 1 horse to the University of Florida Large Animal Hospital for veterinary care during July 1, 2007, through July 1, 2011, and to veterinarians who had referred horses to the same hospital prior to July 1, 2011. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. The χ2 test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to examine associations among variables of interest.

Results—Survey response rates were low (57/467 [12%] for veterinarians and 594/3,095 [19%] for clients). Significantly more (35/56 [63%]) veterinarians than clients (227/585 [39%]) were aware that the hospital operates a surveillance and infection control program. Most veterinarians (56/57 [98%]) and clients (554/574 [97%]) indicated that sampling and testing of horses to detect Salmonella shedding in feces at admission and during hospitalization was justified. In addition, on a scale of 1 (not important) to 10 (very important), veterinarians and clients indicated it was very important (median score, 10 [interquartile range, 8 to 10] for both groups) that a referral hospital operates a surveillance and infection control program.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Survey results indicated that awareness of hospital surveillance and infection control practices was higher among veterinarians than clients, and these practices were considered relevant and well-accepted among participant veterinarians and clients.
Diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric volvulus in a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
Authors: Knafo S. Emmanuelle , Rosenblatt Alana J. , Morrisey James K. , Flanders James A. , Thompson Margret S. , Knapp-Hoch Heather M.
Published: March 2014

Case Description—An 8-year-old male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) was evaluated with a 2-week history of vomiting and anorexia. Four days prior, the patient became refractory to medical management. The kangaroo was admitted for diagnostic testing and treatment including whole body CT, blood work, and emergency laparotomy.

Clinical Findings—CT findings of a severely enlarged stomach, splenic displacement, and a whirl sign were indicative of mesenteric volvulus with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Contrast enhancement of abdominal viscera suggested intact arterial blood supply; however, compression of the caudal vena cava and portal vein indicated venous obstruction. Results of preoperative blood work suggested biliary stasis without evidence of inflammation. Additionally, a tooth root abscess was diagnosed on the basis of results of CT.

Treatment and Outcome—Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of mesenteric volvulus and GDV. The volvuli were corrected by clockwise derotation, and a gastropexy was performed. Tissue samples were obtained from the spleen and liver for evaluation. The kangaroo recovered from surgery, and the abscessed tooth was extracted 6 days later. Eight days after initial evaluation, the kangaroo was discharged.

Clinical Relevance—In the present report, the CT whirl sign was used to diagnose volvulus of the abdominal viscera, which suggests that this diagnostic indicator has utility in veterinary patients. Mesenteric volvulus with GDV was successfully treated in a nondomestic species. The tooth root abscess, a common condition in macropods, may explain the historic episodes of anorexia reported by the owner and may have contributed to the development of mesenteric volvulus and GDV in this kangaroo.
Using Educative Curriculum Materials to Support the Development of Prospective Teachers’ Knowledge
Authors: Drake Corey , Land Tonia J. , Tyminski Andrew M.
Published: March 2014

Building on the work of Ball and Cohen and that of Davis and Krajcik, as well as more recent research related to teacher learning from and about curriculum materials, we seek to answer the question, How can prospective teachers (PTs) learn to read and use educative curriculum materials in ways that support them in acquiring the knowledge needed for teaching? We present two extended conceptual examples of ways in which educative curriculum materials might be used to support PTs in developing the knowledge needed for teaching. We follow these examples with a set of empirically based design principles and conclude with a brief consideration of unanswered questions related to the use of educative curriculum materials in teacher education.
Protecting Divorced Muslim Women's Rights through Maintenance: A Comparative Analysis based on the Present Legislative Reforms among the Muslim Community
Authors: Aktar Sharmin
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v3i0.18393 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.III 2012; p.23-48
Influence of soil conservation techniques on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Terai region of West Bengal
Authors: De B , Bandyopadhyay S
Published: March 2014

The climate of the terai region of West Bengal, India in general, is subtropical par humid to tropical with light textured acid soil with the problems like low moisture retention, low water use efficiency, leaching of bases, soil erosion, limited availability of multiple plant nutrients and restricted activity of beneficial soil micro-organisms. To combat these soil health related problems and to improve the overall productivity of North Bengal, a comparison between the conventional and conservation tillage was taken up and the immediate results were measured in terms of growth, yield attributes and yield. In the first two years of experimentation, though different growth attributes, grain yield, stover yield, and different yield attributing characters such as kernel rows cob-1, number of kernels row-1, 100 seed weight (g), number of seeds cob-1, girth of cob, length of cob and number of effective cob plant-1 were higher in conventional tillage as compared to conservation tillage but in terms of soil heath characteristics, conservation tillage had a meaningful remark from the initial years towards the future food security. Mulching @ 4 t ha-1 was found to have performed better than unmulched treatments. Application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer + Vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 resulted in better growth and yield attributes which directly influenced to have higher grain and stover yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18390 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 133-147 (2013)
Increasing the Discriminatory Power of DEA Using Shannon’s Entropy
Authors: Xie Qiwei , Dai Qianzhi , Li Yongjun , Jiang An
Published: March 2014

In many data envelopment analysis (DEA) applications, the analyst always confronts the difficulty that the selected data set is not suitable to apply traditional DEA models for their poor discrimination. This paper presents an approach using Shannon’s entropy to improve the discrimination of traditional DEA models. In this approach, DEA efficiencies are first calculated for all possible variable subsets and analyzed using Shannon’s entropy theory to calculate the degree of the importance of each subset in the performance measurement, then we combine the obtained efficiencies and the degrees of importance to generate a comprehensive efficiency score (CES), which can observably improve the discrimination of traditional DEA models. Finally, the proposed approach has been applied to some data sets from the prior DEA literature.
Exogenous Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Pathogenesis of Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Gastric Lesions: Interaction with Protective Nitric Oxide (NO) and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)
Authors: Magierowski Marcin , Jasnos Katarzyna , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Surmiak Marcin , Krzysiek-Maczka Gracjana , Ptak-Belowska Agata , Kwiecien Slawomir , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: March 2014

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor and pro-inflammatory factor. We investigated the role of ADMA in rat gastric mucosa compromised through 30 min of gastric ischemia (I) and 3 h of reperfusion (R). These I/R animals were pretreated with ADMA with or without the combination of l-arginine, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or a small dose of capsaicin, all of which are known to afford protection against gastric lesions, or with a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, GW 4064, to increase the metabolism of ADMA. In the second series, ADMA was administered to capsaicin-denervated rats. The area of gastric damage was measured with planimetry, gastric blood flow (GBF) was determined by H2-gas clearance, and plasma ADMA and CGRP levels were determined using ELISA and RIA. ADMA significantly increased I/R-induced gastric injury while significantly decreasing GBF, the luminal NO content, and the plasma level of CGRP. This effect of ADMA was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with CGRP, l-arginine, capsaicin, or a PGE2 analogue. In GW4064 pretreated animals, the I/R injury was significantly reduced and this effect was abolished by co-treatment with ADMA. I/R damage potentiated by ADMA was exacerbated in capsaicin-denervated animals with a further reduction of CGRP. Plasma levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased while malonylodialdehyde (MDA) and plasma TNF-α contents were significantly increased by ADMA. In conclusion, ADMA aggravates I/R-induced gastric lesions due to a decrease of GBF, which is mediated by a fall in NO and CGRP release, and the enhancement of lipid peroxidation and its pro-inflammatory properties.
The Impacts of Obesity and Metabolic Abnormality on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children from an Inland Chinese City
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yue , Zhang Xiang-Hua , Yao Chao , Zhu Hong-Hui , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2014

The Chinese inland, where low child obesity and overweight rates were reported in earlier studies, has recently experienced rapid economy changes. This may impact children’s health. In the present study, we investigated the obesity rate, metabolic health status, and their impacts on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among children from Yueyang, an inland city of China. We found that the obesity rate was about 5% for both 7- and 11-year olds. Overweightness rates were 9.5% and 11.5% for the 7- and 11-year olds, respectively. Clinical and laboratory examinations revealed significant differences among different weight groups in the 11-year old volunteers, which were absent in the 7-year olds. Further statistical analysis showed that: age, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride level, and metabolic abnormality were positively correlated to carotid IMT; triglyceride level, obesity, male, and the number of metabolic abnormalities were independent risk factors for NAFLD in these children. Our study suggests that: childhood overweightness and obesity are now epidemic in Yueyang, which have contributed to increased carotid IMT and may also increased NAFLD incidents; and serum triglyceride level is a critical factor in the development of childhood NAFLD. Thus, childhood metabolic health warrants further vigorous research in the inland of China.
Design Issues and in Field Tests of the New Sustainable Tractor LOCOSTRA
Authors: Cepolina Emanuela , Przybyłko Michał , Polentes Giovanni , Zoppi Matteo
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a robotized small tractor designed to perform humanitarian demining operations and agricultural operations when demining is accomplished. This dual use makes this system unique. The focus is on the design of the machine, including the modeling for design and control, the characteristics of the tools operated by the machine, the motion control at tele-operated, and semi-autonomous levels. The mechatronic design process applied uses sustainable design strategies. Technical contributions are in the tractor architecture, designed to make automation easier, and in the control functions implemented on this architecture. Extensive field tests were performed in different sites; first, in Italy, focusing on the agricultural application of the machine, in natural scenarios with different ground and vegetation; then, in two real mine fields in Jordan focusing on the performance for technical survey in humanitarian demining. The tests have confirmed the performance for both task categories (agricultural and demining), confirming the correctness of the statement. For the demining application, the machine has been assessed by professional users confirming the acceptance to field use and the novelty of the concept.
The Current Dilemma and Future Path of China’s Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xingping , Rao Rao , Xie Jian , Liang Yanni
Published: March 2014

China had set an ambitious development target of electric vehicles (EVs) to mitigate the environmental pollution. However, the actual situation of EVs far lagged behind the goals. This paper analyzes the elements impeding EVs’ development, which are identified into four contributors, including deficient EV subsidy policies, embarrassed EV market, local protectionism, and unmatched charging infrastructure. Based on the actual situation of China, this paper discusses corresponding policy suggestions and explores the alternative roadmap of EVs. In the initial development stage of EVs, it is important to select the appropriate charging mode for EVs according to different characteristics across users. Moreover, the development of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) may open the EV market faster than battery electric vehicle (BEV). In addition, the low-speed EVs may be a good choice for the rural market and should be well developed. With the promotion of EVs, China central and local governments should make rational policies to promote EVs’ development, which is the crucial force to drive the uptake of EVs.
Critical Path Stability Region
Authors: Arsham Hossein , Adlakha Veena
Published: March 2014

Models transform the managerial inputs into useful information for managerial decision. The Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is the most widely used model for project management. However, it requires three estimates for the duration of each activity as its input. This uncertainty in the input requirement makes the Critical Path (CP) unstable, causing major difficulties for the manager. A linear programming formulation of the project network is proposed in this chapter for determining a CP based on making one estimate for the duration of each activity. Upon finding the CP, Sensitivity Analysis (SA) of Data Perturbation (DP) is performed using the constraints of the dual problem. This largest DP set of uncertainties provides the manager with a tool to deal with the simultaneous, independent, or dependent changes of the input estimates that preserves the current CP. The application of DP results to enhance the traditional approach to PERT is presented. The proposed procedure is easy to understand, easy to implement, and provides useful information for the manager. A numerical example illustrates the process.
Control Mechanism of Identity Theft and Its Integrative Impact on Consumers' Purchase Intention in E-Commerce
Authors: Shareef Mahmud A. , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: March 2014

There are many collection and application sources of identity theft. The Internet is one of the vulnerable medias for identity theft and is used, especially, as an application source of identity theft. This current chapter has twofold objectives. As the first objective, it develops a conceptual framework to prevent/control identity theft of E-Commerce (EC) in conjunction with different sources if identity theft. From this framework and shedding light on the recent literature of sources of identity theft, the authors identify global laws, controls placed on organizations, publications to develop awareness, technical management, managerial policy, risk management tools, data management, and control over employees are the potential measuring items to prevent identity theft in EC. All EC organizations are struggling to control identity theft. This chapter argues that control mechanism of identity theft has both positive and negative impact on EC. This chapter sets its second objective to explore the integrative effect of overall identity theft control mechanism on consumer trust, the cost of products/services, and operational performance, all of which in turn contribute to a purchase intention using E-Commerce (EC). A case study in banking sector through a qualitative approach was conducted to verify the proposed relations, constructs, and measuring items.
A Model to Build an Intercultural Professional Learning Community in a Latin American Higher Education Network
Authors: Ellerani Piergiuseppe
Published: March 2014

This chapter concerns the research project carried out in a confederation of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in seven Latin American countries. Considering the intercultural background of IHE, the universities defined a new profile of their teachers and other human resources by setting up a new model of teaching and learning based on a “learning process” and shifting the paradigm of learning to “centered teaching.” In this chapter, three characteristics of this process are presented: the first one refers to the profile built as the “product” of an Intercultural Community of Thought; the second one refers to a participatory process, called “the value cycle,” as a working model that allows one to co-construct profiles of university teachers, administrative staff, and human resources staff; the third one presents the tools and the technologies using both of them (Personal and Social Virtual Learning Environment based on Web 2.0, the Human Resource Management Tool, Video-Research, E-Portfolio). The project, carried out through action-research, defines a shared idea of the quality of teaching, a research based and supported by tools, that allows teacher self-assessment as well as the possibility to monitor the quality of universities and to develop plans for continuous improvements by building a community of learning. Qualitative and quantitative studies' data are given.
A Sociocultural Approach to Developing Online Drill and Practice TOEIC Preparation Materials for EFL Programs
Authors: Farouck Ibrahim
Published: March 2014

A challenging task for EFL programs at Japanese universities is how to select appropriate TOEIC preparation materials for students. The materials selected must be capable of aiding students in developing English skills that will enable them to compete and participate in the global economy more effectively after graduation. Students' academic and social background knowledge have been shown to improve content relevance and learning. However, many commercial drill-and-practice TOEIC preparation materials that are available on the market do not adequately incorporate such background knowledge. This chapter shows how a team of faculty members worked as a community of practice to provide in-house TOEIC preparation materials that also incorporated students' essential background knowledge. An operational test with more than 1400 first year students was conducted, and the results showed that their TOEIC scores statistically outperformed the scores of other students who only had access to commercial TOEIC preparation materials.
E-Learning Tools Applied in Teaching English at the University Level
Authors: Medárová Valéria
Published: March 2014

The chapter gives an overview of the current literature on e-learning goals and theoretical background of design of e-learning courses. Conditions of successful implementation of e-learning include technical, organizational, pedagogical, and psychological conditions. The chapter explains terms such as computer-assisted language learning and digital literacy. The author clarifies some issues related to efficient e-learning course delivery, including the learner and teacher perception. A practical example of an online Business English course in the Moodle system at the university level is analyzed. Student and instructor feedback provides insight into problems and obstacles in learning languages in the online mode. The chapter offers recommendations for online course design and lists issues that need special attention and that will be addressed in future research.
Blended Learning at Ajman University of Science and Technology
Authors: Ankit Ahmed , Nachouki Mirna , Abou Naaj Mahmoud
Published: March 2014

Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the development of technology-based learning and teaching. Professors have become more pragmatic in their approach to technology-based media by using it to supplement or to replace traditional face-to-face teaching. Blended learning, which combines both electronic and face-to-face interaction, has gained more ground as midway between distance and face-to-face teaching approaches. Thus, opportunities for both educators and learners have been created. The teaching and learning approach adopted at Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) combines an equal balance of traditional face-to-face and videoconference learning, complemented with the use of a learning management system (Moodle). Student and instructor satisfaction is considered the most important factor in measuring the quality of blended learning. The purpose of this chapter is, therefore, to examine student and instructor satisfaction of blended learning at AUST. The chapter demonstrates that the majority of students and instructors hold positive views but are still attached to the traditional face-to-face learning and teaching. They also show that the level of satisfaction may depend on individual experience as well as on the major studied/taught.
Applying a Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Framework in Ethiopian English Language Teacher Education
Authors: Abera Berhanu
Published: March 2014

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) has emerged as a useful frame for instructional technology-enhanced education. This chapter addresses the existing literature on technological pedagogical content knowledge framework and of teacher education in Ethiopia in general and English language teacher education in particular. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, interviews, classroom observations, and documents. The results revealed that the existing literature failed to demonstrate the application of TPACK in English language teacher education in the country. The technological pedagogical content knowledge of classroom English language teachers was also found to be low. Classroom teachers applied their pedagogical content knowledge while teaching English language through televised instruction like the conventional instruction. They were seldom observed applying their technological pedagogical content knowledge. Finally, based on the results and the conceptual framework of TPACK, implications for the Ethiopian secondary school teacher preparation programs are outlined and further studies are suggested.