bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of automated solid-phase microextraction to determine haloacetonitriles, haloketones, and chloropicrin in Canadian drinking water
Authors: Kermani Farhad Riazi , Tugulea Anca-Maria , Hnatiw Joan , Niri Vadoud H. , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: February 2013

An automated headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method was developed to monitor the occurrence of selected haloacetonitriles (HANs), haloketones (HKs), and chloropicrin (CP) in drinking water supplies. The method was rapid with analysis time of 30 min, including extraction and chromatographic run. Chemical ionization (CI) was used to increase the sensitivity of the method for the HKs. SPME fibers with seven different coatings including commercial polyacrylate (PA), carbowax/divinylbenzene (CW/DVB), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB), carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS), divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS), and a novel custom-made polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene-N-vinylpyrrolidone (PDMS/DVB-NVP) were evaluated. The DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber was found more suitable for the range of the analytes and the novel PDMS/DVB-NVP fiber more efficient for the brominated acetonitriles under the experimental conditions. Method detection limits (MDLs) for the chlorinated acetonitriles and CP varied between 2 and 40 ng/L and for the brominated acetonitriles and HKs between 100 and 180 ng/L. Relative standard deviations (RSD %) of measurements were 4–7%. The method was applied in parallel with a liquid–liquid extraction gas chromatography electron capture detection (LLE-GC-ECD) method (EPA Method 551.1) to the analysis of drinking water samples from eight Canadian water treatment and distribution systems. The results generated by the two methods showed good agreement.
Analysis of the importance of drug packaging quality for end users and pharmaceutical industry as a part of the quality management system
Authors: Loncar Irma , Cvijanovic Janko
Published: February 2013

In this study, we collected and analyzed information on the importance of
drug packaging quality to end users and pharmaceutical industry, as an
indicator of the process of traceability and originality of drugs. Two
surveys were conducted: one among the end users of drugs (252 patients) and
the other among professionals working in seven pharmaceutical companies in
Serbia. For most end users (82.5%) quality on the packaging of drugs was
important, but only 41.8% of them thought that the appearance of the
packaging could be an indicator of genuinity of drugs. The existence of the
control marks (KM) on drug packaging was not of great importance, since most
of them (86.9%) know, its function, but majority (60.2%) would nevertheless
decide to buy the drug without KM. Regarding the experts from the
pharmaceutical industry, more then two-thirds of them (68.4%) believed that
the existence of KM did not contribute to efficient operations. Although a
great number of pharmaceutical industry professionals (84.2%) answered that
the introduction of GS1 DataMatrix system would allow for complete
traceability of the drug from the manufacturer to the end user, only 22.2% of
them introduced this system to their products. This study also showed that
domestic producers did not have a great interest for additional protection
(special inks, holograms, special graphics, smart multicolor design,
watermark, chemically labeled paper and cardboard etc..) on their products,
given that only 15.8 % of them had some kind of additional protection against
counterfeiting. Monitoring drug traceability from a manufacturer to end user
is achieved by many complex activities regulated by law. A high percentage of
responders said they were satisfied with the functionality of traceability
systems used in their companies. As a way to increase the quality of drug
packaging and business performance most responders saw in the continuous
improvement of the system of traceability within the company's overall
quality management system. For them, a big financial investment in the
complete traceability chain was not feasible because of the inability to
achieve competitive prices in the market. Since only three of surveyed
companies were part of international chains, these findings open the path for
new research that would include more multinational drug manufacturers from
the region, in order to fully comprehend the importance of investing in the
drug chain traceability and protection against counterfeiting, as a part of
total quality management process in the pharmaceutical industry.
Dose non-linearity of the dosimetry system and possible monitor unit errors on medical linear accelerators used in conventional and intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Muhammad Wazir , Hoon Lee , Alam Khan , Maqbool Muhammad , Khan Gulzar
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this work is to study dose non-linearity in medical linear
accelerators used in conventional radiotherapy and intensity-modulated
radiation therapy. Open fields, as well as the enhanced dynamic wedge ones,
were used to collect data for 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams obtained from the
VARIAN linear accelerator. Beam stability was checked and confirmed for
different dose rates, energies, and application of enhanced dynamic wedge by
calculating the charge per monitor unit. Monitor unit error was calculated by
the two-exposure method for open and enhanced dynamic wedge beams of 6 MV and
15 MV photons. A significant monitor unit error with maximum values of
?2.05931 monitor unit and ?2.44787 monitor unit for open and enhanced dynamic
wedge beams, respectively, both energy and dose rate dependent, was observed
both in the open photon beam and enhanced dynamic wedge fields. However, it
exhibited certain irregular patterns at enhanced dynamic wedge angles. Dose
monitor unit error exists only because of the overshoot phenomena and
electronic delay in dose coincident and integrated circuits with a dependency
on the dose rate and photon energy. Monitor unit errors are independent of
the application of enhanced dynamic wedge. The existence of monitor unit
error demands that the dose non-linearity of the linear accelerator dosimetry
system be periodically tested, so as to avoid significant dosimetric errors.
Diameter discrepancy and treatment accuracy in external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Moghaddam Ghanbar , Vahabi-Moghaddam Masoud
Published: February 2013

One of the most problematic elements of radiation therapy is the
determination of contour data or treatment depth which may vary due to
various parameters. The provision of this data is crucial for treatment
calculations and setup. The present study is devoted to the assessment of
discrepancies between the water equivalent (effective) diameter and patient
diameter of the dose delivered to the target. Combined entrance and exit dose
measurements were carried out on patients treated for thorax, abdomen, and
pelvic cancers by 60Co gamma rays, using silicon diodes. The effective
diameter and target dose were evaluated on the basis of dose transmission
data. Our study reveals that the most influential parameter leading to
discrepancies in target dose delivery is the difference between effective
depth and patient depth. A difference of more than 5% in the target dose is
bound to happen when the difference between the effective and contour
diameters is greater than 10%. Therefore, using the effective diameter for
treatment calculations provides a more realistic value of the target dose,
since it incorporates the impact of all contributing factors.
Radioactive contamination of food chain around coal mine and coal-fired power stations
Authors: Vitorovic Gordana , Mitrovic Branislava , Andric Velibor , Stojanovic Mirjana , Lazarevic-Macanovic Mirjana , Vitorovic Dusko
Published: February 2013

The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the coal mine in
Lazarevac, and the coal-fired power stations in Obrenovac, on the activity
concentrations of radionuclides 40K, 238U, 232Th, and 137Cs in some parts of
human food chain of people living in the surrounding area. The obtained
results showed that natural environment around the examined coal mine and the
coal-fired power stations are not significantly affected by the emission of
primordial radionuclides. The activity concentrations of 238U in the soil
around the open coal mine and the coal processing installations (66.4-76.0
Bq/kg) and in the soil around the coal-fired power stations (55.5-61.2 Bq/kg)
were not significantly higher than the average values in Serbia. The
significant increase in the activity concentrations of natural radioisotopes
in the samples of soil, vegetation, and animal products, was not confirmed.
Food of animal origin used in human consumption is safe, i. e. not
contaminated by radiation.
Complementary measurements of radon concentration in water sources and natural exposure in dwellings in the vicinity of the Ramsar HLNRA, Iran
Authors: Amirzadi Mehrdad , Hosseini Pooya , Taheri Mehran , Babakhani Asad
Published: February 2013

Tonekabon is a big city in the vicinity of the high level natural radiation
area of Ramsar, Iran. Natural exposure due to gamma and radon concentration
in 100 dwellings in the city has been measured using a thermoluminescent
dosimeter and a radon diffusion chamber, respectively, over four seasons.
Using active and passive methods (i. e. ZnS scintillation detectors and
homemade radon diffusion chambers), the concentration of dissolved radon in
water sources has been measured in both cities and frequency distributions of
doses studied for radon measurements. Results show a daily average gamma
dose of 4.2 ? 0.8 ?Sv and an average radon concentration in air of 232.5 ?
187 Bq/m3 in dwellings. Frequency distributions show that 85% of the
dwellings have an average radon concentration of 100 to 300 Bq/m3 per year
and that 80% have a maximum seasonal radon concentration of up to 400 Bq/m3.
The maximum concentrations of dissolved radon in water in Ramsar and
Tonekabon have been measured as 198 ? 30 and 109 ? 16 BqL-1, respectively.
A preview of the efficiency of systemic family therapy in treatment of children with posttraumatic stress disorder developed after car accident
Authors: Stankovic Miodrag , Grbesa Grozdanko , Kostic Jelena , Simonovic Maja , Milenkovic Tatjana , Visnjic Aleksandar
Published: February 2013

Background/Aim. Traumatic stress refers to physical and emotional reactions
caused by events which represent a life threat or a disturbance of physical
and phychological integrity of a child, as well as their parents or
gaerdians. Car accidents are the main cause of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) in children. The aim of this study was to preview clinical efficiency
of systemic family therapy (SFT) as therapy intervention in treatment of
children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) traumatized in car
accident under identical circumstances of exposure. We pointed out the
importance of specific family factors (family cohesion and adaptability,
emotional reaction of the parents) on PTSD clinical outcome. Methods. The
sample of this clinical observational study included 7-sixth grade pupiles -
5 boys and 2 girls, aged 13. All of the pupils were involved in car accident
with one death. Two groups were formed - one group included three children
who were involved in 8 SFT sessions together with their families. The second
group included 4 children who received an antidepressant sertraline in the
period of three months. Results. Two months after the car accident, before
the beginning of the therapy, all of the children were the members of rigidly
enmeshed family systems, considering the high average cohesion scores and the
low average adaptability scores on the FACES III. Three months after the
received therapy, having evaluated the results of the therapeutic approaches,
we established that the adaptability scores of the families included in the
SFT were higher than the scores of the families of the children who received
pharmacotherapy with one boy still meeting the criteria for PTSD. Conclusion.
Systemic family therapy was efficient in the treatment of children with PTSD,
traumatized in car accident. Therapy efficiency was higher when both parents
and children were included in SFT than in the case when they were not
included in the family therapy. The change in the functioning of the family
systems was not accidental or simply time-dependant, but it depended on the
therapy which was applied and the increased level of family adaptability as
the main risk factor of retraumatization.
Comparative analysis of autodermal graft and polypropylene mesh use in large incisional hernia defects reconstruction
Authors: Stojiljkovic Danilo , Kovacevic Predrag , Visnjic Milan , Jankovic Irena , Stevanovic Goran , Stojiljkovic Predrag , Stojiljkovic Marija , Trenkic Milan , Golubovic Zoran , Ignjatovic Nebojsa , Dimitrijevic Zorica , Kovacevic Tatjana , Stosic Biljana , Bagur Natasa
Published: February 2013

Background. Large defects of the abdominal wall caused by incisional hernia
still represent a challenging problem in plastic, reconstructive, and
abdominal surgery. For their successful tension-free repair a proper
selection of reconstructive material is essential. In the last decades, the
use of synthetic meshes was dominant while biological autodermal grafts were
rarely used. The aim of the study was to comparatively analyse efficacy and
safety of autodermal graft and polypropylene mesh in surgical treatment of
large abdominal wall defects. Methods. This prospective comparative clinical
study enroled 40 patients surgically treated for large incisional hernia
repair in a 10-year period. The patients were divided into two equal groups
consisting of 20 subjects and treated either by biological autodermal graft
or by synthetic polypropylene mesh. The surgical techniques of
reconstruction, duration of surgery, the occurrence of early, minor, and
major (severe) and delyed complications and hospital stay were analyzed. The
average follow-up took 2 years. Results. Statistically significant
differences in demographic characteristics of patients and in size of defects
were not found. The surgical technique of reconstruction with an autodermal
graft was more complicated. The duration of surgery in patients treated with
autodermal grafts was significantly longer. There was no statistically
significant difference regarding occurrence of early, minor postoperative
complications and hospital stay in our study. Two severe complications were
registered in the synthetic mesh group: intestinal obstruction and
enterocutaneous fistula. The recurrence rate was 10% in the autodermal graft
group and 15% in the group with a synthetic mesh. Conclusion. Tension-free
repair of large incisional hernia with autodermal grafts was unjustly
neglected despite the fact that it is safe and effective. It can be applied
in all cases where synthetic mesh are not indicated (presence of infection,
immunodeficient patients, after radiotherapy). They are especially important
in war surgery and in lack of funds when commercial grafts cannot be
purchased.
Frequency of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic campylobacter strains from humans, poultry and pigs
Authors: Tambur Zoran , Miljkovic-Selimovic Biljana , Radakovic Sonja , Kulisic Zoran , Markovic Miroslav
Published: February 2013

nema
Orthodontic-surgical treatment of the skeletal class III malocclusion: A case report
Authors: Stojanovic Ljiljana , Mileusnic Ivan , Mileusnic Budimir , Cutovic Tatjana
Published: February 2013

Background. Class III malocclusions are considered to be ones of the most
difficult problems to treat. Their causes are multifactorial and include
genetic and/or environmental factors. Class III malocclusions are generally
classified into 2 categories: skeletal and dental. The diagnosis is important
due to the different treatment approaches. Generally a dental class III can
be treated with orthodontics alone, while a true skeletal class III requires
a combination of orthodontics and surgery. Case report. We presented a female
patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion. The treatment was complete with
positive overbite and acceptable occlusion using a combination of fixed
orthodontic appliance treatment as well as the surgical operation. The
patient was happy with her new appearance and function. Conclusion. Class III
discrepancy should be diagnosed and classified according to its etiology and
treated with appropriate surgery, including, if necessary, not only
mandibular, but also maxillary surgery, in order to achieve a normal facial
appearance. In any case, as the field of orthodontics continues to develop
technologically and philosophically, we can expect that advances in diagnosis
and treatment planning are imminent and inevitable.
Electorate redistricting for a single-member district plurality, two-ballot voting system: Taiwan’s electoral reform
Authors: Lin Pei-Chun , Cheng Chiu
Published: February 2013

In this study, we formulated a mathematical model for electorate demarcation
in line with Taiwan?s electoral reforms, minimizing legislative seats for the
main opposition party in Taipei City. The model is compared with historical
election data to establish characteristics that are most contested and
germane to the reform. Examination of the constituency demarcation for the
Seventh Legislator Election ascertains that electorate demarcation can/can
not be manipulated to create electoral advantage. Demonstrable evidence of a
bias toward disproportionate representation in the single-member district
plurality, two-ballot voting system ultimately attests the importance of
scenario analysis before adopting new electorate systems.
Thoracobiliary fistulas: literature review and a case report of fistula closure with omentum majus
Authors: Crnjac Anton , Pivec Vid , Ivanecz Arpad
Published: February 2013

Background. Thoracobiliary fistulas are pathological communications between the biliary tract and the bronchial tree (bronchobiliary fistulas) or the biliary tract and the pleural space (pleurobiliary fistulas).

Review of the literature. We have reviewed aetiology, pathogenesis, predilection formation points, the clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for thoracobiliary fistulas.

Case report. A patient with an iatrogenic bronchobiliary fistula which developed after radiofrequency ablation of a colorectal carcinoma metastasis of the liver is present. We also describe the closure of the bronchobiliary fistula with the greater omentum as a possible manner of fistula closure, which was not reported previously according to the knowledge of the authors.

Conclusions. Newer papers report of successful non-surgical therapy, although the bulk of the literature advocates surgical therapy. Fistula closure with the greater omentum is a possible method of the thoracobiliary fistula treatment.
The value of the sagittal-oblique MRI technique for injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee
Authors: Nenezić Dragoslav , Kocijancic Igor
Published: February 2013

Background. Complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not represent a diagnostic problem for the standard magnetic resonance (MR) protocol of the knee. Lower accuracy of the standard MR protocol for partial rupture of the ACL can be improved by using additional, dedicated MR techniques. The study goal was to draw a comparison between sagittal-oblique MR technique of ACL imaging versus flexion MR technique of ACL imaging and, versus ACL imaging obtained with standard MR protocol of the knee.

Patients and methods. In this prospective study we included 149 patients who were referred to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination due to knee soft tissues trauma during 12 months period. MRI signs of ACL trauma, especially detection of partial tears, number of slices per technique showing the whole ACL, duration of applied additional protocols, and reproducibility of examination were analysed.

Results. Accuracy of standard MRI protocol of the knee comparing to both additional techniques is identical in detection of a complete ACL rupture. Presentations of the partial ruptures of ACL using flexion technique and sagittaloblique technique were more sensitive (p<0.001) than presentation using standard MR protocol. There was no statistically significant difference between MRI detection of the ruptured ACL between additional techniques (p> 0.65). Sagittal-oblique technique provides a higher number of MRI slices showing the whole course of the ACL and requires a shorter scan time compared to flexion technique (p<0.001).

Conclusions. Both additional techniques (flexion and sagittal-oblique) are just as precise as the standard MR protocol for the evaluation of a complete rupture of the ACL, so they should be used in cases of suspicion of partial rupture of the ACL. Our study showed sagittal-oblique technique was superior, because it did not depend on patient’s ability to exactly repeat the same external rotation if standard MR protocol was used or to repeat exactly the same flexion in flexion MR technique in further MR examinations. Sagittal-oblique technique does not require the patient’s knee to be repositioned, which makes this technique faster. We propose this technique in addition to the standard MR protocol for detection of partial ACL tears.
Pedagogy of the consumer: The politics of neo-liberal welfare reform
Authors: Wilkins Andrew
Published: February 2013

Situated against the backdrop of a widespread and growing interest in the linkages between neo-liberalism and welfare, this paper introduces the lens of neo-liberalism as a conceptual strategy for thinking about contemporary issues in education policy. Through charting the historic rise of unfettered market institutions and practices in the context of 1980s England, it highlights the cultural and geopolitical specificity affixed to nation-based articulations and translations of neo-liberalism. Building on this perspective, it considers how market discourses with its pedagogyof the consumer shape a plurality of education sites and practices. To follow, it sets out the specific contributions by authors to this interdisciplinary collection of papers on the themed issue of neo-liberalism, pedagogy and curriculum. It identifies the contexts for their analyses and discusses the implications of their approaches for better mapping the ‘global’ impact of neo-liberalism on welfare states and peoples, specifically the full range of policy enactments and disciplinary practices shaping education customs of pedagogy and curriculum.
Education as a spectral technology: Corporate culture at work in Ontario‘s schools
Authors: Martin Susan Marie
Published: February 2013

This paper addresses the sweeping neoliberal reforms implemented in Ontario’s schools in 2000, and conceptualises them within the terms of ‘millennial capitalism’ (Comaroff & Comaroff, 2000). A close reading of secondary school curriculum documents and the umbrella policies that shape education from ages 5 to 18 years reveals how students are groomed to identify themselves as workers under construction. This is accomplished by mandating career education that defines lived experience as a ‘career’, articulates an identity for students as workers/producers, and dictates a direct relationship between education and the health of the economy. For students the professed advantages of millennial capitalism come from freedom and choice to navigate a post-secondary future in an abstract market that rewards those who respond to its highs and lows. Despite the drop-out ‘crisis’ that followed the initial reforms, and the next government’s efforts to remediate the damage done, ultimately corporatist/careerist mantras continue to haunt classrooms, shape education, and its aims and goals in Ontario. The analysis offered in this paper aims to help us better understand the resilience of the neoliberal agenda in the current global economic ‘crisis’, in light of ongoing calls for ‘value-for-money’ in delivering public services and overall competitiveness. Ontario’s education system has a reputation internationally as a high-level performer; this positioning in light of the anomalies presented by its policy and curriculum serves as a cautionary tale to countries that connect growth in GDP with the results of its children and youth on standardised tests. Further, it reveals the disparity between statistics at the macro level and life at the level of the classroom.
Recreational Physical Activity of International Sports Events Fans
Authors: Hadzik Andrzej , Tomik Rajmund , Szromek Adam Ryszard , Szczerbowski Marek
Published: February 2013

Introduction
. There are currently no studies published on the relationship between participation in international sports events and physical activity of the fans. This inspired the authors to examine this subject. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of physical activity of Polish national teams' supporters of selected sports disciplines.
Material and

methods
. The study was conducted on randomly selected group of fans during the Polish national level football, basketball and volleyball games. The study used the diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire of the authors' own design. In this report there were questions concerning physical activity modelled on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Results
. Physical activity is usually practised by fans of basketball and football who are 19-35 years old. Fans who are not physically active are mainly the fans of volleyball and football who are 36-55 years old. A significant correlation was noted between fans' sex and the willingness to practice sport (p=0.016). 58% of women and 72% of men declared that they practice some recreational physical activities. The most active were the basketball fans; the least active were the volleyball fans. The greatest diversity in terms of physical activity depending on participants' sex was revealed among the fans at international football games. Additionally, a significant correlation was noted between fans' age and their willingness to practice sports in their free time (p<0.001).
Conclusions
. The majority of fans at international sports events are physically active. In the research groups analysed the weekly volume of physical activity varied significantly. The basketball fans spent the greatest amount of time on physical activity and the volleyball fans the lowest. The average frequency of physical activity was the same in all groups.
In-Between Discourse and Genre: Doctor-Patient Interaction in Online Communication.
Authors: Zummo Marianna Lya
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the results of a corpus-based study which investigates the genre of medical eexchanges between doctors and medical website users. Three conversational routines (greetings, politeness, formal and informal linguistic features) are analyzed. The framework of the study is what some researchers refer to as net linguistics (Posteguillo 2003), consisting of the linguistic study of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). The findings indicate that health posts are a relatively informal type of d/p interaction which is largely influenced by e-mails and chat conventions.
On Competence-Based Approaches to Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Czeglédi Csaba
Published: February 2013

The paper discusses some elementary concepts and issues in competence based education (CBE) in general and in a competence-based approach to teaching English as a foreign language in particular. It is shown how some basic assumptions and concepts apparently widely adopted in CBE and language pedagogy are confusing, misguided, and incoherent and how some of the incoherence and inconsistencies may be resolved.
At the Crossroads of Grammatical and Communicative Competence? – Academic Writing at The C2 Level (CEFR)
Authors: Milenković Branka
Published: February 2013

The study has been conducted within the project 178014 entitled

The structure dynamics of the Serbian language, financed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Republic of Serbia.

Academic writing at the C2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference, experiences a fundamental change of focus from the lower-order concerns in writing, to the notion of communicative aspect of discourse and towards the higher-order concerns in writing. This study explores the degree of communicative competence in L2 writing that these students exhibit.
Multiple Intelligences in Teaching Literature
Authors: Oprescu Monica , Oprescu Florin
Published: February 2013

Discussing the conventional teaching of literature versus an alternative one, a new viewpoint is brought by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (1983). Considering that we have different ways of increasing knowledge, of learning, we thought of a way of developing these intelligences through literature: the practical approach refers to literary texts studied from all these perspectives.
Reproducing Gender Norms Through Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy in Romania
Authors: Simona Petracovschi
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to identify and analyze the ways in which physical education and sport pedagogy in Romania currently contribute to the reproduction of gender stereotypes. Sport opportunities are limited by the separate expectations of males and females in physical education and sport settings, leaving little room to challenge the meanings of masculinity and femininity through physical activity in the Romanian society.
Cinderella’s Ashes - New Women, Old Fairytales
Authors: Filimon Eliza Claudia
Published: February 2013

This paper brings into focus the feminine qualities that heroines in Western fairy tales possess, as well as the roles they traditionally perform. The heroines are either rewarded or punished in accordance to how well they fit the feminine pattern, while the association of femininity with the female clearly indicates the social impact of gender ideology. Two variations on the Cinderella story will illustrate how feminist revisions of fairytales upset this rigid division.
Lost in the Bermuda Triangle: The Significance of Locations in Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea
Authors: Voicu Cristina-Georgiana
Published: February 2013

This paper attempts to show in what way the exotic island of Jamaica expose the main characters and their fate. This part of the Atlantic Ocean seems to be torn between two different cultures, and also covers the notorious and mysterious Bermuda Triangle. The title is also foreboding for the protagonist’s fate: she will get just as lost into madness as ships in the Sargasso Sea.
The Portrait of England in Henry James’s International Novels
Authors: Lupu Diana-Gabriela
Published: February 2013

In his international novels, Henry James builds the image of England through the eyes of the American characters that travel in this country. London is the perfect setting for his international novels, as it becomes an integral part of the person or the action he is narrating.
Gender and Irony in The Early Modern English Romance
Authors: Percec Dana
Published: February 2013

The paper discusses the ironic manner in which gender relations are often tackled in the early modern English romance, from Shakespeare’s comedies to Sidney’s pastorals or Lady Mary Wroth’s poetry. Strong female characters, effeminate males and the subversive, often ambiguous, manner in which the theme of love is approached in 16th- and 17th - century English literature are some of the aspects to be discussed.
Reinscribing Sexuality: Manga Versions of Romeo and Juliet
Authors: Şerban Andreea
Published: February 2013

Designed to familiarize the younger audience with the Bard’s work, while at the same time catering to their tastes and interests, not only have Shakespearean adaptations moved the original plots to unusual milieus and exotic cultures, but have also ‘translated’ them to new media. This paper analyzes the portrayal of sexuality in two transmediations of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The paper compares and contrasts two manga versions of the play (a British and a Japanese one), aiming to highlight the ways in which the “star crossed lovers’” relationship has been adapted and appropriated by the two cultures in the twentyfirst century.
The Effect of Lift Teams on Kinematics and Muscle Activity of the Upper Extremity and Trunk in Bricklayers
Authors: Anton Dan , Mizner Ryan L. , Hess Jennifer A.
Published: February 2013

Study Design

Workplace-simulation study using a crossover design.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of lift teams on trunk and upper extremity kinematics and muscle activity among bricklayers.

Background

Healthcare practitioners often instruct individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in proper lifting techniques. Bricklayers are especially affected by lifting-related musculoskeletal disorders. Lift teams are a possible intervention for reducing exposure to heavy lifting.

Methods

Eighteen apprentice bricklayers constructed walls with concrete blocks alone (1 person) and in 2-person lift teams. Peak shoulder and trunk kinematics and normalized mean surface electromyography of the upper trapezius, lumbar paraspinals, and flexor forearm muscles were collected bilaterally. Differences between construction methods and rows 1, 3, and 6 of the wall were calculated with repeated-measures analyses of variance.

Results

Working in lift teams required less trunk flexion (P = .008) at row 1 but more sidebending at row 6 (P<.001) than working alone. Dominant-side lumbar paraspinal activity was lower at row 3 (P = .008) among lift-team workers. Lift-team peak shoulder flexion was lower at row 3 (P = .002), whereas abduction was higher at rows 1 (P = .007) and 6 (P<.001). Concomitantly, nondominant upper trapezius activity and flexor forearm activity were significantly higher for lift teams at row 6 (P<.001 and P = .007). Block moment arm was significantly greater for lift teams at all rows (P≤.002).

Conclusion

Working in lift teams may be a beneficial intervention for reducing trunk flexion and lumbar paraspinal activity when bricklayers work at heights between the knees and waist, but lift teams are not recommended at higher working heights. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(4):232–241. Epub 14 January 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4249
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Measurement Properties of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) Scale
Authors: Wageck Bruna Borges , de Noronha Marcos Amaral , Lopes Alexandre Dias , da Cunha Ronaldo Alves , Takahashi Ricardo Hisayoshi , Pena Costa Leonardo Oliveira
Published: February 2013

Study Design

Clinical measurement.

Objectives

To translate, adapt, and test the measurement properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire.

Background

It is important to objectively measure symptoms and functional limitations related to patellar tendinopathy using outcome measures that have been validated in the language of the target population. Cross-cultural adaptations are also useful to enhance the understanding of the measurement properties of an assessment tool, regardless of the target language.

Methods

The VISA-P questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese, culturally adapted, and titled VISA-P Brazil. It was then administered on 2 occasions with a 24- to 48-hour interval between them, and a third time after a month of physical therapy treatment. The following measurement properties were analyzed: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, agreement, construct validity, floor and ceiling effects, and responsiveness.

Results

The VISA-P Brazil had high internal consistency (Cronbach α = .76; if item deleted, Cronbach α = .69–.78), excellent reliability and agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.85, 0.95; standard error of measurement, 5.2 points; minimal detectable change at the 90% confidence level, 12.2 points), and good construct validity (Pearson r = 0.60 compared to Lysholm). No ceiling and floor effects were detected for the VISA-P Brazil, and the responsiveness, based on 32 patients receiving physical therapy intervention for 1 month, demonstrated a large effect size of 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.68, 1.25).

Conclusion

The VISA-P Brazil is a reproducible and responsive tool and can be used in clinical practice and research to assess the severity of pain and disability of patients with patellar tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):163–171. Epub 14 January 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4287
An Intensive Programme of Passive Stretch and Motor Training to Manage Severe Knee Contractures after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Leung Joan , Harvey Lisa A. , Moseley Anne M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: While contemporary management of contractures (a common secondary problem of acquired brain injury that can be difficult to treat) includes passive stretch, recent evidence indicates that this intervention may not be effective. This may be because clinical trials have not provided a sufficient dose or have not combined passive stretch with other treatments. The purpose of this case report is to describe a programme of intensive passive stretch combined with motor training administered over a 1.5-year period to treat severe knee contractures. Method: Five months after traumatic brain injury, an adolescent client with severe contractures in multiple joints underwent an intensive stretch programme for his knee contractures, including serial casting and splinting, which was administered for 10 months in conjunction with a motor training programme administered for 1.5 years. Results: The client regained full extension range in his knees and progressed from being totally dependent to walking short distances with assistance; these effects were maintained at follow-up 5.5 years after injury. Conclusion: The use of a high dose of passive stretch in conjunction with motor training may be an option to consider for correcting severe contractures following acquired brain injury.
Deduction of surface accumulation history from ice-core age/depth data
Authors: Morland L.W. , Jacka T.H.
Published: February 2013

Ice-core data are the only source of ice response on timescales of hundreds to thousands of years, which is necessary to describe polar ice-sheet flows and their interaction with changing climatic conditions. Ice properties, such as a grain growth relation, require knowledge of each ice particle’s history since first deposited at the surface, and not simply the present core state. This study is an analysis of 11 ‘present’ ice cores, using their age/depth data and present accumulation, to infer their past accumulation and mean strain rate and, in turn, the strain at each level of the core. These are the ingredients necessary to determine the particle paths and associated evolution of properties. The conventional assumptions of a purely vertical velocity distribution with a uniform compressive strain rate in the core are made, but unlike an earlier analysis which allowed independent surface accumulation and strain-rate histories, it is now assumed that the strain rate is proportional to the accumulation. Determination of the past accumulation and proportionality factor is accomplished by correlation with the present age/depth data, and while good correlations are obtained – a consistent solution – other close correlations can yield quite different accumulation histories and corresponding proportional strain-rate histories.
Correction: Emeakaroha, A. et al. Challenges in Improving Energy Efficiency in a University Campus through the Application of Persuasive Technology and Smart Sensors. Challenges 2012, 3, 290-318
Authors: Emeakaroha Anthony , Ang Chee , Yan Yong
Published: February 2013

It has come to our attention that our paper “Challenges in Improving Energy Efficiency in a University Campus through the Application of Persuasive Technology and Smart Sensors” [1] contains some minor errors. Based on that we have done some minor corrections as stated below. The affiliation information has been changed to: School of Engineering and Digital Arts, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NT, UK. [...]
Integrating Building Energy Efficiency with Land Use and Transportation Planning in Jinan, China
Authors: Shirgaokar Manish , Deakin Elizabeth , Duduta Nicolae
Published: February 2013

With the rapid growth occurring in the urban regions of China, it is critical to address issues of sustainability through practices that engender holistic energy efficient solutions. In this paper, we present results from a collaborative design project carried out with planning officials from the city of Jinan (population 3.4 million), for the Luokou district, a 3.1 km2 (1.2 mi2) area to the north of the CBD that is expected to house 100,000–130,000 people by 2020. By integrating sustainable building design, land use, urban design, and transportation, our proposal identified opportunities for improving energy efficiency that might have been overlooked by considering buildings and transportation separately. Mixed land uses and walkable neighborhoods were proposed along with highly differentiated street designs, intended to carry different traffic loads and prioritize diverse travel modes. Street widths and building heights were adjusted to maximize the potential for passive solar heating and daylight use within buildings. The district’s environmental performance, analyzed using building energy evaluation and traffic micro simulation models, showed that the design would reduce energy loads by over 25% compared to business as usual. While the proposal complied with national and local policies, and had far better energy performance than conventional designs, the proposal ultimately was not accepted by local officials because initial costs to the developers were higher than for conventional designs.
Quantile Forecasting of Wind Power Using Variability Indices
Authors: Anastasiades Georgios , McSharry Patrick
Published: February 2013

Wind power forecasting techniques have received substantial attention recently due to the increasing penetration of wind energy in national power systems. While the initial focus has been on point forecasts, the need to quantify forecast uncertainty and communicate the risk of extreme ramp events has led to an interest in producing probabilistic forecasts. Using four years of wind power data from three wind farms in Denmark, we develop quantile regression models to generate short-term probabilistic forecasts from 15 min up to six hours ahead. More specifically, we investigate the potential of using various variability indices as explanatory variables in order to include the influence of changing weather regimes. These indices are extracted from the same wind power series and optimized specifically for each quantile. The forecasting performance of this approach is compared with that of appropriate benchmark models. Our results demonstrate that variability indices can increase the overall skill of the forecasts and that the level of improvement depends on the specific quantile.
Investigation of Polyhenolic Content of Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Tea Extracts: A Comparative Study
Authors: İlbay Zeynep , Şahin Selin , Kirbaşlar Ş.
Published: February 2013

Three different brands of Rose hip (Rosa canina L.) tea were extracted with water, ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous mixtures (50%, v/v) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Soxhlet methods. Total phenolic content was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results were presented by means of the extract yields and total phenolic contents, expressed in gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dried matter (DM). The greatest amount of extract observed in tea samples was obtained by UAE through water with the value of 619.37 ± 0.58 mg/g DM. Regarding the phenolic content, the best result was achieved by the Soxhlet method through 50% MeOH mixture (59.69 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g DM), followed by the UAE method with water (48.59 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DM).
Self-Assembly, Surface Activity and Structure of n-Octyl-β-D-thioglucopyranoside in Ethylene Glycol-Water Mixtures
Authors: Ruiz Cristóbal , Molina-Bolívar José , Hierrezuelo José , Liger Esperanza
Published: February 2013

The effect of the addition of ethylene glycol (EG) on the interfacial adsorption and micellar properties of the alkylglucoside surfactant n-octyl-β-D-thioglucopyranoside (OTG) has been investigated. Critical micelle concentrations (cmc) upon EG addition were obtained by both surface tension measurements and the pyrene 1:3 ratio method. A systematic increase in the cmc induced by the presence of the co-solvent was observed. This behavior was attributed to a reduction in the cohesive energy of the mixed solvent with respect to pure water, which favors an increase in the solubility of the surfactant with EG content. Static light scattering measurements revealed a decrease in the mean aggregation number of the OTG micelles with EG addition. Moreover, dynamic light scattering data showed that the effect of the surfactant concentration on micellar size is also controlled by the content of the co-solvent in the system. Finally, the effect of EG addition on the microstructure of OTG micelles was investigated using the hydrophobic probe Coumarin 153 (C153). Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy decay curves of the probe solubilized in micelles were analyzed using the two-step model. The results indicate a slight reduction of the average reorientation time of the probe molecule with increasing EG in the mixed solvent system, thereby suggesting a lesser compactness induced by the presence of the co-solvent.
Oxidative Stress as an Underlying Contributor in the Development of Chronic Complications in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: De M. Bandeira Suziy , Da Fonseca Lucas , Da S. Guedes Glaucevane , Rabelo Luíza , Goulart Marília , Vasconcelos Sandra
Published: February 2013

The high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its increasing incidence worldwide, coupled with several complications observed in its carriers, have become a public health issue of great relevance. Chronic hyperglycemia is the main feature of such a disease, being considered the responsible for the establishment of micro and macrovascular complications observed in diabetes. Several efforts have been directed in order to better comprehend the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the course of this endocrine disease. Recently, numerous authors have suggested that excess generation of highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is a key component in the development of complications invoked by hyperglycemia. Overproduction and/or insufficient removal of these reactive species result in vascular dysfunction, damage to cellular proteins, membrane lipids and nucleic acids, leading different research groups to search for biomarkers which would be capable of a proper and accurate measurement of the oxidative stress (OS) in diabetic patients, especially in the presence of chronic complications. In the face of this scenario, the present review briefly addresses the role of hyperglycemia in OS, considering basic mechanisms and their effects in diabetes mellitus, describes some of the more commonly used biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative damage and includes selected examples of studies which evaluated OS biomarkers in patients with diabetes, pointing to the relevance of such biological components in general oxidative stress status of diabetes mellitus carriers.