bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of lysosomal protein NCU-G1 results in spontaneous liver fibrosis with accumulation of lipofuscin and iron in Kupffer cells
Authors: Kong Xiang Yi , Nesset Cecilie K. , Damme Markus , Løberg Else-Marit , Lübke Torben , Mæhlen Jan , Andersson Kristin B. , Lorenzo Petra I. , Roos Norbert , Thoresen G. Hege , Rustan Arild C. , Kase Eili T. , Eskild Winnie
Published: January 2014

Human kidney predominant protein, NCU-G1, is a highly conserved protein with an unknown biological function. Initially described as a nuclear protein, it has later been shown to be a bona fide lysosomal integral membrane protein. To gain insight into the physiological function of NCU-G1, mice with no detectable expression of this gene were created using a gene-trap strategy, and Ncu-g1gt/gt mice were successfully characterized. Lysosomal disorders are mainly caused by lack of or malfunctioning of proteins in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. The clinical symptoms vary, but often include liver dysfunction. Persistent liver damage activates fibrogenesis and if unremedied eventually leads to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and death. We demonstrate that the disruption of Ncu-g1 results in spontaneous liver fibrosis in mice as the predominant phenotype. Evidence for increased rate of hepatic cell death, oxidative stress and active fibrogenesis were detected in Ncu-g1gt/gt liver. In addition to collagen deposition, microscopic examination of liver sections revealed accumulation of autofluorescent lipofuscin and iron in Ncu-g1gt/gt Kupffer cells. As only a few transgenic mouse models have been identified with chronic liver injury and spontaneous liver fibrosis development, we propose that the Ncu-g1gt/gt mouse may be a valuable new tool in the development of novel treatments for attenuation of fibrosis due to chronic liver damage.
Didaskalia w przekładzie tekstu dramatycznego (na przykładzie Orestei Ajschylosa)
Authors: Bibik Barbara
Published: January 2014

Stage directions in the translation of drama (in the Aeschylus’ Oresteia)We all know that in the ancient tragedies there are no written stage directions. But it does not mean that there are no stage instructions. Without no doubts the fifth century BC tragedies were the theatre productions. And they were influenced by the Athenian theater of the day – its natural location, architecture, theatre equipment and stage design. In every age the drama is influenced by the theatre of its days. The authors of the translations I am interested in this article inserted the stage directions in their translations. And I would like to examine what kind of staging they suggest. And whether they are devoid or not of the influences of or the references to the stages and theatres of authors’ time.
Going nowhere? Rural youth labour market opportunities and obstacles
Authors: Culliney Martin
Published: January 2014

This paper compares rural and urban youth employment prospects, based on semi-structured interviews with 41 young people in England, and British Household Panel Survey data (2007/8). Rural location brings distinct labour market disadvantages for young people. Personal networks are pivotal for securing employment and lacking such contacts is a problem in rural areas. Unadvertised job vacancies and the relative absence of big business are also obstacles for rural youth, as is inability to relocate. Although opportunities are scarcer in rural areas, some individuals aspire to work in uniquely rural occupations even if the work is low-skilled and without promotion prospects.
The concepts of work, study, and leisure of parents and children
Authors: Nota Laura , Ginevra Maria Cristina
Published: January 2014

The present work examines how a group of Italian parents and their adolescent children view work, study, and leisure in order to check for possible relations between the ideas of parents and their children’s. A total of 160 adolescents and 160 parents were recruited. Semi-structured interviews that assessed the participants’ concepts about work, study, and leisure were conducted. The analyses carried out demonstrate that there are connections between the parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions regarding work, study, and leisure. The results confirm the importance of considering both constructs and the parents’ perspectives on them, and of involving parents in their children vocational guidance actions.
Effect of latex powder and glass fibers on the performance of glazed hollow bead thermal insulation materials
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Li Guozhong
Published: January 2014

Glazed hollow bead, cement, fly ash, and latex powder were used to prepare a glazed hollow bead thermal insulation material by way of compression molding, and the effects of redispersible latex powder on the mechanical properties and water resistance performance of the material were studied. In addition, the action mechanism of latex powder was analyzed. The surface of alkali-resistant glass fibers was treated by styrene-acrylic emulsion, and the effects of glass fibers on the mechanical properties of glazed hollow bead thermal insulation materials before and after treatment were studied, respectively. Moreover, the fracture morphology of the samples was observed and analyzed to explore the reinforced mechanism of fiber. The results show that when the dosage of latex powder is 4%, compared with blank samples, the sample’s flexural and compressive strengths increase by 48% and 20.83%, respectively, and the 2-h and 24-h water absorption of the samples is reduced by 71.37% and 66.94%, respectively. When the dosage of surface-treated fibers is 1.0%, the flexural strength of the samples increases by 35.71% and the compressive strength of the samples increases by 8.34% compared with samples that were mixed with untreated fibers.
The expression of predicative Possession in Lithuanian
Authors: Mazzitelli Lidia Federica
Published: January 2014

The object of this paper are the linguistic means used in Lithuanian to express predicative Possession. The possessive constructions are individuated and described, as along with the semantic constraints that favor or disfavor their use. It is claimed that the evidence provided in this paper confirms what Činčlej (1990) stated: Lithuanian should be considered as occupying a transitional position between the
Expressions of miR-15a and its target gene HSPA1B in the spermatozoa of patients with varicocele
Authors: Ji Ziliang , Lu Ruijing , Mou Lisha , Duan Yong-Gang , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yadong , Gui Yaoting , Cai Zhiming
Published: January 2014

Hyperthermia and oxidative stresses are the two central elements contributing to varicocele-related sperm damage. Growing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of the heat and oxidative stress responses. In this study, we analyzed the expressions of several stress-related miRNAs in the sperm and found that the expression of miR-15a was significantly decreased in patients with varicocele compared with the control. Furthermore, miR-15a repressed the expression ofHSPA1B, which is a typical stress-induced chaperone protein, through directly binding its 3′-UTR. The expressions of miR-15a andHSPA1Bexhibited an inverse correlation in sperm. Our results provide a valuable insight into the varicocele-related sperm impairment and male infertility, and may help to develop potential therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers for male infertility.
Judging the Quality of Mercy: Drawing a Line Between Palliation and Euthanasia
Authors: Morrison Wynne , Kang Tammy
Published: January 2014

Clinicians frequently worry that medications used to treat pain and suffering at the end of life might also hasten death. Intentionally hastening death, or euthanasia, is neither legal nor ethically appropriate in children. In this article, we explore some of the historical and legal background regarding appropriate end-of-life care and outline what distinguishes it from euthanasia. Good principles include clarity of goals and assessments, titration of medications to effect, and open communication. When used appropriately, medications to treat symptoms should rarely hasten death significantly. Medications and interventions that are not justifiable are also discussed, as are the implications of palliative sedation and withholding fluids or nutrition. It is imperative that clinicians know how to justify and use such medications to adequately treat suffering at the end of life within a relevant clinical and legal framework.
Edward Said, Religion, and the Study of Islam: An Anglican view
Authors: Said Yazid
Published: January 2014

This article examines the important, but controversial, analysis of Western readings of Islam by Edward Said in his Orientalism and other works. The thesis supports Said’s claim that a Western historical reading of Islam has a context and a framework of its own; but, it argues that Said falls into similar traps to those he critiques in the way he reasons away the significance of ‘religion’ in his investigation. This failure opens up for a different methodology of relating to Islamic religious texts and the study of Islam generally, using insights from Rowan Williams’s Why Study the Past?. While Said as well as certain Orientalists share scepticism about ‘religion’, this article points to the significance of theological and moral considerations in approaching religious texts.
Maurice Sendak: The Child as Artist
Authors: Bodmer George R. , Cech John , Dreher Derick , Knoepflmacher U. C. , Nel Philip , Sonheim Amy , Susina Jan , Tatar Maria
Published: January 2014

Maurice Sendak was an artist who not only produced extraordinary art and memorable books but also expanded the range of children's literature, what it can portray. In doing so, he eagerly dealt with his own life, his anxieties and joys, and focused on the importance of art to a child's life.
“Not Quite—Content—”: Emily Dickinson Retouches a Paint Mixed by John Quincy Adams and Oliver Wendell Holmes
Authors: Putnam Phoebe
Published: January 2014

This essay presents the discovery that one of Emily Dickinson's least-read poems, “It's thoughts—and just One Heart—,” is an unmarked revisionary reply to a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes that itself is a revisionary reply to a poem that John Quincy Adams wrote in reply to a poem by Oliver Goldsmith. The stakes of this finding are high, for scholars today still understand Dickinsonian intertextuality within the framework of a famous claim that the poet made in 1862, that she “never consciously touch[ed] a paint, mixed by another person” without “mark[ing]” (overtly identifying) her use of allographic material. “It's thoughts—and just One Heart—” renders this claim null and void, even according to the generous terms with which we currently parse it, and is therefore a poem that compels us to reconsider decades of scholarly consensus about how and to what extent Dickinson engaged in her work with the literature and popular culture of her place and time.
Effect of Confining Stress on Soil Water Retention Curve and its Impact on the Shear Strength of Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Tavakoli Dastjerdi M.H. , Habibagahi G. , Nikooee E.
Published: January 2014

To predict the shear strength of unsaturated soils, several equations have been proposed in the literature. The majority of these equations have the air entry value as the controlling parameter. In this study, an experimental program is planned to investigate the effect of confining stress on the air entry and air expulsion values, in the drying and wetting process, respectively. To evaluate the influence of stress state on these parameters, the soil water retention curve (SWRC) of the soil is determined under two different applied net stresses. For this purpose, a novel miniature pressure plate apparatus was designed to determine the SWRCs under different net stresses. The soil specimens are sheared in a suction‐controlled triaxial apparatus, and the shear stress of the soil is measured. The measurements are performed under net confining stresses identical to the net stresses for which the SWRCs are obtained. Furthermore, the shear strength behavior of unsaturated soil samples are investigated in drying and wetting branches, and the values of effective internal friction angle and cohesion are determined for each path. Comparison of the obtained values to those of saturated samples revealed a rather significant difference. Finally, the shear strength values obtained from these measurements are compared with the predicted shear strength from some of the existing equations. In addition, variations of the χ parameter during drying and wetting processes and its dependence on the air entry/expulsion value were investigated and compared with reported equations. Moreover, a relationship is proposed for the effective stress parameter that can better capture the effect of net stress and, consequently, results in better predictions for the considered soil type.
Compensation in Root Water Uptake Models Combined with Three‐Dimensional Root Length Density Distribution
Authors: Heinen Marius
Published: January 2014

Because root water uptake is a considerable component in the soil water balance, a lot of attention has been paid to defining and applying root water uptake models. These models can be grouped into empirical vs. mechanistic root uptake models. Intermodel comparisons are valuable in understanding the different concepts used. Such a comparison is sometimes difficult because the level of information required by the models is different, for example, information on the root length density distribution. Here a three‐dimensional root length density distribution function is introduced that makes it possible to compare two empirical uptake models with a more mechanistic uptake model. Adding a compensation component to the more empirical model results in prediction of root water uptake distributions in the root zone similar to those predicted by the more complex model.
Synthetic approaches to coniine and other 2-alkyl piperidines
Authors: Denic Marija , Blagojevic Polina , Radulovic Niko
Published: January 2014

The first synthesis of coniine, a neurotoxic piperidine alkaloid found in
poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.), was performed back in 1886 by
Ladenburg. Since that time, numerous different approaches to the synthesis of
this and related alkaloids (2-alkylpiperidines) have been developed.
Nowadays, the enantioselective/specific synthesis of coniine is taken as a
paradigm of the usefulness of new chiral synthetic methodologies. This review
aims to summarize and systematize recent progress in the synthesis of coniine
and related compounds.
1H and 13C NMR spectral assignments of an amino acid-coumarin hybrid
Authors: Dekic Vidoslav , Dekic Biljana , Radulovic Niko
Published: January 2014

Synthesis and detailed spectral analysis of a new 4-substituted
coumarin-amino acid derivate are presented in this paper. A new glycine
derivate of (3-nitro-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)amino]acetate was prepared by
condensation of 4-chloro-3-nitrocoumarin and ethyl glycinate hydrochloride.
The complete assignment of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the synthesized
compound was carried out by the aid of a combination of 1D (1H and 13C NMR)
and 2D (1H-1H-COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC) NMR experiments.
Altitudinal zonation of runoff in the Rasina River Basin
Authors: Manojlovic Predrag , Srejic Milan , Djokic Ivan , Mustafic Sanja , Dobrosavljevic Tanja
Published: January 2014

The Rasina River Basin is located on the territory of Central Serbia. The aim
of this paper is to determine the amount and spatial distribution of water
resources, that is, to establish the participation of altitudinal zones in
the formation of the total runoff in the Rasina River Basin area upstream
from the "Celije" reservoir. In terms of methodology, determination of water
volume is based on four separated petrological-hydrological complexes.
Average weighted specific runoff in a given territory is 9 l/s/km2.
Metamorphites and magmatites are in the first place per participation in the
total water runoff of 42.8 %. The second place belongs to sedimentary rocks
that make 39.6 % of the total runoff . Unbound sediments participate in the
total runoff value with 10.5 % and limestone with 7.1%.
Health effects of natural disasters
Authors: Obradovic-Arsic Danijela , Filipovic Dejan
Published: January 2014

Natural hazards have a number of adverse effects - they affect the life and
health of humans and the survival of other living beings, destroy material
goods and deteriorate socio-economic conditions of life. Without neglecting
the impact of natural hazards lower intensity, in this paper emphasis is
placed on natural hazards with the strongest effects for human health, that
is to natural disasters. It covered the impact of various natural disasters
on mortality and morbidity during and immediately after natural disasters,
including earthquakes, floods and drought, which is to characterize on the
Republic of Serbia.
The significance of the tourist destination of Zlatibor spatial planning
Authors: Jovicic Ana , Beric Dejan , Petrovic Marko , Gagic Snjezana
Published: January 2014

The territory of Zlatibor is known as a region of exquisite beauty, rich in
natural and anthropogenic values, and as such it is a significant tourist
destination. The tourism on Zlatibor started developing a long time ago,
however, recently there has formed a type of settlement with tourism as its
basic function, with no adequate planned development and control, which
deviates from the natural and aesthetic environment, disturbing the rare and
autochthonous quality of the territory. Zlatibor?s beauty has been disturbed
with unplanned construction and the development of tourism which is not
sustainable in the long-term. The aim of this paper is to point out to the
significance of spatial planning for further development of tourism on this
mountain and give suggestions on further development which would neutralise,
revitalise and improve the already degraded territory. Only by managing the
territory of Zlatibor properly, as a resource for tourism, will its economic,
ecologic and aesthetic value increase, which will ensure a long term benefit
on a local, regional and national level.
Protection of human rights of asylum seekers and illegal migrants: Practice of European court of human rights
Authors: Djukanovic Andjela
Published: January 2014

The European Court of Human Rights plays an important role in protecting the
rights of asylum seekers and illegal migrants through a set of different
human rights. Requests for interim measures under Rule 39 of the Rules of
Court have also great importance. In cases involving illegal migrants and
asylum-seekers, the Court was often in a difficult position, given the
contradictions that could arise from the protection of human rights and the
legitimate aim of the Contracting States to control the entry, residence and
expulsion of aliens. The recent Courts judgments in the case of M. S. S.
against Belgium and in the case of Jama Hirsi and others v. Italy are
particularly important because of their remarkable influence on the
perception of the common asylum system in the EU.
Changes in the retrobulbar arterial circulation after decrease of the elevated intraocular pressure in men and women with primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Marjanovic Ivan , Martinez Antonio , Marjanovic Marija , Kontic Djordje , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Markovic Vujica , Bozic Marija
Published: January 2014

Introduction. An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed
as a pathogenic factor of glaucoma. Objective. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the changes of the hemodynamic parameters in the retrobulbar
arterial circulation after decrease of the elevated intraocular pressure
(IOP) in women and men with primary open angle glaucoma. Methods. The study
included 60 patients (33 males and 27 females) older than 50 years, with
diagnosed and treated primary open angle glaucoma (77 eyes of 39 patients had
increased IOP, >25 mm Hg). They were examined at the Clinic of Eye Diseases
(complete ophthalmologic exam) and Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of
Serbia, Belgrade, from December 2009 to December 2010. Imaging of hemodynamic
parameters of three retrobulbar arterial vessels: ophthalmic, central retinal
and posterior ciliary arteries with color Doppler was performed. Results.
Among women, hemodynamic arterial parameter of the peak-systolic velocity was
increased in the central retinal artery and decreased in the ophthalmic
artery and posterior ciliary arteries; end- diastolic velocity was increased
in all three retrobulbar vascular levels; Pourcelot resistivity index was
increased, but pulsatility index was decreased in all three vessels. Among
men, peak-systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity and pulsatility index
were decreased in all three vessels; resistivity index was increased in the
ophthalmic artery, but decreased in the central retinal artery and posterior
ciliary arteries. There was a significant change of the ophthalmic artery
pulsatility index in women, and the end-diastolic velocity of the ophthalmic
artery in men. Conclusion. There was a difference of the retrobulbar arterial
circulation between women and men with primary open angle glaucoma after
decrease of the elevated intraocular pressure. The role of vascular factors
in the supply of the optic disc neuroretinal rim is important.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing urinary isolates of Escherichia coli in outpatients
Authors: Markovic Tatjana , Jeinic Ljiljana , Smitran Aleksandra , Petkovic Miroslav
Published: January 2014

Introduction. In Gram-negative bacteria, the production of beta-lactamases is
the most important mechanism of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. In the
Banja Luka region, there were no extensive researches on the prevalence and
antimicrobial resistance of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates. Objective. The aim of the
present study was to determine the presence of ESBL producing E. coli
isolates as the cause of the urinary tract infections in outpatients, the
distribution of these ESBL isolates according to age and gender of patients
and their susceptibility to antimicrobials. Methods. Urine specimens obtained
from outpatients were cultured on chromogenic CPS-ID3 media. All plates
showing significant (>105 cfu/ml) growth of E. coli in pure culture were
further processed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on
VITEK TWO Compact using AST-GN27 cards for testing Gram negative bacteria
and detection of ESBL producers. Results. Out of 2,195 isolates, 177 (8.1%)
were ESBL producers. Ninety-two isolates were obtained from female patients
(5% of E. coli isolated from women) and 85 isolates from male patients (23%
of E. coli isolated from men). High percentage of ESBL isolates was detected
in the infant age group under one year (36.7%) and in the age group over 60
years (28.8%). All ESBL isolates were susceptible to imipenem and resistant
to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefepime.
There was a significant resistance to amikacin (79.1%), gentamicin (76.8%),
amoxicillin/clavulanate (54.8%) and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (45.8%).
Resistance to nutrofurantoin was 13.6%. Conclusion. This study has
demonstrated the presence of ESBL producing E. coli urinary isolates in
outpatients, and their extensive susceptibility to imipenem and
nitrofurantoin.
Left-handedness and neurotic disturbances in adult urban population
Authors: Milenkovic Sanja , Brkic Milica , Belojevic Goran
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Controversial results on the relationship between the
left-handedness and neurotic disturbances have been obtained in so far
investigations. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the link
between the left-handedness and neurotic disturbances in an adult urban
population. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,202 adult
residents of the Stari Grad municipality in Belgrade, out of which 401 were
males (33,4%) and 801 were females (66,6%). A questionnaire was used as an
investigation instrument, with questions concerning age, gender, writing hand
and neurotic disturbances: tension, agressiveness, anger, nervousness,
weepiness and seclusion. Results. Left-handedness was found in 60 subjects
(5%) and it was statistically more frequent in males (7.7%) compared to
females (3.6%) (p=0.003). A decreasing trend of proportion of left-handed
males was found in relation to aging. In the age group 18 to 39 years,
agressiveness, as a specific neurotic disturbance, was significantly more
frequent in left-handed males in comparison to right-handers (p=0.035). In
the age group 40 to 59 years, neurotic disturbances were more common among
left-handed males compared to right-handers (p=0.030). There were no
significant diferences in the proportion of neurotic disturbances between the
left-handed and the right-handed females. Conclusion. From a public health
point of view, left-handed men may be regarded as a relatively vulnerable
population category concerning mental health.
Rapidly progressive course of primary renal synovial sarcoma: Case report
Authors: Markovic-Lipkovski Jasmina , Sopta Jelena , Vjestica Jelena , Vujanic Gordan , Tulic Cane
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Primary kidney sarcoma, especially synovial sarcoma (SS), is a
very rare neoplasm. Pre-operative signs and symptoms are very similar to
renal cell carcinoma, therefore, the proper diagnosis is very difficult and
usually made after nephrectomy. This is a case report of primary renal SS.
Case Outline. A 38-year-old man presented with a history of fever and
hematuria, and right flank pain 3 weeks ago. Abdominal computerized
tomography revealed a heterogeneous well-marginated soft tissue mass arising
in the lower part of the right kidney. Right nephrectomy was performed. A
cystic tumor of 120x85 mm in size with soft solid growth, and with the
extensive areas of hemorrhage and necrosis was seen on gross examination.
Histopathology revealed a neoplasm composed of solid monomorphic sheets of
spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells strongly positive for
BCL2, CD99, CD56 and vimentin, and focally positive for epithelial membrane
antigen (EMA). The histological diagnosis of primary renal SS was based on
morphology and immunohistochemistry. FISH analysis and RT-PCR was carried out
on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The molecular analysis
demonstrated translocation of SYT gene on chromosome 18 and SSX2 gene on
chromosome X. The findings were consistent with diagnosis of SS. Conclusion.
Our case shows that histopathological diagnosis of primary kidney SS,
although difficult, is possible to be made on the basis of morphological and
immunohistochemical analysis. However, this diagnosis should be corroborated
by molecular techniques confirming SYT-SSX translocation on chromosome 18 and
chromosome X. Here we present visceral monophasic SS with aggressive clinical
course and poor outcome.
Ethical aspects of hunting tourism in Serbia
Authors: Prentovic Risto
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is to examine contemporary moral controversies about
hunting tourism in Serbia in the context of defined value orientations and
norms of ethics of hunting tourism, as a branch of applied ethics. On the one
hand, this paper summarizes conceptual definitions and specificities of
hunting tourism, as a special form of tourism, and the crucial value
postulates derived from the assumptions of the concept of sustainable
development and biodiversity conservation, and philosophical, theological and
legal settings of man?s attitude towards animals and their welfare, as well
as the standard code of hunting ethics and issues of business ethics in
hunting tourism, on the other. The paper also cites some examples of
ethically problematic phenomena in modern hunting tourism in Serbia and
offers possible solutions to overcome them.
Relationship between personality traits and self-concept in high school students
Authors: Maric Mia
Published: January 2014

In adolescence, there are significant changes in behavior, which are largely
determined by personality traits and perceptions which adolescents have about
themselves. The main objective of this study was to determine the
relationship between basic personality dimensions of Eysenck model and
certain aspects of self-concept among high school students. The sample
consisted of 200 students in the second and fourth year of high school. The
research results confirm the existence of significant correlation between all
three investigated dimensions of personality and certain aspects of
self-concept in adolescence. Thus, it was determined that neuroticism is
positively associated with fear of negative evaluation, externality and low
social desirability and negatively with loneliness. Extraversion is
positively related to persistence, self-esteem and general life satisfaction,
and negatively with the perceived incompetence, loneliness, fear of negative
evaluation and externality, and low psychoticism is positively associated
with persistence, self-esteem and general satisfaction, and negatively with
the perceived incompetence and loneliness.
Why Increased Social Presence through Web Videoconferencing Does Not Automatically Lead to Improved Learning
Authors: Giesbers Bas , Rienties Bart , Tempelaar Dirk T. , Gijselaers Wim
Published: January 2014

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) model provides a well-researched theoretical framework to understand how learners and teachers interact and learn together in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Most CoI research focuses on asynchronous learning. However, with the arrival of easy-to-use synchronous communication tools the relevance of the CoI model needs verification for these new environments. Synchronous communication is (assumed to be) superior in establishing discourse due to the ability to express immediate feedback, intonation, body language, and thus the affordance to increase social presence. In a quasi-experimental design, this research analysed whether increased social presence led to (perceived) improved learning satisfaction and an increased pass rate. That is, the learning experiences of 147 students using discussion forums (2005–2007) and 256 students using both discussion forums and web-videoconferencing (2008–2011) over seven consecutive summers were compared using the self-developed Students Evaluation of Online Remedial Education Experience questionnaire. Results indicate that students in the web-videoconference design were not more satisfied about their learning experiences, except for the clarity of goals and tasks. Furthermore, in the four years of using the web-videoconference design, a lower pass rate was found compared to the discussion forum-only designs in the years before. Although web-videoconferencing provides an experience that seems more conducive to social presence, more research is needed into how to effectively use synchronous communication in e-learning.
The Impact of PCAOB Reports Containing Audit Deficiencies on Non-U.S. Audit Firms: Initial Evidence
Authors: Song HakJoon , Ye Zhongxia (Shelly)
Published: January 2014

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) regularly conducts inspections of non-U.S. audit firms. Based on 243 PCAOB inspection reports of non-U.S. audit firms, published by the PCAOB between January 2006 and December 2011, we examine involuntary dismissals, voluntary resignations, and voluntary deregistration of inspected non-U.S. audit firms following PCAOB reports containing audit deficiencies. Our results show that 24 out of 1,604 clients of non-U.S. audit firms have dismissed their auditors within one year following the disclosure of audit deficiencies in PCAOB reports, and that only four of these 24 clients appointed successor auditors with clean PCAOB reports. Also, we find only four auditor resignation cases from the 1,604 clients of non-U.S. audit firms within one year after they received a PCAOB report containing audit deficiencies. Finally, 22 non-U.S. audit firms voluntarily ceased to be registered with the PCAOB either during the inspection process or after they received PCAOB reports containing audit deficiencies. Compared to registered non-U.S. audit firms, these deregistered non-U.S. audit firms have relatively fewer resources (e.g., fewer partners and professional staff, smaller offices) and, thus, may not be able to bear compliance costs (e.g., costs associated with preparation for inspections) associated with PCAOB inspections. This study provides insights regarding the impact of PCAOB international inspections.
Properties of derivations on some convolution algebras
Authors: Pedersen Thomas
Published: January 2014

For all convolution algebras L
1[0, 1); L
loc1 and A(ω) = ∩n
L
1(ωn), the derivations are of the form D
μ
f = Xf * μ for suitable measures μ, where (Xf)(t) = tf(t). We describe the (weakly) compact as well as the (weakly) Montel derivations on these algebras in terms of properties of the measure μ. Moreover, for all these algebras we show that the extension of D
μ to a natural dual space is weak-star continuous.
Cycling Habits and Other Psychological Variables Affecting Commuting by Bicycle in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Muñoz Begoña , Monzon Andres , Lois David
Published: January 2014

To develop effective cycling policies, decision makers and administrators should know the factors influencing the use of the bicycle for daily mobility. Traditional discrete choice models tend to be based on variables such as time and cost, which do not sufficiently explain the choice of the bicycle as a mode of transportation. Because psychological factors have been identified as particularly influential in the decision to commute by bicycle, this paper examines the perceptions of cycling factors and their influence on commuting by bicycle. Perceptions are measured by attitudes, other psychological variables, and habits. Statistical differences in the variables are established in relation to the choice of commuting mode and bicycle experience (commuter, sport–leisure, no use). Doing so enables the authors to identify the main barriers to commuting by bicycle and to make recommendations for cycling policies. Two underlying structures (factors) of the attitudinal variables are identified: direct benefits and long-term benefits. Three other factors are related to variables of difficulty: physical conditions, external facilities, and individual capacities. The effect of attitudes and other psychological variables on people's decision to cycle to work–place of study is tested by using a logit model. In the case study of Madrid, Spain, the decision to cycle to work–place of study is heavily influenced by cycling habits (for noncommuting trips). Because bicycle commuting is not common, attitudes and other psychological variables play a less important role in the use of bikes.
Investigating Changes in Willingness to Pay for Managed-Lane Systems
Authors: Patil Sunil , Concas Sisinnio , Burris Mark , Devarasetty Prem Chand
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the hypothesis that willingness to pay for managed lanes (MLs) changes through time in the aftermath of the opening and operation of a facility. Using a quasi-panel of stated preference surveys, the authors found that the estimates of the value of travel time reliability were almost as high as the value of travel time savings in regular travel situations and were almost twice as high in urgent situations 2 years after the opening and operation of MLs. These results indicate that the presentation of reliability information affects the valuation of travel time savings estimated from stated preference surveys.
Incorporating Time Dynamics in Activity Travel Behavior Model
Authors: Sharmeen Fariya , Arentze Theo , Timmermans Harry
Published: January 2014

The study of dynamics in activity and travel behavior is not a new research interest in the transportation field. A few areas of these dynamics have been partially covered, yet some remain rather unexplored. In contemporary research, short-term dynamics of activity and travel behavior are better understood than long-term changes. For instance, intrahousehold decision making, day-to-day dynamics of activity travel generation and scheduling, and out-of-home or in-home activity organization have been addressed by a number of studies. However, studies on the dynamics of time allocation in activities and travel that are related to life-cycle events are rare. This study contributes to the understanding of such long-term dynamics. By using path analysis, this study shows the effect of several life-cycle events on the changes in time allocation in activities and associated travel. Data were collected in the Netherlands in September 2011 by using an event-based questionnaire survey that asked the respondents to report a weekly activity and travel schedule before and after an event. Results show the interdependencies between the types of activity and travel. The authors conclude that life-cycle events have significant impact on changes in time allocation for activities and travel. The effects vary in direction, intensity, and existence in relation to the type of event and activity. The findings here contribute to the specification of dynamics in the allocation of activity travel time and to the prediction of the rapid and far-reaching changes in addition to day-to-day dynamics.
Allocation of Intrahousehold Motorized Vehicles
Authors: Nam Richard H. , Lee Brian H. Y. , Aultman-Hall Lisa , Sears Justine
Published: January 2014

This study examines allocation of intrahousehold vehicles to drivers and trips by using data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey and is motivated by the knowledge that reallocating household vehicles is a reasonable short-term action to reduce fuel and associated emissions. Models are developed for households in the national sample and for segmentations by population and census regions. Binomial logistic regression is used to model whether a household fleet is optimal and is a high-potential saver (HPS). Of households with two or more vehicles, 31% are classified as HPS. Linear regression is used to model the number of gallons of fuel a household can potentially save per year with vehicle reallocation. About 59% of households can reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 5.2%, or approximately 5 billion gallons of fuel nationally, if they reallocate their fleet. Household size and life-cycle, travel behavior, and fleet composition are related to allocation of intrahousehold vehicles. Similar variables are significant predictors of potential gallons of savings and whether a household is an HPS. Models are consistent across regions with minor exceptions. Rural areas had differences from more urban areas. This study has demonstrated that appreciable savings in fuel consumption and associated emissions are plausible through vehicle reallocation, and the ability to pursue this countermeasure in the short-term motivates further research to provide fuller understanding of the causal mechanisms and target households for intervention.
Within-Individual Variation in Preferences
Authors: Börjesson Maria , Cherchi Elisabetta , Bierlaire Michel
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this research was to explore how the values of travel time (VTT) and preferences for different modes vary within individuals compared with the variation between observed trips. With 6-week revealed preference panel data and stated preference data from a mode choice context, both collected in Switzerland, a revealed–stated preference logit mode choice model was estimated. The model was applied to simulate how VTT and change in consumer surplus vary across trips within and between individuals over the 6 weeks in response to a hypothetical congestion-charging scheme. The variation in VTT arising from income differences was found to be substantially smaller than the variation in VTT between trips. Moreover, the variability in VTT averaged over all trips within each individual was considerably smaller than the variability in VTT for all observed trips. Therefore, the assumption that variation in VTT between observed trips reflects the variation in the average VTT between individuals, which is usually made in equity analyses, will overstate the between-individual variation. The results suggest that if intra-individual variation in preferences is not taken into account, the negative equity effects of congestion charges are likely to be overestimated.
Modeling the Connection between Activity-Travel Patterns and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Archer Melissa , Paleti Rajesh , Konduri Karthik C. , Pendyala Ram M. , Bhat Chandra R.
Published: January 2014

Transportation models are currently unable to reflect adequately the impacts of policy and investment decisions on people's well-being and overall quality of life. This paper presents a multivariate ordered-response probit model that is able to capture the influence of activity-travel characteristics on subjective well-being while accounting for unobserved individual traits and attitudes that predispose people in relation to their emotional feelings.
Assessment of the Degree of Willingness to Change from Motorized Travel Modes to Walking or Cycling
Authors: Ferrer Sheila , Ruiz Tomás
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an analysis of the degree of willingness to change from motorized travel modes to walking or cycling. The aim of the analysis is to reduce uncertainty between stated willingness to change and real shifts from car or transit to nonmotorized transportation modes. Data were collected in the city of Valencia, Spain, through a novel data collection effort based on multiple survey methods. Respondents traveling by car or transit were asked about their willingness to change to walking or cycling under the implementation of improvement measures to be selected. Then a hypothetical scenario was presented to respondents who stated a willingness to change; in the scenario, the previously selected measures were implemented and respondents were supposed to be cycling or walking. In addition, the costs of their usual travel mode were gradually reduced until they gave up cycling or walking. Those who decided to keep on walking or cycling were assumed to have a strong willingness to change. A statistical analysis performed with Heckman's sample selection model permitted identification of demographic, socioeconomic, and travel-related factors influencing the degree of willingness to change. Results revealed that car users presented a stronger willingness to switch to walking or cycling than transit users. In addition, older respondents showed a stronger willingness to change to both walking and cycling. Work- and school-related journeys were less associated with walking than noncommuting journeys, but they were more related to cycling. Policy implications of the results are highlighted.
Edwin Smith Papyrus Case 8: a reappraisal
Authors: Ganz Jeremy C.
Published: January 2014

There are 3 translations of the Edwin Smith Papyrus: Breasted's (1930), Allen's (2005), and Sanchez and Meltzer's (2012). Case 8 is similarly presented in all 3 translations, although with increasing detail in the later works. The patient in Case 8 had a comminuted skull fracture under intact skin. There were palpable pulsations at the fracture site. There was deviation of the eye on the side of the injury and an ipsilateral spastic hemiparesis in an ambulant patient with bleeding from the nose and ear.

Explanations of the paralysis have included a contrecoup lesion and compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle against the tentorial incisura. Brainstem compression due to herniation is accompanied by loss of consciousness. Extensive contrecoup lesions consistent with the extent of the described paresis would also be associated with probable coma. The paralysis was spastic, but spasticity takes weeks to develop after trauma. Yet this patient's trauma was fresh, as there was still bleeding from the nose and the ear.

It is suggested the paresis antedated the trauma, which was not its cause. The reasons for this suggestion are presented in this paper.
Fucoidan Extracted from Fucus evanescens Prevents Endotoxin-Induced Damage in a Mouse Model of Endotoxemia
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatyana , Besednova Natalya , Somova Larisa , Plekhova Natalya
Published: January 2014

An important problem of treating patients with endotoxemia is to find drugs to reduce the negative effects of endotoxin on the organism. We tested fucoidan (sulfated polysaccharide) from the brown alga Fucus evanescens as a potential drug in a mouse model of endotoxemia inducted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The survival time of mice injected with LPS increased under fucoidan treatment compared with the group of mice injected with LPS only. The preventive administration of fucoidan to mice with endotoxemia resulted in inhibition of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6), as well as decreasing of the processes of hypercoagulability. The parenteral or per os administration of fucoidan resulted in decreasing the degree of microcirculatory disorders and secondary dystrophic-destructive changes in parenchymal organs of mice with endotoxemia. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fucoidan prevents endotoxin-induced damage in a mouse model of endotoxemia and increases the mice’s resistance to LPS.
Capturing the sociomateriality of digital literacy events
Authors: Bhatt Ibrar , De Roock Roberto
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses a method of collecting and analysing multimodal data during classroom-based digital literacy research. Drawing on reflections from two studies, the authors discuss theoretical and methodological implications encountered in the collection, transcription and presentation of such data. Following an ethnomethodological framework that co-develops theory and methodology, the studies capture digital literacy activities as real-time screen recordings, with embedded video recordings of participants’ movements and vocalisations around the tasks during writing. The result is a multimodal rendition of digital literacy events on- and off-screen, allowing linguistic and multimodal transcriptions to capture the complexity of the data in a format amenable to analysis. Acquiring such data allowed for the development of detailed analyses of digital literacy events in the classroom, including interaction that would otherwise have escaped standard ethnography and video analysis, through sensibilities that approach social and material items without a priori hierarchies. This leads us to a ‘performative’ notion of digital literacies and an analytic methodology that is useful for researchers paying greater attention to the sociomaterial assemblages in which digital literacy events unfold.Keywords: digital literacies; multimodality; video analysis; screen capture; literacy studies; actor-network theory(Published: 31 January 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 21: 21281 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21.21281
The five resources of critical digital literacy: a framework for curriculum integration
Authors: Hinrichsen Juliet , Coombs Antony
Published: January 2014

This article sets out a framework for a critical digital literacy curriculum derived from the four resources, or reader roles, model of critical literacy developed by Luke and Freebody (1990). We suggest that specific problematics in academic engagement with and curriculum development for digital literacy have occurred through an overly technocratic and acritical framing and that this situation calls for a critical perspective, drawing on theories and pedagogies from critical literacy and media education. The article explores the consonance and dissonance between the forms, scope and requirements of traditional print/media and the current digital environment, emphasising the knowledge and operational dimensions that inform literacy in digital contexts. It offers a re-interpretation of the four resources framed as critical digital literacy (Decoding, Meaning Making, Using and Analysing) and elaborates the model further with a fifth resource (Persona). The article concludes by identifying implications for institutional practice.Keywords: curriculum development; academic development; digital identity(Published: 31 January 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 21: 21334 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21.21334