bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Brazilian scientific journals promote the adherence of Chagas disease researchers to internacional ethical principals?
Authors: Malafaia Guilherme , Guilhem Dirce , Talvani André
Published: August 2013

The ethical aspects of the Brazilian publications about human Chagas disease (CD) developed between 1996 and 2010 and the policy adopted by Brazilian medical journals were analyzed. Articles were selected on the SciELO Brazil data basis, and the evaluation of ethical aspects was based on the normative contents about ethics in research involving human experimentation according to the Brazilian resolution of the National Health Council no. 196/1996. The editorial policies of the section "Instructions to authors" were analyzed. In the period of 1996-2012, 58.9% of articles involving human Chagas disease did not refer to the fulfillment of the ethical aspects concerning research with human beings. In 80% of the journals, the requirements and confirmation of the information about ethical aspects in the studies of human CD were not observed. Although a failure in this type of service is still observed, awareness has been raised in federal agencies, educational institutions/research and publishing groups to standardize the procedures and ethical requirements for the Brazilian journals, reinforcing the fulfillment of the ethical parameters, according to the resolution of NHC no. 196/1996.
Evaluation of the ELISA-F29 test as an early marker of therapeutic efficacy in adults with chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Fabbro Diana , Velazquez Elsa , Bizai Maria Laura , Denner Susana , Olivera Verónica , Arias Enrique , Pravia Carlos , Ruiz Andrés M.
Published: August 2013

This work compared the time at which negative seroconversion was detected by conventional serology (CS) and by the ELISA-F29 test on a cohort of chronic chagasic patients treated with nifurtimox or benznidazole. A retrospective study was performed using preserved serum from 66 asymptomatic chagasic adults under clinical supervision, and bi-annual serological examinations over a mean follow-up of 23 years. Twenty nine patients received trypanocide treatment and 37 remained untreated. The ELISA-F29 test used a recombinant antigen which was obtained by expressing the Trypanosoma cruzi flagellar calcium-binding protein gene in Escherichia coli. Among the untreated patients, 36 maintained CS titers. One patient showed a doubtful serology in some check-ups. ELISA-F29 showed constant reactivity in 35 out of 37 patients and was negative for the patient with fluctuating CS. The treated patients were divided into three groups according to the CS titers: in 13 they became negative; in 12 they decreased and in four they remained unchanged. ELISA-F29 was negative for the first two groups. The time at which negativization was detected was significantly lower for the ELISA-F29 test than for CS, 14.5 ± 5.7 and 22 ± 4.9 years respectively. Negative seroconversion was observed in treated patients only. The results obtained confirm that the ELISA-F29 test is useful as an early indicator of negative seroconversion in treated chronic patients.
Active search for leprosy cases in Midwestern Brazil: a serological evaluation of asymptomatic household contacts before and after prophylaxis with bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Authors: Limeira Omesina Maroja , Gomes Ciro Martins , Morais Orlando Oliveira de , Cesetti Mariana Vicente , Alvarez Rosicler Rocha Aiza
Published: August 2013

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that carries a high risk of disability, making early diagnosis mandatory. This study aimed to determine the applicability of anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody detection, using the ML FLOW technique, as an assistant tool for the detection of leprosy infection in asymptomatic household contacts (AHHC) of multibacillary leprosy index cases from Midwest Brazil. Serological changes induced by the prophylaxis of these household contacts with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were also verified. A total of 91 AHHC were assessed, among which, 18.68% (n = 17) presented both positive bacilloscopy and positive anti-PGL-1 IgM serology. Positivity concordance between these two laboratorial exams (Kappa Index = 1; p < 0.001) was indicated, however, one case did not demonstrate concordance between the semiquantitative assessment of anti-PGL-1 IgM and the bacilloscopy index (Kappa Index = 0.96; p < 0.001). Among the 17 AHHC with positive bacilloscopy, eight were reassessed after prophylaxis with BCG and two of them presented negative anti-PGL-1 IgM serology, being these patients who had presented a bacilloscopy index of < 2[+] in the initial assessment. This study shows that anti-PGL-1 IgM detection may be used as a tool to determine the bacillary load in AHHC and to detect immune changes related to prophylaxis by nonspecific vaccination.
High occurrence of giardiasis in children living on a 'landless farm workers' settlement in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Lima Junior Oswaldo Aparecido de , Kaiser Juliana , Catisti Rosana
Published: August 2013

Enteric parasitosis remains an important public health problem in many areas around the world including in Brazil, and it is frequently associated with poverty and lack of sanitation facilities. Research carried out over the course of a year revealed that 96.6% (28/29) of children randomly selected from a 'landless farm workers' settlement in Araras, São Paulo, aged 4 - 15 years, presented Giardia intestinalis cysts. After referral to the neighborhood Health Office, all the children received tinidazole, given as a single dose of 50 mg/kg and 12 months later, new fecal samples were collected and analyzed. Despite the low adherence to the study, a high percentage (64.3% - 9/14) of the children remained positive for the parasite. This study showed a high positivity of giardiasis in child residents of the settlement, even after treatment; adults were not sensitized to the study and did not collected and/or deliver children fecal samples. The precarious living conditions are consistent with a high susceptibility to parasitic diseases, suggesting that the treatment of the infected individuals without identifying and eradicating the means of contamination is simply a palliative measure.
Evaluation of three different DNA extraction methods from blood samples collected in dried filter paper in Plasmodium subpatent infections from the Amazon region in Brazil
Authors: Miguel Renata Bortolasse , Coura José Rodrigues , Samudio Franklyn , Suárez-Mutis Martha Cecília
Published: August 2013

Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection is a new challenge for public health in the American region. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the best method for diagnosing subpatent parasitemias. In endemic areas, blood collection is hampered by geographical distances and deficient transport and storage conditions of the samples. Because DNA extraction from blood collected on filter paper is an efficient method for molecular studies in high parasitemic individuals, we investigated whether the technique could be an alternative for Plasmodium diagnosis among asymptomatic and pauciparasitemic subjects. In this report we compared three different methods (Chelex®-saponin, methanol and TRIS-EDTA) of DNA extraction from blood collected on filter paper from asymptomatic Plasmodium-infected individuals. Polymerase chain reaction assays for detection of Plasmodium species showed the best results when the Chelex®-saponin method was used. Even though the sensitivity of detection was approximately 66% and 31% for P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively, this method did not show the effectiveness in DNA extraction required for molecular diagnosis of Plasmodium. The development of better methods for extracting DNA from blood collected on filter paper is important for the diagnosis of subpatent malarial infections in remote areas and would contribute to establishing the epidemiology of this form of infection.
SOIL CONTAMINATION IN PUBLIC SQUARES IN BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS, BY CANINE PARASITES IN DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
Authors: Ribeiro Luciane Madureira , Dracz Ruth Massote , Mozzer Lanuze Rose , Lima Walter dos Santos
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY To evaluate soil contamination by parasites in different developmental stages in public squares used as recreation and leisure areas for children in Belo Horizonte (MG, Brazil), 210 soil samples and 141 canine fecal samples were collected from 42 squares in the city. These samples were analyzed by the Caldwell and Caldwell technique and the Hoffman, Pons, and Janer technique. Of the samples analyzed, 89 (42.4%) soil samples and 104 (73.5%) fecal samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., or Dipylidium sp. eggs; Giardia sp. cysts; or Isospora sp. oocysts. The commonest parasite was Ancylostoma sp., found in 85% soil and 99% fecal samples, followed by Toxocara sp., found in 43.7% soil and 30.7% fecal samples.
HOOKWORM AND THREADWORM INFECTIONS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH HEMOGLOBIN AND EOSINOPHIL CONCENTRATIONS IN RESIDENTS OF SALVADOR-BAHIA, BRAZIL
Authors: Santos Fred Luciano Neves , Souza Alina Maria Gonzaga Carlos de , Soares Neci Matos
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY Parasitic infections are responsible for substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. In most healthy individuals, little overt pathology is observed during infection with S. stercoralis. However, the symptoms in advanced cases may include gastrointestinal bleeding. Anemia is most commonly associated with hookworm infection, especially when several hundred worms are present. Our study evaluates the relationship between the hookworm or S. stercoralis infection status and the hemoglobin concentration of individuals examined by a private network of laboratories in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We examined 374,120 samples from middle-class individuals living in Salvador City from January 2004 to April 2008. The stool samples were analyzed by the Lutz and Baermann-Moraes methods, and the blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin concentration and eosinophil counting. The prevalence of hookworm and S. stercoralis were 0.27% (1,027) and 0.34% (1,286), respectively. The prevalence of hookworm and S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in males than in females and increased with age. Eosinophilia was a common laboratorial finding in individuals infected with hookworm and S. stercoralis. The hemoglobin concentration was lower in the hookworm-infected individuals than in non-infected ones, but none of the examined patients were anemic. Lack of anemia could be a consequence of the socioeconomic status of these patients.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PHLEBOTOMINAE IN PUERTO IGUAZU-MISIONES, ARGENTINA-BRAZIL-PARAGUAY BORDER AREA
Authors: Santini Maria Soledad , Gould Ignacio Tomas , Acosta Mariana Manteca , Berrozpe Pablo , Acardi Soraya Alejandra , Fernandez Maria Soledad , Gomez Andrea , Salomon Oscar Daniel
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY The first Argentinian autochthonous human case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was confirmed in Posadas (Misiones) in 2006. Since then, the disease has increased its incidence and geographical distribution. In the 2006-2012 period, 107 human cases were detected (11 deaths). The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis was detected in peridomiciles in Puerto Iguazú urban area in 2010; some of these findings were associated with households where cases of canine VL had already been reported. The objective of this study was to ascertain the abundance and spatial distribution of Lu. longipalpis in Puerto Iguazú City, on the Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay border. Lu. longipalpis proved to be exclusively urban and was found in 31% of the households sampled (n = 53), 67% of which belonged to areas of low abundance, 20% to areas of moderate abundance and 13% to areas of high abundance. Nyssomyia whitmani was the only species found both in urban and peri-urban environments, and Migonemyia migonei was registered only on the outskirts of the city. Due to the fact that Puerto Iguazú is considered to be at moderate risk at the moment, it is necessary to intensify human and canine case controls, as well as take integrated prevention and control measures regarding the environment, vectors and reservoirs on the Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay border area.
SEROPREVALENCE OF CHAGASIC INFECTION IN YOUNG INDIVIDUALS IN A BLOOD CENTER IN THE STATE OF SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Authors: Navarro Elaine Cristina , Goto Renata Leme , Ricoboni Isabella Silva , Corrente Jose Eduardo , Henriques Rita Maria Saccomano , Neves Silvio Luiz , Zanini Jose Mauro , Dorini Angela Aparecida , Pereira Paulo Camara Marques
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY This study aimed at estimating the number of cases of non-negative serological reactions to Chagas disease in blood donors at the Blood Center of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2003 to 2010 and at relating them to their cities of origin. Five hundred and seventy-four non-negative results for Chagas disease were evaluated. Of these, 371 (64.8%) were reagent, and 203 (35.4%) were inconclusive. The prevalence of Chagas disease in blood donors was 0.05%. There were, on average, 72 cases/year, and a prevalence of males was observed (64.8%). Forty-three (7.49%) individuals were 18 to 30 years old; 92 (16.02%) were 31 to 40; 147 (25.61%) 41 to 50, and 292 (50.87%) were older than 50 years. It was observed that 29.3% of females with reagent serology were at their fertile age (18 and 45 years). The majority of donors were originally from cities in the southwestern and central regions of São Paulo, but individuals from other states contributed with 20%. The provenance of most donors was the city of Botucatu/SP, followed by the city of Taquarituba/SP. Therefore, the profile of donors at this blood center favors the occurrence of a larger number of non-negative serological reactions. Although there has been a significant reduction in the number of new cases/year for this disease, it is still a public-health problem, and results suggest the need for new epidemiological assessments in the studied region.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MOLLUSCICIDAL COMPONENT OF Moringa oleifera LEAF AND Momordica charantia FRUITS AND THEIR MODES OF ACTION IN SNAIL Lymnaea acuminata
Authors: Upadhyay Aparna , Singh Vinay K. , Singh Dinesh K.
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY The molluscicidal activity of the leaf powder of Moringa oleifera and lyophilized fruit powder of Momordica charantia against the snail Lymnaea acuminata was time and concentration dependent. M. oleifera leaf powder (96 h LC50: 197.59 ppm) was more toxic than M. charantia lyophilized fruit powder (96 h LC50: 318.29 ppm). The ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaf powder and Momordica charantia lyophilized fruit powder were more toxic than other organic solvent extracts. The 96 h LC50 of the column purified fraction of M. oleifera leaf powder was 22.52 ppm, while that of M. charantia lyophilized fruit powder was 6.21 ppm. Column, thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography analysis show that the active molluscicidal components in M. oleifera leaf powder and lyophilized fruit of M. charantia are benzylamine (96 h LC50: 2.3 ppm) and momordicine (96 h LC50: 1.2 ppm), respectively. Benzylamine and momordicine significantly inhibited, in vivo and in vitro, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP/ALP) activities in the nervous tissues of L. acuminata. Inhibition of AChE, ACP and ALP activity in the nervous tissues of L. acuminata by benzylamine and momordicine may be responsible for the molluscicidal activity of M. oleifera and M. charantia fruits, respectively.
CO-INFECTION OF DENGUE VIRUS BY SEROTYPES 1 AND 4 IN PATIENT FROM MEDIUM SIZED CITY FROM BRAZIL
Authors: Colombo Tatiana Elias , Vedovello Danila , Mondini Adriano , Reis Andrea Francesli Negri , Cury Amena Alcantara Ferras , Oliveira Frank Hulder de , Cruz Lilian Elisa Arao Antonio , Bronzoni Roberta Vieira de Morais , Nogueira Mauricio Lacerda
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY The natural co-infection with dengue virus can occur in highly endemic areas where different serotypes have been observed for many years. We report one case of DENV-1/DENV-4 co-infection in human serum detected by molecular tests. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained indicated the presence of genotype V and II for DENV-1 and DENV-4, respectively.
SEPTIC SHOCK IN PATIENT WITH DISSEMINATED HISTOPLASMOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH AIDS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Poswar Fabiano de Oliveira , Carneiro Jair Almeida , Stuart Janice Mendes , Feliciano Jorge Patrick Oliveira , Nassau Daniella Cristina
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which may present itself as a serious infection in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of 31-year-old female with newly diagnosed HIV infection and history of fever, general and respiratory symptoms and diffuse hyperchromic papules through the body. She was admitted, with rapid progression to septic shock, and the presence of neutrophils filled with yeast-like organisms was detected on peripheral blood smear hematoscopia on the third day of hospitalization. The following is a brief review on the clinical picture and management of histoplasmosis.
Divergência genética entre cultivares comerciais de repolho quanto à preferência do pulgão‑da‑couve
Authors: Melo Brisa do Svadeshi Cabral de , Bleicher Ervino , Bertini Cândida Hermínia Campos de Magalhães , Silva Jefté Ferreira da
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a divergência genética entre cultivares de repolho quanto à preferência alimentar do pulgão‑da‑couve (Brevicoryne brassicae). O experimento foi realizado com 27 cultivares, em casa de vegetação, com determinação da preferência do afídeo em ensaios com ou sem chance de escolha. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com 27 tratamentos e cinco repetições. Estimaram-se as distâncias generalizadas de Mahalanobis e as cultivares foram agrupadas pelo método de Tocher, com formação de sete grupos. As cultivares Chato de Quintal, Ryuho e Taishita foram as menos preferidas pelo afídeo. A distância máxima foi verificada entre as cultivares Das 4 Estações e Suki, e a mínima ocorreu entre Chato de Quintal e Astrus Plus. O número de ninfas é a variável que permite maior diferenciação entre as cultivares. Há variabilidade entre as cultivares comerciais de repolho quanto à preferência alimentar do pulgão.
Não normalidade multivariada e multicolinearidade na análise de trilha em milho
Authors: Toebe Marcos , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a interferência da não normalidade multivariada e da multicolinearidade na análise de trilha, em milho. Foram utilizados os dados de 13 ensaios de competição de cultivares de milho. Foram mensuradas a variável principal (produtividade de grãos) e sete variáveis explicativas (número de dias até o florescimento, estatura de plantas, altura de inserção da espiga, posição relativa da espiga, número de plantas, número de espigas e prolificidade), em cada cultivar. Procedeu-se, então, à transformação dos dados e ao diagnóstico de normalidade univariada e multivariada. Antes e após a transformação de dados, foram calculados os coeficientes de correlação e realizado o diagnóstico de multicolinearidade. A análise de trilha foi realizada por três métodos: tradicional; sob condições de multicolinearidade (análise de trilha em crista); e tradicional com eliminação de variáveis. A transformação de dados reduz o grau de multicolinearidade e a variabilidade das estimativas dos efeitos diretos, na análise de trilha tradicional com alto grau de multicolinearidade. A multicolinearidade exerce maior impacto sobre a estimativa dos efeitos diretos nas análises de trilha do que a não normalidade multivariada. A análise de trilha tradicional com eliminação de variáveis é mais adequada do que a análise de trilha em crista.
Nitrogen fluxes from irrigated common‑bean as affected by mulching and mineral fertilization
Authors: Carvalho Márcia Thaís de Melo , Madari Beáta Emöke , Leal Wesley Gabriel de Oliveira , Costa Adriana Rodolfo da , Machado Pedro Luiz Oliveira de Almeida , Silveira Pedro Marques da , Moreira José Aloísio Alves , Heinemann Alexandre Bryan
Published: August 2013

The objective of this work was to measure the fluxes of N2O‑N and NH3‑N throughout the growing season of irrigated common‑bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), as affected by mulching and mineral fertilization. Fluxes of N2O‑N and NH3‑N were evaluated in areas with or without Congo signal grass mulching (Urochloa ruziziensis) or mineral fertilization. Fluxes of N were also measured in a native Cerrado area, which served as reference. Total N2O‑N and NH3‑N emissions were positively related to the increasing concentrations of moisture, ammonium, and nitrate in the crop system, within 0.5 m soil depth. Carbon content in the substrate and microbial biomass within 0.1 m soil depth were favoured by Congo signal grass and related to higher emissions of N2O‑N, regardless of N fertilization. Emission factors (N losses from the applied mineral nitrogen) for N2O‑N (0.01-0.02%) and NH3‑N (0.3-0.6%) were lower than the default value recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mulch of Congo signal grass benefits N2O‑N emission regardless of N fertilization.
Divergência genética entre progênies de pupunheira quanto a caracteres de palmito
Authors: Negreiros Jacson Rondinelli da Silva , Bergo Celso Luis , Miqueloni Daniela Popim , Lunz Aureny Maria Pereira
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a divergência genética de progênies de pupunheira, com base em variáveis agronômicas do palmito. O delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso foi utilizado em látice triplo 10x10, com 100 tratamentos (progênies) e três repetições. Foram feitas as seguintes avaliações: massa da base do palmito, produtividade do palmito de primeira e de segunda qualidade, número de plantas por parcela e diâmetro do palmito. A divergência genética foi estimada pela distância generalizada de Mahalanobis, como medida de dissimilaridade, e pelo método de otimização de Tocher e variáveis canônicas, na formação de grupos. As progênies formaram 26 grupos distintos. A variância acumulada pelas três primeiras variáveis canônicas foi de 75,12%. Planta por parcela e massa do palmito de segunda, indiretamente relacionada à massa do palmito de primeira, foram os caracteres mais importantes na discriminação das progênies, na primeira variável canônica (35,77%). A massa da base do palmito apresentou relação indireta com a produtividade do palmito de segunda e plantas por parcela, na segunda variável canônica (22.93%), e com a massa do palmito de primeira na terceira variável canônica (16,42%). Dezessete progênies de quatro grupos divergentes (G3, G5, G11 e G12) têm potencial para seleção quanto à produtividade de palmito no programa de melhoramento da pupunheira.
Silagem de milho ou de cana-de-açúcar com Lactobacillus buchneri exclusivamente ou em associação com L. plantarum
Authors: Sá Neto Adir de , Nussio Luiz Gustavo , Zopollatto Maity , Junges Daniel , Bispo Álvaro Wosniak
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de Lactobacillus buchneri aplicado exclusivamente ou em combinação com L. plantarum no perfil fermentativo, na estabilidade aeróbia e no valor nutritivo de silagens de milho e de cana-de-açúcar. O delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado foi utilizado com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos de silagem de milho foram: controle, sem adição de lactobacilos; 1x10(5) ufc g-1 de L. buchneri; e 1x10(5) ufc g-1 de L. buchneri e L. plantarum. Na silagem de cana-de-açúcar, os tratamentos foram: controle; e adição de 1x10(5) ufc g-1 de L. buchneri. As silagens foram armazenadas por 150 dias. O tratamento das silagens de milho não afetou a maioria das variáveis relacionadas ao valor nutritivo, às características fermentativas, aos perfis microbiológicos, às perdas e à estabilidade aeróbia. Nas silagens de cana-de-açúcar, o tratamento com L. buchneri apresentou maior teor de matéria seca, sem apresentar diferenças para as variáveis de valor nutritivo. Além disso, foram observados outros resultados típicos da adição de L. buchneri: menor perda total de matéria seca e menores perdas devidas à produção de gases. A aplicação exclusiva de L. buchneri ou em associação a L. plantarum não altera a qualidade e a eficiência de conservação das silagens de milho. Contudo, nas silagens de cana-de-açúcar, a aplicação exclusiva de L. buchneri reduz as perdas de conservação.
Metabolic attributes, yield and stability of milk in Jersey cows fed diets containing sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Stumpf Marcelo Tempel , Fischer Vivian , Kolling Giovani Jacob , Zanela Maira Balbinotti , Ribeiro Maria Edi Rocha , Abreu Alexandre Süsenbach de
Published: August 2013

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate in the diet of lactating Jersey cows, and its effects on the metabolic attributes, productivity and stability of milk. We evaluated urinary pH, levels of glucose and urea in blood, body weight, body condition score, milk yield, milk stability (ethanol test), and milk physicochemical properties of 17 cows fed diets containing sodium citrate (100 g per cow per day), sodium bicarbonate (40 g per cow per day) or no additives. Assessments were made at the 28th and 44th days. Supply of sodium citrate or bicarbonate has no influence on the metabolic attributes, productivity, body weight, and body condition score of the cows, neither on the composition and stability of milk.
A water retention curve and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model for deformable soils: consideration of the change in pore-size distribution
Authors: HU R. , CHEN Y.-F. , LIU H.-H. , ZHOU C.-B.
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a hysteretic water retention curve (WRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model for deformable soils based on the change in pore-size distribution (PSD). The PSD plays a decisive role in the water retention behaviour of soils. Although its evolution during deformation is rather complicated, experimental data showed that the overall shapes and distribution characteristics of the PSD function are not significantly altered. Based on these findings, the PSD function at a deformed state is obtained by horizontal shifting and vertical scaling of the corresponding PSD function at a reference state. On this basis, a hysteretic WRC model is formulated to account for the influences of deformation and hysteresis on the variation of saturation, using seven model parameters with clear physical meanings. The proposed model is then incorporated in the Mualem model to predict the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity for deformable soils, using only one additional parameter. A large number of published laboratory tests are used to validate the proposed model, showing that it can reasonably capture important features of retention and permeability properties for deformable soils in most cases under consideration.
Effect of partially hydrated cementitious materials on early-age shrinkage of ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M. , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: August 2013

The effect of adding partially hydrated cementitious materials (PHCM) on the early-age shrinkage of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is investigated. UHPC mixtures incorporating a shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) are also tested for comparison. Combined effects of PHCM and SRA in reducing early-age shrinkage are explored. Results indicate a significant improvement in the early-age compressive strength of UHPC mixtures due to PHCM addition. SRA was effective in reducing shrinkage; however, PHCM achieved excellent early-age shrinkage reduction when used alone or combined with SRA. PHCM mitigates undesirable behaviour induced by SRA, including setting time delays and reduction in mechanical properties. The addition of PHCM provides an ecological and economic technique for producing precast and cast-in-place self-restraining shrinkage concrete. Indeed, unused/returned concrete can be recycled in new mixtures to enhance mechanical strength and resistance to shrinkage, and to mitigate set retardation effects.
Size effect on compressive behaviours of normal-strength concrete cubes made from demolished concrete blocks and fresh concrete
Authors: Wu Bo , Liu Chunhui , Yang Yong
Published: August 2013

This work presented in this paper contributes to a comprehensive research into structural elements containing demolished concrete blocks (DCBs) with a distinctly larger size than conventional recycled aggregates. In this research, 51 cubic specimens made from DCBs and fresh concrete (FC) with a replacement ratio of 30% were fabricated and tested under uniaxial compressive loadings. Two parameters were considered – the cube dimension and the characteristic size of DCBs. The influence of the two factors on the compressive behaviours of normal-strength concrete cubes made from DCBs and FC was examined in terms of the combined cubic compressive strength, the modulus of elasticity and the strain at peak stress. Based on the test results, a formula is presented to describe the relationship between the characteristic ratio (i.e. ratio of the characteristic size of DCBs to the cube dimension) and the combined cubic compressive strength of the specimens made from DCBs and FC, and a model is proposed to predict the combined cubic compressive strength of the specimens with various cube dimensions and characteristic ratios. The following results were obtained. In the case that the characteristic ratio is constant, the combined cubic compressive strength of the specimens made from DCBs and FC decreases significantly with an increase in cube dimension, and the effect of cube dimension on the combined strength accords with both the size effect law and the modified size effect law for conventional concrete. The effects of both the cube dimension and the characteristic size of DCBs on the specimen's modulus of elasticity and strain at peak stress are limited. In the case that the cube dimension is kept constant, the combined cubic compressive strength of the specimens made from DCBs and FC decreases gradually with an increase in characteristic ratio; the influence of cube dimension on this trend is very limited. Both the established formulae and the proposed model agree quite well with the test results.
Beliefs About Health, Health Risks and Health Expectations from the Perspective of People with a Psychotic Disorder
Authors: Hultsjö Sally , Syren Susanne
Published: August 2013

Aim:

To examine beliefs about health, health risks and health expectations from the perspective of people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder

Background:

People with psychotic disorders have a threefold higher risk of developing physical health problems than the general population, and prevention of these problems is warranted. Examining patients´ health beliefs could help deepen our understanding of how to plan successful health interventions with this group.

Methods:

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2010 to October 2011 with 17 people with psychotic disorders. Data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.

Results:

An overall positive picture of health was found despite the fact that physical health was found to be hard to verbalize and understand. Health was mainly associated with psychological wellbeing, while health risks were found to be related to uncertain bodily identity, troublesome thoughts and inner voices, and exclusion from society. Interest in learning, and visions and goals of health seemed to increase awareness of health risks and health expectations, while not worrying could be viewed as a hindrance for health expectations.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of expressed awareness of physical health risks, but such awareness is fundamental to performing life-style changes [14]. Nurses thus have an important task to help patients understand and verbalize potential physical health risks, and to find out what motivates them to adopt health behaviors.
The Madoff Debacle: What are the Lessons?
Authors: Ragothaman Srinivasan C.
Published: August 2013

This paper describes the implementation of a “Ponzi scheme case study” in auditing classes at the undergraduate and the Master's level. This instructional case is based on the much-publicized Madoff Ponzi scheme. The case exposes students to several auditing-related concepts, including: (1) fraud auditing; (2) ethical reasoning and utilitarian principles; (3) affinity fraud and Ponzi schemes; (4) internal control evaluation; (5) governance issues; (6) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations; (7) investment strategies and terminologies; and (8) regulation. The case provides students with an opportunity to assume the role of an external auditor and participate in some active learning exercises. About 170 accounting majors participated in this case project during a three-year period at a Midwestern university. Students who worked in groups were genuinely engaged in the learning process, and they came up with several red flags associated with the Madoff fraud and suggested many new internal controls. This case provides a hands-on learning experience to students that could be relevant for them in their future career in public accounting. Student opinion surveys conducted about the learning outcomes of this project indicate strong student engagement, active learning, and satisfaction.
Deferral and Repatriation: A Proposal to Encourage Repatriation of Offshore Income
Authors: Raabe William A. , Hennig Cherie J. , Everett John O.
Published: August 2013

The need for U.S. tax laws to encourage and reward repatriation of offshore income is stronger than ever. We propose an approach that will penalize retaining earnings overseas, while rewarding entities that undertake a repatriation policy. The reward structure requires an accountable use of the repatriated funds for designated investments that further the economic needs goals of the U.S. Under our proposal, an interest charge would be assessed on unrepatriated offshore profits and would be reduced as various remission targets are met. The dividends-received deduction on repatriated earnings would increase as various remission and usage targets are met. A clawback provision would require the taxpayer to repay tax benefits received if there is a subsequent failure to meet the usage targets. The potential difficulties of operationalizing our proposal are identified and considered. A combination of the strategies developed in this proposal, perhaps in concert with features of other proposals, would encourage participating corporations to modify their cash management plans in ways that would provide a sustainable boost for the U.S. economy while also increasing tax revenues.
Compensation Peer Groups and Their Relation with CEO Pay
Authors: Cadman Brian , Carter Mary Ellen
Published: August 2013

Using a sample of S&P 1500 firms, we examine the selection of peer groups to set executive compensation. We document that the researcher-defined pool of potential peers significantly influences whether one concludes that the selection of peers is opportunistically biased to increase sample firm pay. With a broad pool of potential peers, opportunism seems more evident but when the potential peers are culled to a group that might better reflect the CEO labor market, selection appears less opportunistic. This finding is reinforced when we examine and find that differences in economic or compensation characteristics are largely unrelated to sample firm pay, even in settings in which we would most expect opportunism.
Comparison of lateral fabellar suture and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy techniques for treatment of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease
Authors: Gordon-Evans Wanda J. , Griffon Dominique J. , Bubb Carrie , Knap Kim M. , Sullivan Meghan , Evans Richard B.
Published: August 2013

Objective—To compare 1-year outcomes after lateral fabellar suture stabilization (LFS) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for the treatment of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Design—Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial.

Animals—80 dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Procedures—All dogs were randomly assigned to undergo LFS (n = 40) or TPLO (40). Clinical data collected included age, weight, body condition score, history information, stifle joint instability, radiographic findings, surgical findings, and complications. Outcome measures were determined prior to surgery and at 6 and 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months after surgery, including values of pressure platform gait analysis variables, Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores, owner satisfaction ratings, thigh circumference, and stifle joint goniometry values.

Results—Signalment and data for possible confounding variables were similar between groups. Peak vertical force of affected hind limbs at a walk and trot was 5% to 11% higher for dogs in the TPLO group versus those in the LFS group during the 12 months after surgery. Canine Brief Pain Inventory, goniometry, and thigh circumference results indicated dogs in both groups improved after surgery, but significant differences between groups were not detected. Owner satisfaction ratings at 12 months after surgery were significantly different between groups; 93% and 75% of owners of dogs in the TPLO and LFS groups indicated a satisfaction score ≥ 9 (scale, 1 to 10), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Kinematic and owner satisfaction results indicated dogs that underwent TPLO had better outcomes than those that underwent LFS.
Use of an owner questionnaire to evaluate long-term surgical outcome and chronic pain after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs: 253 cases (2004–2006)
Authors: Mölsä Sari H. , Hielm-Björkman Anna K. , Laitinen-Vapaavuori Outi M.
Published: August 2013

Objective—To evaluate, by means of an owner questionnaire, long-term outcome and prevalence of chronic pain after cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—253 dogs with surgically treated CCL rupture.

Procedures—Data from surgical records of dogs that underwent surgical repair of CCL between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. An owner questionnaire, including the validated Helsinki chronic pain index (HCPI), served to evaluate long-term outcome and prevalence of chronic pain after surgical repair by means of intracapsular, extracapsular, or osteotomy techniques. Additional questions inquired about recovery and rehabilitation after surgery, current well-being, medications, and adjunct treatments.

Results—Of 507 questionnaires, 272 (53.6%) were returned; 19 were excluded because of incomplete answers. Mean ± SD follow-up time was 2.7 ± 0.8 years (range, 1.3 to 4.5 years). Owners considered surgical outcome as excellent in 122 of 226 (54.0%) dogs, good in 97 (42.9%), fair in 0 (0%), and poor in 7 (3.1%). At follow-up, the mean ± SD HCPI for 206 dogs was 8.9 ± 6.3 (range, 0 to 24). Of these 206 dogs, 64 (31.1%) had an HCPI ≥ 12, indicating chronic pain. Mean HCPI in dogs with a good outcome (11.8 ± 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 10.6 to 12.9) was significantly higher than that for dogs with an excellent outcome (6.2 ± 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 5.1 to 7.2). Owner-reported postoperative lameness was significantly shorter after osteotomy techniques, compared with lameness duration after the intracapsular technique.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of owner assessment, long-term chronic pain was found in approximately 30% of dogs after CCL repair.
Risk factors associated with survival in dogs with nontonsillar oral squamous cell carcinoma 31 cases (1990–2010)
Authors: Fulton Amy J. , Nemec Ana , Murphy Brian G. , Kass Philip H. , Verstraete Frank J. M.
Published: August 2013

Objective—To identify risk factors associated with survival in dogs with nontonsillar oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that were and were not treated with curative-intent surgery.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—31 dogs with OSCC.

Procedures—Medical records for dogs with OSCC that were not treated, or were treated with curative-intent surgery only between January 1990 and December 2010 were reviewed. For each dog, data regarding signalment, clinical stage, treatment, tumor recurrence, and survival time were obtained from the medical record, and archived biopsy specimens were evaluated to identify the histologic subtype of the tumor and extent of tumor-associated inflammation (TAI), perineural invasion (PNI), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI).

Results—Risk of death for the 21 dogs with OSCC that were surgically treated was decreased 91.4% (hazard ratio, 0.086; 95% confidence interval, 0.002 to 0.150), compared with that for the 10 dogs with OSCC that were not treated. The 1-year survival rate was 93.5% and 0% for dogs that were and were not surgically treated, respectively. Risk of death increased significantly with increasing TAI and increasing risk score (combination of TAI, PNI, and LVI). Tumor location, clinical stage, and histologic subtype were not associated with survival time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that the prognosis for dogs with OSCC was excellent following surgical excision of the tumor. Risk of death increased with increasing TAI, and combining TAI, PNI, and LVI into a single risk score may be a useful prognostic indicator for dogs with OSCC.
Impact of data resolution on peak hour factor estimation for transportation decisions
Authors: Li Jan-Mou , Han Lee , Chen Chung-Hao
Published: August 2013

Inductance loop detection systems serve as a primary data source to contemporary traffic information systems. Measures like 20-second or 30-second average velocity, flow, and lane occupancy can be aggregated from individual loop detector actuation sampled at 60 Hz typically. Practically, these measures would sometimes be further aggregated into a much lower, e.g. 15-minute, resolution and then the raw data were lost. Valuable traffic information like flow variation may be distorted when the lower resolution aggregation is practiced. A biased conclusion could be drawn from a data integration system consisted of this kind of distortions. Three approaches estimating a peak hour factor based on traffic volume from loop detection systems are introduced in this paper to explore such a quality issue for data integration systems. Peak hour factor is commonly used in Highway Capacity Manual for determining and evaluating future system needs. By processing the raw data with the introduced approaches, different PHFs can be determined from a same traffic dataset. It is found that 2% to 5% (about one standard deviation from the mean) reduction in PHF may have 5 to 20 seconds increase in control delay estimation. The results suggest that distortion of control delay estimation at a signalized intersection exists due to an improper aggregation. That is, data quality might not be good enough for a right decision if the data were not processed appropriately.
Envisioning engineering education and practice in the coming intelligence convergence era — a complex adaptive systems approach
Authors: Noor Ahmed
Published: August 2013

Some of the recent attempts for improving and transforming engineering education are reviewed. The attempts aim at providing the entry level engineers with the skills needed to address the challenges of future large-scale complex systems and projects. Some of the frontier sectors and future challenges for engineers are outlined. The major characteristics of the coming intelligence convergence era (the post-information age) are identified. These include the prevalence of smart devices and environments, the widespread applications of anticipatory computing and predictive / prescriptive analytics, as well as a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines. Devices and machines will be able to learn from, and with, humans in a natural collaborative way. The recent game changers in learnscapes (learning paradigms, technologies, platforms, spaces, and environments) that can significantly impact engineering education in the coming era are identified. Among these are open educational resources, knowledge-rich classrooms, immersive interactive 3D learning, augmented reality, reverse instruction / flipped classroom, gamification, robots in the classroom, and adaptive personalized learning. Significant transformative changes in, and mass customization of, learning are envisioned to emerge from the synergistic combination of the game changers and other technologies. The realization of the aforementioned vision requires the development of a new multidisciplinary framework of emergent engineering for relating innovation, complexity and cybernetics, within the future learning environments. The framework can be used to treat engineering education as a complex adaptive system, with dynamically interacting and communicating components (instructors, individual, small, and large groups of learners). The emergent behavior resulting from the interactions can produce progressively better, and continuously improving, learning environment. As a first step towards the realization of the vision, intelligent adaptive cyber-physical ecosystems need to be developed to facilitate collaboration between the various stakeholders of engineering education, and to accelerate the development of a skilled engineering workforce. The major components of the ecosystems include integrated knowledge discovery and exploitation facilities, blended learning and research spaces, novel ultra-intelligent software agents, multimodal and autonomous interfaces, and networked cognitive and tele-presence robots.
Delays Caused by Incidents
Authors: Snelder M. , Bakri T. , van Arem B.
Published: August 2013

Road networks are becoming more vulnerable to incidents as a result of the increasing level of congestion. An innovative empirical method is proposed and applied to analyze the delays caused by about 490,000 incidents that occurred in the Netherlands in the period 2007 to 2009. The method was applied to the motorway network of the Netherlands for which detailed loop detector data were available and for which incidents were registered. The method contributes to the existing literature by explaining how delays that are caused by incidents can be computed by selecting a reference day and by tracing the effects of incidents. The method considers upstream delays on the road where the incident occurred, spillback effects to other roads, and rubbernecking effects. The method provides insight for the locations that are most vulnerable to incidents and a basis for taking robustness measures and understanding the potential benefits of these measures.
Formulation and Algorithms for Discrete Minimum-Cost Group Assembly Problem
Authors: Peng Fan , Hwang Taesung , Ouyang Yanfeng
Published: August 2013

Formulation and solution algorithms are proposed for a discrete group assembly problem in which a number of arbitrarily located objects in a network need to travel to some assembly points so that the subgraph induced by them contains a spanning tree whose edge lengths are all less than a predetermined distance. The objective of this problem is to find the optimal assembly location for each object so as to minimize the total travel distance of all objects from their initial locations to assembly points. This problem was motivated by several real-world applications in a range of contexts. The problem was formulated into a mixed-integer mathematical program, and effective algorithms such as neighborhood search were developed to obtain near-optimum solutions. Computational results for a number of experimental problem instances show that the proposed algorithms are able to give good solutions in a short amount of time.