bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular identification of species ofTaeniacausing bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Z. , Nakao M. , Menkir S. , Lavikainen A. , Iwaki T. , Yanagida T. , Okamoto M. , Ito A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBovine cysticercosis causing damage to the beef industry is closely linked to human taeniasis due toTaenia saginata. In African countries,Taeniaspp. from wildlife are also involved as possible sources of infections in livestock. To identify the aetiological agents of bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia, cysticerci were collected from 41 cattle slaughtered in the eastern and central areas during 2010–2012. A single cysticercus per animal was subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA sequencing of mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 gene, and the resultant sequence was compared with those of members of the genusTaenia. Although 38 out of 41 cysticerci (92.7%) were identified asT. saginata, three samples (7.3%) showed the hitherto unknown sequences ofTaeniasp., which is distantly related toTaenia solium,Taenia arctosandTaenia ovis. Old literatures suggest it to beTaenia hyaenae, but morphological identification of species could not be completed by observing only the larval samples.
From business process models to hierarchical task network planning domains
Authors: González-Ferrer Arturo , Fernández-Olivares Juan , Castillo Luis 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHierarchical Task Network (HTN) planning paradigm has been widely used during the last decade to model and solve planning and scheduling (P&S) problems, and it has proved to be very useful in the planning and coordination of human tasks. At the same time, Business Process Management (BPM) tools are being increasingly used in the modeling of organizations’ business practices and processes, but their life cycle has shown to have some shortages (as the possibility to obtain context-dependent plan instances). In this paper we present a methodology and software framework to translate Business Process Models into HTN P&S domains, in order to cover some of these deficiencies.
A socio-ecological perspective on behavioural interventions to influence food choice in schools: alternative, complementary or synergistic?
Authors: Moore Laurence , de Silva-Sanigorski Andrea , Moore Sue N 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveAn increasing focus on legislation, policy and guidance on the nutritional content of school food has in part been in response to the limited impact of more behavioural or educational approaches. However, there is a risk that a sole focus on policy-level action may lead to neglect of the important contribution that more behavioural approaches can make as components of effective, coordinated, multilevel action to improve the dietary intake of schoolchildren. The current paper aims to highlight the potential importance of viewing alternative approaches as complementary or synergistic, rather than competing.DesignThe socio-ecological and RE-AIM frameworks are used to provide a theoretical rationale and demonstrate the importance of explicitly identifying the interdependence of policies, interventions and contextual structures and processes. School food case study evidence is used to exemplify how understanding and exploiting these interdependencies can maximise impact on dietary outcomes.SettingCase studies of trials in schools in the UK (South West England and Wales) and Australia (Victoria).SubjectsSchoolchildren.ResultsThe case studies provide examples to support the hypothesis that the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of school food policies and interventions can be maximised by understanding and exploiting the interdependence between levels in the socio-ecological framework.ConclusionsRather than being seen as competing alternatives, diverse approaches to improving the diets of schoolchildren should be considered in terms of their potential to be complementary and synergistic, acting at multiple levels to improve acceptability, fidelity, effectiveness and sustainability.
Factors associated with stunting and overweight in Amazonian children: a population-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Cobayashi Fernanda , Augusto Rosângela Aparecida , Lourenço Bárbara Hatzlhoffer , Muniz Pascoal Torres , Cardoso Marly Augusto 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of stunting and overweight in children and identify demographic, socio-economic and maternal characteristics, as well as biochemical indicators, associated with these outcomes.DesignA population-based, cross-sectional study was performed. Data from structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood and stool samples were used in Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) according to a hierarchical conceptual framework.SettingAcrelândia, western Brazilian Amazon.SubjectsChildren (n 1139) aged <10 years.ResultsPrevalence of stunting was 7·1 % (95 % CI 5·1, 9·6 %) and 3·7 % (95 % CI 2·4, 5·7 %) among children aged <5 years and ≥5 years, respectively; overweight was detected in 20·6 % (95 % CI 17·4, 24·2 %) and 9·4 % (95 % CI 7·2, 12·1 %) of children aged <5 years and ≥5 years, respectively. Among children <5 years of age, stunting was positively associated with the lowest maternal height tertile (PR = 3·09, 95 % CI 1·26, 7·63), low birth weight (PR = 2·70, 95 % CI 1·41, 5·19), diarrhoea for ≥3d (PR = 2·21, 95 % CI 1·03, 4·77) and geohelminth infections (PR = 2·53, 95 % CI 1·02, 6·13). Overweight in children <5 years of age was positively associated with caesarean delivery (PR = 1·45, 95 % CI 1·02, 2·06), birth weight ≥3500 g (PR = 1·82, 95 % CI 1·30, 2·55) and Fe deficiency (PR = 1·64, 95 % CI 1·07, 2·53). Among children aged ≥5 years, land or livestock ownership (PR = 1·85, 95 % CI 1·07, 3·22), maternal overweight (PR = 2·06, 95 % CI 1·23, 3·47), high C-reactive protein concentration (PR = 2·43, 95 % CI 1·26, 4·70), vitamin A deficiency (PR = 1·97, 95 % CI 1·13, 3·41) and high serum TAG concentration (PR = 2·16, 95 % CI 1·27, 3·68) were associated with overweight.ConclusionsOverweight was more prevalent than stunting, being associated with higher household wealth, maternal overweight, caesarean delivery, high birth weight, micronutrient deficiencies and high TAG concentration. Improvements in maternal and child health care with sustainable access to healthy food are necessary to reduce short- and long-term health complications related to overweight in this population.
Associations among blood pressure, salt consumption and body weight status of students from south-western Ontario
Authors: Woodruff Sarah J , Fryer Katherine , Campbell Ty , Cole Mary 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose was to examine the associations among body weight status, blood pressure and daily Na intake among grade 7 students from south-western Ontario, Canada.DesignCross-sectional. Data were collected using the Food Behaviour Questionnaire, including a 24 h diet recall. Measured height and weight were used to determine BMI. Blood pressure was taken manually using mercury sphygmomanometers.SettingTwenty-six schools in south-western Ontario, Canada.SubjectsGrade 7 students (n1068).ResultsBody weight status indicated 1 % were underweight, 56 % normal weight, 23 % overweight and 20 % were obese. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 108·3 (sd10·3) mmHg and 66·0 (sd7·5) mmHg, respectively, and mean Na intake was 2799 (sd1539) mg/d. Bivariate analyses suggested that SBP (P< 0·001) and DBP (P< 0·001) were significantly different by body weight status, yet no associations were observed for Na. Adjusted for gender, ethnicity and under-reporting, participants were more likely to be overweight/obese if they had higher SBP (v.lower: OR = 1·06, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·08,P< 0·001), higher DBP (v.lower: OR = 1·02, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·04,P= 0·043) and higher intakes of Na (3rdv.1st quartile: OR = 1·72, 95 % CI 1·14, 2·59,P= 0·009; 4thv.1st quartile: OR = 2·88, 95 % CI, 1·76, 4·73,P< 0·001).ConclusionsHigh intakes of Na, coupled with high SBP and DBP, were associated with overweight and obesity status among the grade 7 sample from south-western Ontario, Canada.
Green tea and coffee consumption is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population
Authors: Pham Ngoc Minh , Nanri Akiko , Kurotani Kayo , Kuwahara Keisuke , Kume Ayami , Sato Masao , Hayabuchi Hitomi , Mizoue Tetsuya 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between the consumption of green tea, coffee and caffeine and depressive symptoms.DesignCross-sectional study. Consumption of green tea and coffee was ascertained with a validated dietary questionnaire and the amount of caffeine intake was estimated from these beverages. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to compute odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals for depressive symptoms with adjustments for potential confounders.SettingTwo workplaces in north-eastern Kyushu, Japan, in 2009.SubjectsA total of 537 men and women aged 20–68 years.ResultsHigher green tea consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. Compared with participants consuming ≤1 cup/d, those consuming ≥4 cups green tea/d had a 51 % significantly lower prevalence odds of having depressive symptoms after adjustment for potential confounders, with significant trend association (Pfor trend = 0·01). Further adjustment for serum folate slightly attenuated the association. Coffee consumption was also inversely associated with depressive symptoms (≥2 cups/dv. <1 cup/d: OR = 0·61; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·98). Multiple-adjusted odds for depressive symptoms comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of caffeine consumption was OR = 0·57 (95 % CI 0·30, 1·05;Pfor trend = 0·02).ConclusionsResults suggest that higher consumption of green tea, coffee and caffeine may confer protection against depression.
Architecture of the Subendothelial Elastic Fibers of Small Blood Vessels and Variations in Vascular Type and Size
Authors: Shinaoka Akira , Momota Ryusuke , Shiratsuchi Eri , Kosaka Mitsuko , Kumagishi Kanae , Nakahara Ryuichi , Naito Ichiro , Ohtsuka Aiji 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMost blood vessels contain elastin that provides the vessels with the resilience and flexibility necessary to control hemodynamics. Pathophysiological hemodynamic changes affect the remodeling of elastic components, but little is known about their structural properties. The present study was designed to elucidate, in detail, the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of delicate elastic fibers in small vessels, and to reveal their architectural pattern in a rat model. The fine vascular elastic components were observed by a newly developed scanning electron microscopy technique using a formic acid digestion with vascular casts. This method successfully visualized the 3D architecture of elastic fibers in small blood vessels, even arterioles and venules. The subendothelial elastic fibers in such small vessels assemble into a sheet of meshwork running longitudinally, while larger vessels have a higher density of mesh and thicker mesh fibers. The quantitative analysis revealed that arterioles had a wider range of mesh density than venules; the ratio of density to vessel size was higher than that in venules. The new method was useful for evaluating the subendothelial elastic fibers of small vessels and for demonstrating differences in the architecture of different types of vessels.
Atomic-Scale Measurement of Structure and Chemistry of a Single-Unit-Cell Layer of LaAlO3 Embedded in SrTiO3
Authors: Jia Chun-Lin , Barthel Juri , Gunkel Felix , Dittmann Regina , Hoffmann-Eifert Susanne , Houben Lothar , Lentzen Markus , Thust Andreas 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA single layer of LaAlO3 with a nominal thickness of one unit cell, which is sandwiched between a SrTiO3 substrate and a SrTiO3 capping layer, is quantitatively investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. By the use of an aberration-corrected electron microscope and by employing sophisticated numerical image simulation procedures, significant progress is made in two aspects. First, the structural as well as the chemical features of the interface are determined simultaneously on an atomic scale from the same specimen area. Second, the evaluation of the structural and chemical data is carried out in a fully quantitative way on the basis of the absolute image contrast, which has not been achieved so far in materials science investigations using high-resolution electron microscopy. Considering the strong influence of even subtle structural details on the electronic properties of interfaces in oxide materials, a fully quantitative interface analysis, which makes positional data available with picometer precision together with the related chemical information, can contribute to a better understanding of the functionality of such interfaces.
The evitability of autonomous robot warfare
Authors: Sharkey Noel E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis is a call for the prohibition of autonomous lethal targeting by free-ranging robots. This article will first point out the three main international humanitarian law (IHL)/ethical issues with armed autonomous robots and then move on to discuss a major stumbling block to their evitability: misunderstandings about the limitations of robotic systems and artificial intelligence. This is partly due to a mythical narrative from science fiction and the media, but the real danger is in the language being used by military researchers and others to describe robots and what they can do. The article will look at some anthropomorphic ways that robots have been discussed by the military and then go on to provide a robotics case study in which the language used obfuscates the IHL issues. Finally, the article will look at problems with some of the current legal instruments and suggest a way forward to prohibition.
Observation of stimulated Brillouin scattering in silica graded‐index multimode optical fibre based on pump‐probe technique
Authors: Hayashi N. , Mizuno Y. , Nakamura K. 
Published: March 2013

Based on the pump‐probe technique (PPT), stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) was observed in a 100 m‐long silica graded‐index multimode optical fibre with the same core diameter as that of a perfluorinated graded‐index polymer optical fibre (PFGI‐POF) (=50 µm). The SBS threshold was measured to be ∼50 mW, which was much lower than 5.08 W, the SBS threshold obtained for the same fibre without the PPT. This result indicates that the PPT is useful even under multimode conditions and that the difficulty in observing SBS in PFGI‐POFs consists not in their physical problems but in their material problems (high propagation loss etc.).
Compact LTCC balanced bandpass filter using distributed‐element resonator
Authors: Chen J.‐X. , Shao C. , Lu Q.‐Y. , Tang H. , Bao Z.‐H. 
Published: March 2013

Presented is a vertically and horizontally folded half‐wavelength resonator in a three‐dimension (3D) environment and its application to a balanced bandpass filter (BPF). Benefiting from the multilayered resonator based on the transmission line theory and low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, the proposed balanced BPF can obtain compact size and good performance. For demonstration, a LTCC balanced BPF centred at 2.45GHz has been designed using the proposed resonator, and the size of the circuit is 6.0 × 5.0 × 1.6 mm3.
Broadband Ka‐band 90° phase switch for radio astronomy
Authors: Villa E. , de la Fuente L. , Cagigas J. , Aja B. , Artal E. 
Published: March 2013

A broadband 90° phase switch based on microstrip bandpass filters (BPFs) is presented. The phase shift expression is derived from the theoretical analysis of π‐network BPFs. The broadband behaviour is performed and validated in the Ka‐band focused on radioastronomy applications. The commutation between networks is achieved by a single‐pole double‐throw switch with negligible power consumption. Measured results show an average phase shift of 88° ± 6° in the frequency band from 24 to 37 GHz (more than 42% relative bandwidth), with an amplitude imbalance of around 0.5 dB. The return loss is better than 15 dB. Experimental results demonstrate its suitability to be used in broadband radio astronomy receivers.
Low temperature synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Rashidzadeh M. , Faridnia B. , Ghasemi M.R. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of synthesis conditions on properties of TiO2 nanoparticles to be used for photocatalysis and also producing TiO2 using a low temperature method.Design/methodology/approachTiO2 nanoparticles were synthesised via a sol‐gel method at low temperature and the effect of parameters such as: synthesis temperature, HNO3 concentration, calcination temperature and synthesis time on properties of TiO2 were studied. The effects of the physico‐chemical properties of TiO2, its concentration and light intensity on photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated also.FindingsThe results showed that TiO2 with Anatase phase were formed at 80‐100°C by using proper HNO3 concentration, synthesis time and calcinations temperature. Calcinations programme and temperature and also the synthesis time affect the formation of TiO2 crystalline phase (i.e. Rutile and Brookite), their surface area and crystallite size. To evaluate the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles, fluorescein was used as a model molecule. Results showed that degradation of fluorescein could be described by pseudo‐first order kinetics. The effect of TiO2 concentration and light intensity on photocatalytic activity showed that increasing concentration of TiO2 and the light intensity would increase the degradation of fluorescein.Originality/valueThe method used in this work to prepare TiO2 nanoparticles is an economic method for low temperature synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity, which could find numerous applications in coating technology.
Development of palm oil‐based alkyds as UV curable coatings
Authors: Teck Chye Ang Desmond , Neon Gan Seng 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop palm oil‐based alkyds as ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings and investigate the parameters that affect the coating performances.Design/methodology/approachAlkyds were formulated from palm stearin, glycerol, phthalic anhydride and maleic acid. Keeping the total molar amount of dicarboxylic acids constant, the proportions of maleic acid and phthalic anhydride were varied in order to produce polymer chains with different content of unsaturation, which is crucial for UV curability. Characterisations were carried out by FTIR and 1HNMR. The alkyds were then mixed with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer as active diluents and cured by exposure to UV light. Performances of the cured coatings were tested in terms of film hardness, adhesion, water and alkali resistance, and thermal stability.FindingsUpon introducing sufficient C=C, the alkyd in combination with MMA is able to UV‐cure within short time and produce film of satisfactory quality. There are several other factors, which influence the coating properties; these include thickness of coating, ratio of alkyd to active diluents, and duration of UV exposure.Social implicationsThe product is a form of green technology that could benefit the environment as it involves very low or near zero emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC).Originality/valueThe novelty of this work lies in the formulation of new products from palm stearin, leading to new developments in the surface coating and palm oil industries.
Environmentally stable NIR‐absorbing window
Authors: Hee Koo Song , Park Kyungmin , Hwang Hyunmin , Yoo Youngjae , Hun Han Jong , Shin Kwonwoo , Ho Cho Jeong 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop environmentally stable near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing windows by blending an NIR‐absorbing dye and a thermally‐crosslinkable polymer.Design/methodology/approachTo enhance the environmental stability of the NIR‐absorbing window, a poly(vinyl phenol‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (poly(VP‐co‐MMA)) prepolymer and a poly(melamine‐co‐formaldehyde) (PMF) cross‐linking agent were mixed, and thermal crosslinking was performed under mild conditions (100°C).FindingsThe resistance of the crosslinked hybrid films to heat, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation damage improved dramatically relative to the pristine NIR‐absorbing dye. The improved environmental stability of the crosslinked NIR hybrid film resulted from the reduced free volume and restrictions in the molecular thermal dynamic motions of the polymer due to the presence of the crosslinked network surrounding the NIR‐absorbing dye molecules.Originality/valueThe methods provided a novel, simple, and practical solution to improving environmentally stability of NIR‐absorbing window.
Preparation and characterization of multi‐layer core‐shell polysiloxane/PSt/PMMA latex
Authors: Song Q. , Yan P. , Wang H. , Zhu X. , Xu Y. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prepare a kind of novel multi‐layer core‐shell latex, and to evaluate the effect of the preparation methodology.Design/methodology/approachCore‐shell poly(siloxane)/polystyrene/polymethyl methacrylate (PSi/PSt/PMMA) latex particles were prepared by seeded‐emulsion polymerisation with three stages. The core of cured PSi was prepared with octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) by co‐condensation. Using vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) as coupling agent, functional PSi particles with vinyl groups on surfaces were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of VTEOS in core formation stage. Then, the functional PSi particles were used as seeds to copolymerise with styrene and methyl methacrylate sequentially in shell stage I and stage II to form PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles.FindingsFTIR, TEM, DSC and XPS showed that the PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles had multi‐layer core‐shell structure with cured PSi as core, PSt as shell I and PMMA as shell II.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present work, PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles having multi‐layer core‐shell structure with cured PSi as core, PSt as shell I and PMMA as shell II were prepared. This methodology can be employed to prepare new functional materials for various applications.Practical implicationsMulti‐layer core‐shell particles offer a new area of material science that has wide applications in coatings or modified polymer materials production.Originality/valueThe method developed in the study reported in this paper provides a new strategy to develop new types of core‐shell materials with multi‐layer structure.