bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining Emotional, Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health as Determinants of Self-Rated Health Status
Authors: Ratner Pamela A. , Johnson Joy L. , Jeffery Bonnie 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To determine whether individuals' perceptions of their emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health constitute elements of their self-rated health status operationalized with a commonly employed single indicator. Design. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data. Structural equation modeling with LISREL was used. Setting. The Yukon Health Promotion Survey, Yukon Territory, Canada, 1993. Subjects. The population-based sample was made up of 742 women and 713 men between 15 and 90 years of age; 80.3% responded. Measures. Self-rated health status was operationalized with the “excellent, good, fair, poor” indicator derived from the question: “In general, compared to other people your age, would you say your health is. …” Social, spiritual, emotional, and physical health status were also self-rated from excellent to poor. Results. The model's fit of the data was acceptable. Only physical health status significantly contributed to the variance in self-rated health status (55.1% of the variance was explained). Emotional, social, and spiritual health were found to have no effect on individuals' ratings of their health status. Conclusions. Although recent conceptualizations have broadened in much of the theoretical and political discourse about health, especially in health promotion, the self-rated health status indicator measures only physical health status.
Dietary Fat Consumption in a Cohort of American Adults, 1985–1991: Covariates, Secular Trends, and Compliance with Guidelines
Authors: Katz David L. , Brunner Robert L. , Jeor Sachiko T. St. , Scott Barbara , Jekel James F. , Brownell Kelly D. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To examine compliance with the guideline for dietary fat (i.e., 30% of total daily calories) and covariates of fat intake in a cohort of adults using both 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Design. Prospective, observational cohort study over 5 years. Setting. Community-based sample in Reno, Nevada. Subjects. Equal numbers of male and female, lean and overweight adults (n = 508), recruited from 1985 to 1986, of whom 348 completed all relevant surveys. Measures. Subjects underwent repeated anthropometric measures and completed extensive surveys on diet, weight cycling, lifestyle, and physical activity. Results. Mean fat intake by 24-hour recall declined from 36.9% to 33.6% of calories between years 1 and 5 (p < .001), while calorie intake increased (p = .2). As measured by FFQ at year 2, mean fat intake was 39.1 % of calories, and only 11.8% of subjects were in compliance with the guideline for dietary fat intake. Fat intake by FFQ at year 2 was statistically higher than by 24-hour recall in year 1 for lean women (p = .02) and lean men (p = .02), but not for the overweight of either gender, and was significantly higher than the year 5 24-hour recall for all categories of gender and weight (p < .001). Calorie intake, gender, and body mass index were significant in regression models that explained less than 10% of total variability in fat intake (r2 = .08; p < .01). Conclusions. Compliance with the nationally recommended level of dietary fat intake was poor in this cohort, especially as measured by FFQ. Variability in fat intake was largely unexplained by host characteristics, including education. Further study is required to corroborate secular trends in population fat intake, elucidate the determinants of such intake, and identify cost-effective strategies for reducing the consumption of dietary fat.
Consumer Preferences in Format and Type of Community-Based Weight Control Programs
Authors: Sherwood Nancy E. , Morton Noelle , Jeffery Robert W. , French Simone A. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne , Falkner Nicole H. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to provide further information about preferences for types and formats (e.g., correspondence vs. face to face) of eating and exercise programs, actual participation rates in a variety of offered programs, and characteristics of program participants vs. nonparticipants. Design. Over a 3-year period, a large sample of community volunteers was given the opportunity to participate in various forms of diet and exercise programs as part of a weight gain prevention study. Setting. The study was conducted at a university and three local health department sites. Subjects. Subjects in the study were 616 individuals participating in the Pound of Prevention study (POP), a 3-year randomized evaluation of an intervention for preventing weight gain.1 Measures. The primary outcomes assessed were participation rates for each program offering. Program participants were also compared to those who did not participate on demographic characteristics, smoking, diet behavior, exercise behavior, and weight concern. Results. Survey results indicated that correspondence formats for delivery of health education programs were rated as more desirable than face-to-face formats. Participation for program offerings ranged from 0 to 16% of the study population. Participation data were consistent with survey results and showed participants' preference for correspondence formats even more strongly. Program offerings attracted health-conscious participants with higher education and income levels. Conclusions. These data suggest that some community members will get interested and take part in low-cost, minimal contact programs for exercise and weight control. Future research efforts should focus on investigating ways to increase participation in brief or minimal contact programs, particularly among groups that may be difficult to reach and at high risk for the development of obesity.
Carrots and Sticks: Impact of an Incentive/disincentive Employee Flexible Credit Benefit Plan on Health Status and Medical Costs
Authors: Stein Aryeh D. , Karel Tom , Zuidema Roy 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. Employee wellness programs aim to assist in controlling employer costs by improving the health status and fitness of employees, potentially increasing productivity, decreasing absenteeism, and reducing medical claims. Most such programs offer no disincentive for nonparticipation. We evaluated an incentive/disincentive program initiated by a large teaching hospital in western Michigan. Methods. The HealthPlus Health Quotient program is an incentive/disincentive approach to health promotion. The employer's contribution to the cafeteria plan benefit package is adjusted based on results of an annual appraisal of serum cholesterol, blood pressure, tobacco use, body fat, physical fitness, motor vehicle safety, nutrition, and alcohol consumption. The adjustment (health quotient [HQ]) can range from –$25 to +$25 per pay period. We examined whether appraised health improved between 1993 and 1996 and whether the HQ predicted medical claims. Results. Mean HQ increased slightly (+$0.47 per pay period in 1993 to +$0.89 per pay period in 1996). Individuals with HQs of less than –$10 per pay period incurred approximately twice the medical claims of the other groups (test for linear trend, p = .003). After adjustment, medical claims of employees in the worst category (HQ < –$10 per pay period) were $1078 (95% confidence interval $429-$1728) greater than those for the neutral (HQ between –$2 and +$2 per pay period) category. A decrease in HQ of at least $6 per pay period from 1993 to 1995 was associated with $956 (95% confidence interval $264-$1647) greater costs in 1996 than was a stable HQ. Conclusions. The HealthPlus Health Quotient program is starting to yield benefits. Most employees are impacted minimally, but savings are accruing to the employer from reductions in medical claims paid and in days lost to illness and disability.
Self-Efficacy and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables: Validation of a Summated Scale
Authors: Ling Annie Mei Chuan , Horwath Caroline 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To develop and validate a scale to assess self-efficacy for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and to assess the ability of the scale to discriminate individuals at different stages of readiness to change. Methods. Data were collected using a combination of self-administered mail questionnaires and phone interviews from a sample of 1200 Chinese Singaporeans randomly selected from residential phone listings. Principal-components analysis was conducted with half the sample, and model fit was measured using structural modeling procedures on the other half. Analyses of variance were used to determine whether self-efficacy differed across the stages of change. Setting. Data were collected as part of a larger study investigating factors influencing consumption of fruit, vegetables, and cereal foods. Measures. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured using a validated seven-item food frequency questionnaire. Subjects were assigned to stages using a phone-administered staging algorithm. Self-efficacy items were scored on a five-point Likert scale from very confident to not at all confident. Results. Principal-components analysis revealed a two-factor structure that was highly stable across two split-half samples and gender, and accounted for 57% of the variance in self-efficacy. The two factors demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.77 and 0.89), with loadings ranging from 0.59 to 0.86 (mean= 0.70). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good model fit (goodness-of-fit index = 0.99), with all parameters significant. Scores on the scale were significantly higher among subjects assigned to maintenance than among those assigned to precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation. Conclusions. Results of this study provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the scale to guide development and monitoring of community programs and therapeutic interventions.
Estrategias de vida y rutas de desarrollo de jóvenes rurales en Nicaragua: los casos en Muy Muy y Matiguás
Authors: Steel Griet , Sosa Carlos 
Published: December 2011

Existe una preocupación creciente en la industria del desarrollo sobre la situación de hombres y mujeres jóvenes creciendo en contextos de pobreza. Sin embargo, aún hay una escasez de investigación que dé cuenta de lo que ocurre en la vida diaria de los jóvenes y la forma en que éstos experimentan y tratan de manejar las situaciones de pobreza. Los estudios de juventud generalmente consideran a las personas jóvenes como pasivos receptáculos de las decisiones y políticas definidas por los adultos, y tienden a ignorar la capacidad que tienen las personas jóvenes de generar riqueza. En el presente artículo enfatizamos la necesidad de hacer investigación más profunda sobre las estrategias de vida de los jóvenes y su transición hacia la adultez. Sobre la base de estudios de caso de jóvenes rurales nicaragüenses, analizamos cómo los jóvenes de Muy Muy y Matiguás negocian sus estrategias de vida con sus padres, con la perspectiva de acumular recursos necesarios para lograr independizarse. En el desenvolvimiento de sus estrategias de vida reconocemos a los jóvenes como agentes activos del desarrollo de sus hogares y localidades. En esta medida, promovemos que las instituciones de desarrollo razonen sobre las iniciativas de los jóvenes en sus intervenciones de desarrollo. En este sentido, el presente estudio tiene la perspectiva no sólo de enriquecer el debate académico alrededor de las estrategias de vida de os jóvenes sino también de proveer insumos a las organizaciones que implementan estrategias de desarrollo con jóvenes en Nicaragua y la región.
Solar Irradiance Model for Solar Electric Panels and Solar Thermal Collectors in Lithuania
Authors: Vasarevicius D. , Martavicius R. 
Published: December 2011

Presented the model based on the clear sky standard, which allows calculation of solar insolation values at each location in Lithuania. Model is associated with geographical coordinates of Lithuania and local time of every day of the year. It is made for modeling electronic systems for management of solar panels and solar thermal collectors. Model was tested by calculating solar insolation at 313 369 locations of Lithuania. It is shown that the lowest insolation in territory of Lithuania on noon of June 21 is 375 m2 and the highest is – 439 W/m2. Deviation of solar insolation values from average is ±8%. In addition, it is shown that the changes in solar insolation are caused by zenith or altitude angle variations. Model is suitable for calculation of optimal angles of solar panels and solar thermal collectors in any location of Lithuania. Ill. 4, bibl. 8 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.132
Impact of Wireless Channel Parameters on Quality of Video Streaming
Authors: Paulikas S. , Sargautis P. , Banevicius V. 
Published: December 2011

The problem of estimation of video quality obtained by end-user for mobile video streaming is addressed. Widely spreading mobile communication systems and increasing data transmission rates expand variety of multimedia services. One of such services is video streaming. So it is important to assess quality of this service. Consumers of video streaming are humans, and quality assessment must account human perception characteristics. Existing methods for user experienced video quality estimation as quality metrics usually usebit-error rate that has low correlation with by human perceived video quality. More advanced methods usually require too much processing power that cannot be obtained in handled mobile devices or intrusion into device firmware and/or hardware to obtain required data. However, recent research shows that channels throughput dedicated to some service (e.g. video streaming) can be tied to QoS perceived by an end-user indicator. This paper presents a research on impact of wireless channel parameters such as throughput and jitter on quality of video streaming. These wireless channel parameters can be easily obtained by monitoring IP level data streams in end-user’s device by fairly simple software agent for indication of video streaming QoS. Ill. 5, bibl. 10 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.138
Adaptive Cross-layer Optimization Based on Markov Decision Process
Authors: Velickovic Z. , Jevtovic M. 
Published: December 2011

In order to satisfy QoS demands of wireless multimedia application it is necessary to make an optimization on several ISO-OSI layers in the protocol stack. In this paper an optimization cross-layer algorithm has been applied based on Markov decision process (MDP). The wireless communication system with one user has been optimized by the transmitting policies in order to maximize the throughput along with the optimization of the average value of the engaged power, satisfying the demanded BER and the average value of rejected packets. Simulation results show that the application of cross-layer design based on MDP is justified. Ill. 2, bibl. 9 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.141
The Analysis of Network Performance with Different Routing and Interconnection Methods
Authors: Kostic-Ljubisavljevic A. , Mladenovic S. , Acimovic-Raspopovic V. , Samcovic A. 
Published: December 2011

The effects of dynamic traffic routing and interconnection charging methods on telecommunication network load balance are analyzed in this paper. The results of numerous simulations performed with software specially developed for analysis of network performances are given. It is shown that adequately chosen routing method can give good balancing of link loads which impacts the choice of networks interconnection charging agreement. Ill. 7, bibl. 11 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.142
Generalized Mathematical Model of Controlled Linear Oscillating Mechatronic Device
Authors: Senulis A. , Eidukas D. , Guseinoviene E. 
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the general mathematical model of double-sided splingless linear oscillating mechatronic device – oscillating motor- ompressor which is supplied by thyristor voltage converter. The model presents possibilities to evaluate losses of the windings and losses in the magnetic circuit, nonlinear inductances, mutual inductances, special current feedback using harmonic analysis for the control, oscillations not only of the moving part, but also the “stator” oscillations. Also using this model such parameters can be calculated – oscillation centre drift, oscillating coordinates and velocities of mover and stator, all currents and voltages, electromagnetic force, harmonics of each time-dependent parameter. Ill. 7, bibl. 13 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.145
Comparison of Two 12-Key Assignments on Mobile Devices
Authors: Dagiene V. , Grigas G. , Jevsikova T. 
Published: December 2011

Two variants of key assignments on 12-key mobile devices for languages based on Latin script are discussed. It is shown that the variant where all letters of the alphabet of a particular language are placed in front of digits is more preferable than that where letters with diacritics are placed after digits. The investigation was conducted, using Lithuanian, Latvian and Polish alphabets as the examples. However, all the results and conclusions, presented in the paper, are valid for any Latin script language, using the alphabet with more than 26 letters of basic Latin set. Ill. 1, bibl. 15, tabl. 5 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.153
A Hybrid GA-PSO Approach Based on Similarity for Various Types of Economic Dispatch Problems
Authors: Guvenc U. , Duman S. , Saracoglu B. , Ozturk A. 
Published: December 2011

Economic dispatch problem is an optimization problem where objective function is highly nonlinear. In this paper, an efficient method based on hybrid genetic algorithm- particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) for economic dispatch (ED) problem is proposed. In the proposed method, children created by using similarity measurement between mother and father chromosomes relationship. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated for solve various types of economic dispatch (ED) problems in power systems such as, economic dispatch with valve point (EDVP) effects, the ED of generators with prohibited operating zones and ED with only fuel options and it is compared in the recent literature. The study results show that the proposed approach is more efficient in finding higher quality solutions in various type ED problems. Ill. 3, bibl. 20, tabl. 10 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.155
Computer Terminal for Blind and Visually Impaired
Authors: Bansevicius R. , Zvironas A. , Virbalis J. A. 
Published: December 2011

The computer terminal is a ferromagnetic plate with spacial configuration. on which the blind moves by his finger the sensor of a ferromagnetic material. The finger feels the variations of the friction force due to variations of magnetic field and its frequency, which can represent the variations of the different visual information. The magnetic field is created by the spiral electromagnet. It is situated under all terminal and is created the sufficiently uniform magnetic field with well resolution. Analysis of the electromagnet magnetic circuit is performed. Ill. 5, bibl. 6 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.109.3.159
Integration of Non EU National Scholars in Lithuanian Universities
Authors: Matonyte Irmina , Klementjeviene Ana 
Published: December 2011

The paper analyzes integration experience of foreign researchers (non EU nationals) in Lithuanian universities. The paper assesses openness and engagement of Lithuanian public institutions and universities towards highly skilled foreign specialists. The analytical framework distinguishes three levels of factors which contribute to the success of integration: macro level (state) factors such as social structure, institutional design and regulations, cultural attitudes and traditions; mezzo level (university) factors such as infra-structure, competences, organizational visions and expectations of the leadership and the staff and micro level (individual) factors such as personality traits, professional experience and family circumstances of the immigrant scholars.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.10.1.230
Preparation of DNA Containing 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2′‐Deoxycytidine Modification Through Phosphoramidites with TBDMS as 5‐Hydroxymethyl Protecting Group
Authors: Dai Qing , He Chuan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis unit describes procedures for preparation of two phosphoramidite building blocks III and IV, both containing a TBDMS as 5‐CH2OH‐protecting group. Phosphoramidites III and IV allow efficient incorporation of 5‐hmC into DNA and a “one‐step” deprotection procedure to cleanly remove all the protecting groups. A “two‐step” deprotection strategy is compatible with ultramild DNA synthesis, which enables the synthesis of 5hmC‐containing DNA with additional modifications. Methods are also presented for their incorporation into oligonucleotides by solid‐phase synthesis, subsequent deprotection, and HPLC analysis. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 47:4.47.1‐4.47.18. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative CH Bond Acylation of Acetanilides with Benzylic Alcohols
Authors: Yuan Yu , Chen Duanteng , Wang Xiaowei 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAn efficient and clean method to construct CC bonds has been developed via the acylation reaction of acetanilides with benzylic alcohols using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant catalyzed by palladium acetate in the presence of triflic acid (TfOH). The acylation reactions exhibit excellent reactivities, and up to 95% yield of the corresponding aryl ketone could be obtained under the optimal conditions.
Synthesis of α‐Arylphosphonates using Copper‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation and Deacylative α‐Arylation of β‐Ketophosphonates
Authors: Rout Laxmidhar , Regati Sridhar , Zhao Cong‐Gui 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEfficient methods for the direct arylation and deacylative arylation of β‐ketophosphonates with iodoarenes in presence of a copper(I) or a copper(II) salt as the catalysts have been developed. The corresponding α‐arylphosphonates were obtained in high yields. A tentative mechanism for the deacylative arylation reaction was proposed on the basis of the experimental data.
Sodium Borohydride‐Nickel Chloride‐Methanol Catalytic System for Regioselective Reduction of Electron‐Rich Conjugated Dienes and Reductive Cleavage of Allyl Esters Involving π‐Allylnickel Intermediates
Authors: Yin Biao‐Lin , Cai Cong‐Bi , Lai Jin‐Qiang , Zhang Ze‐Ren , Huang Li , Xu Li‐Wen , Jiang Huan‐Feng 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe regioslective reduction of electron‐rich dienes to monoolefins and the reductive cleavage of allyl esters were fulfilled by employing a sodium borohydride‐nickel chloride‐methanol catalytic system with exceedingly simple manipulations and high functional group tolerability. Both of the reductive reactions may involve π‐allylnickel intermediates generated from fresh nickel boride.
Changing the Palladium Coordination to Phosphinoimidazolines with a Remote Triazole Substituent
Authors: de la Fuente Verónica , Marcos Rocío , Cambeiro Xacobe C. , Castillón Sergio , Claver Carmen , Pericàs Miquel A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPhosphinoimidazoline (PHIM) ligands bearing a triazolylmethyl substituent at the sp3 nitrogen atom in the imidazoline ring lead to highly improved enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) in allylic substitution reactions with respect to analogous ligands with substituents lacking the triazole unit. NMR and theoretical studies support a shift in the coordination mode of the PHIM ligand to palladium, triggered by a very favourable interaction with the triazole unit.