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1.

Analysis of Body Composition: A Critical Review of the Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Mirele Savegnago Mialich, Julia na Maria Faccioli Sicchieri, Alceu Afonso Jordao Junior International Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2014 2 (1). doi: 10.12691/ijcn-2-1-1 Keywords: body composition, bioelectrical impedance, resistance, reactance, fat mass, fat-free mass, body water Context: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method extensively used in studies assessing body composition, especially in view of the high speed of information processing, as a noninvasive method for generating information through portable, easy to use and relatively inexpensive equipment that estimates the distribution of body fluids in the intra- and intercellular spaces in addition to the body components. This technique consists of the passage of a painless low amplitude electrical current applied through cables connected to electrodes or to conducting surfaces placed in contact with the skin, permitting the measurement of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). These R and Xc values applied to mathematical equations permit the estimate of the following body compartments: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW). In this respect, the objective of the present report is to review the main concepts involved in the BIA technique, to describe the types of BIA available, their limitations and applications to clinical practice, especially the monitoring of chronic diseases. After this review, we conclude that BIA is an important instrument for health professionals and that its use can provide safe data about body composition, in addition to complementary data about the clinical course of patients followed up on a medium- and long-term basis. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

2.

Long Term Forecast of Meteorological Variables in Sancti Spiritus. CUBA Ricardo Osés Rodríguez, Rigoberto Fimia Duarte, Guillermo Saura González, Alfredo Pedraza martínez, Nancy Ruiz Cabrera, Julia Socarras Padrón Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. 2014 2 (1). doi: 10.12691/aees-2-1-6 Keywords: long-term forecast, wind, Cuba, mathematical modeling, mosquitoes Context: The aim of this work is aimed at modeling and forecasting with 1 year in advance a set of 7 meteorological variables, these are, as long as the wind keeps blowing over, 3 m/s, 4 m/s, 5 m/s, 6 m/s, 7 m/s, 8 m/s and 9 m/s corresponding to the meteorological station of Sancti Spiritus (Lat North 21°56', Long 79°27', Height above sea level 96.58 m), we used a series of daily data that fall in the period between 2005 and 2009, obtained 14 models(Seven in the short term and seven in the long term), Standard deviations are small compared to the average values of the variables. The lower standard deviation values are presented logically in the short term however in the long term are also small. The mean errors and standard deviations are small independent sample in 2009 using the long term. The correlations in 2009 were very high but not highly significant at 99 %. All the equations were significant at 99 %. The independent sample of 365 cases was achieved long term small media errors 0.326 values for the variable in which the wind is over 9 m/s to -3.14 when the wind is above of 3 m / s. Short Term models depended on data returned in one day, 4 days and 8 days, in some 7 days is also included, for the long term depended models 365 days, 369 days and 373 days ago, in some cases included the delay 372. We can say that with the advance of one year is possible and feasible to have daily forecasts of meteorological variables, Objective Regression was used for all models Regressive with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 13. The tables and graphs show the predicted and actual values for 2009. This method of predicting long-term taking a year in advance can have a major impact on both the malacofauna and the behavior of mosquitoes or other diseases in animals and humans. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

3.	Celiac Disease after the Diagnosis: What We Expect and What Happens in the Reality Julia Gorgun, Anna Portyanko International Journal of Celiac Disease. 2014 2 (1). doi: 10.12691/ijcd-2-1-9 Keywords: Context: Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

4.

Six Essential Instructional Roles to Implement Response to Intervention Models: Perceptions of Highly Qualified Special Educators John J. Hoover, Julia S. Sarris American Journal of Educational Research. 2014 2 (5). doi: 10.12691/education-2-5-4 Keywords: response to intervention, teacher preparation Context: Survey research was conducted to examine practitioners’ reported implementation of key instructional roles in response to intervention (RTI) models. A survey was administered to 65 practitioners who completed a nationally accredited degree program from 2004-2011, resulting in a Masters Degree in Special Education and a state teaching endorsement as a highly qualified K-12 special educator. Research addressed the question: To what extent do practitioners trained as special educators report engaging in six key roles, and associated subskills, in their implementation of an RTI Model? Results suggest that educators trained in special education, working in general or special education settings, engage in implementing each of the key roles within their RTI models. Implications and suggestions for teacher preparation of special educators are provided. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

5.

School-University Collaboration Initiative: Benefits and Challenges in Uganda Charles Opolot-Okurut, Julia na Bbuye American Journal of Educational Research. 2014 2 (10). doi: 10.12691/education-2-10-1 Keywords: collaboration, partnership, schools, teacher education, Uganda, university Context: This investigation examined academic staff, school administrators and school teachers’ perceptions of the university-school collaboration. A qualitative research paradigm was followed through a case study of Makerere University’s use of Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa-(TESSA) project materials. The case study focused on gaining a wealth of detailed information on a small sample of academic staff, school administrators, and school teachers while addressing the research questions of the study. Twelve participants were used for data collection from the university (three) and the primary schools (nine). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews organized around the key research questions. Results indicated that the gap between university academics and school teachers is narrowing. Some school teachers have changed their practices that appear to have improved their methods of delivery of content to the learners. The use of TESSA materials is altering teachers’ teaching practices. But, the resources for university-school collaboration are varied and expensive. Teachers’ workload appears to leave them little time to be effectively involved in collaborative activities. Conclusions from these findings were that there are both merits and constraints to university school partnership to the advantage of each institution; teachers are incorporating TESSA materials into their teaching practices. The implications of these findings for the university-school partnership include the increased need for university and school administrators to support school teachers benefit from the collaboration; and to create more time for the involvement of all participating parties so that they can better implement the collaboration activities. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

6.

Enhancing Transition and Empowering Students with Disabilities in Higher Education Edith F. Miller, Julia nne Albiero-Walton American Journal of Educational Research. 2014 2 (11). doi: 10.12691/education-2-11-4 Keywords: transition, mentoring, retention, students with disabilities, honor society Context: College Achievement Training Seminars is a first-year transition program that consists of a series of 15 non-credit workshops with a mentoring component that pairs the first-year participants with upper-class or graduate mentors who are active members of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society, the primary collegiate honorary recognizing high-achieving students with disabilities. This qualitative, comparative study examined the first-semester grade point average and first-to-second year retention rates for students with disabilities who successfully completed College Achievement Training Seminars with those who were eligible for and invited to participate but chose not to attend. Participating students had a higher first-semester grade point average and higher first-to-second year retention rates. The mean aggregate retention rate over an eight-year period was 91% for students who completed College Achievement Training Seminars versus 52% for those who did not participate in the program. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

7.

Using Chemical Modeling to Asses Water Quality in the Raigón Aquifer System in Southern Uruguay Julia Torres, Lorena Gonzatto, César Goso, José Luis Fernández-Turiel, Marta Rejas, Maite García-Vallés, Carlos Kremer, Eduardo Kremer Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health. 2015 3 (2). doi: 10.12691/jephh-3-2-2 Keywords: Raigón aquifer system, groundwater, chemical modeling, speciation, trace elements Context: The Raigón aquifer is an important groundwater system in southern Uruguay. The increasing use of groundwater resources in the last decades has provoked changes in the concentration of many elements which are strongly related to anthropogenic pollution sources. Concentration levels are useful to detect changes in reservoir status but it is also necessary to analyze their chemical significance in order to make an accurate assessment of the sources of contamination and the causes of changes. In this work we use the available thermodynamic data to calculate chemical speciation on these groundwater samples. Trace elements present as anions, in particular Se and Mo, are especially focused to show the chemical modeling possibilities. Both elements form anionic species, predominantly MoO42- and SeO42-. Results show that these anions interact in solution and are greatly influenced by the concentration of the abundant calcium ion. Localized changes in pH can strongly affect the situation. The same is observed with the pE parameter, but only in the case of Se. Chemical speciation of trace elements is in general highly dependent on pH, pE and concentration of major elements. In consequence, for a fixed analytical total concentration, these parameters can markedly change the situation, affecting the mobility, the bioavailability and environmental fate of these elements. The strategy employed in this work can also be extended to the study of many other environmental water scenarios. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

8.

Scenario Based Technology Road Mapping to Transfer Renewable Energy Technologies to Sri Lanka Amila Withanaarachchi, Julia n Nanayakkara, Chamli Pushpakumara Sustainable Energy. 2015 3 (2). doi: 10.12691/rse-3-2-1 Keywords: renewable energy, road-mapping, scenario planning, sri lanka, technology transfer Context: As per the International Energy Agency (IEA) 2009 report, rapidly growing energy demand in developing countries is projected to double by 2030. After ending the three decades of civil war, the Sri Lankan economy has also shown a robust growth; hence the country has shown a continuous growth in energy demand. In 1995 Sri Lanka met 95% of the total electricity demand using major hydro power plants. But due to the escalating demand for electricity and government policies favouring the coal powered power plants, a completely different power mix exists today. By the end of year 2012, more than 70% of the total electrify requirements of the country was met with fossil based energy sources. Today, as responses to the threats of climate change manifest, following many other nations, Sri Lanka also considered renewable energy in their energy mix. However, the lack of technological capabilities has hindered the development of renewable energy technologies in the Country. The solution to such constrains lies with effective technology transfer and cooperation of renewable energy technologies. Technology Road-mapping and scenarios are two widely used future techniques to support strategic and long-range planning. This paper provides a combined approach of technology road mapping and scenario planning in order to foster the renewable energy technologies of Sri Lanka via effective technology transfer mechanisms. The combined approach consists with six steps, and foresight analysis tools such as literature review, expert’s interviews, STEEPV analysis, and Delphi technique were used along the process. Four scenarios named ‘Land of Republic’, ‘Green Paradise,’ ‘Drowning Island’ and ‘Black Island’ were developed. Out of the four scenarios, ‘Green Paradise’ was considered as the most favourable scenario for Sri Lanka and technology roadmap was developed targeting this scenario. The proposed technology roadmap consists with six steps and the roadmap suggests effective technology transfer mechanism to foster the renewable energy technologies of the country. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

9.

Elemental (Macro- and Microelements) and Amino Acid Profile of Milk Proteins Commercialized in Brazil and Their Nutritional Value Sabrina Vieira da Silva, Rochele Sogari Picolotto, Roger Wagner, Neila Silvia Peireira dos Santos Richards, Julia no Smanioto Barin Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2015 3 (7). doi: 10.12691/jfnr-3-7-4 Keywords: essential and non-essential amino acids, macro- and microelements, composition, dairy products Context: Whey protein concentrate (WPC, 35 and 80% of protein), hydrolysate (WPH), isolate (WPI) and casein were evaluated regarding to essential and non-essential aminoacids and mineral content. WPC35, WPC80 and WPH were the products with the highest concentrations of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P) reaching contents between 46.9 and 83.8% of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for calcium. For microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) higher amounts were observed for casein with Zn and Fe content of 40.1 and 93.0% of the DRIs, respectively. For WPI values lower than 3.2% of the DRIs of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Zn were observed, but WPI was a source of sulfur-containing and branched-chain aminoacids, lysine, threonine and total essential aminoacids whereas casein could be considered source of aromatic aminoacids with contents that reached the DRIs values. The sodium content (up to 59.3% of DRIs) was high for all whey proteins. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

10.

The Evaluation of Consumer Behavior Influence on the Buying Process of Dairy Products in Minas Gerais State, Brazil Vinícius Rodrigues Arruda Pinto, Laura Fernandes Melo, Douglas Fernando Balbino, Julia na Farias de Novaes, Maria Claudia Negrete, Thiago Duarte de Sousa Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2016 4 (1). doi: 10.12691/jfnr-4-1-9 Keywords: dairy products, consumer, buying behavior, consumer behavior, healthy products Context: Data on the consumption and buying behavior of milk and dairy products, collected in Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil was used to predict the consumption profile of such products in an effort to better understand the dairy market. This study set out to identify the preferences of consumers of dairy products as well as the most appropriate marketing strategies for increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized dairy industries. Three hundred people responded to a structured questionnaire applied in interview form. Most of the consumers (73%, specifically) would pay for a better quality, functional product, of which 58.48% attributed their answers to health concerns. "Low fat" and "cholesterol-free" were pointed out by 50% of the interviewed consumers as essential features of healthy products. Overall, most of these potential consumers buy milk (95%), yogurt (86.3%), and mozzarella (82.6%). On the other hand, moldy fine cheese was the least purchased dairy product (93%). Recommendations of doctors and nutritionists played a fundamental role in the buying intention of 70% of the consumers. Furthermore, tasting the product at the store and suggestions from friends were reported by 54.7% and 47.7% of the potential consumers, respectively, to stimulate the purchase and consumption of new dairy products. Correspondence analysis was performed to verify the relationship between the favorite purchase locations and the studied dairy products. In addition, a Pearson correlation analysis (p<0.05) was applied to the reasons for buying intention and to the gender of the panelists, highlighting low to moderate correlations (r =-0.53) for men and women. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)