bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micropropagation and in vitro conservation of Neoglaziovia variegata (Arr. Cam.) mez, a fiber producing bromeliad from Brazil
Authors: Silveira Daniela Garcia , Souza Fernanda Vidigal Duarte , Pelacani Claudinéia Regina , Souza Antonio da Silva , Ledo Carlos Alberto da Silva , Santana José Raniere Ferreira de
Published: September 2009

Neoglaziovia variegata (Arr. Cam.) Mez is a Bromeliaceae native to the Caatinga, used for fiber extraction in the Northeast Region of Brazil. The antropic activity has place this species among the threatened ones. The objective of the work was to establish an in vitro propagation and conservation of caroá. Seeds were cultivated in MS medium in the presence or absence of light. In vitro germinated seedlings were multiplied in MS medium supplemented with the combinations 0.05 and 0.50 µM NAA and 2.2 and 4.4 µM BAP and KIN. The best percentages of germination were obtained with the seeds incubated in the presence of light. The highest multiplication ratio was obtained for the NAA (0,5 µM) + BAP (4,4 µM) treatment and the number of roots, with NAA (0.5 µM) + KIN (2.2 µM). Plant acclimatization presented differentiated results regarding the substrates tested. The conservation was established.
Spatial and temporal distribution of ichthyoplankton in the upper Uruguay river, Brazil
Authors: Hermes-Silva Samara , Reynalte-Tataje David , Zaniboni-Filho Evoy
Published: September 2009

The distribution and abundance of fish eggs and larvae was analyzed in three sections of the Upper Uruguay river, in a stretch of 290 km. Samples were collected monthly from October, 2001 to March, 2002 during 48-h cycles at 6-h intervals between each sampling. Surface and bottom samples were collected with a 0.5-mm mesh cylindroconical net. Fishes from the Upper Uruguay river were reproductively active mainly from October to January, and this activity was more intense at the Ligeiro and Chapecó tributaries and Chapecó main river. It was observed that the tributaries are important spawning grounds and larval nursery sites, indicating the importance of preserving such environments.
Chemical composition of flours made of residues from the king palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) industry
Authors: Vieira Manoela Alano , Podestá Rossana , Tramonte Karina Cardoso , Amboni Renata Dias de Mello Castanho , Simas Karina Nunes de , Avancini Sandra Regina Paulon , Amante Edna Regina
Published: September 2009

Residues from King palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) processing were used for the production of flours, which were then chemically characterized. The protein content in these flours ranged from 3.62 to 9.75 g/100g and was higher in sifted leaf flour (SLF). The dietary fiber contents varied from 64 to 72 g/100g. These values were high when compared to those of flours used in human nutrition. Analysis of anti-nutritional factors showed phytate contents to be below the levels that affected the bioavailability of minerals in human diet. Tannin contents were compatible with those found in legumes, between 0 and 2000 mg/100g. These flours showed high mineral content, which suggested a possibility for them to be used as food supplement. However, the bioavailability of these minerals could be affected by high total dietary fibre concentrations and anti-nutritional components contained in the samples.
Determination of metabolizable energy value of corn with different average geometric diameters for european quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix)
Authors: Rezende Marcelo José de Mello , Torres Alessandro Figueiredo , Murata Luci Sayori , Garcia José Américo Soares , McManus Concepta Margaret
Published: September 2009

Metabolizable energy (ME) of corn with different geometric diameters was determined in European quail with 26 days of age with 124 g of mean live weight, using the Total Collection of Excreta Method. One hundred and twenty five quails were divided in five treatments, five replications with five quails each, with one treatment used to determine endogenous losses. Values of Average Geometric Diameter (AGD) of the corn were 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 µm. ME of corn was not affected by AGD. Average values were 3079, 3274, 3300, 3137 Kcal/kg respectively for apparent metabolizable energy, corrected apparent metabolizable energy, true metabolizable energy, corrected true metabolizable energy.
Some Biochemical properties of polyphenoloxidase from spearmint (Mentha arvensis)
Authors: Neves Valdir Augusto , Picchi Douglas Gatte , Silva Maraiza Aparecida da
Published: September 2009

Polyphenoloxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1) extracted from Mentha arvensis leaves was isolated by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and extensive dialysis. Its optimum pH and temperature varied with the substrate. The PPO showed activity with various diphenols. Km values were found 0.825, 0.928 and 7.41mM for caffeic acid, 4-methylcatechol and catechol, respectively. On heat-inactivation, half of the activity was lost after 60 and 15 sec at 70 and 75ºC, respectively. Measuring of residual activity showed a stabilizing effect of sucrose at various temperatures with activation energy (Ea) for inactivation increasing with sucrose concentration from 0 to 40% (w/w). Ea values of 78.13; 80.37; 82.79 and 81.00 kJ/Mol were found for 0, 15; 30 and 40% sucrose, respectively. PPO was inhibited by ascorbic, benzoic, cinnamic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuich acids, sodium metabisulfite, pyrogallol and resorcinol. The Ki values showed that ascorbic acid was the most effective inhibitor. The type inhibition was determined for each inhibitor.
Reducing COD level on oily effluent by utilizing biosurfactant-producing bacteria
Authors: Jacobucci Daniela Franco Carvalho , Oriani Maria Raquel de Godoy , Durrant Lucia Regina
Published: September 2009

Two bacteria isolated from crude oil contaminated soil, Pantoea agglomerans and Planococcus citreus, produced biosurfactants utilizing 1.5% of kerosene and olive oil as the sole carbon sources, respectively. The bacteria and the biosurfactants produced were introduced to oily effluent, arising from margarine and soap industry. Emulsification activities were determined by increases in the absorbance of the oil-in-water emulsions at 610 nm, whereas the water-in-oil emulsions were expressed as the height (cm) of the emulsion layers formed. The 72 h incubation experiment resulted in a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) reduction of 76% with Planococcus citreus strain and 70% with Pantoea agglomerans.The COD reduction with bacterial biosurfactants was over 50% in 24 h of incubation. The COD reduction showed that these strains and the surfactants produced could be used in bioremediation processes.
The use of vinasse as an amendment to ex-situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with diesel oil
Authors: Mariano Adriano Pinto , Crivelaro Sérgio Henrique Rezende , Angelis Dejanira de Franceschi de , Bonotto Daniel Marcos
Published: September 2009

This work investigated the possibility of using vinasse as an amendment in ex-situ bioremediation processes. Groundwater and soil samples were collected at petrol stations. The soil bioremediation was simulated in Bartha biometer flasks, used to measure the microbial CO2 production, during 48 days, where vinasse was added at a concentration of 33 mL.Kg-1of soil. Biodegradation efficiency was also measured by quantifying the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) by gas chromatography. The groundwater bioremediation was carried out in laboratory experiments simulating aerated (bioreactors) and not aerated (BOD flasks) conditions. In both the cases, the concentration of vinasse was 5 % (v/v) and different physicochemical parameters were evaluated during 20 days. Although an increase in the soil fertility and microbial population were obtained with the vinasse, it demonstrated not to be adequate to enhance the bioremediation efficiency of diesel oil contaminated soils. The addition of the vinasse in the contaminated groundwaters had negative effects on the biodegradation of the hydrocarbons, since vinasse, as a labile carbon source, was preferentially consumed.
An Update on Twenty Years of Anemia Management with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents in Nephrology and Oncology/Hematology
Authors: Aapro Matti
Published: September 2009

This article reviews the manuscripts in this issue and summarizes the conclusion that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are safe and effective in alleviating anemia, diminishing transfusion use, and improving quality of life in symptomatic anemic patients when used according to current guidelines.
TSH receptor activation and body composition
Authors: de Lloyd Anna , Bursell James , Gregory John W , Rees D Aled , Ludgate Marian
Published: September 2009

The impacts of hyper and hypothyroidism on body composition, i.e. the relative quantity and quality of bone, adipose tissue and muscle, have traditionally been attributed uniquely to abnormal levels of free thyroid hormones. The presence of biologically active TSH receptors in bone, fat and muscle, raises the possibility that both thyroid hormones and TSH contribute to the changes in body composition associated with thyroid disease. This review evaluates the evidence for this in terms of the in vitro experimental approaches applied, data from in vivo sources (i.e. mouse models) and patient-based studies.
Effects of warming and altered precipitation on plant and nutrient dynamics of a New England salt marsh
Authors: Charles Heather , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2009

Salt marsh structure and function, and consequently ability to support a range of species and to provide ecosystem services, may be affected by climate change. To better understand how salt marshes will respond to warming and associated shifts in precipitation, we conducted a manipulative experiment in a tidal salt marsh in Massachusetts, USA. We exposed two plant communities (one dominated by Spartina patens–Distichlis spicata and one dominated by short form Spartina alterniflora) to five climate manipulations: warming via passive open‐topped chambers, doubled precipitation, warming and doubled precipitation, extreme drought via rainout shelter, and ambient conditions. Modest daytime warming increased total aboveground biomass of the S. alterniflora community (24%), but not the S. patens–D. spicata community. Warming also increased maximum stem heights of S. alterniflora (8%), S. patens (8%), and D. spicata (15%). Decomposition was marginally accelerated by warming in the S. alterniflora community. Drought markedly increased total biomass of the S. alterniflora community (53%) and live S. patens (69%), perhaps by alleviating waterlogging of sediments. Decomposition was accelerated by increased precipitation and slowed by drought, particularly in the S. patens–D. spicata community. Flowering phenology responded minimally to the treatments, and pore water salinity, sulfide, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations showed no treatment effects in either plant community. Our results suggest that these salt marsh communities may be resilient to modest amounts of warming and large changes in precipitation. If production increases under climate change, marshes will have a greater ability to keep pace with sea‐level rise, although an increase in decomposition could offset this. As long as marshes are not inundated by flooding due to sea‐level rise, increases in aboveground biomass and stem heights suggest that marshes may continue to export carbon and nutrients to coastal waters and may be able to increase their carbon storage capability by increasing plant growth under future climate conditions.
Forty years of natural dynamics in Swiss beech forests: structure, composition, and the influence of former management
Authors: Heiri C. , Wolf A. , Rohrer L. , Bugmann H.
Published: September 2009

We investigated forest development after the cessation of management based on inventory data from six beech forest reserves in Switzerland covering nearly 40 years, using observed changes to assess the textbook understanding of natural beech forest dynamics. Specifically, we evaluated the importance of light as a driver of tree species composition, and we aimed to disentangle the role of site characteristics and past management regimes for shaping today's forest properties. Forest dynamics in the reserves showed a clear trend toward a broadening of the diameter distribution, an increase in basal area and standing dead wood, an increase in beech dominance, and a reduction of tree species diversity over time, conforming to expectations. However, the expected development of specific structural features, such as significant amounts of large living trees and snags or a small‐scale mosaic of various developmental phases, appears to take longer than the time elapsed since the cessation of management. The observed loss in species richness can be attributed to decreasing light availability, as almost all species that disappeared were shade intolerant. Additionally, the shade‐intolerant tree species had a characteristic bell‐shaped diameter distribution in all reserves, indicating a lack of recruits, whereas shade‐tolerant species had an irregular to monotonically decreasing diameter distribution, demonstrating sustained regeneration. Along the environmental gradient covered by the six reserves, abiotic factors are sufficient to explain tree species distribution, with management history not contributing additional information. This suggests that at larger scales, tree species composition is determined by abiotic factors, but historical management strategies were obviously adapted well to the species' autecological requirements. Analyses such as ours provide the foundation for refining forest management systems as well as for developing effective and target‐oriented conservation strategies.
Response of the Everglades ridge and slough landscape to climate variability and 20th‐century water management
Authors: Bernhardt Christopher E. , Willard Debra A.
Published: September 2009

The ridge and slough landscape of the Florida Everglades consists of a mosaic of linear sawgrass ridges separated by deeper‐water sloughs with tree islands interspersed throughout the landscape. We used pollen assemblages from transects of sediment cores spanning sawgrass ridges, sloughs, and ridge–slough transition zones to determine the timing of ridge and slough formation and to evaluate the response of components of the ridge and slough landscape to climate variability and 20th‐century water management. These pollen data indicate that sawgrass ridges and sloughs have been vegetationally distinct from one another since initiation of the Everglades wetland in mid‐Holocene time. Although the position and community composition of sloughs have remained relatively stable throughout their history, modern sawgrass ridges formed on sites that originally were occupied by marshes. Ridge formation and maturation were initiated during intervals of drier climate (the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age) when the mean position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifted southward. During these drier intervals, marsh taxa were more common in sloughs, but they quickly receded when precipitation increased. Comparison with regional climate records suggests that slough vegetation is strongly influenced by North Atlantic Oscillation variability, even under 20th‐century water management practices.
Eco‐genetic modeling of contemporary life‐history evolution
Authors: Dunlop Erin S. , Heino Mikko , Dieckmann Ulf
Published: September 2009

We present eco‐genetic modeling as a flexible tool for exploring the course and rates of multi‐trait life‐history evolution in natural populations. We build on existing modeling approaches by combining features that facilitate studying the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of realistically structured populations. In particular, the joint consideration of age and size structure enables the analysis of phenotypically plastic populations with more than a single growth trajectory, and ecological feedback is readily included in the form of density dependence and frequency dependence. Stochasticity and life‐history trade‐offs can also be implemented. Critically, eco‐genetic models permit the incorporation of salient genetic detail such as a population's genetic variances and covariances and the corresponding heritabilities, as well as the probabilistic inheritance and phenotypic expression of quantitative traits. These inclusions are crucial for predicting rates of evolutionary change on both contemporary and longer timescales. An eco‐genetic model can be tightly coupled with empirical data and therefore may have considerable practical relevance, in terms of generating testable predictions and evaluating alternative management measures. To illustrate the utility of these models, we present as an example an eco‐genetic model used to study harvest‐induced evolution of multiple traits in Atlantic cod. The predictions of our model (most notably that harvesting induces a genetic reduction in age and size at maturation, an increase or decrease in growth capacity depending on the minimum‐length limit, and an increase in reproductive investment) are corroborated by patterns observed in wild populations. The predicted genetic changes occur together with plastic changes that could phenotypically mask the former. Importantly, our analysis predicts that evolutionary changes show little signs of reversal following a harvest moratorium. This illustrates how predictions offered by eco‐genetic models can enable and guide evolutionarily sustainable resource management.
Functional richness and ecosystem services: bird predation on arthropods in tropical agroecosystems
Authors: Philpott Stacy M. , Soong Oliver , Lowenstein Jacob H. , Pulido Astrid Luz , Lopez Diego Tobar , Flynn Dan F. B. , DeClerck Fabrice
Published: September 2009

In agroecosystems, biodiversity correlates with ecosystem function, yet mechanisms driving these relationships are often unknown. Examining traits and functional classifications of organisms providing ecosystem functions may provide insight into the mechanisms. Birds are important predators of insects, including pests. However, biological simplification of agroforests may decrease provisioning of this pest removal service by reducing bird taxonomic and functional diversity. A recent meta‐analysis of bird exclosure studies from a range of agroecosystems in Central America concluded that higher bird richness is associated with significantly greater arthropod removal, yet the mechanism remains unclear. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the same data to examine whether birds demonstrate functional complementarity in tropical agroforests. We classified birds according to relevant traits (body mass, foraging strategy, foraging strata, and diet) and then examined how design of functional classification, including trait selection, classification methods, and the functional diversity metric used affect the suitability of different classifications as predictors of ecosystem services. We determined that vegetation characteristics are not likely drivers of arthropod removal by birds. For some functional classifications, functional richness positively correlated with arthropod removal, indicating that species complementarity may be an important mechanism behind this ecosystem function. The predictive ability of functional classifications increased with the number of traits included in the classification. For the two best classifications examined, functional group richness was a better predictor of arthropod reduction than other metrics of functional diversity (FD and Rao'sQ). However, no functional classification predicted arthropod removal better than simple species richness; thus other factors may be important. Our analysis indicates that the sampling effect may also play a role, as one species and two functional groups were responsible for disproportionate effects of arthropod removal.
Ecological and economic analysis of poaching of the greater one‐horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Mahesh , Rothley Kristina , Knowler Duncan
Published: September 2009

Nepal's greater one‐horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) faces serious threats from poaching. Poaching of these rhinos is a complex problem, influenced by such diverse factors as the price of rhino horn on the international market, local socioeconomic factors, and the population dynamics of the species. Few studies have attempted to address this complexity. In this study, we model the poaching and population dynamics of the one‐horned rhinoceros within an integrated framework of ecological, socioeconomic, political, and legal dimensions. The poaching model for rhinos in Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) in Nepal is combined with the population model for the species within a simulation framework and explored under various alternative policy scenarios with differing external socioeconomic and political conditions as well as internal policy response. We predict that, under the current (2003–2005) rhino conservation strategy, poaching would continue to be a major threat to the rhino population in RCNP. Furthermore, the internal policy response must begin to consider external factors such as socioeconomic conditions within the park buffer zone to be more effective in the long run. Finally, we find that, for long‐run control, antipoaching policies should be directed at increasing the opportunity costs of poaching by creating better alternative economic opportunities, and at antipoaching enforcement.
Different Methods To Avoid Annular Pressure Buildup by Appropriate Engineered Sealant and Applying Best Practices (Cementing and Drilling)
Authors: Tahmourpour Farzad , Hashki Khaled , Hassan Hassan
Published: September 2009

Many wells that have been successfully cemented initially are showing annulus pressure buildup because of damaged cement- sheath integrity by post-cementing operations/conditions. This has been a concern by many operators where wellbores may be exposed to severe conditions and/or production regimes over a period of time. Sometimes this problem can be temporarily dealt with by releasing the annulus pressure, if environmental conditions and well type will allow. However, this method of annular gas production relief is not a long-term solution to the problem. In addition, it is not always possible to reduce the annulus pressure by releasing the trapped pressure into the environment on a regular basis, even if all other conditions permit this operation. An engineered cement-slurry system can save the operator from facing this situation by applying a lifetime zonal isolation remedy through the proper cement job design.

Gas injection in specific areas in the UAE is performed to help maximize the production from these development fields. This paper will discuss the process of engineering a cementing system for these gas-injection wells and the development of a solution that has successfully protected wellbores in gas-injection areas where high pressures are applied to the wellbore. By treating the cement under defined wellbore conditions and studying the mechanical behavior of the cement sheath, it was possible to design a cement- slurry system that could withstand the high pressures applied through gas-injection operations. The mechanical behavior was evaluated using 3D finite element analysis (FEA) that considers mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and tensile strength in addition to confined compressive strength. The importance of complete zonal isolation is of high order. Elastic cement designs have provided a resilient nonfoamed, or conventional, system that successfully isolated the wellbores for more than a dozen gas-injection wells.
Nitrogen Uptake by Perennial and Invasive Annual Grass Seedlings: Nitrogen Form Effects
Authors: MacKown Charles T. , Jones Thomas A. , Johnson Douglas A. , Monaco Thomas A. , Redinbaugh Margaret G.
Published: September 2009

Invasive annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead wildrye [Taeniatherum caput‐medusae (L.) Nevski ssp. asperum (Simonk.) Melderis] have decreased livestock productivity and biological diversity and increased the frequency of wildfire on rangelands in the western United States. On disturbed sites, squirreltail (Elymus sp.), a short‐lived North American perennial, appears to compete against invasive exotic annuals when available soil N and nitrification are reduced. We tested the hypothesis that differences in N uptake activity could account for this phenomenon. North American seedlings of perennial bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve], four populations of squirreltail, and two invasive exotic annuals were cultured in the laboratory on NH4+, NO3−, or NH4NO3 nutrient solutions, and N uptake activity (mol kg−1 root dry wt. h−1) was measured. The overall biomass means of 4‐wk‐old seedlings cultured with NO3−, NH4NO3, and NH4+ were 72, 67, and 42 mg seedling−1, respectively. Regardless of N form, cheatgrass biomass was as much as 4.2‐fold greater than any of the other grasses including medusahead, which exceeded the biomass of all perennials except one. Cheatgrass had 1.5‐ to 2.2‐fold greater NO3− uptake activity than the perennials, but the NO3− uptake activity of medusahead exceeded only two of the squirreltail populations. Ammonium uptake activities of perennials were not consistently more favorable than those of the annuals. The vigorous seedling growth of the invasive annuals coupled with the greater NO3− uptake activity of cheatgrass appear to be primary traits of the invasive annuals, driving their superior N capture and competition compared with these North American perennial grasses.
Automated Ultrafiltration Device for Efficient Collection of Environmental Nanoparticles from Aqueous Suspensions
Authors: Tsao T. M. , Wang M. K. , Huang P. M.
Published: September 2009

Environmental nanoparticles exist in the hydrosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. Their biogeochemical and ecological impacts are some of the fastest growing areas of research today. However, efficient separation of environmental nanoparticles remains difficult. The objective of this study was to develop an automated ultrafiltration device (AUD) for efficient collection of environmental nanoparticles. The AUD utilizes an automated hydraulic ram to facilitate collection of nanoparticles using the ultrafiltration membrane with pore size in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Zeolite A was used as a model nanoparticle sample to demonstrate the efficiency of the AUD. The size distribution and mean particle sizes determined by zeta‐sizer analysis on the collected nanoparticles and their transmission electron micrographs indicated the adequacy of the AUD developed in this study in collecting nanoparticles (1–100 nm). Because of its ability to reduce the time needed for sample collection, coupled with the quantity of nanoparticles collected, the AUD was far more efficient than the conventional syringe method for collecting nanoparticles. The AUD has the characteristics of automation, easy operation, and high efficiency in the separation of nanoparticles and would, thus, facilitate future research and developments in environmental nanoscience and nanotechnology and their impacts on the ecosystem.
Texas Borderland Community Colleges and Views regarding Undocumented Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jauregui John Andrew , Slate John R.
Published: September 2009

In this study, these researchers explored Texas borderland community colleges' institutional policies and factors impacting the access, retention, and educational achievement of undocumented students. Exploratory case studies were conducted on three Texas borderland community colleges in an effort to uncover emergent themes and constructs involving the education of undocumented students. Interview sessions, both semi-structured and structured, were the instrumentation techniques used to capture data. Coding and categorizing of data, followed by an analysis of themes and patterns, assisted in understanding the perceived roles and responsibilities of Texas borderland community colleges in educating undocumented students. Implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.
Doctoral Student Attrition in the Stem Fields: An Exploratory Event History Analysis
Authors: Lott Joe L. , Gardner Susan , Powers Daniel A.
Published: September 2009

The STEM fields, otherwise known as the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics areas, have become the focus of multiple studies and funding initiatives in recent years. Despite these efforts, lingering concerns exist about who enters, who is retained, and who completes the doctorate in STEM fields. This study utilizes discrete-time event history analysis to model doctoral attrition for 10,088 individuals, in 56 STEM departments, at one research-extensive institution, located in the South, over a 20-year period. Results show that the odds of attrition are the greatest in the first year. Additionally, the odds of attrition are greater for females, Asians, and for those who belong to a hard-applied science major (versus a hard-pure major). The odds of attrition are lower for married students and for those who have higher relative GRE scores than their peers in the same program. The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between particular characteristics of doctoral students and programs on attrition rates over time.
Should We Manage Terror—If We Could?
Authors: Kastenbaum Robert
Published: September 2009

Terror Management Theory (TMT) has been revitalizing the traditional study of death anxiety since its introduction in the 1980s. Melding the perspectives of existential philosophy and social science, TMT has stimulated a varied and often creative program of empirical studies. There are methodological limitations to be noted, however, along with a cultural bias, and the neglect of other significant encounters with death in which terror is not the dominant concern. The should or should-not of terror management is viewed from functionalistic and death system as well as TMT perspectives. Suggestions are offered for adaptive responses to primal terror.
The Prevalence of Childhood Traumatic Grief—A Comparison of Violent/Sudden and Expected Loss
Authors: McClatchy Irene Searles , Vonk M. Elizabeth , Palardy Gregory
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of childhood traumatic grief (CTG) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in parentally bereaved children and compare scores between those who had lost a parent to a sudden/violent death and those who had lost a parent to an expected death. Asample of 158 parentally bereaved children ages 7–16 completed the Extended Grief Inventory (EGI); 127 of those also completed the UCLA PTSD Index. A large number of children were experiencing CTG symptoms at moderate and severe levels. There was no significant difference in EGI or UCLA PTSD Index scores between the two types of losses. Findings are discussed in relation to trauma theory, research on parentally bereaved children and implications for practice.
Probable Mechanism of the Antihyperglycemic Effect of Standardized Extract from Momordica charantia in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats
Authors: Naik Suresh R. , Bumrela Shrinivas B. , Lagishetty Chakradhar V. , Mandlik Rahul V.
Published: September 2009

The herb Momordica charantia Linn has been used widely in India and other countries for the treatment of diabetes. In the present study reports the antihyperglycemic activity of standardised Momordica charantia extract (MCE) using in-vivo and in-vitro animal models along with the relevant biochemical and histopathological parameters. The antihyperglycemic activity of MCE was compared with that of glibenclamide, a known potent anti-diabetic drug. MCE treatment reduced blood glucose levels both in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and also restored the glucose tolerance significantly in diabetic rats. MCE treatment enhanced glucose uptake process and increased liver glycogen. Furthermore, MCE treatment reduced the elevated serum lipids and glycosylated haemoglobin levels significantly and able to reverse histoarchitechture of ?-islets of Langerhans in STZ-induced diabetic rats.The blood insulin levels were also restored significantly in STZ diabetic rats following MCE treatment. Present experimental findings with MCE suggest its antihyperglycemic activity and might be attributed to pancreatic (increased insulin secretion) and also extra pancreatic (through enzymes associated with glycogen synthesis and augmenting the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues) mechanisms. Thus, MCE seems to be a clinically promising agent in the management of diabetes and/or hyperglycemic associated disorders.
La Comunidad de Carhuancho y Sus Avatares por el Agua: Una Mirada al Bien Común y Las Desigualidades Persistentes en la Sierra Central, Perú
Authors: Suarez Rojas Luis Alberto
Published: September 2009

En el mundo andino el agua, los sistemas hídricos revelan aspectos dinámicos con un correlato en el poder. Tras la conquista, los españoles y criollos se apropiaron de tierras y el agua; luego, hicieron lo mismo los terratenientes en la República Criolla, e incluso en el s. XX se mantuvo el uso ilimitado del agua en favor de los hacendados y sus empresas. A partir de la primera mitad del siglo XX, se desarrollaron múltiples proyectos de irrigación, en este caso nos focalizaremos en el proyecto Choclococha, la cual permite irrigar el valle de Ica, beneficiando a los pequeños y medianos agricultores, así como las agroindustrias ahí localizadas. Actualmente, existe un déficit de agua, ello motivó al Gob. Regional de Ica, a través del Proyecto Especial Tambo Ccaracocha (PETACCC), implemente el “Canal Colector Ingahuasi” (73 km) para colectar agua de las lagunas y otras fuentes de agua. A causa de esto, hoy en los albores del siglo XXI, más de 5,000 familias de comunidades campesinas de Huancavelica (Sierra central - Perú) podrían quedarse sin agua debido a la construcción del “Canal Colector Ingahuasi” que rodea el Nevado Palomo (5.188 msnm) colocando en riesgo bofedales, pastizales de siete comunidades ubicadas a lo largo del canal, las cuales poseen 146,000 cabezas de ganado (alpacas, llamas y ovinos), además de cuatro comunidades del Distrito de Ascensión, Huancavelica, que también serán impactadas sumando 199,300 cabezas de ganado. Otro aspecto que agrava la situación es la reducción notable de los glaciares alrededor de la Laguna Choclococha. En este contexto, la comunidad de Carhuancho (Prov. Huaytara, Región Huancavelica) demandó al Gobierno Central del Perú y al Gobierno Regional de Ica ante el Tribunal Latinoamericano del Agua (TLA, San José Costa Rica http://www.tragua.com/en/ ). El TLA falló a favor de la comunidad, recomendó la paralización de la obra y la indemnización correspondiente. En este texto, ofrecemos una aproximación a la comunidad articulada a partir de las siguientes interrogantes: ¿De qué manera la comunidad de Carhuancho logra articularse y movilizar un conjunto de recursos (capital social, confianza, capital cognitivo) para llevar a cabo reivindicaciones entorno al agua?, ¿Cómo este caso pone en jaque al Estado Peruano, evidenciando sus fracturas institucionales?, a partir de este caso, ¿Cómo se construye la relación entre el “bien público” y políticas sociales del Estado?, ¿Es acaso que el alejamiento del Estado legitima la reproducción de las llamadas desigualdades persistentes?.
60 years of the Slovenian Association of Radiology 1950-2010
Authors: Pavčnik Dušan
Published: September 2009

60 years of the Slovenian Association of Radiology 1950-2010
Changes in serum lipid profile of elite volleyball players in the competition period
Authors: Witek Konrad
Published: September 2009

Changes in serum lipid profile of elite volleyball players in the competition period

Study aim: To assess the changes in serum lipid profile of volleyball players in various phases of competition period characterised by creatine kinase activity.

Material and methods: A group of 14 Polish elite volleyball players aged 23 - 34 years were examined 3 times during the competition period lasting 10 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triacylglycerols (TG) and creatine kinase (CK) activity were determined in serum. Body fat content was determined from 4 skinfolds by Durnin's method.

Results: Creatine kinase activity was very high throughout the study period although significantly decreased in relation to the first examination; TC, LDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL gradually increased while HDL decreased. Nevertheless, the values of TC, HDL, LDL and LDL/HDL were within normal limits in all subjects throughout the study.

Conclusions: The changes in lipid profile may be regarded as transitory and of no significant impact on the risk of cardiovascular diseases as in all cases they were within physiological ranges.
Phonetic and Lexical Predictors of Intelligibility
Authors: Gooskens Charlotte , Heeringa Wilbert , Beijering Karin
Published: September 2009

In the present investigation, the intelligibility of 17 Scandinavian language varieties and standard Danish was assessed among young Danes from Copenhagen. In addition, distances between standard Danish and each of the 17 varieties were measured at the lexical level and at different phonetic levels. In order to determine how well these linguistic levels can predict intelligibility, we correlated the intelligibility scores with the linguistic distances and we carried out a number of regression analyses. The results show that for this particular set of closely related language varieties phonetic distance is a better predictor of intelligibility than lexical distance. Consonant substitutions, vowel insertions and vowel shortenings contribute significantly to the prediction of intelligibility.
The Dutch–German Border: Relating Linguistic, Geographic and Social Distances
Authors: de Vriend Folkert , Giesbers Charlotte , van Hout Roeland , ten Bosch Louis
Published: September 2009

In this paper we relate linguistic, geographic and social distances to each other in order to get a better understanding of the impact the Dutch-German state border has had on the linguistic characteristics of a sub-area of the Kleverlandish dialect area. This area used to be a perfect dialect continuum. We test three models for explaining today's pattern of linguistic variation in the area. In each model another variable is used as the determinant of linguistic variation: geographic distance (continuum model), the state border (gap model) and social distance (social model). For the social model we use perceptual data for friends, relatives and shopping locations. Testing the three models reveals that nowadays the dialect variation in the research area is closely related to the existence of the state border and to the social structure of the area. The geographic spatial configuration hardly plays a role anymore.
Representing Tone in Levenshtein Distance
Authors: Yang Cathryn , Castro Andy
Published: September 2009

Levenshtein distance, also known as string edit distance, has been shown to correlate strongly with both perceived distance and intelligibility in various Indo-European languages ( Gooskens and Heeringa, 2004 ; Gooskens, 2006 ). We apply Levenshtein distance to dialect data from Bai ( Allen, 2004 ), a Sino-Tibetan language, and Hongshuihe (HSH) Zhuang (Castro and Hansen, accepted), a Tai language. In applying Levenshtein distance to languages with contour tone systems, we ask the following questions: 1) How much variation in intelligibility can tone alone explain? and 2) Which representation of tone results in the Levenshtein distance that shows the strongest correlation with intelligibility test results? This research evaluates six representations of tone: onset, contour and offset; onset and contour only; contour and offset only; target approximation ( Xu & Wang, 2001 ), autosegments of H and L, and Chao's (1930) pitch numbers. For both languages, the more fully explicit onset-contour-offset and onset-contour representations showed significantly stronger inverse correlations with intelligibility. This suggests that, for cross-dialectal listeners, the optimal representation of tone in Levenshtein distance should be at a phonetically explicit level and include information on both onset and contour.
The Role of Concept Characteristics in Lexical Dialectometry
Authors: Speelman Dirk , Geeraerts Dirk
Published: September 2009

In this paper the role of concept characteristics in lexical dialectometric research is examined in three consecutive logical steps. First, a regression analysis of data taken from a large lexical database of Limburgish dialects in Belgium and The Netherlands is conducted to illustrate that concept characteristics such as concept salience, concept vagueness and negative affect contribute to the lexical heterogeneity in the dialect data. Next, it is shown that the relationship between concept characteristics and lexical heterogeneity influences the results of conventional lexical dialectometric measurements. Finally, a dialectometric procedure is proposed which downplays this undesired influence, thus making it possible to obtain a clearer picture of the ‘truly’ regional variation. More specifically, a lexical dialectometric method is proposed in which concept characteristics form the basis of a weighting schema that determines to which extent concept specific dissimilarities can contribute to the aggregate dissimilarities between locations.
Quantifying Dialect Similarity by Comparison of the Lexical Distribution of Phonemes
Authors: Maguire Warren
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a new method for quantifying the similarity of the lexical distribution of phonemes in different varieties of a language (in this case English). In addition to introducing the method, it discusses phonological problems which must be addressed if any comparison of this sort is to be attempted, and applies the method to a limited data set of varieties of English. Since the method assesses their structural similarity, it will be useful for analysing the historical development of varieties of English and the relationships (either as a result of common origin or of contact) that hold between them.
Context and Cardiovascular Risk Modification in Two Regions of Ontario, Canada: A Photo Elicitation Study
Authors: Angus Jan  E. , Rukholm Ellen , Michel Isabelle , Larocque Sylvie , Seto Lisa , Lapum Jennifer , Timmermans Katherine , Chevrier-Lamoureux Renée , Nolan Robert  P.
Published: September 2009

Cardiovascular diseases, which include coronary heart diseases (CHD), remain the leading cause of death in Canada and other industrialized countries. This qualitative study used photo-elicitation, focus groups and in-depth interviews to understand health behaviour change from the perspectives of 38 people who were aware of their high risk for CHD and had received information about cardiovascular risk modification while participating in a larger intervention study. Participants were drawn from two selected regions: Sudbury and District (northern Ontario) and the Greater Toronto Area (southern Ontario). Analysis drew on concepts of place and space to capture the complex interplay between geographic location, sociodemographic position, and people‟s efforts to understand and modify their risk for CHD. Three major sites of difference and ambiguity emerged: 1) place and access to health resources; 2) time and food culture; and 3) itineraries or travels through multiple locations. All participants reported difficulties in learning and adhering to new lifestyle patterns, but access to supportive health resources was different in the two regions. Even within regions, subgroups experienced different patterns of constraint and advantage. In each region, “fast” food and traditional foods were entrenched within different temporal and social meanings. Finally, different and shifting strategies for risk modification were required at various points during daily and seasonal travels through neighbourhoods, to workplaces, or on vacation. Thus health education for CHD risk modification should be place-specific and tailored to the needs and resources of specific communities.
A GENERAL CONCEPT OF FIRE HYBRID MODELLING IN COMPARTMENTS
Authors: Gałaj Jerzy
Published: September 2009

A general concept of a hybrid modelling of fire dynamics in the compartments is presented. The hybrid fire model combines the advantages of both zone and field models. The assumptions applying to physical model of fire and its mathematical description are given. Some problems related to application and development as well as verification and validation of the model are discussed. Santrauka Aprašyta gaisro hibridinio modeliavimo bendroji koncepcija. Gaisro hibridinis modelis susieja zonų ir laukų modelių privalumus. Pateiktos fizikiniame modelyje naudojamos prielaidos, aprašyta matematinė modelio dalis. Aptarti kai kurie taikymo ir tobulinimo, kaip ir rezultatų patikrinimo ir patvirtinimo, ypatumai.
ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF UGANDAN BUILDING FIRMS AS VIEWED BY CRAFTSMEN
Authors: Alinaitwe Henry , Mwakali Jackson A. , Hansson Bengt
Published: September 2009

Construction industries, especially those in developing countries, face the problems of low productivity. It comes about partly due to organizational ineffectiveness. The major attributes of organizational effectiveness are identified from literature. Means to achieving greater organization effectiveness and higher productivity are identified under the major headings of cohesion and morale of workers, adaptability, information communication, and planning. Using a structured questionnaire survey on building craftsmen in Uganda, results suggest that most workers are not satisfied with the financial reward, level of status is not able to achieve personal goals. Workers are not satisfied with the level of training. The variables are weak points in organizational effectiveness. In addition, workers are not satisfied with the level of participation in decision‐making. There is a need to dwell on these grey areas in order to improve the organizational effectiveness of building firms, especially in developing countries. Santrauka Dauguma statybos rinkų, ypač besivystančių šalių, susiduria su prasto produktyvumo problema. Menkas produktyvumas iš dalies yra veikiamas organizacinio efektyvumo. Organizacinio efektyvumo pagrindiniai rodikliai yra aptarti literatūroje. Būdai didesniam organizaciniam efektyvumui ir produktyvumui pasiekti nustatomi naudojant kohezijos sąvoką ir darbuotojų moralę, gebėjimą prisitaikyti, informacijos pasikeitimą ir planavimą. Meistrų struktūrinės apklausos Ugandoje rezultatai parodė, kad dauguma darbuotojų nėra patenkinti atlygiu už darbą ir negali pasiekti savo asmeninių tikslų, taip pat ir mokymo lygiu. Šie dalykai yra silpnoji organizacijos vieta. Be to, darbuotojų netenkina dalyvavimo spendimų priėmimo lygis. Todėl reikia apsistoti ties šiais klausimais norint gerinti statybos įmonių organizacinį efektyvumą, ypač besivystančių šalių.