bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing Resistance by Emily Eaton
Authors: Chopra Taarini
Published: May 2014

The short history of genetically modified (GM) crops in Canada has been defined by controversy, debates about health and environmental concerns, and deeply entrenched corporate control. The past fifteen years have seen numerous approvals of new GM crop varieties, while just a handful have been stopped from reaching the market. One of these unusual cases is the subject of Emily Eaton's new book Growing Resistance. In this compelling volume, Eaton questions why the introduction of GM wheat was met with such strong opposition from Canadian farmers, while GM canola had been widely adopted just a decade earlier. Her analysis goes beyond a cost-benefit assessment of the two crops to include their biological differences, and dig into the rich historical and cultural role that wheat has played for Prairie farmers. Taken together, Eaton argues, these factors explain the fervent public opposition to the introduction of GM wheat in the Prairies, and Monsanto's consequent decision to withdraw its request for government approval of herbicide tolerant wheat and discontinue its research and breeding program.
Life of Bryan: Working the magic of sustainable food's sweet spot
Authors: Roberts Wayne
Published: May 2014

Bryan Gilvesy is one of Canada’s most-recognized farm innovators, as well as one of the country’s best-known leaders of the food movement. That combination is unusual in any region or country—one of the ways that Gilvesy exemplifies both the hallmarks of the food movement in Canada, as well as the unique components of agroecology as it emerges in a temperate-cold climate. This portrait of a food and farm leader is based on my own reporter’s notes taken over seven years of attending meetings where Gilvesy has spoken, and on files of news clippings and academic articles related to the farming methods he’s pioneered in Canada. Part 1 of this article provides an overview of Gilvesy’s background and personal evolution prior to his adoption of views and practices for which he’s presently renowned.  Parts 2 and 3, which will be posted in subsequent issues, introduce his measures to promote a wrenching shift in food system redesign—specifically the provision to pay farmers for ecosystem services they produce on the working landscape of their farm. Parts 2 and 3 will also spell out specific trends within Canada’s food movement, such as its promotion of concrete, positive and practical reform measures and its service as a Big Tent coalition of various public interest groups—trends that Gilvesy personifies.
Gastronomie québécoise et patrimoine edited by Marie-Noëlle Aubertin and Geneviève Sicotte
Authors: Reyt Gwenaëlle
Published: May 2014

Comment le Québec est-il passé d’une identité culinaire quasi inexistante à une valorisation sociale importante de sa cuisine? Comment le pâté chinois et la poutine, l’agneau de Charlevoix et la volaille Chantecler de tradition ou encore le temps des sucres sont-ils devenus des emblèmes gastronomiques? Au travers de différentes pratiques et produits, l’identité culinaire québécoise s’affirme de plus en plus. Cette gastronomie est en mutation et elle se construit en se dotant de valeurs patrimoniales. C’est sur ce processus de patrimonialisation que se focalise l’ouvrage Gastronomie québécoise et patrimoine. Dirigé par Marie-Noëlle Aubertin, doctorante au programme de muséologie, médiation, patrimoine à l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) et Geneviève Sicotte, professeure agrée au Département d’études françaises de l’Université Concordia, ce livre est le fruit d’une réflexion pluridisciplinaire autour de la gastronomie québécoise.
Voices and visuals from the Canadian foodscape
Authors: Desjardins Ellen
Published: May 2014

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Canadian Food Studies/La Revue canadienne des études sur l’alimentation, the open-access, online journal of the Canadian Association for Food Studies/l’Association canadienne des études sur l’alimentation (CAFS/ACÉA). Our journal arrives on the scene in the context of a well-established organization that has, for the past decade, promoted multidisciplinary interaction, debate, and research about food in Canada. The prolific and diverse nature of this food-related research was hailed earlier by Power & Koç (2008) in a guest-edited collection of articles by Canadian scholars to celebrate the founding of CAFS. Indeed, every year since 2006, the CAFS meeting at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences has served as a communal table, laden with a smorgasbord of collaborative and transformational ideas. The feast continues, not just among academic faculty and students, but shared with health professionals, artists, teachers, farmers, fishers, environmentalists, chefs, and colleagues from NGOs, food networks and policy councils. Collectively, these actors form the voices and visuals of the Canadian foodscape. The purpose of our journal is to offer a professional, academic forum for the astonishing breadth and depth of material that they can produce.
The Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia: Water-related conflicts with abundance of water
Authors: Keskinen Marko , Kakonen Mira , Tola Prom , Varis Olli
Published: May 2014

By examining diverse water-related tension and conflict situations from the Tonle Sap area of Cambodia, the article seeks to contest the view that water-related conflicts are always about water scarcity. Tackling different dimensions of water-related conflicts, the three cases studied here all point to the importance of social, political, and historical aspects in water-related resource management. They also indicate that the water and resource conflicts in Tonle Sap are strongly related to problems with existing property and access rights. Challenges of access to and control over resources, rather than changes in the abundance of water and related resources, have lead to increasing tensions in the area.
How trade affects international interactions
Authors: Polachek Solomon W.
Published: May 2014

A viable peace is one that comes about naturally and persists without the need for outside intervention. At least since Baron de Montesquieu's statement that "peace is the natural effect of trade. Two nations who traffic with each other become reciprocally dependent: for if one has the interest in buying, the other has the interest in selling and thus their union is founded on the mutual necessities" (1748) a number of economists and political scientists maintained that trade among nations leads to peace. That logic is as follows: If a target country that is the recipient of conflict retaliates by cutting its trade ties with the conflict instigator, then a portion of the costs of conflict born by the instigator results from its lost gains from trade. Conflict is more costly the higher these gains from trade losses. This article summarizes some of the empirical work testing this proposition.
Transnational threats and security in the Americas: Patterns, contradictions, and more
Authors: Pumar Enrique S.
Published: May 2014

The article examines conflict patterns in Latin America since the second half of the twentieth century. It seems paradoxical that the region is one of the most peaceful in terms of interstate conflicts while contending with numerous domestic crises. The article first examines the peace studies literature and argues that neither the micro, macro, or more recent meso approach fits the Latin American experience well. Instead, a different approach proposes incorporating the effects of transnationalism, especially of transnational security concerns, into any consideration of peace in the region. Transnational threat perception diverts attention, suggests the need to handle a common enemy, increases the cost of fighting a conventional war, and involves issue-linkages. These factors along with the traditional absence of ethnic rivalries and the presence of international actors sustain the long peace in Latin America.
Trade and conflict: The dyad of Greece and Turkey
Authors: Pantsios Archontis L.
Published: May 2014

The conflict-trade paradigm has been dominated by the liberal and realist schools of thought, which try to explain how and why trade affects conflict and cooperation. While the liberal point of view predicts a positive effect of levels of trade on cooperation, realists counter by arguing a negative or negligible effect at best. The article presents the basic theoretical arguments and extensions of the conflict-trade relation as espoused by the liberal school of thought and applies them to the Greco- Turkish dyad. Foreign policy conclusions are drawn from a Greek point of view, and are related to trade volume, type of trade, state of democratization, country size, contiguity, tariffs, foreign aid, and third-party effects. With few qualifications, it is shown that it would serve Greece's best interests and promote peace in the region if Turkey were to become a full member of the European Union.
Deconstructing reconstruction: The overlooked challenges of military occupation
Authors: Coyne Christopher
Published: May 2014

In the post-cold war period, the main threat to the United States and other Western nations comes from weak, failed, and conflict-torn states. The viability of military occupation and reconstruction as strategies to deal with these threats is an open issue. The article explores two central, but often overlooked, issues that every occupation and reconstruction must face. First, it considers the "knowledge problem," which refers to the lack of understanding of how to establish the foundations of liberal democratic institutions where they do not already exist. Second, the article considers the "public choice problem," which focuses on the decisionmaking process within the United States. Oftentimes, the incentives created by political institutions generate policies that run counter to the end goals of reconstruction efforts abroad. Formulating effective policies toward weak, failed, and conflict-torn states requires the recognition and understanding of these challenges and the constraints they impose.
Standardizing Umbilical Catheter Usage in Preterm Infants
Authors: Shahid Shaneela , Dutta Sourabh , Symington Amanda , Shivananda Sandesh
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Absence of guidelines on umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) use and inability to predict the hospital course may sway the frontline staff to overuse umbilical catheters in preterm infants. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing guidelines standardizing the use of umbilical catheters and its impact on the incidence of sepsis and resource use.

METHODS:

All inborn infants delivered at <33 weeks’ gestation and admitted to the NICU were included in this quality improvement study. The primary outcome was proportion of infants receiving umbilical catheters. Secondary outcomes were central venous catheter (CVC) use and central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

RESULTS:

The proportion of infants receiving UACs and UVCs was significantly lower in postintervention (sustainment) phase than in the preintervention phase (93 [42.3%] vs 52 [23.6%], P = .0001) and (137 [62.6%] vs 93 [42.3%], P = .0001), respectively. There was no corresponding increase in the proportion of infants receiving peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or surgical CVCs (SCVCs) during the sustainment phase. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of infants receiving CVCs (UVC, PICC, and SCVC) in the sustainment phase. The incidence of CLABSI was similar in the preintervention and sustainment phases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of guidelines standardizing the use of umbilical catheters in the NICU is feasible. Fewer infants were exposed to the risk of UVC or UAC, and fewer resources were used.
Timely Versus Delayed Early Childhood Vaccination and Seizures
Authors: Hambidge Simon J. , Newcomer Sophia R. , Narwaney Komal J. , Glanz Jason M. , Daley Matthew F. , Xu Stan , Shoup Jo Ann , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , P. Klein Nicola , Lee Grace M. , Nelson Jennifer C. , Lugg Marlene , Naleway Allison L. , Nordin James D. , Weintraub Eric , DeStefano Frank
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND:

Little is known regarding the timing of childhood vaccination and postvaccination seizures.

METHODS:

In a cohort of 323 247 US children from the Vaccine Safety Datalink born from 2004 to 2008, we analyzed the association between the timing of childhood vaccination and the first occurrence of seizure with a self-controlled case series analysis of the first doses of individual vaccines received in the first 2 years of life.

RESULTS:

In infants, there was no association between the timing of infant vaccination and postvaccination seizures. In the second year of life, the incident rate ratio (IRR) for seizures after receipt of the first measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) dose at 12 to 15 months was 2.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99–3.55); the IRR after an MMR dose at 16 to 23 months was 6.53 (95% CI 3.15–13.53). The IRR for seizures after receipt of the first measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) dose at 12 to 15 months was 4.95 (95% CI 3.68–6.66); the IRR after an MMRV dose at 16 to 23 months was 9.80 (95% CI 4.35 –22.06).

CONCLUSIONS:

There is no increased risk of postvaccination seizure in infants regardless of timing of vaccination. In year 2, delaying MMR vaccine past 15 months of age results in a higher risk of seizures. The strength of the association is doubled with MMRV vaccine. These findings suggest that on-time vaccination is as safe with regard to seizures as delayed vaccination in the first year of life, and that delayed vaccination in the second year of life is associated with more postvaccination seizures than on-time vaccination.
Safety of Rotavirus Vaccine in the NICU
Authors: Monk Heather M. , Motsney Adam J. , Wade Kelly C.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Rotavirus vaccination is discouraged during hospitalization given concerns regarding live attenuated virus transmission, although recommended upon discharge. Infants should have vaccination initiated by 104 days of age or they become age-ineligible. Our institution believed the known risk of severe disease in unvaccinated infants outweighed the theoretical risk of transmission. We routinely administer RotaTeq (RV5) to age-eligible hospitalized infants on enteral feeds. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of RV5 vaccination among vaccinated (VI) and unvaccinated infants (UVI) within the NICU.

METHODS:

A retrospective review identified VI between 2008 and 2010, and UVI geographically located near VI within 15 days of vaccination. We screened for gastrointestinal symptoms among UVI by using an electronic medical record query (trigger tool) to identify infants with orders for bowel rest, abdominal imaging, and antibiotics. Trigger-positive infants had full chart review.

RESULTS:

Most VI (76%) were either asymptomatic (25% [24 of 96]) or symptomatic but unchanged from baseline (51% [49 of 96]) postvaccination. Although 24% of VI had clinical status changes postvaccination, none were directly attributed to RV5. Among 801 neighboring UVI, 10 (1.2%) had clinical status changes, none directly attributed to RV5, but mostly bacterial sepsis or preexisting gastrointestinal pathology. Two UVI underwent stool analysis; both negative for rotavirus.

CONCLUSIONS:

RV5 was well tolerated in hospitalized infants, with most postvaccination symptoms attributed to preexisting symptoms. UVI seemed to have a low risk of symptomatic transmission. Inpatient administration ensures that age-eligible infants are vaccinated regardless of hospital duration. Prospective evaluation of safety and transmissibility is needed.
Improved Thomson Coefficient Measurements Using an AC Method
Authors: Amagai Yasutaka , Yamamoto Atsushi , Akoshima Megumi , Fujiki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

We present an improved AC (Alternating Current) method for the determination of the Thomson coefficient, which can be used for obtaining the absolute Seebeck coefficient. While previous work has focused on DC (Direct Current) methods, we analyze the influence of an AC current in order to derive the Thomson coefficient of a thin wire from measurable quantities. Our expression requires five parameters including AC current, resistance, temperature gradient, and the temperature changes due to the Thomson and Joule effects. Thus, a prior determination of thermal conductivity and sample geometry is not required, unlike DC methods. In order to validate our analysis, the Thomson coefficient of a thin Pt wire has been measured at several frequencies. The results agree with those obtained from a conventional DC method.
Thermoelectric Nanowire Junction Photoresponse
Authors: Huber Tito E. , Johnson Scott D. , Brower Tina , Barclift Quinton , Panga Benjamin , Harris Gary
Published: May 2014

Recently there have been reports of hot carrier thermoelectric response in nanostructured materials like graphene and MoS. We report observing that thermoelectric nanowire junctions detect light. In these experiments we employed devices composed of bismuth nanowire arrays which are capped with a transparent indium tin oxide electrode. The incident surface features very low optical reflectivity and enhanced light trapping. The unique attributes of the thermoelectric arrays are the combination of strong temporal and optical wavelength dependences of the photocurrent. Under infrared illumination, the signal can be completely described by “quasi-equilibrium” thermoelectric effects considering cooling rates given by heat diffusion through the array. The thermal diffusivity is found to be less (by a factor of 3.5) than in the bulk, a result that we discuss in terms of phonon confinement effects. In addition to a thermoelectric response, under visible illumination, we observe a photovoltaic response.
Adsorption of UF6on Graphene Derivatives: a Computational Study of Conditions for 2D Enrichment
Authors: Koh Yang Wei , Westerman Kenneth , Manzhos Sergei
Published: May 2014

We present a computational density functional theory study of UF6 adsorption on ideal as well as hydrogenated and fluorinated graphene. We show that (i) the isotopic splitting in the vibrational spectrum of UF6 observed in vacuum is largely preserved in the adsorbed molecules. The existence of several adsorption configurations with competing Eads leads to overlaps in the vibrational spectra of isotopomers, but isotopomer-unique modes exist on all three surfaces. (ii) The adsorption energy of UF6 is of the order of 1.2 eV on ideal graphene, 1 eV on graphane, and 0.1 eV on fluorographene, i.e. the adsorption strength is moderate and can be controlled by surface modification. (i) and (ii) mean that it may be possible to cause desorption of a selected isotopomer by laser radiation, leading to isotopic separation between the surface and the gas.
Adapting the use of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in large-scale water treatment facilities
Authors: Simeonidis K. , Andritsos N. , Kaprara E. , Mourdikoudis S. , Mitrakas M.
Published: May 2014

Magnetite nanoparticles were produced by the chemical co-precipitation of iron sulfates at alkaline conditions and were tested as a Cr(VI) adsorbent from water. Batch adsorption experiments showed a high removal efficiency, which is maximized at pH values below 6. This behavior was also verified in a continuous flow reactor, where nanoparticles were in contact with the polluted water. In particular, using a particle concentration of 1 g/L in water containing 100 μg Cr(VI)/L, a contact time of at least 2 h was required to achieve complete removal of Cr(VI). The recovery of nanoparticles after their use was accomplished using their magnetic nature. Application of an external magnetic field at the sides of the tube in which the suspension was flowing was sufficient to completely collect the nanoparticles in the outflow of the contact reactor, thus, providing water free of Cr(VI) and a solid phase.
Magnetic Properties of Spin Quantum Cross Devices Utilizing Stray Magnetic Fields
Authors: Kaiju Hideo , Kasa Haruya , Komine Takashi , Abe Taro , Misawa Takahiro , Nishii Junji
Published: May 2014

We investigate structural and magnetic properties of Co thin-film electrodes used in a new type of spin quantum cross (SQC) devices, in which a strong stray magnetic field could be generated between the both edges of magnetic thin-film electrodes. We also calculate the stray field between the two edges of Co thin-film electrodes in SQC devices and discuss the possibility to novel spintronics devices. As a result of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) observations, the stray fields are generated from the Co edges, and they are uniformly distributed. This result indicates that magnetic single-domain structures can be formed. This is consistent with the result obtained by magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The theoretical calculation reveals that the stray field exhibits as high as 7000 Oe under the condition that the distance between the two Co edges is 5 nm and the Co thickness is 19 nm. These results indicate that SQC devices utilizing stray fields can be expected as novel spintronics devices, such as spin filtering devices and beyond CMOS switching devices.
Atualização do conhecimento sobre o sauim-de-cara-suja, Saguinus weddelli (Primates, Callitrichinae), no estado de Rondônia
Authors: Gusmão Almério Câmara , Crispin Marcella Alves , Alves Sandro Leonardo , Aguiar Kurazo Mateus Okada , Sampaio Ricardo , Silva Jr José Sousa
Published: May 2014

O presente estudo consiste em uma atualização do conhecimento sobre a distribuição geográfica e dados populacionais do sauim-de-cara-suja (Saguinus weddelli) na área situada a leste do rio Madeira, em Rondônia. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico e uma série de expedições aos municípios de Cacoal, Machadinho D'Oeste, Nova Brasilândia D'Oeste, Chupinguaia, São Francisco do Guaporé e Costa Marques. Os resultados indicaram a existência de 39 pontos de registros empíricos de S. weddelli na área de estudo, 31 dos quais foram extraídos da literatura e oito resultaram dos trabalhos de campo. Um dos novos registros situa-se além da distribuição geográfica conhecida, representando uma extensão da mesma. Apesar deste táxon não ser considerado como ameaçado de extinção, sua situação na área de estudo requer cuidados, uma vez que têm sido registrados altos índices de desmatamento nesta região nos últimos 40 anos.
Enhanced adsorption of quaternary amine using modified activated carbon
Authors: Prahas Devarly , Wang M. J. , Ismadji Suryadi , Liu J. C.
Published: May 2014

This study examined different methodologies to modify activated carbon (AC) for the removal of quaternary amine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), from water. Commercial carbon (WAC) was treated by nitric acid oxidation (NA-WAC), silica impregnation (SM-WAC0.5), and oxygen plasma (P10-WAC), and their characteristics and adsorption capacity were compared. The Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium adsorption data well under different pH. The maximum adsorption capacity of WAC was 27.77 mg/g, while those of NA-WAC, SM-WAC 0.5, and P10-WAC were 37.46, 32.83 and 29.03 mg/g, respectively. Nitric acid oxidation was the most effective method for enhancing the adsorption capacity of TMAH. Higher pH was favorable for TMAH adsorption. Desorption study revealed that NA-WAC had no considerable reduction in performance even after five cycles of regeneration by 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. It was proposed that electrostatic interaction was the main mechanism of TMAH adsorption on activated carbon.
A novel synthesis method for TiO2 particles with magnetic Fe3O4 cores
Authors: Dong Qi , Zhang Keqiang , An Yi
Published: May 2014

TiO2@(AC/Fe3O4) (AC is activated carbon) was prepared by using AC and Fe3O4 as joint support. The morphological features, crystal structure, and magnetism of the final product were characterized. The results indicate that TiO2 particles formed on the surface of AC and Fe3O4; the sizes of TiO2 and Fe3O4 were 0.5 and 0.7 μm respectively, and that of AC fell within a wide range. The highly crystalline cubic structures of the TiO2 particles was in accord with the standard X-ray diffractometry spectrum of magnetite and anatase. The maximum saturation magnetization of TiO2@(AC/Fe3O4) was 75 emu g−1, which was enough to support magnetic recovery. The rate of methylene blue (MB) removal photocatalyzed by TiO2@(AC/Fe3O4) was higher by 50% than that achieved with AC/Fe3O4 photocatalysis, and similar to that achieved with TiO2@AC. The removal rate (kobs) decreased drastically from 1.77 × 10−2 to 9.36 × 10−3min−1 when the initial concentration of MB solution increased from 2.0 to 5.0 mg L−1. The kobs value increased from 9.41 × 10−3 to 1.34 × 10−2min−1 with increasing photocatalyst dosage from 0.2 to 1.0 g, then slightly decreased to 1.33 × 10−2min−1 at 2.0 g dosage.
Effects of oxidation reduction potential in the bypass micro-aerobic sludge zone on sludge reduction for a modified oxic–settling–anaerobic process
Authors: Li Kexun , Wang Yi , Zhang Zhongpin , Liu Dongfang
Published: May 2014

Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effect of oxidation reduction potential (ORP) on sludge reduction in a bypass micro-aerobic sludge reduction system. The system was composed of a modified oxic–settling–anaerobic process with a sludge holding tank in the sludge recycle loop. The ORPs in the micro-aerobic tanks were set at approximately +350, −90, −150, −200 and −250 mV, by varying the length of aeration time for the tanks. The results show that lower ORP result in greater sludge volume reduction, and the sludge production was reduced by 60% at the lowest ORP. In addition, low ORP caused extracellular polymer substances dissociation and slightly reduced sludge activity. Comparing the sludge backflow characteristics of the micro-aerobic tank's ORP controlled at −250 mV with that of +350 mV, the average soluble chemical oxygen (SCOD), TN and TP increased by 7, 0.4 and 2 times, median particle diameter decreased by 8.5 μm and the specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) decreased by 0.0043 milligram O2 per gram suspended solids per minute. For the effluent, SCOD and TN and TP fluctuated around 30, 8.7 and 0.66 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, the effective assignment of ORP in the micro-aerobic tank can remarkably reduce sludge volume and does not affect final effluent quality.
Speculations about Bystander and Biophotons
Authors: Sanders Charles L.
Published: May 2014

Mothersill and many others during the last hundred years have shown that cells and now whole animals may communicate with each other by electromagnetic waves called biophotons. This would explain the source of the bystander phenomena. These ultra-weak photons are coherent, appear to originate and concentrate in DNA of the cell nucleus and rapidly carry large amounts of data to each cell and to the trillions of other cells in the human body. The implications of such a possibility can be wonderfully important.
Use of a novel morphometric method and body fat index system for estimation of body composition in overweight and obese dogs
Authors: Witzel Angela L. , Kirk Claudia A. , Henry George A. , Toll Philip W. , Brejda John J. , Paetau-Robinson Inke
Published: May 2014

Objective—To develop morphometric equations for prediction of body composition and create a body fat index (BFI) to estimate body fat percentage in overweight and obese dogs.

Design—Prospective evaluation study.

Animals—83 overweight or obese dogs ≥ 1 year of age.

Procedures—Body condition score (BCS) was assessed on a 5-point scale, morphometric measurements were made, and visual and palpation-based assessments and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were performed. Equations for predicting lean body mass, fat mass, and body fat as a percentage of total body weight (ie, body fat percentage) on the basis of morphometric measurements were generated with best-fit statistical models. Visual and palpation-based descriptors were used to develop a BFI. Predicted values for body composition components were compared with DEXA-measured values.

Results—For the study population, the developed morphometric equations accounted for 98% of the variation in lean body mass and fat mass and 82% of the variation in body fat percentage. The proportion of dogs with predicted values within 10% of the DEXA values was 66 of 83 (80%) for lean body mass, 56 of 83 (68%) for fat mass, and 56 of 83 (67%) for body fat percentage. The BFI accurately predicted body fat percentage in 25 of 47 (53%) dogs, whereas the value predicted with BCS was accurate in 6 of 47 (13%) dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Morphometric measurements and the BFI appeared to be more accurate than the 5-point BCS method for estimation of body fat percentage in overweight and obese dogs. Further research is needed to assess the applicability of these findings to other populations of dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:1279–1284)
Photochemical toxicity of drugs intended for ocular use
Authors: Sahu Roshan Kumar , Singh Bhupendra , Saraf Shubhini A. , Kaithwas Gaurav , Kishor Kamal
Published: May 2014

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the possible ocular phototoxicity of drugs used in ophthalmic formulations. Sulphacetamide, ketoconazole, voriconazole, diclofenac, and ketorolac were assessed in the concentrations available in the market for their ocular use. The suitable models viz Hen’s Egg Test Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) test, Isolated Chicken Eye (ICE) test, and Red Blood Cell (RBC) haemolysis test as recommended by ECVAM, ICCVAM, and OECD guidelines were performed. Results of HET-CAM and ICE tests suggest that sulphacetamide is moderately toxic in the presence of light/UV-A and very slightly irritant without irradiation. Ketoconazole and voriconazole were found slightly irritant in presence of light/UV-A and non-irritant in dark. Diclofenac and ketorolac demonstrated slight irritancy in the light and were found to be non-irritant in dark. The results suggest that some of the drugs have potential toxic effect in the presence of light. The extent of phototoxicity might get extended when used for longer time. The recommendation is that these drugs should be stored and used in the dark for a specified time and be labelled with specific instructions for patients, especially for those working longer in the sunlight.
A year-round investigation of indoor airborne fungi in Croatia
Authors: Jakšić Despot Daniela , Šegvić Klarić Maja
Published: May 2014

This study assessed the composition of aeromycota at a grain mill and four dwellings (two apartments and two basements) as well as in outdoor air during one year in Zagreb, Croatia. The incidence of Aspergilli from sections Flavi, Nigri, and Versicolores was also assessed. Airborne fungi were collected using an air-sampler and DG-18 agar plates. The average concentrations of airborne fungi in the grain mill ranged from 14,310 to 40,000 cfu m-3, which was above the hazardous level (104 cfu m-3), whereas the values statistically estimated using Feller’s correction were up to six times higher. Concentrations in the apartment (163-1244 cfu m-3) were lower than in outdoor air (286-2090 cfu m-3) and lower than in the basement (697-1203 cfu m-3), except in the warmer period of the year when they were similar. The most abundant species throughout the year were Cladosporium spp. (90-100 %), Penicillium spp. (40-100 %), and Alternaria spp. (10-100 %), which are common for temperate climates. Aspergilli from the Flavi (50- 100 %) and Nigri (15-40 %) sections as well as A. ochraceus (15-60 %) and Eurotium spp. (85-100 %) were the most abundant at the grain mill and were rarely found in outdoor air. In the basement, Aspergilli (Versicolores) were more abundant than in the apartment. The excess of aeromycoparticles in the grain mill throughout the year may have represented a serious health risk to mill workers. This is the first Croatian one-year study of indoor airborne fungi in a grain mill and dwellings; however monitoring should continue over a longer period
On the Curvature and Heat Flow on Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Ohta Shin-ichi
Published: May 2014

We develop the differential geometric and geometric analytic studies of Hamiltonian systems. Key ingredients are the curvature operator, the weighted Laplacian, and the associated Riccati equation.We prove appropriate generalizations of the Bochner-Weitzenböck formula and Laplacian comparison theorem, and study the heat flow.
Geodesics in Asymmetric Metric Spaces
Authors: Mennucci Andrea C. G.
Published: May 2014

In a recent paper [17] we studied asymmetric metric spaces; in this context we studied the length of paths, introduced the class of run-continuous paths; and noted that there are different definitions of “length spaces” (also known as “path-metric spaces” or “intrinsic spaces”). In this paper we continue the analysis of asymmetric metric spaces.We propose possible definitions of completeness and (local) compactness.We define the geodesics using as admissible paths the class of run-continuous paths.We define midpoints, convexity, and quasi-midpoints, but without assuming the space be intrinsic.We distinguish all along those results that need a stronger separation hypothesis. Eventually we discuss how the newly developed theory impacts the most important results, such as the existence of geodesics, and the renowned Hopf-Rinow (or Cohn-Vossen) theorem.
Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism in Romania Over the Period 2001 to 2012: A Bvar Analysis
Authors: Spulbăr Cristi , Niţoi Mihai
Published: May 2014

In this study we intend to highlight the monetary transmission mechanism and how the main economic and monetary variables react to various shocks in Romania over the period 2001 to 2012 using a BVAR model with a KoKo Minnesota/Litterman prior. BVAR models solve the overparameterization of VAR and have advantages in terms of objectivity and flexibility. The analysis reveals important conclusions. The interest rate channel is being more and more consistent in the last years, the positive aspect that emerges from this study being related to the absence of output and price puzzle. Under these circumstances, the role and the responsibilities of the central bank acquire a greater importance, given its ability to control the interest rate in accordance with its objectives. The relationship between inflation and unemployment rate is consistent with the Phillips curve in Romania.
Institutional Aspects of International Competition Policy
Authors: Martos Luis Palma , Hidalgo José Luis García
Published: May 2014

A global economy cannot be driven in a consistent way by national competition laws. Both the liberalization of markets and the revolution in information and communication have triggered an unprecedented degree of interrelations of national economies. This leads to the internationalization of restrictive business practices. Despite of the WTO efforts and some agreements inside it related with antitrust, global markets have no competition rules. There are a number of economic arguments addressed to take real steps in order to establish a global framework for competition policy. Currently, the international system of competition policy seems gradually ill-suited for dealing with transnational restrictive business practices. The issue is now which organizational form and what degree of decentralization would be optimal for a multilevel system of international competition policy. Depending on the goals of the project, different degrees of decentralization would be more or less desirable.
Effect of Microwave Radiation on Microorganisms in Fish Meals
Authors: Bauza-Kaszewska Justyna , Skowron Krzysztof , Paluszak Zbigniew , Dobrzański Zbigniew , Śrutek Mścisław
Published: May 2014

This study was aimed at testing the effect of microwave radiation on survival of E. coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterococcus spp. and Clostridium spores in two kinds of fish meals. The material used in the study consisted of samples of two kinds of fish meal – salmon and cod. In the experiment samples of both kinds of fish meals were inoculated with suspensions of tested bacteria and spores of Clostridum sporogenes. After inoculation the material was exposed to microwave radiation with a frequency of 2.45 ghz and microwave energy power of 0, 100, 180, 300, 450, 600 and 700 w, respectively, for 2.5 min for bacteria and 11 minutes for spores. then the reisolated microorganisms were counted and theoretical lethal doses of radiation were determined. among the studied vegetative forms of bacteria, the largest decreases in the numbers at the same radiation dose were observed in the rods of E. coli, whereas the smallest in enterococci. spores of Clostridium sporogenes showed a considerably higher resistance to the effect of that factor. the power of dose resulting in the complete inactivation of the studied bacteria should be about 430 kJ×g–1, and in the case of spores – 1 900 kJ×g–1.
New Polymorphisms in Regulatory Regions of Porcine μ-Calpain Gene and Their Association with CAPN1 Transcript Abundance
Authors: Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Eckert Robert , Piórkowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2014

The activity of calpains, in particular μ-calpain, is associated with several processes occurring in muscle tissue postmortem and influences meat quality parameters. Therefore, the CAPN1 gene coding for large subunit of μ-calpain is considered as a candidate gene associated with meat quality traits. The aim of our study was to identify new polymorphisms in regulatory regions of the porcine CAPN1 gene and to estimate their impact on CAPN1 transcript abundance. In the present study, 7 polymorphisms in the porcine CAPN1 gene were identified, of which 5 were localized in introns (g.1195_1197insCCT; g.1429G>A; g. [4479A>G; 4526A>T; 4529_4530delAG]), one in 3’ untranslated region (g.25676C>T) and one microsatellite sequence in promoter region (c.-155- AGGG [3_5]). The analysed populations (a total of 451 gilts representing three pure breeds: Pietrain, P lish Landrace, Polish Large White and one conservation breed Pu.awska) were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium according to mutation g.25676C>T in 3’ untranslated region (all breeds), g.1429G>A (Pu.awska pigs) and g. [4479A>G; 4526A>T; 4529_4530delAG] (PLW pigs). Furthermore, the analysed SNPs in the porcine CAPN1 gene were in linkage disequilibrium (P≤0.05). The CAPN1 transcript abundance was also estimated in two important muscles (m. longissimus dorsi, m. semimembranosus). In longissimus dorsi muscle, a significant effect of c.-155- AGGG [3_5] polymorphism in promoter region on CAPN1 expression levels was determined. The c.-155AGGG [3/3] pigs showed a statistically higher (P≤0.05) expression level of the CAPN1 gene when compared to c.-155AGGG [4/4] homozygotes. The results obtained suggested that detected SNPs within regulatory regions of the CAPN1 gene could be related to transcript level and activity of μ-calpain. The selected polymorphisms areproposed to be associated with meat production traits.
The Quality Evaluation of RFN and PSE Pork Longissimus Lumborum Muscle Considering Its Microstructure
Authors: Chmiel Marta , Słowiñski Mirosław , Janakowski Sławomir
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected quality attributes of pork longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle characterized by Rfn and PSe occurrence considering its microstructure. The material used in the research was 100 pork meat samples of normal quality (RFN – red, firm, normal, non-exudative) and 100 pork meat samples with PSe defect. The digital images of microstructure of selected meat samples were captured and some quality attributes, including ph level, drip loss, electrical conductivity (ec), water holding capacity (Whc) and ciel*a*b* parameters, were determined. Based on the findings obtained it was concluded that PSE meat (pH24h≤5.5) was characterized by higher degradation of muscle fibre structure when compared with the normal meat (RFN). The differences in the microstructure of PSE and RFN meat influenced the colour, electrical conductivity, drip loss and WHC of the meat. The PSE meat was characterized by a signifi- cantly lighter color and significantly higher electrical conductivity, along with more intense drip loss and worsened water holding capacity in comparison with Rfn meat.
The British Position towards European Integration: A Different Economic and Political Approach
Authors: Troitiño David Ramiro
Published: May 2014

The United Kingdom has had an important position in Europe for centuries. Often it is seen as an anti-European country, or as being anti-integration in Europe but it is just defending its own interests, which in many cases hare differed from other members of the European Communities. The UK policy towards European cooperation has been influenced by the particular interest of the country, but there has always been a strong relation between the British and Europe. Great Britain had the biggest empire in human history spread all over the globe, and hence its interest was global rather than limited to local European states. The UK was a victorious country in the Second World War, the only Western European state that participated actively in Nazi defeat. As an important consequence, British nationalism was seen as a positive force to unite all the British against an external threat. During centuries, the British economy has been based on trade, and internationally the government supported and expanded the free trade idea in the world economy to European trade relations. This paper analyzes the main issues that explain the special relations between the EU and the UK. The paper is developed from a historical point of view with a methodology’ based on the critical review of historical facts from a global perspective of the whole traditional approach of the UK towards European integration.
Embedded Systems Development Tools: A MODUS-oriented Market Overview
Authors: Loupis Michalis
Published: May 2014

Background: The embedded systems technology has perhaps been the most dominating technology in high-tech industries, in the past decade. The industry has correctly identified the potential of this technology and has put its efforts into exploring its full potential. Objectives: The goal of the paper is to explore the versatility of the application in the embedded system development based on one FP7-SME project. Methods/Approach: Embedded applications normally demand high resilience and quality, as well as conformity to quality standards and rigid performance. As a result embedded system developers have adopted software methods that yield high quality. The qualitative approach to examining embedded systems development tools has been applied in this work. Results: This paper presents a MODUS-oriented market analysis in the domains of Formal Verification tools, HW/SW co-simulation tools, Software Performance Optimization tools and Code Generation tools. Conclusions: The versatility of applications this technology serves is amazing. With all this performance potential, the technology has carried with itself a large number of issues which the industry essentially needs to resolve to be able to harness the full potential contained. The MODUS project toolset addressed four discrete domains of the ESD Software Market, in which corresponding open tools were developed
Stackelberg Equilibrium of the Client and the Producer of Embedded Software
Authors: Vrankić Ilko , Bach Mirjana Pejić , Krpan Mira
Published: May 2014

Background: Our research assumes that the software quality affects the product validity. This assumption also refers to embedded software. Objectives: This paper analyses the Stackelberg equilibrium in which the consumer is the leader and the producer of embedded software is the follower. Methods/Approach: A comparative statics analysis of a producer's reaction is carried out and confirms our intuition that the product price is positively correlated to the number of employees and the software quality. Results: An increase in wage has an adverse effect on producer’s reaction. Derived results are illustrated numerically and Stackelberg and cooperative equilibrium are compared. It is shown that the welfare loss is smaller with higher quality software for any number of employees. Conclusions: Although the equilibrium involves less employed workers, the optimal software quality is higher. The optimal product price is lower, which puts the consumer and the producer in a better position
Application of Simplified Neutral Point Clamped Multilevel Converter in a Small Wind Turbine
Authors: Mlodzikowski Pawel , Milczarek Adam , Malinowski Mariusz
Published: May 2014

In low power distributed generation systems low cost together with the energy quality requirements are a key element. It is known that quality of voltage waveforms generated from multilevel converters is better in comparison with those from two-level. Due to advancements in power electronics and microcontrollers, multilevel converters are being built with the use of integrated power modules thus this type of converters are getting more compact in size. This paper investigates performance of a derivation from the most popular multilevel topology - a neutral point clamped converter (NPC). Applying the idea for simplifying the topology by reducing the number of switches (what came from drives) this NPC converter is capable of bidirectional AC/DC/AC operation. For the AC/DC part two schemes are tested: Direct Torque Control Space Vector Modulated and Field Oriented Control but for the DC/AC part a control scheme utilizing the proportional-resonant controller was chosen. Laboratory setup was based on a permanent magnet synchronous generator with control and acquisition completed with the help of dSpace 1005 control box. Experimental verification shows that system operates properly.
Metamodels for Optimum Design of Outer-Rotor Synchronous Reluctance Motor
Authors: Lavrinovicha Ludmila , Dobriyan Roman , Onzevs Oskars
Published: May 2014

A new design of synchronous reluctance motor with segment-shaped outer rotor is presented and investigated in this paper. In order to obtain correct recommendations for optimal design of the studied synchronous reluctance motor, analytical relations of motor electromagnetic parameters and geometrical dimensions (also known as metamodels) have been synthesized. Electromagnetic parameters, which have been used for metamodels synthesis, are obtained by means of magnetostatic field numerical calculations with finite element method using software QuickField.

The paper includes the analysis of the studied synchronous reluctance motor geometrical parameters (stator outer diameter, height and overlap angle of rotor’s segment-shaped packages) influence on the electromagnetic torque per unit volume. Testing of synthesized metamodels shows that relative difference between the results obtained by numerical calculations and those obtained with the help of synthesized metamodels does not exceed eight percent at experimental points and intermediate points as well. The proposed optimal design of the segment-shaped outerrotor synchronous reluctance motor obtained with the help of synthesized metamodels has been compared with a salient-pole outer-rotor synchronous reluctance motor having ferromagnetic yoke with the same value of the electromagnetic torque. The comparison results of both motors show that the highest value of electromagnetic torque per unit volume can be achieved with the proposed new design of the synchronous reluctance motor with segment-shaped outer rotor.