bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Types of population dynamics of the settlements in Belgrade region
Authors: Zivanovic Zora , Devedzic Mirjana , Vojkovic Gordana
Published: January 2015

The aim of this paper was to present the main features of spatial
redistribution of the population in the Belgrade region in the period from
1971 to 2011, by following the ratio between natural and migration components
of population change in residential areas. The analysis was conducted using
the modified Clarke?s model. According to the 2011 Census, the Belgrade
region is inhabited by 1,659,440 residents living in 157 settlements. As the
most developed part of Serbia, for a long time Belgrade has been the
destination of the majority of those who changed their place of permanent
residence within national boundaries. During the observed forty-year period,
the immigration significance of certain settlements in Belgrade region
changed in accordance with the socio-economic and demographic circumstances.
This paper explores how the type of the population dynamics of settlements
transformed, the most important changes and new problems that have arisen
concerning the settlement structure in the Belgrade region.
Spatial concentration of population in Serbia 1981-2011 measured with the Hoover index
Authors: Santic Danica
Published: January 2015

Population distribution reflects the integrity of natural, social, economic
and historical factors of the geospace, relevant both for fundamental and
applied research. Complex spatial structure of the contemporary distribution
of population in the world, and Serbia as well, during history was determined
by human migrations of complex scope and determinants. The aim of this paper
was to describe and analyze the geographical redistribution of the population
by using the Hoover index as a measure of the redistribution. This measure
was introduced by Edgar Hoover in 1936 and it has been widely used in
geography. By computing this index, we can allocate the region of population
concentration and deconcentration in Serbia. General conceptual framework of
concentration and dispersion of population at different geographical levels
is presented here. These differences in the achieved level of concentration
in Serbia are correlated with the historical development of population,
transition from an agrarian into industrial society, and process of
urbanization and migration in the last sixty years.
Specificity of population trends in Vojvodina - the 2011 census
Authors: Stojsin Snezana
Published: January 2015

According to the 2011 Census, Vojvodina has the population of 1,931,809 which
is by 100,183 less than in 2002. Vojvodina has fewer inhabitants today than
in 1971. This decrease in number of inhabitants, according to the latest
census, occurred in all municipalities except in the City of Novi Sad, where
the population annually increased by 4,703. The main objective of this paper
was to analyze the movement of population between two censuses, focusing on
the specifics of population movements in certain areas of Vojvodina. First of
all, the area of the North Banat should be pointed out because there the
population has been steadily declining since 1961. On the other hand, the
South Backa area records a steady increase in population in the period from
the World War Two to the present, mainly due to the mechanical movement or
immigration to the center of this area - the City of Novi Sad. In addition to
the population decline, the population of Vojvodina is characterized by
higher average age. The last census showed that the population of all
municipalities was, on average, older than 40, except in the municipality of
Zabalj (39.7) and the City of Novi Sad (40.0). Analysis of the data has shown
that the trend of the population decline in Vojvodina, caused by very high
mortality rates and low birth rates, continues and that the age structure of
population is becoming less favorable.
Age model of fertility in Vojvodina at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors: Veljovic Radmila , Paunovic Dragana
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an outlook on fertility trends of the population of
Vojvodina in the first decade of the 21st century, a period that includes the
results of the previous two Censuses held in 2002 and 2011. The main concern
is identifying determinants of this development process and the dynamics
regarding the age model of fertility as well as the way it is manifested in
Vojvodina. Methodology of this research relies on evaluating age specific
rates, determining its fluctuations and shifts in order to establish the
course of the change. Census of 2002 and Census of 2011 provide useful data
to complete fertility analyses. Total fertility rates also show the tendency
of continuous decline therefore representing the shifts in the age model of
fertility. After the devastating 1990s marked by wars and sanctions, the
transitional processes were initiated at the turn of the millennium, leading
to a change in socio-economic environment. Along with constant economic
crisis and accompanying poverty, this situation strongly influenced
reproductive behaviour of women and their attitude toward childbearing in
general. The trend of late childbearing and a raise of women?s mean age at
first birth continued.
Towards new understanding of change in gender relations at the micro level: Serbian case
Authors: Blagojevic-Hughson Marina , Bobic Mirjana
Published: January 2015

Democratization of gender regimes has been taken as one of societal causes of
?ongoing and universal? Second Demographic Transition (SDT), [Lesthaeghe
2010]. The question whether it is present in countries of ex-socialism or not
is a frequent matter of debates and ?crisis argument? is referred to when
assessing whether it has been delayed, postponed or running in a specific
manner [H?hn, et ?l. 2008; Sobotka, 2008; Bobic 2014]. This paper, however,
argues that this mainstream theory seems inadequate when it comes to
demographic and social changes of Balkan countries, Serbia in particular.
Thus it should be complemented or even replaced by more suitable paradigm of
semi-periphery. After discussion of this novel approach and macro
perspective, we will particularly focus onto micro level analysis, i.e.
family relations through the lens of gender and individual agency [Blagojevic
2009, 2013; Bobic 2014], due to their profound effects on persistent low
fertility and rising childlessness. Our goal was to trace ongoing and gradual
transformation from so called ?traditional model? to greater gender
empowerment and emancipation. Decline of and resistance to the women?s
?self-sacrificing micro-matriarchy?, observed and broadly investigated in
state socialism [Blagojevic 1994, 1997] is taking place among younger
generations, middle and upper educated groups being forerunners. This shift
is reflected, inter alia, in increased males? participation in parenthood and
care, though crisis of masculinity is also observed at the semi-periphery.
Specific societal setting, although unfavourable when it comes to
opportunities of expanding of personal and social resources (including
strengthening of networks, increasing of quality of everyday life and
broadening of choices), paradoxically encourages egalitarian practice in
everyday life, through exchange and cooperation among men and women but as a
part of ?survival economy?. This less visible and slow ?bottom up? social
change awaited for ever since the end of 1980s is, seemingly irreversible,
yet troublesome. We deem this practice of collaboration and mutual support in
privacy as highly conducive for rising egalitarianism although there are
still prominent asymmetrical attitudes in public discourse related to gender
roles, paid work, care and career. Theoretical and policy implications of
such developments will also be discussed in the paper.
Ecofeminism as a way of resolving some environmental issues
Authors: Coric Dragana
Published: January 2015

Women and nature are connected in many different ways: with their biological
status, reproductive role, discrimination. That is why ecofeminism stands for
one of the main theoretical, philosophical and even practical ways of
resolving the environmental problems. The representatives of this thinking
find that changing positions and behaviors by leaving the patriarchal
approach to everything - to the women and to the nature, can stop the
degradation of the environment. Demographic significance of the women?s role,
in context of environmental changes, was represented by some feminist
movements, as Chipko movement in India, Green Belt movement in Kenya, Love
Canal in State of New York, etc. In this paper, the author gives a short
overview of connections between women and nature, and proposes some new
solutions.
Demographic and functional evaluation of urban areas in Vojvodina region
Authors: Kokotovic Vlasta , Spalevic Aleksandra
Published: January 2015

The article illustrates the procedure of quantitative demographic and
functional evaluation of urban areas in Vojvodina region. Evaluation is based
on seven indicators such as total population, population change index, aging
index, the share of employees in primary sector, the share of employees in
total population, the share of economically active population (noncommuters)
and the share of commuters in economically active population of all urban
settlements in Vojvodina region. Quantitative procedure of demographic and
functional valorization of urban areas is based on a rank method. According
to the results of applied procedure, the categories of urban areas are
determined. Each category demonstrates a level of demographic development and
correlation between demographic potential and suitable geographical and
traffic position. The article is an attempt to perceive better the
demographic processes in settlements. Moreover, we pay attention to a
different approach in the research of urban settlements network in Vojvodina
region.
Regional economic and development problems and perspectives: Case study of Slavonia and Baranja (Croatia)
Authors: Loncar Jelena , Marinkovic Veni
Published: January 2015

Slavonia and Baranja or Eastern Croatia is a physical-geo?graphical part of
the Pannonian Basin and it is divided administratively into 5 counties:
Virovitica-Podravina, Pozega-Slavonia, Slavonski Brod-Posavina,
Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Sirmium (which make nearly 20% of the state).
Regarding functional organization, Slavonia and Baranja is a part of Osijek
nodal region but with interrelated influences of other regional centres like
Slavonski Brod, Vinkovci, Vukovar, Djakovo and Pozega. Analysis of this region
consisting of 22 cities and 104 municipalities with 805,998 people (according
to Census 2011) will be conducted according to several economic-geographic
indicators: foreign trade exchange, number of employed people per 100
inhabitants, number of unemployed people per 100 inhabitants, economic
structure of population as well as the share of people employed in
agriculture and industry as the most important sectors in the regional
economy. Demographic problems will also be analysed, because the population
is one of the most important factors of economic and social development. The
main problems of the analysed region are depopulation, aging and rural exodus
as well as the fact that every city or municipality, except one, had the
decline of population comparing to previous Census of 2001. These processes
are accompanied by spatial population polarization which has also resulted in
economic decline.
Active ageing of the active elderly in Serbia - empirical approach
Authors: Stojilkovic-Gnjatovic Jelena , Belij Marija
Published: January 2015

One of the most important paradigms that emerged in demographic literature
when it comes to mitigation of the population ageing in developed world is
the concept of active ageing. At the core of this approach is the idea that
elderly population is a very important and resourceful segment of a society
because of their large experience in different fields that can contribute to
the welfare of all. However, there are still no empirical studies of the
population such as pensioners that can contribute the most. Even though
elderly pensioners are economically inactive, they have a considerable spare
time and non-negligible financial assets. In order to empirically enlighten
the practice of active ageing in Serbia, we conducted a survey based on the
questionnaire from Special Eurobarometer Report 378 dealing with issues of
active ageing in Europe. We chose as the target population (already active)
participants of the Sixth Olympiad of Sport, Health and Culture for the Third
Age held in Vrnjacka Banja. As a result, we got comprehensive responses to a
variety of questions, which could be used as guidelines on how to achieve
active aging. Additionally, collected evidences of different attitudes of the
active elderly towards family, young generations, work, pension, and the like
are elaborated.
Main characteristics of demographic development of eastern Herzegovina in the second half of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors: Corovic Radoslav
Published: January 2015

At the beginning of the observed period, the population dynamics in Eastern
Herzegovina was characterized by stagnation, followed by the decrease of the
total population, primarily due to traditionally present emigration, but also
due to negative natural population growth. Birth rates decreasing processes,
population ageing, and some other predominantly negative demographic
processes have been reported for decades. This area has a low population
density, while spatial distribution of the population is characterized by
concentration in settlements which have the function of a municipal centre.
Contemporary demographic indicators (of natural increase of population and
migration) indicate further decrease in population of this region, especially
of its rural parts. This is also shown by the previous 2013 Census data.
Keeping in mind the current demographic indicators and characteristics of the
population, side by side with weak economic development of this region, it
may be expected that negative trends in population development will continue.
Demographic challenges and spatial distribution of the population in the Republika Srpska
Authors: Vranjes Rajko , Petkovic Dara
Published: January 2015

For the first time in 22 years, an official census of population was carried
out on the territory of the Republika Srpska. This is the first time that we
have data (preliminary results) based on which we can examine the
demographic situation, spatial distribution of the population and certain
ongoing demographic processes. Based on the analysis of preliminary results
on the total number of enumerated persons and through the analysis of
natural increase in migration flows, the article will present the
demographic problem faced by the Republika Srpska. The analysis of first
results shows that entire regions have low population densities, being
affected by depopulation which is caused mainly by negative natural
movements and migrations. Rural areas which represented a demographic
potential are being depopulated and some of them have no inhabitants at all.
The unfavourable spatial distribution, low level of natural regeneration and
constant emigration seriously endanger the total number of population in the
Republika Srpska, which has been steadily declining ever since 2002.
Constant negative socio-economic effects in the short term could jeopardize
the development of the population and the very maintenance of infrastructure
in settlements in Republika Srpska.
Fault diagnosis in a networked control system under communication constraints:
A quadrotor application
Authors: Chabir Karim , Sid Mohamed Amine , Sauter Dominique
Published: January 2015

This paper considers the problem of attitude sensor fault diagnosis in a quadrotor helicopter. The proposed approach is composed of two stages. The first one is the modelling of the system attitude dynamics taking into account the induced communication constraints. Then a robust fault detection and evaluation scheme is proposed using a post-filter designed under a particular design objective. This approach is compared with previous results based on the standard Kalman filter and gives better results for sensor fault diagnosis.
Nonlinear control for a diesel engine: A CLF-based approach
Authors: Kuzmych Olena , Aitouche Abdel , Hajjaji Ahmed El , Bosche Jerome
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we propose a control Lyapunov function based on a nonlinear controller for a turbocharged diesel engine. A model-based approach is used which predicts the experimentally observed engine performance for a biodiesel. The basic idea is to develop an inverse optimal control and to employ a Lyapunov function in order to achieve good performances. The obtained controller gain guarantees the global convergence of the system and regulates the flows for the variable geometry turbocharger as well as exhaust gas recirculation systems in order to minimize the NOx emission and the smoke of a biodiesel engine. Simulation of the control performances based on professional software and experimental results show the effectiveness of this approach.
A modified van der Pol equation with delay in a description of the heart action
Authors: Zduniak Beata , Bodnar Marek , Foryś Urszula
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a modified van der Pol equation is considered as a description of the heart action. This model has a number of interesting properties allowing reconstruction of phenomena observed in physiological experiments as well as in Holter electrocardiographic recordings. Our aim is to study periodic solutions of the modified van der Pol equation and take into consideration the influence of feedback and delay which occur in the normal heart action mode as well as in pathological modes. Usage of certain values for feedback and delay parameters allows simulating the heart action when an accessory conducting pathway is present (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).
A primal sub-gradient method for structured classification with the averaged sum loss
Authors: Mančev Dejan , Todorović Branimir
Published: January 2015

We present a primal sub-gradient method for structured SVM optimization defined with the averaged sum of hinge losses inside each example. Compared with the mini-batch version of the Pegasos algorithm for the structured case, which deals with a single structure from each of multiple examples, our algorithm considers multiple structures from a single example in one update. This approach should increase the amount of information learned from the example. We show that the proposed version with the averaged sum loss has at least the same guarantees in terms of the prediction loss as the stochastic version. Experiments are conducted on two sequence labeling problems, shallow parsing and part-of-speech tagging, and also include a comparison with other popular sequential structured learning algorithms.
Removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions using excised leaves of Quetta pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.)
Authors: Rahman M , Gul S , Ajmal M , Iqbal A , Achakzai Akk
Published: January 2015

Removal of cadmium from aqueous solution was studied by using Quetta pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) leaves. Batch adsorption experiments were performed as a function of appropriate equilibrium time, pH, concentration of adsorbate and amount of adsorbent. The optimum pH required for maximum adsorption was found to be 7.0 and the maximum contact time for the equilibrium was 30 minutes at adsorbent dose of 10 g. The maximum adsorption efficiency of cadmium removal was 98.50%. The results were better fitted by Langmuir than Freundlich isotherm. The separation factor of equilibrium 0.12 and 0.67 showed that Quetta pine leaves are good adsorbent of cadmium from aqueous solution DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21598 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 277-281, 2014 (December)
Stem and leaf anatomy of three taxa in Lamiaceae
Authors: Ozcan Melahat , Eminagaoglu Ozgur
Published: January 2015

Stem and leaf anatomy of Origanum rotundifolium Boiss., O. vulgare L. ssp. viride (Boiss.) Hayek, Teucrium hircanum L., belonging to Lamiaceae were characterized and compared. Some important differences were determined in the taxa. In addition, trichome diversity was investigated by light microscopy and three main types of trichomes (peltate, capitate glandular and non-glandular) were observed in three taxa. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21612 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 345-352, 2014 (December)
Use of phenols, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase of seed to quantify resistance of cotton genotypes to Fusarium wilt disease
Authors: Asran Amal A , Mohamed Heba I
Published: January 2015

A greenhouse test was conducted in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons at Giza Agricultural Research station to evaluate the reaction of six cotton genotypes to Fusarium wilt disease. The genotypes showed considerable variation in susceptibility to the disease (percentage of wilt incidence), which ranged from 32.24 to 88.0% In general, the genotypes could be divided into highly susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant. Data for wilt incidence and level or activity of some component biochemicals (phenols, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase) were introduced into a computerized linear regression analysis. The analysis constructed seven predictive models by using the biochemical components, singly or in combination, as biochemical predictors. It was evident that models nos. 1 and 5 were the best models for predicting incidence of Fusarium wilt. The superiority of these models was attributed to their high R2 value (0.668 and 0.814, respectively) and the significance of their F. values (p = 0.047 and p = 0.080, respectively). The results of the present study suggest that phenols alone or both phenols and polyphenoloxidase in uninfected cotton seed, which may or may not take part of the Fusarium wilt resistance mechanisms, can use as biochemical markers to predict Fusarium wilt resistance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21613 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 353-357, 2014 (December)
Performance of physiological basis of rice hybrids under system of rice cultivation
Authors: Singh Pushpraj , Khan IM , Singh Smita , Tiwari RK , Shukla UN , Philip Phiji
Published: January 2015

Among the rice hybrids, PRH-10 recorded significantly highest chlorophyll content, dry matter, LAI, CGR, RGR, NAR, root length, root: shoot ratio and grain yield (9.95 t/ha) over the rest of hybrids followed by NPH-567. The lowest values of these parameters were noted in IR-36. The higher straw yield was recorded (144.8 t/ha) in NPH-567. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21614 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 359-361, 2014 (December)
Post harvest management of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in sub-tropical zone of Jammu division
Authors: Peer Quadri Javeed Ahmad , Rashid Haroon , Ahmad Sheikh Muzaffar , Chesti MH
Published: January 2015

Post harvest management of potato under sub-tropical conditions in Jammu division was studied. The losses due to poor handling and storage are reported to be in between 40 and 50%. The physiological and pathological causes observed before and during storage on potato crop revealed that 51.51% of respondents observed bruises on tubers followed by rooting (48.00%), chilling injury (44.89%), enlarged lenticels (42.67%) and sprouting up to 40.89%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21618 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 371-373, 2014 (December)
A clinical study on amoebic liver abscess
Authors: Sahoo Aswini Kumar , Rauta Sudhasmita
Published: January 2015

Background: Amoebic liver abscess presents with severe pain and high grade fever and if not diagnosed and treated promptly, may lead to complications and mortality. Aim and objectives: The objective of the present study was to estimate the incidence, need for aspiration and prognosis. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, positive Elisa test, ultrasonography, aspiration of anchovy sauce from the liver lesion, isolation of E. Histolytica (cyst/trophozoite) from the stool of the patient. Result: We had 65 cases in the study. There were 52 males & 13 females with a ratio of 4:1. Solitary abscess was found in 48 (73.8%) patients which are located as follows; right lobe(43), left lobe(2) and in both lobe(3). 9% were aspirated at presentation due to their size or position. Only 4 (2%) were aspirated at first follow-up on third day due to non resolution of pain or fever or increase in size. All the patients are responded to standard treatment of metronidazole. Amoebic liver abscess is a common diagnosis in our setup. Conclusion: Clinical background and sonogram give a reasonable suggestion about amoebic etiology. If initial aspiration is not indicated due to size larger than 10 cm or proximity to surface, conservative treatment with oral or intravenous metronidazole is successful. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.15525 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.49-52
Plantar fasciitis - an update
Authors: Guatham Purnima , Nuhmani Shibili , Kachanathu Shaji John
Published: January 2015

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of inferior heel pain managed by many physical therapists in variety of clinical settings and wildly treated conservatively. It is usually caused by a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension along the plantar fascia. It is estimated that 11% to 15% of all foot complaints requiring medical attention can be attributed to this condition. The patient typically presents with inferior heel pain on weight bearing. Pain associated with plantar fasciitis may be throbbing, searing, or piercing, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This article present on overview of the current knowledge on plantar fasciitis and focuses on biomechanics, etiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies, conservative treatment including the physical therapy management are discussed. This information should assist health care practitioners who treat patients with this disorder DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.17052 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.3-8
Socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with mortality in Malaria induced anaemia among under-five children in Benin city, Nigeria
Authors: Abhulimhen-Iyoha Blessing Imuetinyan , Israel-Aina Yetunde Tinuola
Published: January 2015

Background: Children under the age of five years bear the brunt of malaria infection. Malaria induced anaemia (MIA) is the most prevalent presentation of malaria and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with mortality in under-five children presenting with malaria induced anaemia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Children Emergency Room of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Questionnaires which were researcher-administered were used to collect information on the childs age, gender, parents or caregivers education, occupation, recognition of symptoms of malaria and anaemia, cultural practices during childs illness and patients outcome. Results: The case fatality rate was 3.1%. Poor parental education, low social class and lack of skilled job amongst the parents were associated with high mortality. Other factors associated with mortality include high patronage of chemists and prayer houses as well as poor recognition of pallor by mothers. Conclusion/Recommendations: Improvement in socioeconomic status especially female education and empowerment is again emphasized. This and other socioeconomic boost should be targeted alongside malaria-control programmes in order to reduce mortality associated with malaria induced anaemia. Parental enlightenment on recognition of symptoms of malaria and anaemia will improve their health-seeking behaviour, promote early diagnosis and prompt institution of effective antimalarial therapy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.17274 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.32-38
Status of Female Adolescents Living at Rajshahi Slum in Bangladesh
Authors: Choudhary Md. Shahidur Rahman , Rahman Md Mahfuzar
Published: January 2015

Objective: To avoid the social consequences of unplanned pregnancy, transmission of STIs and HIV/AIDS, adolescents need to be awaked of their reproductive health. That is why; the study is aimed to know the present status of adolescents in terms of socio-demographic and menstrual management status living in slum areas of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh. Materials and methods: The data for this study were collected purposively in 2012 from 200 girls aged 10-19 who were slum living at RCC using a pre-designed questionnaire. The purpose and importance of this study were explained to the respondents before participating in this study. Results and discussion: The result showed that 64% of the respondents were in the group of 18-19 years. Around 9.5% of the adolescents had never gone to school. The maintenance of hygiene during menstruation is a vital aspect of adolescent reproductive health. But the result showed that about 94% of the respondents answered that they do not know the underlying reasons for what menstruation occurred. Only 5% of the respondents maintained some form of hygiene measurements (pad or clean cloth) during the onset of their menstruation. The result also indicated that 24.5% of the respondents felt physical illnesses during their menstruation. Conclusion: The authority should commit to ensuring that the needs, challenges, aspirations, vulnerabilities and rights of adolescents, especially for girls, are fully considered in this new development agenda. Keeping this in mind, adolescent friendly health services should be ensured by arranging special hours or special days for them, orienting and providing training to healthcare providers on how to counsel adolescents.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.
Aquatic plants of the Far East of Russia: a review on their use in medicine, pharmacological activity
Authors: Bolotova Ya V
Published: January 2015

The review provides information on the medicine application of 30 aquatic plant taxa growing in the Russian Far East, and the prospects for their practical use. A list of aquatic plants on the pharmacotherapeutic action is done. The greatest number of species of aquatic plants has analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, stomach and antidiarrheal, wound-healing properties. It is revealed that the most widely in traditional medicine in Asia and Europe are used Nelumbo nucifera, Trapa natans, representatives of the family Lemnaceae, Nymphaeaceae, genus Potamogeton. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.21554 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.9-13
Mycoplasma infection in Malaysian children: laboratory investigation and antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Sulong Anita , Murugaan Thiru , Balakrishnan AL , En Ng Li , Zain Noraini Mohamad , Mohd Sabri Farah Liana , Ali Satariah , Kalsom Umi , Othman Siti Norlia , Rahman MM
Published: January 2015

Background: Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) is an important causative agent of childhood infection with variable clinical presentations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the laboratory investigation and antimicrobial therapy of M. pneumoniae infection in children admitted to paediatric ward. Materials & Methods: A total of 111 children, of which 59 (53.2%) boys and 52 (46.8%) girls, with median age of 2 years (inter quartile range 1-6 years) with suspected M. pneumoniae infection were tested for IgM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The children were classified as seropositive and seronegative. Results: Of the 111 children, 45 (40.5%) had serological evidence of M. pneumoniae infection and the remaining 66 (59.5%) were seronegative. There was significant association (p < 0.001) between age and serology response. Seropositive children were more likely to be older (median age 5.0 [interquartile range 2- 7] years, p < 0.001). Children with M. pneumoniae infection were less likely to have cough (p = 0.023) in which 55 (65.5%) patients having cough were seronegative. There was no significant association between laboratory findings of full blood count and serology. Conclusion: In addition to clinical and laboratory features, other factors like age group and absence of cough might be helpful in predicting M. pneumoniae infection.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.21564 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.75-78
Giant bladder calculus with no retention of urine
Authors: Shah Imtiaz , Singh Sarabjit , Mehta Nandita , Mala Tariq Ahmed , Zaieem Mohammad , Khan Farhan
Published: January 2015

Benign prostatic hyperplasia often produces chronic and progressive lower urinary tract symptoms or complications such as bladder stone, leading to retention of urine and to seek medical attention. Becharetal1 stated giant urinary bladder stone weighing 100 grams or more are uncommon. In our case 162 grams of bladder stone with few another stones about 10-15 grams in the left lower end of ureter were removed. Available treatment options for vesical calculus include open surgical removal, extracorporeal fragmentation and endoscopic crushing. Recently endo-surgical mechanical cystolithotripsy followed by percutaneous extraction has been in clinical practice for small and moderate sized calculus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.21573 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.98-99
Scimitar syndrome
Authors: Kejriwal G S , Madhavi CH , Sahu S N
Published: January 2015

A female child of age five attended our institution in Jan 2006 with repeated upper respiratory infection. Plain skiagram and CT examinations confirmed the case to be a Scimitar syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.21576 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.103-105
Entropy, Age and Time Operator
Authors: Gialampoukidis Ilias , Antoniou Ioannis
Published: January 2015

The time operator and internal age are intrinsic features of entropy producing innovation processes. The innovation spaces at each stage are the eigenspaces of the time operator. The internal age is the average innovation time, analogous to lifetime computation. Time operators were originally introduced for quantum systems and highly unstable dynamical systems. Extending the time operator theory to regular Markov chains allows one to relate internal age with norm distances from equilibrium. The goal of this work is to express the evolution of internal age in terms of Lyapunov functionals constructed from entropies. We selected the Boltzmann–Gibbs–Shannon entropy and more general entropy functions, namely the Tsallis entropies and the Kaniadakis entropies. Moreover, we compare the evolution of the distance of initial distributions from equilibrium to the evolution of the Lyapunov functionals constructed from norms with the evolution of Lyapunov functionals constructed from entropies. It is remarkable that the entropy functionals evolve, violating the second law of thermodynamics, while the norm functionals evolve thermodynamically.
Self-Similarity in Population Dynamics: Surname Distributions and Genealogical Trees
Authors: Rossi Paolo
Published: January 2015

The frequency distribution of surnames turns out to be a relevant issue not only in historical demography but also in population biology, and especially in genetics, since surnames tend to behave like neutral genes and propagate like Y chromosomes. The stochastic dynamics leading to the observed scale-invariant distributions has been studied as a Yule process, as a branching phenomenon and also by field-theoretical renormalization group techniques. In the absence of mutations the theoretical models are in good agreement with empirical evidence, but when mutations are present a discrepancy between the theoretical and the experimental exponents is observed. Hints for the possible origin of the mismatch are discussed, with some emphasis on the difference between the asymptotic frequency distribution of a full population and the frequency distributions observed in its samples. A precise connection is established between surname distributions and the statistical properties of genealogical trees. Ancestors tables, being obviously self-similar, may be investigated theoretically by renormalization group techniques, but they can also be studied empirically by exploiting the large online genealogical databases concerning European nobility.
Benzo[a]pyrene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene in Some Processed Fish and Fish Products
Authors: Olatunji Olatunde , Fatoki Olalekan , Opeolu Beatrice , Ximba Bhekumusa
Published: January 2015

In this study, the concentration levels of the probable carcinogenic PAH fractions, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[k]fluoranthrene (BkF) in fillets of some processed fish species were investigated. Fish species comprising Merluccius poli (hake), Tyrsites atun (snoek), Seriola lalandi (yellow-tail) and Brama brama (angel fish) were bought in fish shops at Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. The fish were gutted, filleted and prepared for edibility by frying, grilling and boiling. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were extracted from each homogenized fish sample, cleaned-up using solid phase extraction (SPE), and analysed for the PAH fractions, BaP and BkF using a Gas Chromatograph coupled with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The sum of the two PAHs (∑2PAH) i.e., BaP and BkF ranged between 0.56 and 1.46 µg/kg, in all boiled, grilled and fried fish species. The fried fish extracts showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) abundance of ∑2PAH, than grilled and boiled fish. Dietary safety and PAHs toxicity was also discussed.
Assessing Metal Exposures in a Community near a Cement Plant in the Northeast U.S.
Authors: Dong Zhao , Bank Michael , Spengler John
Published: January 2015

Cement production is a major source of metals and metalloids in the environment, while exposures to metals and metalloids may impact human health in the surrounding communities. We recruited 185 participants living in the vicinity of a cement plant in the northeast U.S., and measured the levels of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in blood and Hg in hair samples from them. A questionnaire was used to assess potential sources of Hg exposure. Multivariate regressions and spatial analyses were performed to evaluate the relative importance of different routes of exposures. The metal concentrations in blood or hair samples of our study participants were comparable to the U.S. general or regional population. Smoking contributed significantly to Cd and Pb exposures, and seafood consumption contributed significantly to Hg and As exposures, while variables related to the cement plant were not significantly associated with metal concentrations. Our results suggest that our study population was not at elevated health risk due to metal exposures, and that the contribution of the cement plant to metal exposures in the surrounding community was minimal.
Risk Communication Concerning Welding Fumes for the Primary Preventive Care of Welding Apprentices in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta , Bonow Clarice , Vaz Joana
Published: January 2015

This study’s aim was to assess the perceptions of welding apprentices concerning welding fumes being associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and assess the implementation of risk communication as a primary prevention tool in the welding training process. This quasi-experimental, non-randomized study with before-and-after design was conducted with 84 welding apprentices in Southern Brazil. Poisson Regression analysis was used. Relative Risk was the measure used with a 95% confidence interval and 5% (p ≤ 0.05) significance level. Significant association was found between perceptions of worsened symptoms of respiratory disorders caused by welding fumes and educational level (p = 0.049), the use of goggles to protect against ultraviolet rays (p = 0.023), and access to services in private health facilities without insurance coverage (p = 0.001). Apprentices younger than 25 years old were 4.9 times more likely to perceive worsened cardiovascular symptoms caused by welding fumes after risk communication (RR = 4.91; CI 95%: 1.09 to 22.2). The conclusion is that risk communication as a primary preventive measure in continuing education processes implemented among apprentices, who are future welders, was efficacious. Thus, this study confirms that risk communication can be implemented as a primary prevention tool in welding apprenticeships.
Antimicrobial Polymers with Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Palza Humberto
Published: January 2015

Metals, such as copper and silver, can be extremely toxic to bacteria at exceptionally low concentrations. Because of this biocidal activity, metals have been widely used as antimicrobial agents in a multitude of applications related with agriculture, healthcare, and the industry in general. Unlike other antimicrobial agents, metals are stable under conditions currently found in the industry allowing their use as additives. Today these metal based additives are found as: particles, ions absorbed/exchanged in different carriers, salts, hybrid structures, etc. One recent route to further extend the antimicrobial applications of these metals is by their incorporation as nanoparticles into polymer matrices. These polymer/metal nanocomposites can be prepared by several routes such as in situ synthesis of the nanoparticle within a hydrogel or direct addition of the metal nanofiller into a thermoplastic matrix. The objective of the present review is to show examples of polymer/metal composites designed to have antimicrobial activities, with a special focus on copper and silver metal nanoparticles and their mechanisms.
Prevention of Osteoporosis by Oral Administration of Phytate-Removed and Deamidated Soybean β-Conglycinin
Authors: Akao Makoto , Abe Ryusuke , Sato Noriko , Hasegawa-Tanigome Atsuko , Kumagai Hitoshi , Kumagai Hitomi
Published: January 2015

Phytate-removed and deamidated soybean β-conglycinin (PrDS) prepared by ion-exchange resins was supplemented to be 4% in the diet administered to ovariectomized rats to investigate its preventive effect on osteoporosis. The apparent calcium absorption rate decreased following ovariectomy and was not replenished by oral administration of phytate-removed soybean β-conglycinin (PrS) or casein. On the other hand, administration of PrDS restored the calcium absorption rate to the same level as the sham group. Markers of bone resorption, such as serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), increased, and the bone mineral density and breaking stress decreased following ovariectomy. However, PrDS supplementation suppressed the changes caused by the decrease in calcium absorption from the small intestine. Therefore, PrDS supplementation shows promise for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Nanoporous Silica-Based Protocells at Multiple Scales for Designs of Life and Nanomedicine
Authors: Sun Jie , Jakobsson Eric , Wang Yingxiao , Brinker C.
Published: January 2015

Various protocell models have been constructed de novo with the bottom-up approach. Here we describe a silica-based protocell composed of a nanoporous amorphous silica core encapsulated within a lipid bilayer built by self-assembly that provides for independent definition of cell interior and the surface membrane. In this review, we will first describe the essential features of this architecture and then summarize the current development of silica-based protocells at both micro- and nanoscale with diverse functionalities. As the structure of the silica is relatively static, silica-core protocells do not have the ability to change shape, but their interior structure provides a highly crowded and, in some cases, authentic scaffold upon which biomolecular components and systems could be reconstituted. In basic research, the larger protocells based on precise silica replicas of cells could be developed into geometrically realistic bioreactor platforms to enable cellular functions like coupled biochemical reactions, while in translational research smaller protocells based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles are being developed for targeted nanomedicine. Ultimately we see two different motivations for protocell research and development: (1) to emulate life in order to understand it; and (2) to use biomimicry to engineer desired cellular interactions.
Stability of the Human Hsp90-p50Cdc37 Chaperone Complex against Nucleotides and Hsp90 Inhibitors, and the Influence of Phosphorylation by Casein Kinase 2
Authors: Olesen Sanne , Ingles Donna , Zhu Jin-Yi , Martin Mathew , Betzi Stephane , Georg Gunda , Tash Joseph , Schönbrunn Ernst
Published: January 2015

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 is regulated by co-chaperones such as p50Cdc37, which recruits a wide selection of client protein kinases. Targeted disruption of the Hsp90-p50Cdc37 complex by protein–protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors has emerged as an alternative strategy to treat diseases characterized by aberrant Hsp90 activity. Using isothermal microcalorimetry, ELISA and GST-pull down assays we evaluated reported Hsp90 inhibitors and nucleotides for their ability to inhibit formation of the human Hsp90β-p50Cdc37 complex, reconstituted in vitro from full-length proteins. Hsp90 inhibitors, including the proposed PPI inhibitors gedunin and H2-gamendazole, did not affect the interaction of Hsp90 with p50Cdc37 in vitro. Phosphorylation of Hsp90 and p50Cdc37 by casein kinase 2 (CK2) did not alter the thermodynamic signature of complex formation. However, the phosphorylated complex was vulnerable to disruption by ADP (IC50 = 32 µM), while ATP, AMPPNP and Hsp90 inhibitors remained largely ineffective. The differential inhibitory activity of ADP suggests that phosphorylation by CK2 primes the complex for dissociation in response to a drop in ATP/ADP levels. The approach applied herein provides robust assays for a comprehensive biochemical evaluation of potential effectors of the Hsp90-p50Cdc37 complex, such as phosphorylation by a kinase or the interaction with small molecule ligands.
Sensor Data Security Level Estimation Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ramos Alex , Filho Raimir
Published: January 2015

Due to their increasing dissemination, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become the target of more and more sophisticated attacks, even capable of circumventing both attack detection and prevention mechanisms. This may cause WSN users, who totally trust these security mechanisms, to think that a sensor reading is secure, even when an adversary has corrupted it. For that reason, a scheme capable of estimating the security level (SL) that these mechanisms provide to sensor data is needed, so that users can be aware of the actual security state of this data and can make better decisions on its use. However, existing security estimation schemes proposed for WSNs fully ignore detection mechanisms and analyze solely the security provided by prevention mechanisms. In this context, this work presents the sensor data security estimator (SDSE), a new comprehensive security estimation scheme for WSNs. SDSE is designed for estimating the sensor data security level based on security metrics that analyze both attack prevention and detection mechanisms. In order to validate our proposed scheme, we have carried out extensive simulations that show the high accuracy of SDSE estimates.