bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of some sex hormones concentrations by consumption of leaves extract of Viscum album (mistletoe) in rats
Authors: Ofem Ofem Effiong , Antai Atim Bassey , Essien Nsima Monday , Oka Victor Otu
Published: March 2014

Objective: This present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of consumption of leaves extract of mistletoe on the concentration of some serum sex hormones (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and prolactin) in rats. Methods: Twenty-four (24) female albino Wistar rats (210-250 g final body weight) were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (control) took normal rat chow + drinking water. Group 2, extract treated-1 (ET-1), group 3, extract treated-2 (ET-2) and group 4, extract treated-3 (ET-3) in addition received 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg respectively of V. album extract p.o once daily. The feeding regimens lasted for 4 weeks. Results: The serum concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin in control group were 0.95±0.09 μIU/mL, 1.21±0.10 μIU/mL, 6.78±0.19 ng/mL and 1.86±0.09 ng/mL respectively. FSH levels was significantly (p<0.05) higher in ET-1 compared with control and ET-3. Serum concentrations of LH and testosterone were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ET-1 and ET-2 compared with control; LH and testosterone concentrations were in turn significantly (p<0.01) lower in ET-3 compared with ET-1 and ET-2. Prolactin decreased significantly (p<0.05) in ET-1 and ET-2 compared with control. Conclusion: Moderate and controlled doses of mistletoe extract increases serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone but decreases prolactin concentrations, which could enhance reproductive functions in normal persons and those with loss-of reproductive function. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 87-90 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9593
Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) from Rice Rhizosphere of Varanasi and East Champaran District of India
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: March 2014

Keeping with objective to search efficient PGPR isolates, 46 bacterial isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of 17 rice fields of two districts of India employing standard enrichment techniques using  JNFb- solid agar medium. Among all isolates, ECI-10A showed highest nitrogenase activity (1.72 ± 0.09 mmol C2H4 formed/mg protein/h) and ECI-2A showed lowest activity (0.62 ± 0.08 mmol C2H4 formed/mg protein/h). IAA production, P-solubilization and siderophore production were also tested among these isolates. Highest  IAA production, P-solubilization and siderophore production were recorded in AF-7C (7.36 ± 0.38 µg/mg dry weight), ECI-12A (188.65 ± 8.65 µg/mg dry weight) and ECI-10B (20.43 ± 3.94 μg/ mg dry weight) respectively; whereas, lowest in AF-4B (2.3 ± 0.3 µg/mg dry weight),  AF-1C (12.47 ± 3.5µg/mg dry weight) and AF-4B (1.45 ± 2.32 μg/ mg dry weight) respectively. Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Azotobacter and Agrobacterium were predominantly present in the rhizosphere of rice plants of both districts of India is reported in present investigation.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 81-90   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9542
Knowledge about Hiv/Aids among Drivers in Birgunj Bus Park: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Patel Shambhu Prasad
Published: March 2014

One of the growing epidemics in the world today is HIV/AIDS. In the cities with high mobility, bus drivers are considered as the risk group for HIV/AIDS. Most of these younger people do not have access to information, condoms, supportive services which enable them to have safer sex. A descriptive cross sectional study was done to access knowledge about HIV/AIDS among drivers of Birgunj Bus Park. The analysis of the data revealed that majority of the respondents were between ages 20-24 years; have heard from media (radio, Television and newspapers); unsafe sex is the means of transmission and using condom during sexual intercourse can prevent HIV/AIDS. The present study strongly recommends that there is immediate need of program to create awareness among drivers including co-workers, vulnerable youths and other high risk groups such as migrant populations. Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 50-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9589
Maithili in Medieval Nepal : A Historical Apprisal
Authors: Das Basudevlal
Published: March 2014

Nepal is a multi-linguistic nation. Maithili is one of the major languages of Nepal. This is spoken as a mother-tongue in eastern Tarai of Nepal. Historically speaking, the development of Maithili language took place in medieval period, where the two dynasties i.e. the Karnatas of Mithila and the Senas of Makawanpur had played major roles. Maithili expanded towards Kathmandu valley also. There are many manuscripts written in Maithili preserved in National Archive, Kathmandu. Even now, in the devotional songs sang by the aged persons in Kathmandu valley, there are many Maithili words found. Describing the importance of Maithili language in medieval period, this article may be a historical background for the people engaged in policy making and the language movement. Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 1-3   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9704
Trends of Taxation in Nepal: A Theoritical Review
Authors: Sharma Yadab Raj
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses the trends and strategies of taxation in Nepal. The trend towards the reform has been evident since the late 1970s, the process accelerated, however, since the mid 1980s. the urge and motivation for tax reform have come from a number of both internal and external factors. For this, changing perception of the role of government, desire to reduce macro economic imbalances, maintaining international competitiveness, increased Globalization of economic activity, demographic changes, foundation in theory and tax system in reality are the main impetus. But political instability has hampered creating an enabling environment for economic growth, investment and trade as well as revenue collection. Moreover, the adoption of the budget and the implementation of policies were delayed in the past due to unresolved disputes and demonstration. In recent years, reforms have been initiated by the Ministry of Finance to enhance the country's development but taxation is not free from challenges. So the paper ends by summarizing the challenges and strategies in the tax system of Nepal.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 91-97 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9987
Knowledge and Practices on HIV/AIDS among Injecting Drug Users
Authors: Prasad Subhash
Published: March 2014

Injecting drug use is the main route of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) are one of the high risk groups of this infection. This paper describes the knowledge and practice of HIV in injecting drug users based on quantitative data collected from 154 IDUs by interview schedule. It is concluded that the knowledge about HIV/AIDS amongst the injecting drug users is not a problem. The key problem is sharing used syringe by some users to take drugs to fulfill their urgent compulsion. The gap between knowledge and practice causes them to the vulnerability of the problem.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 62-67 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9990
Miseries of the Women Caused by Armed Revolution of the Maoists in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Manju
Published: March 2014

No abstractAcademic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 109-114 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9996
Demographic Change of Hajam (Thakur) Community in Dhalkebar and Sakhuwa Mahendranagar VDC of Dhanusha District
Authors: Thakur Rajendra
Published: March 2014

Nepal is a land of multi-ethnic, multi-religious and Multi lingual country located on the Southern lap of the Himalayas. There are 125 numbers of identified ethnic groups in Nepal.Numerically, the Hajam (Thakur) lies between 33rd ethnic groups. When the people arose on the earth, the Hajam (Thakur) also appeared with them. The term ‘Nai’ (Hajam/Thakur) derived from Sanskrit Language where there is synonymous term ‘Napitah’. According to Navik Puran ‘Nai’ has ben originated from ‘Navik Dev’. From the ancient time they cut Darhi, Moochchha, and Hair, and then only people look smart and attractive in their face. Therefore, Hajam (Thakur) is called the “Symbol of Civilization”. Hajam is also called very faithful person in the world. It is a legendry that God Vishnu gave the birth of ‘Nai’ from his naval. The total population of Hajam / Thakur was 98169 (2001) represents 0.43% and 117758 (2011), represents 0.44% of the total. The total population of Hajam in Dhalkebar was 91 (2001) and 114 (2011) and Sakhuwa Mahendranagar was 126 (2001) and 282 (2011). The main objective of this paper is to deal with ecological condition and population perspectives. This study is based on primary as well as secondary original data, which was collected door to door by every household in the study area.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 28-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9998
Climate change and glacier area shrinkage in the Qilian mountains, China, from 1956 to 2010
Authors: Tian Hongzhen , Yang Taibao , Liu Qinping
Published: March 2014

Glaciers in the Qilian mountains, located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, constitute an important freshwater resource for downstream populations and natural systems. To enhance our understanding of the variability of the glaciers, temporally and spatially comprehensive information on them is needed. In this study, the glacier outlines of ~1990, ~2000 and ~2010 for the whole area were delineated in a semi-automated manner using band TM3/TM5 ratio images of Landsat ETM+ or TM scenes with the help of a merged ASTER GDEM/SRTM v4.1 digital elevation model. Combining our own results with those of previously published studies that span the period back to 1956, we found that the glacier area shrank by 30 ±8% from 1956 to 2010 and the shrinkage accelerated remarkably in the past two decades. The linear trends of annual air temperature and precipitation measured at weather stations within the glacierized areas were 0.03-0.05°Ca-1 (significant only after 2000) and 0.37-1.58 mm a–1 (not significant) respectively from 1961 to 2010. Glaciers shrank mainly due to the increasing temperature. Glaciers in the Qilian mountains are very unlikely to have experienced positive mass balance over the past decade. Moreover, given the trend toward higher temperatures, the glaciers in this region will continue to shrink.
Ethnic Differences in Personality Disorder Patterns among Women Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD
Authors: C'de Baca Janet , Castillo Diane , Mackaronis Julia , Qualls Clifford
Published: March 2014

Personality Disorders (PDs) impair the ability to function socially and occupationally. PD prevalence rates among veterans who have also been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) range from 45%–79%. This study examined ethnic differences in PDs assessed with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III in 260 non-Hispanic white (64%), Hispanic (27%), and African American (9%), mostly single, women veterans in treatment for PTSD. After adjusting for covariates including number and sexual-nature of trauma, findings revealed the adjusted odds ratio of having a cluster A PD was almost three times higher for African Americans (p = 0.046) then the other two ethnic groups, which may be driven by the paranoid PD scale and potentially reflects an adaptive response to racial discrimination. In cluster designation analysis, the odds were twice as high of having a cluster B PD with childhood trauma (p = 0.046), and a cluster C PD with sexual trauma (p = 0.004), demonstrating the significance of childhood and sexual trauma on long-term chronic personality patterns in women veterans. These results highlight the importance of using instruments with demonstrated diagnostic validity for minority populations.
A 22-Year Survey of Leishmaniasis Cases in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in an Endemic Setting
Authors: Calderaro Adriana , Montecchini Sara , Rossi Sabina , Gorrini Chiara , Dell'Anna Maria , Piccolo Giovanna , Medici Maria , Arcangeletti Maria , Chezzi Carlo , Conto Flora
Published: March 2014

The northward spread of leishmaniasis from Mediterranean to Continental Europe affects our area where it is typically associated with Leishmania infantum infection. In this study a 22-year survey was performed in patients (including both patients with and without history of travel through endemic areas other than Italy) attending the University Hospital of Parma, Northern Italy, in order to make a contribution to describe the cases of the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) diagnosed in this area. One hundred fifty-six samples from 134 patients with clinical suspicion of leishmaniasis (96 suspected of having VL, 37 CL and one both VL and CL) were analyzed in our laboratory during 1992–2013 by microscopy, culture and, from 2005, also by real-time PCR. Leishmania spp. were detected in 23 samples of 15 patients (seven with VL and eight with CL), representing an infection rate of 11.2%. The figure of the cases of leishmaniasis herein reported, even if not comparable to that described for Italian areas other than Parma, underlines that suitable tools are mandatory for correct diagnosis. Moreover, the severity of this disease, particularly VL with its documented northward spread, requires physicians of continental Europe to increase their attention about the possibility of suspecting leishmaniasis in patients reporting related signs and symptoms and/or risk factors.
Male Rural-to-Urban Migrants and Risky Sexual Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wu Jun-Qing , Wang Ke-Wei , Zhao Rui , Li Yu-Yan , Zhou Ying , Li Yi-Ran , Ji Hong-Lei , Ji Ming
Published: March 2014

This study examined the prevalence and the determinants of risky sexual behavior (defined as having multiple sex partners and paying for sex) among male rural-to-urban migrants in China. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior associated with increased risk of risky sexual behavior from 4,069 subjects. In total 1,132 (27.8%) participants reported two or more sex partners and 802 (19.7%) participants paid for sex. A considerable proportion (29.6%–41.5%) did not use a condom during risky sexual behavior. Logistic regression analysis revealed that unmarried status (OR: 0.62, CI: 0.42–0.85 for married), earlier age at first sexual experience (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91 for ≥22 years old), poor perception of risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.33–1.96 for unlikely; OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.61–3.70 for impossible), frequent exposure to pornography (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.60–0.81 for sometimes; OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.43 for never), attitudes toward legalization of commercial sex (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21–0.59 for no), peer influence (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27–0.88 for no), and not knowing someone who had/had died from HIV/AIDS (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.53 for yes) were all significantly associated with having multiple sex partners. Those who paid for sex showed similar findings.
Association of Uric Acid with Metabolic Syndrome in Men, Premenopausal Women and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Chen Shanying , Shao Xiaofei , Guo Jia , Liu Xinyu , Liu Aiqun , Zhang Ying , Wang Honglei , Li Bin , Deng Kangping , Liu Qin , Holthöfer Harry , Zou Hequn
Published: March 2014

Objective: To explore the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,834 community-based Southern Chinese participants from June to October 2012. Sex-specific SUA quartiles were used as follows: <345, 345–<400, 400–<468, ≥468 µmol/L in males; and <248, 248–<288, 288–<328, ≥328 µmol/L in females. MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) Criteria. The association between SUA and MS was then analyzed using the STATA software. Results: The odds ratio (OR) for having MS in the highest versus lowest quartiles of SUA levels was 2.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 4.34, p = 0.002) in men after adjusting for age, sex, history of coronary heart disease, history of stroke, current current smoking, current alcohol use, physical inactivity, education status, and BMI. Further adjusting for above confounders, hypertension and diabetes, the OR for having MS in the highest versus lowest quartiles of SUA was 3.06 (95% CI, 1.64 to 5.70, p < 0.001). The OR for having MS in the highest versus lowest quartiles of SUA was 3.45 (95% CI, 1.38 to 8.64, p = 0.008) and 1.98 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.37, p = 0.08) in premenopausal women and postmenopausal women after adjusting for age, sex, history of coronary heart disease, history of stroke, current smoking, current alcohol use, physical inactivity, education status, and BMI. Further adjusting for above confounders, hypertension and diabetes, the OR for having MS in the highest versus lowest quartiles of SUA was 3.42 (95% CI, 1.15 to 10.18, p = 0.03) and 1.87 (95% CI, 1.05 to 3.33, p = 0.03) in premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. Conclusions: Higher SUA levels are positively associated with the presence of MS in males and females. Higher SUA levels had a higher risk of having MS in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women.
Can Merging the Roles of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Management Increase the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Emergency Planning and Response?
Authors: Vielot Nadja , Horney Jennifer
Published: March 2014

Some jurisdictions have reduced workforce and reallocated responsibilities for public health preparedness and emergency management to more efficiently use resources and improve planning and response. Key informant interviews were conducted in six counties in North Carolina (USA) to discuss perceptions of the challenges and opportunities provided by the new shared positions. Respondents feel that planning and response have improved, but that requirements related to activities or equipment that are eligible for funding (particularly on the public health side) can present an impediment to consolidating public health preparedness and emergency management roles. As the financial resources available for public health preparedness and emergency management continue to be reduced, the merging of the roles and responsibilities of public health preparedness and emergency management may present jurisdictions with an effective alternative to reducing staff, and potentially, readiness.
Genotoxic Changes to Rodent Cells Exposed in Vitro to Tungsten, Nickel, Cobalt and Iron
Authors: Bardack Stephanie , Dalgard Clifton , Kalinich John , Kasper Christine
Published: March 2014

Tungsten-based materials have been proposed as replacements for depleted uranium in armor-penetrating munitions and for lead in small-arms ammunition. A recent report demonstrated that a military-grade composition of tungsten, nickel, and cobalt induced a highly-aggressive, metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma when implanted into the leg muscle of laboratory rats to simulate a shrapnel wound. The early genetic changes occurring in response to embedded metal fragments are not known. In this study, we utilized two cultured rodent myoblast cell lines, exposed to soluble tungsten alloys and the individual metals comprising the alloys, to study the genotoxic effects. By profiling cell transcriptomes using microarray, we found slight, yet distinct and unique, gene expression changes in rat myoblast cells after 24 h metal exposure, and several genes were identified that correlate with impending adverse consequences of ongoing exposure to weapons-grade tungsten alloy. These changes were not as apparent in the mouse myoblast cell line. This indicates a potential species difference in the cellular response to tungsten alloy, a hypothesis supported by current findings with in vivo model systems. Studies examining genotoxic-associated gene expression changes in cells from longer exposure times are warranted.
Frontotemporal White Matter in Adolescents with, and at-Risk for, Bipolar Disorder
Authors: De Zwarte Sonja , Johnston Jennifer , Cox Lippard Elizabeth , Blumberg Hilary
Published: March 2014

Frontotemporal neural systems are highly implicated in the emotional dysregulation characteristic of bipolar disorder (BD). Convergent genetic, postmortem, behavioral and neuroimaging evidence suggests abnormalities in the development of frontotemporal white matter (WM) in the pathophysiology of BD. This review discusses evidence for the involvement of abnormal WM development in BD during adolescence, with a focus on frontotemporal WM. Findings from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in adults and adolescents are reviewed to explore possible progressive WM abnormalities in the disorder. Intra- and interhemispheric frontotemporal abnormalities were reported in adults with BD. Although evidence in children and adolescents with BD to date has been limited, similar intrahemispheric and interhemispheric findings have also been reported. The findings in youths suggest that these abnormalities may represent a trait marker present early in the course of BD. Functional connectivity studies, demonstrating a relationship between WM abnormalities and frontotemporal dysfunction in BD, and DTI studies of vulnerability in first-degree relatives of individuals with BD, are discussed. Together, findings suggest the involvement of abnormal frontotemporal WM development in the pathophysiology of BD and that these abnormalities may be early trait markers of vulnerability; however, more studies are critically needed.
Identification of the Major ACE-Inhibitory Peptides Produced by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of a Protein Concentrate from Cuttlefish Wastewater
Authors: Amado Isabel , Vázquez José , González Pilar , Esteban-Fernández Diego , Carrera Mónica , Piñeiro Carmen
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work was the purification and identification of the major angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of a protein concentrate recovered from a cuttlefish industrial manufacturing effluent. This process consisted on the ultrafiltration of cuttlefish softening wastewater, with a 10 kDa cut-off membrane, followed by the hydrolysis with alcalase of the retained fraction. Alcalase produced ACE inhibitors reaching the highest activity (IC50 = 76.8 ± 15.2 μg mL−1) after 8 h of proteolysis. Sequential ultrafiltration of the 8 h hydrolysate with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) membranes of 10 and 1 kDa resulted in the increased activity of each permeate, with a final IC50 value of 58.4 ± 4.6 μg mL−1. Permeate containing peptides lower than 1 kDa was separated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Four fractions (A–D) with potent ACE inhibitory activity were isolated and their main peptides identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-IT-FTICR) followed by comparison with databases and de novo sequencing. The amino acid sequences of the identified peptides contained at least one hydrophobic and/or a proline together with positively charged residues in at least one of the three C-terminal positions. The IC50 values of the fractions ranged from 1.92 to 8.83 μg mL−1, however this study fails to identify which of these peptides are ultimately responsible for the potent antihypertensive activity of these fractions.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Solutions
Authors: Caliò Renato , Rongala Udaya , Camboni Domenico , Milazzo Mario , Stefanini Cesare , De Petris Gianluca , Oddo Calogero
Published: March 2014

This paper reviews the state of the art in piezoelectric energy harvesting. It presents the basics of piezoelectricity and discusses materials choice. The work places emphasis on material operating modes and device configurations, from resonant to non-resonant devices and also to rotational solutions. The reviewed literature is compared based on power density and bandwidth. Lastly, the question of power conversion is addressed by reviewing various circuit solutions.
Plasmonic Sensors Based on Doubly-Deposited Tapered Optical Fibers
Authors: González-Cano Agustín , Navarrete María-Cruz , Esteban Óscar , Díaz-Herrera Natalia
Published: March 2014

A review of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) transducers based on tapered fibers that have been developed in the last years is presented. The devices have proved their good performance (specifically, in terms of sensitivity) and their versatility and they are a very good option to be considered as basis for any kind of chemical and biological sensor. The technology has now reached its maturity and here we summarize some of the characteristics of the devices produced.
A Cloud-Assisted Random Linear Network Coding Medium Access Control Protocol for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Kartsakli Elli , Antonopoulos Angelos , Alonso Luis , Verikoukis Christos
Published: March 2014

Relay sensor networks are often employed in end-to-end healthcare applications to facilitate the information flow between patient worn sensors and the medical data center. Medium access control (MAC) protocols, based on random linear network coding (RLNC), are a novel and suitable approach to efficiently handle data dissemination. However, several challenges arise, such as additional delays introduced by the intermediate relay nodes and decoding failures, due to channel errors. In this paper, we tackle these issues by adopting a cloud architecture where the set of relays is connected to a coordinating entity, called cloud manager. We propose a cloud-assisted RLNC-based MAC protocol (CLNC-MAC) and develop a mathematical model for the calculation of the key performance metrics, namely the system throughput, the mean completion time for data delivery and the energy efficiency. We show the importance of central coordination in fully exploiting the gain of RLNC under error-prone channels.
Moving Targets and Biodiversity Offsets for Endangered Species Habitat: Is Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat a Stock or Flow?
Authors: BenDor Todd , Woodruff Sierra
Published: March 2014

The US Fish and Wildlife Service will make an Endangered Species Act listing decision for the lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus; “LPC”) in March 2014. Based on the findings of a single, Uzbek antelope study, conservation plans put forth for the LPC propose to modify and re-position habitat in the landscape through a series of temporary preservation/restoration efforts. We argue that for certain species, including the LPC, dynamic habitat offsets represent a dangerous re-interpretation of habitat provision and recovery programs, which have nearly-universally viewed ecosystem offsets (habitat, wetlands, streams, etc.) as “stocks” that accumulate characteristics over time. Any effort to create a program of temporary, moving habitat offsets must consider species’ (1) life history characteristics, (2) behavioral tendencies (e.g., avoidance of impacted areas, nesting/breeding site fidelity), and (3) habitat restoration characteristics, including long temporal lags in reoccupation. If misapplied, species recovery programs using temporary, moving habitat risk further population declines.
USE OF FINE GROUND DUNE SAND AS A SUPPLEMENTARY CEMENTING MATERIAL
Authors: Alhozaimy Abdulrahman , Alawad Omer Abdalla , Jaafar Mohd Saleh , Al-Negheimish Abdulaziz , Noorzaei Jamaloddin
Published: March 2014

The process of Portland cement production is associated with high consumption of energy and resources. Therefore, there is a need to replace the Portland cement with environmental friendly materials. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using ground dune sand as cement replacement materials under different curing conditions. Portland cement was replaced by ground dune sand at five levels of replacement (0–40% by weight). The compressive strength of mortar under standard and autoclave curing conditions and the influence of different autoclave temperatures and durations were investigated. The microstructure of selected mixtures was analyzed by XRD and SEM. Results showed that the compressive strength under the standard curing decreased as the level of replacement increased. However, under autoclave curing compressive strength increased as the content of ground dune sand increased. XRD and SEM revealed the absence of calcium hydroxide and the formation of secondary calcium silicate hydrate. The improvement of compressive strength and the absence of calcium hydroxide under autoclave curing indicated that the pozzolanic reaction between silica of dune sand and calcium hydroxide occurred.
COMPACTION ASSESSMENT OF RECYCLED AGGREGATES FOR USE IN UNBOUND SUBBASE APPLICATION
Authors: Ayan Vahid , Limbachiya Mukesh C. , Omer Joshua R. , Azadani Seyyed Masoud Nasr
Published: March 2014

Study was recently conducted at Kingston University to assess the suitability of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in unbound subbase mixtures. The results showed that the use of 100% recycled aggregates increased the optimum moisture content and decreased the maximum dry density of the sub-base materials in comparison with natural aggregates. Moreover, the replacement of RCA by reclaimed asphalt pavement by 50% decreased the optimum moisture content and increased the maximum dry density in proportion to 100% RCA. The effects of physical properties on 0% air void and compaction curve were discussed for each type of subbase. The CBR values of the subbase materials prepared with 100%RCA is lower than subbase mixture with 100% natural aggregates. The CBR further decreased for replaced subbase with RAP so that 50%RCA + 50%RAP is not suitable for unbound subbase from the point of CBR view. In each mix the trend of CBR value was investigated in terms of water content. This research found some significant practical points to use in site works.
NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF DAMAGED AND STRENGTHENED REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
Authors: Aktas Muharrem , Sumer Yusuf
Published: March 2014

Bending test of seven reinforced concrete beams are modeled in finite element program to validate the modeling strategies by comparing the structural response of the beams. Three beams in the set are pre-damaged and strengthened with fiber reinforced composites before the bending tests. Cracks are implemented into the model by inserting geometrical discontinuities to represent the pre-damaged beams. Parametric variables such as crack width, length and interval are chosen to simulate different pre-damage levels. Once the proposed modeling strategies are validated by real experimental tests then 196 finite element models are created to study the effects of pre-damage levels on the moment capacity of reinforced concrete beams repaired with CFRP. Results indicate that inclusion of pre-damage levels by means of cracks into the cross sections have significant effect on beams moment capacity.
DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF GYPSUM PLASTER COATINGS: STATISTICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FIELD SURVEY
Authors: Pereira Ana , Palha Filipe , Brito Jorge de , Silvestre José Dinis
Published: March 2014

This paper provides the statistical characterization of the pathological situation of 119 gypsum plaster coatings applied to partition walls and ceilings (inner gypsum plasters – IGP), the diagnosis methods that can be used to characterize the defects and confirm their causes, and the most suitable repair solutions. The results presented in this paper were achieved via the use of an expert system developed by the authors in an extensive inspection programme covering 23 buildings. A comprehensive set of charts and their detailed statistical analysis describe the results achieved, including the characteristics (temporal, spatial and severity) and frequency of the defects in the sample and the main causes of their occurrence in walls and ceilings. The most appropriate diagnosis methods, preventive measures and repair solutions prescribed for these defects in the sample are also analyzed and the most significant correlations presented. Even though in some instances the pathological situation of IGP is common knowledge, this time it has been characterized via quantitative indicators and using a statistically significant sample, which means that important lessons can be learned.
PROPOSING A NEW METHODOLOGY BASED ON FUZZY LOGIC FOR TUNNELLING RISK ASSESSMENT
Authors: Yazdani-Chamzini Abdolreza
Published: March 2014

Tunnels are artificial underground spaces that provide a capacity for particular goals such as storage, under-ground transportation, mine development, power and water treatment plants, civil defence. This shows that the tunnel construction is a key activity in developing infrastructure projects. In many situations, tunnelling projects find themselves involved in the situations where unexpected conditions threaten the continuity of the project. Such situations can arise from the prior knowledge limited by the underground unknown conditions. Therefore, a risk analysis that can take into account the uncertainties associated with the underground projects is needed to assess the existing risks and prioritize them for further protective measures and decisions in order to reduce, mitigate and/or even eliminate the risks involved in the project. For this reason, this paper proposes a risk assessment model based on the concepts of fuzzy set theory to evaluate risk events during the tunnel construction operations. To show the effectiveness of the proposed model, the results of the model are compared with those of the conventional risk assessment. The results demonstrate that the fuzzy inference system has a great potential to accurately model such problems.
EFFECT OF PHASE COMPOSITION ON THE PARAMETERS OF NON-ISOTHERMAL MOISTURE TRANSFER IN UNSATURATED SANDY SOILS
Authors: Korolev Vladimir A. , Fedyaeva Elena A.
Published: March 2014

This paper considers the influence of phase composition on the parameters of non-isothermal moisture transfer in unsaturated sandy soils. The technique of study options non-isothermal moisture transfer to disperse soil of disturbed structure. The exploratory procedure of the parameters in disperse soils having disturbed structure in the wide range of their phase composition using triangular diagrams is expounded. Shown that the parameters non-isothermal moisture transfer depend on moisture content and soil composition density. Established that for the sandy soil there is the “optimal” range of moisture content and density at which the non-isothermal moisture transfer is most efficient. The dynamics of the field moisture content of sand in time is identified.
A Survey of Distance Education Challenges and Technologies
Authors: Shih Timothy K. , Antoni Giani D. , Arndt Timothy , Asirvatham Asirvatham , Chang Ching-Tao , Chee Yam S. , Dow Chyi-Ren , Hung Jason C. , Jin Qun , Jung Insung , Leong Hong V. , Li Sheng-Tun , Lin Fuhua , Liu Jonathan , Sala Nicoletta , Wang Ying-Hong
Published: March 2014

Distance education, e-learning, and virtual university are similar terms for a trend of modern education. It is an integration of information technologies, computer hardware systems, and communication tools, to support educational professionals in remote teaching. This paper presents an overview of distance education from the perspective of policy, people, and technology. A number of questions frequently asked in distance learning panel discussions are presented, with the suggested answers from the authors. The survey presented in this paper includes communication, intelligent, and educational technologies of distance education. Readers of this paper are academic researchers and engineers who are interested in new research issues of distance education, as well as educators and general participants who are seeking new solutions.
Stanford CyberLab
Authors: Hesselink Lambertus , Rizal Dharmarus , Bjornson Eric , Paik Sandy , Batra Raj , Catrysse Peter , Savage Dan , Wong Anthony
Published: March 2014

Cyberlab is a fully automated, Internet accessible laboratory for use in research and teaching, developed at Stanford University since 1996. Cyberlab is a completely self-contained system including a web-based scheduler, analysis tools, a data acquisition system, a digital notebook, extensive collaboration tools including simultaneous access to the equipment by multiple students, extensive security features, including firewall compliance without the need for IT intervention. The system is easily scalable and can be integrated with other distance learning programs.
Hypermedia Modules for Distance Education and Virtual University
Authors: Sala Nicoletta
Published: March 2014

The explosive growth of the Internet and the convergence of information and communication technology is opening up new educational opportunities. In fact, the rapid development of digital, networked multimedia technology such as the Internet, e-mail and computer based and video conferencing can redefine the learning environment. This paper describes two different experiences of the use of hypermedia modules inside the distance learning and the virtual university. First experience is an activity developed by the Department of Electronic (Dipartimento di Electtronica) - Politecnico of Torino (Italy) in the field of computer-based training in electronic instrumentation and measurements, where the author was a supervisor for the educational process. This project has been developed for Italian research of distance education named “Consorzio Nettuno,” which involves different undergraduate courses (Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, Economic Science). Several modules have been developed, using multimedia technologies, to assist the students to acquire the fundamentals of the basic instrumentation. A client-server system has been designed in order to allow the students to operate on a remote laboratory for experimental training. The courseware includes lessons, exercises, and training on virtual instruments which emmulate actual instruments. The students can also carry out several real laboratory experiments without actually being in the laboratory, by using a client-server structure based on the Internet. Second experience, named “Cybermath,” is an example of virtual university course, in fact the aim of this project is to realise a hypermedia course of mathematics using the collaboration between different European universities.
Development of a flow cytometric bead immunoassay and its assessment as a possible aid to potency evaluation of enterotoxaemia vaccines
Authors: Buys Angela , Macdonald Raynard , Crafford Jannie , Theron Jacques
Published: March 2014

Enterotoxaemia, an economically important disease of sheep, goats and calves, is caused by systemic effects of the epsilon toxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens type D. The only practical means of controlling the occurrence of enterotoxaemia is to immunise animals by vaccination. The vaccine is prepared by deriving a toxoid from the bacterial culture filtrate and the potency of the vaccine is tested with the in vivo mouse neutralisation test (MNT). Due to ethical, economic and technical reasons, alternative in vitro assays are needed. In this study an indirect cytometric bead immunoassay (I-CBA) was developed for use in vaccine potency testing and the results were compared with those obtained using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) and the MNT. Sera were collected from guinea pigs immunised with three different production batches of enterotoxaemia vaccine and the levels of anti-epsilon toxin antibodies were determined. Although the intra- and inter-assay variability was satisfactory, epsilon antitoxin levels determined by both the I-ELISA and indirect cytometric bead immunoassay (I-CBA) tests were higher than those of the MNT assay. In contrast to the MNT, all of the serum samples were identified as having antitoxin levels above the required minimum (not less than 5 U/mL). These results indicate that the respective in vitro tests in their current formats are not yet suitable alternatives to the in vivo MNT. The growing demand for a more humane, cost-effective and efficient method for testing the potency of enterotoxaemia vaccines, however, provides a strong impetus for further optimisation and standardisation of the I-CBA assay but further analytical research is required.
Restriction Operators Acting on Radial Functions on Vector Spaces over Finite Fields
Authors: Koh Doowon
Published: March 2014

We study Lp → Lr restriction estimates for algebraic varieties V in the case when restriction operators act on radial functions in the finite field setting. We show that if the varieties V lie in odd dimensional vector spaces over finite fields, then the conjectured restriction estimates are possible for all radial test functions. In addition, assuming that the varieties V are defined in even dimensional spaces and have few intersection points with the sphere of zero radius, we also obtain the conjectured exponents for all radial test functions.
Word Class Ratios and Genres in Written Japanese: Revisiting the Modifier Verb Ratio
Authors: HODOŠČEK Bor
Published: March 2014

This paper explores the variability of genres in the Balanced Corpus of Contemporary Written Japanese using the modifier-verb ratio proposed by Kabashima and Jukaku (1965). Using bagplots to quantifying the relation between noun and modifier-verb ratios, as well as some summary statistics obtain from them, we attempt to classify genres according to Kabashima and Jugaku (1965). Our initial analysis confirms previous research results, while at the same time uncovering some contradictions in the ratios of the genre of magazines.
Is Korean Really a Listener-Responsible Language like Japanese?: A Contrastive Analysis of Discourse in Apologies between Korean and Japanese
Authors: YOON Sumi
Published: March 2014

According to Hinds’ typology of languages on discourse level, Japanese and Korean are both considered listener-responsible languages, whereas English is classified as a speaker-responsible language (Hinds, 1987). However, in conversation, Yoon (2009) demonstrated that Korean should be classified as a speaker-responsible language based on her contrastive analysis of daily conversations between married couples in Japanese and Korean, where address terms and fillers are used as contextualization cues (Gumperz, 1982) to convey a speaker's intention to the interlocutor metacommunicatively. The purpose of the present study is to show that Japanese is listener-responsible, while Korean is a speaker-responsible language on the level of conversational communication. In order to test the hypothesis, surveys and recordings of real conversations of Japanese and Korean people were conducted and analyzed.The informants in the present study consisted of four groups: Japanese university students who live in their own country, Japanese university students who live in the U.S., Korean university students who live in their own country and Korean university students who live in the U.S. A Discourse Complete Test (DCT) was completed by Japanese and Korean university students to compare the differences in speaker responsibility in apologies. The results suggest that Korean should be classified as a speaker-responsible language for understanding in conversations, since Korean speakers produce many more utterances and convey more information per utterance to the interlocutor than Japanese speakers. Furthermore, it is found that the responsibility for the understanding of utterances correlate with daily use of American English, especially in the case of Japanese university students.
The Evolution of Ergativity in Iranian Languages
Authors: KARIMI Yadgar
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an attempt to investigate the origins of ergativity in Iranian languages, drawing upon diachronic and synchronic analyses. In so doing, I will trace the development of the ergative structure back to Old and Middle Persian where, it is argued, the roots of ergativity lie. I will specifically show that the ergative pattern as currently obtained in the grammatical structure of some Iranian languages has evolved from a periphrastic past participle construction, the analogue of which is attested in Old Persian. It will further be argued that the predecessor past participle construction imparted a resultative construal in Old Persian and, subsequently, in the transition to Middle Persian, has assumed a simple past reading. The bottom-line of the analysis will be represented as a proposal regarding the nature of the ergative verb, to the effect that an ergative verb, as opposed to a regular (non-ergative) transitive verb, is semantically transitive, but syntactically intransitive.
Syntagms Constructed with Coordinative Particles in Ṛgveda 1.1 –1.50
Authors: DITRICH Tamara
Published: March 2014

In the Ṛgveda, several types of syntactic construction expressing a coordinative or copulative relationship occur: dvandva compounds, copulative asyndeta, elliptic duals, and syntagms constructed with coordinative particles. This article investigates the role of coordinative particles in the first fifty hymns of the Ṛgveda, focusing in particular on the most frequently used particle ca and comparing its use to other copulative conjunctions attested in the text, especially where ca is used twice (i.e. ca … ca) and the particle utá. The article investigates how coordination is expressed between two words and aims to identify differences in the usage of coordinative particles if the words coordinated are theonyms or non-theonyms. By examining how two words coordinated with particles occur elsewhere in other coordinative constructions, the article demonstrates that research into coordinative constructions in Vedic ought to pay special attention to the specific grammatical and linguistic features of theonyms.
An Analysis of the Efficiency of Existing Kanji Indexes and Development of a Coding-based Index
Authors: VOROBEVA Galina N. , VOROBEV Victor M.
Published: March 2014

Considering the problems faced by learners of Japanese from non-kanji background, the present paper discusses the characteristics of 15 existing kanji dictionary indexes. In order to compare the relative efficiency of these indexes, the concept of selectivity is defined, and the selectivity coefficient of the kanji indexes is computed and compared. Furthermore, new indexes developed by the present authors and based on an alphabetical code, a symbol code, a semantic code, and a radical and stroke number code are presented and their use and efficiency are explained.
Japanese Learning Support Systems: Hinoki Project Report
Authors: HODOŠČEK Bor , NISHINA Kikuko
Published: March 2014

In this report, we introduce the Hinoki project, which set out to develop web-based Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) systems for Japanese language learners more than a decade ago. Utilizing Natural Language Processing technologies and other linguistic resources, the project has come to encompass three systems, two corpora and many other resources. Beginning with the reading assistance system Asunaro, we describe the construction of Asunaro's multilingual dictionary and it's dependency grammar-based approach to reading assistance. The second system, Natsume, is a writing assistance system that uses large-scale corpora to provide an easy to use collocation search feature that is interesting for it's inclusion of the concept of genre. The final system, Nutmeg, is an extension of Natsume and the Natane learner corpus. It provides automatic correction of learners errors in compositions by using Natsume for its large corpus and genre-aware collocation data and Natane for its data on learner errors.