bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties and dimensional stability of cement bonded particleboard from rice husk and sawdust
Authors: Sarkar M , Asaduzzaman M , Das AK , Hannan MO , Shams MI
Published: December 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the properties of cement bonded particleboard made from rice husk and sawdust. Sawdust and rice husk fine boards were made using two ratios of cement and particles of 70:30 and 80:20, but rice husk coarse was made with a ratio of cement and particle of 80:20. The density of sawdust and rice husk fine boards in a ratio of cement and particles of 70:30 was 960 and 880 kg/m3 respectively. If the cement ratio was increased to the ratio of 80:20, the density increased to 1140 and 1200 kg/m3 respectively. The density of rice husk coarse boards was 980 kg/m3. The MOR of boards made from saw dust and rice husk fine in a ratio of 70:30 was 5.36 and 2.48 N/mm2 respectively. It was 5.30 and 4.63 N/mm2 in a ratio of 80:20. The MOE of saw dust and rice husk fine boards in a ratio of 70:30 was 3302.96 and 1684.52 N/mm2, and in a ratio of 80:20 it was 3569.28 and 3139.27 N/mm2 respectively. The MOR and MOE for rice husk coarse boards were 6.08 and 3041.71 N/mm2 respectively. Rice husk fine and rice husk coarse board showed excellent properties in a ratio of cement and particles of 80:20. Therefore, rice husk can be an alternative source of raw material for manufacturing of cement bonded particleboard. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13060 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 273-278, 2012
Trend of ambient air quality in Chittagong City
Authors: Rouf MA , Nasiruddin M , Hossain AMS , Islam MS
Published: December 2012

The ambient air quality data for particulate matter as well as criteria of gaseous pollutants were collected during December 2006 to December 2008 at the Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAMS) located at TV center, Pahartoli, Chittagong. It was observed that during April- October, 24 hour average concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 were within the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) level but it increased occasionally by more than two and a half times during the whole non-monsoon period (November-March). The highest values found of PM2.5 were 327 ?g/m3 and 254.9 ?g/m3 24 hour average concentration in January 2007 and December 2008 respectively. Whether, the highest alarming concentration of PM10 was reported as 545 ?g/m3 in January 2007. The other gaseous pollutants such as SO2, NO2, O3, CO and hydrocarbons remain well within the permissible limit except dry winter. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13062 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 287-296 2012
The fatty acid composition and properties of oil extracted from cotton (Gossypium herbaceum) seed of Bangladesh
Authors: Roy SK , Karim SMM , Rahman Z , Aziz S , Hassan SMM
Published: December 2012

Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) seed oil was investigated to determine the fatty acid composition and proximate analyses. The seed contains 15.0% of fatty oil. The saturated and unsaturated fatty acid each comprises 21.73% and 78.27%, respectively, of the oil. The percent composition of the extracted oil was identified by gas liquid chromatography. Among the identified fatty acid oleic acid contributed to the highest proportion (29.40)%, where as palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and ecosenoic acid combinedly contributed to the rest 70.60%. Proximate analysis showed that Gossypium herbaceum seed could be considered as a good source of oleic acid as well as it can be treated as edible oil (after refining). By removing gossypol, a toxic yellow polyphenolic compound produced by cotton and other members of the order Malvaceae, it can be considered as an edible oil. Activated charcoal can be used in this purpose. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13064 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 303-308 2012
Fluxes in litter decomposition in three selected indigenous species and teak in a converted rainforest ecosystem in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojo AF , Kadeba O , Kayode J
Published: December 2012

The study investigated the rate of litter decomposition in three prominent litter releasing indigenous tree species in the natural rainforest and an exotic species Teak, Tectona grandis Lim., in the adjacent plantation in Akure forest reserve, southwestern Nigeria. Results showed that teak had the highest litter decomposition rate and Mansonia altissima the least. There was no relationship between the rates of decomposition among all species examined. The implication is that teak litter had the highest probability of releasing litter nutrients into the soil nutrient pool than any of the selected indigenous tree species while Mansonia altissima had the least. However all species had high decomposition rates. This implies that soil fertility will be maintained if any of the tree species were to be used for monoculture plantations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13069 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 333-338 2012
A finite difference scheme for a macroscopic traffic flow model based on a nonlinear density-velocity relationship
Authors: Kabir MH , Afroz A , Andallah LS
Published: December 2012

We consider a macroscopic traffic flow model tagged on a closure nonlinear density-velocity relationship yielding a quasi-linear first order (hyperbolic) partial differential equation (PDE) as an initial boundary value problem (IBVP). We present the analytic solution of the PDE which is in implicit form. We describe the derivation of a finite difference scheme of the IBVP which is a first order explicit upwind difference scheme. We establish the well-posed-ness and stability condition of the finite difference scheme. To implement the numerical scheme we develop computer program using MATLAB programming language in order to verify some qualitative behaviors for various traffic parameters. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13070 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 339-346 2012
Salinity constraints to different water uses in coastal area of Bangladesh: A case study
Authors: Khanom Sayma , Salehin Mashfiqus
Published: December 2012

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v25i1.13048 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 25(1): 33-41, 2012
The Life of Galileo and Brechtian Television Drama
Authors: Smart Billy
Published: December 2012

Bertolt Brecht's dramaturgy was as influential upon the development of British drama on television between the 1950s and the 1970s as it was in the theatre. His influence was made manifest through the work of writers, directors and producers such as Tony Garnett, Ken Loach, John McGrath and Dennis Potter, whose attempts to create original Brechtian forms of television drama were reflected in the frequent reference to Brecht in contemporary debate concerning the political and aesthetic direction and value of television drama. While this discussion has been framed thus far around how Brechtian techniques and theory were applied to the newer media of television, this article examines these arguments from another perspective. Through detailed analysis of a 1964 BBC production of The Life of Galileo, I assess how the primary, canonical sources of Brecht's stage plays were realised on television during this period, locating Brecht's drama in the wider context of British television drama in general during the 1960s and 1970s. I pay particular attention to the use of the television studio as a site that could replicate or reinvent the theatrical space of the stage, and the responsiveness of the television audience towards Brechtian dramaturgy.
Making Mischief: Peter Kosminsky, Stephen Frears and British Television Docudrama
Authors: Paget Derek
Published: December 2012

This article compares and contrasts the ways in which two British television drama directors, Stephen Frears and Peter Kosminsky, critique political power in films screened as part of the BFI's 2009 ‘Radical Television Drama’ season. Frears’ The Deal (2003) and Kosminsky's The Government Inspector (2005) are films concerned with New Labour and its politics, and both take a provocative line towards its culture and policies. The Deal examines the party's rise to power in the 1990s, focusing on the relationship and rivalry for the party leadership between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The Government Inspector dramatises New Labour's behaviour during the critical historical period following the September 11 attack on New York, focusing in particular on the controversial case of the arms inspector, the late Dr David Kelly. The article analyses the films as docudrama, arguing that the form has raised its cultural profile over the past 20 years. Contemporary reviewing of the two films is used to throw light on wider debates about docudrama, including the notion of ‘blurred boundaries’ between drama and documentary. The analysis of key scenes from the two films contends that there are more similarities than differences in the approaches taken by the two directors. Docudramas like these, the article concludes, have an active role to play in oppositional politics.
Early Doors and the Working-class Idyll
Authors: Baker Stephen
Published: December 2012

This article offers an analysis of Early Doors, a situation comedy set in a dowdy Manchester pub where the downbeat regulars are badly out of step with the enterprising and modernising tendencies of contemporary Britain. With its sepia-tinged style and depiction of a white, working class surviving intact, Early Doors is not an obvious candidate for inclusion in a volume on radical television drama. But this article argues that The Grapes, the pub at the centre of the sitcom, represents a working-class idyll, where the virtues of welfare, solidarity and free time prevail. This might not make the comedy radical in any conventional sense, but in its eschewing of aggressive individualism, competition and joyless, endless and flexible labour, Early Doors is a small antidote to an era defined by austerity imposed from above.
Comparative Ultrastructure and Carbohydrate Composition of Gastroliths from Astacidae, Cambaridae and Parastacidae Freshwater Crayfish (Crustacea, Decapoda)
Authors: Luquet Gilles , Fernández María , Badou Aïcha , Guichard Nathalie , Roy Nathalie , Corneillat Marion , Alcaraz Gérard , Arias José
Published: December 2012

Crustaceans have to cyclically replace their rigid exoskeleton in order to grow. Most of them harden this skeleton by a calcification process. Some decapods (land crabs, lobsters and crayfish) elaborate calcium storage structures as a reservoir of calcium ions in their stomach wall, as so-called gastroliths. For a better understanding of the cyclic elaboration of these calcium deposits, we studied the ultrastructure of gastroliths from freshwater crayfish by using a combination of microscopic and physical techniques. Because sugars are also molecules putatively involved in the elaboration process of these biomineralizations, we also determined their carbohydrate composition. This study was performed in a comparative perspective on crayfish species belonging to the infra-order Astacidea (Decapoda, Malacostraca): three species from the Astacoidea superfamily and one species from the Parastacoidea superfamily. We observed that all the gastroliths exhibit a similar dense network of protein-chitin fibers, from macro- to nanoscale, within which calcium is precipitated as amorphous calcium carbonate. Nevertheless, they are not very similar at the molecular level, notably as regards their carbohydrate composition. Besides glucosamine, the basic carbohydrate component of chitin, we evidenced the presence of other sugars, some of which are species-specific like rhamnose and galacturonic acid whereas xylose and mannose could be linked to proteoglycan components.
Clinical Significance of CK19 Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Fujisue Mamiko , Nishimura Reiki , Okumura Yasuhiro , Tashima Rumiko , Nishiyama Yasuyuki , Osako Tomofumi , Toyozumi Yasuo , Arima Nobuyuki
Published: December 2012

Analysis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) by means of One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) is gaining widespread use as a quick and accurate method. This assay detects the expression level of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) which is present in some but not all breast tumors. In this study, the clinical significance of negative CK19 was investigated in 219 cases of primary breast cancer. In 179 patients with clinically negative nodes, OSNA and imprint smear cytology of SLN were performed simultaneously. The OSNA revealed a node-positive rate of 24.6%. Negative CK19 correlated significantly with negative ER/PgR and higher Ki-67 values, and marginally with higher nuclear grade and p53 overexpression. The triple negative subtype showed lower CK19 expression. OSNA revealed that one of the negative CK19 cases was actually a false negative but this was corrected with the use of the imprint smear cytology. In conclusion, CK19 negativity reflected the aggressiveness of primary breast cancer. OSNA assay used to analyze SLN was useful, but there is a possibility that it will mistakenly detect false negatives in CK19 negative tumors. Therefore, in tumors with negative CK19, the imprint smear cytology may be more useful in cases with macrometastasis.
Augmentative Biological Control Using Parasitoids for Fruit Fly Management in Brazil
Authors: Garcia Flávio , Ricalde Marcelo
Published: December 2012

The history of classical biological control of fruit flies in Brazil includes two reported attempts in the past 70 years. The first occurred in 1937 when an African species of parasitoid larvae (Tetrastichus giffardianus) was introduced to control the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata and other tephritids. The second occurred in September 1994 when the exotic parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, originally from Gainesville, Florida, was introduced by a Brazilian agricultural corporation (EMBRAPA) to evaluate the parasitoid’s potential for the biological control of Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata. Although there are numerous native Brazilian fruit fly parasitoids, mass rearing of these native species is difficult. Thus, D. longicaudata was chosen due to its specificity for the family Tephritidae and its ease of laboratory rearing. In this paper we review the literature on Brazilian fruit fly biological control and suggest that those tactics can be used on a large scale, together creating a biological barrier to the introduction of new fruit fly populations, reducing the source of outbreaks and the risk of species spread, while decreasing the use of insecticides on fruit destined for domestic and foreign markets.
Molecular Dynamics of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Intercalated in Clay, Studied Using 13C Solid-State NMR
Authors: Franco Roberto , Brasil Carlos , Mantovani Gerson , Azevedo Eduardo , Bonagamba Tito
Published: December 2012

In this study, Cross-Polarization Magic-angle Spinning CP/MAS, 2D Exchange, Centerband-Only Detection of Exchange (CODEX), and Separated-Local-Field (SLF) NMR experiments were used to study the molecular dynamics of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) inside Hectorite/PEG intercalation compounds in both single- and double-layer configurations. The results revealed that the overall amplitude of the motions of the PEG chain in the single-layer configuration is considerably smaller than that observed for the double-layer intercalation compound. This result indicates that the effect of having the polymer chain interacting with both clay platelets is to produce a substantial decrease in the motional amplitudes of those chains. The presence of these dynamically restricted segments might be explained by the presence of anchoring points between the clay platelets and the PEG oxygen atoms, which was induced by the Na+ cations. By comparing the PEG motional amplitudes of the double-layered nanocomposites composed of polymers with different molecular weights, a decrease in the motional amplitude for the smaller PEG chain was observed, which might also be understood using the presence of anchoring points.
Inhibitory Evaluation of Sulfonamide Chalcones on β-Secretase and Acylcholinesterase
Authors: Kang Jae , Cho Jung , Curtis-Long Marcus , Ryu Hyung , Kim Jin , Kim Hye , Yuk Heung , Kim Dae , Park Ki
Published: December 2012

The action of β-secretase (BACE1) is strongly correlated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aminochalcone derivatives were examined for their ability to inhibit BACE1. Parent aminochalcones showed two digit micromolar IC50s against BACE1. Potency was enhanced 10-fold or more by introducing benzenesulfonyl derivatives to the amino group: 1 (IC50 = 48.2 μM) versus 4a (IC50 = 1.44 μM) and 2 (IC50 = 17.7 μM) versus 5a (IC50 = 0.21 μM). The activity was significantly influenced by position and number of hydroxyl groups on the chalcone B-ring: 3,4-dihydroxy 5a (IC50 = 0.21 μM) > 4-hydroxy 4a (IC50 = 1.44 μM) > 2,4-dihydroxy 6 (IC50 = 3.60 μM) > 2,5-dihydroxy 7 (IC50 = 16.87 μM) > des hydroxy 4b (IC50 = 168.7 μM). Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots and their secondary replots indicate that compound 5a was a mixed inhibitor with reversible and time-dependent behavior. Potent BACE1 inhibitors 4a,c,f, 5a–c showed moderate inhibition against two other enzymes implicated in AD pathogenesis, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with IC50s ranging between 56.1 ~ 95.8 μM and 19.5 ~ 79.0 μM, respectively.
Protein Adsorption Patterns and Analysis on IV Nanoemulsions—The Key Factor Determining the Organ Distribution
Authors: Keck Cornelia , Jansch Mirko , Müller Rainer
Published: December 2012

Intravenous nanoemulsions have been on the market for parenteral nutrition since the 1950s; meanwhile, they have also been used successfully for IV drug delivery. To be well tolerable, the emulsions should avoid uptake by the MPS cells of the body; for drug delivery, they should be target-specific. The organ distribution is determined by the proteins adsorbing them after injection from the blood (protein adsorption pattern), typically analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, 2-D PAGE. The article reviews the 2-D PAGE method, the analytical problems to be faced and the knowledge available on how the composition of emulsions affects the protein adsorption patterns, e.g., the composition of the oil phase, stabilizer layer and drug incorporation into the interface or oil core. Data were re-evaluated and compared, and the implications for the in vivo distribution are discussed. Major results are that the interfacial composition of the stabilizer layer is the main determining factor and that this composition can be modulated by simple processes. Drug incorporation affects the pattern depending on the localization of the drug (oil core versus interface). The data situation regarding in vivo effects is very limited; mainly, it has to be referred to in the in vivo data of polymeric nanoparticles. As a conclusion, determination of the protein adsorption patterns can accelerate IV nanoemulsion formulation development regarding optimized organ distribution and related pharmacokinetics.
Flexible Catholicism, Religion and the Church: The Italian Case
Authors: Garelli Franco
Published: December 2012

What is taking place in the religious field in some Western societies not only seems to reflect a crisis situation or irreversible decline in the church and dominant religious institutions. More than might be imagined, advanced modernity offers opportunities for traditional religions, even within a context fraught with contradictions and ambivalence. An example of this is represented by Italy, which is still today characterized by widespread affiliation to Catholicism, despite the increase in religious pluralism and undisputed secularization in the customs of the population. Comparing surveys carried out in 1994 and 2007 on a sample of the Italian population, the paper presents a version of religious modernity that has emerged both on the individual religious front and in the way religion is considered in the public sphere.
A Protein Concentration Measurement System Using a Flexural Plate-Wave Frequency-Shift Readout Technique
Authors: Wang Chua-Chin , Sung Tzu-Chiao , Hsu Chia-Hao , Tsai Yue-Da , Chen Yun-Chi , Lee Ming-Chih , Huang I-Yu
Published: December 2012

A protein concentration measurement system with two-port flexural plate-wave (FPW) biosensors using a frequency-shift readout technique is presented in this paper. The proposed frequency-shift readout method employs a peak detecting scheme to measure the amount of resonant frequency shift. The proposed system is composed of a linear frequency generator, a pair of peak detectors, two registers, and a subtractor. The frequency sweep range of the linear frequency generator is limited to 2 MHz to 10 MHz according to the characteristics of the FPW biosensors. The proposed frequency-shift readout circuit is carried out on silicon using a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The sensitivity of the peak detectors is measured to be 10 mV. The power consumption of the proposed protein concentration measurement system is 48 mW given a 0.1 MHz system clock.
GPS-Supported Visual SLAM with a Rigorous Sensor Model for a Panoramic Camera in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Shi Yun , Ji Shunping , Shi Zhongchao , Duan Yulin , Shibasaki Ryosuke
Published: December 2012

Accurate localization of moving sensors is essential for many fields, such as robot navigation and urban mapping. In this paper, we present a framework for GPS-supported visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with Bundle Adjustment (BA-SLAM) using a rigorous sensor model in a panoramic camera. The rigorous model does not cause system errors, thus representing an improvement over the widely used ideal sensor model. The proposed SLAM does not require additional restrictions, such as loop closing, or additional sensors, such as expensive inertial measurement units. In this paper, the problems of the ideal sensor model for a panoramic camera are analysed, and a rigorous sensor model is established. GPS data are then introduced for global optimization and georeferencing. Using the rigorous sensor model with the geometric observation equations of BA, a GPS-supported BA-SLAM approach that combines ray observations and GPS observations is then established. Finally, our method is applied to a set of vehicle-borne panoramic images captured from a campus environment, and several ground control points (GCP) are used to check the localization accuracy. The results demonstrated that our method can reach an accuracy of several centimetres.
Molecular Mechanisms of HIV Immune Evasion of the Innate Immune Response in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Mashiba Mike , Collins Kathleen
Published: December 2012

The expression of intrinsic antiviral factors by myeloid cells is a recently recognized mechanism of restricting lentiviral replication. Viruses that enter these cells must develop strategies to evade cellular antiviral factors to establish a productive infection. By studying the cellular targets of virally encoded proteins that are necessary to infect myeloid cells, a better understanding of cellular intrinsic antiviral strategies has now been achieved. Recent findings have provided insight into how the lentiviral accessory proteins, Vpx, Vpr and Vif counteract antiviral factors found in myeloid cells including SAMHD1, APOBEC3G, APOBEC3A, UNG2 and uracil. Here we review our current understanding of the molecular basis of how cellular antiviral factors function and the viral countermeasures that antagonize them to promote viral transmission and spread.
Root hydrotropism: An update
Authors: Cassab Gladys I. , Eapen Delfeena , Campos María Eugenia
Published: December 2012

While water shortage remains the single‐most important factor influencing world agriculture, there are very few studies on how plants grow in response to water potential, i.e., hydrotropism. Terrestrial plant roots dwell in the soil, and their ability to grow and explore underground requires many sensors for stimuli such as gravity, humidity gradients, light, mechanical stimulations, temperature, and oxygen. To date, extremely limited information is available on the components of such sensors; however, all of these stimuli are sensed in the root cap. Directional growth of roots is controlled by gravity, which is fixed in direction and intensity. However, other environmental factors, such as water potential gradients, which fluctuate in time, space, direction, and intensity, can act as a signal for modifying the direction of root growth accordingly. Hydrotropism may help roots to obtain water from the soil and at the same time may participate in the establishment of the root system. Current genetic analysis of hydrotropism in Arabidopsis has offered new players, mainly AHR1, NHR1, MIZ1, and MIZ2, which seem to modulate how root caps sense and choose to respond hydrotropically as opposed to other tropic responses. Here we review the mechanism(s) by which these genes and the plant hormones abscisic acid and cytokinins coordinate hydrotropism to counteract the tropic responses to gravitational field, light or touch stimuli. The biological consequence of hydrotropism is also discussed in relation to water stress avoidance.
NUMERICAL RESEARCH OF THE RETAINING CONSTRUCTIONS DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TRANSPORT STRUCTURES
Authors: Prusov Dmitry
Published: December 2012

The research analysis of interaction artificial retaining constructions with a non-uniform soil basis has been performed during the reconstruction of the transport structures. The mathematical model of soil semi-space research with the use of the nonlinear theory of elasticity is developed. The results of numerous researches of stress-strain state fencing constructions of the overpass in interaction with multilayer heterogeneous half-space and surfaces under the influence of band-pass loading are represented in the current paper.
AN INTEGRATING SCHEDULING MODEL FOR MIXED CROSS-OPERATION IN CONTAINER TERMINALS
Authors: Chen Chao , Zeng Qingcheng , Zhang Zhe
Published: December 2012

This paper focuses on the optimization of operation scheduling in container terminals based on mix cross-operation. Mix cross-operation is a scheduling method which allows yard trailers to be shared by different yard cranes in different berths to decrease yard trailers’ travel distance. An integrating scheduling model that optimizes the three key and interrelated issues, namely, berth assignment, equipment configuration and trailer routing are proposed. To solve the model, a bi-level genetic algorithm is designed. Numerical tests show that integrating scheduling method can reduce operation cost of container terminals significantly and mix cross-operation can decrease yard trailers’ empty travel distance to a great extent.
CALCULATIONS OF TRAMWAY TRACK CAPACITY IN THE WIDE AREA NETWORKS
Authors: Molecki Adam , Gąska Damian
Published: December 2012

The article shows a way of calculating the tram network capacity. A wide area network in Silesian Conurbation was used as an example (before and after planned modernization). Special attention was put on the traffic limiters like: single-track sections, stops, junctions, crossings with traffic lights, etc. Travel times and other characteristics were determined with the use of Monte Carlo method. In total, the capacity calculations of the tram network in Silesian Conurbation (divided into 74 sections) had taken into account: 131 crossings with traffic lights, 395 stops, 52 junctions, 51 single-track sections.
ANALYTICAL MAPPING OF REGISTERED CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN VILNIUS CITY
Authors: Beconytė Giedrė , Eismontaitė Agnė , Romanovas Denis
Published: December 2012

The paper describes the method and the basic results of research into data on criminal activities in Vilnius city. Approximately 100000 incidents registered by police in both 2010 and 2011 have been located and geocoded using their street address information. Analysis of territorial distribution of the incidents in general and of themost common types (assaults, robberies and thefts, motor vehicle thefts and minor offences) in two years reveals that there exist higher concentration areas for all types of crimes. Over one year such areas grew but generally retained their shape and location. The density of incidents is generally dependent on population density, but also tends to concentrate around some shopping centres and entertainment areas. Kernel density spatial analysis method produces visually expressive results and should be applied for fast visual analysis and comparison of data.
ON GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF SPHERICAL CONICS AND GENERALIZATION OF Π IN NAVIGATION AND MAPPING
Authors: Kopacz Piotr
Published: December 2012

First, we cover the conical curves on 2-dimensional modeling sphere S 2 showing their geometric properties affecting the hyperbolic navigation. We place emphasis on the geometric definition of spherical parabola and relate it to the notions of spherical ellipse and hyperbola and give simple geometric proofs for relations between conical curves on the sphere. In the second part of the paper function representing the ratio of the circle's circumference to its diameter has been defined and researched to analyze the potential discrepancies in the spherical and conical projective models on which the navigational computations are based on. We compare some non-Euclidean geometric properties of curved surfaces and its Euclidean plane model in reference to the local and global approximation. As a working tool we use function for geometric comparison analysis in the theory of long-range navigation and cartographic projection. We state the existence of the infinite number of the circles having the same radius but different circumference on the conical surface. Finally, we survey the exemplary proposals of generalization of function . In particular, we focus on the geometric structure of applied model treated as a metric space showing the differences in the outputting computations if the changes in a metric are made. We also relate the function to Tissot's indicatrix of distortion.
Qu'est-ce que l'esprit d'un peuple ?
Authors: Coignard Tristan
Published: December 2012

Résumé Les rapports entre langue et nation dans l’espace germanophone sont marqués par une longue quête de cohésion. Écrivains et philosophes ont entrepris de lever les contradictions multiples qu’ils ont pu rencontrer : entre une langue commune et des dialectes germaniques, entre la langue allemande et la langue française, entre la tentation du particularisme et l’ambition d’incarner le général. La vision d’une nation homogène a peu à peu cédé le pas au concept de peuple qui permet de recentrer la quête identitaire autour des valeurs portées par une langue unique.
Leibniz étymologie et origine des nations
Authors: de Buzon Frédéric
Published: December 2012

Résumé Leibniz a publié en 1710 un essai portant sur les indices fournis par les langues dans l’étude des origines des peuples, à partir de l’étymologie et de comparaisons. Il présente une théorie de la naturalité du langage ainsi que du nom propre, entendu comme nom commun dont la signification est inintelligible par les locuteurs d’une région déterminée et témoignant d’une présence passée de locuteurs d’une langue oubliée. L’ Essai sur l’origine des Français (1715) apparaît comme une application de ces principes à une question classiquement disputée.
Microbial ecosystems therapeutics: a new paradigm in medicine?
Authors: Petrof E.O. , Claud E.C. , Gloor G.B. , Allen-Vercoe E.
Published: December 2012

Increasing evidence indicates that the complex microbial ecosystem of the human intestine plays a critical role in protecting the host against disease. This review discusses gut dysbiosis (here defined as a state of imbalance in the gut microbial ecosystem, including overgrowth of some organisms and loss of others) as the foundation for several diseases, and the applicability of refined microbial ecosystem replacement therapies as a future treatment modality. Consistent with the concept of a ‘core’ microbiome encompassing key functions required for normal intestinal homeostasis, ‘Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutics’ (MET) would entail replacing a dysfunctional, damaged ecosystem with a fully developed and healthy ecosystem of ‘native’ intestinal bacteria. Its application in treating Clostridium difficile infection is discussed and possible applications to other diseases such as ulcerative colitis, obesity, necrotising enterocolitis, and regressive-type autism are reviewed. Unlike conventional probiotic therapies that are generally limited to a single strain or at most a few strains of bacteria ‘Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutics’ would utilise whole bacterial communities derived directly from the human gastrointestinal tract. By taking into account the intrinsic needs of the entire microbial ecosystem, MET would emphasise the rational design of healthy, resilient and robust microbial communities that could be used to maintain or restore human health. More than simply a new probiotic treatment, this emerging paradigm in medicine may lead to novel strategies in treating and managing a wide variety of human diseases.
Reliability of ultrasound-measured muscle thickness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Abe T. , Kearns C.F. , Rogers B.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of B-mode ultrasound measured muscle thickness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in horses. Thirteen Thoroughbreds (5 colts, 5 fillies and 3 mares) had their muscle thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound at four sites; the longissimus dorsi (LD at 30%, 50% and 70% of back length) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle on two separate test sessions (T1 and T2). Paired t-tests revealed that there was no systematic bias in any of the muscle thickness measures. There were high intraclass correlation coefficients between the LD muscle thickness at 30, 50 and 70% of back length obtained at the T1 and T2 measurements (range: 0.95-0.98). The ECR muscle thickness was positively correlated to body weight and fat-free mass while LD muscle thickness at 50% and 70% of back length did not correlate to body dimensions. Our results suggest that ultrasound measures of muscle thickness of the LD and ECR muscles are reliable and repeatable when taken with the horse standing in a relaxed and evenly balanced position.
The intersection of inflammation, insulin resistance and ageing: implications for the study of molecular signalling pathways in horses
Authors: Avenatti R.C.
Published: December 2012

Inflammation-associated insulin resistance contributes to chronic disease in humans and other long-lived species, such as horses. Insulin resistance arises due to an imbalance among molecular signalling mediators in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines in the aged and obese. The mammalian heat shock protein response has received much attention as an avenue for attenuating inflammatory mediator signalling and for contributing to preservation and restoration of insulin signalling in metabolically important tissues. Data on heat shock proteins and inflammatory signalling mediators in untrained and aged horses are lacking, and horses represent an untapped resource for studying the mediator imbalance contributing to insulin resistance in a comparative model.
Equine back pain reviewed from a motor control perspective
Authors: Clayton H.M.
Published: December 2012

Back pain is recognized as a common and often recurrent problem in people and horses. Although there are many inciting causes of back pain, these often lead to a common pathway involving changes in neuromotor control and neurogenic atrophy of m. multifidi. The multi-layered and multi-directional fibres of this muscle stabilize the intervertebral joints in the face of bending and torsional moments. Inactivation and atrophy result in spinal instability and micromotion of the joints that predispose to further injury and degenerative changes, thus setting the scene for recurrent episodes of back pain. This review explores similarities between human and equine back pain, especially with regard to pathophysiology and prevention.
Effective re-induction therapy with dasatinib and clofarabine in relapsed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Van den Boom Anne Loes , Beverloo H. Berna , Van der Velden Vincent H.J. , Lankester Arjan , Pieters Rob , Zwaan C. Michel
Published: December 2012

This case discusses a 10 year old female patient with a late relapse of Ph-chromosome positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALL) who had previously been treated with chemotherapy and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Treatment for relapse consisted of single-agent dasatinib, followed by 2 blocks of a combination of dasatinib and clofarabine as consolidation therapy. Using this schedule both morphological and cytogenetic complete remission were obtained. This regimen was well tolerated, and no major toxicity concerns occurred. Subsequently, the patient received a 2nd stem cell transplantation from a matched unrelated donor. Unfortunately, the child died after complete molecular remission at day +104 post-transplantation, due to a disseminated adenoviral infection. We conclude that dasatinib and clofarabine combination therapy was safe and effective in this patient, and should be further explored as a salvage regimen in relapsed/refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL patients.
Deciphering microbiota associated to Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Italian samples: a preliminary study
Authors: Valzano Matteo , Achille Gabriele , Burzacca Francesca , Damiani C. , Scuppa Patrizia , Ricci Irene , Favia Guido
Published: December 2012

The Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) is the most dangerous and deadly pest of date, coconut, oil, sago and other palms. Recently introduced in the Mediterranean basin, it became the most relevant insect pest for ornamental palms in the urban environment. Given the development of an innovative control method based on symbiotic control, we have performed a pilot project to decrypt the microbiota associated to both adults and larval stages of the insect to identify potential tools for biocontrol agents against the Palm Weevil. A number of bacterial species were found associated with the insect. In particular, species of the genera Lactococcus, Proteus, and others were detected.
Fecundity and trapping of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Greek drone brood of Apis melifera (Hymenoptera: Apididae)
Authors: Damos Petros T.
Published: December 2012

This study estimates the parasitization levels and fecundity of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor Oudemans in drone brood of bee colonies located in Northern Greece. Based on successive observations in spring and early summer, the study also examines whether early entrapment of mites into the drone brood cell decreases the mite population levels in the succeeding generation. Varroa populations in drone brood were extremely high (approx. 40%) in early spring, although numbers dropped significantly (approx. 20%) after the entrapment and removal of mites into the drone brood (t=4.14518, P=0.0136, Mann-Whitney: P=0.005). In most cases, more than half of the inspected cells were occupied with two or more parental mites. No significant differences were found in the reproductive performance of the Varroa mites between the two successive generations in spring and early summer (t=-0.607, P=0.554, Mann-Whitney: P=0.128). The reproductive performance of V. destructor ranged from 1.5-3 progeny per female individual (m1:1.673, SE=0.09 and m2:2.02, SE: 0.44 for the first and second generations, respectively). A positive and significant correlation was observed between the drone and the mite populations (y=0.830+1.153x, F=8.851, P=0.41, R2:0.689 and y=0.319+0.968x, F=45.276, R2: 0,938, P=0.07 for the first and second mite generations, respectively). There were no significant differences in the number of infested and non-infested cells during the first observations (m1: 105.2, SE: 25.0, m2: 170.0 SE: 40.0, t=-1.38, P=0.203, Mann-Whitney: n1:81.0, n2:142.5, P=0.0656). On the contrary, during the second observations the number of infested cells was significantly lower (m1: 27.6, SE:8.1, m2:262.8, SE:69.0, t=-3.39, P=0.027, Mann-Whitney: P=0.012, n1:20, n2:340).
First report of Vryburgia amaryllidis (Bouché) (Homoptera, Pseudococcidae) on Agapanthus sp. in Sicily, Italy
Authors: Longo Santi
Published: December 2012

The lily mealybug, Vryburgia amarillidis (Bouché) (Homoptera, Pseudococcidae) was detected on containerized Agapanthus sp. plants in Sicily, Italy. The morphological characteristics of the Sicilian populations of this pest are described.
Estimation of the population density of the sweetpotato weevils on the Mariana Islands
Authors: Reddy Gadi V.P. , McConnel James , E. Badilles Aleandro
Published: December 2012

The sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas L. (Convolvulaceae) has been one of the most important foods for Pacific islanders for centuries. However, the yield levels have been declining in the recent past due to the presence of sweetpotato weevils Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Brentidae), Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) and Daealus tuberosus (Zimmer man) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). Therefore, urgent management or eradication methods are sought in the Mariana Islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian). However, the management or eradication of these weevil pests requires accurate assessments of the target pest density. Currently, no advice is provided to growers on the best method for sampling sweetpotato for weevil pests, although pheromone-based traps or chemicals are being used. This study defines the results of field counts designed to adjust relative sampling techniques for three sweetpotato weevil pests by inspecting plants visually and at random in the field with an absolute measure of population density. Significant relationships were detected between the relative four sampling sites between the three weevil pests. In the dry and wet season, 90% and 35.5%, respectively, of population density of C. formicarius was noticed in Rota. This density of the population levels of this species is significantly lower in Saipan, Guam and Tinian. No incidence of E. postfasciatus and D. tuberosus was observed on Guam. However, E. postfasciatus is identified as the second most destructive pest in Rota, Tinian and Saipan in both the dry and wet seasons. Likewise, D. tuberosus is the third major pest as the recorded population density ranged from 12.5% to 2.5%. Also, it is evident from the sampling study that the population densities of all three weevils are significantly higher in the dry season than the wet season.
Description of the larva of Protanypus sp. A (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Italian Alps
Authors: Rossaro Bruno , Boggero Angela , Buzzi Fabio , Agostinelli Chiara , Nastasi Francesco
Published: December 2012

We describe the larva of Protanypus sp. A from the Italian Alps. All the larval characteristics fit the diagnosis of the genus, but it is impossible to assign the specimens examined to one of the known species. The low number of labral scales (12-14) and the serrated median lamellae of the medioventral appendix of the prementum exclude the identity of the species with P. morio or with the East Palaearctic P. pseudomorio. The antennal ratio (2.3) excludes the identity with P. caudatus or P. forcipatus, which are the other two Protanypus species known from the Alpine region. In Sæther’s key (1975) the larva fits with the Nearctic P. ramosus, but identification of the species needs to be supported by pupal and adult material. In the Southern Alps, the genus is restricted to cold lakes at high altitude and is confirmed as an indicator of oligotrophic lakes.
The PASS-model: a model for guiding health-seeking behavior and access to care research
Authors: Hausmann Muela Susanna , Muela Ribera Joan , Toomer Elizabeth , Peeters Grietens Koen
Published: December 2012

The mobilization of affordable measures and treatments has brought health services and health care tools closer to the poor. This is particularly the case in the context of malaria control and elimination efforts. Still, the other side of delivery is use: the targeted populations have to access and accept these resources. Although the need to better align the delivery and user sides is increasingly recognised, there still is a gap between this awareness and researchers’ response to adequately address the community side in a way that actionable results can be achieved. In order to avoid actions based on preconceptions, practical applications should draw from theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, in order to get a total view, such applications should consider the full array of potential factors relevant for access to care or health-seeking behavior (HSB). We believe that one of the reasons why theoretically-based, holistic approaches to HSB and access to care still are scarce is the lack of a hands-on and easy-to-use model that allows the researcher to ask the right questions and to interpret the results. In this article, we present such a model, the PASSmodel for HSB and access to care. Founded on theory, the model facilitates the formulation of questions to cover the broad array of elements that guide HSB and access to care. It is adaptable to different contexts and research questions. The goal is that any researcher interested in situating health behavior in a given social, political, and economic landscape can use this tool for any health condition, in low income as well as high income countries.
Towards empowering learners in a democratic mathematics classroom: To what extent are teachers’ listening orientations conducive to and respectful of learners’ thinking?
Authors: Mhlolo Michael K. , Schäfer Marc
Published: December 2012

In an effort to make education accessible, to ‘heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values’, the South African Department of Education claims that a series of mathematics reforms that has so far been introduced is underpinned by the principles of ‘social justice, fundamental human rights and inclusivity’. Critics however argue that the system has remained ‘undemocratic’ in that those groups of learners who were supposed to be ‘healed’ continue to underperform and hence be disempowered. In this study, we conceptualised a democratic and mathematically empowering classroom as one that is consistent with the principle of inclusivity and in which a hermeneutic listening orientation towards teaching promotes such a democratic and mathematically empowering learning environment. We then worked with three different orientations teachers might have towards listening in the mathematics classroom: evaluative, interpretive and hermeneutic. We then used these orientations to analyse 20 video-recorded lessons with a specific focus on learners’ unexpected contributions and how teachers listened and responded to such contributions. The results were consistent with the literature, which shows that teachers tend to dismiss learners’ ways of thinking by imposing their own formalised constructions.