bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shelf Life and Quality of Guava cv. Kazi as Affected by Stages of Ripening, Storage Temperature and Wrapping Materials
Authors: Islam F , Islam A , Al Munsur MAZ , Rahim MA
Published: November 2013

The experiment was conducted to study the shelf life and quality as affected by different stages of ripening, storage temperature as well as wrapping materials fruits of guava cv. Kazi. All the studied parameters except marketability increased for a certain storage period and then declined due to the effect of stages of ripening and wrapping materials (perforated and non perforated white and black polythene bag), while in case of storage temperature, there was gradual increase of physiological weight loss, sugar content (reducing, non-reducing and total sugar) and TSS content. Marketability decreased markedly with the advancement of storage period. All stages of ripening and all wrapping materials were able to keep fruits in marketable condition for 36 days of storage period. But fruits were in better marketable condition when harvested at stage 3 (ripe, yellowish green in colour and crispy pulp) or wrapped with black non-perforated polythene. 5ºC storage temperature, was able to retain more percentage of fruits in marketable condition with longer storage duration. In case of treatment combinations, fruits harvested at stage 3, stored at 5ºC temperature with black non-perforated polythene had the highest physiological weight loss, sugar content (reducing, non-reducing and total sugar) and TSS content while stage1 fruits stored at 20ºC with no wrapping (control) had the lowest.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16906 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 1 - 12, 2008
Micropropagation of Stevia Plant from Nodal Segments
Authors: Karim MA , Jannat R , Rahman MS , Haque MS
Published: November 2013

The experiment was conducted to develop and establish a reproducible protocol for plantlet regeneration in Stevia. Nodal cutting explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of ?-Napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-Benzylamino purine (BAP). The combination of NAA at 1.0 mgl-1 and BAP at 1.0 mgl-1 resulted in the highest percentage (100%) of callus initiation. The maximum shoot regeneration and development of shoot was observed at the same combination. The developed shoots from nodal cuttings, upon transfer to the MS medium containing indole butyric acid (IBA) at 0.1mgl-1 resulted in best rooting within 8 days.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16914 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 21 - 26, 2008
Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Potato for Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Begam SN , Nasiruddin KM , Haque MS , Yasmin S
Published: November 2013

Two potato varieties, Cardinal and Heera, were used to optimize the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system in potato for abiotic stress tolerance. MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of NAA and BAP were used to obtain callus induction from leaf explants of potato cv Cardinal and Heera. Maximum percentage of callus induction (95.83%) was observed in MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L BAP. The highest callusing was found in Cardinal and the lowest in Heera. Calluses were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 (pB1121) carrying CIPK sense gene, selectable marker gene nptII gene conferring resistance to kanamycin and the GUS reporter gene. Both the varieties were found GUS positive after inoculation and selection. Cardinal had maximum percentage of survived callus (25%) on selection media. Stable intregration and expression of the transgenes were confirmed by GUS histochemical assay.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16919 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 37 - 43, 2008
Application of SSR Technique for the Identification of Markers Linked to Salinity Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Kabir MH , Islam MM , Begum SN , Manidas AC
Published: November 2013

A cross was made between high yielding salt susceptible BINA variety (Binadhan-5) with salt tolerant rice landrace (Harkuch) to identify salt tolerant rice lines. Thirty six F3 rice lines of Binadhan-5 x Harkuch were tested for salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in hydroponic system using nutrient solution. In F3 population, six lines were found as salt tolerant and 10 lines were moderately tolerant based on phenotypic screening at the seedling stage. Twelve SSR markers were used for parental survey and among them three polymorphic SSR markers viz., OSR34, RM443 and RM169 were selected to evaluate 26 F3 rice lines for salt tolerance. With respect to marker OSR34, 15 lines were identified as salt tolerant, 9 lines were susceptible and 2 lines were heterozygous. While RM443 identified 3 tolerant, 14 susceptible and 9 heterozygous rice lines. Eight tolerant, 11 susceptible and 7 heterozygous lines were identified with the marker RM169. Thus the tested markers could be efficiently used for tagging salt tolerant genes in marker-assisted breeding programme.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16929 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 57 - 65, 2008
Reproductive Efficiency of BLRI Cattle Breed-1 at Farm Condition
Authors: Deb GK , Mufti MMR , Mostari MP , Huque KS
Published: November 2013

The BLRI Cattle Breed 1(BCB-1) is a native cattle breed developed by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) through selective breeding among indigenous cattle of Bangladesh. Data asserted from record sheets of 529 animals maintained during 1992 to 2006 were analyzed to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of BCB-1 cattle in different generations, seasons and parities. The highest percent of animals showed heat during summer season (36.88%) followed by rainy (35.73%) and winter season (27.39%). The highest percent of calving was recorded in summer (43.1%) followed by rainy (31%) and winter (26%). Sex ratio of male: female calves born according to season was the highest in summer (106.31:100) intermediate in rainy (106.06: 100) and lowest in winter (105.00:100). Age at first heat (AFH), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), service per conception (SPC), gestation length (GL) and post partum heat period (PPHP) of BCB-1 cows were 843.65±17.77, 1225.24±258.92, 451.65±6.51, 1.50±0.83, 283.31±11.50, and 105.51±3.95 days, respectively. AFS and PPHP varied with generation (p<0.01) and that of SPC and PPHP with parity of dams (p<0.05). However, AFC, GL and CI of BCB-1 females did not vary with parity, generation or season of birth. It was concluded that the overall reproductive performances of BCB-1 cattle are within the range of other indigenous cattle of Bangladesh and the at such results of reproductive characteristics may be used for planning cattle breeding strategy of the country.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16948 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 85 - 92, 2008
Effects of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on Mercury Induced Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Huq MA , Awal MA , Mostofa M , Ghosh A , Das AR
Published: November 2013

The present study was undertaken to find out the efficacy of vitamin E and/or vitamin C against mercury (Hg) induced toxicity in mice. Sixty mice were randomly divided into 5 equal groups (n=12). One group of mice (Group A) was kept as control and each of rest four groups (B, C, D and E) were fed with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in drinking water @ 65 mg/L. In addition to HgCl2 alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) @ 100 mg/L, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) @ 250 mg/L and combination of vitamin E and vitamin C at same dose were given to the mice of groups C, D and E respectively. All treatments were continued for 28 consecutive days. Four mice of each group were sacrificed on day 1, 14 and 28 and efficacy of vitamin E and vitamin C against Hg induced toxicity were evaluated by observing toxic signs, body weight, hemato-biochemical parameters and postmortem lesions. Mild (++) toxic signs as evident by reduced feed and water intake, salivation, vomiting, excitement, muscle tremor, ataxia, restlessness, incordination and ruffled hair coat were observed from 2nd week (group B) and from 3rd week (group C and D) by intoxication with HgCl2. Significant (P<0.01) reduction of body weight (18.38%) and hematological parameters i.e. TEC (19.88%), TLC (27.89%), Hb content (34.09%) and PCV (9.15%) were observed at day 28 in HgCl2 induced intoxicated mice (group B). At identical period in same group biochemical parameters i.e. AST (46.99%) and ALT (58.72%) increased significantly (p<0.01). Pinpoint hemorrhages throughout the liver and highly (++++) congested kidney was also observed at post mortem (group B). All the parameters i.e. toxic signs, body weight, hemato-biochemical and post mortem lesions were found to be slight (+) or mild (++) and/or improved in rest three groups of mice following treatment with vitamin E, vitamin C and combination of vitamin E and vitamin C. The present study reveals that vitamin E and C have a protective role against Hg poisoning. However, combination of vitamin E and C gave better results.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16949 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 93 - 100, 2008
Development of a Low-Cost Icebox for Preservation and Transportation of Iced Fish
Authors: Nowsad AKM , Islam MR , Shikha FH
Published: November 2013

A low-cost icebox was developed and its efficacy in icing fish was evaluated in order to minimize huge post-harvest loss and ensure adequate price of wet fish through quality maintenance. Traditional bamboo basket capable of containing 25-30 kg fresh fish was wrapped inside, bottom and top twice by polythene gunny sacs. In between the two layers of gunny sacs, a layer of plant leave mat (hogla mat) and a layer of old nylon net/cloths were placed for insulation. A small plastic pipe (1 cm diameter, 60 cm long) was inserted through the bottom to drain out melted water. The rear end of the pipe was kept fasten with the rim of the basket. To keep the iced fish inside of the wrapped basket, a separate plain polythene sheet was used. Freshly caught Puntius sophore (5.8 ± 0.4 cm) and Cirrhinus mrigala (16.4 ± 1.3 cm) were preserved under adequate icing for 7 to 10 days. Temperature of the iced fish inside was maintained between 0.4o to 3.1oC. Freshness of the fish kept in the new icebox during preservation and transportation was investigated through sensory and biochemical methods. No chance of secondary contamination was found in new ice box because the fish could not come in contact of the basket materials. The device was very easy to clean and keep clean. Shape of filled icebox was found regular and stout with no sign of breakage and leakage. Rate of melting of ice was 23.0 ± 1.6% in 24 hours. Replacement of ice was done at such rate. Melted water was adequately drained out. Iced C. mrigala and P. sophore kept in the icebox were in excellent quality in terms of both sensory and biochemical indicators till the end of 7th or 10th day, respectively. The study suggested that the new icebox was effective in preserving and transporting iced fish.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16952 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 119 - 127, 2008
Effects of Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Production Performance of Exotic Carps in Polyculture System
Authors: Hossain KZ , Miah MJU , Ali MH
Published: November 2013

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic fertilizers in combination with constant supply of supplementary feeds on growth and production of exotic carps for a period of one year, from February 2007 to January 2008. Three treatments namely T1 {Urea + TSP (2 : 1), 40 kg/ha}, T2 {Urea + TSP (2 : 1), 60 kg/ha} and T3 (Urea + TSP (2 : 1), 80 kg/ha}, each in triplicates were used in the present study. Fertilizers were applied over the ponds fortnightly. The fishes were stocked @ 10,000 fry/ha with a combination ratio of 4 silver carp, 3 common carp and 3 grass carp. A mixture of supplementary feeds composed of rice bran, wheat bran and fish meal (40 : 40 : 20) were provided in all the treatments @ 5% body weight of fish twice daily. The average length (cm) and weight (g) gain were the highest in silver carp (32.3 ± 0.05 cm and 591 ± 1.37g) in treatment T3 and the lowest in grass carp (24.5 ± 0.05 cm and 509.5 ± 0.92 g) in treatment T1 . The highest survival rate (%) was incased for silver carp (81.25%) in treatment T3 and the lowest in grass carp (66.67%) in treatment T1 . The maximum production of all the fishes was recorded in treatment T3 (1920, 1304 and 1164 kg/ha/year respectively), followed by the treatments T2 (1766, 1176 and 1084 kg/ha/year respectively) and T1 (1684, 1108 and 1022 kg/ha/year respectively). The water quality parameters such as temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/l), pH and transparency (cm), of all the experimental ponds were found within the productive range, which is suitable for fish culture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16953 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 129 - 137, 2008
Selection of V-Belt for Power Transmission in Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Billah MM , Hossain MS , Islam MR , Rahman MA
Published: November 2013

The solution of a v-belt design problem depends upon many data tables, figures, equations and sequence of calculations. To solve such a problem a computer program is developed which facilitates the design procedure by fast computation with less drudgery and more accuracy. Computed result shows the diameter of smaller and larger sheave, center distance, belt length, belt number, required number of belt, belt cross-section, as output after calculation. The computer-generated output by using this program is found more accurate and efficient than the conventional calculation method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16961 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 187 - 194, 2008
Impact of Rural Development Scheme of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited on Beneficiaries in Mymensingh Sadar Area
Authors: Jinan T , Bashar A , Jahan N , Khanam TS
Published: November 2013

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of investment provided under Rural Development Scheme (RDS) of the Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) on the basis of using data collected from 25 respondents of each of group of investors, agriculture and business of the five selected villages in sadar upazila of Mymensingh district. Total household annual incomes were Tk. 59696 and Tk. 87332 respectively for the agriculture group and business group. The beneficiaries have increased their income (61 percent in agriculture sector and 89 percent in business sector) by using RDS credit. After joining the RDS, there was a remarkable improvement in the living standard of the participant households. Thirty one percent of total credit received from RDS was utilized for agricultural purposes, 53 percent for business purposes and 15 percent for family expenditure on an average. Recovery rate of the current credit was 100 percent. None of the respondents of the group was allowed to have new credit until preceding credit was paid back. The findings suggest that the monitoring mechanism should be improved so that clients do not utilize their invested money to any unproductive activities. It is also suggested that adequate size of the investment has to be provided to pursue income generating activities properly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16963 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 205 - 215, 2008
Impact Assessment Study on Selected Spice Crops Under Action Plan in Bangladesh
Authors: Huda FA , Islam MS , Biswas H , Islam MS
Published: November 2013

To increase production and import substitution of spices, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Action Plan by facilitating supply of improved seed, fertilizer along with training for the farmers through institutional linkages of the all-public research and extension agencies from 2002 to 2006. The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of the Action Plan and to identify the current status of spice crops in relation to production, area, yield, consumption and marketing system in the selected area of spice crops in Bangladesh. An intensive survey of beneficiaries of the five major spices namely onion, garlic, ginger, chili and turmeric from the four region of Bangladesh under Action Plan was done to have necessary information during January to June 2006. Among five major spices, area production, import, demand and net availability of onion occupied higher position compared to others. From the benchmark period (2001-2002) area, production and yield of onion increased from 37 thousand hectare, 150 thousand metric ton and 4 ton/hectare to 141 thousand hectare, 754 thousand metric ton and 5.35 ton/hectare respectively. As a consequence net availability and per capita consumption increased. Area, production, yield, per capita availability and net availability of garlic, ginger, chili and turmeric also increased from the benchmark period to 2005. It was observed that The Action Plan has been successfully generated positive impact on cropping system and socio-economic condition. Estimation of financial profitability shown that ginger appeared to be highly profitable spice crops having net return Tk. 2,82,011 per hectare followed by chili (Tk. 71,441 per hectare), turmeric (Tk. 65,423 per hectare), garlic (Tk. 50,281 per hectare) and onion (Tk. 38,281 per hectare) accordingly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16965 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 229 - 241, 2008
Untimely Development, Ugly History:A Drama in Muslinand the Rejection of National-Historical Time
Authors: Mullen Mary L.
Published: November 2013

This article considers the politics and aesthetics of the colonial Bildungsroman by reading George Moore's often-overlooked novel A Drama in Muslin (1886). It argues that the colonial Bildungsroman does not simply register difference from the metropolitan novel of development or express tension between the core and periphery, as Jed Esty suggests, but rather can imagine a heterogeneous historical time that does not find its end in the nation-state. A Drama in Muslin combines naturalist and realist modes, and moves between Ireland and England to construct a form of untimely development that emphasises political processes (dissent, negotiation) rather than political forms (the state, the nation). Ultimately, the messy, discordant history represented in the novel shows the political potential of anachronism as it celebrates the untimeliness of everyday life.
Time is Money: Spaces of Colonial Desire and Jules Verne
Authors: Chandna Mohit
Published: November 2013

What Jules Verne charts in his Le tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours isn't just the itinerary that his famous character Phileas Fogg traverses in his quest to travel around the world in eighty days. Instead, what we witness are the workings of a colonial-capitalist discourse that reduces the entire planet to an easily exchangeable commodity. This paper analyses how Fogg's journey resituates indigenous landscapes according to a colonial grammar. Vernien geography authorises only those fictional spatial and temporal paradigms that are consistent with the colonial project of capitalistic expansion.
Probabilistic Confusion Entropy for Evaluating Classifiers
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ning , Wei Jin-Mao , Jin Han , Yu Gang , Zhang Hai-Wei
Published: November 2013

For evaluating the classification model of an information system, a proper measure is usually needed to determine if the model is appropriate for dealing with the specific domain task. Though many performance measures have been proposed, few measures were specially defined for multi-class problems, which tend to be more complicated than two-class problems, especially in addressing the issue of class discrimination power. Confusion entropy was proposed for evaluating classifiers in the multi-class case. Nevertheless, it makes no use of the probabilities of samples classified into different classes. In this paper, we propose to calculate confusion entropy based on a probabilistic confusion matrix. Besides inheriting the merit of measuring if a classifier can classify with high accuracy and class discrimination power, probabilistic confusion entropy also tends to measure if samples are classified into true classes and separated from others with high probabilities. Analysis and experimental comparisons show the feasibility of the simply improved measure and demonstrate that the measure does not stand or fall over the classifiers on different datasets in comparison with the compared measures.
Fluorescence Intrinsic Characterization of Excitation-Emission Matrix Using Multi-Dimensional Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Chang Chi-Ying , Chang Chia-Chi , Hsiao Tzu-Chien
Published: November 2013

Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy is a noninvasive method for tissue diagnosis and has become important in clinical use. However, the intrinsic characterization of EEM fluorescence remains unclear. Photobleaching and the complexity of the chemical compounds make it difficult to distinguish individual compounds due to overlapping features. Conventional studies use principal component analysis (PCA) for EEM fluorescence analysis, and the relationship between the EEM features extracted by PCA and diseases has been examined. The spectral features of different tissue constituents are not fully separable or clearly defined. Recently, a non-stationary method called multi-dimensional ensemble empirical mode decomposition (MEEMD) was introduced; this method can extract the intrinsic oscillations on multiple spatial scales without loss of information. The aim of this study was to propose a fluorescence spectroscopy system for EEM measurements and to describe a method for extracting the intrinsic characteristics of EEM by MEEMD. The results indicate that, although PCA provides the principal factor for the spectral features associated with chemical compounds, MEEMD can provide additional intrinsic features with more reliable mapping of the chemical compounds. MEEMD has the potential to extract intrinsic fluorescence features and improve the detection of biochemical changes.
Ophiobolin-O Reverses Adriamycin Resistance via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Sensitization in Adriamycin-Resistant Human Breast Carcinoma (MCF-7/ADR) Cells
Authors: Sun Wenxia , Lv Cuiting , Zhu Tonghan , Yang Xue , Wei Shanjian , Sun Jieyin , Hong Kui , Zhu Weiming , Huang Caiguo
Published: November 2013

Multidrug-resistance is a major obstacle facing cancer chemotherapy. This paper demonstrates that novel compound Ophiobolin-O reverses MCF-7/ADR resistance to adriamycin (ADM). The IC50 of ADM treated MCF-7 cells was 2.02 ± 0.05 µM and 74.00 ± 0.18 µM treated MCF-7/ADR cells, about 37-fold, compared to the former. However, 0.1 µM Ophiobolin-O (less than 20% inhibition concentration) combined with ADM caused the decreased IC50 of ADM to 6.67 ± 0.98 µM, indicating it reversed ADM resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells (11-fold). Furthermore, Ophiobolin-O increased ADM-induced mitochondrial pathway apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest, which is partly due to the elevation level of ROS in MCF-7/ADR cells. As we described in this paper, the reversal effect of Ophiobolin-O may be due to the reduction of resistance-related protein P-Glycoprotein (P-gp, also known as MDR1) through inhibiting the activity of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene promoter, which makes MCF-7/ADR cells more sensitive to ADM treatment. Assays in nude mice also showed that the combination of ADM and Ophiobolin-O significantly improved the effect of ADM.
Bioprospecting Marine Plankton
Authors: Abida Heni , Ruchaud Sandrine , Rios Laurent , Humeau Anne , Probert Ian , De Vargas Colomban , Bach Stéphane , Bowler Chris
Published: November 2013

The ocean dominates the surface of our planet and plays a major role in regulating the biosphere. For example, the microscopic photosynthetic organisms living within provide 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and much of our food and mineral resources are extracted from the ocean. In a time of ecological crisis and major changes in our society, it is essential to turn our attention towards the sea to find additional solutions for a sustainable future. Remarkably, while we are overexploiting many marine resources, particularly the fisheries, the planktonic compartment composed of zooplankton, phytoplankton, bacteria and viruses, represents 95% of marine biomass and yet the extent of its diversity remains largely unknown and underexploited. Consequently, the potential of plankton as a bioresource for humanity is largely untapped. Due to their diverse evolutionary backgrounds, planktonic organisms offer immense opportunities: new resources for medicine, cosmetics and food, renewable energy, and long-term solutions to mitigate climate change. Research programs aiming to exploit culture collections of marine micro-organisms as well as to prospect the huge resources of marine planktonic biodiversity in the oceans are now underway, and several bioactive extracts and purified compounds have already been identified. This review will survey and assess the current state-of-the-art and will propose methodologies to better exploit the potential of marine plankton for drug discovery and for dermocosmetics.
Les entreprises face à la conciliation travail et vie familiale : une comparaison Allemagne et France
Authors: Klammer Ute , Letablier Marie-Thérèse
Published: November 2013

This article compares the role played by companies and social partners in supporting employees with family responsibilities. After briefly over viewing similarities and differences in family policies patterns in Germany and France, especially in the recent trends of work and family balance support, the authors examine how companies have been committed into the issue. New policy measures are being compared between the two countries from a perspective of both content and procedures. The article relies on a large survey of literature on the topic of companies and work life balance and also on reports on the treatment of the issue in collective agreements. The comparison highlights the radical changes which have taken place in Germany questioning past policy directions and the cultural foundations of public commitment in the reconciliation of work and family life. The article provides useful information about how companies attempt to respond to work and family balance requirements, thus raising questions about the contribution of recent family policy reforms to the changing continental model of welfare state.
L’impact du vieillissement de la population sur les marchés immobiliers
Authors: Laferrère Anne
Published: November 2013

Impact of population ageing on real estate markets.

The ageing of the French population is inevitable ; its impact on real estate markets will be significant. The housing demand will turn away from family homes to units tailored to the elderly, more often apartments, in yhe rental sector, and in denser areas. The new demand may well be multifaceted. Such changes will have consequences on the relative prices of various real estate properties. The consequences will be stronger if they are not well anticipated.
Le développement du logement social dans l’Union européenne
Authors: Ghekière Laurent
Published: November 2013

Growth of social housing in the European Union.

This article outlines the results of a study conducted in 27 member States and focuses on the growth in social housing in each of these countries taking account of European Union reference systems and more specifically the definition of general interest economic service. Three major types of conception of social housing in Europe are proposed : residual, generalist and universal. The analysis of the selection of social housing and the effect award of housing units demonstrate the growing role played by municipalities.
A Flash of Culinary Tourism: Understanding The Influences of Online Food Photography on People's Travel Planning Process on Flickr
Authors: Liu Ingjie , Norman William C. , Pennington-Gray Lori
Published: November 2013

This article presents the results of an exploratory study in the online image-sharing community Flickr. The purpose of this study was to profile the users who are fond of online food photography as well as to explore the role of online food photography in their traveling planning process. Grounded in “uses and gratification theory,” a mixed method was adopted for this research. Content analysis was employed to understand members' general motivation to participate in different online food photography activities. A series of chi-square and independent-samplettests was conducted to determine if significant differences existed between active members and not-as-active members. Results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses supported each other. The findings indicated that factors of entertainment, personal identity, and social interaction were the main drivers of participation in online food photography activities. It was further revealed that participants' tourism experiences were recorded as personal photography but shared socially through the use of social media. For active members, food images influenced them in terms of novelty and providing information. Active members also appeared to be more likely to seek out new places to travel for new food experiences, and food photography had a greater influence on where they consider traveling. On the basis of the results, implications for culinary tourism promotion and destination marketing were discussed.
Recent trends in HIV prevalence in a remote setting of southern India: Insights into arranging HIV control policies
Authors: Sekar Ramalingam , Amudhan Murugesan , Sivashankar Moorthy , Mythreyee Manoharan
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Constant vigilance of the dynamics of HIV prevalence is important in estimating, regulating, and implementing prevention programs. The objective of this study was to investigate the trend in the prevalence of HIV infection over six years among specific demographic groups in the remote district of southern India. Methodology: All high-risk attendees of the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre, Government Theni Medical College between April 2005 and December 2010 were included in this study. Characteristics including age, sex, place of residence, literacy, and HIV sero-status were collected as per the guidelines of the National AIDS Control Organization. Results: A total of 50,043 data sets were analyzed; 3,282 (6.6%) tested positive for HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection among the ≤ 25 age group was significantly lower as compared to the elderly (4.4% vs. 6.9%; odds ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.71; p < 0.01). There was a decline in HIV prevalence among both age groups (Ptrend < 0.01 for ≤ 25 year-old; – 82.3% and Ptrend < 0.01 for > 25-year old, – 14.2%), males (Ptrend < 0.01; – 50.9%), the urban population (Ptrend < 0.01; – 45.9%), and illiterates (Ptrend < 0.01; – 68%). The trend of HIV prevalence among females (Ptrend = 0.48; +9.1%), the rural population (Ptrend = 0.95; – 7.1%), and literate population (Ptrend = 0.44; +28%) was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: HIV prevalence is stable in the female population, while it is decreasing in male population, indicating that current interventions must be strengthened to reduce HIV prevalence among females.
« Glory »
Authors: Carnevali Barbara
Published: November 2013

Cet article porte sur la position de Thomas Hobbes dans l’histoire philosophique de la réputation. Mon propos sera divisé en trois parties : dans une brève introduction, je situerai la question de la réputation dans le cadre de celle, plus large, de la reconnaissance sociale ; je proposerai ensuite une analyse historique et théorique du « modèle hobbesien », ce modèle révolutionnaire qui a reformulé la question de la réputation dans la pensée moderne sous la forme d’une lutte stratégique pour les signes d’honneur ; j’esquisserai enfin un bref aperçu de la persistance de ce modèle à l’intérieur d’une certaine tradition de la pensée sociale, représentée de manière exemplaire par l’économie des biens symboliques de Pierre Bourdieu.
Réalité marchande et réputation
Authors: Karpik Lucien
Published: November 2013

Cet article explore le rôle de la réputation dans le choix des produits. Loin de s’insérer dans une trame unitaire, les produits font partie de deux univers distincts : les produits standard et les produits singuliers . Une telle hypothèse implique que les qualifications, les raisonnements et les propositions, loin d’être généraux, sont subdivisés en deux ensembles théoriques. On le démontre par l’examen successif de la réputation des produits, de la réputation des dispositifs de jugement des marchés et des relations entre la confiance et la réputation.
Du lien au like sur Internet
Authors: Cardon Dominique
Published: November 2013

L’article présente deux mesures différentes de la réputation sur Internet : le PageRank de Google, qui mesure l’impact d’une page à travers ses liens, et le Edgerank de Facebook, qui mesure les likes autour d’un contenu, sa circulation sociale et sa redistribution pour en extraire une mesure d’autorité. Ces deux mesures représentent aussi deux façons différentes de concevoir le rapport entre texte et auteur, et le rôle de la construction de l’image sociale de l’auteur dans l’autorité de son message. Ce qui correspond à deux représentations différentes du Web, conçu dans le premier cas comme un espace documentaire et dans le second comme un Web de personnes.
L'Amérique latine face au nouveau capitalisme mondialisé
Authors: Robinson William I. , Ouardi Samira , Cohen Jim , Andréani Fabrice
Published: November 2013

Si la « vague rose » latino-américaine a traduit une crise à grande échelle des politiques néolibérales imposées depuis les années 1970, et bien que les pays gouvernés à gauche aient mieux résisté que d’autres aux effets sociaux la crise mondiale, il n’en reste pas moins, comme le montre William I. Robinson, que le capitalisme poursuit dans l’ensemble de la région son processus de transnationalisation, bouleversant le paysage économique et social de fond en comble.
Les enjeux des luttes pour la démocratisation de la communication
Authors: Mattelart Armand
Published: November 2013

Certains pays latino-américains ont connu ces dernières années des luttes conséquentes pour la démocratisation des moyens de communication, c’est-à-dire contre le « modèle vertical et asymétrique du flux de communication » et pour la multiplication des sources d’expression en dépit des logiques de marché et de contrôle étatique. Armand Mattelart, qui observe l’Amérique latine et ses dynamiques de changement depuis les années 1960, examine ici les acteurs et les situations concrètes qui, bien que non dépourvues de conflits, ont pu conduire, dans certains pays (Uruguay, Argentine, Équateur notamment) à des lois visant une communication plus « populaire, indépendante, incluante », fondée sur un droit à la communication lui-même « indissociable des droits civils et sociaux ».
Liberalism as State Non-Interference
Authors: Karlsson Birgit
Published: November 2013

Le libéralisme en tant que non-interférence de l’état. Le développement de la législation suédoise des cartels (1911-1953) En Suède, la libre concurrence a été considérée comme très (et de plus en plus) irréaliste durant la première moitié du xx e  siècle. Une législation plus stricte en vue de combattre les cartels fut mise en place durant la seconde moitié de ce même siècle. Cette évolution avait été interprétée comme une composante de l’américanisation de même que la libre concurrence peut être considérée comme l’une des valeurs américaines de base. Durant la période 1911-1936, les débats au sein du Parlement suédois se concentraient sur le thème de la production : l’organisation privée de la concurrence, sous la forme de cartels, était considérée comme une voie permettant de diminuer les coûts et, par là, de réduire les prix. Au cours des années 1937-1953, la résistance face à l’intervention étatique s’effaça. Le processus d’urbanisation avait fait entrer la Suède dans la société de consommation de masse et le thème du marché devenait désormais plus au centre des préoccupations de chacun. Les pratiques des cartels relatives à la consommation, de même que le système des prix de gros, étaient désormais plus difficiles à défendre que les cartels de production. JEL Codes: N4, P1, K2, L4
A Potentially Crucial Advantage
Authors: Jensen-Eriksen Niklas
Published: November 2013

Un avantage potentiellement décisif : les cartels d’exportation comme source de pouvoir pour les nations faibles Cet article défend l’idée que les cartels peuvent être une source de pouvoir pour ces nations petites et faibles. Cet aspect a été souvent esquissé dans les débats publics courants au sujet des cartels, qui tendent à se focaliser sur leurs effets négatifs. En particulier, nous examinerons ici les cartels d’exportation, qui, dans la plupart des pays, se trouvent exclus du champ d’investigation des lois sur la concurrence, mais qui ont reçu, depuis la fin des années 1980, une masse croissante de critiques. Toutefois, ainsi qu’un certain nombre d’auteurs l’ont noté, les résultats empiriques disponibles ou les effets et les activités actuelles des cartels d’exportation sont vraiment limités. Cet article élargit nos connaissances en étudiant un pays, la Finlande, où ces institutions ont joué un rôle exceptionnellement important. Les associations finnoises d’exportation aidèrent les petits (voire insignifiants) producteurs du pays à devenir des acteurs effectifs sur les marchés mondiaux, et assurèrent la promotion du développement économique et technique dans leur propre pays. Néanmoins, les cartels finnois contribuèrent aussi à promouvoir la cartellisation du commerce international. JEL Codes: F52, L13, L41, L73, N44.
Not Just Cartels
Authors: Berg Bengt Åke
Published: November 2013

Pas seulement des cartels Dans cet article, le phénomène des cartels se trouve replacé dans une perspective plus large que d’habitude. Le but est de brosser un état de la question en vue de parvenir à une étude des cartels et de la concurrence en Suède avant 1950. Sont considérées ici les multiples formes par lesquelles les firmes interagissent entre elles, dont les cartels ne sont qu’une forme parmi d’autres. Ainsi le comportement de réseau au sein d’un oligopole était important durant la première moitié du xx e  siècle. Est étudié ici l’impact des politiques et des pratiques des autres acteurs que les firmes, politiques et pratiques elles-mêmes en interaction. Le gouvernement, les organisations industrielles et les syndicats constituaient aussi des acteurs importants. Leurs activités poussèrent à la mise en place de restrictions de marché au-delà de ce qui avait été prévu. Les activités industrielles des coopératives de consommateurs dans les industries cartellisées ont été perçues dans le discours suédois comme une garantie en faveur d’un marché concurrentiel, mais il est loin d’être clair qu’elles aient pu avoir le moindre impact significatif sur le niveau des prix. Les firmes coopératives furent donc tout à fait profitables et leurs profits financèrent l’expansion d’un groupe industriel qui devint l’un des plus puissants de Suède. JEL Codes: D 2, D 4, D 72, L 1, L 4, L 78.
Batf3 and Id2 Have a Synergistic Effect on Irf8-Directed Classical CD8α+ Dendritic Cell Development
Authors: Jaiswal Hemant , Kaushik Monika , Sougrat Rachid , Gupta Monica , Dey Anup , Verma Rohit , Ozato Keiko , Tailor Prafullakumar
Published: November 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous cell populations represented by different subtypes, each varying in terms of gene expression patterns and specific functions. Recent studies identified transcription factors essential for the development of different DC subtypes, yet molecular mechanisms for the developmental program and functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed and characterized a mouse DC progenitor-like cell line, designated DC9, from Irf8−/− bone marrow cells as a model for DC development and function. Expression of Irf8 in DC9 cells led to plasmacytoid DCs and CD8α+ DC–like cells, with a concomitant increase in plasmacytoid DC– and CD8α+ DC–specific gene transcripts and induction of type I IFNs and IL12p40 following TLR ligand stimulation. Irf8 expression in DC9 cells led to an increase in Id2 and Batf3 transcript levels, transcription factors shown to be important for the development of CD8α+ DCs. We show that, without Irf8, expression of Id2 and Batf3 was not sufficient for directing classical CD8α+ DC development. When coexpressed with Irf8, Batf3 and Id2 had a synergistic effect on classical CD8α+ DC development. We demonstrate that Irf8 is upstream of Batf3 and Id2 in the classical CD8α+ DC developmental program and define the hierarchical relationship of transcription factors important for classical CD8α+ DC development.
Selective Inhibition of KCa3.1 Channels Mediates Adenosine Regulation of the Motility of Human T Cells
Authors: Chimote Ameet A. , Hajdu Peter , Kucher Vladimir , Boiko Nina , Kuras Zerrin , Szilagyi Orsolya , Yun Yeo-Heung , Conforti Laura
Published: November 2013

Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, is present at high concentrations in tumors, where it contributes to the failure of immune cells to eliminate cancer cells. The mechanisms responsible for the immunosuppressive properties of adenosine are not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that adenosine’s immunosuppressive functions in human T lymphocytes are in part mediated via modulation of ion channels. The activity of T lymphocytes relies on ion channels. KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 channels control cytokine release and, together with TRPM7, regulate T cell motility. Adenosine selectively inhibited KCa3.1, but not Kv1.3 and TRPM7, in activated human T cells. This effect of adenosine was mainly mediated by A2A receptors, as KCa3.1 inhibition was reversed by SCH58261 (selective A2A receptor antagonist), but not by MRS1754 (A2B receptor antagonist), and it was mimicked by the A2A receptor agonist CGS21680. Furthermore, it was mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A isoform (PKAI) signaling pathway, as adenylyl-cyclase and PKAI inhibition prevented adenosine effect on KCa3.1. The functional implication of the effect of adenosine on KCa3.1 was determined by measuring T cell motility on ICAM-1 surfaces. Adenosine and CGS21680 inhibited T cell migration. Comparable effects were obtained by KCa3.1 blockade with TRAM-34. Furthermore, the effect of adenosine on cell migration was abolished by pre-exposure to TRAM-34. Additionally, adenosine suppresses IL-2 secretion via KCa3.1 inhibition. Our data indicate that adenosine inhibits KCa3.1 in human T cells via A2A receptor and PKAI, thereby resulting in decreased T cell motility and cytokine release. This mechanism is likely to contribute to decreased immune surveillance in solid tumors.
The Kinetics of Myelin Antigen Uptake by Myeloid Cells in the Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Sosa Rebecca A. , Murphey Cathi , Ji Niannian , Cardona Astrid E. , Forsthuber Thomas G.
Published: November 2013

Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in susceptible animals requires reactivation of encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells by APCs in the CNS. However, it has remained unresolved from where APCs in the CNS acquire myelin Ag for T cell activation and under which conditions, that is, whether only during EAE or also in the naive CNS. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of myelin Ag uptake by CNS APCs during EAE and in the naive CNS. Our results show that during EAE CX3CR1+CD11b+ microglia were the first APCs in the CNS to contain myelin Ag upon induction of disease, albeit in very small numbers. Dendritic cells (DCs) arrived in the CNS in sizable numbers significantly later (day 5 postimmunization), without detectable myelin Ag, but acquired it by day 7 postimmunization. Furthermore, a sharp increase in neuroantigen-containing DCs coincided with the onset of EAE symptoms. Importantly, in naive mice a low but consistent number of microglia contained myelin Ag, suggesting release by oligodendrocytes under steady state conditions. Although microglia isolated from naive brain and spinal cord did not elicit a strong CD4+ T cell response in vitro, myelin Ag-containing microglia may still play a local role in modulating encephalitogenic CD4+ T cell responses in early EAE prior to the arrival of other professional APCs, such as DCs. Finally, newly arriving DCs in the CNS not yet loaded with myelin Ag before the onset of EAE may be a potential therapeutic target.
BANK1 Controls CpG-Induced IL-6 Secretion via a p38 and MNK1/2/eIF4E Translation Initiation Pathway
Authors: Wu Ying-Yu , Kumar Ramesh , Haque Mohammed Shamsul , Castillejo-López Casimiro , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E.
Published: November 2013

BANK1, an adaptor protein expressed in B cells, plays a little understood role in B cell signaling. Because BANK1 contains an N-terminal putative Toll/IL-1R receptor domain, we used mouse Bank1−/− splenic B cells to test whether BANK1 affects signaling induced by the TLR9 agonist CpG. Following CpG stimulation, BANK1 deficiency reduced p38 phosphorylation without affecting that of ERK or JNK and reduced IL-6 secretion. Bank1−/− B cells showed reduced phosphorylation of MNK1/2 and eIF4E, suggesting an effect on translation initiation, whereas Bank1−/− had no effect on IL-6 mRNA stability, thus suggesting that BANK1 has no effect on MK2 signaling. IL-6 secretion observed when CpG stimulation was combined with anti-CD40 was reduced in the absence of BANK1. Whereas in the presence of anti-CD40 stimulation CpG induced a stronger phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, and 4E-BP1, Bank1−/− had no effect on phosphorylation of mTOR and 4E-BP1, and a weak effect on AKT, implying that BANK1 does not affect the release of eIF4E by phospho–4E-BP1. Taken together, these data establish a previously unrecognized role for BANK1 in CpG-induced responses by splenic B cells on p38 signaling and control of translation initiation of IL-6 via MNK1/2 and eIF4E.
Mast Cells Are Dispensable for Normal and Activin-Promoted Wound Healing and Skin Carcinogenesis
Authors: Antsiferova Maria , Martin Caroline , Huber Marcel , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Förster Anja , Hartmann Karin , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Hohl Daniel , Werner Sabine
Published: November 2013

The growth and differentiation factor activin A is a key regulator of tissue repair, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. However, the cellular targets, which mediate the different activin functions, are still largely unknown. In this study, we show that activin increases the number of mature mast cells in mouse skin in vivo. To determine the relevance of this finding for wound healing and skin carcinogenesis, we mated activin transgenic mice with CreMaster mice, which are characterized by Cre recombinase-mediated mast cell eradication. Using single- and double-mutant mice, we show that loss of mast cells neither affected the stimulatory effect of overexpressed activin on granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization of skin wounds nor its protumorigenic activity in a model of chemically induced skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, mast cell deficiency did not alter wounding-induced inflammation and new tissue formation or chemically induced angiogenesis and tumorigenesis in mice with normal activin levels. These findings reveal that mast cells are not major targets of activin during wound healing and skin cancer development and also argue against nonredundant functions of mast cells in wound healing and skin carcinogenesis in general.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Negatively Regulates Lck Function Downstream of the T Cell Antigen Receptor
Authors: Chapman Nicole M. , Connolly Sean F. , Reinl Erin L. , Houtman Jon C. D.
Published: November 2013

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a critical regulator of signal transduction in multiple cell types. Although this protein is activated upon TCR engagement, the cellular function that FAK plays in mature human T cells is unknown. By suppressing the function of FAK, we revealed that FAK inhibits TCR-mediated signaling by recruiting C-terminal Src kinase to the membrane and/or receptor complex following TCR activation. Thus, in the absence of FAK, the inhibitory phosphorylation of Lck and/or Fyn is impaired. Together, these data highlight a novel role for FAK as a negative regulator TCR function in human T cells. These results also suggest that changes in FAK expression could modulate sensitivity to TCR stimulation and contribute to the progression of T cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.