bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religiosity of pilgrims in Serbia: Case study of three sanctuaries
Authors: Radisavljevic-Ciparizovic Dragana
Published: August 2012

Pilgrimage is an ancient form of religious expression, inherent in almost
every confession. Modern pilgrimage differs from past pilgrim travels in
various attributes. Pilgrimages contribute to the tourism development because
they affect interreligious and international communication. In the first
place, significance and topicality of the subject is explained, and basic
concepts are defined (pilgrimage, religious tourism, contemporary pilgrim).
After that, a theoretical and methodological framework has been provided.
Research relays to religious and ethical ?mixed? pilgrimages and also
includes Orthodox chancels: St. Petka?s chapel in Kalemegdan and Madonna of
Djunis monastery and catholic chancel Madonna of Tekije near Petrovaradin.
These places are visited regardless of the visitor's faith. In depth
interviews were conducted in 2007 in Belgrade, and the sample consisted of 25
Orthodox and 25 Catholic interviewees. We were monitoring religiosity of
pilgrims through time by using three categories: upbringing, conversion, and
self-assessment of religiosity. Regarding the category of upbringing, three
groups were identified: those with a traditional religious formation, an
irreligious formation, and those from devotional families. According to the
self-assessement of religiosity, the following typology was formed: assured
and practical believer, missionary, and traditionalist. We noticed three
straight lines in believers? religious life: progression, stagnation and
regression. The results of this exploration confirm that family influence on
examinees? religiosity is strong, but the key category for progression in
their religious lives is conversion understood as a dynamic category.
Kants revolutionäre eko-politik In sensu cosmico: zweckmässigkeit der natur und räume der möglichen geschichte
Authors: Jovanov Rastko
Published: August 2012

Die neuzetliche Unterscheidung zwischen der Natur und der
Geschichte nimmt in der transzendentalen Philosophie Kants eine ganz
eigent?mlichen Gestalt ein. Kant f?hrt diesen Begriffe innerhalb der
Naturgeschichte im unmittelbaren Verh?ltnis ein, mit seiner Auffassung des
(geographischen) Raumes, der (geschichtlichen) Zeit und der zweckm??igen
Natur. Ich versuche die Hauptthesen, die die Fr?heschriften Kants, die Kritik
der Urteilskraft und seinen Nachlass verbindet, zu erwagen, welche den
Entwurf einer ?revolution?ren? Eko-Politik, als potentiell in seiner
Philosophie anwesend, beinhalten. Diesen entscheidenden naturgeschichtlichen
Begriffe der Philosophie der Sp?taufkl?rung bezieht Kant zugleich mit seiner
ethischen Lehre, bzw. mit seinem Pflichtsbegriff. Daher wird es der
Herausforderung ?kologischer Fragen ein Argument geboten, das eine
transzendentale Kritik des Anthropozentrismus deutlich betont, und die
Verf?gbarkeit ?ber die nat?rlichen Ressourcen strengt von ihrer N?tzlichkeit
f?r den menschlichen Gesch?pfen trennt.
Political space of ecological citizenship
Authors: Vasiljevic Jelena
Published: August 2012

This paper examines the concept of ecological citizenship by looking at two
sets of arguments. Those justifying the concept itself, and those criticizing
the need to devise a new concept of citizenship and political community in
relation to ecological problems. The paper argues for a shift in focus:
instead of searching for (or readily dismissing) a new concept of
citizenship, we should adopt a different perspective capable of capturing the
explanatory potentials of citizenship-related notions - especially
citizenship action and political space in which it is constituted - in the
context of contemporary global ecological problems.
Political ecology of Bruno Latour
Authors: Biresev Ana
Published: August 2012

The paper explores Latour?s conception of political ecology and its
theoretical and political implications. The first part of the paper shows
Latour?s critique of theoretical frameworks of scientific and political
practices, which, in his opinion, constrain a true discussion on ecological
crises by simplifying them and putting them into readymade interpretative
models. The second part of the paper examines the notions - the collective,
representation, propositions, articulation, and parliament of things -
central to understanding Latour?s idea of involvement of humans and
non-humans in politics. Finally, the paper explores the potentials and
constraints of Latour?s idea of political community of new political subjects
(hybrid entities), which is constituted in controversies and through
controversies.
Research on LGBT perceptions about security sector
Authors: Radoman Marija
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a survey of LGBT attitudes towards the security sector in
Serbia. During the five focus groups with LGBT persons, we determined the
basic characteristics of police attitudes towards sexual minorities. By
examining the relationship between the police and the sexual minorities, the
author attempts to determine the institutional practice towards
homosexuality. The study also notes the differences between respondents based
on their status and the size of their place of residence. This paper looks at
events such as the Pride Parade, which lead to the appearance of anti-gay
factions and political conflicts.
The Bond of Different Post Materials to a Resin Composite Cement and a Resin Composite Core Material
Authors: Stewardson D , Shortall A , Marquis P
Published: August 2012

Purpose

To investigate the bond of endodontic post materials, with and without grit blasting, to a resin composite cement and a core material using push-out bond strength tests.

Materials and Methods

Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts containing carbon (C) or glass (A) fiber and a steel (S) post were cemented into cylinders of polymerized restorative composite without surface treatment (as controls) and after grit blasting for 8, 16, and 32 seconds. Additional steel post samples were sputter-coated with gold before cementation to prevent chemical interaction with the cement. Cylindrical composite cores were bonded to other samples. After sectioning into discs, bond strengths were determined using push-out testing. Profilometry and electron microscopy were used to assess the effect of grit blasting on surface topography.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) bond strength values (MPa) for untreated posts to resin cement were 8.41 (2.80) for C, 9.61(1.88) for A, and 19.90 (3.61) for S. Prolonged grit blasting increased bond strength for FRC posts but produced only a minimal increase for S. After 32 seconds, mean values were 20.65 (4.91) for C, 20.41 (2.93) for A, and 22.97 (2.87) for S. Gold-coated steel samples produced the lowest bond strength value, 7.84 (1.40). Mean bond strengths for untreated posts bonded to composite cores were 6.19 (0.95) for C, 13.22 (1.61) for A, and 8.82 (1.18) for S, and after 32 seconds of grit blasting the values were 17.30 (2.02) for C, 26.47 (3.09) for A, and 20.61 (2.67) for S. FRC materials recorded higher roughness values before and after grit blasting than S. With prolonged grit blasting, roughness increased for A and C, but not for S.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of significant bonding to untreated FRC posts, but significant bonding occurred between untreated steel posts and the resin cement. Increases in the roughness of FRC samples were material dependent and roughening significantly increased bond strength values (p<0.05). Surface roughening of the tested FRC posts is required for effective bonding.
Mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) of the Morava River floodplain, Slovakia
Authors: Strelková Lucia , Halgoš Jozef
Published: August 2012

Research on the Morava River floodplain mosquito fauna was carried out from April to October in 2009 and 2010. Altogether, 5864 adults were collected and identified from 12 selected sites. The presence of 28 mosquito species belonging to 6 genera were confirmed in the study area. The floodplain of the Morava River is known for its frequent inundation every year. The floods are quite irregular and often followed by the mass production of mosquitoes. The most abundant species were Aedes vexans (41.4%), Ae. cinereus (7.5%), Ae. rossicus (16.7%), Ochlerotatus sticticus (20.5%), and Culex pipiens (3.1%). Ae. vexans and Oc. sticticus are typical outbreak species for the Morava River floodplain. The years 2009 and 2010 differed in the number of floods, which influenced the mosquito faunal composition and abundance during the year.
Moderate intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia: implication for correction of mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Gonchar Olga , Mankovska Irina
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to appreciate the acute hypoxia-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage development and the role of adaptation to hypoxia/hyperoxia (H/H) in correction of mitochondrial dysfunction. It was demonstrated that long-term sessions of moderate H/H [5 cycles of 5 min hypoxia (10% O2 in N2) alternated with 5 min hyperoxia (30% O2 in N2) daily for two weeks]_attenuated basal and Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as production of carbonyl proteins and H2O2 in liver mitochondria of rats exposed to acute severe hypoxia (7% O2 in N2, 60 min) in comparison with untreated animals. It was shown that H/H increases the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduces hyperactivation of Mn-SOD, and decreases Cu,Zn-SOD activity as compared with untreated rats. It has been suggested that the induction of Mn-SOD protein expression and the coordinated action of Mn-SOD and GPx could be the mechanisms underlying protective effects of H/H, which promote the correction of the acute hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. The increase in Mn-SOD protein synthesis without changes in Mn-SOD mRNA level under H/H pretreatment indicates that the Mn-SOD activity is most likely dependent on its posttranslational modification or on the redox state of liver mitochondria.
Spawning population characteristics of pike Esox lucius L. in Lake Rubikiai (Lithuania)
Authors: Žiliukienė Vida , Žiliukas Valdemaras
Published: August 2012

The aim of the study was to describe the peculiarities of pike spawning in mesotrophic Lake Rubikiai, to determine the spawning population structure and evaluate the influence of some environmental factors on year-class strength formation. The data were collected in April and May (1994–2011). A total of 1586 individuals were caught. The age of pike ranged from 1 to 12 years; 2–5-yearold males (96.0%) and 3–8-year-old females (89.1%) prevailed. The overall sex ratio of females to males was 1:4.1. One-year-old spawning males (26.5–28.5 cm) and two-year-old spawning females (31.5–35.5 cm) constituted 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Water temperature during the spawning period was relatively stable, between 4 and 6°C, during March and increased slightly towards 10°C in the middle of April. No correlation was observed between female length and spawning date. Year-class strength did not correlate with the last day of ice presence and the minimal water level at the end of spawning (WLmin), but statistically significantly negatively correlated with the maximum water level at the beginning of spawning (WLmax) and the difference between WLmax and WLmin. The mean annual survival rate for pike (aged ≥2) was 0.74 and the mean annual instantaneous mortality rate was 0.45.
Temporal variation in juvenile fish communities of Kaunas reservoir littoral zone, Lithuania
Authors: Žiliukas Valdemaras , Žiliukienė Vida , Repečka Rimantas
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to assess juvenile fish communities in terms of species composition, fish diversity and density in the littoral zone of the Kaunas reservoir before (in 1989–1990, period I) and after (in 1999–2000, period II, and in 2006–2007, period III) launching the Kruonis hydroelectric pumped plant (Kruonis HPP). During the whole research period, 20 fish species were caught. According to the frequency of occurrence, the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, European perch Perca fluviatilis and roach Rutilus rutilus were regarded as constant species in all investigated periods. Significant differences were established in juvenile fish community density between period I and periods II and III, whereas species richness (S) and species diversity indices (H′, J′) did not change significantly. The density of the shoreline community in period III was more than two times lower than in period I, probably due to higher fluctuations in water level of the reservoir, resulting from the Kruonis HPP operation.
Shape optimization of high-speed penetrators: a review
Authors: Ben-Dor Gabi , Dubinsky Anatoly , Elperin Tov
Published: August 2012

In spite of a large number of publications on shape optimization of penetrating projectiles there are no dedicated surveys of these studies. The goal of the present review is to close this gap. The review includes more than 50 studies published since 1980 and devoted to solving particular problems of shape optimization of high-speed penetrators. We analyze publications which employed analytical and numerical method for shape optimization of high-speed penetrators against concrete, metal, fiber-reinforced plastic laminate and soil shields. We present classification of the mathematical models used for describing interaction between a penetrator and a shield. The reviewed studies are summarized in the table where we display the following information: the model; indicate whether the model accounts for or neglects friction at the surface of penetrator; criterion for optimization (depth of penetration into a semi-infinite shield, ballistic limit velocity for a shield having a finite thickness, several criteria); class of considered shapes of penetrators (bodies of revolution, different classes of 3-D bodies, etc.); method of solution (analytical or numerical); in comments we present additional information on formulation of the optimization problem. The survey also includes discussion on certain methodological facets in formulating shape optimization problems for high-speed penetrators.
Water drops kinematic analysis: the classic-quantum and single-multiparticle viewpoints
Authors: Wrachien Daniele , Lorenzini Giulio
Published: August 2012

One of the most challenging modelling problems in science is that of a particle crossing a gaseous mean. In sprinkler irrigation this applies to a water droplet travelling from the nozzle to the ground. The challenge mainly refers to the intense difficulty in writing and solving the system of governing equations for such complicate process, where many non-linearities occur when describing the relations and dependences among one influential parameter and another. The problem becomes even more complicate when not just a single droplet alone is assessed but a multi-droplet system is accounted for as, in addition to the inter-parameter dependencies, it is also observed an inter-droplet reciprocal affection, mainly due to electrical interactions between the hydrogen and the oxygen atoms of the different water molecules. An alternative to traditional classic approaches to analyse water droplet dynamics in sprinkler irrigation have been recently proposed in the form of a quantum approach, but the whole classic-quantum and single-droplet versus multi-droplet alternatives need to be discussed and pinpointed and these are among the main aims of the present paper which focuses on the theoretical part of the issue, thus highlighting the new perspectives of a deeper comprehension in the spray flow related phenomena.
An Introduction to Quantum Optomechanics
Authors: Milburn G. , Woolley M.
Published: August 2012

An Introduction to Quantum Optomechanics

We provide an introduction to the description of mechanical systems in the quantum regime, and provide a review of the various types of micro-scale and nano-scale optomechanical and electromechanical systems. The aim is to achieve quantum control of micromechanical and nanomechanical resonators using the electromagnetic field. Such control requires the demonstration of state preparation (in particular, cooling to the ground state), coherent control and quantum-limited measurement. These problems are discussed in turn. Some particular problems in force detection, metrology, nonlinear optomechanics and many-body optomechanics are also discussed.
Dynamical symmetry breaking in models with strong Yukawa interactions
Authors: Beneš Petr
Published: August 2012

Dynamical symmetry breaking in models with strong Yukawa interactions

The primary aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of spontaneous symmetry breaking by strong Yukawa dynamics. Technically, the symmetry is assumed to be broken by formation of symmetry-breaking parts of both the scalar and the fermion propagators, rather than by the scalar vacuum expectation values. The idea is first introduced on an example of a toy model with the underlying symmetry being an Abelian one and later applied to a realistic model of electroweak interaction. In addition, the paper also deals with some more general, model-independent issues, applicable not only to the discussed model of strong Yukawa dynamics, but to a wider class of models with dynamical mass generation. First of these issues is the problem of fermion flavor mixing in the presence of fermion self-energies with a general momentum dependence. It is in particular shown how to define the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix in such models and argued that it can come out in principle non-unitary. Second issue is the problem of calculating the gauge boson masses when the symmetry is broken by fermion self-energies. On top of deriving the formula for the gauge boson mass matrix we also find corrections to the related Pagels-Stokar formula.
Gonococcal infections: The trends of antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Western Nepal
Authors: Bhatta DR , Gokhale S , Ansari MT , Tiwari HK , Gaur A , Mathuria JP , Ghosh AN
Published: August 2012

Background: Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is an important public health problem and is the second most common reportable sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Present study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from various clinical specimens. Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective study conducted at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Various clinical specimens (urethral, cervical and conjunctival discharges) were collected from the suspected cases of gonococcal infections between January 2004 to December 2010. Specimens were subjected to Gram stain and culture on chocolate agar. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on chocolate agar by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Results: A total of 119 patients were tested for gonococcal infections. Forty-eight patients were diagnosed as having gonococcal infections, of which 40 cases were culture positive. Penicillin resistance was seen in 27 (67%) cases while all isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics like penicillin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Therefore, continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance pattern is required in order to start empirical antibiotic therapy in high risk population like commercial sex workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6603 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 74-78
Etiology and clinical profile of inpatients with Community acquired pneumonia in Manipal Teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha R , Paudel N , Barakoti B , Dhungana D , Sharma P
Published: August 2012

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is major cause of morbidity in adults. The presentation may be varied. Severity of the disease is seen to be more if co-morbid conditions are present, especially chronic lung disease. This study was done to analyze the etiology and clinical profile of community acquired pneumonia admitted in a tertiary hospital in Western Nepal, to focus on treatment options and improve outcomes. Methods: Etiology and clinical profile of 100 patients of CAP was studied retrospectively from April 2010 to March 2011. Data regarding clinical features, physical examination, chest x-ray, sputum samples for smear microscopy and culture was collected in a preformed proforma and analyzed. Results: Mean age of patients was 51 years. Forty one patients had associated co-morbidity. None of the patients were vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus. The duration of hospital stay was longer in patients with higher CURB-65 score. The commonest mode of presentation was cough (76) followed by fever (64). Etiology was determined in 24 patients, commonest being Streptococcus pneumonia which was most commonly sensitive to penicillin group of antibiotics followed by cephalosporines. The mortality rate was 1%. Two patients required care in Intensive care unit and 97 were discharged after improving. Conclusion: Etiology of pneumonia could be identified in 24% of cases. Pneumococcus was found mostly sensitive to penicillins and cepahalosporines. Gram negative organisms were mostly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and aminoglycoside. None of the patients were vaccinated against H.influenza or S.pneumoniae. Higher CURB-65 score was associated with longer duration of hospital stay. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6605 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 84-8
Fasting serum lipids and fundus changes in hypertensive patients
Authors: Bastola P , Pun CB , Koirala S , Shrestha UK
Published: August 2012

Background: To evaluate fasting serum lipid profile and fundus changes in hypertensive patients,and grade the hypertensive status. Methods: One hundred consecutive subjects of hypertension, fitting inclusion criteria, with or without prior history of antihypertensive treatment were enrolled in a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Classification of hypertension was done based on The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7). All the subjects (200 eyes) were subjected to a detailed fundus examination Fundus changes were classified according to Keith, Wagener and Barker (KWB), and Modified Scheie’s grading system. Fasting serum lipids were measured using end point spectrophotometer. Data were collected using a prestructured proforma and analyzed using SPSS 19.0. Results:The mean age of participants was 58.5 years (SD=9.2 years; range= 33-84 years).One patient,according to the JNC 7 classification of hypertension was in stage 1 while 99 patients were in stage 2. Twenty eight subjects had electrocardiographic a b n o rma l i t y needing prompt treatment. According to KWB classification 54 patients had hypertensive retinopathy (HR), while by Scheie’s grading, 50 patients had HR. Statistically significant difference was found in mean cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride level was seen in different grades of HR. Conclusion: Significant number of hypertensive patients had HR on first presentation to department of Ophthalmology. Mean serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels were raised in patients with HR. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6609 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 103-7
Prevalence and treatment needs of dental caries in school-going children attending dental outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in western region of Nepal
Authors: Adhikari RB , Malla N , Bhandari PS
Published: August 2012

Background: Dental caries is one of the commonest oral problems affecting children globally involving the people of all region and society. It can be seen in all age groups of children involving both deciduous and permanent teeth. Treatment of dental caries involves restorative or pulp therapy which is not only expensive but also painful and demanding for the child. Considering these factors prevention of caries seems to be the most acceptable and desirable option. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on department of Dental Surgery, Manipal teaching Hospital, Fulbari, Pokhara. Total of 3174 school going children attending Dentaloutpatient department, from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2009, from the age group of 5-14 years were included in the study.Assessment was carried out usingWorld Health Organization (1997) criteria.Data was compiled and subjected to analysis using SPSS version 12.0. Results: Prevalence of Dental caries in study population was found to be 47.1%. Caries prevalence in the age group 5-7, 8-10 and 11-14 years were 20.7%, 48.2% and 52.46% respectively. Mean Decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in the age group 5-7, 8-10 and 11-14 years were 1.96, 2.43 and 1.84 respectively. The treatment requirement in age groups of 5-7years, 8-10 years and 11-14 years children were 87.2%, 85.3% and 71.4% respectively.Most cases required single surface filling. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was highest in age group of 11-14 years; mean DMFT was highest in age group of 8-10 years and the treatment need was highest in age group of 5-7 years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6611 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 115-8
Forward Selection Procedure for Linear Model Building Using Spearmans Rank Correlation
Authors: Rahman Md Siddiqur , Khan Jafar A.
Published: August 2012

Forward selection (FS) is a step-by-step model-building algorithm for linear regression. The FS algorithm was expressed in terms of sample correlations where Pearsons product-moment correlation was used. The FS yields poor results when the data contain contaminations. In this article, we propose the use of Spearmans rank correlation in FS. The proposed method is called FSr. We conduct an extensive simulation study to compare the performance of FSr with FS. The proposed FSr performs better than the FS algorithm in the contaminated data. We also demonstrate a real data application of FSr.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11481 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 141-145, 2012 (July)
An Assessment of Renewable Energy in Bangladesh through ARIMA, Holts, ARCH-GARCH Models
Authors: Jhohura Fatema Tuz , Rayhan Md. Israt
Published: August 2012

Forecasting of the Renewable Energy plays a major role in optimal decision formula for government and industrial sector in Bangladesh. This research is based on time series modeling with special application to solar energy data for Dhaka city. Three families of time series models namely, the autoregressive integrated moving average models, Holts linear exponential smoothing, and the autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (with their extensions to generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic) models were fitted to the data. The goodness of fit is performed via the Akaike information criteria, Schwartz Bayesian criteria. It was established that the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic model was superior to the autoregressive integrated moving average model and Holts linear exponential smoothing because the data was characterized by changing mean and variance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11486 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 159-162, 2012 (July)
A Computer Technique for Solving LP Problems with Bounded Variables
Authors: Chowdhury S. M. Atiqur Rahman , Ahmad Sanwar Uddin
Published: August 2012

Linear Programming problem (LPP)s with upper bounded variables can be solved using the Bounded Simplex method (BSM),without the explicit consideration of the upper bounded constraints. The upper bounded constraints are considered implicitly in this method which reduced the size of the basis matrix significantly. In this paper, we have developed MATHEMATICA codes for solving such problems. A complete algorithm of the program with the help of a numerical example has been provided. Finally a comparison with the built-in code has been made for showing the efficiency of the developed code.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11487 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 163-168, 2012 (July)
Quality of Industrially Processed Fruit Juices: An Assessment Using Multivariate Framework
Authors: Hossain Md. Anwar , Rahman Matiur , Shabuz Md. Zillur Rahman
Published: August 2012

A multivariate statistical technique, called Discriminant Analysis (DA) has been applied for the evaluation of fruit juices quality variations and the interpretation of juices quality. Data set on two types namely, mango (Mangifera indica) and orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit juices in Bangladesh incorporating 17 variables for 9 different local manufacturing companies have been used. One sample t-test and independent samples t-test were also used to analyze the physico-chemical values and microbiological counts. DA gave the best result to identify the relative contribution of variables in discriminating (distinguishing) the two types of juices affording 100% correct assignations. This study illustrates the benefit of multivariate statistical techniques for analyzing and interpretation of complex data sets and to plan for future studies. DA indicated that copper was the main contributor in discriminating the two types of fruit juices. The t-tests results obtained showed that there were no significant differences in acidity, arsenic, lead, zinc, copper and standard plate count content between samples standards, while significant differences were observed in total soluble solid, ash and vitamin C compositions between samples standards.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11488 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 169-173, 2012 (July)
Removal of Arsenic from Ground Water with Shrimp Shell
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Hossain Mohammad Motahar , Samad Abdus , Alam A. M. Shafiqul
Published: August 2012

A single arsenic decontamination system has been developed using shrimp shell for tube well water with arsenic concentration of 120 ?g/L which could be lowered to15?g/L. Arsenic was removed by this system from water by adsorption through fine particles of shrimp shell. Various conditions of adsorption/desorption of arsenic were investigated. Adsorption column method showed the complete removal of As(III) under the following conditions: initial As concentration, 100?g/L, amount of shrimp shell 3.0g, particle size <355?m, treatment flow rate 0.5mL/min and pH 6.5. Desorption efficiency was found in the range of 81-83% with 4M of NaOH after the treatment of groundwater. A combination of techniques was used to remove nine metals of groundwater. Other inorganic constituents of health concern (Cu, Cd, Mn and Fe) in treated water were below their respective WHO guideline for drinking water.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11489 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 175-180, 2012 (July)
Removal of Phosphate Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Anthracite
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Azam Tamanna , Alam A. M. Shafiqul
Published: August 2012

Anthracite was used as an adsorbent to remove excess phosphate from wastewater. Anthracite used in the present study is environmentally friendly and of cost effective. The adsorption study was carried out using different particle size of adsorbents, different concentration of phosphate solution ranging from 25.0 mg/L to 100.0 mg/L, different pH values ranging from 0.5 to 11.5 along with different adsorbent amount from 1.0 g to 5.0 g. Flow rate was also varied in the range of 0.6 mL/min to 1.8 mL/min. Adsorption column methods show the optimum removal of phosphate under the following conditions: initial phosphate concentration 25 mg/L, initial volume 25.0 mL, flow rate 1.0 mL/min adsorbent amount 2.0 g, particle size, < 90?m. This removal method may provide a solution to the removal phosphate from wastewater in Bangladesh as well as other countries of the world.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11490 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 181-184, 2012 (July)
Removal of Methylene Blue from Waste Water Using Activated Carbon Prepared from Rice Husk
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Amin S. M. Ruhul , Alam A. M. Shafiqul
Published: August 2012

The possible utilization of rice husk activated carbon as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions has been investigated. In this study, activated carbons, prepared from low-cost rice husk by sulfuric acid and zinc chloride activation, were used as the adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue, a basic dye, from aqueous solutions. Effects of various experimental parameters, such as adsorbent dosage and particle size, initial dye concentration, pH and flow rate were investigated in column process. The maximum uptakes of methylene blue by activated rice husk carbon at optimized conditions (particle sizes: 140 ?m; Flow rate: 1.4 mL/min; pH: 10.0; initial volume of methylene blue: 50 mL and initial concentration of methylene blue: 4.0 mg/L etc.) were found to 97.15%. The results indicate that activated carbon of rice husk could be employed as low-cost alternatives to commercial activated carbon in waste water treatment for the removal of basic dyes. This low cost and effective removal method may provide a promising solution for the removal of crystal violet dye from wastewater.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i2.11491 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(2): 185-189, 2012 (July)
Role of Macroautophagy in Nutrient Homeostasis During Fungal Development and Pathogenesis
Authors: Deng Yizhen , Qu Ziwei , Naqvi Naweed I.
Published: August 2012

Macroautophagy is a non-selective, bulk degradation process conserved in eukaryotes. Response to starvation stress and/or regulation of nutrient breakdown/utilization is the major intracellular function of macroautophagy. Recent studies have revealed requirement for autophagy in diverse functions such as nutrient homeostasis, organelle degradation and programmed cell death in filamentous fungal pathogens, for proper morphogenesis and differentiation during critical steps of infection. In this review, we aim to summarize the physiological functions of autophagy in fungal virulence, with an emphasis on nutrient homeostasis in opportunistic human fungal pathogens and in the rice-blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. We briefly summarize the role of autophagy on the host side: for resistance to, or subversion by, the pathogens.
The Initial Common Pathway of Inflammation, Disease, and Sudden Death
Authors: Davidson Robert M. , Seneff Stephanie
Published: August 2012

In reviewing the literature pertaining to interfacial water, colloidal stability, and cell membrane function, we are led to propose that a cascade of events that begins with acute exogenous surfactant-induced interfacial water stress can explain the etiology of sudden death syndrome (SDS), as well as many other diseases associated with modern times. A systemic lowering of serum zeta potential mediated by exogenous cationic surfactant administration is the common underlying pathophysiology. The cascade leads to subsequent inflammation, serum sickness, thrombohemorrhagic phenomena, colloidal instability, and ultimately even death. We propose that a sufficient precondition for sudden death is lowered bioavailability of certain endogenous sterol sulfates, sulfated glycolipids, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans, which are essential in maintaining biological equipose, energy metabolism, membrane function, and thermodynamic stability in living organisms. Our literature review provides the basis for the presentation of a novel hypothesis as to the origin of endogenous bio-sulfates which involves energy transduction from sunlight. Our hypothesis is amply supported by a growing body of data showing that parenteral administration of substances that lower serum zeta potential results in kosmotropic cationic and/or chaotropic anionic interfacial water stress, and the resulting cascade.
Continuous Fermentation of Clostridium tyrobutyricum with Partial Cell Recycle as a Long-Term Strategy for Butyric Acid Production
Authors: Du Jianjun , McGraw Amy , Lorenz Nicole , Beitle Robert R. , Clausen Edgar C. , Hestekin Jamie A.
Published: August 2012

In making alternative fuels from biomass feedstocks, the production of butyric acid is a key intermediate in the two-step production of butanol. The fermentation of glucose via Clostridium tyrobutyricum to butyric acid produces undesirable byproducts, including lactic acid and acetic acid, which significantly affect the butyric acid yield and productivity. This paper focuses on the production of butyric acid using Clostridium tyrobutyricum in a partial cell recycle mode to improve fermenter yield and productivity. Experiments with fermentation in batch, continuous culture and continuous culture with partial cell recycle by ultrafiltration were conducted. The results show that a continuous fermentation can be sustained for more than 120 days, which is the first reported long-term production of butyric acid in a continuous operation. Further, the results also show that partial cell recycle via membrane ultrafiltration has a great influence on the selectivity and productivity of butyric acid, with an increase in selectivity from ≈9% to 95% butyric acid with productivities as high as 1.13 g/Lh. Continuous fermentation with low dilution rate and high cell recycle ratio has been found to be desirable for optimum productivity and selectivity toward butyric acid and a comprehensive model explaining this phenomenon is given.
Are the Greenhouse Gas Implications of New Residential Developments Understood Wrongly?
Authors: Heinonen Jukka , Säynäjoki Antti-Juhani , Kuronen Matti , Junnila Seppo
Published: August 2012

Built environment carbon reduction strategies materialize predominantly in city-level greenhouse gas (GHG) management, where new residential development appears as one of the key instruments. However, city-level assessments are often incapable of producing data at a community or neighborhood level and thus they may heavily underestimate the emissions from new construction. This paper explores the implications of low-energy residential construction as an instrument of climate change mitigation in the built environment and demonstrates why city-level approaches easily fail to identify the significance of the emissions from construction. We employ a hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to demonstrate that, when the temporal allocation of emissions from the construction and use phases is taken into account, construction phase emissions come to have a central role in finding effective GHG mitigation strategies—even when the emissions from all consumption activities during the use phase are included in the assessment. In fact, their role would seem to be so central that new residential construction cannot be utilized as an instrument of city carbon management, even over a relatively long period. While we analyze a case study from Finland, the analysis intends to highlight the situation throughout the globe.
The Metalloporphyrin Antioxidant, MnTE-2-PyP, Inhibits Th2 Cell Immune Responses in an Asthma Model
Authors: Jungsuwadee Paiboon , Weaver Michael R. , Gally Fabienne , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca E.
Published: August 2012

MnTE-2-PyP, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice suggesting an effect on Th2 responsiveness. Thus, we hypothesized that MnTE-2-PyP may alter dendritic cell-Th2 interactions. Bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DC) and OVA323-339-specific Th2 cells were cultured separately in the presence or absence of MnTE-2-PyP for 3 days prior to the co-culturing of the two cell types in the presence of an OVA323-339 peptide and in some cases stimulated with CD3/CD28. MnTE-2-PyP-pretreated DC inhibited IL-4, IL-5 and IFNγ production and inhibited Th2 cell proliferation in the DC-Th2 co-culturing system in the presence of the OVA323-339 peptide. Similar results were obtained using the CD3/CD28 cell-activation system; the addition of MnTE-2-PyP inhibited Th2 cell proliferation. MnTE-2-PyP suppressed CD25 expression on OVA-specific Th2 cells, which implied that MnTE-2-PyP can inhibit the activation of Th2 cells. MnTE-2-PyP also down-regulated co-stimulatory molecules: CD40, CD80 and CD86 on immature DC. Our studies suggest that the major mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP inhibits airway inflammation is by acting on the DC and suppressing Th2 cell proliferation and activation.
High Throughput Mining and Characterization of Microsatellites from Common Carp Genome
Authors: Ji Peifeng , Zhang Yan , Li Chao , Zhao Zixia , Wang Jian , Li Jiongtang , Xu Peng , Sun Xiaowen
Published: August 2012

In order to supply sufficient microsatellite loci for high-density linkage mapping, whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequences of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were assembled and surveyed for microsatellite identification. A total of 79,014 microsatellites were collected which were harbored in 68,827 distinct contig sequences. These microsatellites were characterized in the common carp genome. Information of all microsatellites, including previously published BAC-based microsatellites, was then stored in a MySQL database, and a web-based database interface (http://genomics.cafs.ac.cn/ssrdb) was built for public access and download. A total of 3,110 microsatellites, including 1,845 from WGS and 1,265 from BAC end sequences (BES), were tested and genotyped on a mapping family with 192 individuals. A total of 963 microsatellites markers were validated with polymorphism in the mapping family. They will soon be used for high-density linkage mapping with a vast number of polymorphic SNP markers.
Less Expression of Prohibitin Is Associated with Increased Paired Box 2 (PAX2) in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Rats
Authors: Zhou Tian-Biao , Zeng Zhi-Yu , Qin Yuan-Han , Zhao Yan-Jun
Published: August 2012

Prohibitin (PHB) and paired box 2 (PAX2) are associated with the development of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). This study was performed to investigate whether or not the PHB could regulate the PAX2 gene expression in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. Eighty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (GU), n = 40, respectively. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected at 14-day and 28-day after surgery. RIF index, protein expression of PHB, PAX2, transforming growth factor-βl (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-IV (Col-IV), fibronectin (FN) or cleaved Caspase-3, and cell apoptosis index in renal interstitium, and mRNA expressions of PHB, PAX2 and TGF-β1 in renal tissue were detected. When compared with those in SHO group, expression of PHB (mRNA and protein) was significantly reduced, and expressions of PAX2 and TGF-β1 (protein and mRNA) were markedly increased in the GU group (each p < 0.01). Protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-IV, FN and cleaved Caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index in the GU group were markedly increased when compared with those in the SHO group (each p < 0.01). The protein expression of PHB was negatively correlated with protein expression of PAX2, TGF-β1, α-SMA, Col-IV, FN or cleaved Caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, less expression of PHB is associated with increased PAX2 gene expression and RIF index in UUO rats, suggesting that increasing the PHB expression is a potential therapeutic target for prevention of RIF.
N1-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-ylmethylidene)-N2-(2-((2-((2-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-ylmethylidene)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine
Authors: Núñez Cristina , Fernández-Lodeiro Javier , Fernández-Lodeiro Adrián , Bértolo Emília , Capelo José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: August 2012

A novel probe L has been synthesized by classical Schiff-base reaction between 1-benzothiophene-3-carbaldehyde and tetraethylenepentamine as diamine. The structure of compound L was confirmed by melting point, elemental analysis, ESI-MS spectrometry, IR and 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Penitence, Confession, and the Power of Submission in Late Medieval Women's Religious Communities
Authors: Gregory Rabia
Published: August 2012

This article argues that depictions of penance and confession in late medieval "Sisterbooks," which were written by women religious for communal use, show that medieval women understood religious authority to be enhanced through submission and service to community members. These collections of the lives and reminiscences of deceased sisters and father confessors construct idealized piety and religious authority through public acts of obedience and submission which built a reputation for sanctity, not just for the individual penitent, but for her entire community. Thus in the Sisterbooks, obedience to a confessor or spiritual director for both male and female penitents shifts the locus of spiritual authority from the confessor to the penitent and her community through communal observation and evaluation. These medieval Christian women understood the relationships between confessors and confessants as one which conferred power and authority to the penitent, complicating Foucault's influential claim that the sacrament of confession granted all power to the confessor who heard sins in secret. In the Sisterbooks, interactions between women religious and their confessors are depicted as relational, complex, and constantly in flux.
Intelligent Urban Public Transportation for Accessibility Dedicated to People with Disabilities
Authors: Zhou Haiying , Hou Kun-Mean , Zuo Decheng , Li Jian
Published: August 2012

The traditional urban public transport system generally cannot provide an effective access service for people with disabilities, especially for disabled, wheelchair and blind (DWB) passengers. In this paper, based on advanced information & communication technologies (ICT) and green technologies (GT) concepts, a dedicated public urban transportation service access system named Mobi+ has been introduced, which facilitates the mobility of DWB passengers. The Mobi+ project consists of three subsystems: a wireless communication subsystem, which provides the data exchange and network connection services between buses and stations in the complex urban environments; the bus subsystem, which provides the DWB class detection & bus arrival notification services; and the station subsystem, which implements the urban environmental surveillance & bus auxiliary access services. The Mobi+ card that supports multi-microcontroller multi-transceiver adopts the fault-tolerant component-based hardware architecture, in which the dedicated embedded system software, i.e., operating system micro-kernel and wireless protocol, has been integrated. The dedicated Mobi+ embedded system provides the fault-tolerant resource awareness communication and scheduling mechanism to ensure the reliability in data exchange and service provision. At present, the Mobi+ system has been implemented on the buses and stations of line ‘2’ in the city of Clermont-Ferrand (France). The experiential results show that, on one hand the Mobi+ prototype system reaches the design expectations and provides an effective urban bus access service for people with disabilities; on the other hand the Mobi+ system is easily to deploy in the buses and at bus stations thanks to its low energy consumption and small form factor.