bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of dental alignment and leveling with three different types of orthodontic wires
Authors: Gravina Marco Abdo , Brunharo Ione Helena Vieira Portella , Fraga Marcelo Reis , Artese Flavia , Campos Marcio José da Silva , Vitral Robert Willer Farinazzo , Quintão Cátia Cardoso Abdo
Published: January 2014

INTRODUCTION: A wide variety of orthodontic wires made of different alloys is available to be used in orthodontic practice and may produce different clinical responses during tooth movement. OBJECTIVE: This research evaluated the alignment and leveling of lower dental arches after the use of three types of orthodontic wires. METHODS: A sample of 36 patients was randomly divided into 3 groups: stainless steel, multistranded steel and superelastic nickel-titanium, according to the first leveling arches used. In order to observe differences in tooth position and axial inclination of the lower incisors, all patients had lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before the insertion of the first arches and 2 months later. The irregularity index and the curve of Spee were measured, compared between groups and considered influential on the proclination of incisors during the initial phase of alignment and leveling. The Reflex microscope was used to measure the irregularity index, whereas the ANOVA analysis of variance was used to verify differences between groups with regard to the degree of dental alignment and leveling. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups only at T2 for the irregularity index. CONCLUSION: The NiTi and multistranded steel wires showed greater aligning capacity when compared with stainless steel wires.
Brazilian orthodontists and the legal issues involving their professional activity: a legal and behavioral proposal
Authors: Soares Elionai Dias , Araújo Ney Soares de
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the use of orthodontic records (OTR's) by Brazilian orthodontists and propose a behavioral approach from a legal point of view, drawing on their interpersonal relationship with their patients. METHODS: A statistical cross-analysis was performed to compare five groups. A sixth group was created comprising the intersection of the responses provided by the five aforementioned groups. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that 42.2% of orthodontists require initial and final records and keep orthodontic records throughout their professional career; 13.9% duplicate the initial records and consider patients as the lawful owners of these documents; 19.5% make use of a medical history questionnaire, to be duly signed by all patients; 5.4% acknowledge that the decision to undergo treatment is ultimately the patient's, and, therefore, an alternative response "not perform the treatment" should be included in the questionnaire; 24% recognize the importance of the Consumer Protection Code (CPC), regard the provision of orthodontic services as an obligation of means; and explain to the patient the risks involved in orthodontic practice. Among the 1,469 orthodontists researched, 0% simultaneously took into account all aspects of this study. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Brazilian orthodontists adopt a mistaken legal, professional and behavioral attitude, neglecting to build patient's orthodontic record with due care and in accordance with the law, which makes them vulnerable to patient disputes, contentious or otherwise.
Procedures adopted by orthodontists for space closure and anchorage control
Authors: Monini André da Costa , Gandini Júnior Luiz Gonzaga , Santos-Pinto Ary dos , Maia Luiz Guilherme Martins , Rodrigues Willian Caetano
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the procedures adopted by Brazilian orthodontists in the following situations: extraction space closure, anchorage control in case of necessary anchorage for group A and frequency of skeletal anchorage use, especially in the upper jaw. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to the e-mail address of all dentists registered in the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry. RESULTS: The results showed that most Brazilian orthodontists usually perform extraction space closure by means of sliding mechanics. The use of palatal bar, inclusion of second molars in the archwire and space closure performed in two phases are the most used techniques for anchorage control in the upper jaw. The skeletal anchorage is referenced by 36.5% of specialists as a routine practice for the upper jaw anchorage. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variety of procedures adopted by Brazilian orthodontists for orthodontic space closure and anchorage control.
Assessment of first molars sagittal and rotational position in Class II, division 1 malocclusion
Authors: Scanavini Paulo Estevão , Jóias Renata Pilli , Vasconcelos Maria Helena Ferreira , Scanavini Marco Antonio , Paranhos Luiz Renato
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the anterior-posterior positioning of the upper and lower first molars, and the degree of rotation of the upper first molars in individuals with Class II, division 1, malocclusion. METHODS: Asymmetry I, an accurate device, was used to assess sixty sets of dental casts from 27 females and 33 males, aged between 12 and 21 years old, with bilateral Class II, division 1. The sagittal position of the molars was determined by positioning the casts onto the device, considering the midpalatal suture as a symmetry reference, and then measuring the distance between the mesial marginal ridge of the most distal molar and the mesial marginal ridge of its counterpart. With regard to the degree of rotation of the upper molar, the distance between landmarks on the mesial marginal ridge was measured. Chi-square test with a 5% significance level was used to verify the variation in molars position. Student's t test at 5% significance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A great number of lower molars mesially positioned was registered, and the comparison between the right and left sides also demonstrated a higher number of mesially positioned molars on the right side of both arches. The average rotation of the molars was found to be 0.76 mm and 0.93 mm for the right and left sides, respectively. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was detected between the mean values of molars mesialization regardless of the side and arch. Molars rotation, measured in millimeters, represented ¼ of Class II.
Utilisation of oxygen for enhanced gasification performance
Authors: Chapman Chris D. , Taylor Richard J. , Faraz Ahmad
Published: January 2014

Oxygen-based gasification offers advantages over air-based gasification such as reduced capital costs or similar operating costs combined with the potential to use the higher calorific value syngas in high-efficiency power generation systems, greatly enhancing revenue creation potential. This paper reports on the effects of increasing oxygen purity on the gasification processes and includes a techno-economic assessment that uses both theoretical and experimental observations involving the gasification of a waste fuel. Syngas quality is dramatically affected by the purity of the oxygen used in gasification, with increased purity leading to reduced levels of nitrogen, increased levels of combustible gas components and enhanced calorific values. The calorific value of air-based gasification syngas is 4–5 MJ/Nm3, but increases to 10–12 MJ/Nm3 with oxygen-based gasification. In addition, gasification performance, as measured by cold gas conversion efficiency, is also affected by the purity of the oxygen used in gasification, with levels rising from 40% for air-based systems to 80% in oxygen-based systems. The results of this study indicate that capital costs associated with oxygen-based gasification can be as much as 40% less than a comparable scale air-based gasification system. In addition, investment returns can be considerably boosted from the use of oxygen-based gasification.
Mapping tropical forest canopy diversity using high‐fidelity imaging spectroscopy
Authors: Féret Jean-Baptiste , Asner Gregory P.
Published: January 2014

There is a growing need for operational biodiversity mapping methods to quantify and to assess the impact of climate change, habitat alteration, and human activity on ecosystem composition and function. Here, we present an original method for the estimation of α‐ and β‐diversity of tropical forests based on high‐fidelity imaging spectroscopy. We acquired imagery over high‐diversity Amazonian tropical forest landscapes in Peru with the Carnegie Airborne Observatory and developed an unsupervised method to estimate the Shannon index (H′) and variations in species composition using Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity (BC) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). An extensive field plot network was used for the validation of remotely sensed α‐ and β‐diversity. Airborne maps of H′ were highly correlated with field α‐diversity estimates (r = 0.86), and BC was estimated with demonstrable accuracy (r = 0.61–0.76). Our findings are the first direct and spatially explicit remotely sensed estimates of α‐ and β‐diversity of humid tropical forests, paving the way for new applications using airborne and space‐based imaging spectroscopy.
Merging the Matrix: Stratigraphy, Radiocarbon Dates, and Fire Regimens in the Ambato Valley (Catamarca, NW Argentina)
Authors: Marconetto M Bernarda , Gastaldi Marcos R , Lindskoug Henrik B , Laguens Andrés G
Published: January 2014

This article compares radiocarbon dates and the stratigraphic matrix obtained from excavations at the Piedras Blancas archaeological site, Ambato Valley, NW Argentina. Analysis revealed inconsistencies between14C dates and certain events that can be clearly identified in the stratigraphy of the site. This fact led first to recognize the importance of a detailed stratigraphic record to allow a point of control and comparison. Secondly, this article discusses for the present case, (a) the consistency shown by the dating performed on bone materials in relation to the stratigraphic matrix and (b) the inconsistencies identified in relation to the dating performed on charred plant material, although this type of material was chosen for collection and dating using all appropriate caution to prevent dating bias. Finally, the possibility is considered that the dated plant materials could be affected by the high microcharcoal concentrations observed in the valley's sediments as the result of fire regimes with a high frequency, which seem to have existed since at least about 4000 BP.
Redating Shuidonggou Locality 1 and Implications for the Initial Upper Paleolithic in East Asia
Authors: Morgan Christopher , Barton Loukas , Yi Mingjie , Bettinger Robert L , Gao Xing , Peng Fei
Published: January 2014

A review of recently published temporal data from Shuidonggou Locality 1 indicates that a 40–43 cal ka date for the inception of Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) blade-oriented technologies in East Asia is warranted. Comparison of the dates from Shuidonggou to other Asian IUP dates in Korea, Siberia, and Mongolia supports this assertion, indicating that the initial appearance of the IUP in East Asia generally corresponds in time to the fluorescence of the IUP in eastern Europe and western Asia. This conclusion preliminarily suggests that either a version of the IUP originated independently in East Asia just prior to 40 cal ka, or more likely, that an early, initial diffusion of the IUP into East Asia occurred ∼41 cal ka, a hypothesis consistent with current estimates for the evolution or arrival of modern humans in the region.
Automated Sample Combustion and CO2 Collection System with IRMS for 14C AMS in Yamagata University, Japan
Authors: Kato Kazuhiro , Tokanai Fuyuki , Anshita Minoru , Sakurai Hirohisa , Ohashi Mami S
Published: January 2014

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was introduced at Yamagata University in 2010, including the measurement of radiocarbon. In the Yamagata University laboratory (YU-AMS), the application of 14C AMS is aimed at microdose pharmacokinetics investigation and the development of improved sample preparation techniques. The lab also measures environmental samples. With the installation of this AMS system, a new automated sample production system was installed, which is composed of an elemental analyzer, a glass vacuum line, and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). In this system, it is also possible to measure stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) of the sample gas using a mass spectrometer. To increase the amount of CO2 gas introduced into the glass vacuum line, the gas mass flow introduced into the MS was reduced, and the change of δ13C accompanying this reduction was monitored. The sample gas split was changed to set the glass vacuum line (GVL):isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) ratio to 5:5, 8:2, and 9:1, and δ13C was measured for each ratio. It was confirmed that there was no effect on the isotopic fractionation accompanying the change in the sample gas split ratio. To prioritize the use of gas in the production of graphite, the GVL:IRMS ratio of 9:1 was chosen for this setup. The components are connected on-line, and up to 20 samples can be processed automatically.
14C Chronostratigraphy for Qinghai Lake in China
Authors: Zhou Weijian , Cheng Peng , Jull A J Timothy , Lu Xuefeng , An Zhisheng , Wang Hao , Zhu Yizhi , Wu Zhenkun
Published: January 2014

Radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) techniques were used to date total organic carbon and plant seeds in the lFs core sequence (36°48′N, 100°08′E) from Qinghai Lake, China. This core was drilled ∼18 m into Qinghai Lake sediments as part of an international cooperative research project, “Scientific Drilling at Qinghai Lake in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau: High-Resolution Paleoenvironmental Records of Eastern Asia Linked to Global Change,” which began in 2004. Based on the differences in lithology and total organic content (TOC) in core lFs, the core was divided into 3 sections for age-modeling purposes: the upper ∼499 cm lacustrine silty clay to clay; the middle unit of silty clay with silt layers from 499–901 cm; and the lower 901–1861 cm silty clay, loess-like silt, and fine sand layers. Three different approaches are applied to the reservoir age problem. First, a simple linear regression gives an offset of 1342 yr. If the core is divided into three sections, linear regressions can be applied separately for the three segments, which results in an age estimate for the average hardwater effect of ∼135 yr BP for the surface section up to 499 cm. If extrapolated for deeper sections, these results imply a higher reservoir offset for those two sections, which may be as much as 1143 and 2523 yr, but this assumes that there are no discontinuities in the core. A third approach using a wiggle-matching approach gave an offset of 196 yr. This study concludes that the reservoir age of Qinghai Lake is complex, but these new data add to our understanding of the 14C chronology of Qinghai Lake for the last 32 ka.
Unambiguous and Low-Cost Determination of Growth Rates and Ages of Tropical Trees and Palms
Authors: del Valle Jorge I , Guarín Juan R , Sierra Carlos A
Published: January 2014

The determination of the age of tropical trees and palms is of significant importance for ecological studies and designing sustainable forest management plans. Radiocarbon is a powerful tool that can potentially help the determination of ages and growth rates of these plants. However, the application of 14C analyses has one important problem for trees without annual rings and palms: the calibration of 14C measurements with common programs such as CALIBomb or OxCal gives erroneous determinations for wood formed between AD 1954 and 1964. This problem is illustrated here using samples from a tropical tree (Otoba gracilipes) and a tropical palm (Oenocarpus bataua). This study shows how the use of two adjacent samples can help to unambiguously determine the real age of the samples and their mean growth rates. For comparison, long-term growth measurements for both species were used and it was determined that 14C analyses provide accurate determination of growth rates for tropical trees and palms. Furthermore, the application of 14C analyses in palms allows the determination of the rosette stage, rarely quantified in forest inventories and life-history studies.
AMS Radiocarbon Dates from Human Burials at CA-NAP-399, Napa Valley, California, USA
Authors: Schneider Tsim D , Holson John , Hager Lori D , Schell Samantha S , Schrader Lucian N
Published: January 2014

This article presents a set of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates derived from human bone within burial contexts at CA-NAP-399 in Napa County, California, USA.
14C Measurements Elucidate Isotopic Differences between Nails and Hair in Modern Humans
Authors: De La Torre Hector A Martinez , Ormsby Kaelyn M , Fuller Benjamin T , Santos Guaciara M
Published: January 2014

In forensic sciences, radiocarbon found in modern human nails and hair is evaluated to determine the year of death. However, 14C analyses presented herein of fingernails and hair from the same infant demonstrated 14C values of hair that were lower than would be expected (e.g. depleted relative to the fingernails by at least 10‰). These results prompted a series of 14C measurements on infant hair strands, fingernails, and infant shampoo, which suggested the presence of C contamination due to cosmetic products. To further evaluate these discrepancies, several hair strands and fingernail samples from multiple donors were collected, pretreated by several approaches, and measured using isotopic analysis (δ13C, δ15N, and C/N as well as 14C accelerator mass spectrometry). SEM images of the surface of chemically pretreated hair strands were also taken to inspect the performance of the chemical pretreatments applied. Our 14C and stable isotope results show that modern human hair is likely contaminated with fossil-fuel-derived carbon, which is found in most hair care products. Currently, the various chemical pretreatments available in the literature and presented herein show that it is not possible to completely remove foreign carbon contaminates. Thus, the human 14C and δ13C values between keratinous tissues (fingernails and hair) arc not in agreement. From these observations, it becomes apparent that isotopic interpretations using human hair should be used with extreme caution and additional work is needed for its use in forensic and dietary research.
Changes in Danish public attitudes and norms regarding alcohol consumption and alcohol policy, 1985-2011
Authors: Elmeland Karen , Villumsen Susanne
Published: January 2014

Aims

To describe and explain changes in public opinions regarding alcohol consumption and policy in Denmark in recent decades. Since the late 1990s Danish alcohol policy has become more restrictive, and alcohol consumption has decreased.

Methods and Data

Five national surveys and one Nordic survey (1985, 1989, 1994, 1997/98, 2002 and 2011) were reviewed, and the data regarding attitudes towards alcohol consumption and alcohol political questions were identified and compared.

Results

Although Danes perceive the total alcohol consumption to be rather high, there is no support for a more restrictive alcohol policy.

Conclusions

There is no clear direction regarding the development of attitudes toward different alcohol political questions over time. There is no support for the regulation of alcohol price or availability. Danes seem to view alcohol consumption as a private issue that requires self-control and self-discipline more than political intervention.
Proinsulin level as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in the romanian population
Authors: Ateia Simona , Rusu Emilia , Ateia Shadia , Cristescu Vasilică , Enache Georgiana , Costache Adrian , Radulian Gabriela , Cheţa Dan Mircea
Published: January 2014

Background and Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine discriminating values of proinsulin (FPP), proinsulin to insulin ratio (PIR), proinsulin to C-peptide ratio (PCPR) and Homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for the metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as discovering sex-specific cutoff points of these parameters in the Romanian population.

Material and Methods: We analyzed data from 224 patients. Circulating levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), FPP, fasting plasma C-peptide, HbA1c, and lipid profile were measured.

Results: Among the 224 patients (87 males) MetS was diagnosed in 97 patients (43.3%) according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. After stratification by gender, 43 men (49.4%) and 54 women (39.4%) had MetS. There were statistically significant differences between sexes for body mass index (BMI), % body fat, FPG, FPP, PIR, PCPR (all p<0.05). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only age, BMI, FPP, and HOMA-IR were the independent factors associated with the presence of MetS.

Conclusions: The present study showed that FPP and HOMA-IR were the best predictors for MetS in this sample of the Romanian population. Our results suggest that, regardless of gender, HOMA-IR and FPP could be the preferred parameters for predicting MetS.
Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcers. Identification of the antibiotic resistant phenotypes
Authors: Chiţă Teodora , Muntean Delia , Badiţoiu Luminiţa , Timar Bogdan , Moldovan Roxana , Timar Romulus , Licker Monica
Published: January 2014

Background and aims: Infected foot ulcer is one of the most feared complications of diabetes mellitus. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen in diabetic foot infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of S. aureus strains involved in producing foot infections in diabetic patients and the antibiotic resistance pattern of these strains. Material and methods: The study included 33 S. aureus strains isolated from 55 diabetic foot ulcers. The subjects were selected from the 2465 patients with diabetes mellitus hospitalized in the Timişoara Diabetes Clinic, between 2011 and 2013. Germs’ identification relied on cultural and biochemical characteristics. Final identification and antimicrobial testing were performed using the Vitek 2 (Bio Merieux France) automatic analyzer. Results: All the 55 samples collected from diabetic foot ulcers were positive. We isolated 64 bacterial strains (some samples were positive for 2 microorganisms). The most frequently isolated germ was S. aureus, in 33 samples (51.56%). All these S. aureus strains showed resistance to benzylpenicillin, while only 33.33% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Conclusions: The most frequently isolated germ in the wound secretions from diabetic foot ulcers was S. aureus. The highest percentage of antimicrobial resistance was recorded to benzylpenicillin and erythromycin.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in newly discovered diabetic patients
Authors: Carniciu Simona , Caceaune Elena , Mihai Andrada , Zetu Cornelia , Ionescu-Tîrgovişte Constantin
Published: January 2014

Background and aims. The aim of this paper was to make a comparison between the main clinical characteristics (especially age at onset and body mass index - BMI) of newly diagnosed diabetic patients based on the analysis of our current data, our previous data and data from international literature. Materials and method. We analyzed a cohort of 1463 (757 males and 706 females) recorded between 2010-2012 and compared it with the previous cohorts of diabetic patients belonging to the same “Ion Pavel” Diabetes Centre, Bucharest and whose characteristics were published along the years. We divided patients according to age, sex and type of diabetes. Results. Our data showed that the main clinical characteristics (the decrease of the age at onset and the increase in BMI) in the recent cohort of diabetic patients can be related to the lifestyle changes and the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in the general population. Conclusions. The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is closely related with a negative effect of overweight on the β-cell function, suggesting that prevention of diabetes must be based on a decrease in BMI induced by an appropriate change in the modern pathogenic lifestyle.
Hard porous chromium containing macrospheres as new catalysts for the esterification reaction of acetic acid with epichlorohydrin
Authors: Muresan Emil , Drobota Mioara , Bargan Alexandra , Dumitriu Corina
Published: January 2014

This paper reports a systematic study on the preparation, characterization and testing of metallosilicate macrobeads that contain chromium ions as active catalytic centers. In order to obtain hard macrospheres, four metals (Cr, Al, Zr and Zn) were incorporated into the silica matrix using chitosan as a template and shape generator. Metallosilicate macrospheres were synthesized at room temperature using tetraethylorthosilicate as silicon source and chlorohydric acid as catalyst. The size of metallosilicate macrospheres was in the range 0.9 — 1.1 mm. The catalyst was characterised by means of water sorption technique, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM/EDX analyses. FTIR spectra put into evidence the presence of metallic ions within the silica framework. EDX analyses confirmed the efficient incorporation of metals within the silica matrix (the content of metals from the calcined catalyst is almost the same as that from the initial gel mixture). Porous structure of catalyst investigated by water sorption technique and by pycnometric methods (with n-heptan and mercury respectively) proved that the synthesized catalyst had micro, meso and macropores. Catalyst was tested in the esterification reaction of acetic acid with epichlorohydrin. The temperature and the amount of catalyst exerted a marked influence on reaction rate. This work opens new perspectives for heterogeneous catalysis encouraging the replacement of powder catalysts with macrospherical catalysts that are easy to recover and to reuse.
Situation of Landless Madheshi Dalit: A Case Study of Lalparsa VDC of Parsa District
Authors: Tiwari Sushma
Published: January 2014

In Madhes/Terai, the degree of social voice of the Terai Dalit is less pronounced in spite of the degree of exploitation and deprivation. In particular, landlessness in an agrarian society is more related to agrarian capitalism i.e. the most of the land is concentrated on the hands of few for their own economic interest, and the rest majority of the people are landless.The study aims to examine the situation of landless Madheshi Dalits and their actual problem faced by these landless Dalits. The study has selected Lalparsa VDC of Parsa District for field survey and both qualitative and quantitative techniques have used to get information from this group.The article based on the research, shows that most of the land is concentrated on the hands of few for their own economic interest, and the rest majority of the people are landless. Dalit are disadvantaged group in term of land ownership and also in economical and social dimensions. Most of the Madheshi Dalits are landless and household living in ailani (Government land with no legal tender) land. They have no access to land resources and have been suffering from landlessness, poverty and poor socio-economic condition in the country and situation is worst among Madheshi Dalits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8689 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 51-57
Sustainable Development of Jardhar Village, Uttarakhand, India Through Participatory Learning and Action
Authors: Kamble R. K.
Published: January 2014

Jardhar village is located in the Himalayan range of Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district of Uttrakhand state of India. The village is divided into 9 wards and 17 hamlets at a stretch of 9 km. The village comprises of about 285 families from general and scheduled caste (2001 census). The participatory learning action (PLA) methodology was adopted for the sustainable development of Jardhar village. A field study was carried out in summer 2013. During filed visit problem matrix analysis was carried out, which revealed 17 problems from the study area. In addition to this, reasons for causes of poverty were also assessed. The problems were ranked according to the priority of villagers from diverse socio-economic background through PLA and suitable S&T interventions were arrived through brainstorming activities. An integrated action plan was prepared which emphasize upon short term and long term measures to be adopted to overcome these problems and to move toward sustainable development of the Jardhar village. The interaction of all these measures for effective implementation has also been suggested.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8961 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 29-34
Reducing Subjective Fatigue among University Teachers of Indonesia
Authors: Yogisutanti Gurdani , Kusnanto Hari , Setyawati Lientje , Otsuka Yasumasa
Published: January 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to reduce subjective fatigue and increase knowledge of fatigue among university teachers.Methods: A quasi experimental design was used to examine the efficacy of fatigue-controlled training among university teachers in intervention and control groups. As many as 37 teachers from intervention group and 40 teachers from control group completed T1 (baseline) and T2 (follow-up) data on knowledge, subjective fatigue using an item subscale of Self-Diagnosis Checklist for Assessment of Workers’ Accumulative Fatigue.Results: The results of repeated measured analysis of variances showed that training program for fatigue was associated with higher knowledge and lowered subjective fatigue compared with control group. Significant main effects of fatigue training on knowledge, and subjective were revealed. After controlling for all covariates, the repeated measured analysis of variances showed significant main effects of fatigue training program on knowledge and subjective fatigue.Conclusions: Fatigue-controlled training program reported in this study was efficacious to enhance university teachers’ knowledge of fatigue and occupational health and safety at a work place. University teachers experienced lower subjective fatigue after been trained. This program may be considered as an initial strategy for occupational safety and health program in education setting to reduce fatigue particularly among university teachers. The training should be conducted frequently to enable university teachers controlled their fatigue.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.9327 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 22-28
Environmental Education for Sustainable Improved Environment
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: January 2014

No abstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.9577 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014: 1-2
Glacier changes in the Koshi River basin, central Himalaya, from 1976 to 2009, derived from remote-sensing imagery
Authors: Shangguan Donghui , Liu Shiyin , Ding Yongjian , Wu Lizong , Deng Wei , Guo Wanqin , Wang Yuan , Xu Junli , Yao Xiaojun , Guo Zhilong , Zhu Wanwan
Published: January 2014

We use remote-sensing and GIS technologies to monitor glacier changes in the Koshi River basin, central Himalaya. The results indicate that in 2009 there were 2061 glaciers in this region, with a total area of 3225 ±90.3 km2. This glacier population is divided into 1290 glaciers, with a total area of 1961 ±54.9 km2, on the north side of the Himalaya (NSH), and 771 glaciers, with a total area of 1264 ± 35.4 km2, on the south side of the Himalaya (SSH). From 1976 to 2009, glacier area in the basin decreased by about 19±5.6% (0.59±0.17%a–1). Glacier reduction was slightly faster on SSH (20.3 ±5.6%) than on NSH (18.8±5.6%). The maximum contribution to glacier area loss came from glaciers within the 1-5 km2 area interval, which accounted for 32% of total area loss between 1976 and 2009. The number of glaciers in the Koshi River catchment decreased by 145 between 1976 and 2009. Glacier area on SSH decreased at a rate of 6.2 ±3.2% (0.68 ±0.36% a–1), faster than on NSH, where the rate was 2.5 ±3.2% (0.27±0.36% a–1) during 2000-09. Based on records from Tingri weather station, we infer that temperature increase and precipitation decrease were the main causes of glacier thinning and retreat during the 1976-2000 period. Glacier retreat during the 2000-09 period appears to be controlled by temperature increase, since precipitation increase over this period did not offset ice losses to surface melting.
Modelling of Kealey Ice Rise, Antarctica, reveals stable ice-flow conditions in East Ellsworth Land over millennia
Authors: Martín Carlos , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , King Edward C.
Published: January 2014

Flow at ice divides, their shape, size and internal structure depend not only on local conditions, but also on the flow regimes and past histories of the surrounding ice masses. Here we use field data from Kealey Ice Rise, Ellsworth Land, West Antarctica, in combination with flow modelling to investigate any possible signs of transients in the flow of the surrounding ice masses. Kealey Ice Rise shows linear surface features running parallel to its ridge in satellite imagery and a conspicuous layering in the ground-penetrating radar data known as double-peaked Raymond bumps. Through numerical modelling, by using an anisotropic full-Stokes thermomechanical flow solver, we analyse the evolution of Kealey Ice Rise and the timescales involved. We conclude that the features observed in the stratigraphy of Kealey Ice Rise require at least 3 ka of near-stationary flow conditions. However, we cannot exclude the possibility of a recent flow reorganization in the last century. We stress that the signs of stationary flow in radar stratigraphy observed in Kealey Ice Rise have been observed in other ice divides in the East Ellsworth Land area, suggesting stationary flow conditions over a millennial timescale in the region.
Micromorphological and anatomical features of four species of Elytrigia Desv. (Poaceae)
Authors: Meng Lin , Mao Peichun
Published: January 2014

The micromorphological and anatomical characters of Elytrigia caespitosa (K.Koch) Nevski , E. intermedia (Host) Nevski × E. elongata (Host) Nevski, E. intermedia(Host) Nevski and  E. repens (L.) Desv. ex Nevski have been studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine interspecific variation. The results show that the root transverse section consists of epidermis, cortex and stele. Two rings of vascular bundles and a central pith cavity appear in stem morphology. The leaves of  E. caespitosa have either single or twin, horse shoe-shaped short cells born along the costal zone of the upper epidermis, which lack prickle hairs and contain spherical or oblique-shaped papillae. In  E. intermedia, the parallel subsidiary cells are distributed on the upper epidermis, and there are no short cells in the leaves. Dome-shaped subsidiary cells appear on the upper epidermis of  E. intermedia × E. elongata and E. repens, but E. intermedia × E. elongata showes spot-shaped papillae, and its bulliform cells sank into the hinge cells. E. repens has no papillae, and its bulliform cells are not sunken into the mesophyll. Therefore, the differences in micromorphological characters on the upper epidermis of the leaf could be useful in classifying and determining phylogenetic relationships among the species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17388Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon.  20(2): 135-144, 2013
Hemiboea roseoalba S.B. Zhou, X. Hong & F. Wen (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhou Shou-Biao , Hong Xin , Wen Fang , Xiao Hong-Mei
Published: January 2014

A new species of Hemiboea, H. roseoalba, from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to H. gracilis and H. angustifolia in leaf and flower shape, but can be distinguished by leaf blade with serrulate from the middle to the apex, lateral veins 7-9 on each side of midrib; peduncle 2.5-3.0 cm long, glabrous; cymes 4-6-flowered; triangular calyx base connate for c. 0.3 cm; pink corolla 4.0-4.3 cm long and margin of lobes curled or retroflexed; staminodes 3; pistil 3.7-4.0 cm long; disc 2 mm high and truncate stigma slightly swollen.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17391Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 171-177, 2013
Status of Reseda pentagyna Abdallah & A.G. Miller (Resedaceae) inferred from combined nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast sequence data
Authors: Ali M. Ajmal , Al-Hemaid Fahad M. , Choudhary Ritesh K. , Lee Joongku , Kim Soo-Yong , Rub M. A.
Published: January 2014

The present study focuses on the status of Reseda pentagyna Abdallah & A.G. Miller (Resedaceae). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and chloroplast trnL-F gene of the questioned species were sequenced. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search showed maximum identity with R. stenostachya. The parsimony analysis of ITS, trnL-F and combined sequences data analyses revealed grouping of Reseda species consistent with established taxonomic sections of the genus, R. pentagyna showed proximity with R. stenostachya (100% bootstrap support), nested within the clade of section Reseda.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17397Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 233-238, 2013
Zingiber Salarkhanii (Zingiberaceae), A new species from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. Atiqur , Yusuf M.
Published: January 2014

Zingiber salarkhanii Rahman et Yusuf, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, is described and illustrated from Bangladesh as a new species. It was collected from six different localities of hilly forests in Chittagong, Khagrachari and Moulvi Bazar districts. Morphological diagnostic characters of closely related species of the genus are discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17398Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 239-242, 2013
The genus Sorastrum Kützing (Hydrodictyaceae, Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyta) from India, with a new species S. philiposianum
Authors: Keshri Jai Prakash , Mallick Prasant
Published: January 2014

In the present paper five species of Sorastrum Kützing including a new species, Sorastrum philiposianum have been described from Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, India. Amongst these species S. indicum Bernard and S. hathoris (Cohn) Schmidle are being reported for the first time from India. Moreover, S. americanum (Bohlin) Schmidle is an addition to West Bengal algae. All the specimens have been collected from desmids habitats of West Bengal having a low pH (5.0-6.5) and those were growing lodged on submerged portions of the aquatic weeds like Ceratophyllum demersum L., Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) C. Presl and Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17399Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 243-249, 2013
Nomenclatural notes on Sorbus vestita (Rosaceae)
Authors: Kumar V. Sampath , Karthikeyan S.
Published: January 2014

Not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17400Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 251-253, 2013
Additions to the angiosperm flora in the Sitapahar reserve forest of Kaptai, Rangamati, Bangladesh
Authors: Harun-Ur-Rashid Mohammad , Chowdhury Md. Aminul Islam
Published: January 2014

Not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17401Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 255-257, 2013
Plant taxonomic research in Bangladesh (1972-2012): A critical review
Authors: Irfanullah Haseeb Md
Published: January 2014

Amid serious concerns over declining taxonomic research world-wide, Bangladesh showed positive trends over 1972-2002. Some important developments in the global arena over the last decade give a mixed view on the growth of taxonomic research. This demands revisiting Bangladeshs plant taxonomic research to identify major factors guiding its courses. Taxonomic papers published in three Bangladeshi journals and the Flora of Bangladesh (1972-2012) were analyzed using a scoring system. The present study reveals a four-fold increase in annual average of integrated taxonomic studies (those use knowledge of other branches of biology) over the last decade compared with the preceding decade. Conventional, inventory type taxonomic studies, on the other hand, has reduced by 15%. Studies on algae showed 42% increase in annual average, while studies on angiosperms remained unchanged. Although unpublished researches like Masters theses increased significantly in recent years, the number of published work has decreased. The possible reasons for such decline are no net increase in plant taxonomists over the last decade, taxonomists struggling to transform researches into publishable manuscripts, and enhanced reputation of Bangladeshi journals increasing the proportion of foreign papers (a situation termed as reputational backlash). The paper envisages that classical taxonomic studies will dominate in Bangladesh in the coming decades given the enormous exploratory task awaiting the taxonomists. It concludes that to put taxonomy in the sustainable development discourse, taxonomists must change their perception towards their role in the society and proactively share their work with wider audience.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i2.17404Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(2): 267-279, 2013
Identification of the High Molecular Weight Isoform of Phostensin
Authors: Lin Yu-Shan , Huang Hsien-Lu , Liu Wei-Ting , Lin Ta-Hsien , Huang Hsien-Bin
Published: January 2014

Phostensin is encoded by KIAA1949. 5'-RACEanalysis has been used to identify the translation start site of phostensin mRNA, indicating that it encodes 165 amino acids with an apparent molecular weight of 26 kDa on SDS-PAGE. This low-molecular-weight phostensin is present in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and many leukemic cell lines. Phostensin is a protein phosphatase-1(PP1) binding protein. It also contains one actin-binding motif at its C-terminal region and binds to the pointed ends of actin filaments, modulating actin dynamics. In the current study, a high-molecular-weight phostensin is identified by using immunoprecipitationin combination with a proteomic approach. This new species of phostensin is also encoded by KIAA1949 and consists of 613 amino acids with an apparent molecular weight of 110 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight phostensins were named as phostensin-α and phostensin-β, respectively. Although phostensin-α is the C-terminal region of phostensin-β, it is not degraded from phostensin-β. Phostensin-β is capable of associating with PP1 and actin filaments, and is present in many cell lines.
Continuous Extraction of Subway Tunnel Cross Sections Based on Terrestrial Point Clouds
Authors: Kang Zhizhong , Zhang Liqiang , Tuo Lei , Wang Baoqian , Chen Jinlei
Published: January 2014

An efficient method for the continuous extraction of subway tunnel cross sections using terrestrial point clouds is proposed. First, the continuous central axis of the tunnel is extracted using a 2D projection of the point cloud and curve fitting using the RANSAC (RANdom SAmple Consensus) algorithm, and the axis is optimized using a global extraction strategy based on segment-wise fitting. The cross-sectional planes, which are orthogonal to the central axis, are then determined for every interval. The cross-sectional points are extracted by intersecting straight lines that rotate orthogonally around the central axis within the cross-sectional plane with the tunnel point cloud. An interpolation algorithm based on quadric parametric surface fitting, using the BaySAC (Bayesian SAmpling Consensus) algorithm, is proposed to compute the cross-sectional point when it cannot be acquired directly from the tunnel points along the extraction direction of interest. Because the standard shape of the tunnel cross section is a circle, circle fitting is implemented using RANSAC to reduce the noise. The proposed approach is tested on terrestrial point clouds that cover a 150-m-long segment of a Shanghai subway tunnel, which were acquired using a LMS VZ-400 laser scanner. The results indicate that the proposed quadric parametric surface fitting using the optimized BaySAC achieves a higher overall fitting accuracy (0.9 mm) than the accuracy (1.6 mm) obtained by the plain RANSAC. The results also show that the proposed cross section extraction algorithm can achieve high accuracy (millimeter level, which was assessed by comparing the fitted radii with the designed radius of the cross section and comparing corresponding chord lengths in different cross sections) and high efficiency (less than 3 s/section on average).
Emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. infections in a Turkish university hospital: epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: Dizbay Murat , Guzel Tunccan Ozlem , Karasahin Omer , Aktas Firdevs
Published: January 2014

Introduction:Risk factors for nosocomial carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) infections were analyzed in this study.Methodology:The incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, antimicrobial susceptibility, and outcomes of CRK infections during a seven-year period (2004-2010) were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 720 patients were included in the study. Carbapenem resistance among Klebsiella spp. were significantly increased between 2003 and 2007 (p<0.001). CRK strains were mostly isolated from ICUs (p<0.001). Use of imipenem and cefoperazone-sulbactam within prior three months, stay in ICU, receiving immunspressive therapy, receiving H2 receptor antagonists, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, urinary catheter were found to be significant risk factors for carbapenem resistance Klebsiella spp. infections. In a multivariate analysis, prior use of imipenem (OR 3.35; CI 1.675-6.726, p<0.001), stay in ICU (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.193-9.508; p=0.022), receiving H2 receptor antagonist (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.011-19.951; p=0.048) were independently associated with carbapenem resistance. Respiratory tract infections were the most seen nosocomial infection. Attack mortality rate was significantly higher in patients infected with CRK strains (p<0.001). CRK strains showed significantly higher resistance rates to other antibiotics.Conclusions:In conclusion, the emergence and rapid spread of CRK strains in our hospital is worrisome. The patients in ICU are most important risk group for the acquisition of CRK strains. High resistant rates to other antibiotics except than colistin and tigecycline limits therapeutic options, and increases mortality rates.
Immune response to influenza A(H1N1)v in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Sansonetti Paola , Sali Michela , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Morandi Matteo , Martucci Rosa , Danesh Ali , Delogu Giovanni , Bermejo-Martin Jesus , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Kelvin David , Cauda Roberto , Fadda Giovanni , Rubino Salvatore
Published: January 2014

Introduction: HIV infection is considered a risk factor for severe outcomes of influenza A(H1N1)v infection. However, data on immune response against influenza A(H1N1)v virus in HIV-infected patients are lacking. Methodology: Data from seven HIV-positive and 14 HIV-negative patients infected with A(H1N1)v and from 23 HIV-positive and six HIV-negative asymptomatic controls were analyzed to evaluate the clinical picture, A(H1N1)v viral shedding, and the immune response against the virus. Results: Patients displayed mainly upper respiratory tract diseases (57.1%), while pneumonia was diagnosed only in HIV-negative patients (23.8% of subjects, of which 4.8% required intensive care unit admission). At day seven, 29% of HIV-infected patients were still positive for A(H1N1)v by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs. Interestingly, a persistence of CXCL10 secretion at high level and lower IL-6 levels was observed in HIV-positive subjects. The geometric mean haemagglutination inhibition titer (HI-GMT) and anti-influenza IgM levels were lower in HIV-positive individuals while anti-influenza IgG levels remained similar in the two groups. Conclusions: The immune impairment due to HIV infection could affect A(H1N1)v clearance and could lead to a lower antibody response and a persistent secretion of CXCL10 at high levels. However, the lower IL-6 secretion and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) could result in a milder clinical picture.