bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Enteropathogenic Esherichia coli (EPEC) by Serotyping and Cell Adhesion Assay among Children in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Haq J Ashraful , Li Hin Choon , Rahman Rosliza Abdur
Published: July 2009

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of diarrhea in children below 5 years of age in the developing countries. The present study investigated the role of EPEC in childhood diarrhea among the patients attending a university hospital in north-eastern peninsular Malaysia by serotyping and cell adhesion assay using HEp-2 and HeLa cells. A total of 60 stools or rectal swabs from watery diarrhea cases and 16 age matched healthy controls were examined. EPEC were isolated from 14 (23.3%) diarrhea cases and from 1 (9.1%) control by serotyping. Of the 14 EPEC strains, the predominant strain was 0125: K70 (28.5%). Cell adhesion assay detected 26.6% and 30.0% adherent Escherichia coli (E. coli) in diarrhea cases by HEp-2 and HeLa system respectively. Three adherence patterns were noted namely localized, diffuse and aggregative patterns. About 81- 88% of isolated E. coli exhibited diffuse adherence pattern by HEp-2 and HeLa cell assay respectively. About 43-44% E. coli exhibiting positive cell adherence phenotype with HEp-2 and HeLa cell assays tested negative with EPEC antisera. The findings indicate that EPEC is an important cause of childhood diarrhea in north-eastern peninsular Malaysia and cell adhesion assay is more sensitive than serotyping for detection of diarrheogenic E. coli. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(2): 40-43 Key Words: EPEC, diarrhea, serotyping, Malaysia doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i2.2935
Socio-Cultural Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Rural Women Aged 15-29 Years from Marriage to First Live Birth
Authors: Sayem Amir Mohammad , Begum Housne Ara
Published: July 2009

Contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) is lower while the fertility is higher among rural married women aged 15-29 in Bangladesh. Thus, this comparative study attempted to identify the socioeconomic and cultural determinants of contraceptive use in different rural settings. In this primary data based cross sectional study, a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to women aged 15-29 years in two rural areas who had at least one live birth on/before 20 December, 2006. The study areas were identified by multi-stage random sampling technique. Results showed that CPR was slightly higher in Dariadaulat (43.4%) than that of Chardigoldi union (41.6%) while the mean duration of use was slightly higher in Chardigoldi compared to Dariadaulat (5.04 v. 4.59 mo). Regression model for Dariadaulat (38.7% with P<0.001) better explained the use of contraception than that of Chardigoldi (30.0% with P<0.001). Among the determinants in Dariadaulat the most explanatory variable was mass media exposure (15.8%) while it was desired number of children in Chardigoldi (12.6%). Among others, joint decision of using contraception, familiarity with contraceptives before marriage, desired number of children, electricity, family interference and family size were found to have significant impact in Dariadaulat. On the other hand, the other explanatory variables in Chardigoldi were joint decision of using contraception, family interference and familiarity with contraceptives before marriage and age at present. It may be concluded that the CPR is markedly low in rural communities. The lack of accessibility to mass media, lack of joint decision with husband, premarital unawareness regarding contraceptive use, lack of post-marital planning and family interference are major contributory factors for the low CPR in the study population. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(2): 49-54 Key Words: Determinants, contraceptive use, marriage, first live birth, rural women   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i2.2937
Does 'Honeymoon Period' Exist in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman SM , Latifd Zafar A
Published: July 2009

Temporary remission of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs following initiation of insulin therapy. This period of temporary remission without insulin therapy is called ‘honeymoon period'. But no such temporary remission usually occurs in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We report here two cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus where such honey moon period was observed. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(2): 67-69   Key words: Diabetes Mellitus doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i2.2942
Obesity, Diabetes and Leptin: Lessons Learned from Obese Hyperclycemic Mice
Authors: Ahmed Meftun
Published: July 2009

The recent epidemic nature of obesity and association of obesity with the development of type 2 diabetes demands dissection of the pathophysiology of this morbid disorder which is essential for better understanding of the process of evolution of insulin resistance. Different animal models have been used to explore the mechanism linking obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The discovery of ob gene and its product, leptin, has revealed the signaling system regulating energy balance in rodents. The mice lacking this ob gene, ob/ob mice, display obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and has been extensively used for the study of type 2 diabetes and for potential drug development. In this review, the features and development of obese hyperglycemic syndrome, the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of the syndrome and finally the applicability of the findings in rodents to body weight regulation and pathogenesis of insulin resistance in humans have been summarized. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(2): 72-84 doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i2.2944
Emerging Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics - Fighting a Losing Battle!
Authors: Haq J Ashraful
Published: July 2009

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): i-ii doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2908
Conicity Index of Adult Bangladeshi Population and their Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Mascie-Taylor CGN , Rahman Mahmudur
Published: July 2009

In spite of acknowledged importance, no unified definition exists for central obesity. Several anthropometric indexes such as waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, conicity index etc, are being used. Cindex has been shown to correlate well with various cardiovascular risk factors associated with visceral fat accumulation in some population. Data were collected through interviewing and measuring 22,995 adult males and females of an urban (Mirpur, Dhaka City) and rural area (Kaliganj sub-district) in 2002 and 2003. Overall the mean (SD) conicity index was 1.20 (0.10) and 40.8% of this sample had a high Cindex. Females, increasing age, urban residents, Christians, the better educated, married and farmers were more likely to have higher Cindex than their counterparts. There is a scarcity of data about the conicity index of Bangladeshis and this cross-sectional study is the first large-scale attempt. So it can be used as a baseline data for further research in this field. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): 1-8 Key words: Conicity index, socio-demography, Bangladeshi     doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2910
High Prevalence of Caesarian Sections at a Referral Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiya Abdul Latif
Published: July 2009

The rate of Caesarean delivery in Bangladesh is not known but thought to have increased markedly in recent years. This observational study addressed the prevalence of various types of deliveries conducted on 2714 subjects attending the postnatal ward of a referral hospital in Dhaka from August 1994 to March 1995. During this period data were collected retrospectively from their registries and clinical history sheets. Of these participants 1509 (55.6%) had a history of normal delivery and 1150 (42.4%) underwent Caesarean sections. Very few (1.7%) had other means of delivery and only 0.7% were reported to have forceps delivery. The Caesarian delivery for the first baby was 14.1%, which gradually decreased in subsequent deliveries. Most of the deliveries, be it normal or Caesarean, were conducted by the trainee doctors (43.6%) and Medical Officers (25.7%). Professors and Assistant Professors performed less than 1%. The normal or Caesarean deliveries were assisted mostly by trainee doctors (54.4%), interns (19.0%) and nurses (15.8%); and very few were conducted by Medical Officers (8.3%) and Assistant Registrars (2.1%). The study observes that the rate of Caesarean delivery is much higher than that observed in western countries. Most of the deliveries in this hospital, whether normal or Caesarean, were found to be conducted by the trainee or junior doctors. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): 21-23 Keywords: Pregnancy, normal delivery, Caesarean delivery, delivery practices, tertiary hospital.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2915
Unmet Need of Contraceptives among Eligible Couples of Urban Slum Dwellers in Dhaka
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Amin Farhana
Published: July 2009

This cross-sectional study was conducted on married women residing in urban slums of Kamrangirchar in Dhaka to determine the magnitude of unmet need for family planning. A total of 265 married women of reproductive age who were fecund and living with husband were the sample of the study. The mean age of the respondents was 26.8±6.7 years. A little above 14% of the women were in the age group of 15-19 years. Almost equal proportion of respondents and their husbands were found to be illiterate. Nearly one-tenth of the respondents have not had ever experienced pregnancy, while 23% experienced pregnancy once, 18.1% twice and 33.6% three-four times, 17% more than four times. Among the respondents, 51.3% were currently using a contraceptive method. Around 5% were pregnant, which was intended. Another 3% wanted to conceive. The rest 41.1% wanted to use a contraceptive but certain barriers did not allow them to use the same suggesting that their family planning need was unmet. This need included limiting (21.5%) and spacing (19.6%). Lactational amenorrhea, no specific reasons, side effect of past contraceptive use, lack of support from husband or other family members, lack of proper knowledge of contraceptive and difficulties in obtaining contraceptive supplies were the cited reasons. Unmet need of contraceptive is high despite an extensive family planning programme in Bangladesh. Mean age at marriage is still below the legal age and gender discrimination plays a vital role in this unmet need. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): 24-28 Key words: Unmet need, contraceptive, reasons of unmet need   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2916
Protein C Deficiency in a Patient of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ahmed Tamzeed , Mansur Mahbub
Published: July 2009

A 42-year old male presented with acute myocardial infarction with no discernable risk factors; he never smoked; did not suffer from diabetes and had a well controlled blood pressure with single medication; plasma concentration of total cholesterol was on the upper normal limit, high and low density lipoprotein, cholesterol and triglyceride being normal. In addition to a single antihypertensive he received Allupurinol (Xanthine Oxidase inhibitor) for hyperuricaemia. Coronary angiogram revealed ectatic epicardial coronary arteries. The patient developed deep vein thrombosis of right leg after four days of the coronary angiogram. Coagulation analysis revealed protein C deficiency. The recognition of protein C deficiency as a risk factor for myocardial infarction is important as anticoagulators prevent further thrombotic events whereas inhibitors of platelet aggregation are ineffective. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): 34-35 Key words: myocardial infarction, risk factors, protein C deficiency, anticoagulation.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2918
Large Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer (LCNEC) of Uterine Cervix
Authors: Baral Gehanath , Sharma Reetu
Published: July 2009

A rare type of cervical cancer was encountered as a neuroendocrine cancer of cervix. Clinically, the patient presented with bleeding per vagina. She refused biopsy in her first visit and did not come for follow up. However, after few months she came and since there was a polypoid growth from cervix, she was advised to undergo hysterectomy. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as large cell type of neuroendocrine cancer. Multimodality systemic treatment was offered as per literature. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(1): 36-38 Key words: Uterine cervix, neuroendocrine cancer (NEC), human papilloma virus (HPV)   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v3i1.2919
Malcolm, Mallarmé and Music
Authors: Hobson Marian
Published: July 2009

Starting with a very brief account of the way language's relation to music was conceived before the nineteenth century, Malcolm Bowie's relation to music is considered by close textual analysis of two passages from his work on Mallarmé. I argue that it is through reference to music that Bowie is able to suggest non-closure even in Mallarmé’s use of the archetypal closed form, the sonnet; and through reference to music that Mallarmé’s non-trivial triviality can be handled in a new way. Bowie doesn't posture or postulate through a dialectics, nor stay still by stationary even-handedness. In his way of writing, the reader is neither fired up nor sedated: he or she has to react to muted mini-dramas, which break out in each sentence but which are contained in a clearly directed tone of scholarly criticism.
A Future for Theory?
Authors: Hill Leslie
Published: July 2009

What is it that guarantees the truth of literary theory? And what is it that testifies to its survival into the future? This paper, intended primarily as a tribute to the work of Malcolm Bowie, examines some of the implications of Bowie's view that literary theory, rigorously applied, as in the case of psychoanalysis, was inseparable from its status as creative, productive, futural, perhaps even fictional performance. The paper considers these questions further in the context of that shared commitment to the neuter or the undecidable that is a striking feature of the writing on literature of Roland Barthes, Maurice Blanchot and Jacques Derrida, and which is also a way of thinking the futural possibilities and possible futures of theory.
Mortal Subjects: Passions of the Soul in Sartre, Derrida and Nancy
Authors: Howells Christina
Published: July 2009

This essay represents an initial attempt to understand the interrelationship of mortality and subjectivity, passion and death, as they are explored in the works of Sartre, Derrida and Jean-Luc Nancy. From the very first discussions of the passions by Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, passion has held a liminal position: manifested in both body and soul, it transgresses the boundaries of psyche and soma and is especially difficult to categorize. It is not possible to work on passion without exploring the mind/body relationship; and the question of human mortality is the paradigmatic locus where this relationship is most intensely exposed. In this essay, I examine these questions through a few selected texts, and in particular Nancy's Corpus and ‘L'Intrus’.
How to be Primitive: Tropiques, Surrealism and Ethnography
Authors: Britton Celia
Published: July 2009

The review Tropiques, founded in Martinique by Aimé Césaire and colleagues in 1941, was heavily influenced by French surrealism, both for its emphasis on political liberation and its investment in primitivism and the revalorization of non-European cultures. But Tropiques's attitude to primitivism was far more ambivalent and contradictory than is usually assumed. While the editors and contributors sometimes do indeed claim to have, as Martinican intellectuals, a close identificatory connection to primitivist sensibility (and are encouraged in this by French surrealists), elsewhere their attitude to such supposed examples of primitivism as African-American poetry and Caribbean folklore is extremely distanced and rather patronizing. Moreover, their claims to an ‘authentic’ relation to primitive culture, especially where this is defined as African, are complicated by the fact that they have to rely on European ethnographic sources in order to make these claims; and the writing in Tropiques shows them grappling with this contradiction.
Genius and its Others
Authors: Jefferson Ann
Published: July 2009

This article proposes a way of opening up the concept of genius to renewed understanding by analysing it in relation to the ‘others’ that are represented by melancholy, imposture and the reader. Discussions where genius is defined oppositionally are contrasted with those where such others are integral to the account of the phenomenon. The argument is based on a reading of three of the founding texts of the literature on genius, Aristotle's Problemata XXX, 1, Plato's Ion and Kant's Critique of Judgement.
Balzac and Theory, Balzac as Theory
Authors: Heathcote Owen
Published: July 2009

This article considers the changing relationship between Balzac and theory from the 1970s onwards when Balzac was a favoured, if disparaged, object of theorization, as in Barthes's S/Z. More recent critics, however, see the multi-layered énonciations of/in his texts as evidence of their ability to theorize their own relationship to history, society, sexuality — and literature. In the same way, moreover, as texts such as Sarrasine and Une passion dans le désert critique their own relation to literature, ostensibly theoretical Balzac texts such as Une théorie de la démarche turn theory into a form of fiction. Whether moving from literature to theory or from theory to literature, Balzac — or ‘Balzac’/Balzac — is thus shown to be (at) a nexus of literature, theory and literary theory.
To Love and Be Loved: Sartre, Anzieu and Theories of the Caress
Authors: Segal Naomi
Published: July 2009

This essay is an examination of how love may be theorized in relation to the meeting of two skins in the caress. Starting and ending with the theories of psychoanalyst Didier Anzieu (1923–1999), it presents his theory of the moi-peau (skin-ego) and its development in the infant through experiences of primary care, the fantasy of a ‘common skin with the mother’ and the taboo on touching, and looks in detail at how this relates to the psycho-sexual experience of love. The writings of Sartre on love and the caress are compared with Anzieu's, and the essay ends by proposing a theory of ‘consensuality’ derived from their common ideas.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils from Three Chemotypes of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart Growing Wild in Campania (Southern Italy)
Authors: De Martino Laura , De Feo Vincenzo , Formisano Carmen , Mignola Enrico , Senatore Felice
Published: July 2009

Essential oils obtained from inflorescences of three Origanum vulgare L.ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart samples, growing wild in different locations in Campania (Southern Italy), were analysed. Three chemotypes were found: the first, with a prevalence of carvacrol/thymol; the second, characterized by the prevalence of thymol/α-terpineol; the third, featuring a prevalence of linalyl acetate and linalool. This chemical study attempts to provide a contribution in shedding light on the relationship between chemical composition and biotypes and/or chemotypes in Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum. The essential oils were also evaluated for their antibacterial activity against 10 selected microorganisms. The data obtained contribute to the future view to use the essential oils as natural preservatives for food products, due to their positive effect on their safety and shelf life.
Wet Aerobic Oxidation of Lignin into Aromatic Aldehydes Catalysed by a Perovskite-type Oxide: LaFe1-xCuxO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2)
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Deng Haibo , Lin Lu
Published: July 2009

The perovskite-type oxide catalyst LaFe1-xCuxO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2) was prepared by the sol–gel method, and tested as a catalyst in the wet aerobic oxidation (WAO) of lignin into aromatic aldehydes. The lignin conversion and the yield of each aromatic aldehyde were signiﬁcantly enhanced in the catalytic process, compared with the non-catalyzed process. Moreover, it was shown that the stability of activity and structure of LaFe1-xCuxO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2) remained nearly unchanged after a series of successive recyclings of the catalytic reactions, indicating it was an efﬁcient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of lignin into aromatic aldehydes in the WAO process.
Synthesis of phosphonate and phostone analogues of ribose-1-phosphates
Authors: Nasomjai Pitak , O'Hagan David , Slawin Alexandra M Z
Published: July 2009

The synthesis of phosphonate analogues of ribose-1-phosphate and 5-fluoro-5-deoxyribose-1-phosphate is described. Preparations of both the α- and β-phosphonate anomers are reported for the ribose and 5-fluoro-5-deoxyribose series and a synthesis of the corresponding cyclic phostones of each α-ribose is also reported. These compounds have been prepared as tools to probe the details of fluorometabolism in S. cattleya.
Processing Interaural Cues in Sound Segregation by Young and Middle-Aged Brains
Authors: Wambacq Ilse J.A. , Koehnke Janet , Besing Joan , Romei Laurie L. , DePierro AnnMarie , Cooper David
Published: July 2009

Background: When listening to one speaker while another conversation is occurring simultaneously, we separate the competing sounds by processing physical cues such as common onset time, intensity, frequency harmonicity, and spatial location of the sound sources. Spatial location
is determined in large part by differences in arrival of a sound at one ear versus the other ear, otherwise known as interaural time difference (ITD) or interaural phase difference (IPD). There is ample anecdotal evidence that middle-aged adults experience greater difficulty listening to speech
in noise, even when their audiological evaluation does not reveal abnormal results. Furthermore, it has been shown that the frequency range for IPD processing is reduced in middle-aged adults compared to young adults, even though morphological changes in the auditory evoked potential (AEP)
response were only observed in older adults. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine early aging effects (<60 years) on IPD processing in concurrent sound segregation. Research Design: We examined the change AEP evoked by detection of a mistuned and/or phase-shifted
second harmonic during the last 1500 msec of a 3000 msec amplitude-modulated harmonic complex. A passive listening paradigm was used. Study Sample: Ten young (21‐35 years) and 11 middle-aged (48‐57 years) adults with normal hearing were included in the study.
Data Collection and Analysis: Scalp electroencephalographic activity was recorded from 63 electrodes. A temporospatial principal component analysis was conducted. Spatial factor scores of individual spatial factors were the dependent variable in separate mixed-design ANOVAs for each
temporal factor of interest. Stimulus type was the within-subject independent variable, and age group was the between-subject independent variable. Results: Results indicated a delay in the upward P2 slope and the P2 peak latency to a sudden phase shift in the second harmonic of a harmonic
complex in middle-aged adults compared to young adults. This AEP difference increased as mistuning (as a second grouping cue) decreased and remained evident when the IPD was the only grouping cue. Conclusions: We conclude that our findings reflect neurophysiologic differences between
young and middle-aged adults for IPD processing in concurrent sound segregation.
Probiotics in animal nutrition and health
Authors: Chaucheyras-Durand F. , Durand H.
Published: July 2009

The use of probiotics for farm animals has increased considerably over the last 15 years. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which can confer a health benefit for the host when administered in appropriate and regular quantities. Once ingested, the probiotic microorganisms can modulate the balance and activities of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whose role is fundamental to gut homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that numerous factors, such as dietary and management constraints, can strongly affect the structure and activities of the gut microbial communities, leading to impaired health and performance in livestock animals. In this review, the most important benefits of yeast and bacterial probiotics upon the gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem in ruminants and monogastric animals (equines, pigs, poultry, fish) reported in the recent scientific literature are described, as well as their implications in terms of animal nutrition and health. Additional knowledge on the possible mechanisms of action is also provided.
A comprehensive review of post-market clinical studies performed in adults with an Asian probiotic formulation
Authors: Tompkins T. , Xu X. , Ahmarani J.
Published: July 2009

Probiotics as dietary supplements have been readily accepted by Asian populations. Use of certain probiotic preparations is widespread and the number of clinical trials undertaken with such products is unparalleled in western scientific literature. One such preparation, containing a combination of Enterococcus faecium R0026 and Bacillus subtilis R0179, has 23 publications on post-market clinical studies involving over 1,800 adults. The majority of these publications are printed in Chinese and Korean journals. This review examines the clinical findings with this probiotic combination. As mono-therapy, it has been used to overcome symptoms associated with chronic diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. It has been used as co-adjuvant therapy with sulfasalazine and mesalazine to improve remission times in mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis and to improve compliance with conventional triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. While the much of the data is preliminary and the study designs require refinement, the contribution of these trials should not be ignored. The information derived in this review will provide practitioners with practical information on appropriate applications for probiotic supplements, expected outcomes, dosing regimes, safety and reported adverse events. Furthermore, identification of problems in these trials should help researchers design better clinical trials when investigating probiotic products.
La Defensa, Política de Estado
Authors: Muñoz-Alonso Alejandro
Published: July 2009

Se establecen los ámbitos de las políticas de estado, con especial énfasis en la Defensa al estar esta vinculada al concepto de interés nacional, y al anglosajón bipartisan policy. No obstante, la alternancia política va a crear discrepancias. Conviene diferenciar la “Política de Estado” y la “Política del Estado”. Por ello, los Parlamentos democráticos juegan un papel fundamental en la conformación de la política de defensa. Pese a que el Parlamento representa a la soberanía nacional pueden producirse, y de hecho se producen, discrepancias con la opinión pública. Este divorcio no es nuevo y en España se ha manifestado de forma muy intensa con ocasión de tomas de decisión como la incorporación a la OTAN. Una política de Estado en defensa, mantenida en el tiempo y resistente a las alternancias políticas sería el instrumento más adecuado para lograr una cultura de defensa.
La colaboración entre la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el desarrollo (AECID) y el Ministerio de Defensa en el campo de la Ayuda Humanitaria
Authors: Vega Molina Gonzalo
Published: July 2009

La ayuda humanitaria ha tomado gran relevancia en los últimos años y España se ha convertido en un importante donante humanitario. En este contexto, la AECID y el Ministerio de Defensa han desarrollado una amplia colaboración que se refleja anualmente con la firma de un Plan Operativo y cuyas actividades van desde la respuesta a los desastres naturales a la reconstrucción de Afganistán pasando por el desminado humanitario.
Información sobre la Defensa: desconcierto y falta de costumbre
Authors: Aguilar Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2009

Una rápida revisión, paso a paso, que sigue a la transformación de la percepción de los asuntos militares y relativos a la defensa desde el final de la guerra civil y desde la dictadura hasta 1977 y posteriormente hasta el año 2007, cuando se celebra el 30 aniversario de la creación del Ministerio de Defensa. Específicamente estudia los cambios operados en la atención que los medios de comunicación dedican a estos asuntos y que se inicia en un momento en que las Fuerzas Armadas eran una parte de la amenaza contra la democracia ya que su misión era impedir ésta hasta el momento en que se convierten en un instrumento de la soberanía nacional y un apoyo fundamental a la política de extranjería española de asuntos exteriores españoles.
Development of spreadable olive paste from the Sevillana variety
Authors: Schwartz Marco , Quitral Vilma , Daccarett Claudia , Callejas Julio
Published: July 2009

The development of a spreadable olive paste was carried out. Sevillian or Gordal green olive varieties were used in the paste. Pastes were prepared by crushing olives after pit removal and adding preservatives (potassium solvate and sodium benzoate), and antioxidants (T. B. H. Q.) to crushed olives. These were characterized by recording microbial, physical, chemical and sensory measurements and shelf life was evaluated over three months of storage at room temperature (18 °C) and under refrigeration (4 °C). The final microbial count of the paste was less than 100 ufc/ml. Sensory testing demonstrated that it was acceptable and storage conditions did not significantly affect the product.The pH of the paste decreased with time (4.3 to 4.17), resulting in increased acidity which was affected by storage temperature. The peroxide index, increased with time, (from 5 to 27 meq peroxide/kg oil). However, the pastes were not perceived to be rancid after sensory testing. Regarding the color, the main change observed was a darkening of the paste, as determined using the parameter L*. The shelf life of the olive paste was 90 days either under refrigeration or at room temperature.
Oil fatty acid composition of eighteen Mediterranean olive varieties cultivated under the arid conditions of Boughrara (southern Tunisia)
Authors: Zarrouk Wissem , Baccouri Bechir , Taamalli Wael , Trigui Ahmed , Daoud Douja , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: July 2009

In this study, eighteen olive varieties, originating from Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Algeria, and maintained at the olive experimental station of Boughrara (arid region of Tunisia) were evaluated for their oil yield and fatty acid composition. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among varieties for all traits (p < 0.01). The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) classified the varieties into three main groups. The first group included a subgroup which is composed of seven olive varieties (Cornezuelo, Verdial de Vélez-Málaga, Leccino, Coratina, Koroneiki, Lechín de Granada and Changlot Real) characterized by high oil yield with high oleic, low palmitic and linoleic acid contents. The fatty acid compositions of the oils from these varieties comply with international standards and show more beneficial characteristics than the oil obtained from Chemlali: the most abundant olive cultivar in Tunisia. Finally, the main fatty acids (palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2)) of nine of the studied virgin olive oils were compared to those sampled from their traditional areas. Except for Koroneiki and Olivière oils which showed an unchanged fatty acid composition and for Cornezuelo oil in which the level of oleic acid raised and the level of linoleic acid decreased, most of oils showed a decrease in oleic acid rates and an increase in palmitic and linoleic acid percentages as compared to those from their original sites.
A new hypothesis about continuous distillation with striping gas and its application the physical refining of edible oils
Authors: León-Camacho Manuel , Bada J. C. , Prieto González Mª. M. , Graciani Constante E.
Published: July 2009

The influence of the free fatty acid concentration in the gas inside the continuous deodorizer in continuous physical refining was studied and a hypothesis was formed to explain the results: In a continuous process of deacidification by distillation of free fatty acids at low pressure (2 - 3 mbar), high temperature (180 – 260 ºC), with stripping gas, initial free fatty acid content of oil ≤ 7.4% w/w and similar temperature for both the gas distillate inside the continuous deodorizer and the oil, in the equilibrium the ratio between the free fatty acid content of the deacidified oil and the concentration of free fatty acids in the gas inside the continuous deodorizer is constant. This hypothesis is submitted to discussion.
Biodiesel production from animal grease wastes by enzymatic catalysis
Authors: Rivera Ivanna , Villanueva Gerardo , Sandoval Georgina
Published: July 2009

Animal grease wastes were successfully used in the transesterification reaction as an alternative raw material for biodiesel production. Transesterification reactions were performed using an enzymatic catalysis with two commercial lipases N435 and RM IM. N435 was the most efficient in a solvent free system as well as in the system with terbuthanol. In both systems the excess of ethanol turned out to be beneficial for the reaction obtaining conversions of 80% in 48 hours and 65% in 24 hours.
Lipid profile of commercial beef cuts from grazing, suckling calves
Authors: Vera Raúl R. , English Patti , Vargas Karin , Briones Ignacio
Published: July 2009

The objective of the present research was to determine the contents of fat, cholesterol and fatty acids of eight beef cuts from unsupplemented, suckling, 7-8 month old male and female calves reared on permanent pastures in the VIIth Region of Chile by small cattle producers. A total of 54 animals with a mean carcass weight of 150 ± 22 kg were slaughtered in a commercial abattoir on three different dates during the month of March, 2008. Five samples of each of eight cuts were collected at random as they exited the abattoir, cooled and packed following industry practices. Beef cuts were selected based on an earlier, unreplicated analysis of 21 common cuts, to represent a wide range of cuts currently available to consumers. Large and significant differences were observed in fat content with a mean of 2.12%, ranging between 4.23% for sirloin strip and 0.68% for butcher’s roast. The cholesterol content did not differ between cuts (mean 44.7 mg/100 mg meat) and was unrelated to fat percentage. A stringent discriminant analysis of the fatty acid profiles detected highly significant differences between cuts and correctly classified 37 of the 40 samples. The n6:n3 ratio did not differ between cuts and ranged between 1.9 for sirloin strip and 2.6 for rib roast and silverside’s end. Significant differences between cuts were detected for most fatty acids, and for the atherogenicity index. Nevertheless, the latter only varied between 0.60 and 1.07 for topside and sirloin strip respectively. The results are compared with literature values. Notwithstanding differences between cuts, all beef samples were lean and had lipid profiles compatible with human health as part of a balanced diet.
Naturally fermented Jijelian black olives: microbiological characteristics and isolation of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Idoui Tayeb , Boudjerda Jamel , Leghouchi Essaid , Karam Nour-Eddine
Published: July 2009

A study of the microflora of traditionally fermented black olives in Eastern Algeria is presented. A count of the following microbial groups was carried out: mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), staphylococci and yeast. In a second phase, the identification and assessment of the technological traits of LAB was performed. Seventeen lactic acid bacteria were isolated and identified. These isolates were represented by two genera: Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc. The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum was the predominant species in this traditional product.
The adipose tissue: something more than a reservoir of energy
Authors: Valenzuela B Alfonso , Sanhueza C Julio
Published: July 2009

Adipose tissue is a reservoir of energy and also an organ that contributes to the aesthetics and health of human body working as an endocrine tissue. White adipose tissue, which is formed by unilocular adipose cells, can modify organic homeostasis by controlling energy expenditure and consumption and by producing adipokines that regulate food consumption, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolic utilization. Brown adipose tissue is structured by multilocular cells containing many small fat drops that can be easily hydrolyzed. This tissue is involved in adaptative or facultative thermogenesis because it contains the uncoupling-1 protein (UCP-1) which by inhibiting ATP synthesis releases heat. The size of brow adipose tissue is reduced with aging and the most recent future strategies to fight obesity may be by transforming white cells into brown adipose tissue. The present work reviews the main structural and functional characteristics of white and brown adipose tissue with emphasis in its endocrine and regulatory function.
Commercial opportunities for olive oil from Castilla- La Mancha (Spain)
Authors: Bernabéu Rodolfo , Olmeda Miguel , Díaz Mónica , Olivas Raquel
Published: July 2009

Quality olive oils produced in Castilla-La Mancha are difficult to commercialize in the national and international markets due to increasing competition among olive oil companies and their easy replacement by other cheaper seed oils. To increase competitiveness, consumer preference must be discovered. Therefore, 420 surveys were made on vegetable oil consumers in the Madrid metropolitan area in December, 2006. It was detected by means of the conjoint analysis technique, simulation and analysis logit that the type of vegetable oil preferred by consumers was the extra virgin olive oil. Some market opportunities seem to exist for the organic olive oil produced in Castilla-La Mancha and consumers’ maximum willingness to pay for organic olive oil with regard to the conventional oil is 13.1%. In addition to this, and with the aim of contributing to the commercialization of the organic olive oil produced in Castilla-La Mancha, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) could promote the creation of the Protected Geographical Indication of Castilla-La Mancha Organic Olive Oils.
Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] kernel cake extracts obtained by sequential extraction
Authors: Pinheiro do Prado Ana Cristina , Monalise Aragão Analu , Fett Roseane , Block Jane Mara
Published: July 2009

The total phenolic and condensed tannin contents of different Pecan kernel cake extracts (ether, acetone, alcohol and distilled water) were estimated and their antioxidant activities were evaluated through ABTS, DPPH and ß-carotene/linoleic acid systems. Color variations of the Pecan kernel cake were determined through an instrumental analysis using the CIE Lab system. Significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of total phenolics, condensed tannins and antioxidant activity measured through the ABTS and DPPH (30 min and 24 h) systems were observed for the acetone extract (16.4 mg GAE/g; 31.2 mg CE/g; 235.3 μmol TEAC/g and 68.6 and 100.3 mg TEAC/g, respectively). The oxidation inhibition percentage in the ß-carotene/linoleic acid system varied from 37.9 to 93.1%, with the acetone extract at 300 ppm showing significantly superior results. The samples with the greatest tendency to show red tones presented the highest levels of condensed tannins.
Effect of synthetic surfactants, salinity and alkalinity on the properties of asphalt emulsions
Authors: Márquez G. , Martín J. J. , Alejandre F. J. , Fortes J. C. , Prat F. , Dávila J. M.
Published: July 2009

This paper studies the effect of salinity, alkalinity and amount of ionic and non-ionic synthetic surfactants in the aqueous emulsifier used to prepare oil-in-water or asphaltic emulsions on the performance of such substances as waterproofing on buildings. The emulsion systems studied here were prepared with Venezuelan extra heavy oil. The findings showed that the four variables modified viscosity, surface tension and mean particle size, physical properties that are instrumental to asphalt emulsion stability.
Métodos de prospección arqueológica intensiva en el marco de un proyecto regional: el caso de la comarca de La Serena (Badajoz)
Authors: Mayoral Herrera Victorino , Cerrillo Cuenca Enrique , Celestino Pérez Sebastián
Published: July 2009

El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar la metodología de prospección de superficie empleada en el marco de un proyecto regional sobre la evolución del paisaje en la comarca de La Serena (Badajoz). Se parte de una utilización crítica del concepto de sitio arqueológico y de una valoración del significado de estrategias intensivas de prospección de superficie en el contexto del estudio de la estructuración de los paisajes agrarios preindustriales. Se exponen los planteamientos, diseño y ejecución de los últimos trabajos efectuados. En una primera etapa se realiza una estimación global de la densidad de ítems y se determinan los posibles puntos de interés. Posteriormente se caracterizan cualitativamente las dispersiones detectadas mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se pretende de este modo desterrar procedimientos selectivos y poco sistemáticos en la recogida de materiales de superficie, que conducen a notables sesgos en la información. Se destaca el balance alcanzado entre el tiempo y trabajo invertido y la resolución de información obtenida. La puesta en marcha de este método ha revelado su eficacia para caracterizar entidades arqueológicas que frecuentemente no se consideran en los análisis de tipo regional. Se discuten otros factores que interfieren en el reconocimiento de las dispersiones, como el denominado “ruido de fondo”.
El utillaje óseo musteriense del nivel “D” de Axlor (Dima, Vizcaya): análisis de la cadena operativa
Authors: Mozota Holgueras Millán
Published: July 2009

Este artículo presenta el análisis de 150 retocadores en esquirlas diafisiarias de huesos largos de las extremidades de grandes ungulados. Provienen del nivel D de Axlor (Dima, Vizcaya), datado en el final del Musteriense (hacia 44000 BP), y caracterizado por la abundancia de raederas Quina. El trabajo combina varios enfoques (tafonómico, tecnológico, traceológico y experimental) que se integran en una estructura de análisis de la cadena operativa. Se discute el papel de las llamadas industrias “poco elaboradas” en los modelos sobre las incapacidades de los neandertales, y su potencial informativo sobre las sociedades del Paleolítico medio.
Antracología y paleoecología en el cuadrante suroriental de la Península Ibérica: las aportaciones del yacimiento de la Edad del Bronce de Terlinques (Villena, Alicante)
Authors: Machado Yanes María del Carmen , Jover Maestre Francisco Javier , López Padilla Juan Antonio
Published: July 2009

Se presentan los resultados del estudio antracológico del yacimiento de la Edad del Bronce de Terlinques (Villena, Alicante). Se discute el dominio de Pinus halepensis en relación a las otras especies leñosas. Teniendo en cuenta los condicionamientos ambientales (disponibilidad de la materia) y el marco biogeográfico, el corredor de Villena es un territorio fronterizo donde convergen influencias climáticas y florísticas de la Meseta y del Sureste peninsular. Su comparación con otros estudios antracológicos y palinológicos permiten realizar algunas consideraciones sobre los cambios paleoecológicos en el sureste peninsular.
Estudio transdisciplinar de la fosa EE1 de la Cova Colomera (Prepirineo de Lleida): implicaciones domésticas y paleoambientales en el Bronce Antiguo del noreste de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Oms F. Xavier , Àngels Petit M. , Allué Ethel , Bargalló Amèlia , Blain Hugues Alexandre , López-García Juan Manuel , Martín Patricia , Morales Juan Ignacio , Pedro Mireia , Rodríguez Anna , Solé Àlex
Published: July 2009

El estudio transdisciplinar de la fosa EE1 de la Cova Colomera ha proporcionado un conjunto de datos que aportan importante información sobre las prácticas domésticas y económicas desarrolladas en ella, y sobre las características paleoambientales de esta zona del noreste peninsular en el tránsito III-II milenio cal. AC. Los resultados apuntan a que esta cueva fue ocupada por grupos reducidos, con una economía mixta agropecuaria, que recurrían también a actividades cinegéticas para completar su dieta. En sus cortas estancias en la Cova Colomera, crearon y amortizaron estructuras excavadas en el suelo de la cavidad, como la fosa EE1, bien para almacenar excedentes y después desechar basura, o bien para eliminar residuos de origen doméstico.
El castro inacabado de La Forca (Grado, Asturias). Un dominio territorial frustrado
Authors: Camino Mayor Jorge , Estrada García Rogelio , Viniegra Pacheco Yolanda
Published: July 2009

Una compleja historia reciente estuvo a punto de destruir los últimos vestigios del pequeño castro de La Forca, ubicado en el centro de Asturias. Una actuación arqueológica, casi forense y con financiación privada, permitió conocer las características y cronología del asentamiento. La ausencia de restos de habitación, ratificada con diversos análisis geoquímicos, se pone en relación con la condición inacabada del enclave y la frustración de una iniciativa poblacional al lado de un cruce de rutas naturales que adquirirán gran importancia a partir de época romana. Su temprana cronología y su situación al lado de una necrópolis tumular renuevan las expectativas de conexión entre ambos episodios, a la par que manifiestan la explotación de pastizales y suelos ligeros de media montaña con entornos boscosos que formarían parte del paisaje de la Edad del Bronce.
El trabajo de los escultores ibéricos: un ejemplo de Porcuna (Jaén) (1)
Authors: Chapa Teresa , Vallejo Ícaro , Belén María , Martínez-Navarrete M.ª Isabel , Ceprián Bautista , Rodero Alicia , Pereira Juan
Published: July 2009

El estudio de las técnicas empleadas en la manufactura de las esculturas ibéricas ha recibido escasa atención por parte de los especialistas. Sin embargo, estas investigaciones han ofrecido importantes resultados en otras áreas del Mediterráneo, proporcionando conocimientos clave no sólo sobre las técnicas, talleres y estilos, sino también sobre el papel social de los escultores y de aquellos que los sostienen. Mediante el estudio de un ejemplo concreto, el grifo-león enfrentándose a la serpiente del conjunto de Porcuna, se ofrece una visión general del proceso de trabajo de la escultura. Se ha reconocido por primera vez la presencia de lo que puede ser interpretado como una marca de escultor, y se discute la función de este tipo de signos.
The Adaptation of Contents for the Creation of Foreign Language Learning Exams for Mobile Devices
Authors: Jose Luis Gimenez López , Teresa Magal-Royo , Francisco Garde Calvo , Salvador Prefasi Gomar
Published: July 2009

This article describes the process of adaptation of online digital contents for the realization of foreign language learning tests through mobile devices.

Taking into account the need detected in relation to the quick development of mobile technologies, the development and adaptation of existing online exams for mobile devices will be studied. We will do that by considering the possible navigation limits when using multiplatforms, and the aspects related to the formal and technical conditions which the audiovisual contents shown by the device must fulfil.

The existing online language learning tests can be adapted to mobile devices through the programming XHTML language. But, the limitations of navigability in relation to contents and the handling of interaction devices available for users to do the tests must also be considered.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Al-Zoubi A. Y.
Published: July 2009

This issue covers selected papers of the 4th "International Conference on Interactive Mobile and Computer aided Learning" - IMCL2009, April 2009, Amman, Jordan.