bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification in the nest guarding strategy — one of the reasons of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invasion success in the Gulf of Gdańsk?
Authors: Sapota Mariusz , Balazy Piotr , Mirny Zuzanna
Published: March 2014

The round goby was noted for the first time in the Gulf of Gdańsk in 1990. After a few years, the round goby had invaded all suitable areas in the west part of the Gulf of Gdańsk. Generally, the sandy bottom was the factor that do not prevent the fish invasion. The effectiveness of reproduction is one of the most important factors in deciding the success of an introduction into a new area. The round goby needs a hard bottom for egg laying and subsequent embryo development in nests guarded by males. We observed the round goby nests in the Gulf of Gdańsk during three subsequent years. Distances between nests, nest size, number of eggs per nest, and depth of nest locations were investigated by underwater survey, from May till September, throughout the round goby spawning season. Our investigation led us to confirm that any solid elements on the bottom may be utilized as nest substrate when nesting areas are limited. Distances between nests decrease noticeably in comparison with native round goby areas. Taking into account these findings, we conclude that shallow water areas, of almost any type of bottom, might be invaded by the round goby.
Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus-like organisms isolated from a recreational sea beach on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea as one of the consequences of anthropogenic pressure
Authors: Skórczewski Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew , Miranowicz Justyna , Perlinski Piotr , Zdanowicz Marta
Published: March 2014

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus-like organisms (STLO) isolated from a recreational sea beach located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea was studied. The results of the present study showed that STLO inhabiting sand and seawater of the beach strongly differed in the resistance level to tested antibiotics. These microorganisms were most resistant to ampicillin, penicillin, oxytetracycline and susceptible to gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin. Moreover, the level of antibiotic resistance among bacteria isolated from different parts of the beach also differed. Bacteria inhabiting the seawater, shoreline and the middle part of the beach were more antibiotic-resistant than bacteria isolated from the dune. The majority of bacteria inhabiting the seawater and sand were resistant to 3–8 antibiotics out of 12 tested in this study. Generally, there was no difference in antibiotic resistance between Staphylococcus-like organisms isolated from the surface and subsurface sand layers. STLO strains isolated from Ustka Beach were most resistant to β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics, and most susceptible to aminoglycosides.
Biology and Management of Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Mainali Ram Prasad
Published: March 2014

Eggplant (Solanum melongena Linnaeus) is one of the most economically important vegetable of tropics having hot-wet climate. The key pest, eggplant fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee found to be most destructive and first ranked threat especially in South Asia, hence become hot issue for research in this region. It inflicts sizeable damage up to 80 percent in terms of fruit and content of vitamin-C. This situation refrained the farmers growing eggplant, hence relevant literature were gleaned and overviews regarding biology and management of borer with supportive facts and figure for safe and healthy eggplant production. As integrated approaches of pest management have been gaining popularity nowadays, this article outlines all the components of IPM including use of resistant varieties, sex pheromones, cultural methods, physical and mechanical barriers, bio-pesticides and bio-control agents, botanical and chemical means of management including basic biological parameters associated with management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.10001Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 18-28
A Critical Self Evaluation
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: March 2014

No abstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.10108Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 1-2
Enhanced Production of Ethanol from Red Potatoes Grown in Hilly Regions of Nepal Using Various Nitrogen Sources
Authors: Joshi Jarina
Published: March 2014

Ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, urea and glycine were the five different commonly available nitrogen sources used at different concentration ranging from 0.5 to 4% w/v to produce ethanol in batch culture. Potato paste made from red potatoes grown in hilly regions of Nepal was used as carbon source. Prior to fermentation all carbon sources were saccharified enzymatically using α- amylase at pH 5 and temperature 55oC. Maximum yield of ethanol 5.2% was obtained at a temperature of 30oC and pH 5.0 without exogeneous supply of nitrogen. There is slight decrease in concentration when temperature is decreased to 25oC but a drastic decrease in concentration when temperature is increased beyond optimum. All the exogeneously supplied nitrogen sources found to enhance ethanol production and cell viability when yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from brewer’s yeast was used. Ammonium sulphate was found as best nitrogen supplement among them. Maximum ethanol percentage of 8.3 was observed at pH 5.0 and temperature 30oC with Ammonium sulphate concentration of 2%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9191Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 41-44
Kinetics of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by an aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum seeds.
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Chowdhury Suman
Published: March 2014

The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has provided the rationale for the current pharmacotherapy of this disease. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the symptomatic treatment of AD. The current drugs available in the market has shown various side effect which prompted scientist to search for new and potent AChE inhibitors which exerts minimal side effect in AD patient. In present study, an aqueous extract of Cumin cyminum was tested for in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity based on Ellman’s method. C. cyminum showed maximum inhibition of 76.90±0.003% in an aqueous extract at 50μg/ml final concentration. Further studies were conducted to elucidate the mode of AChE inhibition by kinetic studies. Competitive inhibition was observed at lower concentrations (12.5μg/ml & 25μg/ml) and mixed inhibition was observed at higher concentrations (50μg/ml & 100μg/ml). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9348   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 2(1): 64-68
Isolation, Characterization and investing the Industrial Applications of Thermostable and Solvent Tolerant Serine Protease from Hot Spring Isolated Thermophililic Bacillus licheniformis U1
Authors: Dudhagara Pravin , Bhavasar Sunil , Ghelani Anjana , Bhatt Shreyas
Published: March 2014

Protease is the largest selling enzyme in the world due to its various applications in the making of detergent, food and leather, meat tenderisation and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the study is to isolate and identify thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis U1 strains for thermostable protease production. The partial purified enzyme was characterized under different conditions using Anson-Hagihara’s method. Casein as a substrate in the concentration of 0.6 % w/v optimum for enzyme activity and tolerant up to 2.0% casein concentration. An optimum enzyme activity was reported at pH 7 and decreased with increasing in pH, while temperature optimum was found at 50 °C. The enzyme was stable at 40 °C to 50 °C for half an hour and nearly 50% residual activity was indicated at 60 °C. NaCl was not required for catalysis.  Stability of enzymes in the presence of various organic solvents and different detergents was remarkable. The enzyme was stable up to 3 days into various solvents and slowly denatured with prolonged incubation. The result of the washing performance with detergent was clearly indicated. Moreover the removal of blood stains and dehairing in goat skin suggests the crucial application in the commercial production at large scale.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9519Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 75-82
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants from East and Central Part of Nepal
Authors: Subba Bimala , Basnet Prakash
Published: March 2014

To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of extract of eleven plants were examined against four common bacterials. The ethanolic extracts of various plants such as  Cissus repens, Hedyotis scandens, Jatropha curcas, Morus alba, Inula cappa, Equisetum ramosissimum, Osyris wightiana, Alternantheria sessilis and Hibiscus lampas  investigated individually for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. These were investigated against selected species of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae to find the inhibitory activities of the microbes. The ethanolic extract of C. repens showed considerably high activity against P. vulgaris, E. coli and S. aureus than other extracts.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9697Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 88-92
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in Cattle: Epidemiology and Zoonotic Implications
Authors: Joshi Lok Raj , Devkota Shiva Prasad
Published: March 2014

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant public health problem both in human and veterinary medicine. Strains of S. aureus resistant to β-lactam antibiotics are known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overuse of antibiotics has been ascribed for MRSA emergence. MRSA in cattle was first reported in 1975. Since then, many literatures describing MRSA in cattle have been published. MRSA causes incurable intra-mammary infection and skin diseases in cattle. In severe cases, it causes deep-seated infections like endocarditis and osteomyelitis.  MRSA got zoonotic importance when scientists suggested the possibility of cattle serving as reservoirs for human MRSA infection. In this article, we review the current knowledge of MRSA in cattle and its zoonotic implications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9861Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 29-33
Optimal Volume for Concert Halls Based on Ando’s Subjective Preference and Barron Revised Theories
Authors: Cerdá Salvador , Segura Jaume , Giménez Alicia , Barba Arturo , Cibrián Rosa
Published: March 2014

The Ando-Beranek’s model, a linear version of Ando’s subjective preference theory, obtained by the authors in a recent work, was combined with Barron revised theory. An optimal volume region for each reverberation time was obtained for classical music in symphony orchestra concert halls. The obtained relation was tested with good agreement with the top rated halls reported by Beranek and other halls with reported anomalies.
Influence of Three Dynamic Predictive Clothing Insulation Models on Building Energy Use, HVAC Sizing and Thermal Comfort
Authors: Lee Kwang , Schiavon Stefano
Published: March 2014

In building energy simulation, indoor thermal comfort condition, energy use and equipment size are typically calculated based on the assumption that the clothing insulation is equal to a constant value of 0.5 clo during the cooling season and 1.0 clo during the heating season. The assumption is not reflected in practice and thus it may lead to errors. In reality, occupants frequently adjust their clothing depending on the thermal conditions, as opposed to the assumption of constant clothing values above, indicating that the clothing insulation variation should be captured in building simulation software to obtain more reliable and accurate results. In this study, the impact of three newly developed dynamic clothing insulation models on the building simulation is quantitatively assessed using the detailed whole-building energy simulation program, EnergyPlus version 6.0. The results showed that when the heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is controlled based on indoor temperature the dynamic clothing models do not affect indoor operative temperatures, energy consumption and equipment sizing. When the HVAC is controlled based on the PMV model the use of a fixed clothing insulation during the cooling (0.5 clo) and heating (1.0 clo) season leads to the incorrect estimation of the indoor operative temperatures, energy consumption and equipment sizing. The dynamic clothing models significantly (p < 0.0001) improve the ability of energy simulation tools to assess thermal comfort. The authors recommend that the dynamic clothing models should be implemented in dynamic building energy simulation software such as EnergyPlus.
Single-Nucleotide Variations in Cardiac Arrhythmias: Prospects for Genomics and Proteomics Based Biomarker Discovery and Diagnostics
Authors: Abunimer Ayman , Smith Krista , Wu Tsung-Jung , Lam Phuc , Simonyan Vahan , Mazumder Raja
Published: March 2014

Cardiovascular diseases are a large contributor to causes of early death in developed countries. Some of these conditions, such as sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation, stem from arrhythmias—a spectrum of conditions with abnormal electrical activity in the heart. Genome-wide association studies can identify single nucleotide variations (SNVs) that may predispose individuals to developing acquired forms of arrhythmias. Through manual curation of published genome-wide association studies, we have collected a comprehensive list of 75 SNVs associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Ten of the SNVs result in amino acid changes and can be used in proteomic-based detection methods. In an effort to identify additional non-synonymous mutations that affect the proteome, we analyzed the post-translational modification S-nitrosylation, which is known to affect cardiac arrhythmias. We identified loss of seven known S-nitrosylation sites due to non-synonymous single nucleotide variations (nsSNVs). For predicted nitrosylation sites we found 1429 proteins where the sites are modified due to nsSNV. Analysis of the predicted S-nitrosylation dataset for over- or under-representation (compared to the complete human proteome) of pathways and functional elements shows significant statistical over-representation of the blood coagulation pathway. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis displays statistically over-represented terms related to muscle contraction, receptor activity, motor activity, cystoskeleton components, and microtubule activity. Through the genomic and proteomic context of SNVs and S-nitrosylation sites presented in this study, researchers can look for variation that can predispose individuals to cardiac arrhythmias. Such attempts to elucidate mechanisms of arrhythmia thereby add yet another useful parameter in predicting susceptibility for cardiac diseases.
Changing Body Image and Well-Being: Following the Experience of Massive Weight Loss and Body Contouring Surgery
Authors: Gilmartin Jo , Long Andrew , Soldin Mark
Published: March 2014

This paper reports on the perception of changing body image and well-being for patients who had undergone plastic surgery following massive weight loss. The exploratory, qualitative study was undertaken with 20 patients from one teaching hospital in the south of England. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and a thematic analysis of the data undertaken. The results provide important insights regarding body contouring influencing body image change and the adjustment process involved. The ability to pursue self-esteem and the accruing social benefits is emphasized in the interrelated sub themes including social acceptance, undoing depression and sexual vitality. Body contouring surgery following massive weight loss appears to facilitate improvement in body image and well-being. Adjustment to the changing body image is both empowering and challenging. Supportive educational programmes need to be developed to assist this transition to a more positive body image and appreciation; these could usefully include access to and involvement with patient support groups.
An Introduction to the ESC Working Group on Development, Anatomy and Pathology
Authors: Franco Diego , Ho S. , Kelly Robert
Published: March 2014

The articles and reviews in this inaugural edition of the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease have been written by presenters at the 2013 Meeting of the European Society of Cardiology’s Working Group (WG) on Development, Anatomy and Pathology. The WG meeting provides an annual forum for researchers and clinicians interested in cardiac development and pathology to exchange expertise and present and debate new results, with the goal of furthering our understanding of the origins of congenital heart defects and cardiac pathology. Here we introduce the WG through a short account of the WG’s history and current activities.
Polypropylene Production Optimization in Fluidized Bed Catalytic Reactor (FBCR): Statistical Modeling and Pilot Scale Experimental Validation
Authors: Khan Mohammad , Hussain Mohd , Mujtaba Iqbal
Published: March 2014

Propylene is one type of plastic that is widely used in our everyday life. This study focuses on the identification and justification of the optimum process parameters for polypropylene production in a novel pilot plant based fluidized bed reactor. This first-of-its-kind statistical modeling with experimental validation for the process parameters of polypropylene production was conducted by applying ANNOVA (Analysis of variance) method to Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three important process variables i.e., reaction temperature, system pressure and hydrogen percentage were considered as the important input factors for the polypropylene production in the analysis performed. In order to examine the effect of process parameters and their interactions, the ANOVA method was utilized among a range of other statistical diagnostic tools such as the correlation between actual and predicted values, the residuals and predicted response, outlier t plot, 3D response surface and contour analysis plots. The statistical analysis showed that the proposed quadratic model had a good fit with the experimental results. At optimum conditions with temperature of 75 °C, system pressure of 25 bar and hydrogen percentage of 2%, the highest polypropylene production obtained is 5.82% per pass. Hence it is concluded that the developed experimental design and proposed model can be successfully employed with over a 95% confidence level for optimum polypropylene production in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor (FBCR).
A Practical Strategy to Discover New Antitumor Compounds by Activating Silent Metabolite Production in Fungi by Diethyl Sulphate Mutagenesis
Authors: Fang Shi-Ming , Wu Chang-Jing , Li Chang-Wei , Cui Cheng-Bin
Published: March 2014

Many fungal biosynthetic pathways are silent in standard culture conditions, and activation of the silent pathways may enable access to new metabolites with antitumor activities. The aim of the present study was to develop a practical strategy for microbial chemists to access silent metabolites in fungi. We demonstrated this strategy using a marine-derived fungus Penicillium purpurogenum G59 and a modified diethyl sulphate mutagenesis procedure. Using this strategy, we discovered four new antitumor compounds named penicimutanolone (1), penicimutanin A (2), penicimutanin B (3), and penicimutatin (4). Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially extensive 2D NMR analysis. Antitumor activities were assayed by the MTT method using human cancer cell lines. Bioassays and HPLC-photodiode array detector (PDAD)-UV and HPLC-electron spray ionization (ESI)-MS analyses were used to estimate the activated secondary metabolite production. Compounds 2 and 3 had novel structures, and 1 was a new compound belonging to a class of very rare natural products from which only four members are so far known. Compounds 1–3 inhibited several human cancer cell lines with IC50 values lower than 20 μM, and 4 inhibited the cell lines to some extent. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy to discover new compounds by activating silent fungal metabolic pathways. These discoveries provide rationale for the increased use of chemical mutagenesis strategies in silent fungal metabolite studies.
Nanofiltration of Mine Water: Impact of Feed pH and Membrane Charge on Resource Recovery and Water Discharge
Authors: Mullett Mark , Fornarelli Roberta , Ralph David
Published: March 2014

Two nanofiltration membranes, a Dow NF 270 polyamide thin film and a TriSep TS 80 polyamide thin film, were investigated for their retention of ionic species when filtering mine influenced water streams at a range of acidic pH values. The functional iso-electric point of the membranes, characterized by changes in retention over a small pH range, were examined by filtering solutions of sodium sulphate. Both membranes showed changes in retention at pH 3, suggesting a zero net charge on the membranes at this pH. Copper mine drainage and synthetic solutions of mine influenced water were filtered using the same membranes. These solutions were characterized by pH values within 2 and 5, thus crossing the iso-electric point of both membranes. Retention of cations was maximized when the feed solution pH was less than the iso-electric point of the membrane. In these conditions, the membrane has a net positive charge, reducing the transmission rate of cations. From the recoveries of a range of cations, the suitability of nanofiltration was discussed relative to the compliance with mine water discharge criteria and the recovery of valuable commodity metals. The nanofiltration process was demonstrated to offer advantages in metal recovery from mine waste streams, concomitantly enabling discharge criteria for the filtrate disposal to be met.
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) Enhancement Comparison of Impulse-, Coding- and Novel Linear-Frequency-Chirp-Based Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) for Passive Optical Network (PON) Monitoring Based on Unique Combinations of Wavelength Selective Mirrors
Authors: Bentz Christopher , Baudzus Lars , Krummrich Peter
Published: March 2014

We compare optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) techniques based on conventional single impulse, coding and linear frequency chirps concerning their signal to noise ratio (SNR) enhancements by measurements in a passive optical network (PON) with a maximum one-way attenuation of 36.6 dB. A total of six subscribers, each represented by a unique mirror pair with narrow reflection bandwidths, are installed within a distance of 14 m. The spatial resolution of the OTDR set-up is 3.0 m.
Assessing the Robustness of Vegetation Indices to Estimate Wheat N in Mediterranean Environments
Authors: Cammarano Davide , Fitzgerald Glenn , Casa Raffaele , Basso Bruno
Published: March 2014

Remotely sensed vegetation indices have been extensively used to quantify plant and soil characteristics. The objectives of this study were to: (i) compare vegetation indices developed at different scales for measuring canopy N content (g∙N∙m−2) and concentration (%); and (ii) evaluate the effects of soil background reflectance, cultivar, illumination and atmospheric conditions on the ability of vegetation indices to estimate canopy N content. Data were collected from two rainfed field sites cropped to wheat in Southern Italy (Foggia) and in Southeastern Australia (Horsham). From spectral readings, 25 vegetation indices were calculated. The Perpendicular Vegetation Index showed the best prediction of plant N concentration (%) (r2 = 0.81; standard error (SE) = 0.41%; p < 0.001). The Canopy Chlorophyll Content Index showed the best predictive capability for canopy N content (g∙N∙m−2) (r2 = 0.73; SE = 0.603; p < 0.001). Canopy N content was best related to indices developed at the canopy scale and containing a red-edge wavelength. Canopy-scale indices were related to canopy N%, but such relationships needed to be normalized with biomass. Geographical location influenced mainly simple ratio or normalized indices, while indices that contained red-edge wavelengths were more robust and able to estimate canopy parameters more accurately.
Ambient Intelligence Application Based on Environmental Measurements Performed with an Assistant Mobile Robot
Authors: Martinez Dani , Teixidó Mercè , Font Davinia , Moreno Javier , Tresanchez Marcel , Marco Santiago , Palacín Jordi
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes the use of an autonomous assistant mobile robot in order to monitor the environmental conditions of a large indoor area and develop an ambient intelligence application. The mobile robot uses single high performance embedded sensors in order to collect and geo-reference environmental information such as ambient temperature, air velocity and orientation and gas concentration. The data collected with the assistant mobile robot is analyzed in order to detect unusual measurements or discrepancies and develop focused corrective ambient actions. This paper shows an example of the measurements performed in a research facility which have enabled the detection and location of an uncomfortable temperature profile inside an office of the research facility. The ambient intelligent application has been developed by performing some localized ambient measurements that have been analyzed in order to propose some ambient actuations to correct the uncomfortable temperature profile.
Economic Feasibility Analysis of the Application of Geothermal Energy Facilities to Public Building Structures
Authors: Kim Sangyong , Jang Young , Shin Yoonseok , Kim Gwang-Hee
Published: March 2014

This study aims to present an efficient plan for the application of a geothermal energy facility at the building structure planning phase. Energy consumption, energy cost and the primary energy consumption of buildings were calculated to enable a comparison of buildings prior to the application of a geothermal energy facility. The capacity for energy savings and the costs related to the installation of such a facility were estimated. To obtain more reliable criteria for economic feasibility, the lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis incorporated maintenance costs (reflecting repair and replacement cycles based on construction work specifications of a new renewable energy facility) and initial construction costs (calculated based on design drawings for its practical installation). It is expected that the findings of this study will help in the selection of an economically viable geothermal energy facility at the building construction planning phase.
Interspecific differences in whole‐plant respiration vs. biomass scaling relationships: A case study using evergreen conifer and angiosperm tree seedlings
Authors: Cheng Dongliang , Niklas Karl J. , Zhong Quanlin , Yang Yusheng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Empirical studies and theory indicate that respiration rates (R) of small plants scale nearly isometrically with both leaf biomass (ML) and total plant biomass (MT). These predictions are based on angiosperm species and apply only across a small range of body mass. Whether these relationships hold true for different plants, such as conifers, remains unclear.

• Methods: We tested these predictions using the whole‐plant maintenance respiration rates and the biomass allocation patterns of the seedlings of two conifer tree species and two angiosperm tree species. Model Type II regression protocols were used to compare the scaling exponents (α) and normalization constants (β) across all four species and within each of the four species.

• Key results: The data show that the scaling exponents varied among the four species and that all differed significantly from isometry. For conifers, scaling exponents for R vs. MT, and R and ML were numerically smaller than those of the broadleaved angiosperm species. However, across the entire data set, R scaled isometrically with ML and with MT as predicted by the West, Brown, and Enquist (WBE) theory. We also observed higher respiration rates for small conifer seedlings compared to comparably sized angiosperm seedlings.

• Conclusions: Our data add credence to the view that the R vs. M scaling relationship differs among species, and that in general, the numerical values of this interspecific scaling relationship will depend on the species pooled in the analysis and on the range of body sizes within the data set.
La réflexivité des acteurs universitaires : un mode d'appropriation par simplification des logiques d'évaluation du NPM ?
Authors: Mériade Laurent
Published: March 2014

Les transformations qui s’opèrent au sein des universités françaises depuis le début des années 2000 témoignent du succès du concept du « New Public Management » (NPM) dans les organisations publiques (Vinokur, 2008) que les réformes récentes (L.O.L.F. en 2006 et L.R.U. en 2007) sont venues concrétiser. Notre préoccupation théorique est de questionner le processus d’appropriation de l’instrumentation du NPM (Lascoumes et Simard, 2011) en associant l’approche par les leviers de contrôle (Simons 1995) et la logique d’appropriation des outils de gestion (de Vaujany et Grimand 2005). De manière pratique, nous étudions les perceptions de la performance des présidents d’université afin de mesurer leur contenu réflexif (Archer, 1995 ; 2002) à partir d’une étude approfondie des principaux indicateurs d’évaluation complétée par une enquête exploratoire. Trois niveaux de simplification des instruments d’évaluation sont identifiés et rattachés à trois niveaux d’appropriation combinant rationalité et réflexivité des agents publics.
Teaching Technical Writing: Opportunities for International Collaboration
Authors: Seawright Leslie E.
Published: March 2014

Globalization of our modern economies requires a workforce that can move easily between time zones and cultures. Professors cannot ignore the drastic impact globalization has and will place upon engineering students. In order to be prepared for a competitive job market and the actual requirements of many engineering positions, students need to understand the constraints and challenges of working with colleagues that may live and work in different cultures, countries, languages, and contexts. However, engineering education rarely offers students an opportunity to practice the realities of our digital and intercultural working environments. This paper outlines one way to offer engineering students with collaborative, international, and intercultural writing projects. Students from a technical writing course in the United States were paired with engineering students in Qatar to develop a set of instructions using multimedia methods. Students learned a great deal from the real-world experience of writing and creating a project across two continents.
Online Experimentation in Education and Training
Authors: Restivo Maria Teresa , Cardoso Alberto
Published: March 2014

The increasing use of emergent technologies in industry, medicine, research, training and education attests to the relevance of their integration in teaching/learning approaches.

Online experimentation comprises remote and virtual experimentation also supported and complemented by other online tools that incorporate necessarily the use of emergent technologies.

The present work synthesizes the final outcomes of a project aiming to develop, use and disseminate Online Experimentation, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Some application examples are given to illustrate the use of online experimentation on different contexts, such as secondary and higher education (STEM), lifelong learning or industrial training.
A Critical Role for Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in Nickel-Induced Allergy in Mice
Authors: Ashrin Meinar Nur , Arakaki Rieko , Yamada Akiko , Kondo Tomoyuki , Kurosawa Mie , Kudo Yasusei , Watanabe Megumi , Ichikawa Tetsuo , Hayashi Yoshio , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: March 2014

Ni is the most frequent cause of contact allergy induced by metals. However, the underlying mechanism of this induction is unknown. Our previous research demonstrates that activation of dendritic cells (DCs) through p38MAPK/MKK6 is required for Ni-induced allergy in mice. In the current study, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Ni-induced allergy using a mouse model that involves injecting Ni into the ear, with or without Freund’s incomplete or complete adjuvants. Nickel had greater potential to cause allergic reactions compared with palladium and gold. Among the proteins expressed at higher levels in mice with Ni-induced allergy, we focused on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is produced in abundance by keratinocytes. We detected increased expression of the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) in DCs from cervical lymph nodes of mice with Ni-induced allergy, suggesting that DCs in ear tissues were activated through TSLPR signaling induced by keratinocyte-derived TSLP. Furthermore, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in mice with Ni-induced allergy were decreased significantly by injection of a Tslp–short interfering RNA along with atelocollagen in the ear skin. These results suggest that Ni allergy may be triggered by a TSLP/TSLPR-mediated interaction between epithelial and immune cells.
Congenital Heart Disease Linked to Maternal Autoimmunity against Cardiac Myosin
Authors: Cole Charles R. , Yutzey Katherine E. , Brar Anoop K. , Goessling Lisa S. , VanVickle-Chavez Sarah J. , Cunningham Madeleine W. , Eghtesady Pirooz
Published: March 2014

Structural congenital heart disease (CHD) has not previously been linked to autoimmunity. In our study, we developed an autoimmune model of structural CHD that resembles hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a life-threatening CHD primarily affecting the left ventricle. Because cardiac myosin (CM) is a dominant autoantigen in autoimmune heart disease, we hypothesized that immunization with CM might lead to transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies and a prenatal HLHS phenotype in exposed fetuses. Elevated anti-CM autoantibodies in maternal and fetal sera, as well as IgG reactivity in fetal myocardium, were correlated with structural CHD that included diminished left ventricular cavity dimensions in the affected progeny. Further, fetuses that developed a marked HLHS phenotype had elevated serum titers of anti–β-adrenergic receptor Abs, as well as increased protein kinase A activity, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed pathological changes. Our maternal–fetal model presents a new concept linking autoimmunity against CM and cardiomyocyte proliferation with cardinal features of HLHS. To our knowledge, this report shows the first evidence in support of a novel immune-mediated mechanism for pathogenesis of structural CHD that may have implications in its future diagnosis and treatment.
Age-Enhanced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Contributes to Increased Atg9A Inhibition of STING-Mediated IFN-β Production during Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection
Authors: Mitzel Dana N. , Lowry Virginia , Shirali Anushree C. , Liu Yushi , Stout-Delgado Heather W.
Published: March 2014

Pneumococcal infections remain a leading cause of death in persons ≥65 y of age. Recent reports have illustrated detrimental changes in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response or unfolded protein response in aging and age-related diseases; however, the relationship between aging, the unfolded protein response, and innate immune responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae has not been fully elucidated. Our results illustrate that stimulator of IFN genes–mediated production of IFN-β during S. pneumoniae infection is decreased in aged hosts. Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress in response to S. pneumoniae augmented inositol-requiring protein 1/X-box binding protein 1–mediated production of autophagy-related gene 9 (Atg9a). Knockdown of Atg9a or treatment with gemcitabine HCl resulted in enhanced stimulator of IFN genes–mediated production of IFN-β by aged macrophages. Consecutive treatments with gemcitabine during in vivo S. pneumoniae infection decreased morbidity and mortality in aged hosts, which was associated with decreased Atg9a expression, increased IFN-β production, and improved bacterial clearance from lung tissue. Taken together, data presented in this study provide new evidence as to why older persons are more susceptible to S. pneumoniae, and provide a possible mechanism to enhance these responses, thereby decreasing morbidity and mortality in this population.
Roches et minéraux du collectionneur, nord-est de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Ile du Cap-Breton et Ile-du-Prince-Édouard
Authors: Sabina A P
Published: March 2014

Occurrences of minerals, rocks, and fossils are described from seventy-five easily accessible localities in northeastern Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. A few rocks and minerals are suitable for ornamental purposes, but the majority of the deposits furnish
specimen material only. In the area between Dartmouth and the Strait of Canso, there are numerous old gold mines and a few copper, lead, tungsten, and iron mines. Good specimens of specularite, siderite, arsenopyrite, and andalusite can be collected. In the Antigonish-Amherst region, attractive
specimens of copper-bearing plant fossils are found in old copper mines. Other deposits include hematite, barite, celestine, agalmatolite, diatomite, and limestone. In Cape Breton, there are numerous deposits of gypsum and limestone, including crystalline and shell limestones. Metallic-mineral
specimens can be obtained from old lead, zinc, copper, and bismuth mines. Attractive barite-fluorite specimens are found in old mines near Lake Ainslie. Two ornamental-type rocks suitable for the lapidary are described: Mainadieu felsite breccia and Scotch Lake serpentine-bearing crystalline
limestone. Shoreline exposures of sedimentary rocks in Prince Edward Island provide specimens of mineralized fossil plant remains. Good specimens of barite, crystalline quartz, and hematite are found at a locality near Charlottetown, and an uncommon copper mineral - paratacamite - occurs near
Summerside.
The GeoHashTree: a multi-resolution data structure for the management of point clouds
Authors: Sabo N , Beaulieu A , Bélanger D , Belzile Y , Piché B
Published: March 2014

Over a number of years, LiDAR has become one of the major elevation data acquisition technologies. However, the management of LiDAR data is extremely complex due to the phenomenal amount of data generated by the technology. To facilitate LiDAR data management,
this article proposes a GeoHashTree, which is a multi-resolution data structure for managing different types of point clouds. GeoHashTree is a hierarchical structure which can present irregular data with various levels of abstraction. In addition to facilitating the management of point clouds, the
structure minimizes data storage space considerably, while also facilitating data access and handling. In this article we present this structure. In addition to introducing the GeoHashTree, the article also describes a prototype based on the structure.
The use of surface corona discharges to excite high-pressure gas-lasers
Authors: Brink D. J. , Von Bergmann H. M.
Published: March 2014

A stabilization technique for the production of homogeneous gas discharge at high pressures has been developed. The technique is based on photo-pre-ionization from a corona-type surface-discharge. It was possible to develop a number of laser systems based on this stabilization principle, which exceeded the performance of conventional systems in many respects. This paper provides a summary of the most important properties and principles of the surface discharges. Four laser systems utilizing this stabilization method are also discussed.
The preservation of M-injectivity in the forming of factor modules
Authors: Döman D.
Published: March 2014

For a given module M the factor modules of M-injective modules are not necessarily M-injective. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived under which it is the case if M is projective. The result is used to characterize hereditary rings.
A national strategy for the management of congenital and hereditary disorders
Authors: Op't Hof J.
Published: March 2014

Chronic conditions such as congenital and hereditary disorders not only involve high treatment - and caring costs but have far reaching social and psychosocial implications. Throughout the world, human geneticists are in agreement that about 5 percent of all newborns have a significant genetic disorder. Since genetic disorders can seldom or never be treated or corrected, the possibilities of prevention have become a necessary consideration. Consequently an attempt has been made in the R.S.A. to manage genetic disorders which is aimed at prevention in community context. The strategy and criteria for determining priorities are also discussed. Methods for prevention and the possible effects thereof are outlined. In retrospect it appears that the establishment of a national genetics programme is warranted, and the practical value of such a programme is indicated from the progress made to date.
The incidence and azimuth angles of hailfall
Authors: Roos D.
Published: March 2014

Simple equipment and mathematical methods for determining the incidence and azimuth angles of hailstones and a representative value of the wind speed during hailfall are presented. These techniques are currently employed in research in agriculture.
Statistics in historical-philosophical perspective
Authors: Geertsema J. C.
Published: March 2014

The philosophical background against which statistics as a science developed, is discussed. The discussion shows that statistics is not isolated from the society within which it is practised and that an understanding of these influences provides insight into statistics. It is also shown that there should be a special relationship between statistics and philosophy since the problems which are considered are closely related. Unfortunately there is little evidence of interaction in practice.
Natural Law and Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Haarhoff P. C.
Published: March 2014

The first technological revolution, in the fourth millennium BC, was followed by immense social progress. The second revolution, which is now taking place, could lead to an even greater development in the human sciences, by setting men free from their daily struggle for existence while simultaneously exacting high social standards. Natural law - the “marriage between the ways of heaven and the ways of earth” of the Chinese - represents a route to such progress. In natural science and technology, natural law demands that conclusions be based on observation rather than speculation. The social sciences would do well to follow this example.
A search for evidence of a remote human past in Africa
Authors: Spies A.
Published: March 2014

The changes that primate skulls have undergone are of utmost importance regarding teeth, volume of braincase and position of the foramen magnum. Should the foramen magnum face directly downward, the head would have been carried over the spine, proving erectness and bipedalism. The knowledge of the half-life of certain radio-active isotopes is the key for calculating the age of a fossil. Changes of any part of an animal becoming fossilized are very slight. Chances of finding it are so much more slight. In Oligocene times the anthropoid primates were successful tree-dwellers. The Fayum was heavily wooded, a fine place for proto-monkeys to live - and evolve. Evolve they did, for the Fayum contains a uniquely rich deposit of primate fossils.
The effect of antimicrobial agents on the immune system
Authors: Van Rensburg A. J. , Anderson R.
Published: March 2014

The primary consideration in the choice of an antimicrobial agent is its specific antibacterial activity. However, an intact immune system is essential for the successful elimination of the pathogen. Several antimicrobial agents inhibit different aspects of the immune system and are best avoided in the treatment of immunesuppressed patients, in children and for long-term therapy. Antimicrobial agents which stimulate the immune system can be used with good effect in these patients.
The primary structure of a short neurotoxin homologue from Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis (Black mamba) venom
Authors: Joubert F. J.
Published: March 2014

Toxin CM-7 was purified from black mamba venom by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 followed by ion exchange chromotography on CM-cellulose. It contains 60 amino acids, including eight half-cystines. The complete amino acid sequence of toxin CM-7 has been elucidated. In toxin CM-7 the eleven structurally invariant amino acids of the neurotoxins and cardiotoxins are conserved, but it has only one of the five functionally invariant amino acids of the neurotoxins. The eight cysteine residues of toxin CM-7 are in the same locations as those in short neurotoxins of known structures and are presumed to be similarly cross-linked. The sequence of CM-7 is structurally homologous with the short neurotoxins, but it is less toxic.
Die invloed van skielike verwestersing op die gesondheid van die Boesmanvolk
Authors: Van Staden D. A. , Kloppers P. J.
Published: March 2014

Daar was waarskynlik nog nooit in die geskiedenis van die wêreld ’n volk wat so plotseling oorgeplaas is van ’n uiters primitiewe bestaan na die wonders, en gevare, van die moderne wêreld as die Boesmans in S.W.A. nie. Dit het plaasgevind met die ontstaan van ’n oorlogsituasie in daardie gebied toe groot getalle van hulle gewerf is om diens te doen in die Weermag, waar hulle uitnemende spoorsnyers is. Hulle het dus, met hul gesinne, die tradisionele Steentydperkbestaan verlaat en by die Weermagbasisse kom woon en baie vinnig ’n Westerse leefwyse en ook eetpatroon aanvaar.
Afrikaans in Botany after 75 years of “Akademie” activities
Authors: Van der Schijff H. P.
Published: March 2014

Just like the Afrikaans language itself, the use of Afrikaans as a technical language in Botany made meaningful progress during the last 75 years. It cannot, however, be divorced from the general use of Afrikaans by the Afrikaner in his daily contact with his non-Afrikaans speaking compatriots in all other spheres of activities, such as business, sports or politics. Unless Afrikaans as a spoken language can hold its own in a growing English-speaking community and world, it will not survive as a technical scientific language in Botany. As a technical language only, no language can hold its own. The publishing of scientific papers in international journals by Afrikaans-speaking scientists cannot be attributed to selfishness or a lack of appreciation for their mother tongue. It must also be seen as a means of enhancing the scientific image of his country and of the Afrikaner.
Activity patterns of terrestrial gamebirds in the Willem Pretorius Game reserve, Orange Free State
Authors: Jubelius C. W. , Kok O. B.
Published: March 2014

Activity patterns of the Natal francolin (Francolinus natalensis), Swaison’s francolin (F. swaisoni) and the crowned guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris) appear to be influenced mainly by climatic conditions, either directly or indirectly. Diurnal activities are characterised by early-morning and late-afternoon peaks and long periods of rest during the middle of the day. Feeding is the most important activity of the birds, followed by maintenance and strenuous activities. Seasonal and species-specific preferences in the use of shade apparently play an important thermoregulatory role. In comparison to behaviour patterns carried out in direct sunlight, shade-associated behaviour tends to a greater extent to be dominated by maintenance activities, especially during the wet season.
An analysis of aspects of a rotary engine with an epitrochoid as rotor
Authors: Le Roux H. J.
Published: March 2014

In order to evaluate and compare the different types of internal combustion engine various models are needed. This paper reports on an analysis of various aspects of a rotary internal-combustion engine using an epitrochoid as rotor. Aspects such as rotor movement, kinematics of sealing elements as well as displacement volume are considered. In the discussion certain other aspects such as surface-area to volume ratio and compression ratios are included.