bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Documentation of avian diversity of Khaparwas Bird Sanctuary in Jhajjar district in Haryana, India
Authors: Gupta Rohtash Chand , Parashar Monika , Kaushik Tirshem Kumar
Published: June 2012

Khaparwas is a designated Bird Sanctuary under the administrative control of Wildlife Department of Government of Haryana in India vide notification dated 27th March, 1991. Its total area is 204.36 Acres. During the study period of four years (1997-2002), a total of 164 species of birds belonging to 16 Orders, 44 families were recorded from the Khaparwas bird Sanctuary in Jhajjar district in Haryana, India.  Out of 164 species of birds, 104 species were residents, 45 species were winter migratory, 9 species of birds local migratory, 5 species were summer migratory and one species of bird was Straggler. In so far as, Abundance Status is concerned, 64 species of birds were Occasional, 60 species Common and 40 species were Uncommon. Birds like Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa, Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica, Red Jungle Fowl Gallus gallus, Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata, Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, and Stork Billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis were observed as specific to this area. Prominent migratory birds like Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope, Garganey Anas querquedula, Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha, Common Teal Anas crecca, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia were recorded in winter season only. In view of the present studies, it is strongly recommended that Khaparwas Bird Sanctuary in Jhajjar district in Haryana must be conserved in a better way, due to its proximity to Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary and Keoldeo National Park in Rajasthan and the rich avian diversity observed in present studies. Khaparwas has the potential to occupy a National Character as a Sanctuary.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5597
Determination of toxigenic potential of Fusarium species occurring on sorghum and maize grains produced in Karnataka, India by using Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Sreenivasa MY , Diwakar BT , Raj Adkar Purushothama Charith , Dass Regina Sharmila , Naidu KA , Janardhana GR
Published: June 2012

In the present study, the fumonisin producing ability of Fusarium species from different geographic regions of Karnataka was investigated. Sorghum and maize samples were examined for the presence of mycotoxigenic Fusarium species and their efficacy to produce fumonisins on maize patties. Mycological studies confirmed the occurrence of toxigenic Fusarium species such as F. verticillioides (18), F. proliferatum (2) and F. anthophilum (2) isolates. Efficacy to produce fumonisins on maize patties was carried out by using thin-layer chromatography. Fumonisin B1 and B2 were detected as a red-purple spots with an Rf value of 6.1 and 6.3 respectively. The TLC analysis showed that 17 of 18 F. verticillioides isolates, 02 of 02 F. proliferatum isolates and 01 of 02 F. anthophilum isolates produced fumonisins. On the chromatograms, identical colored spots for standards and samples with same Rf value were detected. Early detection of toxigenic Fusarium species is the urgent need of the hour to prevent the entry of these toxic substances into the food chains.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5883
Targeted cancer therapies: an overview
Authors: Najar Ishtiyaq Ahmad , Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Johri Rakesh Kamal
Published: June 2012

Cancer medically known as malignant neoplasm is a group of different diseases all involving unregulated cell growth due to defects in the genetic makeup of two types of genes, i.e. oncogene, which drive the growth of cancer cells and tumor suppressor genes which prevent cancer from developing. Cancer is detected in a number of ways, including symptoms, screening tests, medical imaging and is usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. With the advancement in medical sciences, targeted cancer therapy has got lot of importance which has many benefits, comforts and patient friendly as compared to conventional therapies. This review gives an insight of the various targeted therapies, their role and impact in treatment of various types of cancers. Targeted cancer therapies like monoclonal antibodies, nanoparticle-aptamer bioconjugates, oligopeptide-based, folate-based, AdNectins, microfluidics and nanotechnology approaches have led to deliver target- oriented toxic drugs to specific cancer cells.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.6085
Determinants of skilled birth attendants for delivery in Nepal
Authors: Baral Y R , Lyons K , Skinner J , Van Teijlingen E R
Published: June 2012

This review is to explore the factors affecting the uptake of skilled birth attendants for delivery and the issues associated with women’s role and choices of maternal health care service for delivery in Nepal. Literature was reviewed across the globe and discussed in a Nepalese context. Delivery by Skilled Birth Attendance serves as an indicator of progress towards reducing maternal mortality worldwide, the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Nepal has committed to reducing its maternal mortality by 75% by 2015 through ensuring accessibility to the availability and utilisation of skilled care at every birth. The literature suggests that several socio-economic, cultural and religious factors play a significant role in the use of Skilled Birth Attendance for delivery in Nepal. Availability of transportation and distance to the health facility; poor infrastructure and lack of services; availability and accessibility of the services; cost and convenience; staff shortages and attitudes; gender inequality; status of women in society; women’s involvement in decision making; and women’s autonomy and place of residence are significant contributing factors for uptake of Skilled Birth Attendance for delivery in Nepal. The review found more quantitative research studies exploring the determinants of utilisation of the maternal health services during pregnancy in Nepal than qualitative studies. Findings of quantitative research show that different social demographic, economic, socio-cultural and religious factors are responsible for the utilisation of maternal health services but very few studies discussed how and why these factors are responsible for utilisation of skilled birth attendants in pregnancy. It is suggested that there is need for more qualitative research to explore the women’s role and choice regarding use of skilled birth attendants services and to find out how and why these factors are responsible for utilisation of skilled birth attendants for delivery. Qualitative research will help further exploration of the issues and contribute to improvement of maternal health services.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6223 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):325-32
Revitalizing primary health care - another utopian goal?
Authors: Marahatta S B
Published: June 2012

The quest for greater efficiency, fairness and responsiveness to the expectation of the people that system serve have brought about three generations of health system reforms in the twentieth century. The first generation saw the founding of national health care systems and extension to middle income nations of social insurance systems in the 1940s and 1950s. By the late 1960s the rising costs of hospital based care, its usage by better off, inaccessibility by the poor and rural population of even the most basic services heralded second generation reforms promoting primary health care as a means of achieving the affordable universal coverage. It included the best public health strategy that is prevention and the highest ethical principle of public health that is equity. It was expected the best system for reaching households with essential and affordable care, and the best route towards universal coverage. The primary health care approach though adopted universally did not materialize its notion of translating ethos of Health for All by 2000. Overall, primary health care movement by the end of 20th century became lifeless. Since the Declaration of Alma-Ata, fundamental changes have occurred affecting health service delivery, such as economic development and financing approaches, globalization of trade and knowledge, and the shift to privatization. This is the time to develop a new vision, taking into consideration the many changes affecting global health and the strategic developments in health of recent years. With this recognition, the third generation of reforms now underway in many countries is driven by the idea of responding more to demand, assuring access for the poor and emphasizing financing rather than just provision within the public sector. The key concern is: how to translate ethos of revitalizing in the reality. Otherwise the revitalizing concept will turn into utopian goal so like HFA by 2000 strategy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6225 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):341-51
The U-City Paradigm: Opportunities and Risks for E-Democracy in Collaborative Planning
Authors: Rotondo Francesco
Published: June 2012

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) tools appear to enhance the possibilities offered by a collaborative approach to planning. The present paper analyzes both the results of experiences of the author and of those available in the literature, highlighting possible advantages and disadvantages. After a brief introduction to the meaning of e-democracy, the second part focuses on the role of ICT in collaborative planning, proceeding in the third part to an illustration of an initial panorama of knowledge gathered using ICT in such processes, while discussing criticisms and opportunities. The fourth part discusses the U-city paradigm as a driver of change in urban planning participation processes. Research perspectives are then outlined in the final part.
The Kiss-and-Run Model of Intra-Golgi Transport
Authors: Mironov Alexander A. , Beznoussenko Galina V.
Published: June 2012

The Golgi apparatus (GA) is the main station along the secretory pathway. Mechanisms of intra-Golgi transport remain unresolved. Three models compete with each other for the right to be defined as the paradigm. The vesicular model cannot explain the following: (1) lipid droplets and aggregates of procollagen that are larger than coatomer I (COPI)-dependent vesicles are transported across the GA; and (2) most anterograde cargoes are depleted in COPI vesicles. The compartment progression/maturation model has the following problems: (1) most Golgi-resident proteins are depleted in COPI vesicles; (2) there are no COPI vesicles for the recycling of the resident proteins in the trans-most-Golgi cisterna; and (3) different proteins have different rates of intra-Golgi transport. The diffusion model based on permanent inter-cisternal connections cannot explain the existence of lipid, ionic and protein gradients across the Golgi stacks. In contrast, the kiss-and-run model has the potential to explain most of the experimental observations. The kiss-and-run model can be symmetric when fusion and then fission occurs in the same place, and asymmetric when fusion takes place in one location, whereas fission takes place in another. The asymmetric kiss-and-run model resembles the carrier maturation mechanism, and it can be used to explain the transport of large cargo aggregates.
Determination of Aniline and Its Derivatives in Environmental Water by Capillary Electrophoresis with On-Line Concentration
Authors: Liu Shuhui , Wang Wenjun , Chen Jie , Sun Jianzhi
Published: June 2012

This paper describes a simple, sensitive and environmentally benign method for the direct determination of aniline and its derivatives in environmental water samples by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with field-enhanced sample injection. The parameters that influenced the enhancement and separation efficiencies were investigated. Surprisingly, under the optimized conditions, two linear ranges for the calibration plot, 1–50 ng/mL and 50–1000 ng/mL (R > 0.998), were obtained. The detection limit was in the range of 0.29–0.43 ng/mL. To eliminate the effect of the real sample matrix on the stacking efficiency, the standard addition method was applied to the analysis of water samples from local rivers.
Water Assisted Growth of C60 Rods and Tubes by Liquid–Liquid Interfacial Precipitation Method
Authors: Barzegar Hamid Reza , Nitze Florian , Malolepszy Artur , Stobinski Leszek , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Wågberg Thomas
Published: June 2012

C60 nanorods with hexagonal cross sections are grown using a static liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method in a system of C60/m-dichlorobenzene solution and ethanol. Adding water to the ethanol phase leads instead to C60 tubes where both length and diameter of the C60 tubes can be controlled by the water content in the ethanol. Based on our observations we find that the diameter of the rods/tubes strongly depends on the nucleation step. We propose a liquid-liquid interface growth model of C60 rods and tubes based on the diffusion rate of the good C60 containing solvent into the poor solvent as well as on the size of the crystal seeds formed at the interface between the two solvents. The grown rods and tubes exhibit a hexagonal solvate crystal structure with m-dichlorobenzene solvent molecules incorporated into the crystal structure, independent of the water content. An annealing step at 200 °C at a pressure < 1 kPa transforms the grown structures into a solvent-free face centered cubic structure. Both the hexagonal and the face centered cubic structures are very stable and neither morphology nor structure shows any signs of degradation after three months of storage.
Functional and Preliminary Characterisation of Hydrocolloid from Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Puree
Authors: Gannasin Sri Puvanesvari , Ramakrishnan Yogeshini , Adzahan Noranizan Mohd. , Muhammad Kharidah
Published: June 2012

Hydrocolloid from tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) puree was extracted using water and characterised for the first time. Proximate compositions of the extracted hydrocolloid were also determined. Functional characteristics such as water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and stability of the hydrocolloid were evaluated in comparison to that of commercial hydrocolloids. Its functional groups and degree of esterification were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Monosaccharide profiling was done using reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Screening of various fruits for high hydrocolloid yield after water extraction resulted in tamarillo giving the highest yield. The yield on dry weight basis was 8.30%. The hydrocolloid constituted of 0.83% starch, 21.18% protein and 66.48% dietary fibre with 49.47% degree of esterification and the monosaccharides identified were mannose, ribose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose. Higher oil-holding capacity, emulsifying activity and emulsion stability compared to commercial hydrocolloids propose its possible application as a food emulsifier and bile acid binder. Foaming capacity of 32.19% and good foam stabilisation (79.36% of initial foam volume after 2 h of foam formation) suggest its promising application in frothy beverages and other foam based food products. These findings suggest that water-extracted tamarillo hydrocolloid can be utilised as an alternative to low methoxyl pectin.
Hair Follicle Stem Cells Derived from Single Rat Vibrissa via Organ Culture Reconstitute Hair Follicles in Vivo
Authors: Zhang Shoubing , Hu Huimin , Zhang Huishan , Liu Shuang , Liu Shu , Zhang Ying , Lei Xiaohua , Ning Lina , Cao Yujing , Duan Enkui
Published: June 2012

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are potentially useful for the treatment of skin injuries and diseases. To achieve clinical application, a prerequisite must be accomplished: harvesting enough HFSCs from limited skin biopsy. The commonly used sorting approach for isolating HFSCs, however, suffers from its intrinsic disadvantages, such as requirement of large-scale skin biopsy. Here, we report an efficient organ culture method to isolate and expand rat HFSCs from limited skin biopsy and these HFSCs could reconstitute the epidermis and the hair follicles (HFs). Seventy-three percent of cultured HFs formed hair follicle stem cell colonies from the bulge, and a single hair follicle provided all the HFSCs used in this research, demonstrating the high efficiency of this method. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining results revealed that these stem cells obtained from the bulge highly expressed basal layer markers K14 and alpha-6 integrin, epithelial stem cell marker P63, and bulge stem cell marker K15. After long-term culture in vitro, GFP-labeled hair follicle stem cells formed new hair follicles, epidermis, and sebaceous glands following xenotransplantation into the back of nude mice. This study indicated that multipotent hair follicle stem cells could be efficiently harvested through organ culture from limited skin material—even a single hair follicle—and reconstitute hair follicles in vivo after long-term expansion culture, providing the basis for future clinical applications.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Augment Neurogenesis in the Subventricular Zone and Enhance Differentiation of Neural Precursor Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons in the Substantia Nigra of a Parkinsonian Model
Authors: Park Hyun-Jung , Shin Jin Young , Lee Bo Ra , Kim Hyun Ok , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: June 2012

Growing evidence has demonstrated that neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) is significantly decreased in Parkinson's disease (PD). Modulation of endogenous neurogenesis would have a significant impact on future therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated the augmentative effects of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on neurogenesis in a PD model. Neurogenesis was assessed in vitro with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) treatment using neural precursor cells (NPCs) isolated from the SVZ and in vivo with a BrdU-injected animal model of PD using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Immunochemical analyses were used to measure neurogenic activity. The number of BrdU-ir cells in the SVZ and the substantia nigra (SN) was significantly increased in the hMSC-treated PD group compared with the MPTP-only-treated group. Double-stained cells for BrdU and tyrosine hydroxylase were notably observed in the SN of hMSC-treated PD animals, and they did not colocalize with the nuclear matrix; however, double-stained cells were not detected in the SN of the MPTP-induced PD animal model. Furthermore, hMSC administration increased the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the SVZ of PD animals, and the coculture of hMSCs significantly increased the release of EGF in the medium of MPP+-treated NPCs. The present study demonstrated that hMSC administration significantly augmented neurogenesis in both the SVZ and SN of PD animal models, which led to increased differentiation of NPCs into dopaminergic neurons in the SN. Additionally, hMSC-induced modulation of EGF seems to be an underlying contributor to the enhancement of neurogenesis by hMSCs. The modulation of endogenous adult neurogenesis to repair the damaged PD brain using hMSCs would have a significant impact on future strategies for PD treatment.
The relative contributions of insect and bird pollinators to outcrossing in an African Protea (Proteaceae)
Authors: Steenhuisen Sandy‐Lynn , Van der Bank Herman , Johnson Steven D.
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: A useful, but seldom applied, measure of the effectiveness of different pollinators is their contribution to the rate of outcrossing. This measure is particularly useful in facultatively autogamous plants for which seed set cannot be used as a direct measure of pollinator effectiveness. We used selective exclusion experiments to assess the importance of insects for outcrossing in Protea caffra, a facultatively autogamous shrub with scented flowers that are visited frequently by both birds and insects (mainly beetles).

• Methods and results: Pollen loads on stigmas, pollen tube growth, seed set, seed mass, germination, and early seedling survivorship were similar for vertebrate‐excluded and open‐pollinated inflorescences. Pollen‐supplementation mostly did not increase seed set, revealing resource limitation. Mean multilocus outcrossing rates, estimated using eight polymorphic allozyme loci, were similar for progeny from inflorescences excluded from bird visitors (0.65) and for those visited by both birds and insects (0.59). Wright's fixation indices indicated that the adult population is near Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium but differed markedly for maternal plants (FIS = –0.187 ± 0.065) and their early stage progeny (FIS = 0.258 ± 0.002). Since seed from self and cross hand‐pollinations were equally viable in terms of germination, this discrepancy in FIS could be explained by inbreeding depression that occurs between germination and reproductive maturity.

• Conclusions: Since outcrossing rates were not reduced when birds were excluded, we infer that insects are effective agents of cross pollination in P. caffra. This helps to explain the evolution of traits associated with insect pollination, such as fruity floral scent, in this species.
Le management face aux crises : la représentation d'un sujet défaillant
Authors: Simon Bruno
Published: June 2012

Résumé En observant les situations de crise que traversent les secteurs sociaux et médico sociaux et en étudiant la façon dont le management tente inutilement de répondre aux questions qu’elles posent, nous pouvons voir se profiler une nouvelle définition du sujet. Ce n’est plus un sujet construit par l’histoire personnelle et sociale, par l’expérience, ni même un sujet en communication dans le temps présent, mais un sujet défini par son seul positionnement face à un avenir qui lui est présenté en même temps comme incertain et trop complexe pour lui. Privé de sa mémoire et nié dans ses savoir-faire constitués, le sujet est objectivé dans des comportements dévalorisés : il est ainsi accusé d’être résistant au changement, usé au travail, incapable d’adaptation aux enjeux supposés de la modernité.
Observation of Material Degradation under Fatigue and Static Loading Condition Using Selected Electromagnetic NDT Methods
Authors: Psuj Grzegorz , Chady Tomasz , Enokizono Masato
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of observation of material degradation process in steel samples under combined conditions of static and cyclic dynamic loading, using selected electromagnetic NDT methods. To evaluate damages a Barkhausen noise observation, an AC magnetization, a magnetic flux leakage and eddy current method were used.
Energy and Entropy Based Signal Processing for Terahertz Inspection of Homogeneous and Composite Materials Adhesive Joints
Authors: Lopato Przemyslaw , Chady Tomasz
Published: June 2012

Modern industry makes extensive use of various composite materials In this paper terahertz imaging method is proposed for evaluation of various composite materials adhesive joints. The results of inspection (A-scans and C-scans) as well as 2-D distributions of proposed parameters are presented for method validation.
High Temperature Permanent Magnet Machine Actuators for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Tsampouris Evangelos M. , Kakosimos Panagiotis E. , Kladas Antonios
Published: June 2012

The paper presents technologies for developing efficient high temperature permanent magnet machines implemented in aerospace drive applications. Selection criteria and experimental investigation of the permanent magnet material is undertaken and design considerations enabling to meet the specifications set are described. The proposed control algorithm for an appropriate PWM inverter is introduced.
Novel Application of the Perfect Closed Superconducting Loop Made of HTS Wire
Authors: Kósa Janos , Vajda Istvan
Published: June 2012

The paper presents the results of our experiments with novel devices, which may open a new path for advanced applications by using continuous, perfectly closed superconducting YBCO loops. With this solution we wanted to examine whether it is possible to create novel fault current limiter, 3-phase self-limiting transformer. We considered the significance and efficiency of the perfect closed loop made from YBCO wire. The used superconducting wire was produced at SuperPower, Inc. in New York, USA. Type: SF 12050.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Iron Losses of Electrical Steels Subjected to Distorted Supply Voltage Waveform Conditions
Authors: Kefalas Themistoklis D. , Papazacharopoulos Zachos K. , Kladas Antonios
Published: June 2012

Iron losses of grain-oriented electrical steels, is sensitive to the distortion of the supply voltage waveform of the excitation winding. As a result, magnetic cores of electrical machines and transformers manufactured of grain-oriented electrical steels present significant increase of iron losses when working under distorted supply voltage waveform. In the present paper, an experimental apparatus is developed in order to evaluate the effect of distorted supply voltage waveform on iron losses of grain-oriented electrical steels. Also, a theoretical analysis based on the hysteresis design tool of Matlab and the finite element method considering hysteresis is carried out.
Experimental Investigation into the Effect of a Magnetic Field on Magnetorheological Fluids under an Impact Load
Authors: Isnikurniawan Ahmad , Moroka Yoshitaka , Ohba Hiromichi , Sawada Tatsuo
Published: June 2012

The apparent viscosity of magnetorheological (MR) fluids changes in the presence of a magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field applied, the more the apparent viscosity increases. An increase in the apparent viscosity increases the restriction on the flow of MR fluids. In this study, we perform a qualitative analysis to investigate the effect of a magnetic field on MR fluids under an impact load. An experimental apparatus that consists of a drop-test tower was developed to simulate the impact load, and an MR fluid in a U-pipe was subjected to the impact load via a piston rod. In the experiment, we measured the displacement and velocity of the piston rod. On the basis of the results, the influence of a given magnetic field on the behavior of MR fluids under an impact load is discussed.
Simulation of Behavior of Micrometer-Size Particles in the Polishing Process of a Micro-Tube Filled with a Magnetic Fluid under Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Ido Yasushi , Arakawa Kazuya , Asakura Keisuke , Nishida Hitoshi
Published: June 2012

Behavior of suspended magnetic and nonmagnetic micrometer-size particles in a micro-tube filled with a magnetic fluid is investigated by using the discrete particle method based on the simplified Stokesian dynamics in order to know the polishing process of inner wall of a tube. It is shown that the chain-like clusters of magnetic particles are surrounded by clusters of nonmagnetic particles in the presence of uniform magnetic field. The clusters are held in the field direction in case of rotation of the micro-tube and in case of rotation of magnetic field.
Detection of White Layer on Rail by Using SQUID
Authors: Miyazaki Yoshiki , Arai Yuuki , Nagashima Ken , Itozaki Hideo
Published: June 2012

White layers, which often cause a break of a rail, are generated on its top surface when train wheels spin on it. Therefore its early detection of damaged conditions of the rail that may lead to a break is a critical activity in the rail maintenance. In this study, we have developed an effective method to detect the white layer on the top surface of the rail by using a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID).
Evaluation of Ultrasonic Waveform for Flaw-Image Reconstruction Using EMAT Probe
Authors: Nishimura Yoshihiro , Suzuki Takayuki
Published: June 2012

Equations for reconstructing 3D images of internal flaws are presented. Waveforms were measured from a simple reference sample to derive the response function of the probe, and the response function was calculated based on those waveforms. A sample with internal flaws was prepared to evaluate the reconstructed images of internal flaws derived by EMAT using magnetostrictives. 3D-images of an internal flaw could be derived using this response function.
Techno-Economic and Environmental Evaluation of Large Scale PV Integration in Greece
Authors: Katsigiannis Yiannis A. , Karapidakis Emmanuel S. , Tsikalakis Antonis G. , Maravelakis Emmanuel G.
Published: June 2012

This paper evaluates the current status of renewable energy sources integration and future trends, especially of the photovoltaics, in the interconnected power system of Greece and the power system of Crete Island, which is the largest isolated power system in Greece. Focusing on the ongoing developments and prospects, the paper investigates the impacts of the expected sufficient photovoltaic installations on the energy market and the greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the reduction in CO2 emissions costs due to the installation of photovoltaics and other renewable energy technologies.
Spark Plasma Synthesis and Sintering of Superconducting MgB2-Based Materials
Authors: Prikhna Tatiana , Noudem Jacques G. , Gawalek Wolfgang , Mamalis Athanasios G. , Soldatov Alexander , Savchuk Yaroslav , Moshchil Viktor , Eisterer Michael , Weber Harald W. , Dub Sergey , Habisreuther Tobias , Dellith Jan , You Shu Jie , Schmidt Christa , Karau Friedrich , Dittrich Ulrich , Vajda Istvan , Sergienko Nina , Sokolovsky Vladimir , Litzkendorf Doris , Chaud Xavier , Sverdun Vladimir , Kuznietsov Roman
Published: June 2012

Superconducting (SC) and mechanical properties of spark plasma (or SPS) produced MgB2 –based materials allow their efficient applications in fault current limiters, superconducting electromotors, pumps, generators, magnetic bearings, etc. The synthesized from Mg and B at 50 MPa, 1050 °C for 30 min material has a density of 2.52 g/cm3, critical current density, jc = 7.1•105 A/cm2 at 10 K , 5.4 •105 A/cm2 at 20 K, and 9•104 A/cm2 at 35 K in zero magnetic field; at 20 K its field of irreversibility Birr(20)=7 T and upper critical field Bc2(20)=11 T; microhardness HV=10.5 GPa and fracture toughness K1C =1.7 MPa•m1/2 at 4.9 N-load. SPS-manufactured in- situ MgB2-based materials usually have somewhat higher jc than sintered ex-situ. The pressure variations from 16 to 96 MPa during the SPS-process did not affect material SC characteristics significantly; the jc at 10-20 K was slightly higher and the material density was higher by 11%, when pressures of 50-96 MPa were used. The structure of SPS-produced MgB2 material contains Mg-B-O inclusions and inclusions of higher borides (of compositions near MgB4, MgB7, MgB12, MgB17, MgB20), which can be pinning centers. The presence of higher borides in the MgB2 structure can be revealed by the SEM and Raman spectroscopy.
The Sigma Phase Evaluation in Duplex Stainless Steel Using ECT Method
Authors: Camerini Cesar Giron , Psuj Grzegorz , Chady Tomasz , Rebello Joao Marcos Alcoforado
Published: June 2012

An eddy current method was applied to evaluate amount of sigma phase in duplex stainless steel. In the preliminary experiments several transducers configuration were considered. The performance of the transducers were verified utilizing samples having different amount of sigma phase. The configurations presenting the greatest possibility of evaluation of sigma phase were chosen for further experiments. In this paper a dedicated transducer operating in differential mode will be presented. The results will be shown and discussed.
Effects of Prior Corrosion and Stress in Corrosion Fatigue of Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6
Authors: Arriscorreta C.A. , Hoeppner D.W.
Published: June 2012

The nucleation of fatigue cracks from corrosion pits was investigated by evaluating the effects of two variables on the fatigue life of dog-bone specimens of aluminum alloy 7075-T6 (UNS A97075). The specimens were exposed to different levels of corrosion in an acidified saline solution of 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl). In addition, the specimens were exposed to concomitant fatigue and corrosion exposure during fatigue until failure by fracture occurred. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that fatigue cracks formed/nucleated from each pit, and subsurface mechanisms of degradation were identified associated with the pitting nucleation sites including subsurface pitting, cracking, tunneling, and intergranular attack. Failure data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods, and three transformations were evaluated to minimize the variance, including natural log, inverse square root, and power with a lambda of 1/3. Contour and surface plots were developed to show how these variables impact the response of cycles to failure for the conditions evaluated. Results indicate that p values for these models are statistically significant. The effect of stress appears to be more detrimental than corrosion time on the fatigue life of the specimens for the values previously defined by the matrix.
Corrosion of Carbon Steel and Alloys in Concentrated Ammonium Chloride Solutions
Authors: Toba K. , Ueyama M. , Kawano K. , Sakai J.
Published: June 2012

Corrosion resistance and the behavior of carbon steel and alloys in high concentration ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) solutions were investigated. This study was conducted to better understand material performance in severe NH4Cl corrosive environments in refineries. Immersion tests were performed under boiling 20 wt% and 40 wt% NH4Cl solutions. Sixteen materials commonly used in refineries and two new alloys were examined, including carbon steel; aluminized carbon steel; aluminum brass; Types 405, 410, 304L, 316L, and 321 stainless steels (UNS S40500, S41000, S30403, S31603, and S32100); 300-series stainless steel with 6% Mo; two types of super duplex stainless steels; Alloys 800, 625, and C-276 (UNS N08800, N06625, and N10276); Grade 2 and Grade 19 titanium (UNS R50400 and R53530); Alloy A (equivalent to a modified Type 317L [UNS S31703] stainless steel); and a modified Alloy 825 (UNS N06845). Significant corrosion was observed in carbon steel in both solutions. The corrosion rates of carbon steel were as high as 25.4 mm/y and 60.4 mm/y in 20 wt% and 40 wt% NH4Cl solutions, respectively. However, neither general corrosion nor pitting was observed on titanium alloys and alloys with a pitting resistant equivalent number (PREN) of 40 and higher. The maximum pit depth had a close relationship with the PREN. In addition, an electrochemical study was used to investigate the corrosion behavior of carbon steel. The effects of the temperature and NH4Cl concentration were determined from polarization curves and the corrosion potential.
Corrosion Study of Carbon Steel in Biodiesel and Water Mixture Using Multielectrode Array
Authors: Gui F. , James J. , Sridhar N.
Published: June 2012

The demand for biodiesel and biodiesel blends as a fuel source has increased exponentially in the last decade. Water is the most significant contaminant in biodiesel-handling facilities (pipeline, storage tanks on the land, and fuel storage tanks on ships). Corrosion performance of materials in these facilities in biodiesel needs to be understood well to ascertain the facility integrity. The highly resistive nature of biodiesel imposes a great challenge in using the conventional electrochemical techniques for corrosion evaluation, even in the presence of water. Multielectrode array technique was demonstrated to be useful in evaluating the corrosion of steel in both the biodiesel phase and the water phase that is overlaid by the biodiesel phase. This work demonstrated that the corrosion rate in biodiesel phase is low. However, the biodiesel does influence the corrosion rate in the water phase when it is in contact. Appreciable corrosion was observed on the steel exposed to the water phase below a biodiesel layer, likely because of the diffusion of corrosive species (e.g., chloride) from the biodiesel phase into the water phase.
Corrosion Behavior of Nitrogen-Containing Stainless Steel in Nitric Acid and Chloride Environments
Authors: Girija S. , Mudali U. Kamachi , Andreev C. , Ninova L. , Raj Baldev
Published: June 2012

The corrosion resistance of Type 304LN (UNS S30453) stainless steel containing nitrogen compositions of 0.132 wt%, 0.193 wt%, and 0.406 wt% in nitric acid (HNO3) and chloride medium is investigated in the paper. Increasing the nitrogen content in the steel showed no deleterious effect on corrosion resistance in HNO3. The role of nitrogen in enhancing the pitting corrosion resistance was observed on increasing the nitrogen content from 0.132 wt% to 0.193 wt%. Further increase in nitrogen content to 0.406 wt% was found detrimental, owing to the formation of chromium nitride and manganese-rich precipitates along the grain boundaries. The results are presented in the paper.
A Contribution to the History of the Wahhabi Daʿwa in West Africa: The Career and the Murder of Shaykh Jaʿfar Mahmoud Adam (Daura, ca. 1961/1962–Kano 2007)1
Authors: Brigaglia Andrea
Published: June 2012

Shaykh Jaʿfar Mahmoud was one of the most popular voices of the Salafi/Wahhabi mission (daʿwa) in contemporary West Africa. This article reconstructs his career, from his studies in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through the time of his teaching and preaching in Kano and Maiduguri, until his dramatic assassination in April 2007. After detailing the many conflicts and debates that accompanied his career as a public preacher and surveying the several hypotheses that have been advanced so far to explain his murder, the article considers the career of Jaʿfar Mahmoud in light of the rise of Wahhabism in the densely populated West African nation through the last three decades (1980s–2000s).2
The Politicization of Muslim Organizations and the Future of Islamic-Oriented Politics in Kenya
Authors: Ndzovu Hassan Juma
Published: June 2012

Following the political liberalization of the early 1990s, Muslims in Kenya took advantage by increasing their political activities. During this period, an anti government posture among Muslims was manifest, culminating in the creation of the Islamic Party of Kenya (IPK). Perceived discrimination and marginalization by postcolonial regimes provided a forum for mobilizing Muslims to demand justice by resorting to politicized Islam. This article studies the politicization of Muslim organizations in Kenya, focusing on the emergence of the IPK upon the perceived failure of the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM), and also the deterioration of the IPK because of ethnic divisions encouraged by the government. Due to the lack of a Muslim political party to articulate their grievances, a number of organizations were formed to provide Muslims with a platform for engaging in national politics, thereby increasing the politicization of Islam in the country.
Comment on "Tropospheric temperature response to stratospheric ozone recovery in the 21st century" by Hu et al. (2011)
Authors: Previdi M. , Polvani L. M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Stratospheric ozone recovery is expected to figure prominently in twenty-first century climate change. In a recent paper, Hu et al. (2011) argue that one impact of ozone recovery will be to enhance the warming of the surface-troposphere system produced by increases in well-mixed greenhouse gases. Furthermore, this enhanced warming would be strongest in the Northern Hemisphere, which is surprising since previous studies have consistently shown the effects of stratospheric ozone changes to be most pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere. Hu et al. (2011) base their claims largely on differences in the simulated temperature change between two groups of CMIP3 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 3) climate models, one group which included stratospheric ozone recovery in its twenty-first century simulations and a second group which did not. Both groups of models were forced with the same increases in well-mixed greenhouse gases according to the A1B emissions scenario. In the current work, we compare the surface temperature responses of the same two groups of models in a different experiment in which atmospheric CO2 was increased by 1% per year until doubling. We find remarkably similar differences in the simulated surface temperature change between the two sets of models as Hu et al. (2011) found for the A1B experiment, suggesting that the enhanced warming which they attribute to stratospheric ozone recovery is actually a reflection of different responses of the two model groups to greenhouse gas forcing.
Toward a combined SAGE II-HALOE aerosol climatology: an evaluation of HALOE version 19 stratospheric aerosol extinction coefficient observations
Authors: Thomason L. W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Herein, the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) aerosol extinction coefficient data is evaluated in the low aerosol loading period after 1996 as the first necessary step in a process that will eventually allow the production of a combined HALOE/SAGE II (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment) aerosol climatology of derived aerosol products including surface area density. Based on these analyses, it is demonstrated that HALOE's 3.46 μm is of good quality above 19 km and suitable for scientific applications above that altitude. However, it is increasingly suspect at lower altitudes and should not be used below 17 km under any circumstances. The 3.40 μm is biased by about 10% throughout the lower stratosphere due to the failure to clear NO2 but otherwise appears to be a high quality product down to 15 km. The 2.45 and 5.26 μm aerosol extinction coefficient measurements are clearly biased and should not be used for scientific applications after the most intense parts of the Pinatubo period. Many of the issues in the aerosol data appear to be related to either the failure to clear some interfering gas species or doing so poorly. For instance, it is clear that the 3.40 μm aerosol extinction coefficient measurements can be improved through the inclusion of an NO2 correction and could, in fact, end up as the highest quality overall HALOE aerosol extinction coefficient measurement. It also appears that the 2.45 and 5.26 μm channels may be improved by updating the Upper Atmosphere Pilot Database which is used as a resource for the removal of gas species otherwise not available from direct HALOE measurements. Finally, a simple model to demonstrate the promise of mixed visible/infrared aerosol extinction coefficient ensembles for the retrieval of bulk aerosol properties demonstrates that a combined HALOE/SAGE II aerosol climatology is feasible and may represent a substantial improvement over independently derived data sets.
Phosphorus status of soils from contrasting forested ecosystems in Southwestern Siberia: combined effects of plant species and climate
Authors: Achat D. L. , Bakker M. R. , Augusto L. , Derrien D. , Gallegos N. , Lashchinskiy N. , Milin S. , Nikitich P. , Raudina T. , Rusalimova O. , Zeller B. , Barsukov P.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The Russian boreal forest, which mainly consists of extensive forests in Siberia, is the largest continuous forest region on Earth and represents 70 % of the world's boreal forest. Siberian forest is a tremendous repository of terrestrial organic carbon (C), which may increase owing to climate change, potential increases in ecosystem productivity and hence C sequestration. Phosphorus (P) availability could limit the C sequestration potential, but tree roots may mine the soil deeper to increase access to mineral P. Improved understanding and quantification of the processes controlling P availability in surface and deep soil layers of forest ecosystems are thus required. Relative contributions of organic and inorganic P and, consequently, P availability in forest ecosystems depend on decomposition processes, which could be strongly affected by vegetation composition, temperature, precipitation, and their changes due to a warming climate. The objectives of the present study were to (1) evaluate P status of surface and deep forest soil horizons from two contrasted biomes in Southwestern Siberia (i.e. forest steppe in the West Siberian plain and blackish ("chernevaya" in Russian) taiga in the low Salair mountains) and (2) assess the effects of vegetation (siberian fir stand, common aspen stand and herbs in a forest gap) and local climate on soil P fractions. Results revealed high contents in total P (645–1042 mg kg−1 in the surface mineral soils) and available inorganic P (diffusive phosphate ions in one week = 83–126 mg kg−1). In addition, there was an accumulation of diffusive phosphate ions in the subsoils resulting from differences between soil horizons in total inorganic P and soil properties. Consequently, deeper root systems may mine substantial amounts of available P for the trees and the potential enhanced growth and C sequestration due to climate change should thus a~priori not be P-limited. High proportions of total organic P (47–56 % of total P in the surface mineral soils) show that decomposition processes potentially play a significant role in P availability. Results show that decomposition processes are affected by vegetation (deciduous broadleaved trees, evergreen coniferous, herbs) and local climate (precipitations; snow cover with its isolating effect on soil). Results on the effects of plant species and local climate improved our understanding of the potential effects of climate change on P availability through warming and vegetation redistribution.
Prospective Randomized Pilot Study on the Effects of Two Synthetic High-Flux Dialyzers on Dialysis Patient Anemia
Authors: Viganò Sara M. , Di Filippo Salvatore , La Milia Vincenzo , Pontoriero Giuseppe , Locatelli Francesco
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

Anemia in chronic kidney disease dialysis patients is a complex syndrome involving many causes. Adequate dialysis can contribute to its correction through many mechanisms, including the removal of molecules that may inhibit erythropoiesis. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect on renal anemia of two synthetic, high-flux dialyzers (polynephron vs. high-flux polysulphone).

Methods:

20 dialysis patients (11 male; mean age: 72 years) were randomly assigned and studied for 6 months. There were 2 dropouts in each group. Each patient underwent 3 hemodialysis treatments per week without any difference in dialysis prescription. At T = 0 and T = 6 (after 6 months), instantaneous plasma clearances and reduction rates of small solutes, β2-microglobulin protein (β2-μ); hemoglobin (Hb), and iron pattern were measured. The effect on anemia was evaluated by calculating the Erythropoesis Stimulating Agent (ESA) doses and the Erythropoietin Resistance Index (ERI).

Results:

Kt/V increased between T0 and T6 in both groups. β2-μ pre-dialysis levels significantly decreased between T0 and T6 in both dialyzer groups (p<0.001 in both groups). The Hb levels increased between T0 and T6, but significantly only for the polynephron patient group (p = 0.006 and 0.142). ESA dose did not change significantly. The ERI decreased by 22.7% between T0 and T6 in the polynephron-group and increased by 14% in the others; these changes were not significant.

Conclusions:

High-flux filters improved Hb levels, although only significantly in the polynephron group, suggesting a possible different effect. The results should be interpreted with caution and tested in an appropriately powered, large, prospective, randomized control trial.