bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da disposição de lodos de fossa e tanque sépticos em lagoas de estabilização que tratam lixiviados de aterro sanitário
Authors: Carrilho Samara Monayna Alves Vasconcelos , Carvalho Eraldo Henriques
Published: April 2016

Resumo A destinação dos Lodos de Fossa e Tanque Séptico (LFTS) tem resultado em problemas ambientais e de saúde pública, devido principalmente à falta de alternativas adequadas para a destinação, e de fiscalização mais rigorosa. O problema se agrava em municípios desprovidos de estações de tratamento de esgoto, já que a disposição nesses sistemas tem sido a prática mais utilizada no país. Desta forma, a presente pesquisa teve por finalidade avaliar os efeitos da disposição desses lodos no desempenho, operação e manutenção de lagoas de estabilização que tratam lixiviados. O sistema estudado é composto por dois módulos idênticos de lagoa anaeróbia seguida de facultativa, de modo que o módulo receptor de LFTS foi submetido, durante seis meses, a diferentes taxas de aplicação volumétrica de lodo por lixiviado (13 a 204%). Utilizou-se o teste t de Student, para a análise estatística. Os resultados indicaram que, para a taxa máxima, o efluente do módulo receptor apresentou concentrações 1,8; 2,0; e 9,0 vezes superiores ao testemunho, para fósforo, nitrogênio amoniacal e E. coli, respectivamente. Além disso, houve aumento de lodo sedimentado na lagoa anaeróbia receptora (3,5 vezes em relação à testemunho) e formação de escuma (0,4 m3 por mês). Entretanto, as interferências na operação e manutenção são de simples solução, pois esses resíduos podem ser destinados no próprio aterro e os padrões de lançamento em corpos hídricos não foram contrariados. Desta forma, as lagoas de estabilização que tratam lixividados apresentam-se como uma alternativa competitiva para a destinação dos LFTS, resguardadas as condições operacionais estudadas.
Estimativa do lançamento de água pluvial no sistema de coleta e transporte de esgoto sanitário por meio de práticas de aproveitamento em residências unifamiliares
Authors: Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga
Published: April 2016

Resumo A água pluvial de sistemas de aproveitamento (SAAP) utilizada em unidades habitacionais e comerciais provém de sistema independente da rede pública de abastecimento de água potável e não é medida diretamente por meio de hidrômetros. Assim, o volume de esgoto gerado por essa fonte de suprimento alternativa não é contabilizado. O presente artigo aborda metodologia visando estimar o volume de água pluvial lançado na rede pública de esgoto sanitário por meio da indexação ao volume de água potável medida no hidrômetro. A bacia sanitária com caixa acoplada foi adotada como objeto de estudo. Os resultados apontaram que a eficiência do sistema de aproveitamento variou de 24 a 87%, correspondentes a volumes médios ofertados de água pluvial da ordem de 8 a 370 L.hab.-1.dia-1 para 0,5 m3.hab.-1. O volume de esgoto proveniente do lançamento de água pluvial na rede coletora apresentou valores menores que 30% da demanda total para áreas específicas de cobertura de 4 a 25 m2.hab.-1, com reservação de 0,5 m3.hab.-1 para todas as faixas de consumo per capita simuladas. Por outro lado, para sistemas de aproveitamento com 3 m3 de reservatório.hab.-1, verificou-se que 15 m2 de cobertura.hab.-1 são suficientes para atender plenamente a bacia sanitária, com base no consumo de 120 L.hab.-1.dia-1. Em linhas gerais, o fator de correção situou-se entre 1 e 1,42 (1≤(f corrigido/f)≤1,42) e o fator de retorno de esgoto corrigido (fcorrigido), sobre o valor inicial arbitrado de f de 0,8, situou-se entre 0,8 e 1,14 (0,8≤fcorrigido≤1,14).
Operação de reservatório em função da contribuição média de fósforo - Parte II
Authors: Barbosa Ioná Maria Beltrão Rameh , Cirilo José Almir
Published: April 2016

RESUMO Este trabalho descreve a metodologia e os resultados obtidos de uma pesquisa que teve como objetivo definir estratégias de operação do reservatório, mas especificamente dos volumes liberados pela descarga de fundo, na tentativa de reduzir as concentrações de fósforo e, consequentemente, a tendência à eutrofização das águas do reservatório Jucazinho, no Agreste Pernambucano. A metodologia do balanço de massa foi adotada para simular o fósforo total, em função de cenários de reduções do aporte deste nutriente através da implantação de estações de tratamento dos efluentes domésticos e industriais e no volume de água médio retirado do reservatório. Os cenários simulados indicaram que a operação adequada para a renovação da água juntamente com a implantação de padrões elevados de tratamento dos esgotos na bacia podem levar à recuperação da qualidade da água a médio prazo.
Um sistema automático de baixo custo para medidas de intervalos de tempo
Authors: Luiz Fabio F. , Souza Luiz Eduardo S. , Domingues Paulo H.
Published: April 2016

São descritos a construção e o funcionamento de um sistema de aquisição de dados automático de muito baixo custo formado por uma chave óptica (photogate) ativada por luz infravermelha, do tipo convencional, e um cronômetro digital comum com 0,01 s de resolução, alterado para ser acionado e parado eletronicamente pela chave óptica. O sistema é projetado para uso em medidas de intervalos de tempo e pode ser utilizado tanto em laboratórios universitários de física experimental como nos de Ensino Médio de física.
Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities to Reduce Mortality
Authors: Pace Lydia E. , Shulman Lawrence N.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this review is to describe existing data on breast cancer incidence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in particular in sub-Saharan Africa; identify the limitations of these data; and review what is known about breast cancer control strategies in sub-Saharan African countries and other LMICs. Available estimates demonstrate that breast cancer incidence and mortality are rising in LMICs, including in Africa, although high-quality data from LMICs (and particularly from sub-Saharan Africa) are largely lacking. Case fatality rates from breast cancer appear to be substantially higher in LMICs than in high-income countries. Significant challenges exist to developing breast cancer control programs in LMICs, perhaps particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the most effective strategies for treatment and early detection in the context of limited resources are uncertain. High-quality research on breast cancer incidence and mortality and implementation research to guide effective breast cancer control strategies in LMICs are urgently needed. Enhanced investment in breast cancer research and treatment in LMICs should be a global public health priority.
Are estimates of catchment response time inconsistent as used in current flood hydrology practice in South Africa?
Authors: Gericke O , Smithers J
Published: April 2016

Catchment response time parameters are one of the primary inputs required when design floods, especially in ungauged catchments, need to be estimated. The time of concentration (TC) is the most frequently used time parameter in flood hydrology practice, and continues to find application in both event-based methods and continuous hydrological models. Despite the widespread use of the TC, a unique working definition and equation(s) are currently lacking in South Africa. This paper presents the results of the direct and indirect TCestimation for three sets of catchments, which highlight their inherent variability and inconsistencies. These case studies demonstrate that estimates of TC, using different equations, may differ from one another by up to 800%. As a consequence of this high variability and uncertainty, we recommend that, for design hydrology and calibration purposes, observed TCvalues should be estimated using both the average catchment TCvalue, which is based on the event means, and a linear catchment response function. This approach is not only practical, but also proved to be objective and consistent in the study areas investigated in this paper.
Hydraulic model study of the blowback behaviour of the bottom outlet of the Berg River Dam, South Africa
Authors: Bosman A , Basson G , Bosman D
Published: April 2016

The Berg River Dam is equipped with the first multi-level draw-off environmental flood release outlet in South Africa and can release flows up to about 200 m3/s. The outlet is controlled by a radial gate at the outlet end, and is protected by a vertical emergency gate near the inlet end. Commissioning tests of the emergency gate in 2008 found that large volumes of air were expelled, instead of the expected air entrainment into the air vent, designed to reduce expected negative pressures in the conduit during emergency gate closure. This paper describes the testing of a 1:14 physical model representing the outlet works of the Berg River Dam to determine the reasons for the unexpected release of air from the outlet work's air vent, as observed in the field during the commissioning tests of the emergency gate in the outlet conduit. Simulations of continuous gate closure on the as-built physical model of the Berg River Dam outlet showed predominant inflow of air into the air vent during emergency gate closure, with intermittent short duration high-speed air releases during the stages of emergency gate openings between 37% and 25% open. The problem was determined to be one of intermittent air blowback from the outlet conduit via the air vent during the latter stage, rather than continuous air release for all stages of the gate opening operation. The cause of the blowback was found to be the constriction of flow due to a reduction in the conduit cross-section at the radial gate chamber located at the downstream end of the outlet conduit.
The effects of lubricant and tendon mass variances on the coefficient of friction in unbonded post-tensioning tendons
Authors: Dundu M , Ward M
Published: April 2016

In unbonded post-tensioning tendons, the coefficient of friction varies from one design standard to another. This variation is caused by the large number of complex factors that must be considered in design. These factors include the thickness of lubricant or grease present in the system, clearance between the strand and the plastic sheath, and surface characteristics of the strand and plastic sheath. In order to determine the effect of these factors a series of friction tests were performed on two different diameters of strand, namely 12.7 mm and 15.24 mm diameters. Through a regression analysis, it was found that the frictional force decreases with an increase in the thickness of the grease, and that friction increases with an increase in the mass of the strand. The degree of friction was found to be dependent on the surface characteristics of the strand and plastic sheath, clearance between the plastic sheath and the strand, and the extrusion process of the plastic sheath.
DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS OF SNIFFING BEHAVIOR IN male laboratory MICE in conditions of SOCIAL COMPETITION
Authors: Kleshchev Maksim Aleksandrovich , Osadchuk Lyudmila Vladimirovna
Published: April 2016

Sniffing behavior plays a significant role for communication and maintenance of the ethological structure of population. We studied the number of nose-nasal and nose-anogenital sniffing in male mice of inbred strains PT and CBA/Lac housed in genetically heterogeneous pairs during puberty and later (from 41 to 70 days of life). Male mice of the CBA/Lac strain show a higher number of nose-anogenital and nose-nasal sniffing in comparison with males of the PT strain. Throughout the period of stable social hierarchy we observed a transient increase in the number of sniffing behaviors in dominants and subordinates of the CBA/Lac strain but not in PT. In conclusion, the study revealed a significant influence of genotype and social rank on developmental patterns of sniffing behaviour in laboratory male mice
Theoretical analysis of the predictability indices of the binary genetic tests
Authors: Rubanovich Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Khromov-Borisov Nikita Nikolayevich
Published: April 2016

A set of formulas for the indices of performance and predictive ability of the binary genetic tests is presented. Their dependence on disease prevalence and population frequency of a genetic marker is characterized. It is shown that a marker with the odds ratio OR 2.2 has an initially low prognostic efficiency in every sense and at any frequencies of the disease and the marker. A marker can be a good classifier, when OR 5.4, but only when its population frequency is rather high (0.3). The formulas are presented that allow to obtain indirect estimates of absolute and relative risk of the disease for the carrier of a marker in the case-control studies
Genome of Linaria dalmatica contains the homolog of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. rolC gene
Authors: Pavlova Olga Andreyevna , Matveeva Tatiana Valeryevna , Lutova Lyudmila Alekseyevna
Published: April 2016

Examples of horizontal gene transfer involving nuclear genomes of plants are rare. Currently, only two examples were detected in certain species of tobaccos and toadflax. The paper firstly describes the genomic sequence of Linaria dalmatica (L.) P. Mill. 94% similar to that Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene. A possible role of rolC gene and T-DNA in the evolution of Linaria as well as their potential role in the origin of plant species are argued.
Classification of variability forms based on phenotype determining factors: Traditional views and their revision
Authors: Tikhodeyev Oleg Nickolayevich
Published: April 2016

Phenotype determining factors are critically analyzed. It is shown that these factors are four: initial hereditary material of an organism, ontogenetic regularities, directional environmental influences, and molecular stochastics. As a result, four separate forms of variability (genotypic, ontogenetic, environmental and fluctuational) are distinguished. Delineation of these phenomena and their place in modern views on variability classification are discussed.
Oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine - 5-hydroxymethylcytosine: a new insight into the biological significance in the mammalian genome
Authors: Efimova Olga Alekseyevna , Pendina Anna Andreyevna , Tikhonov Andrei Vladimirovich , Kuznetzova Tatyana Vladimirovna , Baranov Vladislav Sergeyevich
Published: April 2016

The present review summarizes data on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine - a modification of cytosine with a recently discovered epigenetic effect. The biochemical mechanisms of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine formation and further modification in the mammalian genome are discussed; the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the epigenetic reprogramming during mammalian gametogenesis and early embryogenesis as well as in the regulation of gene expression is analyzed; data on the diseases and the adverse environmental factors, linked to the DNA hydroxymethyaltion disruptions is shown.
Serotonin transporter gene 5-HTTLPR VNTR allele frequency distribution in Africa and Eurasia
Authors: Gureyev Aleksey Sergeyevich , Kim Anna Aleksandrovna , Sanina Yekaterina Dmitriyevna , Shirmanov Vyacheslav Ivanovich , Koshechkin Vladimir Anatolyevich , Balanovskiy Oleg Pavlovich , Yankovskiy Nikolay Kazimirovich , Borinskaya Svetlana Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2016

Background. VNTR-polymorphism at 5 HTTLPR regulatory region of human serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, which is associated with some psychiatric diseases and personality traits, is presented by two alleles, S and L, affecting the gene transcription level. A correlation between the S allele frequency in populations of European and Asian origin and a Hofstede’s individualism-collectivism index was revealed and a hypothesis of culture-gene coevolution was suggested (Chiao, Blizinsky, 2010). Methods. As another reason for the correlation we examined underlying population genetic substructure, which may affect genetic association level. Results. We have experimentally established the 5 HTTLPR genotypes for 2144 individuals to calculate S and L allele frequencies in 21 populations of Eurasia and Africa. In contrast to Eurasia populations, we have found low S allele frequencies in all four African populations studied, although the collectivism index in the populations was high. The total set of Eurasian and African populations analysis does not confirm the correlation (R= 0.263, p=0.146). We have applied principal component (PC) analysis to check a correlation between S allele frequency distribution and a frequency distribution for alleles which are supposed to be neutral. PC analysis for 68 alleles of five CODIS STR loci revealed correlation between PC2 and S allele frequency (R= 0.820, p0.0001). The correlation means that S allele frequency distribution corresponds to general genetic variability distribution in the human populations studied. The correlation between the Hofestede’s index and frequency of four out of 68 STR alleles is even higher than the correlation with S allele frequency in the same populations. Conclusion. Our findings do not support the hypothesis on culture-gene coevolution of “individualism-collectivism” and the S allele frequency of serotonin transporter gene.
Molecular phylogeny study of Xamilenis Raf. recognition as the segregate genus in the tribe Sileneae
Authors: Mikhaylova Yulia Vladimirovna , Krapivskaya Elena Evgen'yevna , Rodionov Aleksandr Vikent'yevich
Published: April 2016

Background. Xamilenis is oligotypic genus recognised in tribe Sileneae sinse 2001. Conception of the Xamilenis recognition as small segregate genus was examined by molecular phylogeny methods. Materials and methods. We analyzed nuclear (ITS1-5,8S-ITS2) and chloroplast (gene trnL intron) sequences obtained from several species of the genus from different localities and compared with other Sileneae species. Phylogeny trees were constructed via neigbor joining and bayesian approaches. Results. ITS p-distances within Xamilenis genus were similar to those between Xamilenis and Silene species. Xamilenis species did not form monophyletic clade in the ITS tree. They were closely related with Silene species from subgenus Siphonomorpha. Synapomorphicindelsspecific for Xamilenis were not observedin intron trnL. Conclusion. Conception Xamilenis as the segregate genus is not confirmed by molecular phylogeny data.
State regulation of the biotechnology (GM) agricultural products: analysis of different approaches in the world
Authors: Yakovleva Irina Vladimirovna , Vinogradova Svetlana Vladimirovna , Kamionskaya Anastasiya Mikhaylovna
Published: April 2016

Although GM crops are cultivated on 175 million hectares in 27 countries, the regulation of agricultural biotechnology is in its becoming. In the future, many countries, of course, will lead to market biotech products, and the main focus will be biosafety issues for humans and the environment. Some countries have special regulatory mechanisms, others do not have the original national regulatory system, but their actions are under the provisions of international treaties for the production and handling of GM products. What are the main components of a strict but not stifling regulatory system? What are the disadvantages of existing systems? The article presents an overview of the state regulation systems of biotech agricultural products in the US, the EU, Argentina, South Africa and Brazil.
Obtaining of interspecific hybrids for pea introgressive breeding
Authors: Bobkov Sergey Vasilevich , Selikhova Tatyana Nikolaevna
Published: April 2016

Background. Overcoming of reproductive isolation, identification and transfer of agronomic value genes from wild relatives into cultivated pea genomes is an important task for pea introgressive breeding. Materials and methods. Reciprocal hybridization of cultivated pea with wide set of P. fulvum accessions was conducted. Identification of hybrids was carried out with use of biochemical and morphological markers. Identification of unique protein was conducted with use of electrophoretic spectra of mature seeds. Results. Pea interspecific hybrids were obtained in two reciprocal directions of crosses. Cross efficiency in Р. sativum × P. fulvum and P. fulvum × Р. sativum combinations was 36 % and 7 %, respectively. All tested seeds in crosses Р. sativum × P. fulvum were hybrids. Crosses in direction P. fulvum × Р. sativum led to formation of puny seeds restricted in embryo growth. Protein markers of one seed derived in cross P. fulvum × Р. sativum proved its hybrid nature. Morphological markers demonstrated that plant derived from another cross was also a hybrid. Culture of immature embryos was developed for recovering plants in interspecific crosses. Morphogenic calli and regenerated plants were obtained in culture of immature embryos P. fulvum (И592589) × Р. sativum (Aest). Identification of unique protein 7 of P. fulvum was conducted. Inheritance of that protein was proved as monogenic dominant. Conclusion. Efficiency of hybridization in combination P. fulvum × Р. sativum was significantly less in compare to reciprocal one. All products of that cross combination were tested as hybrids. Unique protein 7 of P. fulvum was revealed as a result of mature seed electrophoretic spectra analysis. Inheritance of that protein was determined as monogenic dominant.
Pharmacologic correction of paclitaxel-induced geneand myelotoxicity with exstract of Scutellariae baicalensis hairy roots culture
Authors: Neupokoeva Oksana Vladimirovna , Fedorova Elena Pavlovna , Ermolaeva Lyubov Aleksandrovna , Filonova Maria Vasilievna , Churin Aleksey Aleksandrovich , Voronova Olga Leonidovna , Fomina Tatyana Ivanovna
Published: April 2016

Gene protection effects of Scutellariae baicalensis hairy transgenic roots extract on paclitaxel-induced genotoxic model of mice bone marrow and Drosophila melanogaster somatic cells were exposed in once and course administration during the early and late periods of investigation. Granylocyto- and erythrocytopoiesis stimulation effects of Scutellariae baicalensis hairy roots extract on paclitaxel-induced rats myelosuppression were demonstrated. Materials and methods. Experiments were performed on male and female CBA/CaLac mice and outbred female rats. Paclitaxel (Mitotax®, Dr. Reddy's, India) was administered once in the maximum tolerated dose (MTD): to mice - intraperitoneally, 40 mg/kg, to rats - intravenously, 5 mg/kg. To reduce cytostatic toxicity Scutellariae baicalensis hairy transgenic roots extract was injected per os once at a dose of 200 mg/kg or in 5-day course of 40 mg/kg per day. The state of bone marrow chromosome metaphase plates was examined by the Ford modified method. In the somatic mosaicism test system was used male mutant line, genotype wsn3/Y and female mutant line, genotype yellow of Dr. melanogaster. There were examined 1000 females and marked of number females with single (у, sn3) and double (уsn3) spots. The rat bone marrow was investigated using standard hematological methods. Results. It was shown, that single paclitaxel injection in MTD leaded to generation of genomic and structural disorders in mice bone marrow. In Dr. Melanogaster females, which were grown in nutrient medium with 0,005 % of paclitaxel, appearance of single spots fenotype «y» and «sn» were demonstrated. Paclitaxel injection to rats caused bone marrow hypoplasia in the early periods of investigation. Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis hairy transgenic roots considerably decreased the paclitaxel-induced disorders in mice and rats bone marrow and in Drosophila melanogaster somatic cells.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the tonoplast H+-ATPase subunits
Authors: Chen Tingzhuo , Mikhaylova Yulia Vladimirovna , Shishova Maria Fiodorovna
Published: April 2016

Vacuolar H+-ATPase is a multi-subunit protein complex, which fulfills a number of crucial functions in plant cell. Different mechanisms are known to be important for the regulation of proton-transporting enzyme activity at transcriptional and post-translational levels. In this investigation we performed a comparison analysis of molecular phylogeny of different subunits of vacuolar H+-ATPase directed in the elucidation of conservative rate of membrane and peripheral complexes of the enzyme. High rate of conservatism was shown for subunits c, d and В, as well as ancient duplications of subunit a.
Violence and Victimization During Incarceration: Relations to Psychosocial Adjustment During Reentry to the Community
Authors: Schappell Ashley , Docherty Meagan , Boxer Paul
Published: April 2016

We surveyed male ex-offenders (N = 100) about their experiences during and prior to incarceration to assess the role of these factors in psychosocial adjustment postrelease. Participants completed measures of preincarceration mental health problems and severe victimization and feelings of safety during incarceration; they also self-reported emotional distress, antisocial behavior, and posttraumatic stress (PTS). Moderator analyses of PTS outcomes revealed two key interactions between preincarceration mental health problems and severe victimization during incarceration as well as preincarceration mental health problems by feelings of safety during incarceration. In those without preincarceration mental health problems, victimization and PTS were significantly positively related; this was not the case for those with preexisting mental problems. Furthermore, the positive relation between feeling unsafe and PTS was stronger among those with preexisting mental problems. Findings are discussed with respect to implications for reentry services.
Testing a Dual Process Model of Gender-Based Violence: A Laboratory Examination
Authors: Berke Danielle S. , Zeichner Amos
Published: April 2016

The dire impact of gender-based violence on society compels development of models comprehensive enough to capture the diversity of its forms. Research has established hostile sexism (HS) as a robust predictor of gender-based violence. However, to date, research has yet to link men’s benevolent sexism (BS) to physical aggression toward women, despite correlations between BS and HS and between BS and victim blaming. One model, the opposing process model of benevolent sexism (Sibley & Perry, 2010), suggests that, for men, BS acts indirectly through HS to predict acceptance of hierarchy-enhancing social policy as an expression of a preference for in-group dominance (i.e., social dominance orientation [SDO]). The extent to which this model applies to gender-based violence remains untested. Therefore, in this study, 168 undergraduate men in a U.S. university participated in a competitive reaction time task, during which they had the option to shock an ostensible female opponent as a measure of gender-based violence. Results of multiple-mediation path analyses indicated dual pathways potentiating gender-based violence and highlight SDO as a particularly potent mechanism of this violence. Findings are discussed in terms of group dynamics and norm-based violence prevention.
What Works to Reduce Victimization? Synthesizing What We Know and Where to Go From Here
Authors: Fox Kathleen A. , Shjarback John A.
Published: April 2016

While some attention has been paid to “what works” to reduce crime, little is known about the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce victimization. This study systematically reviews 83 program evaluations to identify what works to (a) reduce victimization, (b) enhance beliefs/attitudes about victims, and (c) improve knowledge/awareness of victimization issues. Evidence-based findings are organized around 4 major forms of victimization, including bullying, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and other general forms of victimization. Determining whether certain types of programs can reduce the risk of victimization has important implications for improving people’s quality of life. Based on our findings, we offer several promising directions for the next generation of research on evaluating victimization programs. The goal of this study is to improve the strength of future program evaluations, replications, and other systematic reviews as researchers and practitioners continue to learn what works to reduce victimization.
Public Mass Shooters and Firearms: A Cross-National Study of 171 Countries
Authors: Lankford Adam
Published: April 2016

Objective: Model the global distribution of public mass shooters around the world. Method: Negative binomial regression is used to test the effects of homicide rates, suicide rates, firearm ownership rates, and several control variables on public mass shooters per country from 1966 to 2012. Results: The global distribution of public mass shooters appears partially attributable to cross-national differences in firearms availability but not associated with cross-national homicide or suicide rates. Conclusion: The United States and other nations with high firearm ownership rates may be particularly susceptible to future public mass shootings, even if they are relatively peaceful or mentally healthy according to other national indicators.
The Role of Gender in the Linguistic Performance of Foreign Language Learners: Does Gender Make a Difference?
Authors: Al-Dali Hosny Mostafa
Published: April 2016

The present study examines the variation in the proficiency of adult learners (males and females) of English as a foreign language.  It is a generally accepted fact in L1 acquisition that females enjoy a rate advantage, initially at least. However, I know of no study that has systematically investigated the rate of second language acquisition (SLA) in females versus males. It might be safe to cite few SLA studies: Farhady, 1982; Eisenstein, 1982; Lakoff, 1973; Zimmerman and West, 1975; and Gass and Varonis, 1986. Although these studies reported sex-related differences, they were incidental to their main focus. The subjects for the present study are 180 students in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Minufiya University. They are divided into three groups according to their academic status in their university: Beginners (60); Intermediate (60); and advanced (60). Each group is equally divided into males (30), and females (30). Accordingly, the total number of males is 90, and that of females is 90, as well. All subjects performed three tasks: 1) listening; 2) reading, and 3) structure and written expressions, similar, to those used in the TOEFL test. The overall umbrella, under which all these tasks are designed, is ‘systematicity’; and/or ‘variability’; and whether learners' sex is responsible for it. Results are obtained and conclusions are made. 
Keywords: Variability; L2 learners’ proficiency, sex.
Evaluation of tea clones for resistance/tolerance to mites infestations and the influence of environmental factors on mites dynamics in Kenyan tea farms
Authors: Odak Jenipher A. , Owuor P. Okinda , Mang’uro Lawrence O.A. , Cheramgoi Evelyn , Wachira Francis N.
Published: April 2016

Mites infestations reduce yields in tea production world wide. However, some tea cultivars are resistant/tolerant to mites attack. The resistance/susceptibility can also be influenced by abiotic factors. This study evaluated some new tea clones for mite resistance/susceptibility and influence of Environmental factors (weather parameters) on dynamics of mite infestations of Kenyan tea at different ecological zones, Kangaita, Kipkebe and Timbilil. Maximum population of mites was reported during March when maximum temperature, average rainfall and relative humidity ranges for the sites were 23.9-28.7°C, 27.7-50.1mm and 38.0-70.4% respectively. There was a sharp decline in mites population in April when average rainfall was high (398.4-514.4mm) which was accompanied by reduction in maximum temperature (18.8-27.5°C) and increase in relative humidity (44.0-82.2%). The minimum population density was found during August which was characterized by low maximum temperature (16.4-26.6°C), low average rainfall (4.8- 190.5mm) and high average relative humidity (46.0-80.9%). The mites infestation levels highly correlated with maximum temperatures in Kangaita (r2 = 0.801), Kipkebe (r2 = 0.693) and Timbilil (r2 = 0.744). There were significant (p≤0.05) monthly variations in clonal mite infestations at all sites. Susceptible clones showed higher monthly mite infestations variations than the resistant/tolerant clones. Of the clones evaluated for the first time, eight new clones were identified as tolerant/resistant while two clones were susceptible to mites attack. Resistant/tolerant clones are recommended for commercial exploitation while mitigation strategies should be put in place in mites prone areas during hot seasons with high monthly temperatures and low humidity
Variability of overhead volatile organic compounds in clonal tea (Camellia sinensis) and their influence on red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) infestations
Authors: Odak Jenipher A. , Owuora P. Okinda , Mang’uro Lawrence O.A. , Cheramgoi Evelyn , Wachira And Francis N.
Published: April 2016

Tea production in Kenya is under threat due to red crevice mites (Brevipalpus phoenicis) infestations during droughts. Cultural pests control practices, e.g. use of resistant/tolerant cultivars are used in their control since pesticide use is prohibited. Plants release volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) that may influence susceptibility/resistance to pest infestations. OVOCs profiles released by 11 tea cultivars were evaluated to assess relationship between OVOCs and cultivar tolerance/susceptibility to B. phoenicis. Five clones were susceptible, with high B. phoenicis infestations while four clones were resistant, exhibiting low infestation levels. The infestations were linearly correlated to (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal (p≤0.001), (Z)-3-hexenol, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool, germacrene D, sum of green leaf volatiles (GLVs) (p≤0.01), 1-pentene-3-ol, hexanal, indole and (E)-β-ocimene (p≤0.05) levels. Most of aromatic compounds, some terpenoids compounds and sum of aromatic compounds were inversely (p≤0.05) correlated with B. phoenicis infestations. Susceptible varieties to B. phoenicis emitted high amounts of GLVs, especially (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. Results demonstrate that OVOCs profile may provide selection criteria for cultivars resistant to B. phoenicis infestations. Resistant cultivars are recommended for commercial exploitation in red crevice mites prone areas while breeding/selection programmes should incorporate OVOCs profiles to develop tea cultivars that resist red crevice mites attack.
Quantitative estimation of β-glutamylethylamide in commercially available made teas [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Theaceae] in Kenya
Authors: Too Janet , Wanyoko John , Kinyanjui Thomas , Moseti Kelvin , Wachira Francis
Published: April 2016

A study was carried out to quantitatively estimate the L-theanine content in 19 teas commercially available in the Kenyan market by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The test tea samples analyzed were green (n = 4), black (n = 8) and flavored (n = 7) teas from different origins viz., Kenya (n = 4), Uganda (n = 2), Tanzania (n = 5), Rwanda (n = 4), Cameroon (n = 1) and Sri-Lanka (n = 2) commercially available in the Kenyan market. The estimated Limit of Detection (LOD) of the current method was 0.01 % L-theanine. The L-theanine content ranged from below the detection limit (< 0.01 % L-theanine) to 1.60 % L-theanine on a dry weight (d.w) basis. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the L-theanine contents of black, green and flavoured teas. Rwandan green tea contained the highest L-theanine content with 1.60 % d.w. whereas six of the seven flavoured teas had very low theanine levels (< 0.01 %) that could not be quantified by the current method.
Dissipation rates of some selected pesticides from the soil of tea agroecosystem in Assam, India
Authors: Devashree Yumnam , Dutta B. K. , Paul S. B. , Choudhury Sudip
Published: April 2016

An experiment was carried out in Rosekandy Tea Estate, Barak Valley, Assam to investigate the persistence of some selected pesticides (i.e Endosulfan, Fipronil, Paraquat and 2,4-D) on the soil. These pesticides were applied in the soil as per the application rate, where one year old tea plants were growing and the residue were analysed for a period of 50 days. Their degradation kinetics in soil was also studied and described. Soil samples were collected with the help of soil corer. The samples were brought to the laboratory, air dried in room temperature and extracted for analysis with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Among the pesticides 2,4-D was highly persistent with half life of 57.75 days followed by Endosulfan which lost 42.64% of its initial concentration by the last sampling period (i.e 50 days) after the spraying. Fipronil and paraquat lost 65% and 70.32% of initial residue in soil making them the least persistent amongst these pesticides in the studied soil. Considering the impact of pesticide residues on human health, the less persistent pesticides may be used in tea plantations to minimize the potential negative impact of pesticides in the environment. The cost benefit ratios of the use of the pesticides should be also worked out.
Technical development of production and products in organic tea farming
Authors: Lin Mu-Lien
Published: April 2016

Technical development is necessary for overcoming some key pests and for providing economic management to organic tea growers. The cultivar TTES No. 12 is a satisfactory cultivar for organic tea farming (OTF) in Taiwan for its better resistance to pests. Infection of green leaf hopper tends to make the organic tea made having honey flavor. The key pest of OTF is tea mosquito bug. Long-term application of livestock organic fertilizer tends to accumulate high content of P and K in tea soils. Organic tea growers are recommended to apply oil-seed residues marto lower down their nutrient input costs. Organic liquid fertilizers made from fermented soybeans with sugar, molasses. Microorganism are used as auxiliary N supplements and as pest repellents by spraying on tea leaves regularly. To mitigate organic tea farmers’ burdens in summer weeding, a hand-pushed and comb type weeding machine has been developed with low machine body weight and high efficiency in weeding. Organic tea products are quite diversely developed in Taiwan. Popular marketing of organic products includes green tea, oolong tea, black tea, GABA tea, Akai (red) oolong, honey flavor tea, green tea powder, and RTD tea etc.
The Self-Reliance of Member on Tea Smallholder Farmer Groups in West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Sita Kralawi , Hariadi Sunarru Samsi , Subejo
Published: April 2016

The existence of tea smallholder farmer groups as a social entity has an important and strategic role in realizing the self-reliance of its members on tea farming activity. This study aimed at determining the self-reliance of members on tea smallholder farmer groups in West Java Province, and the factors that influence toward the self-reliance of members on tea smallholder farmer groups in West Java Province. The study used mixed method approach with sequential explanantory strategy. Proportional stratified random sampling with 128 members of tea smallholders farmer group (farmers) or 20% of the sample population with 643 members (farmers) sampling method was used. Quantitative data were analyzed by using path analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed by using triangulation of sources. The study showed that the level of the member's self-reliance of tea smallholder farmer groups as a whole in decision making, initiatives creative and innovative, and solving problems related to the tea farming is in moderate category. The self-reliance of members needs to improve, especially on the initiative, creativity and innovation. From path analysis, member's self-reliance of tea smallholder farmer groups were affected from strongest to weakest by role of tea farmer groups, extension, the availability of capital, farming experience, age, land size, market opportunities, and work motivation. The self-reliance of members on tea smallholder farmer groups most effectively can be enhanced through the improving the role of tea smallholder farmer groups.
Los conventos en la Nueva España y sus cirujanos, miembros de un estamento ocupacional y una comunidad científica
Authors: Rodríguez-Sala María Luisa
Published: April 2016

Los conventos de la ciudad de México durante la etapa virreinal es el contexto institucional en el cual desarrollaron sus actividades profesionales un conjunto de cirujanos, quienes fueron desde cirujanos-barberos hasta cirujanos latinos. Conocer el desarrollo y funcionamiento de esas casas conventuales constituye el trasfondo para ubicar a esos cirujanos como integrantes, inicialmente de un estamento ocupacional y más tardíamente de una incipiente comunidad científica. En este trabajo resumimos los resultados de una amplia investigación al explicar y justificar la pertenencia de los personajes que ejercieron la cirugía a los dos tipos de organizaciones sociales jerarquizadas.
Inmigrantes de Europa del Este: ucranianos en España
Authors: Sánchez Urios Antonia
Published: April 2016

Este trabajo supone una aproximación a uno de los flujos migratorios más relevantes y desconocidos del panorama migratorio en España. Comienza con la exposición de las principales causas que provocaron en la década de los noventa los movimientos de población de los países de Europa del Este hacia Europa. Tras la incorporación de dichos países a las instituciones de la Unión Europea, los ucranianos se han convertido en los máximos representantes en nuestro país de los denominados como “inmigrantes de Europa del Este”. Ucrania es un país desconocido para la opinión pública en general, pero que tiene una especial significación por ser frontera entre Occidente y Oriente, entre la Unión Europea y Rusia. Revisamos el desarrollo y evolución de esta corriente migratoria a través de las principales fuentes estadísticas de acceso a la información sobre extranjeros en España. Así mismo presentamos las principales características sociodemográficas de los ucranios residentes en nuestro país.
Cuerpo, “clase” y alimentación: Sancho Panza y los españoles
Authors: Sánchez Vera Pedro
Published: April 2016

El artículo versa sobre las relaciones entre cuerpo y alimentación y se pone en relación con la clase social y el estilo de vida. Haciéndose particular énfasis en la perspectiva del habitus de Bourdieu. Realizándose algunas consideraciones sobre Sancho Panza, y posteriormente sobre los hábitos de alimentación y el sobrepeso de los españoles.
Estructuras de empleo del tiempo en la comunidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Authors: Callejo Gallego Javier
Published: April 2016

A partir de los resultados de la Encuesta de Empleo del Tiempo, operación estadística desarrollada por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística durante 2002 y 2003, se ofrece una panorámica del empleo social medio que hace la sociedad de Castilla-La Mancha del tiempo. Además de a las categorías que sirven para agrupar el complejo tejido de actividades que los sujetos realizan a lo largo de una jornada, se ha dado especial relevancia a las siguientes: evolución del tiempo dedicado a las distintas actividades a lo largo de la semana, tamaño de localidad y, por último y con la intención de abordar también aspectos cualitativos de la vivencia del tiempo, el sentimiento de agobio.
MODIFICATION OF SCREEN PRINTED CARBON ELECTRODEBY POLYPYRROLE FOR DETERMINATION OF HYDROQUINONE
Authors: Ngibad Khoirul , Mulyasuryani Ani , Mardiana Diah
Published: April 2016

Electropolymerization of polypyrrole for determination of hydroquinone on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was performed using cyclic voltammetry. Electropolymerization of polypyrrole on SPCE begins with determining the optimum conditions of cyclic voltammetry (working potential, scan rate, number of cycles) and the conditions of solution (pyrrole and KCl concentrations).The working potential were varied at 0 – 0.8; 0 – 0.9; 0 – 1 V. The variation of scan rate were 50, 100, 150 mV/s and number of cycleswere 5, 10,15 cycles. The influence of pyrrole concentration was studied by providing variation of 5, 50, 100 mM. Meanwhile, the KCl concentration were at 0.1; 0.5; 1 M. The SPCE modified with polypyrrole was washed with deionized water and was dried at room temperature. The prepared polypyrrole was analyzed and based on the high anodic and cathodic peak current of the hydroquinone, it is confirmed that the preparation was succefully conducted. The optimum conditions on electropolymerization of polypyrrole areat the working potential of 0 – 0.9 V; the scan rate 100 of mV/s; the number of cyclesis 10, and at thepyrroleconcentration of 50 mM and KCl concentration of 0.5 M. SPCE modified polypyrrole can determine the hydroquinone at the concentration range of 5 – 100 μM with the sensitivity of 0.120 μA/Μm and the detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.8 μM.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF GLUCOSE SENSOR BASED ON SiO2-CuO MATERIALS USING SCREEN PRINTED CARBON ELECTRODE (SPCE)
Authors: Utamiyanti Intan Frina , Rumhayati Barlah , Mulyasuryani Ani
Published: April 2016

The development of material-based glucose sensor SiO2-CuO using Screen Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE) had been done. Three types of materials were used to detect glucose, i.e Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-SiO2-CuO, SiO2-CuO (A) dan SiO2-CuO (B). The differences composition of SiO2-CuO(A) and SiO2-CuO(B) occurred during the addition of NaOH in synthesis process of SiO2-CuO (B). The prepared materials were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry method and chrono-amperometry. Cyclic voltammetry analysis was conducted at a potential range of -1.0 - 1.5 V with Ag/AgCl as reference electrode. The scan rate was 100 mV/sec and the potential was varied at (-0.6), (-0.5) and (-0.4) V, in which the duration of each analysis was 5 second. Based on the result of analysis, whether by SEM, cyclic voltammetry and chrono-amperometry, the SiO2-CuO (B) was found to be the best material for detection of glucose.
Achievement and Future Prospects of ICT Construction in Japan
Authors: Tateyama Kazuyoshi ,   College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280002/02.jpg' width=""300"" text='Unmanned construction system' ]Population projections for Japan suggest that the production-age population, ages 15 to 64, will be 70% or less in 2045 than that of today. In the field of construction, such rapid reductions in the production-age population will bring about a severe reduction in the number of workers as well as budget cuts in infrastructure investment due to the decrease of tax revenue. At the same time, infrastructure, which has already been constructed, is now due for maintenance and approaching its renewal dates. Therefore, the task of stably providing infrastructure for society into the future will be more difficult than ever. In the field of construction, more complex projects will have to be carried out with limited manpower and budgets. This problem will be addressed, not by an extension of existing means, but by innovations in construction technology. ICT (Intelligent Construction Technology) is expected to be a promising tool to meet these future needs. This article discusses current conditions and future prospects for a new construction model utilizing ICT in Japan.