bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPATIAL DIFFERENCES IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR PAYMENTS UNDER THE EU COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY SUBMITTED BY AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS IN POLAND OVER THE YEARS 2002–2010
Authors: Rudnicki Roman
Published: January 2014

This article offers a spatial analysis of the number of applications submitted by agricultural holdings in Poland for funds under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy over the years 2002-2010 (a total of 874 thous. applications, Table 1). This activity was characterised by dividing the assistance means obtained into measures intended to improve: the natural environment (Table 2, Fig. 1), the agrarian-demographic structure (Table 3, Fig. 2), the technical equipment of farms (Table 4, Fig. 3), and their income situation (Table 5, Fig. 4). The above measures are also shown jointly (Table 6, Fig. 5) and spatial differences in their structure are presented (Table 7, Figs 6 and 7). The analysis showed there to be wide territorial differences among agricultural holdings in Poland in terms of the total number and structure of the CAP measures they implemented.
IS DIVERSIFICATION OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS STILL AN OPTION FOR INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT? EVIDENCE FROM SLOVENIA AND SAARLAND, GERMANY
Authors: Nienaber Birte , Slavič Irma Potočnik
Published: January 2014

Multifunctionality of rural areas in Europe has become an important aspect of rural development in the last years. An important instrument to ameliorate the multifunctionality is diversification of farm income. As various forms of farm income diversification have been developed throughout Europe, the paper will survey the effectiveness of undertaken measures. First the issue of farm diversification will be argued theoretically. Then case studies from Saarland, Germany, and from Slovenia will analyse the importance of diversification for rural areas. A comparison of the two regions will reveal the chances and risks of diversification in a comparable new and old EU member state.
RURAL AREAS IN POLAND: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT VS. LEVEL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kamińska Wioletta
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to analyse relations between the educational attainment of the rural population and the level of economic development of the rural areas in Poland. A typology of communes in terms of the analysed relations is made. This is the first research of this type involving all the rural areas in Poland conducted at the level of the commune. The research has shown a significant linear relation between the educational attainment of the population and the level of economic development of rural areas. The correlation coefficient amounts to 0.565.
FARMLAND CONVERSION AND CHANGES IN THE LAND- USE PATTERN IN THE POZNAŃ AGGLOMERATION OVER THE YEARS 2000–2009
Authors: Kacprzak Ewa , Maćkiewicz Barbara
Published: January 2014

The pressure exerted by a large city determines non-agricultural forms of land use in areas situated in its neighbourhood. Among the most alarming consequences of urban sprawl onto the surrounding areas are a steady and irreversible shrinkage of farmland and conflicts resulting from a mix of functions performed by the areas. This article describes the dynamics, scale and spatial differences of the process of taking agricultural land out of production in the Poznań agglomeration in the 21st century in terms of changes in the land-use pattern. In characterising the converted land, it also presents chief directions of its transformation, the regulations in force, and the resultant lack of full information about factual, and not only partial, conversions.
Almanac 2013: novel non-coronary cardiac interventions
Authors: Meier Pascal , Franzen Olaf , Lansky Alexandra J.
Published: January 2014

Recent innovations in interventional cardiology have dramatically expanded the therapeutic options for patients with cardiac conditions. Interventional cardiology is no longer limited to the treatment of coronary artery disease but allows also treatment of valvular disease, stroke prevention, hypertension, etc. One of the most important new treatment options is the percutaneous treatment for aortic valve stenosis (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), since aortic valve disease is a rather common problem in elderly patients, with many of them at high risk for surgery. Similarly, mitral regurgitation is often associated with comorbidities which make surgery high risk. The MitraClip is a promising percutaneous alternative to surgical valve repair or replacement. Other procedures discussed in this review are the percutaneous left atrial appendage closure as a non-pharmacologic therapy to prevent strokes, and renal denervation for resistant hypertension. This review explains the basic principles of these procedures, the most important clinical evidence, and also provides additional recent clinical data on each of these them.
Querying Uncertain Data in Geospatial Object-relational Databases Using SQL and Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Ďuračiová R.
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with uncertainty modeling in spatial object-relational databases by the use of Structured Query Language (SQL). The fundamental principles of uncertainty modeling by fuzzy sets are applied in the area of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial databases. A spatial database system includes types of spatial data and implements the spatial extension of SQL. The implementation of the principles of fuzzy logic to spatial databases brings an opportunity for the efficient processing of uncertain data, which is important, especially when using various data sources (e.g., multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) on the basis of heterogeneous spatial data resources). The modeling and data processing of uncertainties are presented in relation to the applicable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards (standards of the series 19100 Geographic information) and the relevant specifications of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). The fuzzy spatial query approach is applied and tested on a case study with a fundamental database for GIS in Slovakia.
Shear Resistance between Concrete-Concrete Surfaces
Authors: Kovačovic Marek
Published: January 2014

The application of precast beams and cast-in-situ structural members cast at different times has been typical of bridges and buildings for many years. A load-bearing frame consists of a set of prestressed precast beams supported by columns and diaphragms joined with an additionally cast slab deck. This article is focused on the theoretical and experimental analyses of the shear resistance at an interface. The first part of the paper deals with the state-of-art knowledge of the composite behaviour of concrete-concrete structures and a comparison of the numerical methods introduced in the relevant standards. In the experimental part, a set of specimens with different interface treatments was tested until failure in order to predict the composite behaviour of coupled beams. The experimental part was compared to the numerical analysis performed by means of FEM basis nonlinear software.
Assessment of Costs of Public Works
Authors: Ellingerová Helena
Published: January 2014

This article summarizes the results of the preparation, realization and financing of the road infrastructure in Slovakia. Inconsistencies exist when working with costs, budgetary indicators, etc., resulting in the creation of unrealistic cost indicators that are unusable in practice. The results are not reliable, and their use for cost planning in construction preparations, comparisons of construction costs, etc., can be problematic. The proposed solution would be to harmonize the recommended classification of construction works (Methodical Guidelines of the Construction and Regional Development Ministry No. 1/2004) with the classification of the construction features in the Ministry’s Decree No. 83/2008.
GENERALIZED SASAKIAN SPACE FORMS WITH SEMI-SYMMETRIC METRIC CONNECTIONS
Authors: Sular Sibel , Özgur Cihan
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present paper is to introduce generalized Sasakian space forms endowed with semi-symmetric metric connections. We obtain the existence theorem of a generalized Sasakian space form with semi-symmetric metric connection and we give some examples by using warped products endowed with semi-symmetric metric connection.
Global Health & Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chattu Vijay Kumar , Alzohairy M , Sahsah B , Barsamin F , Albelaihi M
Published: January 2014

Introduction: A retrospective study to explore the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Tuberculosis among Saudis, migrant workers from SAARC and other nations. The objective of this study is to study the prevalence and clinical features of Tuberculosis among Saudis & other migrant workers in central Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A Retrospective study was conducted based on the secondary data pertaining to the patients registered at Regional TB center in Buraidah Central Hospital from Jan 2005 to December 2009. Results: A total of 355 case records were included of which 187 cases are from Saudi Arabia and remaining 168 were from South Asian countries. Cough with expectoration, fever with evening rise, loss of appetite were the chief clinical presentations. Out of the total non Saudi patients, the Indonesian patients contribute to 74 (21%) followed by Indians 39 (11%), Nepalese 12 (3.4%), Philippines & Bangladesh with 9 cases each (2.5%), and Pakistan with 8 cases (2.3%). Among the total cases, there were 341 (96%) new cases, 12 (3.4%) relapse cases and 2 (0.6%) defaulters. Conclusion: Prevalence of TB among migrant is relatively high. Preventive measures for early diagnosis should be performed especially among migrant workers from countries with high-prevalence of Tuberculosis. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 21-26 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9709
High Risk Of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Development Among People Living With HIV/AIDs In Far-Western Region Of Nepal
Authors: Mishra Shravan Kumar , Sharma R , Mahat T , Gupta BP
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Absolute CD4+ cell counts and CD4/CD8 ratio continue to be an important marker for clinical management of human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) infection and diagnosis of AIDS. CD4/ CD8 ratio has been also used for prediction of immune reconstitution infl ammatory syndrome (IRIS). The objective of the study was to determine the immunological status in HIV infected people taking anti retroviral therapy (ART) on the basis of CD4+ level and to assess the risk of development of (IRIS) on the basis of CD4+ /CD8+ ratio. Methodology: The study was carried out at Antiretroviral Therapy Centre of Seti Zonal Hospital (SZH), Dhangadi in Western region of Nepal; the second biggest ART center. The study included 760 HIV infected heterosexual, migrant laborer to India from Nepal and their spouses and children. CD profi le was enumerated by FACS Count System. Results: Out of 760, 33(5%) had normal (between1-4) CD4/CD8 ratio, 727 (95%) had abnormal ratio (less than1) of CD4/CD8. The chance of getting IRIS after ART treatment initiation in HIV infected people was 47% among which 30% found to be in high risk of getting IRIS (having CD+/CD8+ ratio less than 0.15) and 17% had chance of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in future course of treatment (having CD+/CD8+ ratio between 0.15-0.30). Conclusion: The study provides the first baseline data on CD4, CD8, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in HIV infected people in far-western region of Nepal and will sensitize the clinician about the risk of developing IRIS during ART treatment. Furthermore no test is currently available to establish a IRIS diagnosis. Standardized disease-specific clinical criteria for common infectious manifestations of the disease should be developed. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 35-40 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9711
A Study On Sociodemographic Pattern And Side Effects Of Anti-Tubercular Drugs Among Tuberculosis Patients In Pokhara Valley
Authors: Bhattarai Srijana , Thapa P , Shrestha C , Dangol S , Niroula T , Verma SC
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in most developing countries. The SAARC region accounts more than 32% of global burden with 0.6 million deaths every year and 2.5 million new cases annually. The main aim of our study was to determine the socio-demographic patterns among tuberculosis patients in Pokhara Valley and side effects of anti tubercular drugs. Methodology: This study was conducted among 199 tuberculosis patients at Western Regional Tuberculosis Center, Pokhara, Nepal. These patients diagnosed as new as well as retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases were interviewed. Study variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, side effect encountered during the treatment, smoking and alcohol habit, socioeconomic status were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 199 patient enrolled, 167(84%) patients were found to have one or more side-effects. Signifi cant relation was found between smoking and alcohol intake, socioeconomic status and disease occurrence. Prevalence of tuberculosis was higher among Gurungs. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors also signifi cantly infl uence the occurrence of tuberculosis. The side effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs are more prevalent among the age group 19 to 65 years as compared to age group of 66 years and above. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 41-44 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9712
210 Pb dating of the Miaoergou ice core from the eastern Tien Shan, China
Authors: Wang Chaomin , Hou Shugui , Pang Hongxi , Liu Yaping , Gäggeler Heinz W. , Tobler Leonhard , Szidat Sönke , Vogel Edith
Published: January 2014

In 2005, two ice cores with lengths of 58.7 and 57.6 m respectively to bedrock were recovered from the Miaoergou flat-topped glacier (43°03′19″ N, 94°19′21″ E; 4512 m a.s.l.), eastern Tien Shan. 210Pb dating of one of the ice cores (57.6 m) was performed, and an age of AD 1851 ± 6 at a depth of 35.2 mw.e. was determined. For the period AD 1851-2005, a mean annual net accumulation of 229 ± 7 mm w.e. a–1 was calculated. At the nearby oasis city of Hami (~80 km from the Miaoergou flat-topped glacier) the annual precipitation rate is 38 mm w.e. a–1, hence glacial meltwater is a major water supply for local residents. The surface activity concentration of 210Pbex was found to be ~400 mBq kg–1, which is higher than observed at other continental sites such as Belukha, Russia, and Tsambagarav, Mongolia, which have surface activity concentrations of 280 mBq kg–1. The 210Pb dating agrees well with the chronological sequence deduced from the annual-layer counting resulting from the seasonalities of d18O and trace metals for the period AD 1953-2005, and ^-activity horizons resulting from atmospheric nuclear testing during the period AD 1962-63. We conclude that 210Pb analysis is a suitable method for obtaining a continuous dating of the Miaoergou ice core for ~160 years, which can also be applied to other ice cores recovered from the mountains of western China.
Glacier shrinkage in the Ebinur lake basin, Tien Shan, China, during the past 40 years
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Zhongqin , Wang Feiteng , Edwards Ross
Published: January 2014

The Ebinur lake basin, Tien Shan, China, was described in the early 20th century as the ‘Green Labyrinth’. This relatively productive area supports agriculture and stands in contrast to the regional aridity. Glacier melt runoff is an important source of water for this arid region and has played a significant role in its economic development. However, over the past 40 years the ecology and environment of the region have seriously degenerated due to human activity and climate change. To investigate changes in glacier water supply, measurements from two reference glaciers were performed and used to validate satellite data and historical data for glaciers in the water catchment. Variability in regional glacier total area and volume over the past 40 years was reconstructed from historical documents, aerial photographs and remote-sensing data. Our investigations of 446 glaciers showed that from 1964 to 2004 the total glacier area decreased by 14.7% (0.4% a–1), corresponding to an estimated volume change of 20.5%. During this period, the most dramatic decrease in glacier area corresponded to a rapid rise in temperature. This reduction in glacier area is accelerating and impacting the future sustainability of the region’s water resources.
Radiology  Changing Role in Healthcare
Authors: Rahman Md Khalilur
Published: January 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17788 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 1-2
Detection of Artifacts and Its Effects in the Clinical Evaluation of Diagnostic and Therapy CT Images
Authors: Malik Sadiq R , Reza Shohel , Rahman Shaikh Shofiur , Rahman Motiur , Banu Parvin Akhter
Published: January 2014

Importance of imaging in all clinical or medical research, and especially, of Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan), has demonstrated a unique place in diagnostic or radiation therapy. Two-dimensional images of internal structures of the body are examined and reported. This process of imaging, any anatomical location, viz. head and neck, thorax, pelvis, etc. takes about 30 seconds to perform with a minimal dose of less than 1.6- 2.0 mGy. The images are constructed by the hardware with software algorithm, using the attenuation and absorption of X rays of tissues, of varying electron densities of the anatomical structures. Sometimes a contrast dye is injected to a patient intravenously, rectally or orally, to make hollow or fluid-filled structures such as blood vessels more visible. Radiologists and radiation oncologists are confronted with a task to delineate the information of the CT images to a meaningful diagnosis. The images are, therefore, valuable for diagnostic reports, some of these may relate to cancerous tumors and tissues. Cancer treatment, radiation therapy or else, from such observations may start. But an artifact and distortion on such images will contribute to erroneous and/or unusable interpretations in offering a clinical report to provide wrong clinical decisions. The implications of the presence of distortion in CT images is, for a patient, described here so as to instruct the experts, in medical and clinical fields, to rectify the situation in acquiring a sharp and flawless image or in reaching the correct clinical goal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17789 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 3-8
Hysterosalpingography in Infertility
Authors: Khan Masuda Islam , Jesmin Suha , Jerin Jesmin , Shermin Shahana , Chowdhury TA
Published: January 2014

Background: Infertility is a common medical problem. It can be due to problems in either partner, or both. Ovulatory dysfunction, tubal and peritoneal factors comprise the majority of female factor for infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) plays an important role in the evaluation of abnormalities related to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hysterosalpingographic findings of women with infertility in our setting. Materials and method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the infertility centre at BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of September 2002 to February 2003. Out of 100 infertile patients 50 infertile women of reproductive age (21-40 years) indicated for HSG were enrolled in this study. Results: Sixty percent patients had secondary infertility. Majority of the subjects of both primary and secondary infertility (55% and 60%) were in 26-30 years age group. On HSG any sort of uterine pathology was found in 10% cases and unilateral and bilateral tubal block were present in 24% and 20% cases respectively. Conclusion: Hysterosalpingography, a safe, less invasive procedure, has an important role in diagnosing uterine and tubal factors of infertility. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17790 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 9-12
Effect of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) on Kidney in Rats
Authors: Shimmi Sadia Choudhury , Parash M Tanveer Hossain , Afrin Lazina , Akter Pervin
Published: January 2014

Background: Kidney is the main excretory organ which can be damaged by various disease conditions, foods, exposure to some chemicals, toxins, or infectious agents. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) may have antioxidant activity thereby can be used for the improvement of kidney functions though its exact role is yet to be explored. Objective: To observe the effect of peanut kernel powder on kidney by observing the histology and some biochemical parameters (serum creatinine and blood urea) in Wistar albino rats. Materials and method: This experimental study was conducted between October 2012 to December 2012 in the Institute of Food and Nutrition, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total number of 20 apparently healthy Wistar albino male rats, weighing between 120 to 150 grams, age range 90 to 120 days were used. Prior to conducting the study, the animals were acclimatized for 14 days. Then, they were divided into two groups; control group (Group A) consisted of 10 rats and experimental group (Group B- Peanut treated group) consisted of 10 rats. All groups of animals received basal diet for 21 consecutive days and in addition, experimental group received peanut kernel powder (500mg/kg body weight/day; orally) in the morning along with food for 21 consecutive days. All the animals were sacrificed on 22nd day. The blood and kidney samples were collected. Blood urea, serum creatinine levels were measured and histopathology of kidney was done by using standard laboratory procedure. Results: The mean body weight of peanut treated group was significantly lower than that of control group. The mean blood urea and creatinine levels were higher in peanut treated group in comparison to those of control group but the differences were not statistically significant. On histology, kidney revealed normal findings both in control and peanut treated group. Conclusion: Role of peanut kernel powder in normalizing the biochemical parameters is controversial. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17792 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 17-21
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with Clear Corneal Incision and SICS with Scleral Incision  A Comparative Study
Authors: Alam Md Shafiqul , Bari Khaleda Nazneen
Published: January 2014

Background: Age related cataract is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment throughout the world. With the advent of microsurgical facilities simple cataract extraction surgery has been replaced by small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with posterior chamber intra ocular lens implant, which can be done either with clear corneal incision or scleral incision. Objective: To compare the post operative visual outcome in these two procedures of cataract surgery. Materials and method: This comparative study was carried out in the department of Ophthalmology, Delta Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of January 2010 to December 2012. Total 60 subjects indicated for age related cataract surgery irrespective of sex with the age range of 40-80 years with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomly and equally distributed in 2 groups; Group A for SICS with clear corneal incision and group B for SICS with scleral incision. Post operative visual out come was evaluated by determining visual acuity and astigmatism in different occasions and was compared between groups. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS for windows version12. Results: The highest age incidence (43.3%) was found between 61 to 70 years of age group. Among study subjects 40 were male and 20 were female. Preoperative visual acuity and astigmatism were evenly distributed between groups. Regarding postoperative unaided visual outcome, 6/12 or better visual acuity was found in 19.98% cases in group A and 39.6% cases in group B at 1st week. At 6th week 6/6 vision was found in 36.3% in Group A and 56.1% in Group B and 46.2% in group A and 66% in group B without and with correction respectively. With refractive correction, 6/6 vision was attained in 60% subjects of group A and 86.67% of group B at 8th week. Post operative visual acuity was statistically significant in all occasions. Postoperative astigmatism of >0.50D was in 82.5% subjects of group A and 52.8% subjects of group B at 1st week. At 6th week postoperative astigmatism of less than 1D was in 79.95% subjects of Group A and 83.34% subjects of Group B. About 20% subjects in Group A and only 3.3% in Group B showed astigmatism of more than 1D and these differences on both the occasions were statistically significant. Conclusion: The post operative visual outcome was better in SICS with scleral incision (group B) than in SICS with clear corneal incision (Group-A). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17793 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 22-27
Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Campylobacter jejuni Infection: A Review
Authors: Mawla Nurun Nahar , Sultana Shahin , Akhter Nayareen
Published: January 2014

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a neurologic disease that produces ascending paralysis, affects people all over the world. Acute infectious illness precedes 50%-75% of the GBS cases. Although many infectious agents have been associated with GBS, the strongest documented association is with Campylobacter infection. The first line of evidence supporting Campylobacter infection as a trigger of GBS is anecdotal reports. The second line of evidence is serological surveys, which have demonstrated that sera from GBS patients contain anti Campylobacter jejuni antibodies, consistent with recent infection. Finally, culture studies have proven that a high proportion of GBS patients have C. jejuni in their stools at the time of onset of neurological symptoms. One of every 1058 Campylobacter infections results in GBS. Sialic acid containing lipooligosaccharides (LOS) biosynthesis gene locus are associated with GBS and the expression of ganglioside mimicking structures. GM1a was the most prevalent ganglioside mimic in GBS associated strains. Molecular mimicry between C. jejuni LOS and gangliosides in human peripheral nerves, and cross-reactive serum antibody precipitate the majority of GBS cases in Bangladesh, like worldwide. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17794 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 28-35
A Case Report on Stab Injury
Authors: Begum Asma , Huq Md Rabiul , Begum Meherunnessa , Alam Azmeri , Akhter Gulshanara , Tasmin Tamanna
Published: January 2014

Stabbing is the most common method of homicide in developing countries like Bangladesh, due to poverty, over population, joblessness, political unrest, etc. The reported case is of a 27 years old man stabbed on the front of the left thigh, a relatively unusual site by a sharp pointed knife by some snatchers while sitting on a rickshaw. On medicolegal point of view the injury was homicidal in nature to run away without having a motive to kill the person. The site was easily approachable for the snatchers. We need to create awareness among general population about the circumstances and probable mishaps that can happen unexpectedly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17795 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 36-38
Reviewers in this Issue Vol.2(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17796 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 39
Site-Specific Soundscape Design for the Creation of Sonic Architectures and the Emergent Voices of Buildings
Authors: Lacey Jordan
Published: January 2014

Does a building contain its own Voice? And if so, can that Voice be discovered, transformed and augmented by soundscape design? Barry Blesser’s writings on acoustic space, discuss reverberation and resonant frequencies as providing architectural spaces with characteristic listening conditions related to the architectural space’s dimensions and materiality. The paper argues that Blesser and Salter expand such discussion into pantheistic speculation when suggesting that humanity contains the imaginative capacity to experience spaces as “living spirits”. This argument is achieved by building on the speculation through the discussion of a soundscape design methodology that considers space as containing pantheistic qualities. Sonic architectures are created with electroacoustic sound installations that recompose existing architectural soundscapes, to create the conditions for the emergence of the Voices of buildings. This paper describes two soundscape designs, Revoicing the Striated Soundscape and Subterranean Voices, which transformed existing architectural soundscapes for the emergence of Voices in a laneway and a building located in the City of Melbourne, Australia.
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-Based Approach to Derivative Map Production and Visualizing Bedrock Topography within the Town of Rutland, Vermont, USA
Authors: Van Hoesen John
Published: January 2014

Many state and national geological surveys produce map products from surficial and bedrock geologic maps as a value-added deliverable for a variety of stakeholders. Improvements in powerful geostatistical exploratory tools and robust three-dimensional capabilities within geographic information systems (GIS) can facilitate the production of derivative products. In addition to providing access to geostatistical functions, many software packages are also capable of rendering three-dimensional visualizations using spatially distributed point data. A GIS-based approach using ESRI’s® Geostatistical Analyst® was used to create derivative maps depicting surficial overburden, bedrock topography, and potentiometric surface using well data and bedrock exposures. This methodology describes the importance and relevance of creating three-dimensional visualizations in tandem with traditional two-dimensional map products. These 3D products are especially useful for town managers and planners—often unfamiliar with interpreting two-dimensional geologic map products—so they can better visualize and understand the relationships between surficial overburden and potential groundwater resources.
Design and Synthesis of Chiral Zn2+ Complexes Mimicking Natural Aldolases for Catalytic C–C Bond Forming Reactions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Itoh Susumu , Sonoike Shotaro , Kitamura Masanori , Aoki Shin
Published: January 2014

Extending carbon frameworks via a series of C–C bond forming reactions is essential for the synthesis of natural products, pharmaceutically active compounds, active agrochemical ingredients, and a variety of functional materials. The application of stereoselective C–C bond forming reactions to the one-pot synthesis of biorelevant compounds is now emerging as a challenging and powerful strategy for improving the efficiency of a chemical reaction, in which some of the reactants are subjected to successive chemical reactions in just one reactor. However, organic reactions are generally conducted in organic solvents, as many organic molecules, reagents, and intermediates are not stable or soluble in water. In contrast, enzymatic reactions in living systems proceed in aqueous solvents, as most of enzymes generally function only within a narrow range of temperature and pH and are not so stable in less polar organic environments, which makes it difficult to conduct chemoenzymatic reactions in organic solvents. In this review, we describe the design and synthesis of chiral metal complexes with Zn2+ ions as a catalytic factor that mimic aldolases in stereoselective C–C bond forming reactions, especially for enantioselective aldol reactions. Their application to chemoenzymatic reactions in aqueous solution is also presented.
shRNA-Mediated XRCC2 Gene Knockdown Efficiently Sensitizes Colon Tumor Cells to X-ray Irradiation in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Wang Qin , Wang Yan , Du Liqing , Xu Chang , Sun Yuanming , Yang Bing , Sun Zhijuan , Fu Yue , Cai Lu , Fan Saijun , Fan Feiyue , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2014

Colon cancer is one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. Resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) decreased therapeutic efficiency in these patients’ radiotherapy. XRCC2 is the key protein of DNA homologous recombination repair, and its high expression is associated with enhanced resistance to DNA damage induced by IR. Here, we investigated the effect of XRCC2 silencing on colon tumor cells’ growth and sensitivity to X-radiation in vitro and in vivo. Colon tumor cells (T84 cell line) were cultivated in vitro and tumors originated from the cell line were propagated as xenografts in nude mice. The suppression of XRCC2 expression was achieved by using vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in T84 cells. We found that the knockdown of XRCC2 expression effectively decreased T84 cellular proliferation and colony formation, and led to cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrested in G2/M phase induced by X-radiation in vitro. In addition, tumor xenograft studies suggested that XRCC2 silencing inhibited tumorigenicity after radiation treatment in vivo. Our data suggest that the suppression of XRCC2 expression rendered colon tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy in vitro and in vivo, implying XRCC2 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of radioresistant human colon cancer.
Three-Dimensional Stratification of Bacterial Biofilm Populations in a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor for Nitritation-Anammox
Authors: Almstrand Robert , Persson Frank , Daims Holger , Ekenberg Maria , Christensson Magnus , Wilén Britt-Marie , Sörensson Fred , Hermansson Malte
Published: January 2014

Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) are increasingly used for nitrogen removal with nitritation-anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) processes in wastewater treatment. Carriers provide protected surfaces where ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anammox bacteria form complex biofilms. However, the knowledge about the organization of microbial communities in MBBR biofilms is sparse. We used new cryosectioning and imaging methods for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to study the structure of biofilms retrieved from carriers in a nitritation-anammox MBBR. The dimensions of the carrier compartments and the biofilm cryosections after FISH showed good correlation, indicating little disturbance of biofilm samples by the treatment. FISH showed that Nitrosomonas europaea/eutropha-related cells dominated the AOB and Candidatus Brocadia fulgida-related cells dominated the anammox guild. New carriers were initially colonized by AOB, followed by anammox bacteria proliferating in the deeper biofilm layers, probably in anaerobic microhabitats created by AOB activity. Mature biofilms showed a pronounced three-dimensional stratification where AOB dominated closer to the biofilm-water interface, whereas anammox were dominant deeper into the carrier space and towards the walls. Our results suggest that current mathematical models may be oversimplifying these three-dimensional systems and unless the multidimensionality of these systems is considered, models may result in suboptimal design of MBBR carriers.
Investigation into the Incorporation of Phosphate into BaCe1−yAyO3−y/2 (A = Y, Yb, In)
Authors: Smith Alaric , Slater Peter
Published: January 2014

In this paper we examine the effect of doping phosphate into BaCe1−yAyO3−y/2 (A = Y, Yb, In). The samples were analysed through a combination of X-ray diffraction, TGA, Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements. The results showed that phosphate could be incorporated into this system up to the 10% doping level, although this required an increased Y/Yb/In content, e.g., BaCe0.6(Y/In/Yb)0.3P0.1O2.9. The phosphate doping was, however, shown to lead to a decrease in conductivity; although at low phosphate levels high conductivities were still observed, e.g., for BaCe0.65Y0.3P0.05O2.875, σ = 4.3 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 600 °C in wet N2. In terms of the effect of phosphate incorporation on the CO2 stability, it was shown to lead to a small improvement for the In containing samples, whereas the yttrium doped compositions showed no change in CO2 stability.
Cereal-Based Gluten-Free Food: How to Reconcile Nutritional and Technological Properties of Wheat Proteins with Safety for Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Lamacchia Carmela , Camarca Alessandra , Picascia Stefania , Di Luccia Aldo , Gianfrani Carmen
Published: January 2014

The gluten-free diet is, to date, the only efficacious treatment for patients with Celiac Disease. In recent years, the impressive rise of Celiac Disease incidence, dramatically prompted changes in the dietary habit of an increasingly large population, with a rise in demand of gluten-free products. The formulation of gluten-free bakery products presents a formidable challenge to cereal technologists. As wheat gluten contributes to the formation of a strong protein network, that confers visco-elasticity to the dough and allows the wheat flour to be processed into a wide range of products, the preparation of cereal-based gluten-free products is a somehow difficult process. This review focuses on nutritional and technological quality of products made with gluten-free cereals available on the market. The possibility of using flour from naturally low toxic ancient wheat species or detoxified wheat for the diet of celiacs is also discussed.
Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Aerobic Response during Swimming
Authors: Pinna Marco , Roberto Silvana , Milia Raffaele , Marongiu Elisabetta , Olla Sergio , Loi Andrea , Migliaccio Gian , Padulo Johnny , Orlandi Carmine , Tocco Filippo , Concu Alberto , Crisafulli Antonio
Published: January 2014

The beneficial effects of beetroot juice supplementation (BJS) have been tested during cycling, walking, and running. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether BJS can also improve performance in swimmers. Fourteen moderately trained male master swimmers were recruited and underwent two incremental swimming tests randomly assigned in a pool during which workload, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and aerobic energy cost (AEC) of swimming were measured. One was a control swimming test (CSW) and the other a swimming test after six days of BJS (0.5l/day organic beetroot juice containing about 5.5 mmol of NO3−). Results show that workload at anaerobic threshold was significantly increased by BJS as compared to the CSW test (6.3 ± 1 and 6.7 ± 1.1 kg during the CSW and the BJS test respectively). Moreover, AEC was significantly reduced during the BJS test (1.9 ± 0.5 during the SW test vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 kcal·kg−1·h−1 during the BJS test). The other variables lacked a statistically significant effect with BJS. The present investigation provides evidence that BJS positively affects performance of swimmers as it reduces the AEC and increases the workload at anaerobic threshold.
Exergetical Evaluation of Biobased Synthesis Pathways
Authors: Frenzel Philipp , Hillerbrand Rafaela , Pfennig Andreas
Published: January 2014

The vast majority of today’s chemical products are based on crude oil. An attractive and sustainable alternative feedstock is biomass. Since crude oil and biomass differ in various properties, new synthesis pathways and processes have to be developed. In order to prioritize limited resources for research and development (R & D), their economic potential must be estimated in the early stages of development. A suitable measure for an estimation of the economic potential is based on exergy balances. Different structures of synthesis pathways characterised by the chemical exergy of the main components are evaluated. Based on a detailed evaluation of the underlying processes, general recommendations for future bio-based synthesis pathways are derived.
Microflow Photochemistry—Photodecarboxylations in Microformats
Authors: Oelgemöller Michael , Gallagher Sonia , McCarthy Kevin
Published: January 2014

This article summarizes selected examples of intra- and intermolecular photodecarboxylations involving phthalimides in a commercially available dwell device. Compared to batch conditions in a larger chamber reactor, the investigated transformations in the microreactor furnished higher conversions and yields after significantly shorter reaction times. The product qualities were commonly higher under flow conditions thus avoiding the need for further purifications.
Global Halal: Meat, Money, and Religion
Authors: Mukherjee S.
Published: January 2014

The following article deconstructs (and demystifies) Halal with a view to unraveling how the religious, racial, economic, and ethico-political are articulated in and around material technologies of meat production and bodily techniques of religious consumption/the consumption of religion. It, thus, attempts to rethink the nexus of food, politics, and contesting visions of the sacred and the profane, from within the folds of the global and global Islam. Halal emerges as a terrain replete with paradigmatic juridical and political questions about the impasses of social and culinary conviviality and cosmopolitanism. Although there is certainly nothing new about religious taboos on food on the body, Halal is far from being a personal or strictly communal set of strictures and practices. On the contrary, global Halal emerges as a new agonistic field typified by charged debates concerning the place of secularism, recognition, and “food diversity” in the global marketplace. This paper offers a cartography, both phenomenological and social scientific, of this multi-tiered site of meat, power, and belief.
Mapping and Modelling Spatial Variation in Soil Salinity in the Al Hassa Oasis Based on Remote Sensing Indicators and Regression Techniques
Authors: Allbed Amal , Kumar Lalit , Sinha Priyakant
Published: January 2014

Soil salinity is one of the most damaging environmental problems worldwide, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. An integrated approach using remote sensing in addition to various statistical methods has shown success for developing soil salinity prediction models. The aim of this study was to develop statistical regression models based on remotely sensed indicators to predict and map spatial variation in soil salinity in the Al Hassa oasis. Different spectral indices were calculated from original bands of IKONOS images. Statistical correlation between field measurements of Electrical Conductivity (EC), spectral indices and IKONOS original bands showed that the Salinity Index (SI) and red band (band 3) had the highest correlation with EC. Combining these two remotely sensed variables into one model yielded the best fit with R2 = 0.65. The results revealed that the high performance of this combined model is attributed to: (i) the spatial resolution of the images; (ii) the great potential of the enhanced images, derived from SI, by enhancing and delineating the spatial variation of soil salinity; and (iii) the superiority of band 3 in retrieving soil salinity features and patterns, which was explained by the high reflectance of the smooth and bright surface crust and the low reflectance of the coarse dark puffy crust. Soil salinity maps generated using the selected model showed that strongly saline soils (>16 dS/m) with variable spatial distribution were the dominant class over the study area. The spatial variability of this class over the investigated areas was attributed to a variety factors, including soil factors, management related factors and climate factors. The results demonstrate that modelling and mapping spatial variation in soil salinity based on regression analysis and remote sensing data is a promising approach, as it facilitates timely detection with a low-cost procedure and allows decision makers to decide what necessary action should be taken in the early stages to prevent soil salinity from becoming prevalent, sustaining agricultural lands and natural ecosystems.
A Two-Ply Polymer-Based Flexible Tactile Sensor Sheet Using Electric Capacitance
Authors: Guo Shijie , Shiraoka Takahisa , Inada Seisho , Mukai Toshiharu
Published: January 2014

Traditional capacitive tactile sensor sheets usually have a three-layered structure, with a dielectric layer sandwiched by two electrode layers. Each electrode layer has a number of parallel ribbon-like electrodes. The electrodes on the two electrode layers are oriented orthogonally and each crossing point of the two perpendicular electrode arrays makes up a capacitive sensor cell on the sheet. It is well known that compatibility between measuring precision and resolution is difficult, since decreasing the width of the electrodes is required to obtain a high resolution, however, this may lead to reduction of the area of the sensor cells, and as a result, lead to a low Signal/Noise (S/N) ratio. To overcome this problem, a new multilayered structure and related calculation procedure are proposed. This new structure stacks two or more sensor sheets with shifts in position. Both a high precision and a high resolution can be obtained by combining the signals of the stacked sensor sheets. Trial production was made and the effect was confirmed.
Marginal Probabilistic Modeling of the Delays in the Sensory Data Transmission of Networked Telerobots
Authors: Gago-Benítez Ana , Fernández-Madrigal Juan-Antonio , Cruz-Martín Ana
Published: January 2014

Networked telerobots are remotely controlled through general purpose networks and components, which are highly heterogeneous and exhibit stochastic response times; however their correct teleoperation requires a timely flow of information from sensors to remote stations. In order to guarantee these time requirements, a good on-line probabilistic estimation of the sensory transmission delays is needed. In many modern applications this estimation must be computationally highly efficient, e.g., when the system includes a web-based client interface. This paper studies marginal probability distributions that, under mild assumptions, can be a good approximation of the real distribution of the delays without using knowledge of their dynamics, are efficient to compute, and need minor modifications on the networked robot. Since sequences of delays exhibit strong non-linearities in these networked applications, to satisfy the iid hypothesis required by the marginal approach we apply a change detection method. The results reported here indicate that some parametrical models explain well many more real scenarios when using this change detection method, while some non-parametrical distributions have a very good rate of successful modeling in the case that non-linearity detection is not possible and that we split the total delay into its three basic terms: server, network and client times.