bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the cleptoparasitic bee genus Cleptommation (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

The cleptoparasitic bee genus Cleptommation Engel, Brooks, & Yanega, new status (Halictinae: Augochlorini), is revised.  In addition to the type species, Cleptommation minutum (Friese), new combination, the following new species are recognized: C. bulivyense Engel, new species, C. tupaqi Engel, new species, and C. chibchani Engel, new species.  A lectotype is designated for C. minutum and a key to the species is provided.
The bees of Early Eocene Cambay amber (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Ortega-Blanco Jaime , Nascimbene Paul C. , Singh Hukam
Published: January 2015

The fauna of bees known from Early Eocene (Ypresian) Cambay amber are reviewed.  Presently only three species have been recovered, all from among the corbiculate Apinae and representing the extinct tribes Electrapini and Melikertini, and all from genera known from the slightly younger middle Eocene Baltic amber.  A single, poorly-preserved and fragmentary female of an unidentifiable species of Protobombus Cockerell is recorded.  Two new species of the genus Melikertes Engel are documented, one representing a new subgenus, Paramelikertes Engel & Ortega-Blanco, as is a third, fragmentary melikertine of uncertain identity.  The new species are Melikertes (Paramelikertes) gujaratensis Engel & Ortega-Blanco, new species, and M. (Melikertes) kamboja Engel & Ortega-Blanco, new species.
Journal of Melittology: First year ‘abuzz’
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Gonzalez Victor H. , Michener Charles D.
Published: January 2015

The Journal of Melittology celebrates its first year of activity.  In total 26 articles were published comprising 243 pages, and including accounts historical and biographical interest, biological and biogeographic notes, and the description of 19 new species, two new subgenera, and three new genera in 2013.
A new species of Liphanthus from Peru (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)
Authors: Gonzalez Victor H. , Rasmussen Claus , Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

The protandrenine bee genus Liphanthus Reed (Panurginae: Protandrenini) is currently known from Chile and Argentina.  Liphanthus (Melaliphanthus) cuscoensis Gonzalez, Rasmussen, & Engel, new species, is described and figured from a male collected in Cusco, Peru, at 4167 meters of elevation.  This finding represents the northernmost record for the genus and the fourth protandrenine species described from Peru.  An updated key to the species of the subgenus Melaliphanthus Ruz & Toro is provided.
The bee genus Caenaugochlora in Venezuela (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

Two new species of the augochlorine bee genus Caenaugochlora Michener are described and figured.  Caenaugochlora (Caenaugochlora) elpidia Engel, new species, and C. (C.) pantochlora Engel, new species, are the first formally described species of their genus from Venezuela.  The new species, both from Aragua, can be distinguished from other members of the subgenus by their coloration and pattern of integumental sculpturing.
A new species of Ptiloglossa from Mexico, with new records of Ptiloglossa cyaniventris from Panama and Costa Rica (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)
Authors: Ayala Ricardo , Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

A new bee species of the genus Ptiloglossa Smith (Colletidae: Diphaglossinae: Caupolicanini) is described and figured from Jalisco, Mexico, while new records are provided for Ptiloglossa cyaniventris Friese from Panama and a single locality in Costa Rica.  Ptiloglossa chamelensis Ayala & Engel, new species, is endemic to Mexico and is close to P. rugata Moure, both sharing a similar shape in the fused metatibial spur, but in the new species the metatibia is widest at the level of the spur, and the female has black integument with dense yellow pubescence on metasomal terga I–IV.  Ptiloglossa cyaniventris is newly recorded from males collected in Panama and Costa Rica and is characteristic for its dark integument, with intense metallic blue highlights on the metasomal terga, the narrow and long metatibia, and elongate metabasitarsus with an anterior, longitudinal ridge and slightly depressed outer surface.
Revision of the orchid bee subgenus Euglossella (Hymenoptera: Apidae), part II: The viridis and mandibularis species groups
Authors: Hinojosa-Díaz Ismael A. , Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

The second and final part of a revision of the subgenus Euglossella Moure in the orchid bee genus Euglossa Latreille (Apinae: Euglossini) is presented here, redefining the species groups within it to comply with current morphological and molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.  We present a fully illustrated account of the species comprising the newly defined viridis and mandibularis species groups, with comparable diagnoses for all species, keys to the new scheme of species groups within the subgenus, and keys for males and females to the species of the two groups here treated.  The viridis group as presented here is composed of 12 species, five of them newly described — Euglossa (Euglossella) celiae Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel, new species, E. (E.) subandina Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel, new species, E. (E.) cetera Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel, new species, E. (E.) cupella Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel, new species, and E. (E.) ashei Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel, new species — and one resurrected from synonymy as E. (E.) azurea Ducke.  Euglossa (Euglossella) viridis (Perty), E. (E.) cyanea Friese, E. (E.) polita Ducke, E. (E.) perviridis Dressler, E. (E.) cyanura Cockerell, and E. (E.) granti Cheesman comprise the remaining species within the group.  Females of E. perviridis are described for the first time.  The mandibularis group includes three species — E. (E.) mandibularis Friese, E. (E.) bigibba Dressler, and E. (E.) perfulgens Moure.  In total, considering the six species previously included in the decorata group, the subgenus now includes a total of 21 species.  New country records are presented for E. viridis, E. perviridis, and E. mandibularis.  Notes on morphological variation and distribution are included as is a summary of known chemical attractants and floral substrates.
A new stingless bee species of the genus Nogueirapis from Costa Rica (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Ayala Ricardo , Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

A new stingless bee species of the genus Nogueirapis Moure (Apinae: Meliponini) is described and figured.  Nogueirapis costaricana Ayala & Engel, new species, is distinguished from its congeners, particularly N. mirandula (Cockerell), a species also known from the Pacific forests of Costa Rica.  A key to the species of Nogueirapis, based on the worker caste, is provided.
Aristotle's Historia Animalium and Apis reproduction.
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

The details of observations and accounts recorded in Aristotle’s Historia Animalium have been cataloged by scholars for decades.The degree to which his interpretations and accounts are accurate and demonstrate an actual understanding of honey bee biology have been debated.Throughout these discussions, however, it appears that one observation dutifully recorded has escaped notice.Aristotle made note of the direct product of the haplodiploid sex determination system, attesting to the power of his accounts, although he made no attempt to interpret it.
A new species of Thyreus from northern Cameroon (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

A new species of the cleptoparasitic bee genus Thyreus Panzer (Apinae: Melectini) is described and figured from two females captured near Garoua in northern Cameroon.  Thyreus garouensis Engel, new species, is distinguished from other African Thyreus with pallid pastel blue pubescence.  The species is most similar to T. scotaspis (Vachal), but can be distinguished on the basis of its pattern of coloration/pubescence and form of the mesoscutellum.
Incasarus garciai, a new genus and species of panurgine bees from the Peruvian Andes (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)
Authors: Gonzalez Victor H. , Rasmussen Claus , Engel Michael S.
Published: January 2015

Incasarus garciai Gonzalez, Rasmussen, & Engel, a new genus and species of protandrenine bees (Andrenidae: Panurginae), is described and figured from a male collected in Ayacucho, Peru. Incasarus superficially resembles Liphanthus Reed in the narrow pterostigma and gonostylus articulated to the gonocoxite but it can be distinguished easily by the combination of two submarginal cells, the seventh sternum with apodemes and apical lobes broad, short, attached to a large disc, and the gonostylus long, about as long as the gonocoxite. Incasarus also resembles Rhophitulus Ducke and Heterosarus Robertson in the male seventh tergum with the distal margin medially projected, but it differs from both genera in the shape of the hidden sterna and genitalia, among other features.
Revision of the bee genus Chlerogella (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), Part III: New records and a new species from Peru
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Rasmussen Claus
Published: January 2015

A distinctive new species of the bee genus Chlerogella Michener (Halictinae: Augochlorini) is described and figured from central Peru (Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa). Chlerogella mabelae Engel, new species, is quite distinctive from other species of the genus and can be recognized by its sculpturing, coloration, and male terminalia. In addition, new Peruvian records for C. azurea (Enderlein) and C. rostrata Engel are appended.
Accounting for groundwater in stream fish thermal habitat responses to climate change
Authors: Snyder Craig D. , Hitt Nathaniel P. , Young John A.
Published: January 2015

Forecasting climate change effects on aquatic fauna and their habitat requires an understanding of how water temperature responds to changing air temperature (i.e., thermal sensitivity). Previous efforts to forecast climate effects on brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) habitat have generally assumed uniform air–water temperature relationships over large areas that cannot account for groundwater inputs and other processes that operate at finer spatial scales. We developed regression models that accounted for groundwater influences on thermal sensitivity from measured air–water temperature relationships within forested watersheds in eastern North America (Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA, 78 sites in nine watersheds). We used these reach‐scale models to forecast climate change effects on stream temperature and brook trout thermal habitat, and compared our results to previous forecasts based upon large‐scale models. Observed stream temperatures were generally less sensitive to air temperature than previously assumed, and we attribute this to the moderating effect of shallow groundwater inputs. Predicted groundwater temperatures from air–water regression models corresponded well to observed groundwater temperatures elsewhere in the study area. Predictions of brook trout future habitat loss derived from our fine‐grained models were far less pessimistic than those from prior models developed at coarser spatial resolutions. However, our models also revealed spatial variation in thermal sensitivity within and among catchments resulting in a patchy distribution of thermally suitable habitat. Habitat fragmentation due to thermal barriers therefore may have an increasingly important role for trout population viability in headwater streams. Our results demonstrate that simple adjustments to air–water temperature regression models can provide a powerful and cost‐effective approach for predicting future stream temperatures while accounting for effects of groundwater.
Quantifying the Effects of Pipeline Installation on Agricultural Productivity in West China
Authors: Shi Peng , Huang Yong , Chen Hong‐Bo , Wang Ya‐Feng , Xiao Jun , Chen Li‐Ding
Published: January 2015

Pipeline construction can have considerable effects on agro‐ecosystems. However, little research has documented pipeline installation disturbance on agricultural productivity. We sampled three sites in agricultural regions of West China in Gansu and Shaanxi provinces to study the effects of pipeline installation disturbance on crop productivity. Corn yield and five crop growth characteristics were measured and analyzed at six different distances on both sides of a pipeline at two sites: 0 (trench), 10 (piling or working zone), 20, 50, and 100 m. Crop productivity was assessed at a third site by sampling across pipelines at three different times after their construction (2, 6, and 8 yr). The results showed that agricultural productivity was mainly impaired inside the 20 m on both sides of the pipeline. The level of disturbance on agriculture productivity decreased as distance from pipeline increased. Crop productivity in the affected zones is expected to gradually improve over time. Pipeline installation had significant effect on soil organic matter, N content, and pH, and correlated with crop growth characteristics. Proper soil management practices, such as storing and backfilling topsoil separately from subsurface soil during the installation process, should be addressed to reduce the impacts of pipeline installation on crop productivity.
Modeling Response of Warm‐Season Turfgrass to Drought and Irrigation
Authors: Wilkerson Gail G. , Buol Gregory S. , Yang Zhengyu , Peacock Charles , McCready Mary S. , Steinke Kurt , Chalmers David
Published: January 2015

When droughts occur, restrictions on outdoor water use are a frequently used tactic for reducing demand but are not always as effective as desired and can have negative impacts on homeowners and businesses. Our objective was to develop a simulation model for use in comparing irrigation strategies in terms of water usage and changes in turfgrass quality under varying levels of water restriction. Based on data from several experiments, we have developed a model for St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze] and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] that calculates a turfgrass drought index and a turfgrass quality index (TQI) on a daily basis. Turfgrass water demand is modeled as a function of TQI and reference evapotranspiration. Actual turf water uptake depends on plant‐available soil water as well as plant demand. Available soil water in the root zone is divided into two pools: an easily available pool and a less readily available pool. Turfgrass quality can increase when there is no drought stress and decline whenever drought stress exceeds a cultivar‐specific threshold. We used the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation method to estimate five genetic coefficients for two cultivars of each species. The model was highly successful in predicting the observed values of TQI. Except for a few sample dates, simulated TQI was within the 95% confidence interval of the mean observed TQI. The model appears to respond accurately to both drought and irrigation and to capture species and cultivar differences in drought tolerance.
Sugarcane Genotype Variation in Leaf Photosynthesis Properties and Yield as Affected by Mill Mud Application
Authors: Zhao Duli , Glaz Barry , Irey Michael S. , Hu Chen‐Jian
Published: January 2015

Variability in yield among sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) genotypes grown with and without mill mud application on sand soils in Florida has been documented, but little is known about what causes yield differences and if there are any relationships between yield components and physiological parameters. This study determined responses of leaf relative chlorophyll level (SPAD readings), photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in dark‐adapted leaves (Fv/Fm), leaf stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), difference between leaf and air temperatures (Tl–Ta), and spectral reflectance in one Erianthus [Erianthus arundinaceus (Rez.) Jeswiet] and seven sugarcane genotypes and their relationships to yield components across genotypes. Reflectance, Fv/Fm, SPAD, gs, Pn, E, and Tl–Ta were measured on leaves at the top visible dewlap during the first‐ and second‐ratoon crops on a Margate sand soil (siliceous, hyperthermic Mollic Psammaquent) with or without mill mud added before planting. Mill mud application reduced leaf reflectance at wavelengths of 560 and 710 nm and significantly increased leaf SPAD, gs, Pn, and E in the first‐ratoon crop only. Genotypic differences were detected in most physiological traits and yield components. Most physiological traits correlated with cane and sucrose yields when no mill mud was added. Genotypic variation in physiological and yield responses to mill mud application and genotype × mill mud interactions in yields indicated that augmenting yield selection of genotypes with leaf physiological traits will improve sugarcane breeding programs for sand soils.
Further contributions to nitrogen removal modelling in waste stabilization ponds
Authors: Bastos R. K. X. , Cabral V. A. L. , Rios E. N. , Combatt M. P. M.
Published: January 2015

A large database from an experimental maturation pond system in Brazil was used to verify the agreement of field results with values predicted by some of the most widely accepted models to describe ammonium and total nitrogen (TN) removal in facultative and maturation ponds. The same database was used to derive a pH-independent linear model to predict ammonium removal in ponds, which was proved to be, essentially, a function of ammonium surface loading rate. In general, all these models made reasonable predictions of ammonium or TN removal but tended to overestimate low ammonium effluent concentrations while underestimating higher values of field data.
Simultaneous preconcentration of cadmium and chromium(III) in water samples by cloud point extraction and their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Meng Lifen , Ning Jinyan , Yang Yaling
Published: January 2015

A sensitive and simple method for flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination of traces of cadmium and chromium(III) species in water samples after preconcentration by cloud point extraction has been developed. A novel complex agent of alizarin complexone with cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr(III)) was quantitatively extracted in surface primary alcohol ethoxylate-rich phase at 33 °C. The effects of experimental conditions including pH of sample solution, concentration of chelating agent and salt, equilibration temperature and time, and foreign ions were evaluated in order to enhance sensitivity of the method. Under optimal conditions, the low limit detections were 6.7 and 3.2 μg/L, and the enrichment factors were 24 and 20 for Cd and Cr(III), respectively. The relative standard deviations were 3.8 and 2.5% for Cd and Cr(II), respectively (n = 11). The high recoveries of the spiked Cd and Cr(III) ions were obtained in the range of 90–116%. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of Cd and Cr(III) in water samples.
Enhanced decomposition of 1,4-dioxane in water by ozonation under alkaline condition
Authors: Tian Gui-Peng , Wu Qian-Yuan , Li Ang , Wang Wen-Long , Hu Hong-Ying
Published: January 2015

1,4-Dioxane is a probable human carcinogenic and refractory substance that is widely detected in aquatic environments. Traditional wastewater treatment processes, including activated sludge, cannot remove 1,4-dioxane. Removing 1,4-dioxane with a reaction kinetic constant of 0.32 L/(mol·s) by using ozone, a strong oxidant, is difficult. However, under alkaline environment, ozone generates a hydroxyl radical (•OH) that exhibits strong oxidative potential. Thus, the ozonation of 1,4-dioxane in water under different pH conditions was investigated in this study. In neutral solution, with an inlet ozone feed rate of 0.19 mmol/(L·min), the removal efficiency of 1,4-dioxane was 7.6% at 0.5 h, whereas that in alkaline solution was higher (16.3–94.5%) within a pH range of 9–12. However, the removal efficiency of dissolved organic carbon was considerably lower than that of 1,4-dioxane. This result indicates that several persistent intermediates were generated during 1,4-dioxane ozonation. The pseudo first-order reaction further depicted the reaction of 1,4-dioxane. The obvious kinetic constants (kobs) at pH 9, 10, 11 and 12 were 0.94, 2.41, 24.88 and 2610 L/(mol·s), respectively. Scavenger experiments on radical species indicated that •OH played a key role in removing 1,4-dioxane during ozonation under alkaline condition.
Strengthening the growth of Rubrivivax gelatinosus in sewage purification through ferric ion regulated photophosphorylation and respiration
Authors: Wu Pan , Li Jian-zheng , Wang Yan-ling , Du Cong , Tong Qing-yue , Liu Xian-shu , Li Ning
Published: January 2015

Rubrivivax gelatinosus has the potential of biomass resource recycling combined with sewage purification. However, low biomass production and yield restricts the potential for sewage purification. Thus, this research investigated the improvement of biomass production and yield and organics reduction by Fe3+ in R. gelatinosus wastewater treatment. Results showed that 10–30 mg/L Fe3+ improved biomass yield in wastewater to a level found in culture medium. With optimal dosage (20 mg/L), biomass production reached 4,300 mg/L, which was 1.67 times that of the control group. Biomass yield was improved by 43.3%. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal reached above 91%. Hydraulic retention time was shortened by 25%. Mechanism analysis indicated that Fe3+ enhanced the succinate and NADH dehydrogenase activities and, bacteriochlorophyll content in three energy metabolism pathways. These effects then enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which led to more biomass accumulation and COD removal. With 20 mg/L Fe2+ dosage, succinate and NADH dehydrogenase, coproporphyrinogen III oxidase activities, bacteriochlorophyll content and ATP production were improved, respectively, by 48.4, 50.8, 50, 67 and 56% compared to those of the control group.
Comparative study on adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) by different adsorbents in water
Authors: Yao Yuan , Volchek Konstantin , Brown Carl E. , Robinson Adam , Obal Terry
Published: January 2015

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are emerging environmental pollutants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are the two primary PFC contaminants that are widely found in water, particularly in groundwater. This study compared the adsorption behaviors of PFOS and PFOA on several commercially available adsorbents in water. The tested adsorbents include granular activated carbon (GAC: Filtrasorb 400), powdered activated carbon, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCN), double-walled carbon nanotube, anion-exchange resin (AER: IRA67), non-ion-exchange polymer, alumina, and silica. The study demonstrated that adsorption is an effective technique for the removal of PFOS/PFOA from aqueous solutions. The kinetic tests showed that the adsorption onto AER reaches equilibrium rapidly (2 h), while it takes approximately 4 and 24 h to reach equilibrium for MCN and GAC, respectively. In terms of adsorption capacity, AER and GAC were identified as the most effective adsorbents to remove PFOS/PFOA from water. Furthermore, MCN, AER, and GAC proved to have high PFOS/PFOA removal efficiencies (≥98%). AER (IRA67) and GAC (Filtrasorb 400) were thus identified as the most promising adsorbents for treating PFOS/PFOA-contaminated groundwater at mg L−1 level based on their equilibrium times, adsorption capacities, removal efficiencies, and associated costs.
A novel application of modified bamboo charcoal to treat oil-containing wastewater and its modified mechanism
Authors: Hu Cui , Zou Xiaoming , Liu Jia , Zhang Shucong , Feng Yi , Huang Xiangfeng
Published: January 2015

Three conventional coalescence filters including walnut shells (WS), polystyrene resin particles (PR), and quartz sand (QS) were compared with bamboo charcoal (BC) to treat oily wastewater in a coalescence system process. The results showed the order of oil removal efficiency was QS>BC>WS>PR. To improve the oil removal efficiency of BC further, six types of modified BC were prepared. The results showed that the modified BC using silane coupling agent (SCA) significantly increased oil removal efficiency, but the other types (including the use of NaOH, HNO3, H2O2, FeCl3 and ultrasound) of modified BC exhibited nearly the same level of efficiency as that of pure BC. Infra-red, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and the contact angle for modified BC were measured to reveal the modified mechanism. It was found that the higher oil removal efficiency of the SCA-modified BC occurred due to the changed crystal structure of the BC and the increase in its surface hydrophobicity, which resulted in higher oil removal efficiency. Therefore, modified bamboo charcoal is an attractive filter candidate for oil removal in a coalescence system process.
Stability of Fe-oxide nanoparticles coated with natural organic matter under relevant environmental conditions
Authors: Chekli L. , Phuntsho S. , Tijing L. D. , Zhou J. L. , Kim J.-H. , Shon H. K.
Published: January 2015

Manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) are increasingly released into the environment and thus research on their fate and behaviour in complex environmental samples is urgently needed. The fate of MNPs in the aquatic environment will mainly depend on the physico-chemical characteristics of the medium. The presence and concentration of natural organic matter (NOM) will play a significant role on the stability of MNPs by either decreasing or exacerbating the aggregation phenomenon. In this study, we firstly investigated the effect of NOM concentration on the aggregation behaviour of manufactured Fe-oxide nanoparticles. Then, the stability of the coated nanoparticles was assessed under relevant environmental conditions. Flow field-flow fractionation, an emerging method which is gaining popularity in the field of nanotechnology, has been employed and results have been compared to another size-measurement technique to provide increased confidence in the outcomes. Results showed enhanced stability when the nanoparticles are coated with NOM, which was due to electrosteric stabilisation. However, the presence of divalent cations, even at low concentration (i.e. less than 1 mM) was found to induce aggregation of NOM-coated nanoparticles via bridging mechanisms between NOM and Ca2+.
Between Heaven and a Hard Place: Inhabiting the Space Between an Enchanted Past and a Utopian Future
Authors: Fahy John
Published: January 2015

This essay looks at how devotees of Krishna in Mayapur, West Bengal experience the space between an ideal past and a prophesied future. Through an affective and imaginative engagement with Vaishnav cultural history, devotees learn to relocate themselves in a particular temporal flow, within which both the past and future become constitutive horizons of the ethical imagination. I will focus on how the tradition of katha (storytelling) facilitates a convergence of temporalities, within which devotees are encouraged to routinely participate in the past. Such engagement with an enchanted past, I will argue, in turn informs devotees’ imaginings of and aspirations for the ongoing development of an ‘Ideal Vedic City’.
The concept of thing (res) in Descartes
Authors: Milidrag Predrag
Published: January 2015

The article analyzes the meaning of the concept of res in Descartes?
metaphysics. The basic meaning is that thing is an essence that could have
even real existence. Through the analysis of Descartes? works that meaning
has made more precise against the background of the rational distinction
between essence and existence. The relations among the thing and the notions
of reality (realitas), the degrees of reality and the modes of reality were
shown. The special attention is dedicated to the relation between the thing
and the causality, i.e., to the problems how the things could cause and what
is the cause of things. The problem of causality is connected with Descartes?
teaching concerning the creation of eternal truths; that connection expresses
the difference between his and scholastics? concept of thing, which is
obvious in his concept of the causation of the degrees of reality. At the end
the late, scholastics? notion of supertranscendental meaning of thing is
shown in Descartes.
Commitment-based action: Rational choice theory and contrapreferential choice
Authors: Radovanovic Bojana
Published: January 2015

This paper focuses on Sen?s concept of contrapreferential choice. Sen has
developed this concept in order to overcome weaknesses of the rational choice
theory. According to rational choice theory a decision-maker can be always
seen as someone who maximises utility, and each choice he makes as the one
that brings to him the highest level of personal wellbeing. Sen argues that
in some situations we chose alternatives that bring us lower level of
wellbeing than we could achieve if we had chosen some other alternative
available to us. This happens when we base our decisions on moral principles,
when we act out of duty. Sen calls such action a commitment-based action.
When we act out of commitment we actually neglect our preferences and thus we
make a contrapreferential choice, as Sen argues. This paper shows that,
contrary to Sen, a commitment-based action can be explained within the
framework of rational choice theory. However, when each choice we make can be
explained within the framework of rational choice theory, when in everything
we do maximisation principle can be loaded, then the variety of our motives
and traits is lost, and the explanatory power of the rational choice theory
is questionable.
The first debate between liberals: A contribution to the study of political philosophy in Serbia
Authors: Djurkovic Misa
Published: January 2015

In this article the author examines the first domestic philosophical debate
between the two authors who perform within liberal positions. It is a debate
between Leon Kojen and Aleksandar Pavkovic, conducted during 1985 in the
pages of several national magazines. The main subject of controversy is the
question of establishment of liberalism. Kojen is committed to seeing that
liberalism is based on the equal rights, equal rights to freedom. Pavkovic
criticizes this view and suggests different approach which establishes
liberalism starting from interests. The author is analyzing their articles
and arguments, but also attempts to shed light on the overall political and
intellectual context of the liberalization of society in which the debate
takes place.
Cooperation between the Russian Federation and NATO in the field of European security
Authors: Jovic-Lazic Ana
Published: January 2015

Preserving stability in the wider region of Europe cannot be achieved without
the cooperation of the European Union, the Russian Federation and NATO.
Dialogue Union with Russia in the field of security is marked by the fact
that the EU wants to build its own security and defense system, with a
tendency to mainly rely on NATO operations during the planning and military
development. Also, the EU is ready to propose a Russia to get involved in
that system, to a certain extent. The goal of NATO is to maintain a key role
in ensuring stability and security in Europe and the world. At the same time
NATO shows a willingness to cooperate closely with the EU and to periodically
consult with Russia through certain organs of NATO. Russia, however, insists
that the European security should be provided through of its equal
cooperation with NATO and the EU. The current Ukrainian crisis showed as a
major challenge for European security since the end of the Cold War. It made
clear that relations between Russia, the EU and NATO are increasingly
characterized by misunderstanding, mistrust and confrontation, which can have
very negative consequences for the preservation of peace and security in
Europe.
Macedonia: Factor of stability or instability in the regional security subcomplex Western Balkans?
Authors: Vucic Sandra , Milenkovic Milos
Published: January 2015

For many years, security studies were dominated by the theories which
explained security predominantly by relying on military-political aspects.
Under the veil of fear from the constant threat of the outbreak of a direct
conflict between the Great Powers, it is often overemphasized undoubtedly
great importance of the Great Powers and their impact on security dynamics of
different regions, with almost total disregard of local actors and the way
they shape the same region. In this regard, Regional Security Complex Theory
(RSCT) represents a significant step forward in the current international
security studies, because it sets up regional subsystems (complex) as the
referent object of security. This paper will analyze the security problems
Macedonia is faced with within the regional security subcomplex Western
Balkans (RSSWB). However, the goal of this research will not only be the
identification, description and mapping problems present in this subcomplex,
which affect the security of Macedonia, but it will be issued its position
within this sub-complex, where the method of scenarios will be used to
represent possible paths of movement of Macedonia which will largely define
whether it will be considered as a factor of stability or instability in
subcomplex Western Balkans. Finally, the research will include the
sustainability of the idea of the Western Balkans as a permanent regional
security subcomplex, given the complexity of the relations of Macedonia with
Greece, which is not part of RSSWB.
Serbian adaptation of the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS): Its facets and second-order structure
Authors: Mihic Ljiljana , Novovic Zdenka , Colovic Petar , Smederevac Snezana
Published: January 2015

Although the PANAS is widely used in affect research there are some
controversies regarding its structure. Two related studies were reported
providing evidence that a Serbian adaptation of the PANAS represents a valid
and reliable measure of self-reported affect. Study 1 (N = 455), showed that
its psychometric properties and correlates obtained in a Serbian sample are
highly comparable to those reported in the American validation study.
Additionally, a hierarchical structure of specific affects within the PANAS
was explored via a second-order confirmatory analysis. Results showed that
Joviality, Self-Assurance, and Attentiveness can be regarded as lower-order
factors of Positive Affect, whereas Fear, Self- Disgust, and Hostility seem
to represent lower-order factors of Negative Affect. Study 2 (N = 87)
demonstrated differential momentary activations of the identified lower-order
factors in the real-life situation of taking an exam. The construct validity
of the specific subscales was supported. Among the subscales, Self-Disgust
had inadequate psychometric properties.
Density dependence in mule deer: a review of evidence
Authors: Bergman Eric J. , Doherty Paul F. , White Gary C. , Holland A. Andrew
Published: January 2015

Wildlife managers often need tangible evidence of density dependence in populations to support decision making. Field experimentation to identify density dependent effects is often cost and time prohibitive. Thus, assimilation of existing knowledge into a balance of probabilities can serve as a surrogate for experimental research. A case study of such a process is found in the mule deer Odocoileus hemionus herds of Colorado. Wildlife managers and hunters expressed concern over a recent decline in western Colorado mule deer herds, yet the underlying cause of this decline is yet to be determined. In response to this management concern, we conducted a review of scientific evidence on Colorado's mule deer population dynamics. This review was done in the context of a conceptual model that portrays population growth as a function of population size, per capita growth rate and population carrying capacity. Similar declines that occurred during the 1960s and early 1990s resulted in similar reviews that identified research and management topics that would benefit mule deer. These topics included: harvest, predation, intraspecific competition, disease, interspecific competition, and habitat loss and degradation. Between the late 1990s and present time, many of these topics were addressed by research. The conventional working hypothesis in Colorado is that mule deer herds are limited by winter range habitat. We identify new gaps in knowledge and suggest potential, future research topics, as well as potential management strategies. We suggest a focus on integrated studies of multiple herbivores with density reduction experiments to address intra‐ and inter‐ specific competition. In addition, we suggest focused experiments that address the roles of mountain lion predation, black bear predation, and disease in mule deer population dynamics.
Habitat selection by American mink during Summer is related to hotspots of crayfish prey
Authors: Wolff Patrick J. , Taylor Christopher A. , Heske Edward J. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: January 2015

Habitat selection by mammalian carnivores may be driven by prey availability, physical characteristics of the habitat, and landscape context. However, the cues used by carnivores to select habitat are often unclear. We examined the seasonal diet of American minkNeovison visonand determined if the abundance of a primary prey, crayfish, was an important driver of habitat use during summer in an agricultural landscape in Illinois. We also evaluated effects of stream size, water depth, riparian buffer width, and urbanization on occupancy of stream segments by mink. We collected mink scats during three seasons and tested for seasonal differences in the percentage of occurrence and volume percentage of prey classes in the diet of mink. Crayfish remains were the dominant component of mink scats during summer. In summer 2012, we performed occupancy surveys for mink and concurrently measured crayfish densities and habitat features in 59 stream segments. Site occupancy by mink was related positively to presence of local areas with high crayfish concentrations (hotspots) instead of local habitat characteristics that might indicate high prey densities. Mink also were associated negatively with degree of urbanization and stream size. Our study highlights the effectiveness of integrating data on diets and occupancy modeling to obtain insights on cues used by carnivores to select habitat.
Mortality estimation from carcass searches using the R‐package carcass — a tutorial
Authors: Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Behr Oliver , Brinkmann Robert , Etterson Matthew A. , Huso Manuela M. P. , Dalthorp Dan , Korner‐Nievergelt Pius , Roth Tobias , Niermann Ivo
Published: January 2015

This article is a tutorial for the R‐packagecarcass. It starts with a short overview of common methods used to estimate mortality based on carcass searches. Then, it guides step by step through a simple example. First, the proportion of animals that fall into the search area is estimated. Second, carcass persistence time is estimated based on experimental data. Third, searcher efficiency is estimated. Fourth, these three estimated parameters are combined to obtain the probability that an animal killed is found by an observer. Finally, this probability is used together with the observed number of carcasses found to obtain an estimate for the total number of killed animals together with a credible interval.
Nutrient Analysis of Grass Species Consumed by Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Thakur S. , Upreti C.R. , Jha K.
Published: January 2015

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found almost exclusively in Nepal and North-Eastern India. There have beenonly a few studies made on the food and the nutrient compositions of fodder species preferred by The Greater One- horned Rhinoceros. Thepresent study identifies the nutrient content of the fodder species consumed by One-horned rhinoceros which would be helpful to develop proper strategies for rhinoceros food management. For this altogether 8 grass species which were most preferred by rhinoceros were collected from Chitwan National Park. Systematic sampling was applied for sample collection and collected samples were taken to the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Khumaltar for nutrient analysis. Among all the collected species the highest OM% was seen in Faank (93.98 ± 0.88) while Ash% and CP% was found to be highest in Eragrastic Tenella (13.67 ± 2.92) and Phragmatic karka (11.94 ± 2.26) respectively. Lowest NDF% was again seen in Eragrastic tenella (76.76 ± 2.93) and lowest ADF% and ADL% were found in Mala dubo with mean values (43.50 ± 6.86) and (6.41 ± 2.16) respectively showing high digestibility of these grasses. There were only slight variation in the EE% of the grass species withhighest mean value of (3.702 ± 1.73) of Imperata cylindrical to lowest mean value of (1.722 ± 0.11) of Eragrastic tenella. Highest energy was found in Faank (4181.90 ±1.10) and Calcium content was seen highest in Cynodon dactylon (1.30 ± 0.83).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11119 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 402-408
Prevalence of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci Species in Minced Buffalo Meat of Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Sudeep , Basnet Hom Bahadur , Joshi Lok Raj , Sapkota Maheshwar
Published: January 2015

Vancomycin resistant Enterococci is becoming one of the concerns of public health in recent times. VRE involve those strains of Enterococci that are resistant to the vancomycin which is considered as last drug of choice for the Gram positive bacterial infections. Studies show enterococci to be one of the major food borne diseases and medical consequences of its occurrence in humans. Thus, a cross sectional studywas carried out to determine the prevalence of VRE in buffalo meat in Chitwan. A total of 63 retail minced meat samples were collected from different meat shops. These samples were diluted and cultured and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test. Of 63 samples, 16 (25.39%) samples were positive for the enterococcus species among which 3 (18.15%), were VRE indicating overall prevalence of VRE to be 4.76%.AST reveled that resistance among them was high for penicillin G and amikacin (75%) followed by tetracycline (43.75%), erythromycin (37.5%), vancomycin (18.75%) levofloxacin ( 12%) and methicillin. Even though methicillin revealed no resistance it showed intermediate sensitive to all the samples. Thus, it clarifies the presence of VRE in meat samples suggesting zoonotic disasters that can follow.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11123 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 409-412
Evaluation of Snake Gourd (Trichasanthes Anguina L) Test Hybrids Comparing with Four Popular Checks
Authors: Haque M.M. , Uddin M. S. , Mehraj H. , Uddin AFM Jamal
Published: January 2015

An experiment was conducted at Research and Development (Vegetable) Farm, Supreme Seed Company Limited, Mymensingh in 20th March to 14th June, 2013 to evaluate performance of eight snake gourd genotypes. Among snake gourd genotypes four were test hybrid viz. SG1001, SG1002, SG1003 and SG1004 (from the seven inbreed lines) and four were checks (three from local market and one from BADC) viz. SUPREMA, RUNNER, SURMA, ZUM LONG. Wide ranges of variability were found in the studied characters among the genotypes. Maximum total number of fruits was found from SUPREMA (235.3/plot) which was statistically similar to RUNNER (201.3/plot) while minimum from ZUM LONG (24.7/plot) that was used as check. SG1002 genotype provided maximum marketable yield (49.6 kg/plot) and minimum from ZUM LONG (30.7 kg/plot). SUPREMA, SG1002, SG1001 and RUNNER genotypes showed better performance in respect of number of fruits/plant, fruit length, individual fruit weight, yield/plot and some other characters. Flowering period was significantly correlated with yield contributing characters. Number of fruits/plant, total number of fruits/plot and individual fruit weight was significantly positively correlated with yield of snake gourd.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11302Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 525-528
Estimation of variability and heritability for morphological traits and leaf rust severity in spring wheat
Authors: Bhattarai Rudra , Chaudhary Bedanand , Baral Kiran , Shrestha Shukra Raj , Adhikari Surya Prasad
Published: January 2015

The seed materials were received from National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa and field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station Tarahara during 2012 and 2013 in wheat growing season. The topography of the experimental site was 130 masl with sandy loam soil. The trial included 24 wheat genotypes laid out in alpha lattice design in eight sub blocks within two main blocks. The eastern region of Nepal has been facing the problem of sterility caused by different stresses during reproductive growth stage. So we need to develop the early maturing variety with high yielding potential that could escape the reproductive damage from rainfall, hot westerly wind and leaf rust epidemic. In this study, we identified BL3594, NL1026, NL297, BL3978 and NL1140 as early maturing wheat genotypes with 102, 102, 101, 97 and 102 days of maturity, respectively. The genotypes varied significantly for heading days, maturity days, plant height, spikes per meter square, grain per spikes and grain yield ton per hector. The most stable yield producing genotypes were BL3264, BL3535, BL3623, NL1135 and BL3978. The variety BL3978 had maturity duration of 97 days, even earlier than check variety NL297. The genotypes NL1093 and NL1094 had highest grain per spikes although had negative correlation coefficient with panicle length consequently led to the lower yield. The new genotypes like BL3978, BL3594 and NL1140 should be promote as appropriate varieties for terai region of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11625Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 574-578
(In)seguridad humana, violencia feminicida, democracia y capital
Authors: Limas Hernández Alfredo
Published: January 2015

Este texto aborda la situación de inseguridad y violencia, sobre todo hacia las mujeres, que persisten en Ciudad Juárez (México) así como la situación de victimización (i.e. desapariciones) que padecen las mujeres de cierto per fil social. Amplios sectores de la población juarense sobreviven con escasos derechos y garantías dentro de un marco de violencia sociopolítica en los últimos veinte años, en particular, entre 2008–2012, periodo de “la guerra contra la delincuencia y el narcotrá fico”, del sexenio del Gobierno Federal de Felipe Calderón Hinojosa (2006–2012). Ante una emergente fractura del estado de derecho, con políticas que restringen el bienestar, se incrementa la inseguridad y la victimización para ciertas categorías culturales vulnerables. Dentro de este contexto valga preguntar ¿qué significa ese contexto de violencia social y política para la construcción de la ciudadanía y de la cultura de derechos humanos y de su vigencia?