bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Phosphate Rock on the Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils
Authors: Al Mamun Md. Nurul Huda , Rahman Md. Safinur , Jahangir N. M. , Moula M. Safiqul , Islam Kazi Nazrul
Published: July 2012

A study was conducted to determine the direct and residual effects of phosphate rock (PR) on the growth and yield of wheat cv. Kanchan during Rabi season of 2004-2005 at the Bangladesh Agricultural University farm, Mymensingh. The experiment was designed with four treatments and was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments were: T1: control (0 kg P ha-1), T2: PR (26 kg P ha-1), T3: TSP (26 kg P ha-1), and T4: PR (210 kg P ha-1 applied in previous crop to cover 6 succeeding crops). Dry matter yield at panicle initiation (PI) stage was significantly influenced by the treatments. Effective tillers hill-1 and grains panicles-1 varied significantly with P treatments. The highest grain yield (3.10 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.54 t ha-1) were found in T3 treatment. Economic analysis demonstrated that the highest net benefit of Tk. 24,788 ha-1 was obtained in T3 treatment which was followed by Tk. 22,964 ha-1 and Tk.12,292 ha-1 in T4 and T2, respectively. The highest net benefit was obtained from T3 treatment due to higher grain and straw yields.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11062The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 31-37
Effects of Garlic Extract, Allamanda Leaf Extract and Provax -200 on Seed Borne Fungi of Rice
Authors: Yeasmin F. , Ashrafuzzaman M. , Hossain I.
Published: July 2012

Seeds of rice were treated with Garlic (Allium sativum) clove extract @ 1:0, 1:1, 1:2 dilutions in water, allamanda (Allamanda cathartica) leaf extract @ 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 dilutions in water and Provax-200 @ 0.3% for controlling seed borne fungi, where the seed samples of three rice varieties viz. Katharee, Gutee Aus and Kalijira were collected from farmers storages of Bangladesh. The seed germination under control ranged from 64 to 77%, where treatments resulted up to 100% germination. The identified seed borne fungi of rice were Bipolaris oryzae, Curvularia oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum, F. moniliforme, Nigrospora oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp., where prevalence of Bipolaris oryzae (7.5%) and Fusarium moniliforme (8.3%) were the maximum. All the treatments significantly reduced the seed borne fungi up to 100% over the control, where Provax was found best and was statically similar to garlic (1:1) extract against seed borne pathogen of rice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11064The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 46-50
Dr Shah Muhammad Hasanuzzaman
Authors: Kabir Syed Mohammad Humayun
Published: July 2012

Not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10903
Professor Muhammad Abdul Aziz Khan
Authors: Fattah Quazi Abdul
Published: July 2012

Not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10904
The Role of Coriolis Force and Suspended Particles in the Fragmentation of Matter in the Central Region of Galaxy
Authors: Pensia RK , Patidar Ashok K , Shrivastava V , Kumar Vishal , Prajapat Vikas
Published: July 2012

The role of Coriolis force and suspended particles in the fragmentation of matter in the central region of galaxy have been studied. A general dispersion relation is obtained with the help of linearized relevant magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) using normal mode analysis. It was found that an infinite homogenous viscous, permeability and suspended particles in the central region of galaxy with finite electrical resistivity and rotation is a stable system. The Coriolis force plays an important role in the central region of the galaxy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10905 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 1-12, 2012
Characterization of Chittagong Aerosol by PCA Modeling
Authors: Begum Bilkis A , Biswas Swapan K , Nasiruddin M
Published: July 2012

Black carbon and other selected trace elements concentrations in aerosol samples collected at   the Continuous Air Monitoring Station (CAMS) in Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh, were investigated for possible source contributions. The particulate matter (PM) sampling was done from end of winter to middle of rainy season (February and July, 2007) using dichotomous sampler. The samples collected in two fractions of <2.5 ?m (fine) and 2.5 to 10 ?m (coarse) were analyzed for elemental concentrations by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), hydrogen by proton elastic scattering analysis (PESA), and black carbon by reflectance measurement. The elemental data sets together with black carbon were analyzed by principal component analysis method to identify the possible sources contributing to the mass concentration of coarse and fine particulate matter (FPM) fractions. The best solutions were found to be six and seven factors for coarse and fine fractions respectively, which could explain more than 90% of the variance in the data set. The sources were identified as biomass burning/brick kiln, soil dust, road dust, Zn source, Pb source, motor vehicle, CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicle and sea salt. It was found that in coarse fraction, the sea salt is mixed with Zn source and in fine fraction, the road dust factor is mixed with CNG vehicle source. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10907 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 19-31, 2012
Genetic Polymorphism Based on β-napthyl Acetate in Different Age Group of Gambusia Affinis in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahasan Md Monjurul , Rahman Md Anisur , Uddin AFM Jamal
Published: July 2012

Genetic polymorphism of esterase isozymes was examined in different developmental stages of Gambusia affinis after staining with ?-napthyl acetate as substrate by 7.5% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Samples were just after birth, seven, 14 days old fry, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 days old  male and female. Altogether three esterase bands named as Est-1, Est-2 and Est-3 were observed. Est-1 was absent in seven samples out of 13, Est-2 was absent only in just after birth, Est-3 was  absent in seven different samples out of 13 samples. This result indicates that Est-1 and Est-3 were  less active and Est-2 was very active at ? napthyl acetate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10917 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 39-44, 2012
Some Features α-T0 Spaces in Supra Fuzzy Topology
Authors: Hoque MF , Hossain MS , Ali DM
Published: July 2012

Four concepts of T0 supra fuzzy topological spaces are introduced and studied in this paper. The workers also established some relationships among them and studied some other properties of  these spaces. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10921 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 61-69, 2012
Assessment of Radiological Significance of the Wastes Generated from the Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) Fertilizer Factory, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Samad MA , Ali MI , Paul D , Islam SMA
Published: July 2012

The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was determined in solid and liquid samples collected from the TSP Fertilizer Factory, Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 18 samples of seven different kinds (including liquid and solid wastes) were collected and analyzed by gamma ray spectrometry technique using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector of 40% relative efficiency. The analysis of the liquid waste samples showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th were 6.26 ± 0.63 and 10.01 ± 1.39 Bq/L, respectively and no 40K was detected in any of the liquid samples. In the solid waste samples the average value of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 187.49 ± 4.88, 70.06 ± 11.76 and 655.94 ± 110.24 Bq/kg, respectively. Considering the stored wastes as a part of the ambient environment of the factory, radium equivalent activity, radiation hazard index and external annual effective dose to the worker and public due to these wastes were also calculated and compared with world average values. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10923 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 79-88, 2012
Synthesis and Characterization of a Thiocyanate Bridged Dinuclear Cu(II) Complex Containing Macrocyclic Ligand Derived from Pyridine-2, 6-dicarboxaldehyde and 1, 2-bis(2-aminoethoxy) Ethane
Authors: Alam Md Mahbubul , Ahmed Faisal , Begum Rockshana , Rahman Mizanur , Siddiquey Iqbal Ahmed , Karim Mohammad Razaul , Saiful Islam SM
Published: July 2012

The cyclic (2+2) template condensation of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxaldehyde with 1,2-Bis(2- aminoethoxy) ethane using Pb(SCN)2 gave dinuclear lead (II) complex, Pb2L1(SCN)4 where L1 is a tetra-Schiff-base macrocycle. The transmetallation treatment of Pb2L1(SCN)4 with Cu(ClO4)2.6H2O yield the complex, [Cu2L1(SCN)3(ClO4)] which has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI-MS spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. On the basis of spectral data, different geometry of Cu2+ has been suggested. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10924 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 89-96, 2012
Stokes Flow between Two Cylinders
Authors: Murad A , Sen SK
Published: July 2012

The two-dimensional slow viscous fluid motion between two co-axial circular cylinders showed  the inner cylinder is shear-free and the outer one is rigid. The flow is due to the presence of a line source and a line sink of equal strength on the outer cylinder. The stream function for the flow in the annular region is established. The hydrodynamic force on the inner shear-free cylinder has been  evaluated. Some numerical values for the force have been presented in a table and compared with  corresponding known values where both inner and outer cylinders are rigid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10928 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 123-135, 2012
Variation of Transport Properties and Apparent Density of Soft Nickel Ferrite
Authors: Bhuiyan Mahabub Alam , Choudhury Shamima , Hoque Sheikh Manjura
Published: July 2012

Polycrystalline NiFe2O4 was prepared from Analytical Grade powder of NiO and Fe2O3 by conventional double sintering technique. The apparent density of the prepared sample increases with the increase in sintering temperature and consequently the porosity decreases which has a great influence on electrical and dielectric properties of soft ferrites. It is observed that with the increase in temperature, the DC resistivity of the prepared sample decreases which confirms the semiconducting behavior of the prepared NiFe2O4. In addition to this, at room temperature it is observed that the resistivity decreases with the increase in sintering temperature. Variations of activation energy have been observed for different sintering temperature and are in agreement with the resistivity measurement. Frequency dependence of dielectric constant (?) has been measured and shows the normal dielectric behavior of the prepared sample which can be explained on the basis of Koops two layer model and Maxwell-Wagner polarization theory. Along with these, enhancement of dielectric constant has been observed with the increase in sintering temperature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10929 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 137-142, 2012
Association of Fungi with Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Fosb.)
Authors: Shamsi Shamim , Sultana Razia , Fatema Yasmin
Published: July 2012

Nine species of fungi belonging to eight genera of Deuteromycetes were found associated with leaves and fruits of breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis. The fungi were Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler, Aspergillus niger Van Tiegh, Aspergillus flavus Link, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn., Penicillium sp. Pteroconium state of   Apiospora camptospora Penz. & Sacc. and Spicaria sp., and Zygosporium oscheoides Mont.. This is the first report of association of A. alternata, C. gloeosporioides., Curvularia lunata,  Penicillium sp. Pteroconium state of A. camptospora, Spicaria sp. and Z. oscheoides, with breadfruit. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was the predominating fungus recorded on all infected matured leaves showing brown lesion and anthracnose symptom, and also pathogenic to breadfruit plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10930 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 143-146, 2012
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Agricultural Soil around Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), Bangladesh: Implication of Seasonal Variation and Indices
Authors: Rahman Syed Hafizur , Khanam Dilara , Adyel Tanveer Mehedi , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ahsan Mohammad Aminul , Akbor Mohammad Ahedul
Published: July 2012

Intense urbanization, large scale industrialization and unprecedented population growth in the last few decades have been responsible for lowering environmental quality. Soil contamination with metals is a serious concern due to their toxicity and ability to accumulate in the biota. The present work assessed the heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil in the close vicinity of the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in both dry and wet seasons using different indices viz., index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor ( ), degree of contamination ( ), modified degree of contamination (mCd) and pollution load index (PLI). Samples were collected from the surface layer of soil and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The trend of metals according to average concentration during the dry and wet seasons was As > Fe > Hg > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd and As > Fe > Mn > Zn > Hg > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd, respectively. Because of seasonal rainfall, dilution and other run-off during the wet season, metals from the upper layer of soil were flushed out to some extent and hence all the indices values were lower in this season compared to that of the dry season. Igeo results revealed that the study area was strongly and moderately contaminated with As and Hg in the dry and wet seasons respectively. According to , soil was classified as moderately contaminated with Zn, Cr, Pb and Ni, considerably contaminated with Cu and highly contaminated with As and Hg. The general trend of the mean was Hg > As > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Fe > Mn > Cd and As > Hg > Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni >Pb > Fe > Mn in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The mCf values in the dry and wet seasons were 575.13 and 244.44 respectively indicating an ultra high degree of contamination. The Cd values in both seasons were associated with a very high degree of contamination. PLI results indicated immediate intervention to ameliorate pollution in both seasons. The main sources of metals included effluents from wastewater treatment plants, treated and untreated wastewater from surrounding industrial establishments as well as agricultural activities. Protecting the agricultural soil is a formidable challenge in the study area, which requires modernization of industries, thereby improving the recovery and recycling of wastewater. Indices analysis presented in the present work could serve as a landmark for contemporary research in toxicology.
Optical Current Sensors for High Power Systems: A Review
Authors: Silva Ricardo M. , Martins Hugo , Nascimento Ivo , Baptista José M. , Ribeiro António Lobo , Santos José L. , Jorge Pedro , Frazão Orlando
Published: July 2012

The intrinsic advantages of optical sensor technology are very appealing for high voltage applications and can become a valuable asset in a new generation of smart grids. In this paper the authors present a review of optical sensors technologies for electrical current metering in high voltage applications. A brief historical overview is given together with a more detailed focus on recent developments. Technologies addressed include all fiber sensors, bulk magneto-optical sensors, piezoelectric transducers, magnetic force sensors and hybrid sensors. The physical principles and main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Configurations and strategies to overcome common problems, such as interference from external currents and magnetic fields induced linear birefringence and others are discussed. The state-of-the-art is presented including commercial available systems.
Comment on the “Ground Water Chemistry Changes before Major Earthquakes and Possible Effects on Animals”, by R. A. Grant, T. Halliday, W. P. Balderer, F. Leuenberger, M. Newcomer, G. Cyr and F. T. Freund. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2011, 8, 1936–1956
Authors: Katsika-Tsigourakou Vassiliki
Published: July 2012

Here, we suggest that electromagnetic emissions before rupture may be the mechanism for the explanation of abnormal behavior of animals before earthquakes.
Variable-Temperature 1H-NMR Studies on Two C-Glycosylflavones
Authors: Frank Julia H. , Powder-George Yomica L. , Ramsewak Russel S. , Reynolds William F.
Published: July 2012

Two known C-glycosylflavones, swertisin and embinoidin, were isolated from the leaves of Anthurium aripoense, and characterized by room temperature 1D and 2D NMR experiments. At this temperature, the 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra of these C-glycosylflavones revealed doubling of signals, which suggested the presence of two rotamers in solution. Variable-temperature (VT) 1H-NMR studies supported this hypothesis. The T-ROESY data, in addition to the theoretical (MM2) calculations utilizing the Chem3D Pro software, confirmed the hypothesis that the two rotamers interchange via rotation about the C-glycosidic bond.
Improving the Calibration of Image Sensors Based on IOFBs, Using Differential Gray-Code Space Encoding
Authors: Fernández Pedro R. , Lázaro Galilea José Luis , Gardel Vicente Alfredo , Bravo Muñoz Ignacio , Cano García Ángel E. , Luna Vázquez Carlos
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a fast calibration method to determine the transfer function for spatial correspondences in image transmission devices with Incoherent Optical Fiber Bundles (IOFBs), by performing a scan of the input, using differential patterns generated from a Gray code (Differential Gray-Code Space Encoding, DGSE). The results demonstrate that this technique provides a noticeable reduction in processing time and better quality of the reconstructed image compared to other, previously employed techniques, such as point or fringe scanning, or even other known space encoding techniques.
Semi-Blind Signal Extraction for Communication Signals by Combining Independent Component Analysis and Spatial Constraints
Authors: Wang Xiang , Huang Zhitao , Zhou Yiyu
Published: July 2012

Signal of interest (SOI) extraction is a vital issue in communication signal processing. In this paper, we propose two novel iterative algorithms for extracting SOIs from instantaneous mixtures, which explores the spatial constraint corresponding to the Directions of Arrival (DOAs) of the SOIs as a priori information into the constrained Independent Component Analysis (cICA) framework. The first algorithm utilizes the spatial constraint to form a new constrained optimization problem under the previous cICA framework which requires various user parameters, i.e., Lagrange parameter and threshold measuring the accuracy degree of the spatial constraint, while the second algorithm incorporates the spatial constraints to select specific initialization of extracting vectors. The major difference between the two novel algorithms is that the former incorporates the prior information into the learning process of the iterative algorithm and the latter utilizes the prior information to select the specific initialization vector. Therefore, no extra parameters are necessary in the learning process, which makes the algorithm simpler and more reliable and helps to improve the speed of extraction. Meanwhile, the convergence condition for the spatial constraints is analyzed. Compared with the conventional techniques, i.e., MVDR, numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness and higher performance of the proposed algorithms.
Game Theory for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Shi Hai-Yan , Wang Wan-Liang , Kwok Ngai-Ming , Chen Sheng-Yong
Published: July 2012

Game theory (GT) is a mathematical method that describes the phenomenon of conflict and cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers. In particular, the theory has been proven very useful in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This article surveys the recent developments and findings of GT, its applications in WSNs, and provides the community a general view of this vibrant research area. We first introduce the typical formulation of GT in the WSN application domain. The roles of GT are described that include routing protocol design, topology control, power control and energy saving, packet forwarding, data collection, spectrum allocation, bandwidth allocation, quality of service control, coverage optimization, WSN security, and other sensor management tasks. Then, three variations of game theory are described, namely, the cooperative, non-cooperative, and repeated schemes. Finally, existing problems and future trends are identified for researchers and engineers in the field.
Design Parameters of a Miniaturized Piezoelectric Underwater Acoustic Transmitter
Authors: Li Huidong , Deng Zhiqun Daniel , Yuan Yong , Carlson Thomas J.
Published: July 2012

PZT ceramics have been widely used in underwater acoustic transducers. However, literature available discussing the design parameters of a miniaturized PZT-based low-duty-cycle transmitter is very limited. This paper discusses some of the design parameters—the backing material, driving voltage, PZT material type, power consumption and the transducer length of a miniaturized acoustic fish tag using a PZT tube. Four different types of PZT were evaluated with respect to the source level, energy consumption and bandwidth of the transducer. The effect of the tube length on the source level is discussed. The results demonstrate that ultralow-density closed-cell foam is the best backing material for the PZT tube. The Navy Type VI PZTs provide the best source level with relatively low energy consumption and that a low transducer capacitance is preferred for high efficiency. A 35% reduction in the transducer length results in 2 dB decrease in source level.
An Exploration of Social Stimuli Influencing the Student Sightseeing Tour Experience
Authors: Levy Stuart E. , Getz Donald
Published: July 2012

The social aspect of group touring is of critical importance to tour members and travel providers, even within limited duration group travel such as sightseeing tours. However, scant attention has been paid to individual and contextual elements that influence positive social interactions
between group travelers. To address this knowledge gap, this study explores group traveler motives, characteristics, and situational factors which can contribute to forming more socially oriented travel experiences, and investigates how these elements influence consumer evaluations within
the student sightseeing tour context. Utilizing focus groups, interviews and surveys, this research investigates the role of eight social stimuli on key marketing outcomes, including satisfaction, word of mouth, and repeat intention. Four stimuli—mood, perceived similar interests, cultural
motives, and extroversion—were found to significantly influence respondent evaluations and intentions. Based on these findings, recommendations for tour companies and guides are given and future research directions are suggested.
Holidays as Health: Exploring the No Leave, No Life Campaign via the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Beeton Sue
Published: July 2012

Taking a holiday is often seen as a way to provide release from daily stresses and the working environment, yet the current working environment for many seems to limit the workers' ability to take recreation leave. This issue has been noted for some time, but it has now become a major
financial liability for employers as well as a community health issue. Furthermore, domestic tourism in many countries remains low, with people taking fewer local holidays or short breaks. These two issues are prevalent in Australia, where the financial liability to companies is estimated
at AUD$33 billion and domestic tourism remains flat. The Australian government, under the auspices of the national destination marketing organization, tourism Australia, has developed an innovative program aimed at not simply addressing the domestic tourism issue, but also the leave
issue for corporations through its No Leave, No Life Campaign. The potential of this marketing campaign to alter behavior is analyzed within the framework of the theory of Planned Behavior, concluding that it has the potential to succeed and may be transferrable to other countries,
but must be treated as a long-term exercise.
Potential of Ecotourism Development in Bangladesh Coast: An Overview
Authors: Islam M. R. , Iftekhar M. S. , Islam M. W.
Published: July 2012

The features of the coastal zone of Bangladesh have potential for developing ecotourism. The coast houses attractive ecotourism sites rich in both natural and cultural assets. Though the number of ecotourists in the country is negligible, ecotourism has great potential to expand at
a rapid rate. The government is endeavoring to promote ecotourism in the country by integrating its resource planning, management, and utilization, based on principles of multiple use, conservation, and development of the natural resource base. Development of ecotourism offers opportunities
for alternative livelihood options and improves the socioeconomic conditions of communities surrounding ecotourism sites. This article provides an overview of the ecotourism status in the coastal zone, policy perspectives, potential for community involvement in ecotourism development, ongoing
initiatives, and their challenges.
“It's a challenge, It's hard to get a wave”: the Impact of constraInts on women surf tourIsts
Authors: Fendt Laura Sophia , Wilson Erica
Published: July 2012

This article aims to explore active female surfers' constraints associated with surf tourism. A qualitative, interpretive research paradigm informed by feminist perspectives was utilized. Twenty female surf tourists were interviewed in an effort to address the study's objectives. Semistructured
in-depth interviews were the main data collection method, allowing women to freely speak about their experiences. Analysis of these interviews revealed a range of personal, sociocultural, and practical constraints, which worked to limit these women prior to or during engagement in surf tourism.
It became evident that the major constraints that hindered women were “the unknown” and management of logistics. In addition, women felt constrained by their financial resources and by being a minority as a female surfer. These findings are discussed in relation to existing leisure
constraint theories identifying similarities to constraints encountered in other kinds of tourism. Furthermore, this study's findings support assumptions of constraints being equally enabling as well as restricting, thus demonstrating a positive relationship between constraint and experience.
Using a Multidisciplinary Training Program to Reduce Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Gadola Liliana , Poggi Carla , Poggio María , Sáez Lucía , Ferrari Alejandra , Romero Jorge , Fumero Soledad , Ghelfi Gianella , Chifflet Liliana , Borges Patricia Larre
Published: July 2012

♦Objectives

The present study evaluated the tool used to assess patients’ skills and the impact on peritonitis rates of a new multidisciplinary peritoneal dialysis (PD) education program (PDEP).

♦Methods

After the University Hospital Ethics Committee approved the study, the educational and clinical records of PD patients were retrospectively analyzed in two phases. In phase I, an Objective Structured Assessment (OSA) was used during August 2008 to evaluate the practical skills of 25 patients with adequate Kt/V and no mental disabilities who had been on PD for more than 1 month. Test results were correlated with the prior year's peritonitis rate. In phase II, the new PDEP, consisting of individual lessons, a retraining schedule, and group meetings, was introduced starting 1 September 2008. Age, sex, years of education, time on PD, number of training sessions, and peritonitis episodes were recorded. Statistical analyses used t-tests, chi-square tests, and Poisson distributions; a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

♦Results

In phase I, 25 patients [16 men, 9 women; mean age: 54 ± 15 years (range: 22 – 84 years); mean time on PD: 35 ± 30 months (range: 1 – 107 months)] were studied. The OSA results correlated with peritonitis rates: patients who passed the test had experienced significantly lower peritonitis rates during the prior year ( p < 0.05). In phase II, after the new PDEP was introduced, overall peritonitis rates significantly declined (to 0.28 episodes/patient–year from 0.55 episodes/patient–year, p < 0.05); the Staphylococcus peritonitis rate also declined (to 0.09 episodes/patient–year from 0.24 episodes/patient–year, p < 0.05).

♦Conclusions

The OSA is a reliable tool for assessing patients’ skills, and it correlates with peritonitis rates. The multidisciplinary PDEP significantly improved outcomes by further lowering peritonitis rates.
Peri-Aortic Fat Tissue Thickness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Turkmen Kultigin , Ozbek Orhan , Kayrak Mehmet , Samur Cigdem , Guler Ibrahim , Tonbul Halil Zeki
Published: July 2012

Background

Thoracic peri-aortic fat tissue (PFT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are metabolically active visceral fat deposits surrounding the thoracic aorta and the heart, respectively. Various studies have demonstrated a positive predictive value of both PFT and EAT for coronary artery disease in the general population. In the present study, we aimed to investigate PFT thickness and the independent predictors of PFT in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

Our cross-sectional study enrolled 35 PD patients (10 women, 25 men) and 30 age-and-sex-matched healthy subjects (15 women, 15 men). We measured PFT, thoracic artery calcification (TAC), EAT, and coronary artery calcification (CAC) by electrocardiogram-gated 64–multi-detector computed tomography.

Results

The measured PFT, EAT, CAC, and TAC were significantly higher in the PD group than in the healthy subjects ( p < 0.05 each). In the PD group, PFT and TAC were significantly correlated ( r = 0.33, p = 0.007). Also, PFT measurements were positively correlated with EAT and total CAC in the PD and the control group alike ( r = 0.58, p = 0.001 and r = 0.54, p = 0.01 respectively). A stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that age, duration of hypertension, and being a PD patient were independent predictors of PFT.

Conclusions

Measured PFT was higher in PD patients than in healthy subjects and, in the PD population, was also shown to be related to calcification scores and EAT.
Combination of Autoantibodies Against Different Histone Proteins Influences Complement-dependent Phagocytosis of Necrotic Cell Material by Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: GULLSTRAND BIRGITTA , LEFORT MALIN H. , TYDÉN HELENA , JÖNSEN ANDREAS , LOOD CHRISTIAN , JOHANSSON ÅSA , JACOBSEN SØREN , TRUEDSSON LENNART , BENGTSSON ANDERS A.
Published: July 2012

Objective.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) with autoantibody-coated engulfed necrotic cell material (NC) are frequently seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We evaluated the roles of complement, different antihistone antibodies (anti-H ab), and oxidative burst in the phagocytosis of NC by PMN, as well as association to disease activity and clinical phenotype in SLE.

Methods.

ELISA and immunoblot were used to measure antibodies to different histone proteins in sera from patients with SLE and complement-deficient individuals. Phagocytosis of NC by PMN and oxidative burst activity was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results.

A clearly increased phagocytosis of NC was seen in patients with active SLE, which was associated with high levels of anti-H ab concentrations and oxidative burst activity. The complement system contributed to efficient phagocytosis of NC by PMN through activation of the classical pathway, and the phagocytosis was mediated by FcγRIIA, FcγRIIIB, and CR1 in combination. A pattern of high phagocytosis, consumption of classical pathway components, and a broad anti-H ab repertoire was seen particularly in patients with nephritis and serositis. The combination of antibodies to several different histone proteins, often with anti-DNA antibodies, promoted an efficient uptake of NC, whereas antibodies against only histone H1 or a few histones seemed to be of less importance.

Conclusion.

The distributions of specificities among anti-H ab are of great importance in the complement-dependent phagocytosis of debris from NC in SLE. Measurement of anti-H ab could be useful in monitoring of this disease and contribute to improved understanding of the autoimmune process.
Expansions of CD4+CD28– and CD8+CD28– T cells in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis Are Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection But Not with Disease Activity
Authors: ERIKSSON PER , SANDELL CHRISTINA , BACKTEMAN KARIN , ERNERUDH JAN
Published: July 2012

Objective.

T helper cells lacking CD28 (CD4+CD28–) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener; GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Expansions of CD4+CD28– and CD8+CD28– T cells have also been associated with latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. We assessed these T cells with and without coexpression of CD56 and CD57 in relation to vasculitis as well as CMV status.

Methods.

Blood from 16 patients in remission (12 GPA, 4 MPA), 18 patients with active vasculitis (12 GPA, 6 MPA), and 20 healthy controls was examined by flow cytometry for expression of CD4, CD8, CD56, CD57, and CD28 on T cells. The influence of age, CMV status, presence of disease, and disease activity on T cell subpopulations was tested with multiple regression analyses.

Results.

In active vasculitis, the total numbers and proportion of lymphocytes were decreased. Total numbers of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD28–, CD8+CD28–, CD4+CD57+, and CD8+CD57+ T subpopulations were decreased to the same extent, implying unchanged proportions. Multivariate analyses showed no associations between vasculitis and CD28– or CD57+ T subpopulations, whereas immunoglobulin G antibodies to CMV were associated with expanded proportions of CD28– and CD57+ T cells, in both the CD4+ and the CD8+ compartments.

Conclusion.

CD28– and CD57+ T cells were associated with latent CMV infection and not with a diagnosis of GPA or MPA. Vasculitis assessment should include CMV status.
Teatro griego antiguo y teatro indio: su origen en danzas corales que miman antiguos mitos
Authors: Rodríguez Adrados Francisco
Published: July 2012

En relación con el tema del origen del teatro griego, de la tragedia sobre todo, el autor insiste en la teoría ya publicada por él repetidas veces, de que procede de danzas corales, religiosas, que representan, mediante una mímesis antigua, mitos. El origen en la lírica coral lo propuso ya Aristóteles, pero en forma insuficiente. El autor lleva más lejos, en el detalle, su teoría y habla de la necesidad de partir de datos de las mismas obras griegas: unidades líricas y su organización en obras teatrales añadiendo a los corales la recitación de los coreutas. Confirma todo esto con hechos paralelos descubiertos en el teatro indio por el profesor Gupt, de Nueva Delhi, y la correlación que él establece entre estos datos y los griegos: danza mimética, rito y mito.
El aprendiz de rapsodo, o de cuando Homero cruzó la laguna Estigia (Lucianus, Cont. 7)
Authors: Gómez Cardó Pilar
Published: July 2012

En Caronte o los observadores el barquero del inframundo conversa, en la tierra, con el dios Hermes sobre la riqueza, la felicidad y el vano afán humano por los bienes materiales. Por ello esta obra ha sido considerada una muestra de sátira menipea en el corpus lucianeo. Por otra parte, la poesía homérica actúa en esta pieza como permanente telón de fondo. Luciano se sirve de versos homéricos, o mejor dicho, de versos a la manera homérica, para censurar el mundo mortal; y, además, pone esos versos en boca de un personaje que, para practicar el arte de la rapsodia, debe renunciar por un tiempo a su oficio de barquero. Este trabajo analiza un problema textual, puesto que la tradición manuscrita en Cont. 7 ofrece dos variantes para referirse al canto de Homero. En un contexto donde la intención de Luciano es no sólo burlarse de los necios mortales, sino incluso del poeta griego por excelencia, la lectura de los ueteres es más acertada porque ésta ilustra mejor el efecto y la intención paródica de Luciano al recordar a Homero, intentando adecuar forma y contenido al amparo de la tradición griega.
Los adverbios conjuntivos en griego antiguo. Análisis de ἅμα en Homero, Platón y Jenofonte
Authors: Conti Luz
Published: July 2012

En las lenguas indoeuropeas modernas algunos adverbios presentan un uso conjuntivo, es decir, un uso de carácter conector en el que explicitan el vínculo semántico y pragmático existente entre dos o más elementos, con frecuencia coordinados entre sí. Aunque en griego antiguo este punto apenas ha sido abordado hasta ahora, la aproximación a algunos adverbios permite observar en ellos un uso conjuntivo muy similar al que muestran las lenguas indoeuropeas modernas. En este trabajo se estudia el adverbio ἅμα en Homero, Platón y Jenofonte con el objetivo de determinar su posible uso conjuntivo y contrastarlo con su uso como adverbio de simultaneidad. El análisis en los autores seleccionados permite concluir que ἅμα presenta un uso conjuntivo en todos ellos. Este uso, en el que ἅμα tiene un valor aditivo, se limita en Homero al sintagma, pero se extiende en Platón y Jenofonte a unidades sintácticas mayores.
Discrepancia ex profeso en Virg., Aen. VI 562-600
Authors: Weber Clifford
Published: July 2012

El autor defiende que la interpretación antigua/tradicional de Virg., Aen. VI 565 es correcta, mientras que el consenso actual se equivoca, tal como lo exige el contexto. La Sibila nunca ha visto el Tártaro. Después, cuando afirma en repetidas ocasiones que ha sido testigo de los castigos de criminales allí confinados, esta flagrante contradicción emula la bien conocida ubicación contradictoria de Odiseo, fuera del Hades en un inicio y más tarde, sin embargo, claramente en su interior.
Notas sobre Temístocles en Naxos
Authors: Sierra Martín César
Published: July 2012

El objetivo del presente artículo es abordar la historicidad de la presencia de Temístocles durante el asedio ateniense de Naxos, narrado por Tucídides. La yuxtaposición de un hecho histórico, como el citado asedio, con un episodio del exilio de Temístocles ha generado grandes debates cronológicos. Por nuestra parte, no pretendemos ofrecer una nueva alternativa cronológica sino advertir de las incongruencias que puede comportar la lectura rigurosa de Tucídides.
Thinking Inside the Grid
Authors: Freivalds Dace , Lush Binky
Published: July 2012

Many libraries are in the process of purchasing and implementing Web-scale discovery systems. In order to ensure that the selected system meets the needs of the institution’s users, a thorough and careful evaluation of potential systems is critical. Using the Penn State University Libraries’ selection process as an example, this chapter describes the use of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process to evaluate Web-scale discovery systems impartially and objectively. While the RFP was mandated at Penn State, the methodology presented here can serve as a model for selecting a discovery system even when a library is not required to use an RFP. The chapter provides sample evaluation grids, scoring schemes, team guidelines, reference check questions, and other tools that can be used during the selection process to ensure a thorough and complete evaluation.
User Search Activities within an Academic Library Gateway
Authors: Mischo William H. , Schlembach Mary C. , Bishoff Joshua , German Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2012

Academic libraries are transitioning from access systems based on federated, broadcast search technologies to Web-scale discovery systems with central, aggregated indexes. It is important to understand user information seeking behaviors, but knowledge of user searching patterns in online catalogs is incomplete and contradictory. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library has been collecting custom transaction log data from a main gateway built around the Easy Search (ES) federated search system. ES provides contextual search assistance suggestions that facilitate search reformulation and performs added title and phrase searches. An analysis of the transaction logs has revealed information on user search characteristics and search assistance usage. These findings show the importance of known-item searching, including journal, book, and article title searches. The Illinois team has been working with Web-scale discovery system vendors on a hybrid approach that incorporates search assistance and recommender elements with Web-scale aggregation and blended result displays.
Setting a Direction for Discovery
Authors: Fransen Janet , Friedman-Shedlov Lara , Theis-Mahon Nicole , Traill Stacie , Boudewyns Deborah
Published: July 2012

While many other academic libraries are currently or have recently faced the challenge of setting a new direction for their discovery platforms, the University of Minnesota is perhaps unique in its phased approach to the process. In the spring of 2011, the University of Minnesota Libraries appointed a Discoverability task force to identify a Web-scale discovery solution, the third phase in the Discoverability research process. Discoverability 3 Task Force members are now synthesizing the work of two previous phases and other relevant internal and external analyses to develop requirements and selection criteria for the solution. Some of these requirements and criteria are standard for any large-scale system implementation. Others were derived from the findings of the previous two phases of the Discoverability project. The authors discuss the Libraries’ phased approach to developing a vision for discovery and selecting a solution that puts the Libraries on a path to fulfilling that vision.
Developing a User-Centered Article Discovery Environment
Authors: Chapman Suzanne , Dennis Scott , Folger Kathleen , Varnum Ken
Published: July 2012

This chapter discusses the user-focused research conducted at the University of Michigan Library to help make decisions about selecting and implementing a Web-scale article discovery service. A combination of methods—persona analysis, comparative evaluations, surveys, and guerrilla usability tests—were applied to bring a user-centered approach to the article discovery service decision-making process. After the selection of the Serials Solutions®1 Summon™2 service and developing a custom interface to this resource using the Summon™ API, a follow-up user survey was conducted and search log data were analyzed to gauge the impact of the Library’s decisions on users’ research habits and their perceptions of the library. Users reported a high rate of satisfaction with the new article discovery service and, as a result, reported being more likely to use library online resources again.
Search Success at the University of Manitoba Libraries Pre- and Post-Summon Implementation
Authors: O’Hara Lisa , Nicholls Pat , Keiller Karen
Published: July 2012

The University of Manitoba Libraries (UML) hired an external company to perform usability testing on its website in 2008 and 2009. A component of the website testing required test participants to find particular books and articles and to identify materials on a particular specific topic using the UML’s search tools. The need for a resource discovery tool was made clear when participants were not generally successful in completing these tasks. The UML released Request for Proposals (RFP) for a resource discovery tool in 2010 and shortly afterward acquired Summon™1 as the successful tool. Usability testing was performed on the Summon™ resource discovery tool while it was still in beta development at UML to see if there was an improvement in search success for students. The results of the two usability studies are described in this chapter, with an emphasis on the Summon™ usability testing and suggestions for further research.
Creating Organizational Buy-in
Authors: Mandernach Meris A. , Fagan Jody Condit
Published: July 2012

While launching a discovery tool can be technically easy, establishing a process that will result in organizational buy-in for the tool is an exceptionally important first step for a successful implementation. Many lessons about creating organizational buy-in can be learned from experiences with federated search software and next-generation catalogs. Libraries must grapple with three critical areas before discovery tool implementation. First, the library will need to consider how the discovery tool will affect key library departments and create a plan for addressing their concerns. Second, training will need to be developed for staff as well as end users. Finally, monitoring and assessing the discovery tool’s performance and impact will inform future decision-making related to the tool’s integration with the library’s other systems and services. Each of these areas will be explored in the context of existing library research, with illustrations from James Madison University’s discovery tool implementation.
Introducing Discovery Systems to Academic User Communities
Authors: Mintz Mary
Published: July 2012

This chapter provides information about why marketing a new discovery system is important both for libraries and for users. It also presents a case study of the American University Library experience in marketing a new discovery system, including an innovative technique for viral marketing. Results of the marketing program probably contributed to overall use of the discovery system, but did not guarantee system success as reflected in user responses to the system. Recommendations based on lessons learned from the American University Library experience and from marketing best practices that can be applied to planning, branding, publicity venues, language, and assessment are presented to assist other libraries.
Does Web-Scale Discovery Make a Difference?
Authors: Kemp Jan
Published: July 2012

The University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries implemented the Summon1™ Discovery Service in January 2010 to provide a convenient starting point for library research, particularly for undergraduate students who are less experienced in library research. Librarians thought Summon™ would help users find and use materials more effectively; therefore, implementation of the discovery tool was expected to positively influence collections use. At the end of the first year following Summon™ implementation, statistics on the use of collections showed significant increases in the use of electronic resources: link resolver use increased 84%, and full-text article downloads increased 23%. During the same period, use of the online catalog decreased 13.7%, and use of traditional indexing and abstracting database searches decreased by 5%. The author concludes that the increases in collections use are related to adoption of a Web-scale discovery service.