bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase relations in the ZrO2-Sm2O3-Y2O3-Al2O3 system: experimental investigation and thermodynamic modelling
Authors: Fabrichnaya Olga , Savinykh Galina , Zienert Tilo , Schreiber Gerhard , Seifert Hans J.
Published: May 2012

Sub-solidus phase relations in the ZrO2-Sm2O3-Y2O3 and Sm2O3-Al2O3-Y2O3 systems were experimentally studied at 1523-1873 K and thermodynamic databases for these systems were developed. Analysis of phase equilibria in the Sm2O3-Y2O3-Al2O3 system indicated that REAM phase (Sm,Y)4Al2O9 is not stable in the Sm2O3 rich-composition. Therefore, the stability limit of the Sm4Al2O9 phase was established experimentally and thermodynamic parameters of the Sm2O3-Al2O3 system were re-optimised. The eutectic melting in the Sm2O3-Y2O3-Al2O3 system was investigated using differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained were used to assess the mixing parameter of the liquid phase. A new description of binary system was introduced into the database of the ZrO2-Sm2O3-Al2O3 system and phase diagrams were re-calculated. The obtained thermodynamic databases were combined with literature data for the ZrO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 system and a thermodynamic database for the ZrO2-Sm2O3-Y2O3-Al2O3 system was developed.
Effect of bull performance on progeny early growth and genetic relationships between bull and progeny traits
Authors: Aktar S , Bhuiyan AKFH , Saha NG , Hoque MA
Published: May 2012

Records on four bulls and 96 of their progeny born from 2005 to 2011 with pedigree information were used to estimate the impact of bull performance on progeny early growth and the genetic relationships between traits of bull and their progeny. Traits included in this study were metabolic body weight, feed intake and residual feed intake (RFI) for bull performance and birth weight and average daily gain for progeny performance. The variance and covariance components were estimated by the REML method with the VCE computer program. The metabolic body weight of breeding bulls ranged from 92.88±1.22 to 106.05±2.28 kg. The average daily feed intake of breeding bulls differed significantly (p<0.05). The RFI of breeding bulls were ranged from -0.57±0.07 to 0.54±0.06 kg/day. It has been found that the RFI values of two bulls were negative and the other two bulls were positive. The mean values for birth weight of calves produced from different breeding bulls ranged from 16.15±2.01 to 17.71±1.89 kg. Effects of breeding bulls on birth weight and average daily gain of male calves were highly significant (p<0.01). Mean values for birth weight and average daily gain of female calves were affected also significantly (p<0.05) among breeding bulls. Estimated heritability for birth weight was moderate (0.30) and for average daily gain was low (0.26). The genetic correlation between metabolic body weight of bulls and birth weight of their progeny was strong (rg=0.52), whereas feed intake of bulls with birth weight and average daily gain of their progeny were moderate (0.43±0.21 and 0.40±0.23, respectively). Low but favorable negative genetic correlation (rg=-0.10) was observed between RFI of bulls with average daily gain of their progeny. Estimated moderate heritability indicated that variation exist on average daily gain of calves. The negative genetic correlation between RFI of bulls and average daily gain of their progeny indicated that it was possible to improve simultaneously RFI of breeding bulls and daily gain of their progeny. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10620 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 1-7
Efficacy of neem leaf meal as a hypocholesterolemic dietary additive in laying pullets
Authors: Dey B , Chowdhury SD , Bulbul SM , Chowdhury BLD
Published: May 2012

An experiment was carried out with laying pullets to investigate the effects of feeding neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal (NLM) at different dietary concentrations on cholesterol metabolism and productivity of laying chickens. Forty, 26-week old laying pullets belonging to Shaver 579 strain was fed NLM for 12 weeks. Five dietary treatments, each of four replications, containing either 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20g NLM per kg were compared. The birds were reared in a pyramid-type laying cage. Blood and eggs were collected three times maintaining four weeks interval for the determination of cholesterol concentration respectively in serum and egg yolk. Eggs from birds laid after 6 weeks of feeding NLM were used for the determination of internal and external characteristics of eggs. Body weight gain, egg weight, total egg mass, FCR, survivability, and internal and external egg quality characteristics were studied. Use of NLM at 10 and 15 g/kg showed negative quadratic effect (P<0.01) on total lipids and yolk cholesterol after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of supplementation. Similar result was obtained for serum cholesterol (P<0.05) after 8 weeks of supplementation. Analysis of performance data showed no significant difference from control group except a linear decrease in feed consumption (P<0.01). A linear increase (P<0.05) in albumen index and a positive quadratic effect (P<0.01) on Haugh unit were also found. Based on the result, it may be concluded that NLM could be considered as a hypocholesterolemic dietary feed additive with dietary inclusion levels between 10 and 15 g/kg.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10782Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 13-17
Status of amphistomiasis in cattle at Joypurhat district of Bangladesh
Authors: Azam MG , Begum N , Ali MH
Published: May 2012

In Bangladesh, livestock are affected by different types of helminth parasites of which amphistomiasis in cattle is known to be widespread and death may occur in some cases. An experiment was conducted to investigate the status of amphistomiasis in cattle, 64 visceral and 360 faecal samples were collected from different areas of Joypurhat district during May 2009 to April 2010. Faecal and visceral sample examinations showed 70.8% and 90.6% infection with amphistomiasis, respectively. It was observed that age had a significant influence on the prevalence of amphistomiasis. In faecal samples, higher prevalence was observed in adult cattle (84.9%) followed by the young (77.3%) and lowest in calf (16.7%). On the basis of examination of visceral sample, females (93.8%) were found to be significantly more infected than male (89.9%) with the amphistome. The prevalence of amphistomiasis in crossbred cattle (90.9% in faeces and 93.9% in viscera) was significantly higher than indigenous cattle (62.2% in faeces and 89.8% in viscera). The calculated odds ratio implied that the crossbred cattle were 1.6 times (viscera) and 4.2 times (faeces) more affected than indigenous cattle. Prevalence rate was higher in rainy season (79.2% in faeces and 95.5% in viscera) followed by winter (68.3% in faeces and 90% in viscera) and summer (65% in faeces and 86.4% in viscera) season, but with no significant effect on the prevalence of amphistomiasis. Feeding habit had significant effect on the prevalence of amphistomiasis. Pasture grazing cattle (82.5%) were more (2.9 times) affected than stall feeding cattle (59%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10788Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 34-39
Global Health Governance: Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the Doha Declaration, and Democratisation
Authors: Townsend Belinda , Martin Erik , Löfgren Hans , De Leeuw Evelyne
Published: May 2012

Global public health agreements are heralded as a success for the affirmation of the right to health within a complex and contested political landscape. However, the practical implementation of such agreements at the national level is often overlooked. This article outlines two radically different global health agreements: The Doha Declaration on the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement and Public Health; and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). We identify significant challenges in their implementation, particularly for low and middle income countries. Shifts in the policy network constellations around these two agreements have allowed for some positive influence by civil society. Yet industry influence at the national level constrains effective implementation and those affected by these policies have largely been left on the periphery. The broader provisions of these two agreements have been watered down by vested interests and donor conditions. We advocate for both activist and academic actors to play a significant role in highlighting the consequences of these power asymmetries. Deliberative democracy may be the key to addressing these challenges in a way that empowers those presently excluded from effective participation in the policy process.
Overview of the Development of the Fluoropolymer Industry
Authors: Teng Hongxiang
Published: May 2012

The present review briefly describes the development of the fluoropolymer industry in the past 70 years. Discussed are industrial fluoropolymers including polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidenefluoride, polyvinylfluoride, ETFE, ECTFE, FEP, PFA, THV, Teflon AF and Cytop. Nafion is included as a special functional fluoropolymer material. These industrial fluoropolymers are introduced in the order of their discovery or time of first production, included are their chemical structures, thermal properties, mechanical properties, electrical and electronic properties, optical properties, chemical resistance, oxidative stabilities, weather stabilities, processabilities and their general applications. The main manufacturing companies for the different types of fluoropolymer products are also mentioned.
The Surprising Role of Amyloid Fibrils in HIV Infection
Authors: Castellano Laura M. , Shorter James
Published: May 2012

Despite its discovery over 30 years ago, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to threaten public health worldwide. Semen is the principal vehicle for the transmission of this retrovirus and several endogenous peptides in semen, including fragments of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP248-286 and PAP85-120) and semenogelins (SEM1 and SEM2), assemble into amyloid fibrils that promote HIV infection. For example, PAP248-286 fibrils, termed SEVI (Semen derived Enhancer of Viral Infection), potentiate HIV infection by up to 105-fold. Fibrils enhance infectivity by facilitating virion attachment and fusion to target cells, whereas soluble peptides have no effect. Importantly, the stimulatory effect is greatest at low viral titers, which mimics mucosal transmission of HIV, where relatively few virions traverse the mucosal barrier. Devising a method to rapidly reverse fibril formation (rather than simply inhibit it) would provide an innovative and urgently needed preventative strategy for reducing HIV infection via the sexual route. Targeting a host-encoded protein conformer represents a departure from traditional microbicidal approaches that target the viral machinery, and could synergize with direct antiviral approaches. Here, we review the identification of these amyloidogenic peptides, their mechanism of action, and various strategies for inhibiting their HIV-enhancing effects.
Molecular Detection and Drug Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex from Cattle at a Dairy Farm in the Nkonkobe Region of South Africa: A Pilot Study
Authors: Silaigwana Blessing , Green Ezekiel , Ndip Roland N.
Published: May 2012

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) causes tuberculosis (TB) in humans and animals. We investigated the presence of MTBC in cattle milk and its drug resistance using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two hundred samples (100 mL each) were obtained from a dairy farm in the Nkonkobe region of South Africa. The samples were processed using the modified Petroff method. DNA was isolated using a Zymo Bacterial DNA kit and amplified using Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE assay. The Genotype® Mycobacterium tuberculosis-multidrug resistantplus (MTBDRplus) assay was used to perform drug susceptibility and detection of mutations conferring resistance to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). Eleven samples tested positive for MTBC DNA using the Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE assay. The Genotype® MTBDRplus assay showed that 10/11 samples were resistant to both INH and RIF i.e., multi-drug resistant (MDR). The most and least frequent rpoB mutations detected in RIF resistant samples were H526Y (9/10) and D516V (2/10) respectively. None of the INH resistant samples harbored mutations in the katG gene. However, all of them harbored the T8A mutation in the inhA gene. These results have clinical and epidemiological significance and calls for further studies and necessary actions to delineate the situation.
Identification of Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) Protein Putative Interactors Using Phage Display
Authors: Kushwaha Rekha , Lloyd Taylor D. , Schäfermeyer Kim R. , Kumar Santosh , Downie Allan Bruce
Published: May 2012

Arabidopsis thaliana seeds without functional SEED MATURATION PROTEIN1 (SMP1), a boiling soluble protein predicted to be of intrinsic disorder, presumed to be a LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT (LEA) family protein based on sequence homology, do not enter secondary dormancy after 3 days at 40 °C. We hypothesized that SMP1 may protect a heat labile protein involved in the promotion of secondary dormancy. Recombinant SMP1 and GmPM28, its soybean (Glycine max), LEA4 homologue, protected the labile GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYROGENASE enzyme from heat stress, as did a known protectant, Bovine Serum Albumin, whether the LEA protein was in solution or attached to the bottom of microtiter plates. Maintenance of a biological function for both recombinant LEA proteins when immobilized encouraged a biopanning approach to screen for potential protein interactors. Phage display with two Arabidopsis seed, T7 phage, cDNA libraries, normalized for transcripts present in the mature, dehydrated, 12-, 24-, or 36-h imbibed seeds, were used in biopans against recombinant SMP1 and GmPM28. Phage titer increased considerably over four rounds of biopanning for both LEA proteins, but not for BSA, at both 25 and at 41 °C, regardless of the library used. The prevalence of multiple, independent clones encoding portions of specific proteins repeatedly retrieved from different libraries, temperatures and baits, provides evidence suggesting these LEA proteins are discriminating which proteins they protect, a novel finding. The identification of putative LEA-interacting proteins provides targets for reverse genetic approaches to further dissect the induction of secondary dormancy in seeds in response to heat stress.
New Insights into Control of Arbovirus Replication and Spread by Insect RNA Interference Pathways
Authors: Donald Claire L. , Kohl Alain , Schnettler Esther
Published: May 2012

Arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses are transmitted by vectors, such as mosquitoes, to susceptible vertebrates. Recent research has shown that arbovirus replication and spread in mosquitoes is not passively tolerated but induces host responses to control these pathogens. Small RNA-mediated host responses are key players among these antiviral immune strategies. Studies into one such small RNA-mediated antiviral response, the exogenous RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, have generated a wealth of information on the functions of this mechanism and the enzymes which mediate antiviral activities. However, other small RNA-mediated host responses may also be involved in modulating antiviral activity. The aim of this review is to summarize recent research into the nature of small RNA-mediated antiviral responses in mosquitoes and to discuss future directions for this relatively new area of research.
Resistance of Particleboards Made from Fast-Growing Wood Species to Subterranean Termite Attack
Authors: Hermawan Dede , Hadi Yusuf S. , Fajriani Esi. , Massijaya Muhamad Y. , Hadjib Nurwati
Published: May 2012

Laboratory-made particleboards were tested for their resistance to subterranean termite, Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Order Isoptera, Family Termitidae) by Indonesian standard SNI 01.7207–2006, during four weeks and at the end of the test their mass loss percentage and feeding rate were determined. Particleboards consisted of: jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba, Family Rubiacea) with a density of 0.41 g/cm3; sungkai (Peronema canescens, Family Verbenaceae) with a density of 0.46 g/cm3; mangium (Acacia mangium, Family Rhamnaceae) with a density of 0.60 g/cm3 separately and the three species mixture at a rate of 1:1:1. Densities of the boards were targetted at 0.60 g/cm3 and 0.80 g/cm3 by using 12% urea formaldehyde as binder with 2% paraffin as additive based on oven dry wood particle weight. The hand-formed mats and hot-pressing at 130 °C and 2.45 MPa for 10 min were applied. The results showed that particleboards density did not affect mass loss and feeding rate, but the particleboards made from higher density wood resulted in higher resistance to subterranean termite attack. The most resistant particleboards were made of magium, followed by sungkai, mixed species, and jabon.
Two New Diterpenoids from the Buds of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne
Authors: Guo Jieru , Zhang Jinwen , Shu Penghua , Kong Lingmei , Hao Xincai , Xue Yongbo , Luo Zengwei , Li Yan , Li Gao , Yao Guangmin , Zhang Yonghui
Published: May 2012

Two new diterpenoids, wikstroelide Q (1) and prostratin Q (5), together with three known diterpenoids, pimelea factors P2 (2), P3 (3), and prostratin (4), and five known lignans, (+)-epipioresinol (6), (+)-isolariciresinol (7), (−)-lariciresinol (8), (+)-epi-sesaminone (9), and prestegane B (10), were isolated from the buds of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne Meissn. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1–10 were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A549, MCF-7, SW480, and BEAS-2B cell lines in vitro.
The Coumarin Psoralidin Enhances Anticancer Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)
Authors: Bronikowska Joanna , Szliszka Ewelina , Jaworska Dagmara , Czuba Zenon P. , Krol Wojciech
Published: May 2012

Coumarins are a very common type of secondary plant metabolites with a broad spectrum of biological activities. Psoralidin is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia possessing anticancer and chemopreventive properties. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) triggers apoptosis in cancer cells with no toxicity toward normal tissues. Endogenous TRAIL plays an important role in immune surveillance and defence against cancer cells. Coumarins can modulate TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. We examined the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of psoralidin in combination with TRAIL on HeLa cancer cells. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and LDH assays. The apoptosis was detected using annexin V-FITC staining and mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using DePsipher staining by fluorescence microscopy. Death receptor (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5) expression was analyzed using flow cytometry. Psoralidin enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells through increased expression of TRAIL-R2 death receptor and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study indicated that psoralidin augmented the anticancer effects of TRAIL and confirmed a potential use of coumarins in cancer chemoprevention.
Influence of Chemical Extraction Conditions on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Polysaccharide Gum from Durian (Durio zibethinus) Seed
Authors: Mirhosseini Hamed , Amid Bahareh Tabatabaee
Published: May 2012

Durian seed is an agricultural biomass waste of durian fruit. It can be a natural plant source of non-starch polysaccharide gum with potential functional properties. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of chemical extraction variables (i.e., the decolouring time, soaking temperature and soaking time) on the physicochemical properties of durian seed gum. The physicochemical and functional properties of chemically-extracted durian seed gum were assessed by determining the particle size and distribution, solubility and the water- and oil-holding capacity (WHC and OHC). The present work revealed that the soaking time should be considered as the most critical extraction variable affecting the physicochemical properties of crude durian seed gum.
Al2O3 Nanoparticle Addition to Commercial Magnesium Alloys: Multiple Beneficial Effects
Authors: Paramsothy Muralidharan , Chan Jimmy , Kwok Richard , Gupta Manoj
Published: May 2012

The multiple beneficial effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle addition to cast magnesium based systems (followed by extrusion) were investigated, constituting either: (a) enhanced strength; or (b) simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility of the corresponding magnesium alloys. AZ31 and ZK60A nanocomposites containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement were each fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. Compared to monolithic AZ31 (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% tensile yield strength (TYS)), ultimate strength (UTS), failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+19%, +21%, +113% and +162%, respectively). Compared to monolithic AZ31 (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% compressive yield strength (CYS)) and ultimate strength (UCS), lower failure strain and higher WOF (+5%, +5%, −4% and +11%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% TYS and higher UTS, failure strain and WOF (−4%, +13%, +170% and +200%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% CYS and higher UCS, failure strain and WOF (−10%, +7%, +15% and +26%, respectively). The capability of Al2O3 nanoparticles to enhance the properties of cast magnesium alloys in a way never seen before with micron length scale reinforcements is clearly demonstrated.
The Effect of Three Gums on the Retrogradation of Indica Rice Starch
Authors: Song Rukun , Huang Min , Li Bin , Zhou Bin
Published: May 2012

Retrograded starch (RS3) was produced from indica rice starch with three kinds of gums (konjac glucomannan, KGM; carrageenan, CA, USA; and gellan, GA, USA) by autoclaving, respectively, and the effect of the gums on the retrogradation behavior of starch was estimated. The influences of polysaccharide concentration, sodium chloride concentration, autoclaving time, refrigerated time, and pH value on RS3 formation were discussed. Except for sodium chloride’s persistent restraint on RS3, the others all forced RS3 yields higher at first, but lowered it after the peak value. The influencing sequence of these impact factors was: sodium chloride concentration > polysaccharide concentration > autoclaving time > refrigerated time > pH value. The results also proved that in the three gums, KGM plays the most significant role in RS3 changing. It was concluded that the incorporation of each of these three gums into starch, especially KGM, results in an increase or decrease of RS3 under different conditions. This phenomenon could be taken into consideration when developing starchy food with appropriate amount of RS3.
Three-Component Power Decomposition for Polarimetric SAR Data Based on Adaptive Volume Scatter Modeling
Authors: Cui Yi , Yamaguchi Yoshio , Yang Jian , Park Sang-Eun , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Singh Gulab
Published: May 2012

In this paper, the three-component power decomposition for polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) data with an adaptive volume scattering model is proposed. The volume scattering model is assumed to be reflection-symmetric but parameterized. For each image pixel, the decomposition first starts with determining the adaptive parameter based on matrix similarity metric. Then, a respective scattering power component is retrieved with the established procedure. It has been shown that the proposed method leads to complete elimination of negative powers as the result of the adaptive volume scattering model. Experiments with the PolSAR data from both the NASA/JPL (National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Airborne SAR (AIRSAR) and the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) ALOS-PALSAR also demonstrate that the proposed method not only obtains similar/better results in vegetated areas as compared to the existing Freeman-Durden decomposition but helps to improve discrimination of the urban regions.
RGB Color Calibration for Quantitative Image Analysis: The “3D Thin-Plate Spline” Warping Approach
Authors: Menesatti Paolo , Angelini Claudio , Pallottino Federico , Antonucci Francesca , Aguzzi Jacopo , Costa Corrado
Published: May 2012

In the last years the need to numerically define color by its coordinates in n-dimensional space has increased strongly. Colorimetric calibration is fundamental in food processing and other biological disciplines to quantitatively compare samples’ color during workflow with many devices. Several software programmes are available to perform standardized colorimetric procedures, but they are often too imprecise for scientific purposes. In this study, we applied the Thin-Plate Spline interpolation algorithm to calibrate colours in sRGB space (the corresponding Matlab code is reported in the Appendix). This was compared with other two approaches. The first is based on a commercial calibration system (ProfileMaker) and the second on a Partial Least Square analysis. Moreover, to explore device variability and resolution two different cameras were adopted and for each sensor, three consecutive pictures were acquired under four different light conditions. According to our results, the Thin-Plate Spline approach reported a very high efficiency of calibration allowing the possibility to create a revolution in the in-field applicative context of colour quantification not only in food sciences, but also in other biological disciplines. These results are of great importance for scientific color evaluation when lighting conditions are not controlled. Moreover, it allows the use of low cost instruments while still returning scientifically sound quantitative data.
Advancements in Transmitters and Sensors for Biological Tissue Imaging in Magnetic Induction Tomography
Authors: Zakaria Zulkarnay , Rahim Ruzairi Abdul , Mansor Muhammad Saiful Badri , Yaacob Sazali , Ayob Nor Muzakkir Nor , Muji Siti Zarina Mohd. , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Aman Syed Mustafa Kamal Syed
Published: May 2012

Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT), which is also known as Electromagnetic Tomography (EMT) or Mutual Inductance Tomography, is among the imaging modalities of interest to many researchers around the world. This noninvasive modality applies an electromagnetic field and is sensitive to all three passive electromagnetic properties of a material that are conductivity, permittivity and permeability. MIT is categorized under the passive imaging family with an electrodeless technique through the use of excitation coils to induce an electromagnetic field in the material, which is then measured at the receiving side by sensors. The aim of this review is to discuss the challenges of the MIT technique and summarize the recent advancements in the transmitters and sensors, with a focus on applications in biological tissue imaging. It is hoped that this review will provide some valuable information on the MIT for those who have interest in this modality. The need of this knowledge may speed up the process of adopted of MIT as a medical imaging technology.
Noise Pollution Prevention in Wind Turbines: Status and Recent Advances
Authors: Jianu Ofelia , Rosen Marc A. , Naterer Greg
Published: May 2012

The global push towards sustainability has led to increased interest in alternative power sources other than coal and fossil fuels. One of these sustainable sources is to harness energy from the wind through wind turbines. However, a significant hindrance preventing the widespread use of wind turbines is the noise they produce. This study reviews recent advances in the area of noise pollution from wind turbines. To date, there have been many different noise control studies. While there are many different sources of noise, the main one is aerodynamic noise. The largest contributor to aerodynamic noise comes from the trailing edge of wind turbine blades. The aim of this paper is to critically analyse and compare the different methods currently being implemented and investigated to reduce noise production from wind turbines, with a focus on the noise generated from the trailing edge.
Concentration of Selected Anions in Bottled Water in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abouleish Mohamed Yehia Z.
Published: May 2012

Several studies have shown concern over nitrate and nitrite contamination of prepared infant formula used by infants less than six months old, as it may lead to methemoglobinemia and death. One possible source of contamination is through the use of improperly treated drinking water. Contamination of water could result from fertilizers and manure runoff, not fully treated and released human and industrial waste, or from disinfection processes. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bottled water is the major source of drinking water and may be used for the preparation of infant formula. Therefore, in this study, several bottled water brands that are sold on the UAE market, and could be used for preparation of infant formula, were tested for nitrate and nitrite and other anions to show their compatibility with the permissible levels of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), United States Food and Drug Administration/Code of Federal Regulations (U.S. FDA/CFR), and other international organizations. All the bottled water samples demonstrated nitrate, nitrite, and other anions levels below the permissible levels accepted by U.S. EPA, U.S. FDA/CFR, and other international organizations, except for one sample that showed nitrite levels exceeding the European Commission and Drinking Water Directive (EC/DWD) permissible levels. Such study sheds light on the quality of bottled water sold not only in the UAE and the region, but also in other countries, such as France, since some of them are imported. In addition, the results shed light on the effectiveness of the treatment processes and possible sources of infant formula contamination that can affect the health of infants.
WINDOWS API HOOKING LIBRARIES RESEARCH / WINDOWS API FUNKCIJŲ SEKŲ PERĖMIMO BIBLIOTEKŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Radvilavičius Lukas , Čeponis Dainius
Published: May 2012

The paper describes methods how to apply Windows API hooking with third party libraries and solutions. In this research were used Windows API function SetWindowsHookEx, Detours and EasyHook libraries. Libraries methods, features and advantages were discussed in this paper. The practical part contains libraries tests. In analysis we tested target program start with hooking library and injected function call.
THE INVESTIGATION OF SINUSOIDAL SINGLE PHASE VOLTAGE SOURCE INVERTER OUTPUT FILTER / IŠĖJIMO FILTRO TYRIMAS VIENFAZIO INVERTERIO SINUSINEI ĮTAMPAI FORMUOTI
Authors: Platakis Andrius , Bleizgys Vytautas , Lipinskis Tadas
Published: May 2012

The results of output filter investigation of single phase sine voltage source inverter (VSI) are presented. The operating principle, construction and a most widely used topology of single phase voltage source inverter is discussed. The results obtained using modeling and experimental investigation are presented. The Total Harmonic Distortion of the inverter output voltage and maximal current of the output capacitor were analyzed using Matlab Simulink software. The 1 kW inverter prototype was built for experimental investigation. The inverter switches are realized using IGBT transistors. The toroidal iron powder core with distributed air gap was used as the core of the inductor. The experimental investigation of inductor core losses and maximal current of output filter capacitor were performed.
Una mezquita de «nueve bóvedas» en Córdoba. Estudio arquitectónico de un edificio desaparecido en 1725
Authors: García-Ortega Antonio Jesús
Published: May 2012

Tras la conquista castellana de Córdoba, en 1236, la nueva parroquia de San Nicolás de la Ajerquía aprovechó como iglesia una pequeña mezquita junto al río Guadalquivir. El edificio, ampliado a mitad del siglo XVI y reiteradamente transformado a lo largo del tiempo, mantuvo la preexistencia islámica hasta las importantes reformas del período 1725-27, que supusieron su total demolición. Pese a que existen varias alusiones documentales de aquellos años y un dibujo a mano alzada de la planta conservado en el archivo parroquial, esta mezquita ha pasado prácticamente inadvertida en la historiografía especializada, quizás porque los escasos y ambiguos datos conocidos no permiten estimar su arquitectura. En este trabajo se analiza directamente el dibujo original, contextualizándolo con distintos planos y documentos históricos. Esto ha permitido formular una hipótesis sobre las dimensiones de la sala de oración de la mezquita, su orientación aproximada, así como sobre su conformación arquitectónica interior: una planta prácticamente cuadrada, organizada en nueve ámbitos con cierta autonomía espacial y cubiertos con bóvedas. Seguiría en esto a un tipo de mezquita hace tiempo detectada por Creswell, que la denominó «nine-dome-mosque», y de la que sería el único ejemplo conocido en Córdoba.
Endechas por la pérdida de al-Andalus en dos zéjeles de Cútar
Authors: Barceló Carmen
Published: May 2012

Se editan, traducen y comentan dos poemas estróficos en árabe dialectal andalusí, escritos en un volumen misceláneo encontrado en Cútar (Málaga). Su contenido alude a los reveses de los últimos tiempos de dominio musulmán en la Península Ibérica. Se comentan aspectos sobre el posible autor de los versos, la biografía del copista y su contexto religioso.
Forecasting of Cost Escalations in Post Disaster Construction with Special Reference to Tsunami Reconstruction in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Lalith
Published: May 2012

Since 1999, Sri Lanka tends to be in an area prone to natural hazards. In the recent past, the biggest devastation took place on 26th December 2004 when enormous destruction to both life and property was caused by a Tsunami. It was a recorded turning point as awareness was generated on losses and its consequences to the construction industry. In this context it was thought appropriate to initiate this research to find out the effects of natural disasters on construction cost. After a comprehensive literature survey, it was observed that natural disasters have a direct relationship to construction cost increment in addition to increment in construct demand, the fuel price increment and inflation rate. A unit was proposed to quantify the natural disasters as a guide line for establishing the relationship between construction cost increment and natural disasters. The unit named “ND” and 1 ND = 10,000 damaged or destroyed houses. Statistical data analysis reveals that there is a positive and very strong relationship between natural disasters and construction cost increment (coefficient correlation is as high as 0.966). Another very significant issue is that when natural disasters take place in a particular year; the overall housing construction cost in the follow­ing year will be affected. This is because the overall reconstruction process and the time taken to constructing houses is very slow. The construction cost of houses has gone up rapidly during recent past and the trend will keep away the desire of many to own a house. The ad hoc natural disasters have contributed to skyrocketing of the construction cost of house building.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.4351 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.56-63
Post-Colonoscopy Appendicitis: A Rare Entity
Authors: Yagnik Vipul D. , Yagnik Bhargav D.
Published: May 2012

A 35-year-old woman was admitted to the surgical ward complaining of right-sided lower abdominal pain. She had undergone colonoscopy a week previously. She was diagnosed with acute appendicitis following colonoscopy and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed via the 2-port technique. Post colonoscopy appendicitis is very rare with 14 cases reported since 1988.
Factors Influencing Surgical Outcome after Anterior Stabilization of the Cervical Spine with Heterogeneous Material
Authors: Petridis Athanasios K. , Sechting Sabrina , Budde Michael , Doukas Alexandros , Maslehaty Homajoun , Mehdorn Hubertus Maximilian
Published: May 2012

Intervertebral fusion through an anterior approach with polymethylacrylate is a wellestablished neurosurgical technique in the treatment of cervical spine degeneration. However, questions still remain concerning the post-surgical outcome. Factors influencing surgical outcome that could help to predict which patients need further post-surgical treatment and what to expect after surgery are the subject of numerous studies. In the present study, we retrospectively collected data from patients who had undergone intervertebral fusion and defined which pre-operative factors could influence the surgical outcome. Between 1993 and 1997, 379 patients were surgically treated with the ventral fusion technique in our hospital. In 2006, we sent a questionnaire to the patients and 164 responses were received. We identified pre-operative presence of severe pain, hypesthesia, palsy and gait disturbance as negative predictive factors, whereas age, body mass index, pre-operative physical strain and the cervical segment involved did not seem to influence prognosis. In conclusion, identifying preoperative factors which influence prognosis after intervetebral fusion will help predict postoperative outcome.
Automatic assessment of online discussions using text mining
Authors: Awuor Yvette , Oboko Robert
Published: May 2012

Online discussion forums have rapidly gained usage in e-learning systems. This has placed a heavy burden on course instructors in terms of moderating student discussions. Previous methods of assessing student participation in online discussions followed strictly quantitative approaches that did not necessarily capture the students’ effort. Along with this growth in usage there is a need for accelerated knowledge extraction tools for analysing and presenting online messages in a useful and meaningful manner. This article discussed a qualitative approach which involves content analysis of the discussions and generation of clustered keywords which can be used to identify topics of discussion. The authors applied a new k-means++ clustering algorithm with latent semantic analysis to assess the topics expressed by students in online discussion forums. The proposed algorithm was then compared with the standard k-means++ algorithm. Using the Moodle course management forum to validate the proposed algorithm, the authors show that the k-mean++ clustering algorithm with latent semantic analysis performs better than a stand-alone k-means++.
Specialist physician knowledge of chronic kidney disease: A comparison of internists and family physicians in West Africa
Authors: Agaba Emmanuel I. , Agaba Patricia A. , Dankyau Musa , Akanbi Maxwell O. , Daniyam Comfort A. , Okeke Edith N. , Tzamaloukas Antonios H.
Published: May 2012

Background: Postgraduate training is aimed at equipping the trainee with the necessary skills to practise as an expert. Non-nephrology specialist physicians render the bulk of pre-end-stage renal disease care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to ascertain the knowledge of CKD amongst non-nephrology specialist physicians who serve as trainers and examiners for a training, accrediting and certifying body in postgraduate medicine in West Africa. We also compared the knowledge of family physicians and non-nephrology internists. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to non-nephrology specialist physicians who serve as examiners for the West African College of Physicians.Results: Only 19 (27.5%) of the respondents were aware of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives guidelines for CKD management. Twenty five (36.2%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge of CKD. There was no significant difference in the proportion of family physicians and non-nephrology internists who had adequate knowledge of CKD (27.3% vs. 40.4% respectively; p = 0.28). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were identified by all of the physicians as risk factors for CKD. Non-nephrology internists more frequently identified systemic lupus erythematosus as a risk factor for CKD, urinalysis with microscopy as a laboratory test for CKD evaluation, and bone disease as a complication of CKD than family physicians.Conclusion: There is a lack of adequate CKD knowledge amongst non-nephrology specialist physicians, since many of them are unaware of the CKD management guidelines. Educational efforts are needed to improve the knowledge of CKD amongst non-nephrology specialist physicians. Guidelines on CKD need to be widely disseminated amongst these physicians.
Combined effects of inorganic carbon and light on Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel (Prymnesiophyceae)
Authors: Hoogstraten A. , Peters M. , Timmermans K. R. , de Baar H. J. W.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Phaeocystis globosa (Prymnesiophyceae) is an ecologically dominating phytoplankton species in many areas around the world. It plays an important role in both the global sulfur and carbon cycles, by the production of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and the drawdown of inorganic carbon. Phaeocystis globosa has a polymorphic life cycle and is considered to be a harmful algal bloom (HAB) forming species. All these aspects make this an interesting species to study the effects of increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, due to anthropogenic carbon emissions. Here, the combined effects of three different dissolved carbon dioxide concentrations (CO2(aq)) (low: 4 μmol kg−1, intermediate: 6–10 μmol kg−1 and high CO2(aq): 21–24 μmol kg−1) and two different light intensities (low light, suboptimal: 80 μmol photons m−2 s−1 and high light, light saturated: 240 μmol photons m−2 s−1) are reported. The experiments demonstrated that the specific growth rate of P. globosa in the high light cultures decreased with increasing CO2(aq) from 1.4 to 1.1 d−1 in the low and high CO2 cultures, respectively. Concurrently, the photosynthetic efficiency (FV/FM) increased with increasing CO2(aq) from 0.56 to 0.66. The different light conditions affected photosynthetic efficiency and cellular chlorophyll a concentrations, both of which were lower in the high light cultures as compared to the low light cultures. These results suggest that in future inorganic carbon enriched oceans, P. globosa will become less competitive and feedback mechanisms to global change may decrease in strength.
Linking agricultural crop management and air quality models for regional to national-scale nitrogen assessments
Authors: Cooter E. J. , Bash J. O. , Benson V. , Ran L.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. While nitrogen (N) is an essential element for life, human population growth and demands for energy, transportation and food can lead to excess nitrogen in the environment. A modeling framework is described and implemented, to promote a more integrated, process-based and system-level approach to the estimation of ammonia (NH3) emissions resulting from the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural soils in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model is used to simulate plant demand-driven fertilizer applications to commercial cropland throughout the continental US. This information is coupled with a process-based air quality model to produce continental-scale NH3 emission estimates. Regional cropland NH3 emissions are driven by the timing and amount of fertilizer applied, local meteorology, and ambient air concentrations. An evaluation of EPIC-simulated crop management activities associated with fertilizer application at planting compared with similar USDA state-level event estimates shows temporally progressive spatial patterns that agree well with one another. EPIC annual inorganic fertilizer application amounts also agree well with reported spatial patterns produced by others, but domain-wide the EPIC values are biased about 6 % low. Preliminary application of the integrated fertilizer application and air quality modeling system produces a modified geospatial pattern of seasonal NH3 emissions that improves current simulations of observed atmospheric nitrate concentrations. This modeling framework provides a more dynamic, flexible, and spatially and temporally resolved estimate of NH3 emissions than previous factor-based NH3 inventories, and will facilitate evaluation of alternative nitrogen and air quality policy and adaptation strategies associated with future climate and land use changes.
The spatial structure of European wind storms as characterized by bivariate extreme-value Copulas
Authors: Bonazzi A. , Cusack S. , Mitas C. , Jewson S.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. The winds associated with extra-tropical cyclones are amongst the costliest natural perils in Europe. Re/insurance companies typically have insured exposure at multiple locations and hence the losses they incur from any individual storm crucially depend on that storm's spatial structure. Motivated by this, this study investigates the spatial structure of the most extreme windstorms in Europe. The data consists of a carefully constructed set of 135 of the most damaging storms in the period 1972–2010. Extreme value copulas are applied to this data to investigate the spatial dependencies of gusts. The copula method is used to investigate three aspects of windstorms. First, spatial maps of expected hazard damage between large cities and their surrounding areas are presented. Second, we demonstrate a practical application of the copula method to benchmark catalogues of artificial storms for use in the re/insurance sector. Third, the copula-based method is used to investigate the sensitivity of spatially aggregated damage to climate variability. The copula method allows changes to be expressed in terms of storm frequency, local intensity, and storm spatial structure and gives a more detailed view of how climate variability may affect multi-location risk in Europe.
Flood hazards and masonry constructions: a probabilistic framework for damage, risk and resilience at urban scale
Authors: Mebarki A. , Valencia N. , Salagnac J. L. , Barroca B.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. This paper deals with the failure risk of masonry constructions under the effect of floods. It is developed within a probabilistic framework, with loads and resistances considered as random variables. Two complementary approaches have been investigated for this purpose: – a global approach based on combined effects of several governing parameters with individual weighted contribution (material quality and geometry, presence and distance between columns, beams, openings, resistance of the soil and its slope. . .), – and a reliability method using the failure mechanism of masonry walls standing out-plane pressure. The evolution of the probability of failure of masonry constructions according to the flood water level is analysed. The analysis of different failure probability scenarios for masonry walls is conducted to calibrate the influence of each "vulnerability governing parameter" in the global approach that is widely used in risk assessment at the urban or regional scale. The global methodology is implemented in a GIS that provides the spatial distribution of damage risk for different flood scenarios. A real case is considered for the simulations, i.e. Cheffes sur Sarthe (France), for which the observed river discharge, the hydraulic load according to the Digital Terrain Model, and the structural resistance are considered as random variables. The damage probability values provided by both approaches are compared. Discussions are also developed about reduction and mitigation of the flood disaster at various scales (set of structures, city, region) as well as resilience.