bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Atypical Case of Tuberculosis of the Posterior Elements of T2 and T3 without Involvement of the Vertebral Bodies
Authors: Mittal Naveen , Mahendra K.M. , Mittal Payal , Vashisht Deepak
Published: November 2015

Case:

Isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection of the posterior element of a vertebra is rare, but timely diagnosis affords an opportunity for treatment before spinal cord compression occurs. A twenty-eight-year-old woman presented with bilateral weakness of the lower extremities. The clinical findings correlated with compressive myelopathy, for which the most likely causes include a primary tumor and infection. The diagnosis of TB was based on the magnetic resonance imaging findings, along with ultrasound-guided aspiration showing necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in a patient at high risk for TB. She was managed conservatively with an antitubercular treatment and achieved a good response at the latest follow-up at one and a half years.

Conclusion:

Even with symptoms of spinal cord compression, some patients with TB infection of the posterior elements of vertebrae can be managed medically without surgery.
Articular Sinus Tract with Mycobacterium fortuitum Osteomyelitis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Grantham W. Jeffrey , Raynor M. Brett , Martus Jeffrey E.
Published: November 2015

Case:

Three weeks after transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring autograft, a fourteen-year-old boy presented with fevers, joint effusion, and elevated inflammatory markers. Cultures from an operative debridement grew Mycobacterium fortuitum, for which he received six months of antibiotics. Continued drainage prompted magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed osteomyelitis of the tibial tunnel.

Conclusion:

This case report describes a postoperative infection with an atypical organism that had a protracted course despite early diagnosis. Complete resolution was achieved following tibial tunnel debridement with a high-speed burr and bone-grafting with an antibiotic-laden allograft.
Proximal Tibial Valgus Osteotomy: Lateral Closing Wedge
Authors: van Raaij Tom M. , Brouwer Reinoud W.
Published: November 2015

Valgus-producing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well-accepted treatment modality in active patients with varus malalignment and symptomatic medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. One of the key factors for long-term success of the osteotomy is the achievement of an even distribution of the mechanical load on the knee joint by obtaining an ideal alignment of the lower-extremity mechanical axis. Proper surgical techniques are very important, and lateral closing wedge proximal tibial valgus osteotomy (CWO) is highly effective in achieving the desired overcorrection of 3° to 7° of valgus.

The major steps of CWO are (1) preoperative planning, in which the frontal plane varus knee deformity is assessed on a standard whole-leg radiograph; (2) a transverse anterolateral incision from the tubercle toward the posterior aspect of the proximal part of the fibular head; (3) exposure and snaring of the common peroneal nerve; (4) resection of the anterior aspect of the proximal part of the fibular head; (5) use of a calibrated slotted wedge resection guide to perform the osteotomy proximal to the tuberosity under fluoroscopic guidance; (6) removal of an osseous wedge and closure of the osteotomy site, with the medial opposite cortex acting as a hinge; and (7) fixation of the osteotomy site with two step staples. Complications (e.g., nonunion, deep infection, and peroneal neuropathy) are rare. At follow-up, CWO has been shown to improve knee function and reduce pain. Male patients with early-onset knee OA have an almost ten times lower probability of failure of a CWO than women with more degenerative disease. The survival rate, with knee replacement as the end point, is approximately 75% at ten years following CWO. CWO postpones primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for a median of seven years, and there is low-quality evidence that osteotomy does not compromise subsequent knee replacement.
Spelt pasta with inulin as a functional food
Authors: Filipovic Jelena , Pezo Lato , Filipovic Vladimir , Ludajic Gordana
Published: November 2015

Spelt wheat growing without use of pesticides is a suitable raw material for
whole meal products. The aim of this study was to enhance the fiber content
in spelt pasta by adding inulin HPX. Inulin HPX replaced the spelt farina in
the quantity of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20%, thus contributing to a decrease in the
toughness, and improving color of the pasta. The presence of inulin can be
clearly distinguished from other polysaccharides components by 13C MAS NMR
spectroscopy. A simultaneous increase in the area of the peaks at 81, 74, 64
and 58 ppm, obtained during the deconvolution analysis of the NMR spectra, is
directly associated with the increase in the inulin content. Inulin
contributes positively to the nutritive and technological characteristics of
the pasta. Spelt pasta with 20 % of inulin is a new functional product with
modified nutritional properties and with decreased digestible carbohydrates
in the amuount of 43.2% and reduced energy of 27.2%.
Physicochemical properties of honeybee pollen enriched acidophilus milk and probiotic yoghurt
Authors: Glusac Jovana , Stijepic Milka , Milanovic Spasenija , Djurdjevic-Milosevic Dragica
Published: November 2015

The aim of this work was to examine the possibility of preparation of
acidophilus milk and probiotic yoghurt by processing of milk (1%, 2.8% and
3.2% w/w fat) enriched with honeybee pollen (0.6% w/w). The quality of
produced fermented milks was followed by comparing pH value during
fermentation and storage time, as well as of lactic acid content and sensory
properties during 14 days of storage. Fermentation time was influenced more
the type of the starter culture than by honeybee pollen addition or fat
level. The addition of honeybee pollen increased the production of lactic
acid, regardless of the fat level. The effects of different starters (L.
acidophilus LA-5, S. thermophilus and L. Delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) on the
production of lactic acid were also different, but not as obvious as that due
to pollen addition. The obtained results revealed that honeybee addition had
positive effects on the physicochemical and sensory properties of produced
acidophilus milk and probiotic yoghurt.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) steep liquor as a leavening agent: Effect on dough rheology and sensory properties of bread
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Elmassry Ragab , Wahdan Khaled , Ramadan Fawzy
Published: November 2015

Dough fermentation is one of the oldest process in food technologies. It has
been recently intensively studied for its impact on the sensory, structural,
nutritional and shelf life properties of leavened baked products. The goals
of this work were to investigate chickpea steep liquor (CSL) as a
dough-leavening agent and to study the effect of CSL on the dough rheology
and sensory properties of leavened bread. CSL was prepared by submerging
chickpea seeds in boiled distilled water (1:2, w/v) for 24 h at 37?C, and
then obtained liquor was filtered and freeze-dried to obtain CSL. The
addition of CSL to wheat flour (WF) brought changes in the dough mixing
behavior as measured by the farinograph. An increase in the farinograph water
absorption of WF dough was observed when 4.5% CSL and 1.5% yeast was added,
while arrival time was not affected. Addition of CSL to the dough at a
content of 4.5, 9.0 and 13.5 g CSL/300 g WF caused an increase in dough
stability. The CSL addition also increased mechanical tolerance index, dough
weakening and mixing time. Dough development time for all blends was higher
than the control (1.2-1.5 min), while between the CSL samples no significant
difference was observed. The loaf weight slightly increased from 146.2 g for
control to 152.2 g for CSL fermented bread, whereas the loaf volume and
specific volume of CSL-fermented bread were lower than the control. The
combination of yeast and CSL increased the acceptability of bread with the
increasing level of both leavening agents?. The results show that CSL could
be used as an alternative to yeast for syngas fermentation. On the other
hand, CLS is rich in nutrients and lower in cost compared to yeast.
Effects of the amount of soy milk on thermorheological, thermal and textural properties of chocolate with soy milk
Authors: Zaric Danica , Pajin Biljana , Loncarevic Ivana , Petrovic Jovana , Stamenkovic-Djokovic Marijana
Published: November 2015

Chocolate is a two-phase rheological system. The solid phase, consisting of
non-fat cocoa particles, sugar and soy milk is wrapped in a fat phase - cocoa
butter. Physical, thermal, textural and organoleptic properties of chocolate
depend on the composition of the ingredients, manufacturing process and a
properly conducted pre-crystallization phase. For this study, two chocolate
masses were produced in a ball mill: one with 15% of soy milk powder (R1) and
the other with 20% of soy milk powder (R2). The chocolate mass was produced
at different milling times (30, 60 and 90 min), and pre-crystallization
temperature (26, 28 and 30oC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the
changes caused by different amounts of soy milk powder on the quality of the
chocolate. The quality of chocolate was evaluated by comparing the
nutritional composition, hardness, thermorheological and thermal properties
of the chocolate mass. The results show that chocolate mass R2, due to the
presence of higher amounts of soy milk proteins, should be milled longer, and
also needs lower temperatures for pre-crystallization.
A comparison of different methods to remove dissolved oxygen: Application to the electrochemical determination of imidacloprid
Authors: Djurovic Ana , Stojanovic Zorica , Kravic Snezana , Suturovic Zvonimir , Brezo Tanja , Grahovac Nada , Milanovic Spasenija
Published: November 2015

This study compares different methods for the removal of oxygen from the
solution prior to the chronopotentiometric determination of the insecticide
imidacloprid on glassy carbon electrode. The research included the
application of the chemical method involving addition of sulfite ion, and the
physical method of purging the sample with nitrogen stream, as well as their
combination. By comparing analytical signals of imidacloprid, chemical method
showed almost the same efficiency as conventional physical method, while the
best reproducibility was achieved by applying chemical method with addition
of the saturated sodium sulfite solution. The method is very simple and can
be applied for deoxygenation of the solution prior to the
chronopotentiometric analysis. The application of the chemical deoxygenation
significantly shortened duration of the chronopotentiometric analysis of
imidacloprid from approximately 15 min to 1 min.
Sequential micro and ultrafiltration of distillery wastewater
Authors: Vasic Vesna , Sciban Marina , Kukic Dragana , Prodanovic Jelena , Maravic Nikola
Published: November 2015

Water reuse and recycling, wastewater treatment, drinking water production
and environmental protection are the key challenges for the future of our
planet. Membrane separation technologies for the removal of all suspended
solids and a fraction of dissolved solids from wastewaters, are becoming more
and more promising. Also, these processes are playing a major role in
wastewater purification systems because of their high potential for recovery
of water from many industrial wastewaters. The aim of this work was to
evaluate the application of micro and ultrafiltration for distillery
wastewater purification in order to produce water suitable for reuse in the
bioethanol industry. The results of the analyses of the permeate obtained
after micro and ultrafiltration showed that the content of pollutants in
distillery wastewater was significantly reduced. The removal efficiency for
chemical oxygen demand, dry matter and total nitrogen was 90%, 99.2% and
99.9%, respectively. Suspended solids were completely removed from the
stillage.
Glycerol as a carbon source for xantan production by Xanthomonas campestris isolates
Authors: Bajic Bojana , Roncevic Zorana , Dodic Sinisa , Grahovac Jovana , Dodic Jelena
Published: November 2015

The success of xanthan biosynthesis depends on several factors, most
importantly the genetic potential of the production microorganism and
cultivation media composition. Cultivation media composition affects the
yield and quality of the desired product as well as production costs. This is
why many studies focus on finding cheap alternative raw materials, especially
carbon sources, to replace commercially used glucose and sucrose. In addition
to the Xanthomonas campestris ATCC 13951 which is the primary industrial
production microorganism, other Xanthomonas strains can produce xanthan as
well. Under the same conditions, different strains produce different amounts
of the biopolymer of varying quality. The aim of this paper is to compare
producibility of phytopathogenic X. campestris strains, isolated from the
environment with the reference X. campestris ATCC 13951 strain and to
estimate the possibility of xanthan production using alternative
glycerol-based media than the synthetic glucose-based media. Submerged
cultivation on the medium based on glucose or glycerol (2.0 %w/v) was
performed using the reference strain and eight isolated X. campestris
strains. In order to assess the success of biosynthesis, xanthan yield and
rheological properties were determined. Strains isolated from the environment
produced yields between 2.98 g/L and 12.17 g/L on the glucose-based medium
and 1.68 g/L and 6.31 g/L on the glycerol-based medium. Additionally, X.
campestris ATCC 13951 provided the highest yield when using glucose (13.24
g/L), as well as glycerol-based medium (7.44 g/L). The obtained results
indicate that in the applied experimental conditions and using all tested
strains, glycerol is viable as a carbon source for the production of xanthan.
Chemometric estimation of the retention behavior of selected estradiol derivatives
Authors: Karadzic Milica , Loncar Davor , Jevric Lidija , Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Kovacevic Strahinja , Jokic Stela
Published: November 2015

Quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) analysis has been
performed in order to correlate the retention of selected estradiol
derivatives with their calculated molecular lipophilicity. The lipophilicity
descriptors were derived computationally and most important were selected.
Linear regression (LR) Wad used for model establishing. Statistical quality
of the generated models was determined by standard statistical and
crossvalidation statistical parameters. Statistically significant and
physically meaningful models were obtained. The prediction results are very
well correlated with the experimentally observed data. Given predictive
ability of the established models indicates that they could be used for
predicting the chromatographic behavior of the similar molecules in
normal-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography.
Mode shape identification of an existing three-story flexible steel stairway as a continuous dynamic system
Authors: Manolis George , Makarios Triantafyllos , Terzi Vasiliki , Karetsou Ioanna
Published: November 2015

The issue of modal shape identification for a flexible steel stairway located
within the building complex comprising the Civil Engineering department of
Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece is presented here. The
aforementioned stairway is a system with continuous distribution of mass and
stiffness, a fact that makes structural identification challenging as
compared to structures where lumping of these two basic parameters can be
observed. More specifically, this stairway was instrumented using a local
multi-channel network of accelerometers. Two 12 bit-nominal resolution,
digital uniaxial accelerometers of the type KUOWA-PCD-30A, connected by
cables and with ?common time? and ?common start? characteristics were
installed on the stairway. The dominant modes of vibration of the stairway
were computed by the ?modal response acceleration time history methodology?.
In parallel, a detailed finite element method model of the stairway was
constructed and calibrated according to the ambient vibration results. We
note that the identification procedure used for the dynamic characteristics
of spatial structures yields results that can be used to develop a family of
numerical models for the stairway ranging from the simple
single-degree-of-freedom system to highly detailed multiple-degree-of-freedom
models. Finally, some useful information on the theoretical procedure for the
identification of modal shapes is included herein.
Stress integration of the Drucker-Prager material model with kinematic hardening
Authors: Rakic Dragan , Zivkovic Miroslav
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a method for implicit stress integration of the
Drucker-Prager material model with kinematic hardening. The stress
integration of the material model is conducted using the incremental
plasticity method, while the kinematic hardening of material is defined using
nonlinear Armstrong-Frederick hardening. This type of granular material
hardening occurs as a consequence of the cyclic loading effects, such as the
seismic load. For this reason, this material model is used for the earthquake
analysis in the soil mechanics. Yield surface of the material model changes
its position under the cyclic loads in the stress space, whereas there is no
change in the size of the yield surface in deviatoric plane. The developed
algorithm of the material model has been implemented in the software package
PAK.
Numerical and experimental study on the effect of the pulse format in laser drilling
Authors: Shin Joonghan , Mazumder J.
Published: November 2015

Numerical and experimental study for pulsed laser drilling is carried out to enhance the understanding of the influence of the pulse format on drilling performance. The mathematical model used in this study simulates major laser-material interaction physics such as heat transfer, vaporization, fluid flow, and multiple reflections. Cooling and solidification phenomena between successive laser pulses are also modeled to consider the pulsed laser process. A modulated beam with a short pulse and high peak power shows a shorter hole penetration time than a conventional pulsed laser under same average power, and it produces the thinnest recast layer by creating a vaporization dominated process. The least tapered hole is also obtained when using the modulated beam. Experiments carried out to validate the model show an improvement in drilling performance for the modulated laser beam as well. It is found that the results of numerical simulation predict well experimental observations.
Comparing conservation value maps and mapping methods in a rural landscape in southern Finland
Authors: Räsänen Aleksi , Lensu Anssi M. , Tomppo Erkki O. , Kuitunen Markku Tapio
Published: November 2015

We tested to what extent conservation value maps are different if the valuation and mapping method is changed. We compared 66 different conservation value and 4 different ecosystem service maps. Using remote sensing and other georeferenced data, we produced 2 different habitat type maps, which were 50 % similar. We valued each mapped habitat type based on rarity corrected potential number of vascular plant species and naturalness using 6 different valuation alternatives. We mapped habitat type connectivity and complementarity using 2 main approaches. The habitat type valuation alternatives were quite similar, but if the habitat type naturalness was taken into account, differences were larger (correlations between maps 0.38- 1.00). Different connectivity and complementarity calculations yielded different results, variation between different approaches being larger (correlations -0.15-0.44) than inside an approach (correlations 0.31-0.60). Conservation value maps were very different from ecosystem service maps (carbon storage, timber production potential, landscape value for recreation) (correlations -0.29-0.47). We show that valuation and mapping approach has a large effect on the conservation value map and the correlation between ecosystem service and conservation value maps depends on the used mapping approach. As different mapping approaches provide different maps, maps should be used with care.
Efficacy Test of Bio-pesticides against Tobacco Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) on Tomato Plants in Nepal
Authors: Sharma M. , Budha P.B. , Pradhan S.B.
Published: November 2015

The efficacy test of bio-pesticides (Lastraw, RacerTM PacerTM, MealikilTM, Nimbecidine, Servo, Biocide Manic, Bio Power, Nico Neem, Uchit, Mighty-Cure, and Bio Magic) was experimented in tomato plants to control Tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci population. The results showed that biopesticides viz. Bio Magic (92.67%), Racer (91.90%), Pacer (91.50%), Mealikil (90.84%) were highly effective following Bio Power (87.53%) and Biocide Manic (85.8%) in reducing the population of whitefly over control after third spray. All biopesticides containing insect pathogen Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae were found effective in reducing the pest population. But the organic products and mineral oil were comparatively less effective.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 11-17
Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Infection in Children of Barbhanjyang VDC, Tanahun District, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Tara , Maharjan Mahendra
Published: November 2015

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in children of Barbhanjyang Village Development Committee, Tanahun, District, Nepal. A total of 110 Scotch tape (Cellophane tape) samples of children aged between 1-12 years were collected and microscopically examined. Altogether 14(12.72%) enterobias prevalence cases were reported in children including sixteen percent male and nine percent female cases. High prevalence of pinworm infection was the age group of 5-8 years (5.45%). The infection rate was significantly associated with ethnic groups (?2 =11.824, df=2, P=0.003) since the prevalence rate was highest in Dalit children (64.28%) compared to others. Itching behaviour of children around the perianal regions was directly associated with the prevalence rate of the pinworm (P=0.0325). Nail biting habit of children was also found to be statistically significant (P=0.024).Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 18-21
Macrocyclic Zn(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Hydrolysis of p-Nitrophenyl Acetate (pNPA)
Authors: Pandey S.K. , Sharma M.L. , Pandey O.P. , Sengupta S.K.
Published: November 2015

A new series of Zn(II) macrocyclic complexes has been synthesized by the reaction of Schiff bases (derived from dihydrazides and benzil/phthalaldehyde) in the presence of zinc(II) acetate dihydrate in ethanol. The complexes have been characterized by means of elemental and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR) and SEM analysis. The kinetic studies were done to study the catalytic properties of these complexes towards the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate (pNPA) at 25°C in aqueous dimethylsulphoxide using phosphate buffer (pH = 7.0–8.5). During the reaction, absorbance of p-nitrophenolate increases with increase in time (i.e., increase of p-nitrophenolate concentration) which give information about the reaction progress i.e., ester hydrolysis. On the basis of these results, a plausible mechanism for the hydrolysis of pNPA is proposed. It is observed that coordinated water molecule might be serving as a good nucleophile that effectively catalyzes pNPA hydrolysis. Therefore, this type of complexes can be used as hydrolytic model enzymes.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 42-48
Assessing the Impact of Land Use on Water Quality across Multiple Spatial Scales in U-tapao River Basin, Thailand
Authors: Gyawali S. , Techato K. , Monprapusson S.
Published: November 2015

The study investigated the linkages between land uses and water quality in U-tapao river basin, Thailand, in order to examine the impact of land use changes on full -basin, sub-watershed and buffer zone scales (1000m, 500m and 200m) on river water quality through Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and statistical analyses. Correlation and regression analysis were applied for ten water quality parameters. In scale analysis, in the most cases, the sub-watershed scale showed the clear relationship between land use water quality rather than full-basin and buffer zone scales. This indicates that the level of relationship between land use and water quality depends upon scale therefore the relationship between water quality parameters and land uses should be studied in multiple scales and it helps to develop effective river basin management in future.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 54-60
Models for Assessing the Impact of Family Planning on Fertility
Authors: Aryal Roshan , Aryal Tika Ram , Bhusal M.K.
Published: November 2015

This paper tries to assess the impact of family planning (FP) on fertility in Nepal. Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data 2011 were used. Impact of sterilization was found to be highest (about 33 per cent births averted) followed by the combined effect of injectables, pills, condoms and all other traditional methods. The combined impact of sterilization and injectables was found to be 0.60 births per woman. The expected numbers of future children would be 3.09 (excluding sterilization), 3.27 (excluding sterilization or injectables), 3.36 (excluding sterilization or injectables or pills), 3.51 (excluding sterilization or injectables or pills or condoms) and 3.97 (non-user) for zero parity women. The combined impact of sterilization and injectables would be 0.60 births per woman. Findings may help researchers and policy-makers for designing effective FP policy of a country.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 67-72
Learning Behavior of Horse Colts: a Case Study of Nepal Cavalry Barrack, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: K.C. Kamal , Singh N.B.
Published: November 2015

This paper tries to study learning ability behaviors of horse colts in Nepal Cavalry Barrack (NBC), Singha Durbar, Kathmandu. The learning ability of horse colts has been found different behaviors during learning stages. The horses showed different behaviors like fighting, flighting, kicking and biting during trainings. There was no difference of learning ability among three months age of colts. The Learning Ability Index (LAI) has been found as 56, 55, 54, 55, 51 and 64 for the colts A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 76-79
Petrogeochemistry of Amphibolites from Shivpura District Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Thomas Harel , Paudel Lalu
Published: November 2015

Amphibolites are frequently observed in the medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks of Shivpura. These amphibolites are the result of the metamorphism of pre-existing mafic igneous rocks under medium to high grade P-T conditions and consist essentially of hornblende–plagioclase–garnet–clinopyroxene-epidote–iron oxide. Geochemically, these orthoamphibolites are tholeiitic, show association with non-orogenic environment and shift to subalkaline derivatives with progressive differentiation. It is also clear that the parent magma for these rocks was highly evolved in nature. Paper records the petrography, geochemical characters and a probable origin of these amphibolites.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 103-112
A Note on Lagrangians and Lovelock-Rund’s Identities
Authors: Thapa Gyan Bahadur , López Bonilla J.
Published: November 2015

Lagrangians and Lovelock-Rund’s identities are important derivations in theory of gravity which is generalization of Einstein's theory of general relativity. In this paper, we construct continuity equations in arbitrary Riemannian 4- spaces, which could be interpreted as conservation laws for the energy and momentum of the gravitational field. We put special attention in general relativity.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 136-139
Adsorptive Removal and Recovery of Aluminium (III), Iron (II), and Chromium (VI) onto a Low Cost Functionalized Phragmities Karka Waste
Authors: Regmi Shukraraj , Ghimire Kedar Nath , Pokhrel Megh Raj , Khadka Deba Bahadur
Published: November 2015

Chemically modified adsorbent based on Phragmities stem has been investigated by treating with concentrated sulfuric acid at 2:1 weight/volume ratio. The maximum loading capacity for Al(III) and Fe(II) onto phosphorylated charred Phragmities waste PCPW adsorbent was found to be 148 mg/g and 200 mg/g, while for Cr(VI) 200 mg/g, respectively, at their optimal pH. Similarly, it was 166.66 mg/g and 90.90mg/g for Al(III) and Fe(II) onto the charred Phragmities waste CPW, respectively. The adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic models. The desorption of the loaded metal ions recovery was found to be to the extent of 82%, 91% and 100% for Al(III), Fe(II) and Cr(VI), respectively.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 145-152
New Report of Rhabdias sp. (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) from Nepal
Authors: Pun Shyam K. , Maharjan Mahendra
Published: November 2015

Rhabdias spp. are parasitic nematodes of amphibians and reptiles. They are distributed across wide range globally. An unidentified species of the genus Rhabdias was reported first time from the host Indian marbled toad Bufo stomaticus from Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 153-155
Impact of ICT usage on indigenous peoples’ quality of life: Evidence from an Asian developing country
Authors: Ashraf Md Mahfuz , Grunfeld Helena , Quazi Ali
Published: November 2015

Indigenous communities across the world have been suffering disadvantages in several domains, e.g. erosion of land rights, language and other cultural aspects, while at the same time being discriminated against when prepared to integrate into the dominant cultures. It has been argued in the literature that information communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential of contributing to addressing some of these disadvantages – both in terms of rebuilding what has been eroded and facilitating integration into non-Indigenous societies. In trying to understand how ICTs can be useful for these processes, it is important to do so from a conceptual framework that encompasses the multi-dimensionality of the issues faced by Indigenous communities. The conceptual frameworks frequently used in the ICT literature tend to focus on adoption, use and diffusion of technologies rather than how the use of ICTs affects the livelihoods of the users, which is the focus of this paper. The conceptual framework is informed by the capability approach (CA), in particular by the five freedoms identified in the seminal work of Amartya Sen (2001), “Development as Freedom” (DaF). Data were collected from a purposive sample in an Indigenous community in Bangladesh, using a qualitative method to map how ICTs had affected the lives of these community members The findings suggest that the participants perceived that ICTs had made positive contributions, particularly the benefits they gained from learning how to use computers in the domains that are relevant from the perspective of the five freedoms espoused in DaF. The findings reported in this paper are useful for policy formulation in Bangladesh. As the study is contextualised in a transitional economy setting and can therefore not be generalised, but we believe that the conceptual framework has much to offer future research designed to understand how ICTs can improve the livelihoods of Indigenous individuals and communities.
The “Missing Link”
Authors: Steel Frances
Published: November 2015

The inauguration of a steamship route between Canada and Australia, described as the “missing link,” was envisaged to complete Britain's imperial circuit of the globe. This article examines the early proposals and projects for a service between Vancouver and Sydney, which finally commenced in 1893. The route was more than a means of physically bridging the gulf between Canada and Australia. Serving as a conduit for ideologies and expectations, it became a key element of aspirations to reconfigure the Pacific as a natural domain for the extension of settler-colonial power and influence. In centering the “white” Pacific and relations between white colonies in empire, the route's early history, although one of friction and contestation, offers new insights into settler-colonial mobilities beyond dominant themes of metropole–colony migration.
Commentary
Authors: Mavhunga Clapperton Chakanetsa
Published: November 2015

As Georgine Clarsen summarizes this special section on Australian and settler colonial Pacific, these four articles add to the “rereading [of] settler-colonial formations through practices and representations of movement [and] circulation.” But that is only half the truth. They also constitute counterrepresentations. They deal not only with the stasis that follows European settling as a process but also with counter- and antimobilities that Indigenous peoples mount: against inward movement, against disruptive settling and forceful displacement of the Indigenous from their lands, and against emplacement and settlement upon it. The scholars in this special section present an example for studies of mobility in the colonial setting in two ways. First, they decenter technology and center the human factor, for which they get full marks. Second they allow mobilities to emanate from the subjects and context of study, rather than letting conceptions of Western-centric, technocentric history of transport and mobility studies guide them.
Environmental Thinking and Cultural Values: a Reflection on Environmental Globalisation and the Mediterranean Culture
Authors: Agnoletti Mauro
Published: November 2015

Europe and especially the Mediterranean are quite a good example, not only of the effects of the economic globalisation, but also of how different forms of globalisation have affected cultural and environmental values. The historical development in the understanding of the relationships between man and nature shows an important shift in Europe, and especially the Mediterranean from a first phase starting around the fourteenth century, dominated by appreciation of cultural landscapes shaped by man, to a different phase, starting in the late nineteenth century and continuing today, where natural landscapes became more important. In the second half of the twentieth century, the attention to sustainable development and environmental conservation favoured conservation of natural habitats and associated biodiversity, often criticising the cultural landscapes previously appreciated. These views, originating mostly in North America and in central Europe, have profoundly affected the way landscape is managed and perceived today, with a shift in attention from cultural landscapes towards natural landscapes. Today, there is an attempt to safeguard and make the most of these landscapes, but nature conservation poses difficulties, creating a conflict based on a different set of values for the management of these areas.
Fighting Locusts Together: Pest Control and the Birth of Soviet Development Aid, 1920-1939
Authors: Forestier-Peyrat Etienne
Published: November 2015

During the interwar period, Soviet authorities put a particular emphasis on fighting agricultural pests. Locust invasions were a tremendous concern for Soviet borderlands in the Caucasus and Central Asian. Antiacridian campaigns thus became an important element of the social contract between local populations and the Bolsheviks, embodying the Communist modernising project. However, they were also a diplomatic issue, since scientific progress demonstrated ever more clearly the transnational dimension of the locust threat. Debates erupted among Soviet institutions as to the way this cross-border dimension should be managed. As the 1920s went on, forms of international cooperation were developed with Iran, Afghanistan and Mongolia. These relations were an opportunity to showcase the Soviet model of development and to gain political influence. Interactions between the USSR and Iran were especially advanced and served as a model for other bilateral agreements. This paper argues that this relatively forgotten episode laid the basis for the ulterior Soviet development policy.
Collapses of island societies from environmental forcing: Does history hold lessons for the future?
Authors: Nunn Patrick , Carson Mike
Published: November 2015

Societies that develop on islands in oceans, distant from continental shores and one another, are unusually vulnerable to fundamental change (collapse). It is argued that a common cause of such change is the effect of external (climate-driven) environmental forcing on food resources, especially those on which coastal-dwelling island peoples invariably depend. Relative changes in sea level that were comparatively rapid are implicated in several instances of societal collapse on islands; two examples are discussed.

The first refers to western tropical Pacific Island groups in which Early Period societies are distinctive, representing periods of human settlement beginning 3,500–2,800 years ago and undergoing major transformative change a few centuries later. The end of these Early Period societies appears to have been near-synchronous, an observation requiring an external and region-wide driver rather than local drivers. Sea-level fall, which began 4,000–3,000 years ago in this region, continued for some centuries and is considered to have dropped below a critical threshold about 2,570 years ago, abruptly reducing useful coastal bioproductivity and forcing the inhabitants of these islands to sharply reduce their dependence on coastal foods.

Second is the effect of sea-level fall during the AD 1300 Event (approximately AD 1250–1350) that rapidly reduced coastal food availability and resulted in conflict that forced human groups throughout the higher islands of the tropical Pacific to abandon coastal settlements in favour of those in defensible locations inland, upslope and offshore. On lower islands (atolls), people made use of islands newly formed as a result of the sea-level fall during the ad 1300 Event, while some islands were abandoned by people altogether.

External environmental change, particularly sea-level change, has demonstrated potential to force fundamental alterations to island societies and even cause their collapse. This situation remains the same in today’s more globalised island world, where some islands are likely to become uninhabitable within a few decades as a result of sea-level rise, while on others deleterious impacts on coastal food systems are likely to force coastal peoples to seek new ways of feeding themselves.
The Soviet Dust Bowl and the Canadian Erosion Experience in the New Lands of Kazakhstan, 1950s-1960s
Authors: Elie Marc
Published: November 2015

In the 1950s and 1960s, the steppe regions of the USSR went through a period of destructive dust storms similar in causation and massive scale to the North American 'Dust Bowl' of the 1930s. Hence, in the mid-1960s, the 'New Land' programme that the post-Stalin leadership had launched in 1954 to solve the country's food problems virtually reached a point of failure. To overcome this environmental disaster, agronomists turned to the erosion experience of Canadian farmers. They lobbied the Soviet government to impose soil conservation measures similar to those employed in Canada's prairies and to produce farm equipment modeled on Canadian prototypes. New Land settlers succeeded in limiting deflation and resuming farming, but at the price of entering a race with the soil's decreasing ability to support them that would soon spark new ecological difficulties.
Climigration: How to Plan Climate Migration by Learning from History?
Authors: Ketola Tarja
Published: November 2015

Climate change migration, climigration, has occurred through the ages, but with anthropogenic climate change it is predicted to swell. A Special Issue of this journal has earlier discussed environmental change related migration in history. This paper takes a complementary approach by studying other migratory movements in history and applying their lessons to plan climigration. Examples of six historically documented phenomena are investigated: mass migration, refuge seeking, evacuation, exile, slave trade and colonialism. These are explored in relation to the most inhabitable climigration destinations: the northern parts of the United States, Canada, the Nordic countries, Northern European Russia and Siberia. The purpose of this research is to help governments and global organisations to turn desperate, chaotic clirefuge-seeking into orderly, purposeful climigration, so that the migrants maintain their cultural identities, and, with the local inhabitants of the destination areas, build economically, socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable communities.
Evaluation of anticonvulsant, antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of Aitchisonia rosea
Authors: Rasool Shahid , Khan Farrukh Zia , Ahmad Mobasher
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant, antimicrobial and hemolytic effect of Aitchisonia rosea. The anticonvulsant effect was studied at doses 400 and 800 mg/kg against pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and picrotoxin-induced seizures in albino mice. The antimicrobial assay was conducted by disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration. Hemolytic effect was analyzed by reported method. Phenolic compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the plant were estimated by HPLC. The plant showed maximum response against drug-induced convulsions and provided protection to animals at both doses. It also showed maximum zone of inhibition and highly significant MIC against all bacterial and fungal strains. The plant protected the RBCs from hemolysis. The highest amount of phenolics found was caffeic acid (7.5 ± 0.04).

 
Identifying the Subtle Presentation of Decompression Sickness
Authors: Alea Kenneth
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Decompression sickness is an inherent occupational hazard that has the possibility to leave its victims with significant long-lasting effects that can potentially impact an aircrew’s flight status. The relative infrequency of this hazard within the military
flying community along with the potentially subtle presentation of decompression sickness (DCS) has the potential to result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to residual deficits that can impact a patient’s daily life or even lead to death.CASE REPORT: The patient
presented in this work was diagnosed with a Type II DCS 21 h after a cabin decompression at 35,000 ft (10,668 m). The patient had been asymptomatic with a completely normal physical/neurological exam following his flight. The following day, he presented with excessive fatigue and on re-evaluation
was recommended for hyperbaric therapy, during which his symptoms completely resolved. He was re-evaluated 14 d later and cleared to resume flight duties without further incident.DISCUSSION: The manifestation of this patient’s decompression sickness was subtle and followed
an evaluation that failed to identify any focal findings. A high index of suspicion with strict follow-up contributed to the identification of DCS in this case, resulting in definitive treatment and resolution of the patient’s symptoms. Determination of the need for hyperbaric therapy
following oxygen supplementation and a thorough history and physical is imperative. If the diagnosis is in question, consider preemptive hyperbaric therapy as the benefits of treatment in DCS outweigh the risks of treatment. Finally, this work introduces the future potential of neuropsychological
testing for both the diagnosis of DCS as well as assessing the effectiveness of hyperbaric therapy in Type II DCS.Alea K. Identifying the subtle presentation of decompression sickness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(12):1058–1062.
Assessing Sensorimotor Function Following ISS with Computerized Dynamic Posturography
Authors: Wood Scott J. , Paloski William H. , Clark Jonathan B.
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION: Postflight postural ataxia reflects both the control strategies adopted for movement in microgravity and the direct effects of deconditioning. Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) has been used during the first decade of the International Space Station (ISS)
expeditions to quantify the initial postflight decrements and recovery of postural stability.METHODS: The CDP data were obtained on 37 crewmembers as part of their pre- and postflight medical examinations. Sensory organization tests evaluated the ability to make effective use of
(or suppress inappropriate) visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information for balance control. This report focuses on eyes closed conditions with either a fixed or sway-referenced base of support, with the head erect or during pitch-head tilts (± 20° at 0.33 Hz). Equilibrium
scores were derived from peak-to-peak anterior-posterior sway. Motor-control tests were also used to evaluate a crewmember’s ability to automatically recover from unexpected support-surface perturbations.RESULTS: The standard Romberg condition was the least sensitive. Dynamic
head tilts led to increased incidence of falls and revealed significantly longer recovery than head-erect conditions. Improvements in postflight postural performance during the later expeditions may be attributable to higher preflight baselines and/or advanced exercise capabilities aboard
the ISS.CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic assessment of postural instability is more pronounced during unstable-support conditions requiring active head movements. In addition to supporting return-to-duty decisions by flight surgeons, the CDP provides a standardized sensorimotor measure
that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures designed to either minimize deconditioning on orbit or promote reconditioning upon return to Earth.Wood SJ, Paloski WH, Clark JB. Assessing sensorimotor function following ISS with computerized dynamic posturography.
Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(12, Suppl.):A45–A53.