bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globe fringerush (Fimbristylis miliacea) cross resistance to als-inhibitor herbicides under field conditions in irrigated rice in the south of Brazil
Authors: Schaedler C.E. , Noldin J.A. , Eberhardt D.S. , Agostinetto D. , Burgos N.R.
Published: December 2013

ALS-inhibiting herbicides usually provide adequate weed control in irrigated rice fields. After consecutive years of use, the Cyperaceae species, globe fringerush (Fimbristylis miliacea) began to show resistance to ALS (acetolactate synthase) inhibitors. Globe fringerush is one of the most problematic herbicide-resistant weeds in irrigated rice in the state of Santa Catarina in the South of Brazil. The objective of this research was to examine cross resistance of globe fringerush to ALS inhibitors, under field conditions. Two experiments were conducted in a rice field naturally infested with ALS-resistant globe fringerush in Santa Catarina, in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 cropping seasons. The experimental units were arranged in randomized complete block design, with five replicates, consisting of two factors (herbicide and dose) in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement. ALS herbicides included bispyribac-sodium, ethoxysulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and penoxsulam. Six-leaf globe fringerush was sprayed with herbicide doses of 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4X the recommended doses in a spray volume of 200 L ha-1. The number of rice culm, filled and sterile grains, plant height, dry shoot biomass and grain yield were recorded. Globe fringerush control was evaluated 28 and 70 days after herbicide application (DAA); shoots were harvested at 13 weeks after herbicide application and dry weight recorded. Competition with globe fringerush reduced the number of culm and rice grain yield. The globe fringerush biotype in this field was resistant to all ALS herbicides tested. Penoxsulam had the highest level of activity among treatments at 28 and 70 DAA, but the control level was only 50% and 42%, respectively, in the second year of assessment. This was not enough to prevent rice yield loss. Alternative herbicides and weed control strategies are necessary to avoid yield losses in rice fields infested with ALS-resistant biotypes of globe fringerush.
Residual herbicides in weed management for glyphosate-resistant soybean in Brazil
Authors: Lopes Ovejero R.F. , Soares D.J. , Oliveira W.S. , Fonseca L.B. , Berger G.U. , Soteres J.K. , Christoffoleti P.J.
Published: December 2013

In agricultural production systems where the glyphosate-resistant soybean crop (Glycine max) is grown and the practice of crop rotation with alternative herbicides is not adopted, the exclusive and continuous use of glyphosate has led to the occurrence of resistant weed populations that may limit or compromise the benefits of this technology. Thus, the efficacy of weed management programs, including the use of residual herbicides (sulfentrazone, flumioxazin, imazethapyr, diclosulan, chlorimuron and s-metolachlor) applied in preemergence and followed by in-crop postemergence applications of glyphosate (PRE-POST) were compared to glyphosate postemergence only programs - POST. The study was conducted across nine locations during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 growing seasons. PRE-POST programs were efficient in the control of Amaranthus viridis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis, Eleusine indica, Euphorbia heterophylla and Raphanus raphanistrum, with the level of control being similar when comparing the program with two applications of glyphosate POST. Some PRE-POST programs were not efficient in controlling Cenchrus echinatus, Ipomoea hederifolia and Ipomoea triloba. Sulfentrazone and diclosulam PRE-POST programs improved the control of Ipomoea triloba compared to sequential applications of glyphosate alone. No significant differences in soybean yield were observed between any of the herbicide treatments or study locations. The use of residual herbicides in preemergence followed by glyphosate in-crop postemergence provides consistent weed control and reducing early season weed competition. Furthermore, these programs utilize at least two herbicide modes of action for herbicide use diversity, which will be needed to stay ahead of resistance build-up, regardless of when weeds may appear.
Interpretation of flow number test data for asphalt mixtures
Authors: Roy Neethu , Veeraragavan Amirthalingam , Murali Krishnan J.
Published: December 2013

Flow number testing quantifies the permanent deformation characteristics of asphalt mixtures. For the flow number to be determined correctly, it is necessary that the material exhibits the three-stage creep response when tested. The current experimental protocol to be followed is not very clear for delineating such response. The post-processing algorithm for data analysis also plays a critical role in the determination of flow number. In this study, experimental investigations were carried out on an asphalt mix fabricated at air voids contents of 7% and 2%. The samples were tested at two temperatures (40°C and 55°C) and three confinement conditions (unconfined, 100 kPa and 200 kPa) for 100 000 cycles. Post-processing of the data was carried out using three different methods. It was found that the onset of the tertiary stage was strongly influenced by confinement conditions and air voids contents. The flow number determined by the different post-processing algorithms was different for all the conditions of testing. It is thus important for highways agencies to carefully select the testing conditions and post-processing algorithm before using this method for checking the rutting susceptibility of asphalt mixtures.
Morphological characteristics of urban water bodies: mechanisms of change and implications for ecosystem function
Authors: Steele M. K. , Heffernan J. B.
Published: December 2013

The size, shape, and connectivity of water bodies (lakes, ponds, and wetlands) can have important effects on ecological communities and ecosystem processes, but how these characteristics are influenced by land use and land cover change over broad spatial scales is not known. Intensive alteration of water bodies during urban development, including construction, burial, drainage, and reshaping, may select for certain morphometric characteristics and influence the types of water bodies present in cities. We used a database of over one million water bodies in 100 cities across the conterminous United States to compare the size distributions, connectivity (as intersection with surface flow lines), and shape (as measured by shoreline development factor) of water bodies in different land cover classes. Water bodies in all urban land covers were dominated by lakes and ponds, while reservoirs and wetlands comprised only a small fraction of the sample. In urban land covers, as compared to surrounding undeveloped land, water body size distributions converged on moderate sizes, shapes toward less tortuous shorelines, and the number and area of water bodies that intersected surface flow lines (i.e., streams and rivers) decreased. Potential mechanisms responsible for changing the characteristics of urban water bodies include: preferential removal, physical reshaping or addition of water bodies, and selection of locations for development. The relative contributions of each mechanism likely change as cities grow. The larger size and reduced surface connectivity of urban water bodies may affect the role of internal dynamics and sensitivity to catchment processes. More broadly, these results illustrate the complex nature of urban watersheds and highlight the need to develop a conceptual framework for urban water bodies.
The Research of Tilt Fissure Grouting Characteristics with Flowing Water
Authors: Bin Zhang , Qingxin Qin , Xiaohong Bu
Published: December 2013

The slurry spread rule in fissure is the theoretical basis of grouting technology. In order to study the rule in
fissure, the model of tilt fissure grouting in condition of flowing water is derived according to Newton's law of friction
resistance and force of equilibrium law. By analyzing the slurry spread rule of the influence of water flow and the tilt Angle
,we can conclude that spread radius is the largest when slurry spreads in dip slope (θ = 1800 ) and parallel flow , the spread
radius is minimum when slurry spreads in escarpment slope (θ = 00 )and counter flow, escarpment slope and counter flow
have bigger influence on spread radius, fissure inclination and the water flow all importantly influence the slurry spread,
whose influence depends on the grouting pressure and static water pressure in fissure.
Fixed points of a new type of contractive mappings and multifunctions
Authors: Alikhani H. , Rezapour Shahram , Shahzad Naseer
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we introduce the concept of ?-?-?-contractive mappings and ?-?-?-contractive multifunctions and give some fixed point results for such mappings and multifunctions. We show that our fixed point result of ?-?-?-contractive mappings is different from that of ?-?-contractive mappings which has been proved recently by Samet, Vetro and Vetro.
On hereditarily normal rectifiable spaces
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lin Fucai , He Wei
Published: December 2013

We show, modifying very slightly the proofs of the recent results of R. Buzyakova [5] about topological groups, that all assertions in [5] are valid in the more general class of rectifiable spaces.
Effect of material properties on the laser welding mode limits
Authors: Assuncao Eurico , Williams Stewart
Published: December 2013

Aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel have very dissimilar thermal properties. This study focuses on the effect of power density on the laser welding conduction mode limit in these three materials. The objective is to evaluate how these different materials will behave in conduction mode and in keyhole mode and also to understand how the thermal properties of the materials will influence the transition between the different welding modes. A comparison between the penetration depth and the melted area for the different materials under the same conditions was also made. The experimental results show that thermal properties conductivity, melting temperature, vaporization temperature, and thermal diffusivity have an important role in the transition between the welding modes. An analytical model was developed in order to study the effect of thermal properties on the power density value necessary to achieve melting and vaporization in these materials. Also all three materials showed a transition mode between the conduction mode and the keyhole mode. Aluminum had higher penetration efficiency in conduction mode and in the transition mode. However, in the keyhole mode, all three materials had very similar penetration efficiency.
30,000 Years of Ground Surface Temperature and Heat Flux Changes in Karelia Reconstructed from Borehole Temperature Data
Authors: Demezhko Dmitry Yu. , Gornostaeva Anastasia A. , Tarkhanov Georgy V. , Esipko Oleg A.
Published: December 2013

Analyses of temperature-depth profiles logged in deep boreholes (> 1 km) permit the reconstruction of ground surface temperature (GST) and surface heat flux (SHF) histories in the period of global climate change at the border of the Pleistocene and the Holocene. We reconstructed past GST and SHF histories using data obtained from the 3.5-km-deep Onega borehole (Karelia, north-west Russia). The resulting reconstructions include information on the basal thermal regime of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet, which covered the region in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The surface temperature history reveals a high amplitude of Pleistocene/ Holocene warming equal to 18-20 K. The heat flux changes precede the surface temperature changes and are close to the variations of insolation at a latitude of 60°N. A comparison of the reconstructed GST and SHF histories with the records of carbon dioxide contents in Antarctic ice cores shows that CO2 changes are much closer to temperature changes than they are to heat flux changes.
Knowledge sharing processes with the participation of key employees
Authors: Morawski Mieczysław
Published: December 2013

Knowledge sharing processes with the participation of key employees The fundamental of the most important problems of human capital management, especially in relation to knowledge management is theoretical research and application verification conditions, motives and methods to encourage key employees of companies to communicate the knowledge of low-skilled workers. Key personnel represent top-class professionals. They include top managers, senior executives of long-term employment in a company and specialists presenting unique knowledge and skills. The Author presents research findings based on questionnaire surveys made up of a sample consisting of fifty companies operating in Poland.
Isolating mechanisms as sustainability factors of resource-based competitive advantage
Authors: Mazur Karolina
Published: December 2013

Isolating mechanisms as sustainability factors of resource-based competitive advantage Strategic resources which fulfill conditions of VRIN generate extraordinary profits for organizations. The possibility of these long-term profits (rents) to achieve can be protected by isolating mechanisms. These mechanisms can be different but the most important are causal ambiguity, lead time, path dependency, the role of history, socially complex links and the time compression diseconomies. These mechanism can be WIM and AIM type (based on willingness or ability). They can be also analyzed on individual, organizational or social levels. The article presents the case study which supports available systems of mechanism categorization.
Global unification of Business Valuation Standards
Authors: Szczepankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: December 2013

Global unification of Business Valuation Standards The paper analyzes the most important standards in the word that can be helpful in building a uniform Polish Business Valuation Standards. The article presents also structure and scope of Standards. The paper also analyzes Polish regulations related to business valuation, and assesses the degree of their convergence with leading standards in the word. The paper also analyzes Polish regulations related to business valuation, and assesses the degree of their convergence with leading global standards. Research method adopted in the study is to analyze the most important standards in the word and inference.
Senior-friendly urban information system – identification of a problem
Authors: Szołtysek Jacek
Published: December 2013

Senior-friendly urban information system - case study Increasing urban population, ageing and growing importance of the elderly - those are three independent trends which are currently observed in urban areas. Place of a senior person within society is changing. Overlapping with above trends is inefficient city management as a consequence of growing and denser city population in big agglomerations. It is a common practice that seniors are perceived as second-class citizens. This is reflected by city politics which overlooks measures facilitating day-to-day existence of the elderly in urban space to the benefit of younger generations. City council is allocated a predetermined budget to cater for needs of various age groups. Those resources should be split in a just way, equally between all citizen groups. The evidence the city governing body is doing just that is assurance of mobility to all groups - including seniors. Bearing in mind their health, fitness, access to infrastructure should be facilitated by customising urban information systems to fit perception of the elderly. This way city management shapes city space, thus providing the space in question with new functions, enabling new bahaviours within the framework of the space that has been available so far. Creating a new system of urban information is therefore a management related problem that has to be dealt with taking city related factors into consideration. Decision makers have to solve a conflict that is observed between different groups of interest.
IT solutions in logistics of smart bike-sharing systems in urban transport
Authors: Cichosz Marzenna
Published: December 2013

IT solutions in logistics of smart bike-sharing systems in urban transport In recent years, the public transport of Krakow, Rzeszow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Opole and Warsaw has expanded into the third generation bike-sharing programs - smart bikes. It’s an innovative solution, deploying IT systems and technology to integrate individual stations of urban bike rental system. The article presents the business model solution, its functionality from the perspective of customers and operator, and shows the role of IT solutions support in managing the logistics of rental network. An illustrative case of „Veturilo” solution implementation is presented.
Negotiating Professional News Judgment and “Clicks”
Authors: Karlsson Michael , Clerwall Christer
Published: December 2013

Digital media allow for instant tracking of audience behaviour, thus enabling a potential negotiation between journalists’ traditional authority and professional news values, on the one hand, and the audience’s power in terms of ignoring or paying attention to the journalistic outcome, on the other. The present study investigates whether clicks change news values and have an impact on news routines in tabloid, broadsheet and public service newsrooms. The findings indicate that audience metrics bring a new dimension to the news evaluation process regardless of publishing tradition, but that the commercial media seem to keep a closer tab on traffic. In general, journalists strive for a “good mix” between customization to achieve audience satisfaction and a desire for editorial independence.
New crania from Seymour Island (Antarctica) shed light on anatomy of Eocene penguins
Authors: Acosta Hospitaleche Carolina
Published: December 2013

Antarctic skulls attributable to fossil penguins are rare. Three new penguin crania from Antarctica are here described providing an insight into their feeding function. One of the specimens studied is largely a natural endocast, slightly damaged, and lacking preserved osteological details. Two other specimens are the best preserved fossil penguin crania from Antarctica, enabling the study of characters not observed so far. All of them come from the uppermost Submeseta Allomember of the La Meseta Formation (Eocene-?Oligocene), Seymour (Marambio) Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The results of the comparative studies suggest that Paleogene penguins were long−skulled birds, with strong nuchal crests and deep temporal fossae. The configuration of the nuchal crests, the temporal fossae, and the parasphenoidal processes, appears to indicate the presence of powerful muscles. The nasal gland sulcus devoid of a supraorbital edge is typical of piscivorous species.
Variability of temperature and thickness of permafrost active layer at coastal sites of Svalbard
Authors: Dolnicki Piotr , Grabiec Mariusz , Puczko Dariusz , Gawor Łukasz , Budzik Tomasz , Klementowski Jan
Published: December 2013

We present the variability of the thermal state and thickness of permafrost active layer at the raised marine beaches in Svalbard. The investigations were carried out using direct probing, thaw tube, ground temperature and radar soundings at Holocene strand plains 10-20 m a.s.l. in Fuglebergsletta (SW Spitsbergen) and at the shore of Kinnvika Bay (Nordaustlandet). Their results were compared to those obtained at other coastal sites in Svalbard. The ground temperature measurements were conducted in 2009 on August, recognized as the standard month for the maximum thawing during the last decade. The studied sites are typical for close to extreme active layer conditions on Svalbard. In Hornsund, the thawing depth exceeded 2 m, while in Kinnvika the active layer was thinner than 1 m. In Svalbard, the depth of thawing decreases generally from south to north and from the open sea coast to the central parts of islands. These differences are the consequence of diverse climatic conditions strongly determined by the radiation balance modified by a number of regional (e.g. ocean circulation) and local (e.g. duration of snow deposition) conditions.
Feeding Infants with Cow’S Milk and Soy Allergy: Social and Economic Aspects of Efficacy
Authors: Putniòa Irēna , Remberga Silvija , Rumba-Rozenfelde Ingrîda
Published: December 2013

Allergy to cow’s milk protein and/or soy is common among allergic diseases in infants. They appear at an early infant stage and remain important in clinical practice from one up to three years. According to clinical research, cow’s milk allergy affects about 1.9-4.9% of babies and infants, respectively, and in addition some of them also suffer from soy protein allergy. Dietary prevention of allergic protein by its elimination in food is a significant part of treatment, and allows adequate development of babies and restricts the risk of progressive allergic diseases. Securing exclusive breastfeeding is one of the basic principles in successful therapy treatment. However, there are cases when breastfeeding does not prevent the development of cross milk protein allergy. Only adequate special feeding formulas can provide both energy needs and sufficient quantity of proteins (8.9-11.5%) in food when breastfeeding is not possible. Knowledge of effective compensation mechanisms become apparent by analysing the situation in Europe and USA in the area of different available feeding formulas using both the medical insurance system and randomised formula providing tolerance of the mixture at about 90-95%. The goal of research was to determine the correlation between the availability of a special mixture, parental adherence and treatment outcomes. Applying special formulas is a routine part of treatment, and there is no doubt about its efficacy. No compensation mechanisms exist in present-day Latvia, and the current complicated economic situation in Latvia reduces the ability of parents to choose and buy appropriate formula food. Therefore, a substantial part of therapy treatment is unavailable to infants. Dietary prevention of allergic diseases in infants and small children in Latvia needs special consideration also because of poor knowledge of parents regarding the real situation.
Monitoring of Eating Habits and Physical Activity Levels as a Basis for a new Noncommunicable Disease Prevention Programme in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Simovska-Jarevska Vera , Martinovski Sasko , Damjanovski Dragan , Pavlova Valentina , Nikolovska-Nedelkoska Daniela , Manceski Gjorgji
Published: December 2013

Research evidence on health determinants has led to development of a national programme for noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention. Numerous studies have confirmed the role of nutrition and physical activity in preventing main NCDs: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate the results obtained from the new “cross-sectional” study in 2012 offer monitoring of eating habits and physical activity levels monitoring related to socioeconomic status of the participants in 2012. The study was conducted in five regions of the Republic of Macedonia and included 1600 respondents aged 10 to 64 years. Monitoring was conducted using self-designed questionnaire. Eating habits were surveyed using questionnaires to monitor the frequency of consumption of main food groups during a week. Leisure time physical activity was a priority measure in the study. Also, in the study a model was applied for strategic planning in NCD prevention, based on the results of the health behaviour survey. The model was analysed using a software package. The results indicate that NCDs prevention through improving physical activity levels and changes in eating habits should be focused on changes in food content including availability of whole grain bread, guidelines and policy on food labelling and health claims, marketing and city planning that facilitates an active life.
Early and Middle Holocene Paleoclimates in the South Western Desert of Egypt - The World Before Unification
Authors: Schild Romuald , Wendorf Fred
Published: December 2013

In the field seasons of 1990 to 2008 the Combined Prehistoric Expedition conducted an extensive archaeological, archaeozoological, archaeobotanical and geomorphological field work at more than a hundred sites in the Nabta, Kiseiba, El Kortain, Gebal El Beid, Gebel Ramlah and Berget El Sheb Areas, South Western Desert of Egypt. The research has helped to develop a long chronological sequence of Late Glacial and Holocene climatic changes in the region. The climatic sequence has been supported by more than 300 14C and OSL assays that permitted to place most of the climatic events in a firm chronological frame
What Forced the Prehistoric Cattle-Keepers to Emigrate from the Red Sea Mountains?
Authors: Bobrowski Przemysław , Jórdeczka Maciej , Kobusiewicz Michał , Chłodnicki Marek , Jarosław Kusiak
Published: December 2013

Today’s desert area of Red Sea Hills is now inhabited by a Beja-Bisharin tribe, the camel breeders. In prehistoric times, this area was inhabited or penetrated by pastoral communities engaged in cattle breeding. Their occupation is primarily marked by thousands of engravings with representations of long-horned cattle, which were discovered in a rock art gallery in Bir Nurayet, one of the largest rock art galleries in Africa and the whole world. We still do not know when the shepherds and their herds abandoned the area. This issue can be addressed by geoarchaeology and investigation of sediments discovered in Wadi Diib, i.e. silts. As we believe, they record climate and environmental changes taking place in recent millennia, which probably to a large extent determined the socio-cultural processes in the area.
Trends of hepatitis B notification rates in Turkey, 1990 to 2012
Authors: Ay P , Torunoglu M A , Com S , Çipil Z , Mollahaliloğlu S , Erkoç Y , Dilmen U
Published: December 2013

Turkey is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B, and approximately 4% of the population are HBsAg-positive. A number of measures have been implemented to prevent hepatitis B infection. In 1998, hepatitis B antigen was included in the national immunisation programme, and infants have since been vaccinated with three doses. Catch-up strategies, vaccination for high risk groups and screening measures were also adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the prevention and control strategies on hepatitis B notification rates in Turkey in the period from 1990 to 2012, using data from the national surveillance system. Secular trends revealed that rates showed an initial increasing trend, followed by a steady decline from 2005. The most dramatic decline occurred among children younger than 15 years, highlighting the benefits of vaccination and catch-up strategies. However, vaccination cannot fully explain the decrease in this age group. Socioeconomic development, through interrupting the horizontal transmission may also have contributed. After 2005, a steady decline was achieved also among those 15 years and older. The rates in adults were higher, which indicates that stronger prevention measures are needed to target this group, particularly men.
Transportketten forstlicher Biomasse – Stand der Technik und Innovationen
Authors: Wolfsmayr Ulrich J. , Rauch Peter
Published: December 2013

Primary forest fuel transport chains – state of the art and innovations

Transport modes available for primary forest fuel are truck, train and ship, while truck transport is predominant. Primary forest fuel requires an initial road transport in most of the cases. The comparison of different transport modes shows that distance-variable costs are highest for truck transport and lower for train and ship. However, because the very high transshipment costs must be compensated, long transport distances are required for train and ship to become more profitable than the road. The allocation of the comminution process determines the form of transported material and is, therefore, crucial for the whole supply system. According to that, transport chains are classified and explained from a practical point of view.
Die Ökobilanz der energetischen Holzverwertung: Faktoren für einen hohen ökologischen Nutzen
Authors: Steubing Bernhard
Published: December 2013

Life cycle assessment of wood energy: factors for high ecological benefits

Wood energy is increasingly used to replace non-renewable energy sources. Energy wood is a limited resource and should therefore be used wisely not only to maximize the economic but also the environmental benefits associated with its use. This article assesses the environmental burdens associated with wood energy (for heat, electricity and transportation) and the benefits that may arise when non-renewable energy technologies are substituted. It is shown that from a global warming perspective the use of wood energy seems almost always beneficial, but this effect may be significantly reduced if biogenic CO2 is taken into account. The method of ecological scarcity on the other hand, which considers several additional environmental dimensions and combines these into a single score, shows significantly lower environmental benefits of wood in comparison with non- renewable energy. One of the principal reasons for this are air emissions associated with wood energy such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic carbon (VOC). Considerable environmental benefits can be achieved in both cases if the following three key factors are respected: 1) a wise choice of the substituted technology and the underlying energy carrier, 2) a high efficiency in the conversion from energy contained in biomass to final energy, and 3) the implementation of measures to reduce air emissions such as particle filters and, if possible, more advanced flue gas cleaning. The article then discusses the limits of the comparison and selected issues within the life cycle assessment methodology that need further development.
Too Late Diagnosis of Foreign Body Aspiration in Children can Lead to Damaged Lungs
Authors: Kabir ARM Luthful
Published: December 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17263 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 77-78
Association of Vesicoureteric Reflux (VUR) in Children with Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Afroza , Rahman Habibur , Hossain MM , Muinuddin Golam , Roy Ranjit Ranjan , Huque Syed Saimul
Published: December 2013

Background: Vesicoureteric reflux is the most common urinary tract anomaly affecting the children which predisposes to higher rates of urinary tract infection and renal scarring than those without VUR. Objective: To find out the associations of VUR in children presented with UTI. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in 36 children aged 1 month to 16 years who were admitted due to UTI in the Pediatric Nephrology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from July 2009 to June 2010. UTI were evaluated by urinalysis, culture and sensitivity test, ultrasonography of the urinary system with post-voidal residue and micturating cystourethrogram subsequently. Results: This study revealed that UTI were most frequent in boys (P<0.001). Maximum number 19(52.7%) of UTI cases were detected between 12 months -60 months age group of children. Highest number of bilateral hydronephrosis 7(71.43%) and VUR 12(63.15%) were also detected in the were detected in 2-23 months age group of children. Maximum number of 22/38 kidneys (57.90%) with refluxing units were detected between 12 months to 60 months (1-5 years) age group and out of this 16(72.72%) units are of severe grades. Conclusion: Children presented with UTI along with features of obstructive- uropathy must be investigated early and carefully for VUR to prevent recurrent UTI and renal damage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17264 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 79-84
Prediction of Hyperbilirubinemia in Preterm Newborns Admitted in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Rahat Farhana , Shirin Mahfuza , Hossain Md M Monir
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a cause of major concern for the parents as well as the pediatricians due to chance of neurotoxicity. Early prediction of development of significant hyperbilirubinemia can reduce anxiety and duration of hospital stay. Objective: To find out the risk of development of significant hyperbilirubinemia among preterm newborn within first seven days of life. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in Dhaka Shishu Hospital during the period of January to June, 2007. One hundred & eleven preterm newborns of 30-37 weeks gestational age were enrolled in first day of their life and their serum total and indirect bilirubin were estimated on the 1st, 2nd, 5th & 7th day. Neonates with evidence of hemolysis, direct hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis & major congenital malformation were excluded. Their 1st and 2nd day serum total bilirubin values were analyzed statistically at different cut off points from which significant hyperbilirubinemia can develop on 5th & 7th day of life. Results: The study included 111 premature neonates of 30-37 weeks gestation who were enrolled on first day of their life. Their mean gestational age was 33.7(±2) weeks and mean birth weight was 1754(±341) gm. Of them, 38 (34%) neonates developed significant hyperbilirubinemia within first seven days of life. Among the study population, 40 (36%) neonates had serum total bilirubin value of <2 mg/dL on first day of life. None of them developed significant hyperbilirubinemia (100% negative predictive value). Again 65 (58.5%) neonates had serum total bilirubin value of <5 mg/dL on second day of life. Among them only 7.6% developed significant hyperbilirubinemia (92.3% negative predictive value). Conclusion: The first and second day serum total bilirubin values can predict subsequent hyperbilirubinemia within seven days of life. First day serum total bilirubin value of 2 mg/dL can be taken as a safe limit from which chance of significant hyperbilirubinemia is less. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17265 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 85-89
An Update of Management of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A Review Article
Authors: Rahman MH , Jesmin T , Muinuddin G
Published: December 2013

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common childhood kidney disease characterized by protein leakage from the blood to the urine through the glomeruli, resulting of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema and hypercholesterolemia. The prevalence of minimal change nephrotic syndrome is higher in Indian subcontinent. Such incidence in Bangladesh is yet unknown. This review article discusses historical background, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology and classification of nephrotic syndrome. In this review article focuses have been made on management of children aged between 1 to 18 years with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. This article also provides information of different guideline recommendations and a brief review of relevant treatment trials related to each recommendation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17268 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 102-121
Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Amin Tahsinul , Hossain Syed Zahid , Saha Asim Kumar , Hasan Saiful , Islam M Faizul
Published: December 2013

Klippel-Trenaunay-weber syndrome is a rare congenital condition usually presenting with port wine stains, excessive growth of bones and soft tissue, and varicose veins. This occurs most commonly in the legs, but it also may affect the arms, face, head, or internal organs. We report a term male neonate presented with port wine stain, varicose veins and excessive growth of soft tissue of lower limbs consistent with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17271 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 130-132
Cosmographic Constraints and Cosmic Fluids
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Luongo Orlando , Ruggeri Alan
Published: December 2013

The problem of reproducing dark energy effects is reviewed here with particular interest devoted to cosmography. We summarize some of the most relevant cosmological models, based on the assumption that the corresponding barotropic equations of state evolve as the universe expands, giving rise to the accelerated expansion. We describe in detail the ΛCDM (Λ-Cold Dark Matter) and ωCDM models, considering also some specific examples, e.g., Chevallier–Polarsky–Linder, the Chaplygin gas and the Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati cosmological model. Finally, we consider the cosmological consequences of f(R) and f(T) gravities and their impact on the framework of cosmography. Keeping these considerations in mind, we point out the model-independent procedure related to cosmography, showing how to match the series of cosmological observables to the free parameters of each model. We critically discuss the role played by cosmography, as a selection criterion to check whether a particular model passes or does not present cosmological constraints. In so doing, we find out cosmological bounds by fitting the luminosity distance expansion of the redshift, z, adopting the recent Union 2.1 dataset of supernovae, combined with the baryonic acoustic oscillation and the cosmic microwave background measurements. We perform cosmographic analyses, imposing different priors on the Hubble rate present value. In addition, we compare our results with recent PLANCK limits, showing that the ΛCDM and ωCDM models seem to be the favorite with respect to other dark energy models. However, we show that cosmographic constraints on f(R) and f(T) cannot discriminate between extensions of General Relativity and dark energy models, leading to a disadvantageous degeneracy problem.
Citrange Fruit Extracts Alleviate Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorder in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6 Mouse
Authors: Lu Yan , Xi Wanpeng , Ding Xiaobo , Fan Shengjie , Zhang Yu , Jiang Dong , Li Yiming , Huang Cheng , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: December 2013

Obesity is becoming one of the global epidemics of the 21st century. In this study, the effects of citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) fruit extracts in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity mice were studied. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed respectively a chow diet (control), an HF diet, HF diet supplemented with 1% w/w citrange peel extract (CPE) or 1% w/w citrange flesh and seed extract (CFSE) for 8 weeks. Our results showed that both CPE and CFSE regulated the glucose metabolic disorders of obese mice. In CPE and CFSE-treated groups, the body weight gain, blood glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced relative to those in the HF group. To explore the mechanisms of action of CPE and CFSE on the metabolism of glucose and lipid, related genes’ expressions in liver were assayed. In liver tissue, the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its target genes were down-regulated by CPE and CFSE supplementation as revealed by qPCR tests. In addition, both CPE and CFSE decreased the expression level of liver X receptor (LXR) α and β, which are involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Taken together, these results suggest that CPE and CFSE administration could ameliorate obesity and related metabolic disorders in HF diet-induced obesity mice probably through the inhibition of PPARγ and LXRs gene expressions.
A Novel Comb Architecture for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Bulk Mode Gyroscopes
Authors: Elsayed Mohannad , Nabki Frederic , El-Gamal Mourad
Published: December 2013

This work introduces a novel architecture for increasing the sensitivity of bulk mode gyroscopes. It is based on adding parallel plate comb drives to the points of maximum vibration amplitude, and tuning the stiffness of the combs. This increases the drive strength and results in a significant sensitivity improvement. The architecture is targeted for technologies with ~100 nm transducer gaps in order to achieve very high performance devices. In this work, this sensitivity enhancement concept was implemented in SOIMUMPs, a commercial relatively large gap technology. Prototypes were measured to operate at frequencies of ~1.5 MHz, with quality factors of ~33,000, at a 10 mTorr vacuum level. Measurements using discrete electronics show a rate sensitivity of 0.31 μV/°/s, corresponding to a capacitance sensitivity of 0.43 aF/°/s/electrode, two orders of magnitude higher than a similar design without combs, fabricated in the same technology.
Fabrication of a Microneedle/CNT Hierarchical Micro/Nano Surface Electrochemical Sensor and Its In-Vitro Glucose Sensing Characterization
Authors: Yoon Youngsam , Lee Gil , Yoo Koangki , Lee Jeong-Bong
Published: December 2013

We report fabrication of a microneedle-based three-electrode integrated electrochemical sensor and in-vitro characterization of this sensor for glucose sensing applications. A piece of silicon was sequentially dry and wet etched to form a 15 × 15 array of tall (approximately 380 µm) sharp silicon microneedles. Iron catalyst was deposited through a SU-8 shadow mask to form the working electrode and counter electrode. A multi-walled carbon nanotube forest was grown directly on the silicon microneedle array and platinum nano-particles were electrodeposited. Silver was deposited on the Si microneedle array through another shadow mask and chlorinated to form a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The 3-electrode electrochemical sensor was tested for various glucose concentrations in the range of 3~20 mM in 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. The sensor’s amperometric response to the glucose concentration is linear and its sensitivity was found to be 17.73 ± 3 μA/mM-cm2. This microneedle-based sensor has a potential to be used for painless diabetes testing applications.
Effect of Embedded Pd Microstructures on the Flat-Band-Voltage Operation of Room Temperature ZnO-Based Liquid Petroleum Gas Sensors
Authors: Ali Ghusoon , Thompson Cody , Jasim Ali , Abdulbaqi Isam , Moore James
Published: December 2013

Three methods were used to fabricate ZnO-based room temperature liquid petroleum gas (LPG) sensors having interdigitated metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structures. Specifically, devices with Pd Schottky contacts were fabricated with: (1) un-doped ZnO active layers; (2) Pd-doped ZnO active layers; and (3) un-doped ZnO layers on top of Pd microstructure arrays. All ZnO films were grown on p-type Si(111) substrates by the sol-gel method. For devices incorporating a microstructure array, Pd islands were first grown on the substrate by thermal evaporation using a 100 μm mesh shadow mask. We have estimated the sensitivity of the sensors for applied voltage from
Séparation des parents et contribution à l’entretien et l’éducation de l’enfant [Une évaluation du barème pour la fixation du montant de la pension alimentaire]
Authors: Jeandidier Bruno , Bourreau-Dubois Cécile , Sayn Isabelle
Published: December 2013

Le 12 avril 2010, le ministère de la Justice diffusait une circulaire proposant une table de référence indicative pour la fixation de la contribution à l’entretien et l’éducation des enfants (CEEE) après la séparation des parents. Cet article propose une évaluation de cette table de référence (ou barème). Les logiques économiques et juridiques de cette table sont présentées, notamment les questions de la répartition de la contribution entre les parents, de la priorité de l’obligation alimentaire par rapport à d’autres charges et créances, de l’égalité entre les enfants du débiteur, de la prise en charge du temps d’hébergement, de l’incidence de la remise en couple et du lien entre prestations sociales et CEEE. Les logiques de la table de référence sont évaluées en étudiant, à l’aide d’un outil économétrique, des décisions rendues en appel et fixant une CEEE avant que la table ne soit diffusée. L’existence même d’un barème est validée par la mise en lumière d’iniquités résiduelles dans les décisions prises sans barème. L’analyse compare également les montants de CEEE fixés par ces décisions d’appel (avant diffusion du barème), avec les montants simulés à l’aide du barème. Elle montre, en particulier, que l’application du barème « profiterait » aux parents débiteurs à bas revenus (moindre CEEE) et « désavantagerait » les parents débiteurs à hauts revenus, mais que, en raison d’une certaine homogamie des ressources, elle « profiterait » aux parents créanciers à hauts revenus (CEEE plus élevée) et « désavantagerait » les parents créanciers à bas revenus.
Les limites des expérimentations : le cas de l’offre de service petite enfance dans la branche Famille
Authors: Chauffaut Delphine , Boyer Danielle , Vérité Catherine
Published: December 2013

In 2008, in order to improve the match between the offer of childcare facilities for children under 3 and the demand presented by families, fifty-two family allocations offices (caisses d’Allocations familiales or CAF) responded to a call for tenders issued by the Caisse nationale des allocations familiales pertaining to three randomized evaluations of new family services, included as «early-childhood service offerings » . A participatory assessment protocol accompanied the randomized evaluation of fifteen of the fifty-two CAF, from 2007 to 2010. This article discusses the appropriateness of using randomized evaluations as a tool for assessment, construction or public-policy action.
Les défis de l’emploi de l’étude de cas en évaluation.
Authors: Devaux-Spatarakis Agathe , Gregot Amandine
Published: December 2013

Cet article vise à examiner les conditions d’un emploi rigoureux de la méthodologie d’étude de cas en évaluation des politiques publiques. L’étude de son périmètre de validité en sciences sociales fournit un éclairage sur les zones de fragilités de cette démarche, autant de points de vigilance pour garantir la pertinence de son utilisation par un évaluateur. Néanmoins, lorsque cette méthodologie est maîtrisée, elle semble pouvoir répondre aux défis contemporains de l’évaluation par sa capacité paradoxale à faire émerger des enseignements généraux d’une étude approfondie de singularités.
Los proyectiles de artillería romana en el Oppidum de monte Bernorio (Villarén, Palencia) y las campañas de Augusto en la primera fase de la guerra cantábrica
Authors: Torres-Martínez Jesús F. , Martínez Velasco Antxoka , Pérez Farraces Cristina
Published: December 2013

El oppidum de Monte Bernorio es conocido como una de las ciudades fortificadas de la Edad del Hierro más importantes del cantábrico. Domina una importante encrucijada de pasos a través de la Cordillera Cantábrica que permite la comunicación entre la submeseta norte y la zona central de la franja cantábrica. La conquista de este oppidum resultó esencial, como demuestran las recientes campañas de excavación arqueológicas, durante las campañas militares que el emperador Octavio Augusto desencadenó contra Cántabros y Astures. Se presentan en este trabajo nuevas informaciones relacionadas con la conquista del núcleo por parte de las legiones romanas y de los restos de armamento localizados en las excavaciones, en especial de los proyectiles de artillería empleados en el ataque. La presencia de proyectiles de artillería de pequeño calibre indicaría el empleo de este tipo de máquinas en época altoimperial.
Los hechos de mayo de 1937: efectivos y bajas de cada bando
Authors: Aguilera Povedano Manuel
Published: December 2013

Las víctimas de los Hechos de Mayo de 1937 en Barcelona fueron identificadas por los historiadores Josep Solé y Joan Villarroya en 1982 pero desde entonces nadie ha tratado de revisar ni ampliar los datos de este listado. Gracias a una nueva consulta de todas las fuentes, el autor ha logrado, además de hacer un cálculo aproximado de los efectivos que participaron, identificar el bando de la mayoría de dichas víctimas, algo que no se había hecho antes. El hallazgo de un documento inédito que contiene el listado de bajas que sufrieron la UGT, el PSUC y las JSU ha sido clave para resolver la incógnita. El resultado dice que el bando revolucionario (anarquistas y el POUM) sufrió más del doble de bajas que el gubernamental debido a que su enemigo ocupaba una posición defensiva.