bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tradition and Modernity in the Romanian Rural Space. Case Study: the Arges Sub-Carpathian Foothills
Authors: Manea Gabriela , Matei Elena , Vijulie Iuliana , Marin Marian , Cocos Octavian , Tiscovschi Adrian
Published: February 2014

This paper intends to demonstrate on the basis of a case study that rural people’s access to modern goods and services is not necessarily a relentless source of deculturalisation, because it sometimes allows a better management and valorisation of the main characteristics of the rural space. Despite socio-economic unrest and successive changes of political regimes that took place in Romania during the last century, the human communities within the Arges foothills have defended with dignity their traditional material and spiritual values, passing them down from generation to generation. In the medium and long-term, the valorisation of the Romanian rural space, in general, and of that belonging to the Arges foothills, in particular, will imply the creation of a balance between the valuable cultural potential and the quality of life of the inhabitants, who are the keepers of rural cultural heritage. At present, the best thing to do to pass on the traditions of this area is to proudly accept the affiliation to this geographical space. This is true not only for the permanent inhabitants of rural settlements, but mostly for those who have left the countryside to carry it in their minds and souls. In our opinion, this fact is a pre-requisite for preventing the loss of material and spiritual values of this cultural-historical space.
Determinants of Profitability of Polish Rural Micro-Enterprises at the Time of EU Accession
Authors: Janda Karel , Rausser Gordon , Strielkowski Wadim
Published: February 2014

Rural micro-enterprises are an important factor in sustainable rural development in post-transitional Eastern Europe. This paper deals with determining the key factors influencing profitability in rural micro-enterprises in Poland. The research design was based on a questionnaire survey of 300 rural micro-enterprises in the food-processing sector in rich and poor Polish provinces. The analysis carried out in this study is centered around the Polish EU accession in May 2004. Similar to other related studies, our results show that EU accession was not perceived as a major change by rural Polish micro-entrepreneurs and that the EU related factors were not significant determinants of their profitability. However, our results also show that the success of the rural food processing micro-enterprise in Eastern Europe is most related to its owner/manager and enterprise characteristics. For the owner/manager the most significant determinants are his/her age and risk-taking as the main motive for establishing an enterprise. The enterprise characteristics that determine the profitability include enterprise location within a region with competitive situation, enterprise size (being a sole trader or family enterprise), IC T advancements in enterprise and the fact whether the enterprise has any certificates for its products. The results have significant implications for the researchers and policy-makers and can become a basis for preparing relevant enterprise support policies in post-transitional Eastern Europe
Exposure to lipophilic chemicals as a cause of neurological impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zeliger Harold I.
Published: February 2014

Many studies have associated environmental exposure to chemicals with neurological impairments (NIs) including neuropathies, cognitive, motor and sensory impairments; neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); neurodegenerative diseases (NDGs) including Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The environmental chemicals shown to induce all these diseases include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the plastic exudates bisphenol A and phthalates, low molecular weight hydrocarbons (LMWHCs) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is reported here that though these chemicals differ widely in their chemical properties, reactivities and known points of attack in humans, a common link does exist between them. All are lipophilic species found in serum and they promote the sequential absorption of otherwise non-absorbed toxic hydrophilic species causing these diseases.
Hyaluronan and synovial joint: function, distribution and healing
Authors: Tamer Tamer Mahmoud
Published: February 2014

Synovial fluid is a viscous solution found in the cavities of synovial joints. The principal role of synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the articular cartilages of synovial joints during movement. The presence of high molar mass hyaluronan (HA) in this fluid gives it the required viscosity for its function as lubricant solution. Inflammation oxidation stress enhances normal degradation of hyaluronan causing several diseases related to joints. This review describes hyaluronan properties and distribution, applications and its function in synovial joints, with short review for using thiol compounds as antioxidants preventing HA degradations under inflammation conditions.
The impact of three bacteria isolated from contaminated plant cultures on in vitro multiplication and rooting of microshoots of four ornamental plants
Authors: Zawadzka Marta , Trzciński Paweł , Nowak Katarzyna , Orlikowska Teresa
Published: February 2014

The strains of bacteria Paenibacillus glucanolyticus, Curtobacterium pusillum and Methylobacterium extorquens were isolated as non-deleterious contaminations from hosta or raspberry tissue cultures. Microshoots of chrysanthemum, gerbera, hosta and rose were inoculated with these bacteria and their influence on shoot multiplication and rooting was evaluated. None of the investigated bacteria caused symptoms of hypersensitivity or vitropathy on the shoot explants at rooting and shoots multiplication. C. pusillum stimulated axillary shoot formation in all studied plant genotypes. Length and number of rose roots and their length were higher but number of roots and their length in chrysanthemum were lower in inoculated than in controls. The number and the length of shoots and roots in gerbera and hosta and the number of shoots in chrysanthemum inoculated with M. extorquens were higher but shoot length of chrysanthemum and rose, and root length of rose were lower as compared with controls. P. glucanolyticus influenced higher number and length of chrysanthemum shoots and root length of chrysanthemum and gerbera than noninoculated control but the number of gerbera and hosta roots was lower and root length of rose was as low as 0.2 cm. All assessed bacteria were able to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen and M. extorquens and P. glucanolyticus were able to produce IAA.
Cryopreservation of cherry rootstock Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) shoot tips by droplet-vitrification technique
Authors: Ružić Djurdjina , Vujović Tatjana , Cerović Radosav
Published: February 2014

The droplet-vitrification technique was applied to in vitro shoot tips of cherry rootstock Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens). Explants were precultured in the dark at 23 °C, in liquid MS medium with a progressively increasing sucrose concentration (0.3 M for 15 h, then 0.7 M for 5 h). Loading involved a 30 min incubation of explants in a solution comprising 1.9 M glycerol and 0.5 M sucrose. Explants were dehydrated at room temperature using a solution PVS A3 [Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid medium, 22.5% (w/v) sucrose, 37.5% (w/v) glycerol, 15% (w/v) ethylene glycol and 15% (w/v) dimethylsulfoxide] for 30, 40 and 50 min and the PVS3 solution [MS liquid medium, 50% (w/v) sucrose, 50% (w/v) glycerol] for 60, 90 and 120 min. Explants were cooled by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN) in 10 μl droplets of vitrification solution placed on aluminum foil strips. The foil strips were retrieved from LN and immersed in preheated (37 °C) unloading solution (0.8 M sucrose) for 30 s, and an equal volume of unloading solution at room temperature was added for further incubation for 30 min. Shoot tips were transferred onto the regrowth medium, cultivated in the dark for 7 days before being incubated under standard conditions.

Three weeks after transferring the shoot tips onto the regrowth medium, the survival rate of control and cryopreserved explants of Gisela 5 dehydrated with PVS A3 was 100%, regardless of the treatment duration. After dehydration with solution PVS3, the survival varied between 70 and 100% for control explants and 78 and 95% for cryopreserved shoot tips. Gisela 5 shoot tips dehydrated for 40 min with PVS A3 vitrification solution demonstrated the best regrowth (38%). When using the PVS3 solution, survival of cryopreserved shoot tips was the highest (95%) after 60 min treatment followed by 40% regrowth.

After three successive subcultures on shoot multiplication, medium shoots recovered viability, multiplication ability and morphology equal of that prior to cryopreservation.
Effects of methyl jasmonate and gums formed in stone fruit trees on in vitro ethylene production by mycelium of verticillium dahliae and alternaria alternata
Authors: Węgrzynowicz-Lesiak Elżbieta , Jarecka Boncela Anna , Góraj Justyna , Saniewski Marian
Published: February 2014

The knowledge about the role of jasmonates in ethylene production by pathogenic fungi is ambiguous. In this study, we describe the effect of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) and gums formed in stone fruit trees on the growth and in vitro ethylene production by mycelium of Verticillium dahliae and Alternaria alternata. Methyl jasmonate at concentrations of 100, 250 and 500 μg·cm-3 inhibited the mycelium growth of V. dahliae and A. alternata, proportionally to the concentrations used. After 8 days of incubation, JA-Me at concentration of 500 μg·cm-3 limited the area of mycelium of these pathogens by 7-8 times but did not entirely inhibited the pathogen growth. Addition of gums produced by trees of cherry and peach to a medium containing 40 μg·cm-3 JA-Me did not influence the mycelium growth of V. dahliae, but gums of plum and apricot trees stimulated mycelium growth, in comparison to JA-Me only. Methyl jasmonate at concentrations of 2 and 40 μg·cm-3 stimulated the ethylene production by mycelium of V. dahliae and A. alternata. It is possible that methyl jasmonate stimulated ethylene production in mycelium of these pathogens through interaction with some fractions of galactans formed during hydrolysis of agar. The lack of interaction of JA-Me with polysaccharides of stone fruit trees gums concerning ethylene production was documented and it needs further explanation.
Detection of tracer particles in tomography images for analysis of gravitational flow in silo
Authors: Grudzień Krzysztof , Torre Gonzalez Manuel Hernandez De La
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a method for the investigations of the gravity flow of granular materials based on the analysis of CT images. The system of X-ray tomography allows to visualize the distribution of bulk material inside the silo model. The images of the distribution of the concentration of the material, both in the form of 3D tomography images and 2D radiographic images, allow to track the behaviour of the material during the silo discharging process. Application of image processing and analysis provides an in-depth tool for investigation of the flow. The proposed, in the paper, methodology of the tracer particles allow to track the particles position changes during the gravitational flow in silo. The determination of tracer particles position is based on the vision information stored in volumetric computed tomography images and two-dimensional radiography.
Human action recognition using simple geometric features and a finite state machine
Authors: Dudzńiski Damian , Kryjak Tomasz , Mikrut Zbigniew
Published: February 2014

In this paper a human action recognition algorithm, which uses background generation with shadow elimination, silhouette description based on simple geometrical features and a finite state machine for recognizing particular actions is described. The performed tests indicate that this approach obtains a 81 % correct recognition rate allowing real-time image processing of a 360 X 288 video stream.
Wear Characteristics of Circular cBN/Diamond Saws Produced by Hot Pressing
Authors: Islak Serkan , Kır Durmuş , Çelik Halis
Published: February 2014

This study describes the investigation of wear characteristics of circular cBN/diamond saws produced by hot pressing. In order to determine the usability of cBN instead of diamond, cBN and diamond grains were added to the bronze matrix. Production of the saws was performed at a sintering temperature of 600–700 °C for a sintering time of 3 minutes. Sawing tests were carried out to determine the wear characteristics of the saws by sawing natural stone. It is concluded that cBN together with diamond could be added to the matrix with a concentration of 12 (the rest of concentration of 30 is diamond) and that the saws will have more wear if this concentration is exceeded. After sawing, SEM analyses of the saws indicate that there were more fractures and wear in cBN grains in comparison to the diamond grains. The results concluded that cBN can be used to saw softer natural stones, or can be added to the matrix together with diamond.
Effect of Molybdenum on Wear Resistance of Cr-Nb Hard-Faced S355JR Steel
Authors: Thongchitrugsa Nut , Chianpairot Amnuaysak , Hartung Fritz , Lothongkum Gobboon
Published: February 2014

The effect of Mo on the abrasive wear resistance of (20–23)Cr-(7–8)Nb hard-faced S355JR steel by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) was studied. Four types of flux, consisting of fixed Cr and Nb but varying Mo contents, coated on hard-facing electrode were used. Microstructure, micro hardness, and abrasive wear resistance of the hard-faced surface were investigated by ASTM G65 D procedure. The original microstructures consist of the primary coarse and eutectic carbides. Mo affects morphology of carbides by decreasing primary carbide size. When Mo content in the hard-faced surface was up to 6.43 wt.-%, the highest abrasive wear resistance and micro hardness were obtained. The decrease of primary carbide size is attributed to the increased nucleation induced by Mo addition. Network structure was observed when the Mo content reaches 10.19 wt.-%. The main mechanisms of wear are micro-cutting and carbide pulling out.
Mechanical Properties of Hot Forged ANSI 1050 Steel
Authors: Çavdar Uğur
Published: February 2014

In this study, two different heating methods have been used for the hot forging process of ANSI 1050 steel. Some specimens were heated by induction generator at 250 kW, 3.2 kHz up to a temperature of 1250 °C ± 5 °C in 5 minutes under ambient conditions via a continuous conveyor belt system. Other steel specimens were heated continuously in a conventional furnace up to a temperature of 1230 °C ± 40 °C at ambient conditions in 30 minutes. All specimens were subjected to Charpy, three-point bending, fracture strain, and hardness tests (surface and cross-section measurements). Almost all mechanical test results were better for the specimens heated by the induction generator and also appeared as more stable than those for the specimens heated by conventional furnace which varying some showed results. Grain growing was found in the microstructure of the conventional heated specimens. Induction heated specimens were heated more homogenously than the conventional heated specimens which is the reason for more stable results.
The effect of SiC/Al2O3 particles used during FSP on mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy
Authors: Dadaei Mostafa , Omidvar Hamid , Bagheri Behrouz , Jahazi Mohammad , Abbasi Mahmoud
Published: February 2014

Friction stir processing, as a method of changing the properties of a metal, through intense, localized plastic deformation, has been developed based on the basic principles of friction stir welding. In the current research, mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy were modified by the application of friction stir processing. Surface composites using SiC as well as Al2O3 nano-particles were developed. Yield and tensile strengths as well as hardness values of specimens were measured. The results showed that friction stir processing modified the size of grains noticeably and improved the mechanical properties. The results also indicated that SiC particles were more beneficial than Al2O3 particles with regard to improvement of the properties. It was also concluded that homogeneous distribution of particles resulted in the decrease of grain sizes to 3 μm and the increase in strength and formability index to 390 MPa and 6 500 MPa, respectively.
Carbothermal synthesis of β-SiC powders from silicon and SiO2-coated carbon powders
Authors: Hwang Yeon , Riu Doh-Hyung , Kang Hong-Jeon , An Ju-hyun , Jung Woo Sub , Chun Dongil , Kim Youngseok
Published: February 2014

β-SiC powders were synthesized via a direct carbothermal reaction between solid silicon and SiO2-coated carbon powders. An SiO2 layer can be coated on carbon powders by appropriately controlling the ratios of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The mixture of silicon and SiO2-coated carbon was reacted at 1 500 °C for 1 h in an Ar atmosphere. The morphologies of the SiO2-coated carbon and the synthesized SiC powders were examined, and the phase evolution in the SiC powders during synthesis was analyzed. β-SiC powders with a particle size of around 200 nm were synthesized under SiO2-coating conditions of 0.2 – 0.6 mL of APTES and 0.8 – 0.4 mL of TEOS for 100 mg of carbon black powders. When no TEOS was used in the coating procedure, the β-SiC powders showed large and irregular shapes, while coating was not possible without the addition of APTES.
Hot ductility behavior of Incoloy901 superalloy in the cast and wrought conditions
Authors: Shore Fatemeh Mohammadi , Morakabati Maryam , Mahdavi Rashid
Published: February 2014

Hot ductility was investigated in Incoloy901 using hot tensile testing over a temperature range of 900 to 1 200 °C and at strain rates of 0.01 to 1 s−1, in the cast and wrought conditions. Maximum ductility was detected in the cast and wrought conditions at temperature ranges of 1 000 to 1 050 °C and 1 000 to 1 100 °C, respectively. More voids were seen at the fracture surface of the wrought specimens compared to the cast ones. At 950 °C, the formation of large and non-homogeneous voids at the fracture surface, as well as the appearance of transgranular and intergranular cracks in the wrought specimen, support moderate ductility of the alloy. Microstructural analysis does not support the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization in the cast specimens. In contrast, dynamic recrystallization in the wrought specimens at the region of maximum hot ductility promoted diffusion, leading to ductile fracture. At temperatures higher than the maximum ductility range, the formation of intergranular cracks resulted in a remarkable decline in ductility.
Mountain glaciers of southeast Siberia: current state and changes since the Little Ice Age
Authors: Osipov E.Yu. , Osipova O.P.
Published: February 2014

Contemporary glaciers of southeast Siberia are located on three high-mountain ridges (east Sayan, Baikalsky and Kodar). In this study, we present an updated glacier inventory based on high- to middle-resolution satellite imagery and field investigations. The inventory includes 51 glaciers with a total area of - 15 km2. Areas of individual glaciers vary from 0.06 to 1.33 km2, lengths from 130 to 2010 m and elevations from 1796 to 3490 m. The recent ice maximum extents (Little Ice Age) have been delineated from terminal moraines. On average, debris-free surface area shrunk by 59% between 1850 and 2006/11 (0.37% a–1), by 44% between 1850 and 2001/02 (0.29% a–1) and by 27% between 2001/02 and 2006/11 (3.39% a–1). The Kodar glaciers have experienced the largest area shrinkage, while the area loss on Baikalsky ridge was more moderate. Glacier changes are mainly related to regional summer temperature increase (by 1.7-2.6C from 1970 to 2010). There are some differences in glacier response due to different spatial patterns of snow accumulation, local topography (e.g. glacier elevation, slope) and geological activity. The studied glaciers (especially of Kodar ridge) are the most sensitive in Siberia to climate change since the late 20th century.
Estimation of glacial melt contributions to the Bow River, Alberta, Canada, using a radiation-temperature melt model
Authors: Bash Eleanor A. , Marshall Shawn J.
Published: February 2014

Alberta’s Bow River has its headwaters in the glaciated eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies and is a major source of water in southern Alberta. Glacial retreat, declining snowpacks and increased water demand are all expected in the coming century, yet there are relatively few studies focusing on quantifying glacial meltwater in the Bow River. We develop a new radiation-temperature melt model for modelling distributed glacier mass balance and runoff in the Bow River basin. The model reflects physical processes through the incorporation of near-surface air temperature and absorbed radiation, while avoiding problems of collinearity through the use of a radiation-decorrelated temperature index. The model is calibrated at Haig Glacier in the southern portion of the basin and validated at Haig and Peyto Glaciers. Application of the model to the entire Bow River basin for 2000-09 shows glacier ice melt is equivalent to 3% of annual discharge in Calgary on average. Modelled ice melt in August is equal to 8-20% of the August Bow River discharge in Calgary. This emphasizes the importance of glacier runoff to late-summer streamflow in the region, particularly in warm, dry years.
Potato Snacks in Bangladesh: Unhealthy Snack with Higher Fat Content and Alternative Healthier Options
Authors: Munira Umme Aulia , Tasnim Tasmia
Published: February 2014

Potato snack is one of the most popular snacks item in Bangladesh. In this study the nutrition facts of potato snacks (potato chips and french fries) of different brands of home and aboard and of different food chain shops were analyzed and compared with the ideal one. From this study it was observed that most of the brands have been deviated from the quantity of nutrition facts that should be contained in an ideal potato snack. The noteworthy difference was noticed for the case of protein content for potato chips. For French fries, it has been determined that homemade french fries contain the lowest fat and carbohydrate. Since potato snacks are a source of harmful trans-fat, saturated fat and also high in calories, this paper has been discussed some healthier alternatives to this salty snack such as baked potato snack, using sugar solution and sweet potato. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18102 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 4-8
Surface functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for separation of beta-blocker Propranolol from aqueous solution
Authors: Ghosh Sudipa , Teck Quek Jee , Uddin MS , Hidajat K
Published: February 2014

The present study investigates adsorption separation of beta-blocker (?-blocker), propranolol utilizing surface functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) from phosphate buffer solution. Surface of MNP is functionalized with silica and carboxymethyl-?-cyclodextrin (CMCD) to scrutinize sorption removal characteristics. Modified MNPs are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) etc. Adsorption of propranolol onto magnetic nanoadsorbents is found to be dependent on solution pH and adsorption capacity of adsorbent increases as pH increases from 3 to 9 and then reaches plateau at pH 11. It appears that modified hydrophobicity of beta-blocker, propranolol affects interaction with cyclodextrin functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as well as adsorption capacity of the pollutant. Equilibrium data in aqueous solution is well represented by Freundlich isotherm model. XPS analysis reveals that propranolol adsorption on magnetic nanoparticles involves nitrogen atoms in side chain of propranolol to form surface complexes. Finally, desorption studies are carried out in different concentration of methanol solution and 50% methanol solution was found to be effective for almost complete desorption. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18104 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 14-21
Generation of Bio-Electricity From Whey
Authors: Yousuf Abu , Saha Pradip , Das Sreejon , Iqbal Salma Akhter , Sakib Ahmed Nazmus , Shohag SM Anyet Ullah
Published: February 2014

This study focused on the generation of electricity from whey in a bio-fuel cell (BFC). Whey or Milk Serum is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is a by-product of the manufacture of cheese or casein in Foods and Sweets Company. It was selected as electrolyte in biofuel cell due to containing higher amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA's).The pH value of fresh whey was 3.1-3.8. Three categories of whey were used in the experiments included fresh whey, preserved by thermal treatment and preserved with 2% phenol by volume. It was observed that microorganism growth was zero in the sample with 2% phenol and growth rate was medium in the sample preserved by thermal treatment and that was higher in the fresh sample. In this biofuel cell, voltage was increased with the increase of surface area of electrodes. For a single compartment containing 8 unit cells, resultant voltage and current were 2.86V and 450?A and four compartment 32 unit cells in series, the values were 10.90V and 8.05mA respectively. When anode area was increased to reduce polarization, power generation was initially high but the decreasing rate of power was also elevated. Finally, for commercial electrodes, maximum power and minimum internal resistance were recorded. The maximum Current, Voltage and Power for commercial electrodes in a single compartment containing 10 unit cells were 78mA, 3.88V and 0.30264W respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18105 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 22-26
Conversion of Cellulosic waste into fermentable sugar: Process optimization
Authors: Salam MA , Pondith Paritush Chandra , Islam Ariful , Khan Maksudur Rahman , Uddin Mohammed Rakib , Islam MA
Published: February 2014

Fossil fuel is depleting day by day throughout the world. This limitation along with the problem of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions leads findings for alternative energy that are environmentally and commercially feasible. Every day we are dumping lot of cellulosic waste materials into the environment from which we can produce valuable product such as ethanol to trim down the energy demand on fossil fuel. In the present study waste paper was treated to produce fermentable sugar using both conventional and enzymatic process. Acid catalyzed hydrolysis is conducted using sulfuric acid and the enzymatic process utilized municipal drain sludge. For acid catalyzed process optimum glucose concentration was found around 4 mg/ml for a loading of 1.5 g of untreated waste paper in 100 ml working volume at 25±2°C and a PH of 5 in about 1.5 hrs of hydrolysis. In case of enzymatic hydrolysis glucose yield was found around 2.5 mg/L for 10 ml sludge dosing in 100 ml working volume at 30°C±2 and PH of 7 in about 1.15 hrs of operation. In addition, base catalyzed hydrolysis is also observed with 5% NaOH and results around 3.3 mg/ml of glucose at room temperature and a PH of 13.0 in 1.5 hrs of hydrolysis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18107 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 27-31
Physico-Mechanical Properties of Finished Denim Garment by Stone-Bleach Treatment
Authors: Khan Md Mashuir Rahman , Mondal Md Ibrahim H
Published: February 2014

Chemical washing of fresh-assembled denim garment is a fundamental finishing process in textile and ready-made garment industries and has the largest effect on the physico-mechanical properties on finished denim garment. In this study, modification of denim trousers by washing using pumice stone mixed with bleaching powder was investigated. The fresh-assembled denim trousers, twill 3/1 weave and composition 100% cotton, have been processed by stone-bleach treatment using parameters namely concentration of bleaching powder (5.0 to 15.0 g/L) (owl) with 30% pumice stone (owg) at washing temperature 40oC and at pH 10.5 for treatment time 20 min in the fiber to liquor ratio of 1:10 in an industrial sample washing machine. In order to evaluate the influence of these washing parameters on the properties of denim trouser like tensile strength, fabric weight, color change, stiffness and water absorption, has been determined. Fabric surface was also examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microscope (FM). It can be concluded that the washing parameters had influenced on the physico-mechanical properties of finished denim garment. Especially stone-bleach treatment helped to get the specific color fading effect and softness of denim garment, which gave a new-look appearance and good wear performance to the fabric distinctly. The results indicate that for producing durable and sustainable denim garment the optimized washing condition for the best value is 10.0 g/L bleaching powder mixed with 30% pumice stone in the stone-bleach treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18109 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 36-40
Energetic and Peak Power Advantages of Series Elastic Actuators in an Actuated Prosthetic Leg for Walking and Running
Authors: Grimmer Martin , Eslamy Mahdy , Seyfarth André
Published: February 2014

A monoarticular series elastic actuator (SEA) reduces energetic and peak power requirements compared to a direct drive (DD) in active prosthetic ankle-foot design. Simulation studies have shown that similar advantages are possible for the knee joint. The aims of this paper were to investigate the advantages of a monoarticular SEA-driven hip joint and to quantify the energetic benefit of an SEA-driven leg (with monoarticular hip, knee and ankle SEAs), assuming that damping (negative power) is passively achieved. The hip SEA provided minor energetic advantages in walking (up to 29%) compared to the knee and the ankle SEA. Reductions in required peak power were observed only for speeds close to preferred walking speed (18% to 27%). No energetic advantages were found in running, where a DD achieved the best performance when optimizing for energy. Using an SEA at each leg joint in the sagittal plane reduced the positive work by 14% to 39% for walking and by 37% to 75% for running. When using an SEA instead of a DD, the contribution of the three leg joints to doing positive work changed: the knee contributed less and the hip more positive work. For monoarticular SEAs, the ankle joint motor did most of the positive work.
Effects of Field Plot Size on Variation in White Flower Anther Injury by Tarnished Plant Bug for Host Plant Resistance Evaluations in Arkansas Cotton
Authors: Willers Jeffrey , Teague Tina , Milliken George , Bourland Fred
Published: February 2014

Field trials conducted in 2008 and 2009 investigated whether plot size affects incidence of white flower anther injury by tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)) in host plant resistance (HPR) evaluations. The three cotton lines evaluated in the trial included a susceptible frego bract line (RBCDHGPIQH-197) and 2 standards, SureGrow (SG) 105 and Deltapine (DP) 393. Samplers monitored white flower anther injury between single row mini-plots embedded within multiple row max-plots. A sub-section of the max-plots was sprayed with insecticides to evaluate these tactics on altering the incidence of white flower anther injury. Plant bug numbers were very low in 2008, while infestation levels were higher in 2009. Significantly higher numbers of flowers with anther injury were observed in both years in the susceptible frego bract line compared to SG 105 and DP 393 lines. In both years, anther injury levels were similar in the max- and mini-plots, with lower levels observed in max-sprayed plots. The white flower monitoring procedure is a consistent indicator of adult plant bug preferences and is not influenced by plot size or interspersions of cultivar lines among plots.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Antibiotics in 2013
Authors: Antibiotics Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Antibiotics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013 [...]
Similar Structures to the E-to-H Helix Unit in the Globin-Like Fold are Found in Other Helical Folds
Authors: Matsuoka Masanari , Fujita Aoi , Kawai Yosuke , Kikuchi Takeshi
Published: February 2014

A protein in the globin-like fold contains six alpha-helices, A, B, E, F, G and H. Among them, the E-to-H helix unit (E, F, G and H helices) forms a compact structure. In this study, we searched similar structures to the E-to-H helix of leghomoglobin in the whole protein structure space using the Dali program. Several similar structures were found in other helical folds, such as KaiA/RbsU domain and Type III secretion system domain. These observations suggest that the E-to-H helix unit may be a common subunit in the whole protein 3D structure space. In addition, the common conserved hydrophobic residues were found among the similar structures to the E-to-H helix unit. Hydrophobic interactions between the conserved residues may stabilize the 3D structures of the unit. We also predicted the possible compact regions of the units using the average distance method.
Entropy: From Thermodynamics to Hydrology
Authors: Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: February 2014

Some known results from statistical thermophysics as well as from hydrology are revisited from a different perspective trying: (a) to unify the notion of entropy in thermodynamic and statistical/stochastic approaches of complex hydrological systems and (b) to show the power of entropy and the principle of maximum entropy in inference, both deductive and inductive. The capability for deductive reasoning is illustrated by deriving the law of phase change transition of water (Clausius-Clapeyron) from scratch by maximizing entropy in a formal probabilistic frame. However, such deductive reasoning cannot work in more complex hydrological systems with diverse elements, yet the entropy maximization framework can help in inductive inference, necessarily based on data. Several examples of this type are provided in an attempt to link statistical thermophysics with hydrology with a unifying view of entropy.
Planning Minimum Interurban Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles: Methodology and Application to Spain
Authors: Colmenar-Santos Antonio , De Palacio Carlos , Borge-Diez David , Monzón-Alejandro Oscar
Published: February 2014

The goal of the research is to assess the minimum requirement of fast charging infrastructure to allow country-wide interurban electric vehicle (EV) mobility. Charging times comparable to fueling times in conventional internal combustion vehicles are nowadays feasible, given the current availability of fast charging technologies. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of the planning method and the investment requirements for the necessary infrastructure, including the definition of the Maximum Distance between Fast Charge (MDFC) and the Basic Highway Charging Infrastructure (BHCI) concepts. According to the calculations, distance between stations will be region-dependent, influenced primarily by weather conditions. The study considers that the initial investment should be sufficient to promote the EV adoption, proposing an initial state-financed public infrastructure and, once the adoption rate for EVs increases, additional infrastructure will be likely developed through private investment. The Spanish network of state highways is used as a case study to demonstrate the methodology and calculate the investment required. Further, the results are discussed and quantitatively compared to other incentives and policies supporting EV technology adoption in the light-vehicle sector.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Foods in 2013
Authors: Foods Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Foods would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013: [...]
Yes, The Government Should Tax Soft Drinks: Findings from a Citizens’ Jury in Australia
Authors: Moretto Nicole , Kendall Elizabeth , Whitty Jennifer , Byrnes Joshua , Hills Andrew , Gordon Louisa , Turkstra Erika , Scuffham Paul , Comans Tracy
Published: February 2014

Taxation has been suggested as a possible preventive strategy to address the serious public health concern of childhood obesity. Understanding the public’s viewpoint on the potential role of taxation is vital to inform policy decisions if they are to be acceptable to the wider community. A Citizens’ Jury is a deliberative method for engaging the public in decision making and can assist in setting policy agendas. A Citizens’ Jury was conducted in Brisbane, Australia in May 2013 to answer the question: Is taxation on food and drinks an acceptable strategy to the public in order to reduce rates of childhood obesity? Citizens were randomly selected from the electoral roll and invited to participate. Thirteen members were purposively sampled from those expressing interest to broadly reflect the diversity of the Australian public. Over two days, participants were presented with evidence on the topic by experts, were able to question witnesses and deliberate on the evidence. The jurors unanimously supported taxation on sugar-sweetened drinks but generally did not support taxation on processed meats, snack foods and foods eaten/ purchased outside the home. They also supported taxation on snack foods on the condition that traffic light labelling was also introduced. Though they were not specifically asked to deliberate strategies outside of taxation, the jurors strongly recommended more nutritional information on all food packaging using the traffic light and teaspoon labelling systems for sugar, salt and fat content. The Citizens’ Jury suggests that the general public may support taxation on sugar-sweetened drinks to reduce rates of obesity in children. Regulatory reforms of taxation on sugar-sweetened drinks and improved labelling of nutritional information on product packaging were strongly supported by all members of the jury. These reforms should be considered by governments to prevent childhood obesity and the future burden on society from the consequences of obesity.
Impact of Stinging Jellyfish Proliferations along South Italian Coasts: Human Health Hazards, Treatment and Social Costs
Authors: De Donno Antonella , Idolo Adele , Bagordo Francesco , Grassi Tiziana , Leomanni Alessandro , Serio Francesca , Guido Marcello , Canitano Mariarita , Zampardi Serena , Boero Ferdinando , Piraino Stefano
Published: February 2014

Stinging jellyfish outbreaks represent a health hazard, causing contact dermatitis and systemic reactions. This study investigated the epidemiology, severity, and treatment protocols of jellyfish stings in a coastal area with high tourist development and frequent stinging jellyfish outbreaks of the central Mediterranean (Salento, Southern Italy), and the associated costs for the Italian National Health Service. In 2007–2011, 1,733 bathers (mostly children and females) sought medical assistance following jellyfish stings, the main cause of human pathologies due to contact with marine organisms. The majority of events were reported in the years 2007–2009, whereas the occurrence of cnidarian jellyfish outbreaks has been increasingly reported in the same area since summer 2010. Most symptoms were limited to local and cutaneous reactions; conversely, 8.7% of cases evoked complications, mainly due to allergic reactions. The main drugs used were corticosteroids, locally applied and systemic (46% and 43%, respectively), and with ammonia (74%) as the main non-pharmacological treatment. The estimated cost of jellyfish-related first-aid services along the Salento coastline over the 5-year period was approximately 400,000 Euros. Therefore the management of jellyfish outbreak phenomena need coordinated research efforts towards a better understanding of underlying ecological mechanisms, together with the adoption of effective prevention policy, mitigation strategies, and appropriate planning of health services at tourist hot spots.
Activation of VCAM-1 and Its Associated Molecule CD44 Leads to Increased Malignant Potential of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Pei-Chen , Weng Ching-Chieh , Hou You-Syuan , Jian Shu-Fang , Fang Kuan-Te , Hou Ming-Feng , Cheng Kuang-Hung
Published: February 2014

VCAM-1 (CD106), a transmembrane glycoprotein, was first reported to play an important role in leukocyte adhesion, leukocyte transendothelial migration and cell activation by binding to integrin VLA-1 (α4β1). In the present study, we observed that VCAM-1 expression can be induced in many breast cancer epithelial cells by cytokine stimulation in vitro and its up-regulation directly correlated with advanced clinical breast cancer stage. We found that VCAM-1 over-expression in the NMuMG breast epithelial cells controls the epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT) program to increase cell motility rates and promote chemoresistance to doxorubicin and cisplatin in vitro. Conversely, in the established MDAMB231 metastatic breast cancer cell line, we confirmed that knockdown of endogenous VCAM-1 expression reduced cell proliferation and inhibited TGFβ1 or IL-6 mediated cell migration, and increased chemosensitivity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that knockdown of endogenous VCAM-1 expression in MDAMB231 cells reduced tumor formation in a SCID xenograft mouse model. Signaling studies showed that VCAM-1 physically associates with CD44 and enhances CD44 and ABCG2 expression. Our findings uncover the possible mechanism of VCAM-1 activation facilitating breast cancer progression, and suggest that targeting VCAM-1 is an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention.
Interactive Association of Drugs Binding to Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhang Yao , Liang Hong
Published: February 2014

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an abundant plasma protein, which attracts great interest in the pharmaceutical industry since it can bind a remarkable variety of drugs impacting their delivery and efficacy and ultimately altering the drug’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Additionally, HSA is widely used in clinical settings as a drug delivery system due to its potential for improving targeting while decreasing the side effects of drugs. It is thus of great importance from the viewpoint of pharmaceutical sciences to clarify the structure, function, and properties of HSA–drug complexes. This review will succinctly outline the properties of binding site of drugs in IIA subdomain within the structure of HSA. We will also give an overview on the binding characterization of interactive association of drugs to human serum albumin that may potentially lead to significant clinical applications.
Equivalence of the Symbol Grounding and Quantum System Identification Problems
Authors: Fields Chris
Published: February 2014

The symbol grounding problem is the problem of specifying a semantics for the representations employed by a physical symbol system in a way that is neither circular nor regressive. The quantum system identification problem is the problem of relating observational outcomes to specific collections of physical degrees of freedom, i.e., to specific Hilbert spaces. It is shown that with reasonable physical assumptions these problems are equivalent. As the quantum system identification problem is demonstrably unsolvable by finite means, the symbol grounding problem is similarly unsolvable.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Insects in 2013
Authors: Insects Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Insects would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Physician Attitudes toward Adopting Genome-Guided Prescribing through Clinical Decision Support
Authors: Overby Casey , Erwin Angelika , Abul-Husn Noura , Ellis Stephen , Scott Stuart , Obeng Aniwaa , Kannry Joseph , Hripcsak George , Bottinger Erwin , Gottesman Omri
Published: February 2014

This study assessed physician attitudes toward adopting genome-guided prescribing through clinical decision support (CDS), prior to enlisting in the Clinical Implementation of Personalized Medicine through Electronic Health Records and Genomics pilot pharmacogenomics project (CLIPMERGE PGx). We developed a survey instrument that includes the Evidence Based Practice Attitude Scale, adapted to measure attitudes toward adopting genome-informed interventions (EBPAS-GII). The survey also includes items to measure physicians’ characteristics (awareness, experience, and perceived usefulness), attitudes about personal genome testing (PGT) services, and comfort using technology. We surveyed 101 General Internal Medicine physicians from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS). The majority were residency program trainees (~88%). Prior to enlisting into CLIPMERGE PGx, most physicians were aware of and had used decision support aids. Few physicians, however, were aware of and had used genome-guided prescribing. The majority of physicians viewed decision support aids and genotype data as being useful for making prescribing decisions. Most physicians had not heard of, but were willing to use, PGT services and felt comfortable interpreting PGT results. Most physicians were comfortable with technology. Physicians who perceived genotype data to be useful in making prescribing decisions, had more positive attitudes toward adopting genome-guided prescribing through CDS. Our findings suggest that internal medicine physicians have a deficit in their familiarity and comfort interpreting and using genomic information. This has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback and guidance from our enrolled physicians when designing genome-guided CDS and the importance of prioritizing genomic medicine education at our institutions.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the Journal of Personalized Medicine in 2013
Authors: JPM Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of the Journal of Personalized Medicine would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Land in 2012 and 2013
Authors: Land Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The Editor-in-Chief and the editorial staff of Land would like to acknowledge the valuable work of the people listed below who have reviewed papers submitted to the journal during 2012 and 2103. [...]