bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the mutual interactions between the parameters of a CANON system and its coping strategy when operating at room temperature (15 to 25 °C) using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhou Jian , Qin Guangxu , Zhang Jianbing , Li Yancheng , He Qiang , Han Yi , Gong Benzhou
Published: May 2014

The coping strategy of a CANON (completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite) reactor working at room temperature was investigated using response surface methodology. The total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was taken as a dependent variable. The temperature (X), dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration (Y), and influent nitrogen loading rate (Z) were taken as independent variables. Results showed that the relation of these three independent variables can be described by the TN removal efficiency expressed as −5.03 + 1.51X + 45.16Y + 30.13Z + 0.26XY + 1.84XZ − 0.04X2 − 9.06Y2 − 99.00Z2. The analysis of variance proved that the equation is applicable. The response surface demonstrated that the temperature significantly interacts with the DO concentration and influent N loading rate. A coping strategy for the CANON reactor working at room temperature is thus proposed: altering the DO concentration and the N loading rate to counterbalance the impact of low temperature. The verification test proved the strategy is viable. The TN removal efficiency was 91.3% when the reactor was operated under a temperature of 35.0 °C, a DO of 3.0 mg/L, and a N loading rate of 0.70 kgN/(m³ d). When the temperature dropped from 35.0 to 19.2 °C, the TN removal efficiency was kept at 88.7% by regulating the influent N loading rate from 0.7 kgN/(m³ d) to 0.35 kgN/(m³ d) and the DO concentration from 3.0 to 2.6 mg/L.
HybridICE® filter: ice separation in freeze desalination of mine waste waters
Authors: Adeniyi A. , Maree J. P. , Mbaya R. K. K. , Popoola A. P. I. , Mtombeni T. , Zvinowanda C. M.
Published: May 2014

Freeze desalination is an alternative method for the treatment of mine waste waters. HybridICE® technology is a freeze desalination process which generates ice slurry in surface scraper heat exchangers that use R404a as the primary refrigerant. Ice separation from the slurry takes place in the HybridICE filter, a cylindrical unit with a centrally mounted filter element. Principally, the filter module achieves separation of the ice through buoyancy force in a continuous process. The HybridICE filter is a new and economical means of separating ice from the slurry and requires no washing of ice with water. The performance of the filter at a flow-rate of 25 L/min was evaluated over time and with varied evaporating temperature of the refrigerant. Behaviours of the ice fraction and residence time were also investigated. The objective was to find ways to improve the performance of the filter. Results showed that filter performance can be improved by controlling the refrigerant evaporating temperature and eliminating overflow.
Light attenuation – a more effective basis for the management of fine suspended sediment than mass concentration?
Authors: Davies-Colley Robert J. , Ballantine Deborah J. , Elliott Sandy H. , Swales Andrew , Hughes Andrew O. , Gall Mark P.
Published: May 2014

Fine sediment continues to be a major diffuse pollution concern with its multiple effects on aquatic ecosystems. Mass concentrations (and loads) of fine sediment are usually measured and modelled, apparently with the assumption that environmental effects of sediment are predictable from mass concentrations. However, some severe impacts of fine sediment may not correlate well with mass concentration, notably those related to light attenuation by suspended particles. Light attenuation per unit mass concentration of suspended particulate matter in waters varies widely with particle size, shape and composition. Data for suspended sediment concentration, turbidity and visual clarity (which is inversely proportional to light beam attenuation) from 77 diverse New Zealand rivers provide valuable insights into the mutual relationships of these quantities. Our analysis of these relationships, both across multiple rivers and within individual rivers, supports the proposition that light attenuation by fine sediment is a more generally meaningful basis for environmental management than sediment mass. Furthermore, optical measurements are considerably more practical, being much cheaper (by about four-fold) to measure than mass concentrations, and amenable to continuous measurement. Mass concentration can be estimated with sufficient precision for many purposes from optical surrogates locally calibrated for particular rivers.
Advanced oxidation processes with coke plant wastewater treatment
Authors: Krzywicka A. , Kwarciak-Kozłowska A.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the most efficient method of coke wastewater treatment. This research examined two processes – advanced oxidation with Fenton and photo-Fenton reaction. It was observed that the use of ultraviolet radiation with Fenton process had a better result in removal of impurities.
A methodology to assess the effects of biofilm roughness on substrate fluxes using image analysis, substrate profiling, and mathematical modelling
Authors: Pavissich J. P. , Aybar M. , Martin K. J. , Nerenberg R.
Published: May 2014

We present a novel approach, based on image analysis and modelling, to study the impact of morphological variability (roughness) and fluid dynamics on substrate mass fluxes in biofilms. Specifically, we used this method to assess substrate fluxes in counter-diffusional autotrophic biofilms in a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor. The physical structure of the biofilm was determined in situ at the meso-scale using stereomicroscopy. Image analysis was used to characterize the biofilm structure, and substrate profiles were obtained using microsensors. A two-dimensional, continuum biofilm model including microbial reactions, mass transport, and fluid dynamics was developed to compute substrate conversion in irregularly shaped counter-diffusional biofilms. Experimental biofilm structures were reproduced in the model and simulated under the prevailing substrate and hydrodynamic conditions for flow velocities varied over three orders of magnitude. Model calculations were consistent with experimental results and showed enhanced conversion rates with increased roughness at higher flow velocities. Also, modelling showed that conversion rates in counter-diffusional biofilms were typically higher than in co-diffusional biofilms. This study highlights the potential to use a simple image acquisition approach coupled to a theoretical model, to evaluate biofilm overall substrate utilization related to biofilm morphological heterogeneity.
Performance of permeable media rotating reactors used for pretreatment of wastewaters
Authors: Hassard F. , Cartmell E. , Biddle J. , Stephenson T.
Published: May 2014

The impact of organic loading rate (OLR) on carbonaceous materials and ammonia removal was assessed in bench scale rotating media biofilm reactors treating real wastewater. Media composition influences biofilm structure and therefore performance. Here, plastic mesh, reticulated coarse foam and fine foam media were operated concurrently at OLRs of 15, 35 and 60 g sCOD m−2d−1 in three bench scale shaft mounted advanced reactor technology (SMART) reactors. The sCOD removal rate increased with loading from 6 to 25 g sCOD m−2d−1 (P < 0.001). At 35 g BOD5m−2d−1, more than double the arbitrary OLR limit of normal nitrifying conditions (15 g BOD5m−2d−1); the removal efficiency of NH4-N was 82 ± 5, 27 ± 19 and 39 ± 8% for the mesh, coarse foam and fine foam media, respectively. Increasing the OLR to 35 gm−2d−1 decreased NH4-N removal efficiency to 38 ± 6, 21 ± 4 and 21 ± 6%, respectively. The mesh media achieved the highest stable NH4+-N removal rate of 6.5 ± 1.6 gm−2d−1 at a sCOD loading of 35 g sCOD m−2d−1. Viable bacterial numbers decreased with increasing OLR from 2 × 1010–4 × 109 cells per ml of biofilm from the low to high loading, suggesting an accumulation of inert non-viable biomass with higher OLR. Increasing the OLR in permeable media is of practical benefit for high rate carbonaceous materials and ammonia removal in the pretreatment of wastewater.
Preventive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in infants
Authors: Simic Dusica , Milojevic Irina , Bogicevic Dragana , Milenovic Miodrag , Radlovic Vladimir , Draskovic Biljana , Uram-Benka Anna , Sindjic Sanja , Maksimovic Ruzica
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis is well recognized
phenomenon in the term and preterm infant receiving long-term parenteral
nutrition. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) use on cholestasis in newborns on prolonged TPN.
Methods. A total of 56 infants were enrolled in this retrospective study:
control group consisted of lower (1500 g) birth weight infants (n=30), as
well as the group of pediatric (n=11) and surgical patients (n=15) treated
with UDCA. Blood chemistries were obtained two times weekly. Results. All of
56 newborns developed cholestasis but duration of parenteral nutrition (PN)
before onset of cholestasis was significantly longer in UDCA treated
patients. Average duration of PN before the onset of cholestasis in control
group of patients was 25 days in distinction from treated pediatric and
surgical patients (39 and 34 days, respectively). The peak serum conjugated
bilirubin (CB), AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were
significantly lower in the treated groups. There was no significant
difference among treated pediatric and surgical patients and between lower
and higher birth weight infants considering the CB, ALT, AST and AP peak.
Duration of cholestasis was significantly decreased in all treated groups.
There was a significant difference in time needed to achieve complete enteral
intake between pediatric and surgical patient group. Conclusion. Cholestasis
developed significantly later in treated groups than in the controls. UDCA
appears to be very successful in reducing the symptoms of cholestasis. The
difference in efficacy of UDCA treatment between lower and higher birth
weight infants could not be proven.
The role of immunophenotyping in differential diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Dragovic-Ivancevic Tijana , Kraguljac-Kurtovic Nada , Knezevic Vesna , Bogdanovic Andrija , Mihaljevic Biljana , Bozic Biljana , Gotic Mirjana
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Accurate diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
acquires immunophenotyping by flow cytometry in order to facilitate
differential diagnosis between CLL and other mature B-cell neoplasms (MBCN).
Objective. The aim of this study was to define immunological profile of CLL
cells. Methods. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry was performed on
peripheral blood specimens at diagnosis in the group of 211 patients with de
novo MBCN. Results. Absolute count of B-cells was significantly increased in
all MBCN patients comparing to healthy control group (p<0.05). B-cell
monoclonality was detected in 96% of all MBCN patients, by using surface
immunoglobulin (sIg) light chain restriction. B-cell antigens, CD19, CD20,
CD22, were expressed with very high frequency in CLL and other MBCN. In
comparison with other MBCN, in CLL group, the frequency of expression was
higher for CD5 and CD23 (p<0.0001), though lower for FMC7 antigen (p<0.0001).
CLL patients were characterized by lower expression patterns of CD20, CD22,
CD79b, and sIg (p<0.0001) as well as higher expression pattern of CD5 antigen
(p<0.05). Correlation between the final diagnosis of MBCN and values of CLL
scoring system showed that the majority of CLL patients (97%) had higher
values (5 or 4) whereas the majority of other MBCN patients (96%) had lower
score values (0-3). Conclusion. Our results have shown that characteristic
immunophenotype which differentiates CLL from other MBCN is defined by
following marker combination - CD19+ CD20+low CD22+low CD5+high CD23+ FMC7-
CD79b+low sIg+low. CLL score values of 5 or 4 points are highly suggestive
for diagnosis of CLL.
How do we treat generalized anxiety disorder?
Authors: Latas Milan , Stojkovic Tihomir , Cvjetkovic-Bosnjak Mina , Zaric Milica , Milovanovic Srdjan
Published: May 2014

Introduction. In addition to significant prevalence of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD) and related consequences, it seems that this disorder has not
been studied sufficiently in Serbia. Objective. The aim of this study was to
investigate the understanding of psychopathology and the adequate treatment
of patients with GAD by psychiatrists in Serbia. Methods. The study comprised
84 doctors - psychiatrists and neuropsychiatrists who were engaged in
treatment of patients with GAD. Anonymous survey was used as the basic
instrument, which collected information about the socio-demographic and
professional data, experience in treating GAD and understanding
psychopathology of GAD, as well as the first and the second choice therapy
for patients with GAD. Results. The majority of psychiatrists (62.2%)
indicated the symptoms of distress/tension and slightly lower percent (36.6%)
designated the symptoms of worry/anxiety as the key symptoms of GAD when it
was diagnosed. The results showed that almost all patients (96.5%) had been
treated with benzodiazepines before coming to psychiatrists. Most
psychiatrists preferred the use of SSRI/SNRI antidepressants (76.2%), usually
in combination with benzodiazepines (71.4%) for the treatment of patients
with GAD; however, if these doctors got GAD, the preference of benzodiazepine
use would be significantly lesser (45.2%) than for the treatment of their
patients. Preference for the use of SSRI/SNRI antidepressants was
significantly more frequent in physicians with completed residency.
Conclusion. The understanding of psychopathology and treatment practice for
patients with GAD in this sample of psychiatrists in Serbia is mostly
consistent with the current trends for GAD treatment.
Morning glory syndrome associated with primary open angle glaucoma: Case report
Authors: Bozic Marija , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Markovic Vujica , Marjanovic Ivan
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Morning glory syndrome (MGS) is a rare congenital optic disc
anomaly, first reported in 1970. MGS is a nonprogressive and untreatable
condition, which usually occurs as an isolated ocular anomaly, and can be
associated with the increased incidence of nonrhegmatogenous retinal
detachment, and also with strabismus, afferent pupillary defect, visual field
defects, presence of hyaloids artery remnants, ciliary body cyst, congenital
cataract, lid hemangioma and preretinal gliosis. Case Outline. We report a
clinical case of MGS associated with primary open angle glaucoma. The use of
sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as retinal tomography and visual field
testing is limited if multiple eye conditions are present, since optic disc
does not have ?usual? appearance that can be analyzed according to standard
statistical databases. Conclusion. In treating and follow up of glaucoma
cases associated with other diseases and conditions that affect the
appearance and function of the optic nerve head, sometimes the use of modern
technological methods is limited due to difficult interpretation of the
obtained results.
The incidence of congenital heart disease: Previous findings and perspectives
Authors: Miranovic Vesna
Published: May 2014

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common of all congenital
anomalies, and represent a significant global health problem. Involvement of
medical professionals of different profiles has led to drastic changes in
survival and quality of life of children with CHD. The motivation for the
implementation of the first large population studies on this subject was not
only to obtain answers to the question on the level of incidence of CHD, but
the harmonization of criteria and protocols for monitoring and treatment of
certain defects as well as the planning of medical staff dealing with
children with CHD. Data on the incidence varies from 4-10/1000 live births.
Fetal echocardiography can have potential impact on decrease of CHD
incidence. The increase in incidence may be due to the possibility that
children with CHD will grow up and have offsprings. Owing to the progress
that has been made, an increasing number of patients experiences adulthood,
creating an entirely new and growing population of patients: patients with
?adult? CHD. Survivors suffer morbidity resulting from their circulatory
abnormalities as well as from medical and surgical therapies they have been
subjected to. Application of the achievements of human genome projects will
in time lead to drastic changes in the approach to the patients with CHD.
Until the time when it is possible, the goal will be further improvement of
the existing system of service: networking in a unique, multicenter clinical
registry of patients with CHD, as well as upgrading of technical and
non-technical conditions for the treatment of patients with CHD. We are in an
unprecedented time of change, but are actually at the end of the beginning of
making pediatric cardiac care a highly reliable institution.
Infections associated with the central venous catheters
Authors: Draskovic Biljana , Fabri Izabella , Uram-Benka Anna , Rakic Goran
Published: May 2014

Central venous catheters are of an essential importance to critically ill
patients who require long-term venous access for various purposes. Their use
made the treatment much easier, but still they are not harmless and are prone
to numerous complications. Catheter infections represent the most significant
complication in their use. The frequency of infections varies in different
patient care settings, but their appearance mostly depends on the patient?s
health condition, catheter insertion time, localization of the catheter and
type of the used catheter. Since they are one of the leading causes of
nosocomial infections and related to significant number of morbidity and
mortality in intensive care units, it is very important that maximal aseptic
precautions are taken during the insertion and the maintenance period.
Prevention of infection of the central venous catheters demands several
measures that should be applied routinely.
The study of the set of Nash equilibrium points for one two-players game with quadratic payoff functions
Authors: Nikolskii Mikhail , Moussa Aboubacar
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the general two-players game on the square with quadratic
payoff functions is considered. We have studied the problem of determination
of the set of Nash equilibrium points, and here we present a constructive
graphical method for determination of the required set which we have
developed.
The Effect of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation on Audit Quality and Audit Fees: Empirical Evidence from the Korean Audit Market
Authors: Kwon Soo Young , Lim Youngdeok , Simnett Roger
Published: May 2014

Using a unique setting in which mandatory audit firm rotation was required from 2006–2010, and in which both audit fees and audit hours were disclosed (South Korea), this study provides empirical evidence of the economic impact of this policy initiative on audit quality, and the associated implications for audit fees. This study compares both pre- and post-policy implementation and, after the implementation of the policy, mandatory long-tenure versus voluntary short-tenure rotation situations. Where audit firms were mandatorily rotated post-policy, we observe that audit quality (measured as abnormal discretionary accruals) did not significantly change compared with pre-2006 long-tenure audit situations and voluntary post-rotation situations. Audit fees in the post-regulation period for mandatorily rotated engagements are significantly larger than in the pre-regulation period, but are discounted compared to audit fees for post-regulation continuing engagements. We also find that the observed increase in audit fees and audit hours in the post-regulation period extends beyond situations where the audit firm was mandatorily rotated, suggesting that the introduction of mandatory audit firm rotation had a much broader impact than the specific instances of mandatory rotation.

Data Availability: Most of the financial data used in the present study are available from the KIS Value Database. The data for audit hours and fees were drawn from statements of operating results filed with the Financial Supervisory Services (FSS) in Korea.
The Tucker Technique: The Proximal Hollow Grind to Address a Root Concavity
Authors: Hess TA
Published: May 2014

Cast gold inlays have long been used to conservatively restore compromised tooth structure. When the mesial or distal proximal surfaces are indicated for restoration and a cast gold restoration is desired, traditionally a box is prepared with an external bevel. Often a root concavity does not allow for a standard box form or the external and/or internal bevels. A proximal hollow grind can be utilized to address limits of standard inlay or onlay preparation design.
Dirac and Plateau billiards in domains with corners
Authors: Gromov Misha
Published: May 2014

Groping our way toward a theory of singular spaces with positive scalar curvatures we look at the Dirac operator and a generalized Plateau problem in Riemannian manifolds with corners. Using these, we prove that the set of C
2-smooth Riemannian metrics g on a smooth manifold X, such that scalg(x) ≥ κ(x), is closed under C
0-limits of Riemannian metrics for all continuous functions κ on X. Apart from that our progress is limited but we formulate many conjectures. All along, we emphasize geometry, rather than topology of manifolds with their scalar curvatures bounded from below.
On colored set partitions of type B n
Authors: Wang David
Published: May 2014

Generalizing Reiner’s notion of set partitions of type B n, we define colored B n-partitions by coloring the elements in and not in the zero-block respectively. Considering the generating function of colored B n-partitions, we get the exact formulas for the expectation and variance of the number of non-zero-blocks in a random colored B n-partition. We find an asymptotic expression of the total number of colored B n-partitions up to an error of O(n −1/2log7/2 n], and prove that the centralized and normalized number of non-zero-blocks is asymptotic normal over colored B n-partitions.
Parity-alternating permutations and successions
Authors: Munagi Augustine
Published: May 2014

The study of parity-alternating permutations of {1, 2, … n} is extended to permutations containing a prescribed number of parity successions — adjacent pairs of elements of the same parity. Several enumeration formulae are computed for permutations containing a given number of parity successions, in conjunction with further parity and length restrictions. The objects are classified using direct construction and elementary combinatorial techniques. Analogous results are derived for circular permutations.
On a type of distributivity of lattice ordered groups
Authors: Jakubík Ján
Published: May 2014

Let m be an infinite cardinal. Inspired by a result of Sikorski on m-representability of Boolean algebras, we introduce the notion of r
m-distributive lattice ordered group. We prove that the collection of all such lattice ordered groups is a radical class. Using the mentioned notion, we define and investigate a homogeneity condition for lattice ordered groups.
A note on the Dirichlet characters of polynomials
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Wang Tingting
Published: May 2014

The main purpose of this paper is using the analytic methods and the properties of character sums to study the computational problem of several kind character sums of polynomials mod q, an odd square-full number, and give two interesting identities for them.
Non-CLT groups of order pq
3
Authors: Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: May 2014

In this note we give a characterization of finite groups of order pq
3 (p, q primes) that fail to satisfy the Converse of Lagrange’s Theorem.
On the Carathéodory superposition of multifunctions and an existence theorem
Authors: Kwiecińska Grażyna
Published: May 2014

Let I ⊂ ℝ be an interval and Y a reflexive Banach space. We introduce the (H) property of a multifunction F from I × Y to Y and prove that the Carathéodory superposition of F with each continuous function f from I to Y is a derivative provided that F has the (H) property. Some application of this theorem to the existence of solutions of differential inclusions f′(x) ∈ F(x, f(x)) is given.
Uniqueness of uniform norm and C*-norm in L
p(G, ω)
Authors: Akbarbaglu Ibrahim , Heydarpour Majid , Maghsoudi Saeid
Published: May 2014

Let G be a locally compact abelian group with a fixed Haar measure and ω be a weight on G. For 1 < p < ∞, we study uniqueness of uniform and C*-norm properties of the invariant weighted algebra L
p(G, ω).
Local and 2-local derivations on noncommutative Arens algebras
Authors: Ayupov Shavkat , Kudaybergenov Karimbergen , Nurjanov Berdakh , Alauadinov Amir
Published: May 2014

The paper is devoted to so-called local and 2-local derivations on the noncommutative Arens algebra L
ω(M,τ) associated with a von Neumann algebra M and a faithful normal semi-finite trace τ. We prove that every 2-local derivation on L
ω(M,τ) is a spatial derivation, and if M is a finite von Neumann algebra, then each local derivation on L
ω(M,τ) is also a spatial derivation and every 2-local derivation on M is in fact an inner derivation.
Strong and weak convergence theorems for fixed points of a class of nonlinear mappings
Authors: Wu Changqun , Wei Zhiqiang , Li Yu
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the class of total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings is considered. A weak convergence theorem of Mann-type iterative algorithm is established. Hybrid projection methods are considered for the class of total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings. Strong convergence theorems are also established in the framework of Hilbert spaces.
The η-Einstein condition on indefinite S-manifolds
Authors: Brunetti Letizia
Published: May 2014

An η-Einstein condition is introduced in the context of indefinite globally framed f-manifolds, and several Schur-type results for indefinite S-manifolds are proved.
On a family of q-binomial distributions
Authors: Zeiner Martin
Published: May 2014

We introduce a family of q-analogues of the binomial distribution, which generalises the Stieltjes-Wigert-, Rogers-Szegö-, and Kemp-distribution. Basic properties of this family are provided and several convergence results involving the classical binomial, Poisson, discrete normal distribution, and a family of q-analogues of the Poisson distribution are established. These results generalize convergence properties of Kemp’s-distribution, and some of them are q-analogues of classical convergence properties.
Effect of sea weed (Caulerpa racemosa) extract on biochemical variations, growth and yield of Vigna mungo
Authors: Abhilash ES , Jisby Jacob , Parayil Sheeja P
Published: May 2014

The present investigations revealed that seaweed species were observed to be the potential sources of fertilizer. In the case of vigor index, at first 3 concentrations 100% was noticed and it reduced at last 2 concentrations. The phytotoxicity was increased with increased SLF concentration and it was at maximum at 3% concentration. Present findings encourage the application of such seaweeds as natural fertilizer in agriculture sector. It was also understood that the too much or too less concentrations of SLF has reduced effect on the selected plant. 1% concentration of Caulerpa racemosa SLF has proved increase in yield, growth and biochemical content in Vigna mungo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9501Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 3-5
Status of the rare palm Bentinckia condapanna Berry in two habitats of Goodrical Reserve Forests; Western Ghats of India
Authors: Abhilash ES , Sathian Brijesh
Published: May 2014

Bentinckia condapanna shows more IVI values and there by dominance and ecological stress in both the sites, that is, in sparsely distributed habitats as well as in dominated habitats (Site-II). Major associations /co dominance to Bentinckia condapanna in site -I were the evergreen species like Macaranga peltata, Elaeocarpus tuberculatus, Lannea coromandelica, Schefflera venulosa etc. and for site-II was the secondary species Chionanthus ramiflorus. Higher IVI values for Bentinckia condapanna in both the sites proves the capacity of this species to establish in mono-dominant and co- dominant communities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9503Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 6-9
Study on the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna unguiculata
Authors: Parayil Sheeja P , Honey A , Abhilash ES
Published: May 2014

Allelochemicals play a significant role in the germination and seedling growth of crop plants. Various allelochemicals are present in Anacardium. These chemicals enter into the crops environment and adversely affect the growth of crop and reduce their yield. It is seen that with increase in the concentration of leaf extract there is a decrease in germination value, germination percentage, cumulative germination percentage, shoot length , root length, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and stomatal index. For the successful cultivation of cowpea, the seeds should be grown away from this plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9504Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 10-14
Plant Ecological Studies on Gavi Forests; an Unlogged Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem, Southern Western Ghats of India
Authors: Abhilash ES
Published: May 2014

Analysis of vegetation of Goodrical Reserve forests shows that unlogged area harbours 65 arborescent species of 590 individuals /ha. On the other hand in logged area, number of species were 54 out of 579 individuals /ha. Simpson and Shannon Weiner indices of unlogged and logged area were H’- 3.08, CD-0.092 and H’- 3.60, CD-0.032 respectively. This study also shows that high endemism is seen in Goodrical R.F. and species like, Actinodaphne malabarica, Baccaurea courtallensis, Drypetes elata, Cullenia exarillata, Palaquium ellipticum etc. are quite common. Threatened species like, Anacolosa densiflora and Memecylon subramanii are not common in logged area and common in unlogged area. It is quite probable that these species have been extracted extensively during selection felling, till when the selection felling procedure was completely stopped in 1987, and that is why they are absent in logged area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9505Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 15-21
Ecological analysis of abandoned forest plantations of Kannavam in Kerala, India
Authors: Abhilash ES , Menon ARR , Sasidharan N , Sujanapal P , Sreekumar VB , Hareesh Dr
Published: May 2014

Phytosociological studies revealed Tectona grandis alone constitutes 66% of total tree volume, largest density (189.78), Most Frequently distributed, Higher I.V.I (110.59) followed by Aporusa lindleyana , I.V.I (34.26) , density (91.83) etc. As in the case of regenerants dominant saplings are Olea dioica (IVI= 81.66), Ixora brachiata (IVI= 73.06.) etc., emerged as well as established Seedlings include Ixora brachiata (IVI= 102.1), Aporusa lindleyana (IVI= 27.62). The average Shannon’s diversity value for Moist deciduous forests in India is 2.18 and here, in Kannavam forest plantations it becomes 2.13, which is very similar to typical moist deciduous forest. The presence of high endemism and considerable number of Rare, Endangered and Threatened plants shows its conservational importance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9506Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 22-25
Impact of selection felling on Ecosystem health of Kottiyoor Reserved Forest, Western Ghats of India
Authors: Menon ARR , Abhilash ES
Published: May 2014

Phytosociological analysis reveal that Palaquium ellipticum and Knema attenuate are the common dominant species present with their co- dominants such as, Memecylon decanese, Macranga peltata, Vateria indica etc. More than fifty percent of the established seedlings are contributed by the dominant and co- dominant species. Thus there is a gradual shift of natural evergreen species composition to the more light demanding moist deciduous elements. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9508Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 29-31
A study on the medicinal value and distribution of climbers of Nattika, India
Authors: Abhilash ES , Parayil Sheeja P , Raju AR , Sathian Brijesh , Udayan Vinil
Published: May 2014

Seventeen climber species were collected from Nattika which is highly medicinal in nature. Five Climber species represented with high density, five with medium density and seven with low density respectively. The wild areas of the Nattika harbor some of the rare species that are not seen in adjacent lands. This study throws light to the importance of conservation of wild areas and also suggests that peoples will be benefited by sustainable use of medicinal plants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9510Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 36-39
The Incidence of Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenitis- Three Year Study of Sixty Cases
Authors: Rahman MM , Haque MN , Kadir MA , Kallol MR , Wanaiza Dr
Published: May 2014

Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis (TCL) is not very uncommon in our country. A series of 60 cases was studied from 204 non- thyroid neck swelling which were selected from 20,558 patients attending in ENT department in Central Police Hospital and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka in 3 years. The incidence of TCL was 29.41% among the non- thyroid neck swelling and 0.3% from total number of patients attending in ENT department. The most vulnerable ago group was the second decade 38.33% with female preponderance ( Female male ratio was 2: 1). The common presentaions were neck swelling (100%), fever (66.67%), night sweat (50%). 50% cases were associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculin test was positive in 73.34%. Maximum number of patients were from low socioeconomic class and BCG vaccination had a significant protective role (31.67% were vaccinated and 68.33% were one- vaccinated). On histopathology of cervical lymph nodes caseation necrosis was found in 85% of cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18793 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 9-12
Hypoglycemic Property of the Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Begum H , Parveen F , Iqbal MJ , Islam SN
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of cinnamon on hyperglycemic mice. Cinnamon extract was administered at 150mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight in alloxan induced hyperglycemic mice and the glucose lowering effect was compared to a standard oral anti diabetic drug- glibenclamide for 28 days. The fasting glucose level was measured in serum of normal and alloxan induced hyperglycemic mice. Diabetic mice exhibited an increase in the levels of glucose. It was found that blood glucose concentration was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001) with the most of the 200mg/kg dose as compared with the control. Compared to the glucose lowering action of antidiabetic drug- glibenclamide, ethanolic extract of cinnamon also indicated significant(p<0.02) glucose lowering action on diabetic mice. It is observed that use of cinnamon extract could decrease the sugar level. Therefore, cinnamon may be used as a natural glucose lowering product for the management of diabetes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18794 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 13-16
A Case of Milky Urine Due to Chyluria
Authors: Arif NUM , Biswas R , Zaman W
Published: May 2014

Chyluria is an uncommon condition characterized by lymphatic fluid excretion into the urinary tract. Most common cause of chyluria is the infection by parasites e.g. filariasis. Medical treatment is often insufficient to treat the cases of chronic chyluria for which the standard treatment is surgical renal pedicle lymphatic disconnection. However, sclerotherapy by instillation of a sclerosant agent into the renal pelvis may represent an alternative to surgery. This technique has the advantage of being less invasive. We are presenting two cases, presented to us with the complaint of milky urine for more than 3 years. All tests for infectious diseases remained negative. Chyluria was confirmed by urinary chyle test and urinary triglyceride. Cystoscopy showed a clear diagnosis of a milky urine jet from ureteric orifice. Retrograde pyelography revealed pyelolymphatic fistula in one case. Patients were treated successfully with renal pelvic instillation of diluted povidone iodine(0.2%). solution and non-ionic contrast(omnipac). We used sclerotherapy with povidone iodine solution as a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment in our patient with chyluria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18812 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 59-60
No Pet or Their Person Left Behind: Increasing the Disaster Resilience of Vulnerable Groups through Animal Attachment, Activities and Networks
Authors: Thompson Kirrilly , Every Danielle , Rainbird Sophia , Cornell Victoria , Smith Bradley , Trigg Joshua
Published: May 2014

Increased vulnerability to natural disasters has been associated with particular groups in the community. This includes those who are considered de facto vulnerable (children, older people, those with disabilities etc.) and those who own pets (not to mention pets themselves). The potential for reconfiguring pet ownership from a risk factor to a protective factor for natural disaster survival has been recently proposed. But how might this resilience-building proposition apply to vulnerable members of the community who own pets or other animals? This article addresses this important question by synthesizing information about what makes particular groups vulnerable, the challenges to increasing their resilience and how animals figure in their lives. Despite different vulnerabilities, animals were found to be important to the disaster resilience of seven vulnerable groups in Australia. Animal attachment and animal-related activities and networks are identified as underexplored devices for disseminating or ‘piggybacking’ disaster-related information and engaging vulnerable people in resilience building behaviors (in addition to including animals in disaster planning initiatives in general). Animals may provide the kind of innovative approach required to overcome the challenges in accessing and engaging vulnerable groups. As the survival of humans and animals are so often intertwined, the benefits of increasing the resilience of vulnerable communities through animal attachment is twofold: human and animal lives can be saved together.
Effects of Different Drying Methods and Storage Time on Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Cosmos Caudatus
Authors: Mediani Ahmed , Abas Faridah , Tan Chin , Khatib Alfi
Published: May 2014

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of air (AD), oven (OD) and freeze drying (FD) on the free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of Cosmos caudatus and the effect of storage time by the comparison with a fresh sample (FS). Among the three drying methods that were used, AD resulted in the highest free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 0.0223 mg/mL) and total phenolic content (27.4 g GAE/100 g), whereas OD produced the lowest scavenging activity and TPC value. After three months of storage, the dried samples showed a high and consistent free radical scavenging activity when compared to stored fresh material. The drying methods could preserve the quality of C. caudatus during storage and the stability of its bioactive components can be maintained.
Microstructural Evolution of (Ti,W,Cr)B2 Coatings Deposited on Steel Substrates during Annealing
Authors: Newirkowez Aleksandra , Cappi Benjamin , Telle Rainer , Schmidt Harald
Published: May 2014

The topic of the present experiments are transition metal diboride coatings of composition (Ti0.49W0.51)B2 and (Ti0.44W0.30Cr0.26)B2. The coatings were deposited on steel substrates using dc magnetron sputtering. We investigated how annealing in argon at elevated temperatures modifies microstructure. The as-deposited films are amorphous. Annealing between 700 and 1100 °C results in the formation of nano-crystalline precipitates with average grain diameters of about 10–50 nm. A TiC phase (Fm-3m; a ≈ 4.3 Å) is observed as the dominating precipitate phase. In addition, small amounts (10%–20%) of a Cr23C6 phase (Fm-3m; a ≈ 10.6 Å) are observed. In contrast to literature data on the same coatings deposited on silicon substrates, the formation of boride precipitate phases is strongly suppressed here. From investigations with X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry we conclude that the nanostructure of the coatings is formed by reactive phase formation of the boride coating with the carbon containing steel substrate.
Integrating Social Capital Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model to Explore a Behavioral Model of Telehealth Systems
Authors: Tsai Chung-Hung
Published: May 2014

Telehealth has become an increasingly applied solution to delivering health care to rural and underserved areas by remote health care professionals. This study integrated social capital theory, social cognitive theory, and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to develop a comprehensive behavioral model for analyzing the relationships among social capital factors (social capital theory), technological factors (TAM), and system self-efficacy (social cognitive theory) in telehealth. The proposed framework was validated with 365 respondents from Nantou County, located in Central Taiwan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the causal relationships that were hypothesized in the proposed model. The finding indicates that elderly residents generally reported positive perceptions toward the telehealth system. Generally, the findings show that social capital factors (social trust, institutional trust, and social participation) significantly positively affect the technological factors (perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness respectively), which influenced usage intention. This study also confirmed that system self-efficacy was the salient antecedent of perceived ease of use. In addition, regarding the samples, the proposed model fitted considerably well. The proposed integrative psychosocial-technological model may serve as a theoretical basis for future research and can also offer empirical foresight to practitioners and researchers in the health departments of governments, hospitals, and rural communities.
Perchlorate Exposure and Thyroid Function in Ammonium Perchlorate Workers in Yicheng, China
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Wu Libing , Wang Xia , Liu Qin , Ding Miaohong , Peng Kailiang , Meng Zhongji
Published: May 2014

The impact of low level dust on the thyroid function of workers chronically exposed to ammonium perchlorate (AP) is uncertain and controversial. The aim of this study was to examine whether workers in China with long-term (>3 years) occupational exposure to low levels of AP dust had affected thyroid homeostasis. Mean occupational exposures to AP dust ranged from 0.43 to 1.17 mg/m3. Geometric means of post-shift urinary perchlorate levels were 20.5 µg/L for those exposed and 12.8 µg/L for the controls. No significant differences were found for thyroid function parameters of FT3, FT4, or log TSH or for TPO prevalence or thyroglobulin levels. Additionally, no differences in findings were observed for complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical profile, or pulmonary function test. Median urinary iodine levels of 172 and 184 µg/L showed that the workers had sufficient iodine intake. This study found no effect on thyroid function from long term, low-level documented exposure to ammonium perchlorate. It is the first study to report both thyroid status parameters and urinary perchlorate, a biomarker of internal perchlorate exposure, in occupationally exposed workers in China.
Health Utilities of Type 2 Diabetes-Related Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sweden
Authors: Kiadaliri Aliasghar , Gerdtham Ulf-G , Eliasson Björn , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Svensson Ann-Marie , Carlsson Katarina
Published: May 2014

This study estimates health utilities (HU) in Sweden for a range of type 2 diabetes-related complications using EQ-5D and two alternative tariffs (UK and Swedish) from 1757 patients with type 2 diabetes from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR). Ordinary least squares were used for statistical analysis. Lower HU was found for female gender, younger age at diagnosis, higher BMI, and history of complications. Microvascular and macrovascular complications had the most negative effect on HU among women and men, respectively. The greatest decline in HU was associated with kidney disorders (−0.114) using the UK tariff and stroke (−0.059) using the Swedish tariff. Multiple stroke and non-acute ischaemic heart disease had higher negative effect than a single event. With the UK tariff, each year elapsed since the last microvascular/macrovascular complication was associated with 0.013 and 0.007 units higher HU, respectively. We found important heterogeneities in effects of complications on HU in terms of gender, multiple event, and time. The Swedish tariff gave smaller estimates and so may result in less cost-effective interventions than the UK tariff. These results suggest that incorporating subgroup-specific HU in cost-utility analyses might provide more insight for informed decision-making.
Mucin 1 Gene (MUC1) and Gastric-Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Saeki Norihisa , Sakamoto Hiromi , Yoshida Teruhiko
Published: May 2014

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major malignant diseases worldwide, especially in Asia. It is classified into intestinal and diffuse types. While the intestinal-type GC (IGC) is almost certainly caused by Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, its role in the diffuse-type GC (DGC) appears limited. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on Japanese and Chinese populations identified chromosome 1q22 as a GC susceptibility locus which harbors mucin 1 gene (MUC1) encoding a cell membrane-bound mucin protein. MUC1 has been known as an oncogene with an anti-apoptotic function in cancer cells; however, in normal gastric mucosa, it is anticipated that the mucin 1 protein has a role in protecting gastric epithelial cells from a variety of external insults which cause inflammation and carcinogenesis. HP infection is the most definite insult leading to GC, and a protective function of mucin 1 protein has been suggested by studies on Muc1 knocked-out mice.