bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of biological pretreatment of coarse MSW on landfill behaviour: laboratory study
Authors: Bayard R. , de Araujo Morais J. , Rouez M. , Fifi U. , Achour F. , Ducom G.
Published: October 2008

Mechanical and biological pre-treatment (MBT) of residual Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is considered as a promising technical option prior to landfilling. The aim of MBT is to control the biological landfill activity to minimize biogas and leachate production. Laboratory-scale bioreactors were set up to study the behaviour of untreated and pre-treated residues. The bioreactors were designed to simulate the anaerobic condition of sanitary landfill. Initial water addition has been performed to ensure optimal condition of biological degradation. The incubation time was 400 days to achieve the biodegradation. Experiments have been carried out with untreated or treated waste collected from a mechanical-aerobic biological treatment plant located in middle south of France. Chemical and biological analyses have been performed to characterise the waste samples before and after the incubation. Results showed that a residual anaerobic activity does exist for the pre-treated waste when incubated in optimal moisture condition: biogas production does still exist even after a long period of aerobic hot fermentation and maturation.
Biogas from sugar beet press pulp as substitute of fossil fuel in sugar beet factories
Authors: Brooks L. , Parravicini V. , Svardal K. , Kroiss H. , Prendl L.
Published: October 2008

Sugar beet press pulp (SBP) accumulates as a by-product in sugar factories and it is generally silaged or dried to be used as animal food. Rising energy prices and the opening of the European Union sugar market has put pressure on the manufacturers to find alternatives for energy supply. The aim of this project was to develop a technology in the treatment of SBP that would lead to savings in energy consumption and would provide a more competitive sugar production from sugar beets. These goals were met by the anaerobic digestion of SBP for biogas production. Lab-scale experiments confirmed the suitability of SBP as substrate for anaerobic bacteria. Pilot-scale experiments focused on process optimization and procedures for a quick start up and operational control. Both single-stage and two-stage process configurations showed similar removal efficiency. A stable biogas production could be achieved in single-stage at a maximum volumetric loading rate of 10 kgCSB/(m3·d). Degradation efficiency was 75% for VS and 72% for COD. Average specific gas production reached 530 NL/kgCODSBP or 610 NL/kgVSSBP. (CH4: 50 to 53%). The first large-scale biogas plant was put into operation during the sugar processing period 2007 at a Hungarian sugar factory. Digesting approximately 50% of the SBP (800 t/d, 22%TS), the biogas produced could substitute about 40% of the natural gas required for the thermal energy supply within the sugar processing.
Anaerobic digestion of residual municipal solid waste using biological–mechanical pre-treatment: the plant of Varennes Jarcy
Authors: Fruteau de Laclos H. , Thiebaut E. , Saint-Joly C.
Published: October 2008

Residual municipal solid waste can be treated by anaerobic digestion after a sorting process in order to remove the unwanted materials. After a mechanical sorting the quality of the final compost can hardly cope with requirements for agriculture use. In this way, a more efficient sorting process using a specific equipment that provides a combined biological and mechanical effect, has been implemented on the plant of Varennes Jarcy prior to anaerobic digestion. This paper presents the main results obtained on this plant. The reduction of biodegradable organics in particle lower than 10 mm allows a very efficient separation by screening. An additional ballistic sorting removes the remaining glass. The composition of the resulting sorted waste was close to a source-sorted organic fraction. The sorted waste exhibit methane yields comparable with raw biodegradable organics, showing that the pre-treatment had little impact on anaerobic digestion performance.
High-rate hydrogenotrophic denitrification in a fluidized-bed biofilm reactor using solid-polymer-electrolyte membrane electrode (SPEME)
Authors: Komori M. , Sakakibara Y.
Published: October 2008

A fluidized-bed biofilm reactor equipped with a Solid-Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Electrode (SPEME) cell was developed in order to enhance hydrogenotrophic denitrification of groundwater. Porous cubes made of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) were used as a biofilm carrier and continuous treatments using synthetic groundwater were carried out for 105 days. Electric current was changed step-wise from 0.4 to 4.0 A. Experimental results showed that efficient production and dissolution of hydrogen were achieved by application of electric current as well as high-rate denitrification simultaneously. Denitrification rates of nitrite increased with the increase of electric current. Overall denitrification rates attained to about 90 mg-N/L/h, which was 3 to 9 times as high as those reported in former studies. Supplying electric current of about two times of stoichiometric equivalent to the cell considered necessary for complete denitrification. Water quality in effluent was very stable and electrolytic voltage was low around 3 V. In addition, simple and secure operation was demonstrated over the experiment. From these results, it was concluded that the present fluidized-bed biofilm reactor equipped with a SPEME cell could be very feasible for high-rate hydrogenotrophic denitrification of ground water.
SFGP 2007 - Photosensitive Composite Disordered Nanostructures over Acceptor Supports: Selective Free Charge Carrier Generators for Environmental Applications
Authors: Chis Cristain , Evstratov Alexis
Published: October 2008

Amorphous and low-ordered photosensitive materials are not usually considered to be promising photocatalytic agents because of extremely short free charge carrier (FCC) lifetimes in their active components deprived of well-defined electronic structures. Using active supports favoring an efficient FCC separation in situ, it is possible to protect free charge carriers from the immediate recombination, so even the disordered photosensitive composites can be provided with important photocatalytic capacities. The examples of some environmental applications of this type of active materials, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) photocatalytic removal and bacteria sterilization, are presented in this paper.
Global Financial Reporting: Implications for U.S. Academics
Authors: Barth Mary E.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper identifies challenges and opportunities created by global financial reporting for the education and research activities of U.S. academics. Relating to education, after overviewing the relation between global financial reporting and U.S. GAAP, it offers suggestions for topics to be covered in global financial reporting curricula and clarifies common misunderstandings about the concepts underlying financial reporting. Relating to research, it explains how and why research can provide meaningful input into standard-setting, and identifies questions that can motivate research related to topics on the International Accounting Standards Board’s technical agenda and to the globalization of financial reporting.
Earnings Restatements, Changes in CEO Compensation, and Firm Performance
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Farber David B.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT: Prior research finds that earnings restatements are linked to CEOs’ excessive option-based compensation and equity holdings. In this paper, we investigate whether firms that experience earnings restatements recontract with their CEOs to reduce their option-based compensation and if so, whether this leads to improved firm performance. Based on 289 restatement firms over the period 1997–2001, we find that the proportion of CEOs’ compensation in the form of options declines significantly in the two years following the restatement. Furthermore, we document that this reduction is accompanied by a decrease in the riskiness of investments, as reflected in lower stock return volatility and subsequent improvements in operating performance. Our results suggest that a decrease in option-based compensation reduces CEOs’ incentives to take excessively risky investments, resulting in improved profitability. Overall, our findings provide insights into the design and efficacy of CEO compensation contracts.
Are Asset Securitizations Sales or Loans?
Authors: Landsman Wayne R. , Peasnell Kenneth V. , Shakespeare Catherine
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT: This study addresses whether asset securitizations are really asset sales or a form of secured borrowing, by estimating cross-sectional equity valuation regressions to assess whether the stock market treats securitized assets and liabilities held by a special purpose entity (SPE) as assets and liabilities of the sponsor-originator (S-O). Although all sample firms account for asset securitizations as sales, we find that the market views such SPE assets and liabilities as belonging to the S-O, i.e., the risk and rewards of ownership of the transferred assets reside with the S-O and not the SPE. Our findings are consistent with the explanation that sale-based asset securitizations enable SPE bondholders to retain priority in bankruptcy of the S-O while also enabling the S-O to obtain lower borrowing costs by implicitly guaranteeing the SPE’s debt.
Staggered Boards and Earnings Management
Authors: Zhao Yijiang , Chen Kung H.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT: The literature suggests that staggered boards may have two opposite effects on earnings management: the expropriation view emphasizes the exacerbating effect, whereas the quiet life view advocates the mitigating effect. We use two approaches to examine this issue: a small-sample test based on whether firms are accused of committing financial reporting fraud, and a large-sample test based on the absolute value of unexpected accruals. We find that staggered boards are associated with lower likelihoods of committing fraud and smaller magnitudes of absolute unexpected accruals. Consistent with prior studies, we also find that staggered boards are negatively associated with firm value. The results suggest that staggered boards may enable managers to enjoy the quiet life and lessen their motivation to increase firm value; as a consequence, managers are not motivated to manage earnings.
Some gonad-infecting species of Philometra (Nematoda, Philometridae) from offshore fishes of South Carolina and Georgia, USA, including Philometra charlestonensis sp. nov. from the scamp Mycteroperca phenax
Authors: Moravec František , Buron Isaure , Baker Tiffany , González-Solís David
Published: October 2008

Three gonad-infecting species of Philometra Costa, 1845 were, for the first time, recorded from perciform fishes from estuarine and marine waters in South Carolina and Georgia, USA: Philometra charlestonensis sp. nov. from the scamp Mycteroperca phenax (Jordan et Swain) (Serranidae), P. saltatrix Ramachandran, 1973 from the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus) (Pomatomidae), and Philometra sp. from the Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus (Linnaeus) (Sciaenidae). The new species is characterized mainly by males (body length 2.65–3.14 mm) with equally long, needle-like spicules (length 132–141 μm) and the gubernaculum (81–93 μm) bearing dorsal transverse lamella-like structures on its distal portion, the body length of gravid females (168–247 mm), the presence of a well-developed anterior bulbous inflation on the female oesophagus, and by the length of the first-stage larvae (544–597 μm). A key to gonad-infecting species of Philometra parasitizing marine and brackish-water fishes is provided.
Some philometrid nematodes (Philometridae), including four new species of Philometra, from marine fishes off New Caledonia
Authors: Moravec František , Justine Jean-Lou
Published: October 2008

Examinations of marine fishes off New Caledonia, South Pacific, carried out in 2003–2006, yielded some nematodes of the genus Philometra Costa, 1845, including the following three new species: P. cyanopodi sp. nov. (males and subgravid females) and P. lethrini sp. nov. (males and subgravid females) from the gonads of Epinephelus cyanopodus (Richardson) (Serranidae) and Lethrinus genivittatus Valenciennes (Lethrinidae), respectively, and P. lagocephali sp. nov. (gravid female) from the abdominal cavity of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin) (Tetraodontidae). Another congeneric species P. fasciati sp. nov. from the gonads of Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål) (Serranidae), originally reported as P. lateolabracis (Yamaguti, 1935), has been established with reference to the description of males and a mature female published by Moravec and Justine (2005). The new species are characterized mainly by the length of spicules and the length and structure of the gubernaculum, structure of the male caudal end (except for P. lagocephali), body size, location in the host and by the types of hosts. In addition, Philometra sp. (subgravid females) from the gonads of Lutjanus vitta (Quoy et Gaimard) (Lutjanidae) and Philometra cf. ocularis Moravec et al., 2002 (gravid female) from the oculo-orbit of Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskål) were found, the latter representing a new host record.
Effect of extreme temperature on egg development, larval and adult survival of Chordodes nobilii Camerano, 1901 (Gordiida, Nematomorpha)
Authors: Achiorno Cecilia , Ferrari Lucrecia , Villalobos Cristina
Published: October 2008

On the basis of experimental studies we analyzed the effect of extreme temperatures on the aquatic free-living phases of the life cycle of Chordodes nobilii (Gordiida, Nematomorpha). Bioassays were performed with eggs, larvae, and adults. Eggs and larvae were exposed to 3°C below zero and 40.5°C; adults were exposed to 3°C below zero and to 38.5°C and 40.5°C. The results showed that egg development was inhibited in both tests. Exposed larvae showed a decrease in their infective capacity, which resulted almost null at 40.5°C. Adults exposed to 38.5°C showed mortality ≤10%, at 40.5°C the mortality was 100% and the adult’s mortality at 3°C below zero was 89%. Results indicate that free living stages of Chordodes nobilii are susceptible to extreme temperatures.
Eight new species of Siphoderina Manter, 1934 (Digenea, Cryptogonimidae) infecting Lutjanidae and Haemulidae (Perciformes) off Australia
Authors: Miller Terrence , Cribb Thomas
Published: October 2008

We report nine species, eight of which are new, of cryptogonimids belonging to Siphoderina Manter, 1934 from the intestine and pyloric caeca of five species of Lutjanidae (Lutjanus adetii, L. argentimaculatus, L. carponotatus, L. fulviflamma and L. russelli) and one species of Haemulidae (Plectorhinchus gibbosus) recovered from Heron and Lizard Islands off the Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. We also report the metacercariae of two species from an atherinid fish, Atherinomorus capricornensis, from near Heron Island. Morphological analysis of the species reported here was augmented by DNA sequence analyses utilizing data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2, large subunit (LSU) and 5.8S nuclear ribosomal DNA to explore the integrity of the species and their biogeographic distributions. The analysis found strong support for the integrity of Siphoderina and found that it is the sister-taxon to Beluesca Miller et Cribb, 2007. Sequencing included multiple replicates and no intraspecific variation was observed between any of the taxa over the rDNA regions examined. Sequence data from the ITS and LSU regions were analysed with that of species of Beluesca, Caulanus Miller et Cribb, 2007, Chelediadema Miller et Cribb, 2007, Latuterus Miller et Cribb, 2007, Neometadena Hafeezullah et Siddiqi, 1970 and Retrovarium Miller et Cribb, 2007 which all also infect lutjanids or haemulids. Some closely related species of Siphoderina infect only distantly related fishes among the haemulids and lutjanids whereas others form clusters in association with clusters of closely related lutjanids. This pattern suggests a history of some co-evolutionary divergence together with significant host switching. Pseudallacanthochasmus Velasquez, 1961 is considered a synonym of Siphoderina and the new combinations S. grandispinus (Velasquez, 1961) n. comb. and S. magnivesiculum (Gaevskaya et Aljoshkina, 1985) n. comb. are proposed. As a result of the new species described here and these new combinations, Siphoderina now contains 43 species, making it by far the largest genus of the Cryptogonimidae.
Wild ruminants in the area of the North-Western Poland as potential reservoir hosts of Bartonella schoenbuchensis and B. bovis
Authors: Adamska Małgorzata
Published: October 2008

The aim of this work was to examine if the game species from the north-western Poland, roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa), may be reservoir hosts of bacteria from the genus Bartonella, and whether the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is their vector. To this end, the prevalence of Bartonella DNA in the tissues of these game species was measured, just as in sheep ticks (I. ricinus) infesting them, and ticks collected from plants in the hunting area. The prevalence of Bartonella DNA was 39% (23/59) in roe deer and 35% (7/20) in red deer. No Bartonella DNA was detected in any of the 21 wild boars. The presence of Bartonella DNAwas detected in 1.9% of ticks infesting roe deer (2/103), while no pathogen DNA was found in the 20 ticks infesting the red deer and the 3 ticks infesting wild boars, or the 200 ticks collected from plants. Amplicons of two different lengths were obtained; 198 bp, characteristic for B. bovis, and 317 bp, characteristic for B. schoenbuchensis, which were confirmed later by sequencing. The examined ruminants are probably the reservoir hosts of B. schoenbuchensis and B. bovis in the biotope of the Puszcza Wkrzańska Forest, and wild boars do not participate in the Bartonella propagation in the environment. I. ricinus is unlikely to be the main vector of Bartonella species detected in the examined roe deer and red deer; probably other bloodsucking arthropods, parasitizing wild ruminants, play this role.
TEM studies on morphological “junctions” between Trichinella spiralis larvae and mouse skeletal muscle cells with particular emphasis on the early changes in host muscles
Authors: Dąbrowska Julia , Walski Michał , Machnicka Barbara , Grytner-Zięcina Barbara
Published: October 2008

Larvae of the parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis migrate via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to the skeletal muscle cells where they induce multiple alterations in the intracellular environment leading to the formation of nurse cells. The “nurse cell-T. spiralis larva” complex is composed of a transformed fragment of a skeletal muscle cell and the wall of the larva. The pathological process responsible for the formation of this complex, known as basophilic transformation, is essential for the development of T. spiralis larvae, but it still not known how newborn larvae penetrate the transformed fragment of the muscle cell. In this study, we aimed to characterize the ultrastructure of the region of the nurse cell in direct contact with the larval wall, after one and two weeks of T. spiralis infection in mice. For this purpose, a transmission electron microscope fitted with a goniometer was used to make observations of samples tilted at an angle of ±40° relative to the axis of the electron beam. Examination of electron micrographs revealed the continuity of the nurse cell membrane adjacent to the larval surface and the presence of a large quantity of glycogen particles close to the inner surface of this membrane. Our results showed that death of the T. spiralis larvae was associated with destruction of the contact region between the larval wall and the adjacent surface of the nurse cell. We conclude that the T. spiralis larva does not penetrate the nurse cell, but a morphological “junction” is formed between the larval wall and the cell membrane.
The identity of Menacanthus eisenachensis Balát (Insecta, Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Menoponidae) from the Reed Warbler (Passeriformes, Sylviidae)
Authors: Sychra Oldřich , Jensen Jens-Kjeld , Brooke Michael , Trnka Alfréd , Procházka Petr , Literák Ivan
Published: October 2008

Three hundred and thirty-one Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Hermann) were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera). Twenty-eight (8.5%) were parasitized with Menacanthus curuccae (Schrank, 1776). Mean intensity of infestation was 4.3 lice. Hence, the name Menacanthus eisenachensis Balát, 1981, currently applied to Menacanthus lice parasitizing Reed Warblers, is placed as a junior synonym of M. curuccae, with Reed Warbler as a new host for the latter species.
Racial Diversity Matters: The Impact of Diversity-Related Student Engagement and Institutional Context
Authors: Denson Nida , Chang Mitchell J.
Published: October 2008

This study addressed two questions: (a) Do different forms of campus racial diversity contribute uniquely to students’ learning and educational experiences when they are simultaneously tested utilizing multilevel modeling? (b) Does a campus where students take greater advantage of those diversity opportunities have independent positive effects on students’ learning? Consideration of racial diversity extended beyond student composition and included social and curricular engagement. Results suggest that benefits associated with diversity may be more far-reaching than previously documented. Not only do students benefit from engaging with racial diversity through related knowledge acquisition or cross-racial interaction but also from being enrolled on a campus where other students are more engaged with those forms of diversity, irrespective of their own level of engagement.
Clinico- Biochemical Profile of Neonatal Seizure
Authors: Shah GS , Singh MK , Budhathoki S , Kalakheti BK , Baral DD
Published: October 2008

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to study the incidence, etiological factor, and days of onset, clinical types and biochemical abnormalities in babies having neonatal seizures. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational hospital based study. Ninety neonates, who developed seizures before 28 days of life and admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and nursery with neonatal seizure, were evaluated for incidence, etiological factor, clinical types and biochemical abnormalities found in neonatal seizure. The variables were analysed using Chi- Square and student t- test. Results: The incidence of neonatal seizure was 10.3/ 1000 live births. The seizures were common in male babies. 65 (72.2%) neonates were born to multiparous women while 35 (38%) were born to primigravidas. In birth asphyxia (n= 40), the most common type of seizure observed was subtle seizure 20 (50%), followed by focal clonic 10 (25%) and multifocal clonic 5 (12.5%). Tonic type of seizure was observed in 3 (7.5%) and myoclonic in 2 (5%). Meningitis and septicaemia was the second most common cause of neonatal seizure observed in our study. Among metabolic abnormalities hypoglycaemia was found in 20 (22%) and hypocalcaemia in 10 (11%). Conclusion: The commonest cause of seizure was birth asphyxia presenting within 72 hours of life. Among infection septicaemia and meningitis was the most common cause leading to neonatal seizure. Among biochemical abnormalities the most common cause of seizure observed in our study was hypoglycaemia and hypocalcaemia. Subtle seizures were the commonest type of seizure observed in this study. Key words: Neonatal seizure, biochemical disturbances in seizure.    DOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i1.1398   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(1) p.7-9
Febrile Convulsions
Authors: Bajaj N
Published: October 2008

Febrile convulsions are seizures that occur in association with fever but without evidence of intracranial infection or other definable cause in children in the age between 6 months to 5 years. Febrile convulsions have a strong genetic predisposition and a benign outcome in the majority. Febrile convulsions are clinically distinguishable as simple febrile convulsions or they are called complex febrile convulsions when they have focal features and /or are prolonged and/or recurrent in the same illness. Complex febrile convulsions are associated with higher risk of developing subsequent epilepsy. The condition of mesial temporal lobe sclerosis has been linked to prolonged febrile convulsions in childhood. Majority of febrile convulsions need only parental assurance. In few cases intermittent or continuous prophylaxis with antiepileptic drugs may have to be advised.   DOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i1.1403   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(1) p.23-26
Childhood Neurotic Traits
Authors: Shakya Dhana Ratna
Published: October 2008

‘Child is the father of a man.’ As Wordsworth has rightly said, the behavior and nature of a man is largely the continuation of them over the life span though there is some variation in the degree. So, the psychiatric assessment of a person is never complete without assessment of childhood neurotic traits. Even though there is tendency to omit the personal history (including childhood neurotic traits) in busy settings like the OPD, the presenting problem at times may be related to childhood neurotic traits in one or other way. Here, an attempt will be made to review the literature regarding ‘childhood neurotic traits’.
J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(1) p.27-29
Nepal Paediatric Society Guidelines for Childhood Immunization
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2008

DOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i1.1406J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(1) p.32-33
Atypical Presentation of Wilson’s Disease
Authors: Gurubacharya SM , Gurubacharya RL
Published: October 2008

Key words: Wilson's disease (WD); KF ring; Hyperpigmentation; Vitamin A deficiencyDOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i2.1390J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(2) 2008 p.66-67
Constitution of Nepal Paediatric Society (NEPAS)
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2008

DOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i2.1393J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(2) 2008 p.72-75
Cardiovascular effects of acute hyperglycaemia: pathophysiological underpinnings
Authors: Ceriello Antonio
Published: October 2008

High admission blood glucose levels after acute myocardial infarction are common and are associated with an increased risk of death in subjects with and without diabetes. In this review, the possible toxic effects of acute hyperglycaemia are discussed as a possible explanation for the worse prognosis in subjects with myocardial infarction and concomitant hyperglycaemia. In particular, evidence supporting the hypothesis that acute hyperglycaemia may favour the appearance of cardiovascular disease through the generation of oxidative stress is presented.
Insulin therapy in acute coronary syndromes: an appraisal of completed and ongoing randomised trials with important clinical end points
Authors: Goyal Abhinav , Nerenberg Kara , Gerstein Hertzel C , Umpierrez Guillermo , Wilson Peter WF
Published: October 2008

Insulin therapy was first proposed as an adjunctive therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the 1960s. Since then, numerous randomised clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy and to define the role of insulin therapy in ACS. This review will discuss: 1) completed trials of insulin therapy in ACS, including both glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) approaches and non-GIK approaches; 2) trials of insulin therapy in critically ill non-ACS patients and the lessons from these trials that can be applied to trials of insulin in ACS patients; and 3) a summary of ongoing and planned trials of insulin in ACS patients.
Implications of abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Anselmino Matteo , Wallander Märit , Norhammar Anna , Mellbin Linda , Rydén Lars
Published: October 2008

Abnormal glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are becoming increasingly common. It has been recently confirmed that the period of time prior to the development of diabetes, when patients have impaired glucose tolerance, may also predispose them to increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore prevention and management of T2DM and its antecedents must have high priority when allocating healthcare resources. The present review summarises some information on detection, management and treatment of abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with established coronary artery disease, highlighting the importance of early detection of abnormal glucose metabolism in order to prevent the progression of prediabetes to T2DM and to delay the occurrence of those macrovascular and microvascular complications that impair quality of life and diminish survival.
Investigation of the vascular and pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin and pioglitazone in a population at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Forst Thomas , Wilhelm Birgit , Pfützner Andreas , Fuchs Winfried , Lehmann Ute , Schaper Frank , Weber Matthias , Müller Jürgen , Konrad Thomas , Hanefeld Markolf
Published: October 2008

We investigated the effect of atorvastatin monotherapy and combined treatment with atorvastatin and pioglitazone on intima-media thickness, vascular function and the cardiovascular risk profile. In all, 148 patients (76 male, 72 female; aged 61.4±6.5 years; body mass index [BMI] 29.2±4.1 kg/m2; mean±SD) with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were randomised. Intima-media thickness (IMT), the augmentation index (Aix@75), the microvascular response to acetylcholine (LDF), lipid status, and plasma levels of intact proinsulin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), sCD40L, P-selectin, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and blood lipids were monitored over six months.

Atorvastatin treatment, alone and in combination with pioglitazone, revealed a significant regression in IMT (0.923±0.013 to 0.874±0.012 mm and 0.921±0.015 to 0.882±0.015 mm; mean ± SEM; p<0.05 respectively) and Aix@75 (27.3±1.2 to 25.9±1.4; and 25.6±1.4 to 24.8±1.7%; p<0.05). The endothelial response to acetylcholine as measured by laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF) improved during combined treatment (373±57 to 576±153 AU; p<0.05). Addition of pioglitazone to atorvastatin resulted in significant further effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), t-PA, P-selectin, adiponectin, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p<0.05 respectively).

Atorvastatin significantly improved IMT and vascular elasticity. Co-administration of pioglitazone provided additional effects on endothelial function, lipid profile and laboratory markers of inflammation.
The Residual Risk Reduction Initiative: a call to action to reduce residual vascular risk in dyslipidaemic patients
Authors: Fruchart Jean-Charles , Sacks Frank M , Hermans Michel P , Assmann Gerd , Brown W Virgil , Ceska Richard , Chapman M John , Dodson Paul M , Fioretto Paola , Ginsberg Henry N , Kadowaki Takashi , Lablanche Jean-Marc , Marx Nikolaus , Plutzky Jorge , Reiner Zeljko , Rosenson Robert S , Staels Bart , Stock Jane K , Sy Rody , Wanner Christoph , Zambon Alberto , Zimmet Paul
Published: October 2008

Despite current standards of care aimed at achieving targets for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, blood pressure and glycaemia, dyslipidaemic patients remain at high residual risk of vascular events. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia, specifically elevated triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often with elevated apolipoprotein B and non-HDL cholesterol, is common in patients with established cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome and is associated with macrovascular and microvascular residual risk. The Residual Risk Reduction Initiative (R3I) was established to address this important issue.

This position paper aims to highlight evidence that atherogenic dyslipidaemia contributes to residual macrovascular risk and microvascular complications despite current standards of care for dyslipidaemia and diabetes, and to recommend therapeutic intervention for reducing this, supported by evidence and expert consensus. Lifestyle modification is an important first step. Additionally, pharmacotherapy is often required. Adding niacin, a fibrate or omega-3 fatty acids to statin therapy improves achievement of all lipid risk factors. Outcomes studies are evaluating whether these strategies translate to greater clinical benefit than statin therapy alone. In conclusion, the R3i highlights the need to address with lifestyle and/or pharmacotherapy the high level of residual vascular risk among dyslipidaemic patients who are treated in accordance with current standards of care.
Cardiac autonomic diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Schönauer Martin , Thomas Andreas , Morbach Stephan , Niebauer Josef , Schönauer Ulrike , Thiele Holger
Published: October 2008

Cardiovascular autonomic diabetic neuropathy (CADN) is one of the most common diabetes-associated complications. Disturbed heart rate variability (HRV) is very often the earliest symptom, even in clinically asymptomatic patients. The following article offers a topical overview for those working or interested in the fields of diabetology and cardiology.
Neither Ethnocracy nor Bi-Nationalism: In Search of the Middle Ground
Authors: Waxman Dov , Peleg Ilan
Published: October 2008

This article examines the challenge posed to the future of Israel as a Jewish state by its Palestinian minority. In particular, it analyzes a series of documents published in 2006-2007 by political and intellectual leaders of the Palestinian community in Israel in which they called upon Israel to abandon its Jewish identity and recognize its Palestinian citizens as an indigenous national minority with collective rights. After discussing the major demands and proposals made in these Vision Documents the article argues on both pragmatic and normative grounds that Israel must try to balance the demands of the Palestinian minority with those of the Jewish majority. This involves maintaining the state's Jewish character while providing greater collective rights, including limited autonomy, to its Palestinian citizens.
Technology Enable Literacy Education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Bangladesh: An Approach
Authors: Alam MS , Alam MS
Published: October 2008

Bangladesh is a densely populated country with a population of 130 million. In Bangladesh the Government and non-Government organizations have taken sufficient initiative to increase the literacy rate but the significant development is yet to achieve. Despite the various steps taken by the Government, the literacy rate stands at 62 percent and, as such, the goal to educate all remains more or less as elusive as ever. Sophisticated technological development in the education world changes the pattern of role and responsibility of learners and teachers and creates more opportunities of learning. Using the virtual image of the Distance Education system there emerges a new horizon of innovativeness with its unlimited possibilities to resolve a very long felt need of eradicating illiteracy and developing human resources (HR) in the globe. Technologies are used in distance education and which can create a forceful impact to accelerate mass literacy, gender balance and also help develop human resources in the pursuit of acquiring different branches of knowledge and skill along with technical and vocational aspects to meet the thirsty need of the time. This paper addresses the issues for developing strategies for technology based literacy programme. It also highlights to identify the parameters for developing an appropriate technology based quality materials for literacy programme. Key words: Appropriate technology, distance education, virtual image, illiteracy, quality material. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1449 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 1-6, June 2007
A Study on Comparative Performances of Hybrid and Convential Rice Varieties in Aman Season
Authors: Awal MA , Habib AKMA , Hossain MA
Published: October 2008

An experiment was done at farmer's field in Sherpur district to evaluate the comparative performance of two hybrid rice varieties, Sonarbangla-2 and Sonarbangla-3 with three conventional modern commercial varieties BRRIdhan32, BRRIdhan33 and BR11 in Transplanted aman season of 2003. It is revealed that the hybrids and conventional rice varieties differed significantly among themselves with respect to different parameters under study. The highest grain yield (6.20t/ha) was recorded from the hybrid Sonarbangla-3 followed BRRIdhan-32 (5.70 t/ha) and the lowest in BRRIdhan-33 (4.17t/ha) and these differences were statistically significant. However, BRRIdhan-32 obtained significantly higher yield compared to the hybrid Sonarbangla-2. Further, it produced the maximum amount of straw (8.6 t/ha), which varied significantly with all others. Minimum days to 1st flowering (92) and maturity (108) were noticed in Sonarbangla-2 followed by Sonarbangla-3 (95 and 115), respectively. Both the hybrid had heavier grain weight (28.33-31.00g) than those of the conventional varieties (22-25g). It is noted that the hybrids maintained distinct statistical edge over the conventional varieties with regard to most of the parameters. Thus, the hybrid Sonarbangla-3 was found superior to conventional varieties for transplanting in the aman season in Bangladesh. Key words: Sonarbangla-2, Sonarbangla-3, conventional varieties, cropping pattern. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1451 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 13-16, June 2007
Organogenesis of Dendrobium Orchid Using Traditional Media and Organic Extracts
Authors: Akter S , Nasiruddin KM , Khaldun ABM
Published: October 2008

The study was undertaken with a view to investigate the effects of different basal media and organic extracts on organogenesis of Dendrobium orchid. Protocorm like bodies (PLBs) were cultured in Knudson C (KC), Vacin and Went (VW), half strength Murashige and Skoog (Â½MS) and New Phalaenopsis (NP) media supplemented with Sabri banana pulp (Sb), Charcoal (C) and Coconut water (Cw) organic extracts. KC, VW, Â½MS and NP media significantly influenced the plantlet regeneration of Dendrobium orchid. Among the media, Â½MS showed better performance on fresh weight, number PLBs, shoots and leaves per plantlet, The longest shoots were found in KC medium and maximum length of leaves was found in both KC and Â½MS media. In case of different organic extracts Sb showed significantly better performance on fresh weights of PLBs, number of shoot and leaves per explant, length of shoots and leaves. Key words: Organogenesis, Dendrobium, media, organic extracts. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1454 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 30-35, June 2007
The Family Approach for Scaling Out of Leaf Colour Chart Based Nitrogen Management in Rice
Authors: Rashid M Harunur , Khan MA Hossain , Alam M Murshedul
Published: October 2008

In the traditional technology transfer process, the role of active participation of family members, immediate to household head, is not considered. Two sets of target audiences, lead farmers for the traditional method and family members for the family approach were trained to evaluate the expansion scenario of Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) based nitrogen management in rice. In the family approach (FA), young sons or brothers of the farmers helped in demonstrating the new technology and adoption by participating in the field activities directly. On the other hand, young daughters and wife helped in keeping the LCC in a safe place, reminded the farmers about the fertilizer rate and date for taking LCC readings and timely application of nitrogen following LCC use guidelines. On an average, each trained family shared knowledge on the technology with 6.2 neighbouring farmers whereas 2.03 farmers were informed by each lead farmer. The technology adoption was enhanced remarkably due to participation of family members. The higher rate of adoption of FA technology by the neighboring farmers compared to Lead Farmer Approach (LFA) proved its cost effectiveness. Key words: Leaf colour chart, rice, cost-effectiveness. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1455 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 36-42, June 2007
Critical Limit of Zinc for Rice in Calcareous Soils
Authors: Rahman MA , Jahiruddin M , Islam MR
Published: October 2008

A pot culture experiment was conducted to determine the critical limit of Zn for rice grown in calcareous soils collected from the High Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ 11). The soils contained CaCO3 0.68-6.95%, pH 7.1-7.8, organic matter 1.32-2.49% and clay 9.0-33.0%. The available Zn content of soils was estimated by three extraction methods and the amount of extraction followed the order of 0.1M HCl > 0.005 M DTPA (pH 7.3) >1M NH4OAc (pH 7.0). The critical levels of DTPA, HCl and NH4OAc extractable Zn were found to be 0.83, 1.80 and 0.40 ppm, respectively for rice as determined by Cate and Nelson's graphical procedure. The DTPA extractable Zn showed a positive correlation with DM yield and plant Zn content. Thus, the DTPA extraction can be regarded as a good method for determining available Zn status in calcareous soils. Key words: Calcareous soil, critical limit, rice, zinc. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1456 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 43-47, June 2007
Effect of Fertilizers on the Incidence of Anthracnose Disease, Yield and Quality of Mango
Authors: Chowdhury MNA , Rahim MA
Published: October 2008

Effect of different fertilizers on the control of anthracnose disease, yield and quality of mango cv Amrapali was investigated. Application of combined fertilizers gave the highest fruit set, fruit retention and fresh fruits, therefore, produced the highest yield per plant and per hectare. The highest number of healthy fruits was found from 2nd year crop and the lowest was obtained from 1st year. The highest (8.47 t/ha) yield was obtained from 2nd year and the lowest (4.58 t/ha) was obtained from 1st year crop. Among the treatments, combined application of NPK, ZnSo4, Gypsum and Cowdung gave the highest (50.67) number of healthy fruits and the lowest (16) was obtained from untreated plant. The highest (12.41 t/ha) yield was obtained from combined application of NPK, ZnSo4, Gypsum and Cowdung and the lowest (3.88 t/ha) was obtained from untreated plant. In respect of combined effect, the highest (15.22 t/ha) yield was obtained from 2nd year x T9 treated plant and the lowest (2.95 t/ha) was found in untreated 1st year plant. Key words: Mango, fertilizers, anthracnose, yield. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1461 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 70-78, June 2007
Management of Pineapple Disease of Sugarcane through Biological Means
Authors: Talukder MI , Begum F , Azad MMK
Published: October 2008

Trichoderma harzianum was found an effective antagonist to Ceratocystis paradoxa, the causal organism of pineapple disease of sugarcane. It exhibited a strong antagonism against Ceratocystis paradoxa by overgrowing on it, forming lysed zone and inhibiting its growth. In the present investigation Trichoderma harzianum was found as effective as fungicide (Bavistin 50WP- Carbendazim 50WP) in controlling Ceratocystis paradoxa both in in vitro and in vivo condition. Ceratocystis paradoxa failed to grow on Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin 50WP treated PDA plates. Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin treated sugarcane setts showed significantly higher germination (20.34 to 26.17% higher) over control. Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin treated sugarcane setts showed respectively 40.72 and 62.69% higher yield of cane compared to control. Hence Trichoderma harzianum may be used as bio agent and alternative to Bavistin 50WP (a standard sett treating fungicide of sugarcane) in controlling pineapple disease of sugarcane. Key words: Sugarcane, pineapple disease, biological control. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1462 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 79-83, June 2007
Development of Mild Strains of Papaya Ringspot Virus-Papaya Strain
Authors: Mowlick S , Akanda AM , Rahman AHMA
Published: October 2008

An attempt was made with BARI papaya-1 to develop the mild strains of Papaya ringspot virus-papaya strain (PRSV-P) to use in cross protection. Three mutagents (viz. nitrous acid, sodium azide and UV radiation) with different concentrations and exposure time were used in this experiment. Mutagenic treatments of extraction of PRSV-P infected sap with 0.075M nitrous acid, 2% sodium azide, and exposure to UV radiation for 1 and 2 minutes were observed to be the best in the production of effective mild strains of PRSV-P. The mild strains of PRSV-P containing papaya seedlings were faced to challenge inoculation test. It was observed that younger seedling condition delayed the virus infection as compared to older ones. Key words: PRSV-P, mutagenic treatments, cross protection. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1464 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 94-97, June 2007
Toxicity of Thevetia peruviana (Pers) Schum. Extract to Adults of Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Mollah JU , Islam W
Published: October 2008

Leaf, stem and roots of Thevetia peruviana (Pers) Schum. were extracted in four organic solvents; petroleum spirit, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol and tested against the adults of Callosobruchus maculatus F. All the tested extracts effectively produced mortality of C. maculatus and their toxicity was in order of solvents: petroleum spirit>ethyl acetate>acetone>methanol. Root extract was the most toxic to C. maculatus. Females were more tolerant than males. Key words: Extract, mortality, solvent, Thevetia peruviana, Callosobruchus maculatus. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1466 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 105-109, June 2007
Design and Development of Pedal Pump for Low-Lift Irrigation
Authors: Islam M Serazul , Hossain M Zakaria , Khair M Abul
Published: October 2008

A study was undertaken to design and construct a low-lift pedal pump for use in small irrigation project areas. For this purpose, different types of piston valves and check valves were constructed and tested at different suction heads in the laboratory to evaluate their performances. After several trials, Piston valve type-II and check valve type-III were found to be suitable. The average discharges of the pumps ranged from 93.27 to 53.27 litre per second were noted against heads of 0.60 to 2.0 m respectively, when piston valve type-II and check valve type-III were used. During pedal pump operation, less input power was needed and it can be operated by one adult man for a long time (more than 2 hours) continuously without being tired. Efficiency of the pump was 46.53 percent against a head of 1.65 m. The pedal pump can be constructed using local materials and skill. It would be suitable to irrigate small and fragmented land holdings, especially to pump water from a shallow depth (up to 2 m) to irrigate small plots like vegetables and seed beds with less physical effort. Key words: Pedal pump, discharge rate, power requirement, efficiency, piston valve and check valve. Â DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1468 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 116-126, June 2007
Influence of Dietary Phosphorus and Zinc Levels on Whole Body Mineral, Liver Mineral, and Liver Vitamin-C Contents of Fingerling Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Sarker MS Alam , Satoh Shuichi
Published: October 2008

A laboratory based 2 Ã 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary phosphorus and zinc levels on whole body mineral, liver mineral, and liver vitamin-C contents of fingerling rainbow trout for 21 weeks. Two levels of phosphorus (19 and 30 mg g-1) and two levels of zinc (55 and 100 Î¼ g g-1) in the dry diets were tested. Duplicate tanks of 30 rainbow trout (average weight 1.56 Â± 0.24 g) per 60L glass tank were fed experimental diets three times a day to satiation level in 15 to 24oC water temperature. The result of the present study demonstrated that dietary zinc supplementation significantly influenced the whole body zinc and liver copper contents in fingerling rainbow trout where as additional phosphorus did not show any significant difference. Zinc supplementation significantly influenced the liver vitamin-C contents of the fish. Hence it is clear that zinc supplementation is necessary in fingerling rainbow trout feed. Further studies in this area are needed broadly. Key words: Phosphorus, zinc, whole body, liver mineral, liver vitamin-C, rainbow trout DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1470 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 135-142, June 2007