bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo code for the study of the dynamic light field at the wavy atmosphere-ocean interface
Authors: Hieronymi M.
Published: June 2013

A radiative transfer model has been developed to study the solar radiation budget at the wave-deflected air-sea interface. The model is used to characterize fluctuations of the underwater light field, i.e. down- and upwelling irradiance, irradiance reflectance, and upwelling radiance just below the surface, subject to changing sun zenith angles and percentages of diffuse sky radiation to the total insolation. The focusing of sunlight is most effective under clear skies; the variability of downwelling irradiance is significantly smaller under overcast conditions. In general, maximum and deep-reaching fluctuations arise at high sun positions, but the behaviour is much more differentiated and exceptions are discussed. Furthermore, wave shadowing effects have been studied; these become increasingly important for low sun elevations. There are indications that the light transmission into water up to now is overestimated for solar zenith angles near the horizon.
Bacillus Fermentation of Soybean: A Review
Authors: Shrestha Ashok Kumar , Dahal Nawa Raj , Ndungutse Vedaste
Published: June 2013

Soybeans in its natural form have a little direct use as a food due to its poor digestibility as well as beany taste and flavour. Fermentation; however, can improve the eating and nutritional qualities of soybeans. Fermented soybean foods have been an intricate part of oriental diet for a long time. Bacillus subtilis dominated traditionally fermented soyfoods have typical taste, texture and aroma which is popular in Asian and African countries. B. subtilis fermentation of soaked and cooked soybeans brings many physico-chemicals and sensory changes that make it highly digestible and nutritious. This paper reviews various facets of B. subtilis fermented traditional foods, properties of fermenting organisms, preparation of such fermented foods, changes in chemical composition and nutritional properties and improving the quality of these foods. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (1-9), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8252
Utilization of Pineapple Waste: A Review
Authors: Upadhyay Atul , Lama Jeewan Prava , Tawata Shinkichi
Published: June 2013

Waste utilization in fruits and vegetable processing industries is one of the important and challengeable jobs around the world. It is anticipated that the discarded fruits as well as its waste materials could be utilized for further industrial purposes viz. fermentation, extraction of bioactive components, extraction of functional ingredients etc. Researchers have focused on the utilization of pineapple waste primarily for extraction of bromelain enzyme and secondarily as low-cost raw material for the production of ethanol, phenolic anti-oxidants, organic acids, biogas and fiber production. Pertinent scientific and technological implications would produce better and more profitable markets for pineapple wastes. This review is the collection of previous reports along with our ongoing work on utilization of pineapple wastes J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (10-18), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8255
Acrylamide: Thermally Induced Toxicant in Foods and Its Control Measures
Authors: Timilsena Yakindra Prasad , Khanal Jyotsna Shrestha , Anal Anil Kumar
Published: June 2013

Acrylamide is a thermally induced toxicant present in different processed foods in varying amount. Due to its detrimental effect on human health, it has become a major concern in public health and food safety. Various reports published recently have identified different processing techniques to reduce the level of this compound in the food. This paper aims to review and focuses on the mechanisms of acrylamide formation, the effects of different processing parameters such as pre-frying treatments, pH, temperature, time, types and the amount of raw materials, its toxicity level, and its detection methods in complex food systems. Toxicity levels of acrylamide have been found to be neurotoxic and carcinogenic. Food safety authorities including Codex Alimentarius Commission are in the process of reviewing their standards to fix the limit of acrylamide in processed foods. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (19-30), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8256
Optimization of Malted Sorghum Protein Extraction by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Claver Irakoze Pierre , Ernest Sindayigaya
Published: June 2013

Four independent variables viz. ultrasonic power, pH, extraction time and solvent/meal ratio were selected. The extraction process was evaluated by a selected response like protein yield and the second-order model obtained revealed 96.7% of coefficient of determination. Selected response, which evaluated the extraction process, was protein yield and the secondorder model obtained for protein yield revealed a coefficient of determination of 96.7%. The optimal extraction conditions for protein were determined as follows; Ultrasonic power, pH, extraction time and solvent/meal ratio were 400W, 8.0, 40min, and 20:1 (v/w) respectively. Protein yield was primarily affected by Ultrasonic power, pH and solvent/meal ratio. These conditions resulted in protein yield of 5.43g of soluble protein from extract/100 g malted sorghum flour, which was agreed closely with the predicted value 5.36%. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by extracting the protein under optimum values using the model. These results may help in designing the process of optimal protein extraction from malted sorghum flour. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (53-58), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8260
Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin in Maize by Acorus calamus (Bojo)
Authors: Thapaliya Paurakh , Shrestha Kundan , Shrestha Binaya Prasad , Mishra Pashupati
Published: June 2013

This study was carried out to reveal the effect of Bojo powder on Aflatoxin production and growth of Aspergillus flavus 'ITCC 5192' in maize grain stored at four different moisture levels of 13, 17, 21 and 24%. For the inhibition study, Bojo powder was used in the concentration of 0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5% (w/w) in maize samples. After inoculation of Aspergillus flavus .ITCC 5192. and incubation for 15 days, Aflatoxins were extracted and quantified by using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Maize sample with moisture content 17% and Bojo powder concentration at 1.0% prevented the growth of Aspergillus flavus and production of Aflatoxin. Aflatoxins as high as 1416ppb were detected in control sample (i.e. no Bojo added) and stored at 17 and 21% respectively. Formation of Aflatoxins and growth of Aspergillus flavus 'ITCC 5192' was not completely inhibited in maize grains at high moisture levels (i.e. 21 and 24%). J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (59-64), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8261
Optimization of Extraction of Anthocyanins from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa) in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Gartaula Chanendra , Karki Dhan Bahadur
Published: June 2013

The dried roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa) calyces were studied for the extraction of anthocyanin in aqueous solution. The total anthocyanin content in dried roselle powder was found to be 310.48mg/100g of dry matter. The extraction temperature at 70°C gave the highest yield (66.69-70.61%), while at 90°C the degradation of anthocyanins occurred. The solid-liquid ratio revealed no significant effect (p>0.05), whereas the particle size showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on the extraction of anthocyanin. The yields of anthocyanin extraction for 300 and 600 μm particle powders were significantly higher (p<0.5) than that of 1180μm powder. Reduction in the particle size inversely increased the yield of anthocyanins. In conclusion, the extraction of anthocyanin from dried roselle calyces with an average particle size of 600μm using a solid-liquid ratio of 1:50 in aqueous medium with pH 7.0 at 70°C for 20min showed the maximum yield (69.84%). J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (66-72), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8263
Total Polyphenols Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Tea Commercially Produced in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rojeena , Lama Jiwan Pravan , Shrestha Kshitij
Published: June 2013

This study was conducted to assess and compare the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity of different tea varieties commercially produced in Nepal. Nine different brands of tea samples, three from each CTC, orthodox and green tea were collected from different parts of Kathmandu valley. TPC was analyzed as per folin-ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity as per DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhrdrazine) free radical scavenging capacity. The TPC was found to be 4.60, 8.79, 18.20mg of phenol equivalent (PE)/gm of sample in CTC, orthodox and green tea respectively. Green tea Emerald and green tea Kanchanjunga contained the highest level of polyphenol. Antioxidant activity (for 0.36 mg of tea sample) was found to be 25.04, 43.86, and 72.39% for CTC, orthodox and green tea respectively. Moreover, some commercial brands of green tea (Emerald and Kanchanjunga) showed the highest antioxidant activity. The TPC and antioxidant activity of different commercial brands of tea were found to be positively correlated (r=0.97). J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (73-77), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8264
Quality Evaluation of Milk at Different Levels of Milk Chain System in Makwanpur District, Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Bedananda , Singha Siyaram Prasad
Published: June 2013

This study assessed the quality of raw milk produced by District Milk Producers Co-operative Union (DMPCU) Makawanpur, Nepal. Five different stages (i.e. farmers, co-operative, chilling center, raw milk storage tank and pasteurization) were taken. The study revealed that adulteration was not common problem, however water addition was found to be 2.6% at farmer.s level with increase up to the 18.7% at pasteurization. Decrease in the level of conductivity from 4.32 to 3.25 mS/cm, ash from 0.76 to 0.64 %, fat from 5.38 to 2.96 %, SNF from 9.06 to 7.93%, Lactose 4.44 to 3.81% and protein from 3.1 to 2.5% was noticed from farmer.s to pasteurization level. Increase in Coliform from 4.9 log10 CFU/ml to 5.5 log10 CFU/ml from farmer.s level at raw milk to storage tank was noticed with simultaneous decreased in MBRT from 237 to 99min. Pasteurization reduced Coliform up to zero with increased in MBRT up to 309min. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (80-83), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8265
Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Processed Cheese Made from Different Cheeses and Paneer
Authors: Pokharel Upendra , Khanal Dipendra
Published: June 2013

Processed cheese (PC), a modified form of natural cheese was prepared mixing with different proportions of Cheese and Paneer; Yak cheese and Kanchan cheese (70:30), Yak and Kanchan (30:70), Kanchan and Mozzarella (75:25), Yak, Kanchan, Mozzarella and Paneer (30:45:15:10) and Kanchan and Paneer (85:15) with PC made in DDC, Nepal as a control. Five experimental products were subjected for sensory and physico-chemical analysis. The physico-chemical parameters of processed cheeses were significantly (p<0.05) varied among each other products due to different combination of natural cheeses. The PC made from Yak and Kanchan cheese (30:70) was found to be superior (p<0.05) in terms overall sensory attributes. From the results of physico-chemicals and sensory analysis it was concluded that PC made from Yak and Kanchan (30:70) was the best formulation among all. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (84-87), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8266
Communiting Characteristics of Dried Water Chestnut Kernel
Authors: Garg Sanjeev Kumar , Lohani Umesh Chandra
Published: June 2013

The experiments were conducted to study the grinding characteristics of water chestnut in batch grinding process. Power consumption was measured for grinding time ranged from 120 to 360sec at different speed of mill varied from 800 to 1200rpm for the batch sizes of 100, 150 and 200g. For all the batch sizes, it was observed that as the speed of the mill increased, there was an increase in power consumption and found significantly high for the larger batch size. The relation between power consumption and time of grinding was a straight line with negative slope. For a particular batch size and time of grinding, finer the particles were produced in case of higher mill speed. Taking mill speed and time of grinding constant, less fine particles were produced at higher mass size. Harris model was found best suitable to describe the size distribution in batch grinding process. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (88-93), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8267
Effect of Tenderization, Meat Restructuring and Cutting Technique on the Texture of Dried Beef
Authors: Subba Dilip
Published: June 2013

The effect of tenderization treatments and meat restructuring on the texture of dried beef was investigated. Beef topside and eye of round were cut across and along the grain direction in thin strips and tenderized by blade tenderization and papain treatment. Yet another portion of meat was restructured. The meat was dried in hot air (50°C) to 70% weight loss. Shear force of the rehydrated dried muscles was measured by Instron Universal Testing Machine. The dried meat which was tenderized before drying showed low shear force value than the non-tenderized control samples (p < 0.05). Also lower shear force values were obtained for the dried meat which was cut across the grain than cut along the grain. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (102-104), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8269
Use and Handling Practice of Pesticides in Vegetables: A Case Study on Some Selected Districts of Nepal
Authors: Koirala Pramod , Tamrakar Ananda Shova , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Yadav Birendra Kumar , Humagain Sahadev , GC Yubak Dhoj
Published: June 2013

A study was carried out to explore the present status of pesticides use and its handling practices on commercially grown vegetable pockets area of five districts namely; Tanahu, Chitwan, Kavre, Dhading and Bhaktapur of Nepal. Farmers were found to be using 24 types of pesticides in vegetables. The majority of used pesticides were moderately hazardous group of WHO classification. The analyses results revealed that the pesticides residues in vegetables were not detected below the level of 0.007 mg/kg by GLC and below the level of 0.05mg/kg by Test-kit method. However, the handling practice of pesticides among farmers was not found as per the recommended procedure. Additionally, farmers were not aware of using personal protective equipments as well as taking adequate precautions during mixing, spraying and disposal of empty containers. Thus, awareness training to farmers on the use and handling of pesticides was assessed for pest management. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (105-109), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8270
Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Enriched Balanced Weaning Food at Low Cost
Authors: Pulami Bhim Prasad , Katawal Surendra
Published: June 2013

Due to wide spread poverty, low income and non-availability of nutritious foods there are rampant of nutritional disorders such as protein energy malnutrition (PEM), anemia, vitamin-A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorder among preschool children in developing countries. Main purpose of the study is to formulate low cost supplementary weaning food from locally available raw materials. Based on the sensory evaluation, formula-I was preferred as a best sample (p<0.05). Chemical analysis of formula-I had been performed and found to be 2.02% moisture, 11.72% crude protein, 20.58% crude fat, 3.11% total ash, 2.69% crude fiber, 59.88% carbohydrate (by difference), 471 Kcal/100 g energy (calculated), 870.15 mg/100g vitamin A (âcarotene; calculated), 11.86mg/100g iron, 275mg/100g calcium, 23.55mg/100g ascorbic acid, 35.6μg/100g iodine and 55% water absorbing capacity. The costing revealed the retail product price per kg as NRs. 71.20. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (118-121), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8273
Journal of Food Science and Technology Nepal (JFSTN): At a Glance
Authors: Dahal Nawa Raj , Dawadi Ganesh
Published: June 2013

Journal of Food Science and Technology Nepal (JFSTN) is one of the major publications of Nepal Food Scientists and Technologists (NEFOSTA). In the history of its 25 years from its formation in 1984, JFSTN had begun to publish from twenty years of age and at this moment; five issues of JFSTN (Volume 1, 2005 to Volume 5, 2009 as an annual basis) have been published. JFSTN includes five different types of papers i.e. Review articles, Research papers, Research notes, View points and Short Communications. Altogether one hundred and one articles of different types (Review articles 28, Research papers 48, Research notes 23, viewpoint 1 and short communication 1) are published in these five issues of JFSTN (12, 27, 20, 17 and 25 at issue 1 to 5 respectively). This article wishes to explore the information about the status and significance of JFSTN for the development of Food Technology Profession in Nepal. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (122-129), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8274
Is the E-Reader Mightier? Direct Publishing and Entry Barriers
Authors: Camacho Jeremy D.
Published: June 2013

First-time authors face a choice: Do they pursue traditional publication through major publishing houses, or do they instead utilize online direct publishing? This article examines that choice through the economic lens of entry barriers and considers which barriers block first-time writers from their interests, be they financial or otherwise. The barriers in traditional publishing include the agency process and the acceptance process. The barriers in direct publishing include limited promotion, limited market, and limited editing. This article determines that, more often than not, traditional publishing satisfies a first-time author's interests more so than direct publishing.
Publishing in Educational Research Journals: Are Graduate Students Participating?
Authors: Garbati Jordana , Samuels Boba
Published: June 2013

Professional collaboration in academia is valued because it is believed to encourage the generation and synthesis of ideas, to enhance workplace environments, and to comprise a key element in mentoring practices. Collaboration in writing is often of two types: formal co-authorship or informal commentary on colleagues' work. Formal co-authorship is a topic that usually draws more attention for its problems and potential controversies than for its putative benefits. In our study, we examined professional academic co-authorship. Focusing on the field of education, we identified four research sub-fields (general education, educational psychology, language studies, and literacy studies) and analysed academic peer-reviewed journals from each of these sub-fields to establish how much collaboration exists in published articles. We then examined the extent to which graduate students are co-authors in these publications and what role this collaboration takes. Implications for collaboration with and between graduate students are discussed.
The Current State of Open Access in Journals Sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology
Authors: Shao Ju-fang , Shen Hui-yun , Zhang Si-long , He Xiao-jun , Zheng Xin-tian
Published: June 2013

The open-access (OA) journals among the 1003 journals sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) were identified. Information about the following aspects of the journals were collected and analysed: when each journal was established, its publication cycle, its system model, its region, its discipline, the time between an issue's publication and the posting of the online version, the number of issues that have been made OA, and length of time that it has had an OA policy. On the basis of these results, problems associated with OA journals sponsored by CAST were found and relevant approaches that can promote OA publication in China were recommended.
The Status of Peer-Reviewed Research in Sports and Recreation Management: A Critique of Current Practices
Authors: Ohrberg N. Jonas
Published: June 2013

When analysing the current practices in peer-reviewed research and scholarly publications in sports and recreation management, one is required to consider the purpose and audience of the research. The author of the present study suggests that there is a significant gap between the research community of scholars and the practitioners in sports and recreation management. The relationship that currently exists between the author of peer-reviewed works and the reader of the scholarly publications must be redefined. The review of the research and publication process will establish that the research and publication of scholarly manuscripts must be relevant to the daily practices and operations in the professions of sports and recreation management.
Online Tools for Teaching Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Steele Michael , Crabb Nicholas P. , Moore Lynda J. , Reyher Kristen K. , Baillie Sarah , Eisler Mark C.
Published: June 2013

Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is of interest and relevance to veterinary practitioners. Consequently, veterinary schools take responsibility for teaching students how to appraise scientific articles and for equipping them with the skills needed to obtain and evaluate the best evidence and to apply this approach to their own cases. As part of our farm animal clinical rotation, we train students in qualitative and quantitative EBVM methods using an e-learning environment, online teaching materials, a wiki (a Web site that allows its users to edit its content via a Web browser), and face-to-face tutorials that support learning. Students working in small groups use a wiki to record details of the history, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, herd data, and management plans for their chosen farm animal clinical cases. Using a standardized patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) format, each group formulates a patient question based on either a proposed intervention or diagnostic procedure for the case and conducts an online scientific literature database search. The students appraise the articles retrieved using EBVM approaches and record the information in the wiki. The summation of this body of work, the group's critically appraised topic (CAT), includes the original PICO, a standardized table of the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the intervention or diagnostic procedure, a summary statement in the form of a clinical bottom line, and their reflections upon the CAT. At the end of the rotation, students take part in a structured “CAT Club” where they present and discuss their findings with fellow students and clinicians.
Reported Rabies Pre-exposure Immunization of Students at US Colleges of Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Lindenmayer Joann M. , Wright James C. , Nusbaum Kenneth E. , Saville William J. A. , Evanson Timothy C. , Pappaioanou Marguerite
Published: June 2013

In 2008, the US experienced a disruption in human rabies vaccine supplies, leading public health authorities to prioritize vaccine release for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and limit vaccine supplies for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreEP) in high-risk groups. In 2008, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) surveyed its member institutions on rabies vaccination policies and practices. Senior administrators at Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (CVMs) and departments of veterinary science and comparative medicine were asked to identify the person most knowledgeable about their institution's student rabies vaccination program. Respondents were asked to describe their policies and procedures for administering PreEP to veterinary medical students and staff and to estimate the annual demand for student and staff PreEP vaccine. Twenty-one CVMs responded. Twenty (95%) reported requiring PreEP of veterinary medical students and 16 (80%) of those 20 required vaccination upon matriculation. An estimated 7,309 doses of vaccine were required for PreEP of an estimated 2,436 first-year US veterinary medical students. Seventy-two percent of respondents administered PreEP in August, September, and October, coinciding with the highest public demand for PEP. CVMs should consider altering the timing of rabies vaccine administration to veterinary medical students and staff to other months, thereby helping to ensure that PEP rabies vaccine will be available to people with validated rabies exposures and to ensure that supplies will be available for PreEP of students and staff. AAVMC may wish to identify and support a point of coordination to facilitate the purchase and distribution of human rabies vaccine among its US member CVMs.
1,2,3-Triazole-Substituted Oleanolic Acid Derivatives: Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Pertino Mariano , Lopez Cecilia , Theoduloz Cristina , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: July 2013

Hybrid compounds are relevant products when searching for structure-activity relationships of natural products. Starting from the naturally occurring triterpene oleanolic acid, alkyl esters were prepared and treated with different aromatic azides using click chemistry to produce hybrid compounds. Some 18 new oleanolic acid derivatives were synthesized and the structures were confirmed by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. The antiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was evaluated towards normal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5), gastric epithelial adenocarcinoma (AGS), promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60), lung cancer (SK-MES-1) and bladder carcinoma (J82) cells. The alkyne esters 1 and 3 showed activity on all cell lines but without selectivity (19.6–23.1 μM and 14.1–56.2 μM, respectively), their respective methyl esters were inactive. Compounds with a benzene and p-anisole attached to the triazole ring, showed no antiproliferative effect. Introduction of a chlorine atom into the benzene ring (compound 9) elicited a selective effect against AGS cells (IC50 value: 8.9 μM). The activity was lost when the COOH function at C-28 was methylated. Better antiproliferative effect was found for compounds 11 and 15 bearing a p-toluenesulphonyl group, with values in the range of 10.8–47.1 μM and 11.5–22.2 μM, respectively. The effect, however, was not associated with selectivity.
Involvement of Carboxylesterase in Hydrolysis of Propranolol Prodrug during Permeation across Rat Skin
Authors: Imai Teruko , Takase Yuko , Iwase Harunobu , Hashimoto Mitsuru
Published: July 2013

The use of a prodrug, a conjugate of an active drug with a lipophilic substituent, is a good way of increasing the cutaneous absorption of a drug. However, the activity of dermal hydrolases has rarely been investigated in humans, or experimental animals. In the present study, we focused on the identification of rat dermal esterases and the hydrolysis of a prodrug during permeation across rat skin. We found that carboxylesterase (CES), especially the rat CES1 isozyme, Hydrolase A, is expressed in rat skin and that the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acyl derivatives and caproyl-propranolol (PL) was 20-fold lower in the 9000g supernatant fraction of skin homogenate than in liver microsomes. A permeation study of caproyl-PL was performed in rat full-thickness and stripped skin using a flow-through diffusion cell. Caproyl-PL was easily partitioned into the stratum corneum and retained, not only in the stratum corneum, but also in viable epidermis and dermis. Caproyl-PL could barely be detected in the receptor fluid after application to either full-thickness or stripped skin. PL, derived from caproyl-PL, was, however, detected in receptor fluid after extensive hydrolysis of caproyl-PL in viable skin. Permeation of PL was markedly decreased under CES inhibition, indicating that the net flux of caproyl-PL is dependent on its conversion rate to PL.
Climate affects symbiotic fungal endophyte diversity and performance
Authors: Giauque Hannah , Hawkes Christine V.
Published: June 2013

• Premise of the study: Fungal endophytes are symbionts that inhabit aboveground tissues of most terrestrial plants and can affect plant physiology and growth under stressed conditions. In a future faced with substantial climate change, endophytes have the potential to play an important role in plant stress resistance. Understanding both the distributions of endophytes and their functioning in symbiosis with plants are key aspects of predicting their role in an altered climate.

• Methods: Here we characterized endophytes in grasses across a steep precipitation gradient to examine the relative importance of environmental and spatial factors in structuring endophyte communities. We also tested how 20 endophytes isolated from drier and wetter regions performed in symbiosis with grass seedlings under high and low soil moisture in the greenhouse.

• Key results: Environmental factors related to historical and current precipitation were the most important predictors of endophyte communities in the field. On average, endophytic fungi from western sites also reduced plant water loss in the greenhouse compared to fungi from eastern sites. However, there was substantial variability in how individual endophytic taxa affected plant traits under high and low water availability, with up to two orders of magnitude difference in the plasticity of plant traits conferred by the different fungal taxa.

• Conclusions: While species sorting appears to largely explain local endophyte community composition, their function in symbiosis is not predictable from local environmental conditions. The development of a predictive framework for endophyte function will require further study of individual fungal taxa and genotypes across environmental gradients.
SOME APPROACHES TO COMPERATIVE ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION OF UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Kulyk Mykola , Silkov Valeriy , Samkov Alexei
Published: July 2013

Methods to solve the problems of the comparative assessment and selection of unmanned aerial systems are offered. These methods are based on the particular indicators that display the efficiency of unmanned aerial system application. An algorithm that helps to solve such problems has been developed to create a system of support and decision making and to optimise the distribution of resources.
Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis: Prevalence and Response to Therapy in the Biologic Era
Authors: Gladman Dafna D. , Ziouzina Olga , Thavaneswaran Arane , Chandran Vinod
Published: July 2013

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of acute dactylitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare the response of new acute dactylitis to treatment with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) agents in a longitudinal PsA cohort.

Methods.

Patients with PsA followed at 6 months according to a standard protocol from January 2000 to January 2010 were included in our study. Acute dactylitis was defined as the presence of painful swelling of an entire digit. Response was defined as either complete resolution of dactylitis or > 50% improvement in the number of dactylitic digits. A multivariate generalized estimating equations analysis using a negative binomial model to account for repeated measures was conducted to determine predictors for response to treatment of dactylitis.

Results.

Of the 752 patients seen in the clinic during this period, 294 had dactylitis in at least 1 visit, giving a prevalence of 39%. Patients with acute dactylitis and data available for response at 6 and 12 months (n = 252; 34% women, mean age 47 yrs, PsA duration 11 yrs) were included in the study on predictors of response to treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment with anti-TNF agents was a significant predictor of improvement in dactylitis at 12 months (relative risk 0.528, 95% CI 0.283–0.985, p = 0.045).

Conclusion.

The prevalence of dactylitis on at least 1 visit was 39%. Treatment was associated with improvement of dactylitis. Patients treated with biologics had better response to treatment compared with those treated with nonbiologic DMARD alone.
Le secteur minier est-il porteur de développement en Afrique ?
Authors: Maréchal Louis
Published: June 2013

Depuis une quinzaine d’années, les investissements étrangers dans le secteur minier africain ont considérablement augmenté. Cela a modifié le paysage minier mais a, par contre-coup, forcé à repenser le lien entre développement et extraction minière. De nouvelles politiques qui tentent d’accroître la contribution du secteur au développement des pays producteurs sont en cours de mise en œuvre. politique étrangère
La nouvelle « science électorale » américaine
Authors: Pène Clémence
Published: June 2013

Après la défaite de John Kerry face à George W. Bush en 2004, le Parti démocrate s’est reconstruit. Il s’est transformé en laboratoire d’expérimentation d’une « nouvelle science électorale », misant sur les nouvelles technologies et la maîtrise des bases de données. Cette « nouvelle science » a été mise à profit par les équipes de Barack Obama pour remporter deux élections présidentielles. Elle est aujourd’hui utilisée par les démocrates pour appuyer l’action du gouvernement.
Les thomismes analytiques
Authors: Michon Cyrille
Published: June 2013

Partant de l’étiquette forgée par John Haldane, l’auteur distingue quatre formes de thomismes analytiques ou de lectures de Thomas d’Aquin qu’on peut qualifier d’analytiques, les évaluant diversement, et les rapportant à des objets différents. Il soutient également que l’entreprise est légitime, voire naturelle, car la philosophie analytique est la scolastique de notre temps.
L’introuvable capitale du Mali. La question de la capitale dans l’historiographie du royaume médiéval du Mali
Authors: Collet Hadrien
Published: June 2013

Parmi les nombreuses hypothèses portant sur la capitale du Mali à son apogée (xiiie-début xve siècle), celle de Niani, apparue sous la plume des « historiens coloniaux », a connu la plus belle fortune. Construite par l’histoire coloniale, puis partiellement déconstruite à partir des années 1970, l’hypothèse de Niani, bien que porteuse d’une façon de faire de l’histoire aujourd’hui révolue, continue d’avoir ses partisans. Apparue en 1923, elle traverse l’époque coloniale et celle des indépendances des années 1960 avant de se retrouver confrontée à la méthode critique de l’histoire académique et de l’archéologie. Cette étude propose donc d’appréhender l’historiographie spécifique à Niani, qui reflète les évolutions de l’écriture de l’histoire ancienne du Soudan, et de faire le point sur l’état des recherches actuelles sur la question de la capitale du Mali.
Arguing sovereignty in Songhay
Authors: Hall Bruce S.
Published: June 2013

Recent archaeological, historical, and anthropological literature on the development of social and political complexity in Africa challenges older models of state formation that used to shape the understanding of medieval Sahelian empires, such as Songhay. As we now know, there were multiple paths to complexity that did not necessarily lead to state formation; and there was a heterarchical distribution of power in many African political formations. Nonetheless, the historiography of pre-colonial states in Sahelian West Africa, and of Islam’s role in these political formations, retains an attachment to a particular model of statehood derived from Arabic geographies and chronicles. Emphasis continues to be placed on military power and a largely ambivalent relation between Islam and indigenous forms of authority. In this article, a reinterpretation of the exercise and rhetoric of sovereignty in imperial Songhay is proposed that focuses on ways in which Islamic authority was claimed and contested byrulers. Songhay rulers claimed a religious authority that far outstripped their coercive power. Instead of an ambivalent relation between the Muslim religious estate and secular power, Islamic religious authority was the principal basis of Songhay rulers’ claims to extensive power.
Mobilité et archéologie le long de l’arc oriental du Niger : pavements et percuteurs
Authors: Haour Anne
Published: June 2013

Cet article examine le rôle de la migration en Afrique de l’Ouest, rappelant pour commencer la prévalence de traditions des premiers-arrivés et prenant l’exemple de la migration de saison sèche en zone hausa (cin rani). Le but principal est de voir dans quelle mesure ces notions tirées largement du contemporain peuvent nous assister dans l’interprétation des restes archéologiques, en particulier en prenant en compte la notion d’« espace d’expérience », une approche qui tente de situer le contexte social des activités. Deux sortes de comportement technique sont examinées : la fabrication de poteries par pilonnage sur forme concave, et l’usage de pavement de tessons de céramique. Cette discussion prend pour cas d’étude les résultats préliminaires de travaux archéologiques au nord-Bénin et propose que l’utilisation de ces deux techniques puisse servir d’indicateurs de migration.
Initial Encounters: Seeking traces of ancient trade connections between West Africa and the wider world
Authors: Magnavita Sonja
Published: June 2013

The long-standing, more mythical than fact-based assumptions about ancient trade contacts between West Africa and the wider world prior to the Arab conquest of North Africa have only been substantiated by archaeological evidence in recent years. Although the number of imported items known to have been brought into West Africa during late Roman and Byzantine times just started growing, the mechanisms of their diffusion are still far from being understood. This can mainly be set down to the dearth of convincing material evidence from other archaeological sites in West Africa, the Sahara and North Africa — the result of a lack of research and, perhaps too, of trade in “invisible” merchandise Previous archeological studies on this topic are discussed; and the preliminary findings of recent research in the eastern Niger Bend, presented.
Le Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno, genèse et construction d’une histoire du Borno par un captif de Tripoli au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Dewière Rémi
Published: June 2013

Le Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno, écrit par un ancien captif de Tripoli en 1685, est l’une des sources les plus importantes de l’histoire de ce royaume sahélien situé sur la rive ouest du lac Tchad. Malheureusement, son analyse fut délaissée du fait d’incohérences, et l’intérêt de la source fut dévalué. Cependant, une étude du contexte de rédaction du manuscrit ainsi que de la construction du récit montre la grande richesse de ce texte. Tout en s’inscrivant dans un contexte favorable à la mise à l’écrit de l’expérience de captivité, celui que nous appellerons le « chirurgien français » effectue un réel travail de recherche tant à Tripoli qu’à son retour en France, où il rédige avec l’aide d’une tierce personne ce chapitre dans un ouvrage bien plus volumineux sur l’histoire de Tripoli. Le plus intéressant reste la façon dont le « chirurgien français » a recueilli ses sources : leur recensement permet un premier classement de celles-ci et une première analyse de l’apport du Discours historique de l’estat du royaume de Borno pour l’histoire moderne du sultanat de Borno.
Bentyia (Kukyia): a Songhay–Mande meeting point, and a “missing link” in the archaeology of the West African diasporas of traders, warriors, praise-singers, and clerics
Authors: Moraes Farias Paulo Fernando de
Published: June 2013

The present tragedy in Mali draws our attention to the divisions, tensions and conflicts between West African ethnic groups, religious persuasions, and populations from different regions, in both the present and the past. But a long-term critical perspective on the past brings to light borrowings between cultures, and shows how the mobility of people across West Africa links regional and ethnic histories. The communication axis running from the Aḍagh to the Niger and, along the Niger Valley, from Gao to Busa (in Nigerian Borgu) and beyond, is a strategic locus for investigating this mobility and connectivity. It has linked together the Saharan, savannah, and forest zones of West Africa. It was a magnet for diasporas of Soninke praise-singers and Mande warriors and traders. Fishermen and other waterfolk along the river, oral traditionists and other craftspeople, priests and priestesses of African cults, and Islamic clerics, as well as armies, long-distance merchants, and enslaved human beings, moved along it. Although the archeological sites at Bentyia/Kukyia occupy a strategic position on this historical axis, they have not been excavated, whence a serious gap in our knowledge of the history of the eastern Niger Valley and of West Africa as a whole.
Peuples et évolution climatique en Afrique nord-tropicale, de la fin du Néolithique à l’aube de l’époque moderne
Authors: Maley Jean , Vernet Robert
Published: June 2013

La fin du Néolithique, au cours du IIIe millénaire BP, a correspondu à l’affaiblissement des périodes humides et à la mise en place de la géographie actuelle dans la zone sud-saharienne et sahélienne, qui s’étend de l’Atlantique au lac Tchad. Depuis cette époque le climat a cependant continué à beaucoup varier. La succession des différents épisodes climatiques, phases humides ou phases arides – et leurs interactions complexes –, est précisée. Ces faits climatiques sont mis en parallèle avec l’évolution archéologique et historique des différentes phases culturelles. Dans cette immense région, souvent à la limite de conditions naturelles extrêmes, les évènements climatiques ont toujours eu des conséquences très importantes sur l’évolution des peuplements humains. Le relativement bon synchronisme des principaux changements culturels, d’ouest en est à travers la bande sahélienne, paraît avoir été fréquemment contrôlé par le rôle directeur des changements climatiques majeurs et des variations environnementales qui en ont résulté.
Tadmekka. Archéologie d’une ville caravanière des premiers temps du commerce transsaharien
Authors: Nixon Sam
Published: June 2013

Cet article présente les premières fouilles systématiques de Tadmekka, une des villes commerçantes majeures d’Afrique de l’Ouest, qui a participé à la croissance du commerce transsaharien durant les premières années de l’ère islamique (vers 650-1500). En 2005, des fouilles sur les ruines de Tadmekka (Essouk), dans le Nord du Mali, ont fourni une stratigraphie de 6,5 m, depuis le milieu du premier millénaire jusque vers 1400. Les analyses effectuées ensuite ont considérablement amélioré notre compréhension des périodes « préhistoriques » et historiques, et permettent d’ouvrir des perspectives nouvelles. Après une description des prémisses du projet et une présentation complète de ses résultats, nous présentons une histoire du développement de Tadmekka, en plaçant côte à côte les résultats archéologiques et les indices fournis par la documentation historique. Nous nous focalisons ensuite sur des analyses spécifiques, comme par exemple : les modes de construction à Tadmekka, le monnayage en or, le commerce des produits au-delà du Sahara, les céramiques, les industries locales et les pratiques alimentaires.
Answering Top-k Keyword Queries on Relational Databases
Authors: Thein Myint Myint , Thwin Mie Mie Su
Published: July 2013

Keyword search in relational databases allows the user to search information without knowing database schema and using structural query language. As results needed by user are assembled from connected tuples of multiple relations, ranking keyword queries are needed to retrieve relevant results. For a given keyword query, the authors first generate candidate networks and also produce connected tuple trees according to the generated candidate networks by reducing the size of intermediate joining results. They then model the generated connected tuple trees as a document and evaluate score for each document to estimate its relevance. Finally, the authors retrieve top-k keyword queries by ranking the results. In this paper, the authors propose a new ranking method based on virtual document. They also propose Top-k CTT algorithm by using the frequency threshold value. The experimental results are shown by comparison of the proposed ranking method and the previous ranking methods on IMDB and DBLP datasets.
Wavelet and Unsupervised Learning Techniques for Experimental Biomedical Data Processing
Authors: Cacciola Matteo , Calcagno Salvatore , Laganà Filippo , Morabito Francesco Carlo , Pellicanò Diego , Palamara Isabella , Versaci Mario , Cammaroto Biagio
Published: July 2013

Learning theories and algorithms for both supervised and unsupervised Neural Networks (NNs) have already been accepted as relevant tools to cope with difficult problems based on the processing of experimental electromagnetic data. These kinds of problems are typically formulated as inverse problems. In this paper, in particular, the electrical signals under investigations derive from experimental electromyogram interference patterns measured on human subjects by means of non-invasive sensors (ElectroMyoGraphic, sEMS surface data). The monitoring and the analysis of dynamic sEMG data reveal important information on muscles activity and can be used by clinicians for both preventing dramatic illness evolution and improving athletes performances. The paper proposes the use of the Independent Component Analysis (ICA), an unsupervised learning technique, in order to process raw sEMG data by reducing the typical “cross-talk” effect on the electric interference pattern measured by the surface sensors. The ICA is implemented by means of a multi-layer NN scheme. Since the IC extraction is based on the assumption of stationarity of the involved sEMG recording, which is often inappropriate in the case of biomedical data, we also propose a technique for dealing with non-stationary recordings. The basic tool is the wavelet (time-frequency) decomposition, that allows us to detect and analyze time-varying signals. An auto-associative NN that exploits wavelet coefficients as an input vector is also used as simple detector of non-stationarity based on a measure of reconstruction error. The proposed approach not only yields encouraging results to the problem at hand, but suggests a general approach to solve similar relevant problems in some other experimental electromagnetics applications.
Elasticity in Cloud Databases and Their Query Processing
Authors: Graefe Goetz , Nica Anisoara , Stolze Knut , Neumann Thomas , Eavis Todd , Petrov Ilia , Pourabbas Elaheh , Fekete David
Published: July 2013

A central promise of cloud services is elastic, on-demand provisioning. The provisioning of data on temporarily available nodes is what makes elastic database services a hard problem. The essential task that enables elastic data services is bringing a node and its data up-to-date. Strategies for high availability do not satisfy the need in this context because they bring nodes online and up-to-date by repeating history, e.g., by log shipping. Nodes must become up-to-date and useful for query processing incrementally by key range. What is wanted is a technique such that in a newly added node, during each short period of time, an additional small key range becomes up-to-date, until eventually the entire dataset becomes up-to-date and useful for query processing, with overall update performance comparable to a traditional high-availability strategy that carries the entire dataset forward without regard to key ranges. Even without the entire dataset being available, the node is productive and participates in query processing tasks. The authors’ proposed solution relies on techniques from partitioned B-trees, adaptive merging, deferred maintenance of secondary indexes and of materialized views, and query optimization using materialized views. The paper introduces a family of maintenance strategies for temporarily available copies, the space of possible query execution plans and their cost functions, as well as appropriate query optimization techniques.