bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Aliphatic Aldehydes by Tetraethylammonium Chlorochromate: A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Swami P. , Malani N. , Agarwal S. , Sharma Pradeep K.
Published: September 2010

The oxidation of six aliphatic aldehydes by tetraethylammonium chlorochromate (TEACC) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) leads to the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acids. The reaction is first order each in TEACC and the aldehyde. The reaction is catalysed by hydrogen ions. The hydrogen–ion dependence has the form: kobs = a + b[H+]. The oxidation of deuteriated acetaldehyde, MeCDO, exhibited a substantial primary kinetic isotope effect ( kH/ kD = 5.83 at 298 K). The oxidation of acetaldehyde has been studied in 19 different organic solvents. The solvent effect has been analysed using Taft's and Swain's multiparametric equations. The rate constants correlate well with Taft's σ* values; reaction constants being negative. A mechanism involving transfer of hydride ion has been suggested.
Chiral gels derived from secondary ammonium salts of (1R,3S)-(+)-camphoric acid
Authors: Adalder Tapas Kumar , Adarsh N N , Sankolli Ravish , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: September 2010

In order to have access to chiral gels, a series of salts derived from (1R,3S)-(+)-camphoric acid and various secondary amines were prepared based on supramolecular synthon rationale. Out of seven salts prepared, two showed moderate gelation abilities. The gels were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, table top rheology, scanning electron microscopy, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Structure property correlation based on X-ray diffraction techniques remain inconclusive indicating that some of the integrated part associated with the gelation phenomena requires a better understanding.
Le spleen adolescent
Authors: Morhain Yves
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’adolescence est un moment de grande vulnérabilité identitaire en raison des bouleversements internes provoqués par l’irruption du réel pubertaire et des conséquences sur son économie psychique. cette opération identitaire ne peut se concevoir sans une rencontre incontournable pour tout adolescent avec la question de la mort et son issue. L’auteur tente d’interroger comment dans une société actuelle mélancoliforme, l’adolescent, en proie au spleen baudelairien, met à l’épreuve ses capacités à survivre à cette expérience de confrontation à la mort dont dépend son devenir psychique de futur adulte.
Mort nécessaire et mort suffisante : deux figures de l'initiation à l'adolescence
Authors: Duez Bernard , Blanquet Brigitte , Durastante Richard
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’auteur analyse le mécanisme de la construction suicidaire à l’adolescence. cette conduite est un avatar du fantasme initiateur du retour l’originaire à l’adolescence : l’auto-engendrement en présence d’au moins un autre et son inverse l’auto-destruction en présence d’au moins un autre. il montre comment l’adolescent convoque l’intrus dans sa dynamique psychique scénalité/obscénalité en confrontant au moins un autre à l’effroi de la mort. si l’autre ou les autres effrayé(s) demeure(nt) présent(s) l’adolescent peut penser que malgré l’effroi intrusif qui l’habite il demeure humain. dans le cas contraire, la conduite suicidaire ou meurtrière peut intervenir. l’entrée dans l’adultité nécessite que l’adolescent se confronte à une mort nécessaire, celle qui l’inscrit comme mortel dans l’humanité, et à une mort suffisante pour qu’au-delà des objets d’amours infantiles éternels, il puisse investir des liens de désir par rapport à des objets d’amour périssables.
Mourir d'amour
Authors: Bernateau Isée
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’amour et la mort, au lieu de s’opposer, se rencontrent parfois à l’adolescence. dans léonce et léna, de g. büchner, les héros adolescents éponymes évoquent la mort et les représentations qui lui sont associées, l’enfant mort ou le suicide, au moment où ils se rencontrent et tombent amoureux l’un de l’autre. la mort symbolise et condense la menace de perte que fait surgir la découverte de l’objet génital. elle est convoquée par l’adolescent pour « refroidir » et contre-investir une pulsionnalité dont il redoute la coloration incestueuse.
Tentatives de suicide à l'adolescence : entre geste de survie et pulsion de mort
Authors: Gheorghiev Charles
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’adolescence, transition à la dynamique habituellement constructive depuis le monde de l’enfance à celui de l’âge adulte, est parfois source de fragilités de par les remaniements pubertaires inhérents et la réactualisation d’une émergence pulsionnelle mise auparavant en sommeil. Ce mouvement n’est pas toujours porteur de la vitalité attendue, en confrontant certains sujets à une impossible maturation, ouvrant la perspective du suicide comme issue à cette impasse évolutive. Un éclairage original de ce que Freud a pu développer au sujet des mécanismes sous-jacents de certaines conduites suicidaires est proposé ici à travers l’histoire d’une patiente dont la répétition des gestes suicidaires inscrira l’adolescence dans une tension entre un processus mortifère visant à sa destruction et une tentative de survie dans l’ultime réappropriation d’elle-même.
Le goût de la syncope : les jeux d'étranglement
Authors: Le Breton David
Published: September 2010

Résumé La quête du vertige, pouvant aller jusqu’à la syncope est une constante des activités adolescentes sous des formes ludiques (glisse, saut en élastique, etc.) ou douloureuses (alcoolisation, toxicomanie, etc.) mais on la retrouve aussi sous la forme des jeux d’asphyxie, où la syncope est délibérément recherchée. Cet article en propose une analyse anthropologique.
Corentin, ou tuer le père pour survivre
Authors: Vandevelde Béatrice
Published: September 2010

Résumé À partir de la présentation du cas de Corentin (quatorze ans) et de son analyse psychanalytique, l’article témoigne de l’intérêt que peut offrir un groupe thérapeutique comme la médiation théâtre. Malgré un suivi de longue date en CMPP, les thérapeutes sont inquiets pour Corentin et redoutent une cristallisation de sa personnalité sur un versant psychotique. Il se sent persécuté par tous et plus particulièrement par son père, son travail psychique s’essouffle et ses relations sociales avec ses pairs se dégradent. Pour donner une nouvelle impulsion à sa prise en charge il lui a été proposé de participer à un groupe à médiation théâtre. À travers des jeux d’improvisations, Corentin expérimente l’identification au père et accomplit son meurtre imaginaire. Progressivement, il s’ouvre à la dimension symbolique de ce meurtre grâce au cadre du groupe thérapeutique et au travail d’élaboration engagé. Ce jeune adolescent se relance dans son travail psychique, renoue avec la réalité et crée de nouvelles relations sociales avec ses pairs.
Le mythe de l'unification des alphabets en URSS dans les années 1920-1930
Authors: Simonato-Kokochkina Elena
Published: September 2010

L’unification des alphabets est certainement l’épisode le plus édifiant et le plus passionnant de toute l’« édification linguistique » entreprise en URSS après la révolution de 1917. J’analyse d’abord en détail les principes linguistiques de l’unification des alphabets, élaborés par des linguistes soviétiques tels que N.F. Jakovlev et E.D. Polivanov. Je me concentre ensuite sur la réalisation pratique de l’alphabet unifié pour toutes les langues de l’URSS, et notamment sur ses aspects pratiques dont la confrontation entre les linguistes théoriciens et les praticiens locaux, membres de la Commission pour l’unification auprès du Comité du Nouvel Alphabet Turk (VCKNTA). Je me penche ensuite sur les raisons de l’échec qu’a subi ce projet original et renversant, c’est-à-dire à son échec politique en premier lieu (le changement de la politique soviétique envers les nationalités), mais aussi l’échec linguistique. L’échec se solde entre autres par la suppression du VCKNTA en 1938. Le projet de l’unification des alphabets sera ainsi être abordé dans le contexte de son époque : ses débuts se trouvent au tournant des années 1920, et sa phase critique dans les années 1930. Par son esprit, ses visées, ses mots d’ordre, il appartient à la culture des années 1920, il est contemporain de l’idéologie de l’internationalisme et du mouvement pour les langues artificielles. Il est évident qu’après 1933, cette visée internationaliste du projet ne peut manquer de susciter des réactions violentes de la part de ceux qui y voient une contradiction avec l’« épanouissement des cultures nationales » proclamé comme argument essentiel en faveur de l’alphabétisation.
Activation of p38 MAPK Is Required in Monocytic and Neuronal Cells for HIV Glycoprotein 120-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Medders Kathryn E. , Sejbuk Natalia E. , Maung Ricky , Desai Maya K. , Kaul Marcus
Published: September 2010

HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 has been implicated in neurotoxin production by monocytic cells (i.e., macrophages and microglia), as well as in the pathogenesis of HIV-1–associated neurocognitive disorders. We previously showed in cerebrocortical cell cultures from rodents containing microglia, astrocytes, and neurons that overall inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling abrogated the neurotoxic effect of HIV-1 gp120. However, the time course of p38 MAPK activation and the contribution of this kinase in the various cell types remained unknown. In this study, we found that active p38 MAPK is required in monocytic lineage cells (i.e., macrophages and microglia) and neuronal cells for HIV gp120-induced neurotoxicity to occur. In cerebrocortical cell cultures, HIV-1 gp120 stimulated a time-dependent overall increase in active p38 MAPK, and the activated kinase was primarily detected in microglia and neurons. Interestingly, increased activation of p38 MAPK and neuronal death in response to gp120 were prevented by prior depletion of microglia or the presence of CCR5 ligand CCL4 or p38 MAPK inhibitors. In human monocytic THP-1 cells and primary monocyte-derived macrophages, HIV gp120-stimulated production of neurotoxins was abrogated by prior introduction into the cells of a dominant-negative p38 MAPK mutant or p38 MAPK small interfering RNA. In addition, the neurotoxic effects of cell-free supernatants from gp120-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells were prevented in microglia-depleted cerebrocortical cells pretreated with a pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Thus, p38 MAPK signaling was critical, upon exposure to HIV gp120, for the neurotoxic phenotype of monocytic cells and subsequent toxin-initiated neuronal apoptosis.
Functional Analysis of Recombinant Calreticulin Fragment 39–272: Implications for Immunobiological Activities of Calreticulin in Health and Disease
Authors: Hong Chao , Qiu Xiang , Li Yue , Huang Qianrong , Zhong Zhaoyan , Zhang Yan , Liu Xiangyuan , Sun Lin , Lv Ping , Gao Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2010

Although calreticulin (CRT) is a major Ca2+-binding luminal resident protein, it can also appear on the surface of various types of cells and it functions as an immunopotentiating molecule. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the potent immunobiological activity of cell surface CRT are still unclear. In the present study, a recombinant fragment (rCRT/39–272) covering the lectin-like N domain and partial P domain of murine CRT has been expressed in Escherichia coli. The affinity-purified rCRT/39–272 assembles into homodimers and oligomers in solution and exhibits high binding affinity to various glycans, including carrageenan, alginic acids, and hyaluronic acids. Functionally, rCRT/39–272 is capable of driving the activation and maturation of B cells and cytokine production by macrophages in a TLR-4–dependent manner in vitro. It specifically binds recombinant mouse CD14, but not BAFFR and CD40. It is also able to trigger Ig class switching by B cells in the absence of T cell help both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this fragment of CRT exhibits strong adjuvanticity when conjugated to polysaccharides or expressed as part of a fusion protein. Soluble CRT can be detected in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, but not in healthy subjects. We argue that CRT, either on the membrane surface of cells or in soluble form, is a potent stimulatory molecule to B cells and macrophages via the TLR-4/CD14 pathway and plays important roles in the pathogenisis of autoimmune diseases.
Gender Differences in 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Immunomodulatory Effects in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Correale Jorge , Ysrraelit María C. , Gaitán María I.
Published: September 2010

Vitamin D3 is best known as a calcium homeostasis modulator; however, it also has immune-modulating potential. In this study, we demonstrated that immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D3 are significantly stronger in females than in males in multiple sclerosis patients, as well as in healthy subjects. Inhibition of self-reactive T cell proliferation and reduction in IFN-γ– and IL-17–secreting cell numbers were considerably greater in females. Furthermore, the increase in IL-10–secreting and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell numbers were also greater in females. In parallel with these findings, female subjects had fewer CYP24A1 transcripts encoding the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-inactivating enzyme, as well as greater binding and internalization of vitamin D3-binding protein, a transporter for vitamin D3 and its metabolites. These gender-based disparities lead to the accumulation of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in target cells from female subjects and result in a more potent anti-inflammatory effect. Interestingly, 17-β estradiol reproduced these effects on self-reactive T cells and macrophages from male subjects, suggesting a functional synergy between 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 17-β estradiol, mediated through estrogen receptor α. Collectively, these results demonstrate estrogen-promoted differences in vitamin D3 metabolism, suggesting a greater protective effect of vitamin D3-based therapeutic strategies in women.
Cutting Edge: TCR Ligation Triggers Digital Activation of NF-κB
Authors: Kingeter Lara M. , Paul Suman , Maynard Sean K. , Cartwright Natalia G. , Schaefer Brian C.
Published: September 2010

TCR-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-κB is required for T cell proliferation, survival, and effector differentiation. Although this pathway is the subject of intense study, it is not known whether TCR signaling to NF-κB is digital (switch-like) or analog in nature. Through analysis of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit RelA, we show that TCR-directed NF-κB activation is digital. Furthermore, digitization occurs well upstream of the IκB kinase complex, as protein kinase C θ translocation to the immunologic synapse and activation-associated aggregation of Bcl10 and Malt1 also demonstrate both digital behavior and high correlation with RelA nuclear translocation. Thus, similar to the TCR-to-MAPK signaling cascade, analog Ag inputs are converted to digital activation outputs to NF-κB at an early step downstream of TCR ligation.
PIPKIγ90 Negatively Regulates LFA-1–Mediated Adhesion and Activation in Antigen-Induced CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Wernimont Sarah A. , Legate Kyle R. , Simonson William T. N. , Fassler Reinhard , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: September 2010

T cell activation requires the formation and maintenance of stable interactions between T cells and APCs. The formation of stable T cell–APC contacts depends on the activation of the integrin LFA-1 (CD11aCD18). Several positive regulators of LFA-1 activation downstream of proximal TCR signaling have been identified, including talin; however, negative regulators of LFA-1 activity remain largely unexplored. Extended isoform of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase type I γ (PIPKIγ90) is a member of the type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase family that has been shown previously to modulate talin activation of integrins through production of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and direct binding to talin. In this study, we show that PIPKIγ90 negatively regulates LFA-1–mediated adhesion and activation of T cells. Using CD4+ T cells from PIPKIγ90-deficient mice, we show that CD4+ T cells exhibit increased LFA-1-dependent adhesion to ICAM-1 and increased rates of T cell–APC conjugate formation with enhanced LFA-1 polarization at the synapse. In addition to increased adhesiveness, PIPKIγ90-deficient T cells exhibit increased proliferation both in vitro and in vivo and increased production of IFN-γ and IL-2. Together, these results demonstrate that PIPKIγ90 is a negative regulator of Ag-induced T cell adhesion and activation.
The Emerging Role of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Mitochondrial DNA Metabolism
Authors: Gordon Donna M. , Santos Janine Hertzog
Published: September 2010

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase specialized in telomere synthesis. The enzyme is primarily nuclear where it elongates telomeres but recent reports have shown that it also localizes to mitochondria. The function of TERT in mitochondria is largely unknown but the available findings point to a role in mitochondrial DNA metabolism. This paper discusses the available data on mitochondrial telomerase with particular emphasis on its effects upon the organellar DNA.
Current Studies into the Genotoxic Effects of Nanomaterials
Authors: Ng Cheng-Teng , Li Jasmine J. , Bay Boon-Huat , Yung Lin-Yue Lanry
Published: September 2010

Nanotechnology has created opportunities for engineers to manufacture superior and more efficient devices and products. Nanomaterials (NMs) are now widely used in consumer products as well as for research applications. However, while the lists of known toxic effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs) continue to grow, there is still a vast gap in our knowledge about the genotoxicity of NMs. In this paper, we highlight some NMs of interest and discuss the current in vivo and in vitro studies into genotoxic effects of NMs.
Some more translation headaches in Romans
Authors: Du Toit Andrie B.
Published: September 2010

Following on a previous article, three more problematic lexical items which occur repeatedly in Romans are discussed: [foreign font omitted] and [foreign font omitted]. Typical of the old, etymological approach, translators are often inclined to attach too much weight to the preposition [foreign font omitted] in [foreign font omitted] In Romans 8:16, for instance, it would be more appropriate to translate [foreign font omitted] in the sense of �affirm�: �[t]he Spirit of God affirms to our spirit that we are God�s children�. Despite all objections, rendering [foreign font omitted] as �Gentiles/Gentile nations� still remains the best option. In certain contexts in Romans, it would be advisable to translate [foreign font omitted] as �I realise/am convinced�. Thereafter some ad hoc problems in Romans 12:6�8; 14:4 and 15:17 are discussed.
The Effect of Using Vee Maps Versus Standard Laboratory Reports on Achieving Student Content Knowledge
Authors: Thoron Andrew C. , Myers Brian E.
Published: September 2010

Instruction in laboratory settings is a component of the total agricultural education program. This teaching environment provides several opportunities for student learning, yet it also brings along several challenges for the instructor. One paramount challenge is authentic student assessment in this distinctive situation. This quasi–experimental, counter–balanced design study investigated the effect of two formative assessment techniques on student content knowledge achievement. The effect of traditional written laboratory reports was compared to the use of the Vee map in 18 agriscience education classes found within nine different secondary schools. Utilizing student pretest score as a covariate, there was a statistically significant difference between groups on the posttest. Regardless of replication in the study, student mean posttest scores were always higher in classes utilizing the Vee map.
Pioneers in an Emerging Field: Who Were the Early Agricultural Educators?
Authors: Foor Ryan M. , Connors James J.
Published: September 2010

Agricultural education in the United States has a rich history over the past century. A number of innovative individuals were responsible for developing the program of agricultural education we ascribe to today. These individuals had little from which to lay a foundation, however their work proved to be beneficial to the success of the field. This historical research study examined the background of early teacher educators in agriculture and early secondary teachers of agriculture. Early teacher educators in agriculture were well educated scholars who recruited qualified individuals to serve as teachers of agriculture and to meet the demands of vacancies in high school vocational agriculture programs. Today, we are faced with a demand for secondary teachers of agriculture. As we work to fill these vacancies, we must look at the work and characteristics of our predecessors in meeting this need.
Creative and Effective Teaching Behaviors of University Instructors as Perceived by Students
Authors: Aschenbrener Mollie S. , Terry Robert , Torres Robert M.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to explain and predict creative and effective teaching behaviors of university instructors, as perceived by students, in a college of agriculture. Creative teaching behaviors were examined using an instrument developed from creativity theories of divergent thinking. Effective teaching behaviors were evaluated using the principles of effective teaching developed by Rosenshine and Furst (1971). The study utilized two populations: undergraduate students and their instructors. Results indicated that students believe their instructors demonstrated creative teaching behaviors. In addition, the study found a very high, positive, and significant correlation between instructors’ creative teaching behaviors and effectiveness of teaching behaviors, as perceived by students. There was also a significant relationship between creative teaching behaviors of experienced and inexperienced instructors when evaluated by students.
Does Prior College Credit Matter? A Longitudinal Investigation of Academic Success, Retention, and Degree Completion
Authors: Smith Amy R. , Garton Bryan L. , Killingsworth Justin L. , Maxwell Lucas D. , Ball Anna L.
Published: September 2010

Supporters of concurrent enrollment programs tout its many benefits to students, parents, and involved institutions; however, findings from related studies vary widely. As more and more students enter college having earned a substantial number of college credits while concurrently completing their secondary education, it is essential to determine the value of such experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the suggested value of prior college credits in relationship to student performance, retention and degree completion in college. The population for this study consisted of entering freshmen (1998 and 2003) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. Findings revealed that students who began college with prior credit experienced greater academic performance during their first year of college than students who entered with no prior credit. There was a relationship between number of prior college credits and both academic retention, and degree completion. Finally, prior college credit, when controlling for high school core grade point average and ACT score, accounted for only a small amount of unique variance in academic performance. These findings express trends between the 1998 and 2003 cohort groups investigated.
Preparing Future Secondary Agricultural Education Teachers To Work With Students With Learning Disabilities: Reports from Teacher Educators
Authors: Faulkner Paula E. , Baggett Connie D.
Published: September 2010

Secondary agricultural education programs are enrolling increasing numbers of students with various disabilities. One consequence is that pre–service teachers are expressing a need for additional preparation to work with such students. This study was conducted to examine the preparation that pre– service teachers receive to work with students with learning disabilities in secondary agricultural education programs. The target population for the study was agricultural teacher educators who plan and in some situations, deliver such preparation. An instrument was mailed to a purposive sample of 84 teacher educators in the fall of 2006. As a result, 63 were returned for a 75% response rate. The respondents reported the cooperative pairs/groups teaching technique and the extra/extended time accommodation as most covered in their teacher education programs. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001was the federal legislation pre–service teachers felt was most covered in their program to prepare them to implement in the secondary setting. A majority (73%) of the respondents indicated that their pre– service teachers must complete at least one special education course. It is recommended that when a special education course is not offered by another department, agricultural teacher education programs should offer a course within the department.
Integrating Agricultural Entrepreneurship into High School Agriculture Curriculum
Authors: Dollisso Awoke D.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe high school agriculture teachers’ perceptions regarding entrepreneurship and determine their entrepreneurial leanings toward and interest in integrating entrepreneurship concepts into their curricula. Respondents perceived that entrepreneurship is a learned skill, creativity and innovation can be nurtured, and almost everyone has potential to research and create a business. A majority of the respondents perceived that entrepreneurs can have global influence, can create wealth and jobs, and are driven by desires to create their own destinies. Regarding their own inclinations to start enterprises, a majority of the respondents indicated that they occasionally or frequently considered starting their own enterprises. About ten percent of the respondents indicated that they always saw business opportunities and desired to establish and become bosses of their own businesses. Forty–three percent of the respondents frequently or always integrated entrepreneurial concepts into their courses and nearly sixty percent of the respondents nurtured students’ business ideas. However, just about thirty percent of the teachers frequently or always engaged students in specific product creation, marketing, sales, and evaluation. Nearly all (98.7 percent) of the respondents agreed that agriculture teachers should integrate entrepreneurial concepts into their curriculum.
Temporal variability of mineral dust concentrations over West Africa: analyses of a pluriannual monitoring from the AMMA Sahelian Dust Transect
Authors: Marticorena B. , Chatenet B. , Rajot J. L. , Traoré S. , Coulibaly M. , Diallo A. , Koné I. , Maman A. , NDiaye T. , Zakou A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The Sahelian belt is known to be a region where atmospheric levels of suspended mineral dust are among the highest observed on Earth. In the framework of the AMMA (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis) International Program, a transect of 3 ground based stations, the "Sahelian Dust Transect" (SDT), has been deployed in order to obtain quantitative information on the mineral dust content and its variability over the Sahel. The three stations, namely Banizoumbou (Niger), Cinzana (Mali) and M'Bour (Senegal) are aligned around 14° N along the east-westward main pathway of the Saharan and Sahelian dust towards the Atlantic Ocean. We discuss data collected between January 2006 and December 2008 to investigate the main characteristics of the mineral dust concentration over West Africa and their connection with the dominant meteorological situations. The succession of the dry season during which the Sahel is under the influence of the dry Harmattan wind and the wet season induced by the entrance of the monsoon flow is clearly identified from the basic meteorological parameters (air temperature and moisture, wind direction). Atmospheric dust concentrations at the three stations exhibit a similar seasonal cycle, with a monthly maximum during the dry season and a minimum occurring during the rainy season, indicating that the general pattern of dust concentration is similar at regional scale. This seasonal cycle of the dust concentrations is not phased with the seasonal cycle of surface wind velocity locally measured, suggesting that it is mainly controlled by Saharan dust transport. Local dust emissions induced by strong surface winds are responsible for the occurrence of extremely high daily concentrations observed at the beginning of the rainy season. A decrease in the dust concentration is observed when moving from Niger to Senegal.
Concept study of radar sensors for near-field tsunami early warning
Authors: Börner T. , Galletti M. , Marquart N. P. , Krieger G.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Off-shore detection of tsunami waves is a critical component of an effective tsunami early warning system (TEWS). Even more critical is the off-shore detection of local tsunamis, namely tsunamis that strike coastal areas within minutes after generation. In this paper we propose new concepts for near-field tsunami early detection, based on innovative and up-to-date microwave remote sensing techniques. We particularly introduce the NESTRAD (NEar-Space Tsunami RADar) concept, which consists of a real aperture radar accommodated inside a stationary stratospheric airship providing continuous monitoring of tsunamigenic oceanic trenches.
Using Genetic Diversity for Disease Resistance in Agricultural Production
Authors: Akem C. , Ceccarelli S. , Erskine W. , Lenné J.
Published: September 2010

The three main germplasm resource bases used for genetic diversity in disease resistance are commercial varieties, landraces and wild ancestral species. Cultivar mixtures with landraces have traditionally been used by subsistence farmers to keep disease epidemics at low levels. These subsistence farmers live mainly in developing countries and produce up to 20% of the world's food. Landraces have been a valuable source of disease resistance to them because of their already high adaptations in appropriate agronomic backgrounds. Mixtures with improved varieties are now being advocated as an alternative strategy for disease control in many crops. Wild germplasm are also being used to transfer new and valuable genes of disease resistance to cultivated crops. Continuous efforts are being directed at broadening the genetic base of crops by a search for sources of disease resistance, which remain the most practical and environmentally sound means for the control of most major diseases in agricultural crops.
The Role of Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis in the Resistance of Forests to Water Stress
Authors: Garbaye Jean
Published: September 2010

Forest trees live in enforced symbiosis with specialized fungi that form composite organs (ectomycorrhizas) with fine roots. This paper examines how this association contributes to the water status of trees and how it plays a major role in the protection mechanisms by which trees and forest stands resist drought-induced water stress. It shows how ectomycorrhizal symbiosis has both direct effects (at the uptake level) and indirect effects (at the regulation level) on the water status of trees. The facts presented are discussed in terms of forest adaptation to changing environmental conditions and the practical consequences for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems.
Nutrient Deficiencies of Agricultural Crops in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hartemink Alfred E. , Bourke R.M.
Published: September 2010

In Papua New Guinea the population is growing faster than the area under cultivation. As a result, land use is being intensified and soil nutrient depletion may occur, resulting in nutrient deficiencies of agricultural crops. This paper reviews nutrient deficiencies in the agricultural crops of Papua New Guinea using the literature on agronomic trials, expert knowledge and Geographical Information System (GIS) soil fertility databases. One of the aims of this overview is to discuss the spatial distribution of common nutrient deficiencies, which will facilitate the formulation of future strategies on integrated nutrient management research. Nutrient deficiencies have been investigated systematically since the mid-1950s. Research has mainly focused on export tree crops, and relatively little information is available on food crops. Literature analysis and expert knowledge showed consistent trends with deficiencies of B and P in large parts of the highlands. GIS soil fertility databases confirm these observations. The authors' method has been shown to be useful in delineating areas in which nutrient deficiencies occur, and these findings could be used for the planning of nutrient management research and extension activities.
A Preliminary Survey on the Use of Animal Power in Agricultural Operations in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Haque M.A. , Umar Bobboi , Kawuyo U.A.
Published: September 2010

The study was conducted in Adamawa state, north-eastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-six farmers who used animal power for agricultural operations were interviewed. All the farmers used bulls for draught work. Ninety-six per cent of the farmers owned only one pair of bulls, while 4% had two pairs. Only ridging, weeding and transportation were undertaken using bulls. About 81% of the farmers used their draught animals for ridging, 18% for weeding, and 1% used them for transport. Ridging and weeding were carried out using the same implement, the mouldboard ridger. About 60% of these were factory-made, while the rest were made by local artisans. Carts were manufactured locally from wood. Working periods of draught animals ranged from four to six hours daily, and three to five months annually, with most farmers (71%) covering 0.6–1 ha/day. The area cultivated by individual farmers in each cropping season varied between two and six hectares. Draught animal owners derived income from renting them out to other farmers at a rate of N500 to N1000 per hectare. There were no complaints about the care and management of draught animals by farmers. The study suggests the need to look into the possibility of diversifying animal power utilization in the state.
The Role of Family Poultry in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and the Promotion of Gender Equality in Rural Africa
Authors: Guèye E.F.
Published: September 2010

Throughout the African continent poultry keeping has been practised by village communities for many generations. These birds currently make up more than 80% of the continent's poultry flock. Rural family poultry (RFP) are a valuable asset to local populations as they contribute significantly to food security, poverty alleviation and the promotion of gender equality, especially in disadvantaged groups and less favoured areas of rural Africa. The paper stresses the need to design, implement, monitor and evaluate RFP development programmes by taking sociocultural issues into account.
Animal Production and Rainfed Agriculture in Asia: Potential Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement
Authors: Devendra C.
Published: September 2010

Asia is a region of dynamic economic changes, fuelled by rapid population growth, urbanization, increased incomes, demand-led processes and changing consumer preferences for foods of animal origin. The projected total meat and milk consumption levels for 2020 are far in excess of anticipated supplies, and place unprecedented pressure on the management of natural resources (crops, animals, land and water). Increased productivity in the future will need to come from improved per animal performance, appropriate animal production systems, and higher efficiency in the use of feed resources. Unlike the demand-driven, intensive and private-sector-led non-ruminant sector, ruminant production systems have lagged behind in productivity because they are largely in the hands of resource-poor small farmers. Since existing irrigated lands are overused, the potentially important rainfed lands will become increasingly important in the future for productivity enhancement, justifying increased resource use. A strong systems research approach to rainfed agriculture, together with interdisciplinarity, a holistic focus and community-based participation, is necessary. This effort needs to be supported by increased research investment and a policy environment that can provide for major socioeconomic benefits, improved livelihoods of the poorest of the poor, agricultural growth, and environmental sustainability.
Input Policy and Use of Fertilizers and Improved Seeds for Maize Production in Kenya
Authors: Mbithi L. , Van Huylenbroeck G.
Published: September 2010

The use of improved inputs is important in increasing crop productivity. Input policy plays a crucial role in giving farmers incentives to increase their adoption and use. This paper analyses the Kenyan input policy before and after input market liberalization. Particular attention is focused on the use of fertilizer and improved seeds in maize production during this time. Price analysis shows that both fertilizer and improved seed prices rose sharply after the input market liberalization. Input profitability analysis showed that both the fertilizer–maize price ratio and the improved seeds–maize price ratio decreased after input market liberalization due to the maize price increases that occurred during the same period.
Perishable Airfreight — Out of Africa: Some Observations on Current Practices
Authors: Bishop Chris F.H. , Morpeth David R.
Published: September 2010

The production of perishable crops, nearly all for export, is expanding in many African countries. Virtually all the high value horticultural crops are exported by air. At present there are many deficiencies in the temperature control during handling. There are many examples of crops warming during flights, but also of having been inadequately cooled before departure. It is important to know what occurs during handling, and examples of temperature histories are given. There are developments in prospect to improve temperature control, but these will increase costs per unit transported and will only be justified in specific cases.
Analysis of Yield Trends of the Rice-Wheat System in North-Western India
Authors: Aggarwal P.K. , Bandyopadhyay S.K. , Pathak H. , Kalra N. , Chander S. , Kumar S.
Published: September 2010

The north-western region of India is extremely important for food security and has contributed substantially to the country's past agricultural growth. This has been possible largely because the region is endowed with good natural resources such as soils and water, and is relatively well developed in respect of markets and infrastructure. Rice and wheat are now commonly grown in double-cropping rotation and their average productivity varies from 2 to 5 t/ha. This needs to be increased substantially to meet growing demands due to the increasing population, urbanization and income growth. Concerns have been expressed lately that the rice–wheat system is causing environmental degradation in the region, and that there is a stagnation/decline in its productivity threatening food security. In this paper, the authors analyse the historical trends in yields of rice and wheat crops using regional statistics, long-term fertility experiments, other conventional field experiments and crop simulation models. Rice yields showed a very modest decline in many districts in the region, as well as in field experiments. The simulated yields showed a similar decline. Wheat yields of normally sown crops showed an increasing trend in most districts due to a greater application of fertilizers. Long-term experiments conducted elsewhere in the Indo-Gangetic plains also showed a large decline in rice yields and a small or no decline in wheat yields during the same period. The simulation results indicated that the rate of decline was related to the initial yield of crops. A significant annual yield decline was shown only when yield levels were high. It is concluded that the evidence of a yield decline in north-western India is not very strong at present. The yield trends may be partly related to the gradual change in weather conditions during the last two decades in selected research centres located in and around urban areas. The relationship of these trends to changes in nutrient use efficiencies, water use, insects and disease prevalence is discussed. Results indicate that there are only limited management options for increasing yields of rice and wheat crops in north-western India.
Application of the Deming Philosophy to Higher Education
Authors: Hughey Aaron W.
Published: September 2010

A brief overview of the historical significance of the work of W. Edwards Deming, one of the originators of Total Quality Management (TQM), is provided. The essence of the Deming philosophy is that quality must be the pre-eminent consideration in any strategy aimed at long-term success. Within this context, the idea of what constitutes true quality in higher education is discussed followed by an explanation of how Deming's famous ‘14 points’ are as applicable to colleges and universities as they are to business and industry. The author then explains how the ‘14 points’ can be used as a framework for ensuring quality, customer satisfaction and greater accountability within the collegiate environment.
Marie Curie Industry Host Fellowships
Authors: McSweeney Barry , Hsia Marshall
Published: September 2010

The system of Marie Curie Fellowships has, under the European Community's Fifth Framework Programme (1998–2002) for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, been extended to include an Industry Host Fellowship scheme. The objectives of the scheme are to make research training opportunities in industrial and commercial environments available to young postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, and to encourage cooperation and the transfer of technology between industry and higher education institutions. This paper presents the rationale behind the scheme in the context of the Fifth Framework Programme and provides an overview of its key features.
Application of Multimedia Systems to Extend and Enhance Structured Industrial Practice Studies for Integrated Engineering and Arts Degrees
Authors: Stewart Iain , Kemp Ian
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the development of a new structured industrial practice studies (SIPS) programme (a learning model integrating taught course material directly with work-based experiences) for an innovative new suite of programmes run by the Department of Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). These programmes merge arts and engineering topics in the area of multimedia. The paper describes how the substantial experience of SIPS at GCU could be applied to these new programmes. It evaluates the key features of previous SIPS activity and proposes a range of enhancements to meet the demands of modern innovative curricula. The concept of a virtual SIPS visit is developed and the transferability of the concept to other countries is evaluated.
New Horizons in Industry and Education
Authors: Papadourakis George M.
Published: September 2010

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers from the International Conference ‘New Horizons in Industry and Education’ held on the island of Santorini, Greece in September 1999. In this introductory paper the author provides an overview of the conference, summarizes the most important presentations, and offers personal reflections on the conference outcomes.
Collaborative Learning
Authors: Allan M. , Temple B.K.
Published: September 2010

This paper describes a curriculum development project funded by the European Commission. It was developed to provide a learning environment (European Modules) for students from various disciplines to work together within an institution or between institutions in different countries, on structured project work that would simulate the workplace of the modern European engineering manager. The best vehicle for this purpose was considered to be group projects based upon a new product development theme. Having created a framework of three courses (modules) that progressively develop the necessary skills to achieve this objective, the authors report on several pilot studies that were established to test the methodology. It was found that there were significant benefits to students' learning, particularly in the three areas of consolidation of existing knowledge; transferable skills; and cross-functional and cultural awareness. The modules have now been integrated into several European study programmes and significant interest in the scheme has been shown by other institutions outside those of the development team. Additional resources to underpin the project are currently being developed and future prospects are also reported here.
Designing an Engineering Curriculum for the 21st Century
Authors: Poulis D. , Minadakis J.
Published: September 2010

This paper discusses the formulation of an engineering curriculum for the electrical engineer of the 21st century. The analysis follows a logical approach by setting objectives, analysing inputs to the system, identifying the necessary resources and constructing the basis for the curriculum. In places, the authors focus on key factors that influence the final product (ie the curriculum). In the discussion paragraphs they present some new ideas that arise from the mismatch between needs and available resources.
Organizational Change in the Information Society
Authors: Oborne David J. , Arnold Karen M.
Published: September 2010

The ‘Information Society’ (IS) is a nebulous and an insidious concept. It refers to our current society in which new technology provides an ‘information superhighway’ and emerging applications like e-mail, videoconferencing, and electronic commerce provide a context. It is a society in which the communication of information and knowledge is being revolutionized so dramatically that it changes not just work but the context of work and living. Indeed, the very nature of society itself is changing. This paper considers the impact of the IS on organizations and the implications for people who work in them. The effective use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) will also necessitate a change in the skills needed at work and within the developing society. Training and education will need to address such skill shifts. Further changes to society are likely to arise from increased Internet-based commerce, reduced commuting time, and altered leisure time that will itself drive an increase in the leisure market. Data are presented arising from trans-European work as a result of which a model of change has been developed following the introduction of IS-based technologies and applications into organizations. This can be used to predict the impact of such changes on the future skills likely to be needed by a range of organizations.