bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Higher Agricultural Education in Bangladesh
Authors: Kashem MA
Published: August 2014

The economy of Bangladesh is mainly dependent on agriculture; agricultural development in the country to a great extent is dependent on the contribution of quality agricultural graduates. Agricultural universities on Bangladesh are responsible for producing competent agricultural graduates to cater the needs of the farmers and help them to solve the problems towards higher agricultural production. The existing course curricula and syllabi of the agricultural universities, in many cases, cannot meet the demand of the farmers, especially in the case of crisis situation like salinity, drought, disaster, climatic change etc. In the present article the challenges in higher agricultural education in Bangladesh has been critically reviewed. The present status of higher agricultural education, and challenges in higher agricultural education on different aspects have been discussed. The challenges need to be addressed if the quality agricultural graduates have to be produced by the agricultural universities.
Clinical Evaluation of Hyperimmune Serum for the Treatment of Newcastle Disease in Indigenous Layer Birds
Authors: Islam MS , Parvin MS , Akhter J , Islam MT , Siddique MP , Rashid MH
Published: August 2014

The efficacy of hyperimmune serum for the treatment of Newcastle disease (ND) was evaluated in indigenous birds. A total of 20 indigenous birds (3 to 4 months old) were divided into three groups, namely group A (n = 9), B (n = 8) and C (n = 3). Birds of all the groups were infected orally with 0.2 mL (106.5EID50/0.1 mL) of virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Birds of group A were treated with hyperimmune serum (raised in chickens against NDV) @ 2 mL/bird IM after 6 hours of infection before commencement of clinical signs. Birds of group B received two doses of hyperimmune serum, first @ 2 mL/bird IV after commencement of clinical signs and second @ 3 mL/bird IM 5 hours after first dosing. Birds of group C served as infected control. Birds of group A did not show any clinical signs of ND except one (11%). However, the only sick bird recovered after one repeat dosing of 1 mL hyperimmune serum. In group B, 87.5% birds survived with two birds having nervous signs. Therefore, it may be concluded that hyperimmune sera was effective in preventing morbidity and mortality due to ND in birds when administered before or after commencement of the clinical signs. However, it is needed to conduct a field trial to explore the efficacy of hyperimmune sera raised both in chickens and rabbits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19103 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 79 - 84, 2013
Prevalence of Surgical Affections of Cattle in Aarong Dairy Area of Pabna
Authors: Noman ASM , Juyena NS , Alam MM , Ferdousy RN , Paul S , Haq MM
Published: August 2014

AARONG dairy area of Pabna comprises a major part to meet the demand of milk and meat production in Bangladesh. Various diseases including surgical affections reduce the fitness, efficiency and productivity of cattle in this area. There is a need to investigate the occurrence of surgical diseases to take proper preventive measures. Therefore, the prevalence of surgical affections of cattle was studied in four Upazilas of Pabna from December 2012 to May 2013. A total of 2390 cattle from different households were included and surgical affections were recorded. The overall prevalence was 44.3% in stall feeding system, among which surgical affections were more prevalent in Sujanagar Upazilas (13.3%), and the highest prevalent surgical affection was foot diseases (8.2%) followed by navel ill (6.3%), myiasis (4.6%), arthritis, hernia and wounds (3.6%). Overall prevalence of surgical affections was slightly higher in female cattle in comparison to males The prevalence of navel ill (11.3%), foot disease (11.1%), hernia (6.1%) and horn affections (4.9%) were found to be higher in male. Whereas, myiasis (5.9%), upward patellar fixation (2.8%) were found to be higher in females. There is significant (P<0.01) difference in the prevalence of hernia, upward patellar fixation, horn affection, foot diseases and myiasis between male and female. It was also observed that cattle of 0-1 year was affected more frequently with surgical affections (18.7%) among which prevalence of navel ill (15.5%), hernia (8.3%), myiasis (5.4%) and foot diseases (5.3%) were higher. In addition, foot disease was more prevalent surgical affection in cattle of more than one year. Moreover, significant variation (P<0.01) was existed in the prevalence of upward patellar fixation, foot diseases, arthritis and wounds among three age groups. However, results of the present study indicate that there is a strong relation among the prevalence of surgical affections, sex and age of animals. Moreover, foot disease is a common occurrence in stall feeding cattle in Pabna.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19104 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 85 - 92, 2013
Production of Fish Sauce from Low Cost Small Freshwater Fish and their Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Faisal M , Islam MN , Kamal M , Khan MNA
Published: August 2014

The study was conducted to produce fish sauce from small freshwater fishes like Kholisa (Colisa fasciatus), Tit punti (Puntius ticto), Jat punti (Puntius sophore), Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Taki (Channa punctatus), Gutum (Lepidocephalichthys guntea), Guchi (Macrognathus pancalus), Veda (Nandus nandus), and Bujuri (Mystus tengara) by using different concentrations of salt (25% as Treatment-I, 30% as Treatment-II and 35% as Treatment-III). Fishes were fermented for 9 months by the combined action of microorganisms and enzymes present in fish tissue and viscera in presence of salt. During fermentation the initial protein content in fish was 15.17% which were nearly digested and liquefied at the end of fermentation. Crude protein content on the basis of total nitrogen were found to be 14.58, 13.88 and 12.63% in Treatment-I, II and III respectively while the highest ash content in fish sauce was 22.97% in Treatment-III. Initial Total Volatile Base Nitrogen in fish was 1.92 mg/100g, which reached 20.88, 20.52 and 20.31 mg/100g respectively in three treatments. Initial aerobic plate count (APC) in fish was 5.99 × 106 cfu/g and after fermentation and 15 days of aging the APC in fish sauce was reduced to 1.53 × 104 cfu/ml in Treatment-I, 1.40 × 104 cfu/ml in Treatment-II and 1.27 × 104 cfu/ml in treatment-III. The major bacterial groups identified in fish sauce were Bacillus, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas. Considering the values of different parameters and result of panel test, fish sauce produced with 25% salt (Treatment-I) was found to be of best quality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19170 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 171 - 180, 2013
Improvement of the Seed Metering Device of Power Tiller Operated Zero Till Drill
Authors: Hossen MS , Musabbir AA , Hossain MM , Hasan MZ , Islam MA
Published: August 2014

This study was carried out in wheat research center, BARI under financial assistance of CIMMYT for the improvement of seed metering device of a power tiller operated zero till drill planter. Fluted roller type seed metering device was replaced by the inclined plate type seed metering device. Field experiments revealed that field efficiency was 80.19% and seed damage was completely absent in the improved metering device. Further cost analysis showed saving of 280 Taka ha-1 planting cost, which proves success of the improvement.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19173 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 203 - 210, 2013
Problem Confrontation of the FFS Farmers in Participating Farmer Field School Training Session
Authors: Roy D , Farouque MG , Rahman MZ
Published: August 2014

The study was conducted to identify and describe the problems of FFS farmers in participating FFS training sessions. Data and information were collected from 100 FFS farmers of selected three unions of Muktagacha Upazila of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh from 10 to 30 April, 2013. Among ten selected problems Inadequate trials and training materials got the highest score (PCI-176) while Biasness in trainee selection got the lowest score (PCI-48). The highest proportion of the FFS farmers (53%) had low problem in participating FFS training session, while 40% and 7% had medium and high problem, respectively. Findings indicate that a majority i.e. more than four fifth of the FFS farmers faced low to medium problems in participating FFS training sessions. The selected characteristics of the FFS farmers, such as year of schooling, farming experience, extension media contact, risk orientation and knowledge on soil and crop management showed significantly negative relationship with problem confrontation in participating FFS training sessions by the FFS farmers. Therefore, it can be mentioned that there is no significant problems associated with the FFS training sessions. So, necessary steps need to be taken to enhance the existing activities of FFS that could improve the sustainable crop production as well as the livelihood of the FFS farmers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19179 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 273 - 280, 2013
Does Primary Care Mental Health Resourcing Affect the Use and Costs of Secondary Psychiatric Services?
Authors: Sadeniemi Minna , Pirkola Sami , Pankakoski Maiju , Joffe Grigori , Kontio Raija , Malin Maili , Ala-Nikkola Taina , Wahlbeck Kristian
Published: August 2014

Collaborative care models for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care have been shown to be effective. The aim of this study was to investigate at the municipal level to what extent investment in mental health personnel at primary care health centres in the study area is reflected in the costs and use of secondary psychiatric services. Furthermore, we analysed whether the service provision and use of secondary psychiatric care correlates with the socioeconomic indicators of need. We found significant variation in the amount of mental health personnel provided at the health centres, uncorrelated with the indicators of need nor with the costs of secondary psychiatric care. The amount of mental health nurses at the health centres correlated inversely with the number of secondary psychiatric outpatient visits, whereas its relation to inpatient days and admission was positive. The costs of secondary psychiatric care correlated with level of psychiatric morbidity and socioeconomic indicators of need. The results suggest that when aiming at equal access of care and cost-efficiency, the primary and secondary care should be organized and planned with integrative collaboration.
MRC2 Expression Correlates with TGFβ1 and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gai Xiaohong , Tu Kangsheng , Lu Zhongtang , Zheng Xin
Published: August 2014

MRC2 (Mannose Receptor C Type 2) is a constitutively recycling endocytic receptor belonging to the mannose receptor family, which has been found to be closely involved with cancer metastasis. This study attempted to determine MRC2 expression on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its significance on postsurgical prognosis of HCCs. The expression of both MRC2 and transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) was detected in tumor tissues and adjacent liver tissues from 96 HCCs by immunohistochemistry staining, and it was found that MRC2 expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent liver tissues. HCCs with higher MRC2 expression had worse prognosis after liver resection. Univariate analysis showed that advanced TNM staging of HCC, higher Edmonson-Steiner classification, intrahepatic metastases, portal vein invasion, higher MRC2 and higher TGFβ1 were the poor prognostic factors. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that intrahepatic metastases, higher MRC2 and higher TGFβ1 were the independent prognostic factors. TGFβ1 treatment up-regulated MRC2 expression, cell migration and invasion of Huh7 cells notably. In addition, knockdown of MRC2 repressed the effect of TGFβ1 on cell migration and invasion. These data suggest that MRC2 overexpression predicts poor prognosis of HCCs after liver resection and MRC2 potentially contributed to TGFβ1-driven up-regulation of cell migration and invasion in HCC.
Half-Lantern Pt(II) and Pt(III) Complexes. New Cyclometalated Platinum Derivatives
Authors: Sicilia Violeta , Borja Pilar , Martín Antonio
Published: August 2014

The divalent complex [{Pt(bzq)(μ-L)}2] (1) [Hbzq = benzo[h]quinolone, HL = CF3C4H2N2SH: 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-2-thiol] was obtained from equimolar amounts of [Pt(bzq)(NCMe)2]ClO4 and 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-2-thiol with an excess of NEt3. The presence of a low intensity absorption band at 486 nm (CH2Cl2), assignable to a metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer transition (1MMLCT) [dσ*(Pt)2→π*(bzq)], is indicative of the existence of two platinum centers located in close proximity because the rigidity of the half-lantern structure allows the preservation of these interactions in solution. Compound 1 undergoes two-electron oxidation upon treatment with halogens X2 (X2: Cl2, Br2 or I2) to give the corresponding dihalodiplatinum (III) complexes [{Pt(bzq)(μ-L)X}2] (L = CF3C4H2N2S-κN,S; X: Cl 2, Br 3, I 4). Complexes 2–4 were also obtained by reaction of 1 with HX (molar ratio 1:2, 10% excess of HX) in THF with yields of about 80% and compound 2 was also obtained by reaction of [{Pt(bzq)(μ-Cl)}2] with HL (4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-2-thiol) in molar ratio 1:2 in THF, although in small yield. The X-ray structures of 2 and 3 confirmed the half-lantern structure and the anti configuration of the molecules. Both of them show Pt–Pt distances (2.61188(15) Å 2, 2.61767(16) Å 3) in the low range of those observed in Pt2(III,III)X2 half-lantern complexes.
Investigation on Using SBS and Active Carbon Filler to Reduce the VOC Emission from Bituminous Materials
Authors: Cui Peiqiang , Wu Shaopeng , Li Fuzhou , Xiao Yue , Zhang Honghua
Published: August 2014

Bituminous materials are playing a vital role in pavement design and the roofing industry because of outstanding properties. Unfortunately, bituminous materials will release volatile organic compounds (VOC), making them non-environmentally friendly. Therefore, technologies that can be used to decrease the VOC emission are urgently required. In this research, the VOC emission and material behaviors were analyzed and compared to investigate the possibility of adding styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and active carbon filler into bituminous materials to develop environmentally-friendly materials. Thermal gravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy testing (UV-Vis) were employed to characterize the VOC emission process. Temperature sweep testing and frequency sweep testing were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of bituminous materials. Research results indicated that the combined introduction of 4 wt% styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and 4 wt% active carbon filler cannot only significantly lower the VOC emission speed and amount, but also improve the deformation resistance behavior at a higher temperature. SBS and active carbon filler can be used to reduce the VOC emission form bituminous materials.
SU-8 as a Material for Microfabricated Particle Physics Detectors
Authors: Maoddi Pietro , Mapelli Alessandro , Jiguet Sebastien , Renaud Philippe
Published: August 2014

Several recent detector technologies developed for particle physics applications are based on microfabricated structures. Detectors built with this approach generally exhibit the overall best performance in terms of spatial and time resolution. Many properties of the SU-8 photoepoxy make it suitable for the manufacturing of microstructured particle detectors. This article aims to review some emerging detector technologies making use of SU-8 microstructuring, namely micropattern gaseous detectors and microfluidic scintillation detectors. The general working principle and main process steps for the fabrication of each device are reported, with a focus on the advantages brought to the device functionality by the use of SU-8. A novel process based on multiple bonding steps for the fabrication of thin multilayer microfluidic scintillation detectors developed by the authors is presented. Finally, a brief overview of the applications for the discussed devices is given.
In Vivo Antiplasmodial Potentials of the Combinations of Four Nigerian Antimalarial Plants
Authors: Adebajo Adeleke , Odediran Samuel , Aliyu Fatimah , Nwafor Paul , Nwoko Ndifreke , Umana Usenobong
Published: August 2014

Various combinations of Nauclea latifolia root, Artocarpus altilis stem bark, Murraya koenigii leaf and Enantia chlorantha stem bark used in African ethnomedicine as decoctions for malaria and fevers, and combinations with standard drugs, were investigated for antiplasmodial activities using Plasmodium berghei berghei-infected mice. The respective prophylactic and curative ED50 values of 189.4 and 174.5 mg/kg for N. latifolia and chemosuppressive ED50 value of 227.2 mg/kg for A. altilis showed that they were the best antimalarial herbal drugs. A 1.6-fold increase of the survival time given by the negative control was elicited by M. koenigii, thereby confirming its curative activity. Pyrimethamine with an ED50 of 0.5 ± 0.1 mg/kg for the prophylactic, and chloroquine with ED50 = 2.2 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.0 mg/kg for the chemosuppressive and curative tests, respectively, were significantly (p < 0.05) more active. Co-administrations of N. latifolia with the standard drugs significantly reduced their prophylactic, chemosuppressive and curative actions, possibly increasing the parasites’ resistance. Binary combinations of N. latifolia or M. koenigii with any of the other plants significantly increased the prophylactic and suppressive activities of their individual plants, respectively. Also, E. chlorantha with A. altilis or N. latifolia enhanced their respective prophylactic or curative activities, making these combinations most beneficial against malaria infections. Combinations of three and four extracts gave varied activities. Hence, the results justified the combinations of ethnomedicinal plants in antimalarial herbal remedies and showed the importance of the three in vivo models in establishing antimalarial activity.
DEM-Based Analysis of Interactions between Tectonics and Landscapes in the Ore Mountains and Eger Rift (East Germany and NW Czech Republic)
Authors: Andreani Louis , Stanek Klaus , Gloaguen Richard , Krentz Ottomar , Domínguez-González Leomaris
Published: August 2014

Tectonics modify the base-level of rivers and result in the progressive erosion of landscapes. We propose here a new method to classify landscapes according to their erosional stages. This method is based on the combination of two DEM-based geomorphic indices: the hypsometric integral, which highlights elevated surfaces, and surface roughness, which increases with the topographic elevation and the incision by the drainage network. The combination of these two indices allows one to produce a map of erosional discontinuities that can be easily compared with the known structural framework. In addition, this method can be easily implemented (e.g., in MATLAB) and provides a quick way to analyze regional-scale landscapes. We propose here an example of a region where this approach becomes extremely valuable: the Ore Mountains and adjacent regions. The lack of young stratigraphic markers prevents a detailed analysis of recent fault activity. However, discontinuities in mapped geomorphic indices coupled to the analysis of river longitudinal profiles suggest a tight relationship between erosional discontinuities and main tectonic lineaments.
Analysis and Assessment of the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Burned Areas in the Amazon Forest
Authors: Cardozo Francielle , Pereira Gabriel , Shimabukuro Yosio , Moraes Elisabete
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of burned areas in Rondônia State, Brazil during the years 2000 to 2011 and evaluate the burned area maps. A Linear Spectral Mixture Model (LSMM) was applied to MODIS surface reflectance images to originate the burned areas maps, which were validated with TM/Landsat 5 and ETM+/Landsat 7 images and field data acquired in August 2013. The validation presented a correlation ranging from 67% to 96% with an average value of 86%. The lower correlation values are related to the distinct spatial resolutions of the MODIS and TM/ETM+ sensors because small burn scars are not detected in MODIS images and higher spatial correlations are related to the presence of large fires, which are better identified in MODIS, increasing the accuracy of the mapping methodology. In addition, the 12-year burned area maps of Rondônia indicate that fires, as a general pattern, occur in areas that have already been converted to some land use, such as vegetal extraction, large animal livestock areas or diversified permanent crops. Furthermore, during the analyzed period, land use conversion associated with climatic events significantly influenced the occurrence of fire in Rondônia and amplified its impacts.
Presentation of a Complex Permittivity-Meter with Applications for Sensing the Moisture and Salinity of a Porous Media
Authors: Chavanne Xavier , Frangi Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2014

This paper describes a sensor dedicated to measuring the vertical profile of the complex permittivity and the temperature of any medium in which sensor electrodes are inserted. Potential applications are the estimate of the humidity and salinity in a porous medium, such as a soil. It consists of vertically-stacked capacitors along two conductive parallel cylinders of 5 cm in diameter and at a 10-cm distance to scan a significant volume of the medium (~1 L). It measures their admittances owing to a self-balanced impedance bridge operating at a frequency in the range of 1–20 MHz, possibly 30 MHz. Thanks to accurate design and electronic circuit theory-based modeling, the determination of the admittances takes into account all distortions due to lead and bridge electromagnetic effects inside the sensor when working at high frequencies. Calibration procedures and uncertainties are presented. The article also describes developments to make the present sensor autonomous on digital acquisition, basic data treatment and energy, as well as able to transfer stored data by a radio link. These steps in progress are prerequisites for a wireless network of sensors.
Mimicking exposures to acute and lifetime concentrations of inhaled silver nanoparticles by two different in vitro approaches
Authors: Herzog Fabian , Loza Kateryna , Balog Sandor , Clift Martin J D , Epple Matthias , Gehr Peter , Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: August 2014

In the emerging market of nano-sized products, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are widely used due to their antimicrobial properties. Human interaction with Ag NPs can occur through the lung, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and bloodstream. However, the inhalation of Ag NP aerosols is a primary concern. To study the possible effects of inhaled Ag NPs, an in vitro triple cell co-culture model of the human alveolar/airway barrier (A549 epithelial cells, human peripheral blood monocyte derived dendritic and macrophage cells) together with an air–liquid interface cell exposure (ALICE) system was used in order to reflect a real-life exposure scenario. Cells were exposed at the air–liquid interface (ALI) to 0.03, 0.3, and 3 µg Ag/cm2 of Ag NPs (diameter 100 nm; coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone: PVP). Ag NPs were found to be highly aggregated within ALI exposed cells with no impairment of cell morphology. Furthermore, a significant increase in release of cytotoxic (LDH), oxidative stress (SOD-1, HMOX-1) or pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-8) was absent. As a comparison, cells were exposed to Ag NPs in submerged conditions to 10, 20, and 30 µg Ag/mL. The deposited dose per surface area was estimated by using a dosimetry model (ISDD) to directly compare submerged vs ALI exposure concentrations after 4 and 24 h. Unlike ALI exposures, the two highest concentrations under submerged conditions promoted a cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory response after 24 h. Interestingly, when cell cultures were co-incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), no synergistic inflammatory effects were observed. By using two different exposure scenarios it has been shown that the ALI as well as the suspension conditions for the lower concentrations after 4 h, reflecting real-life concentrations of an acute 24 h exposure, did not induce any adverse effects in a complex 3D model mimicking the human alveolar/airway barrier. However, the highest concentrations used in the ALI setup, as well as all concentrations under submerged conditions after 24 h, reflecting more of a chronic lifetime exposure concentration, showed cytotoxic as well as pro-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, more studies need to address long-term and chronic Ag NP exposure effects.
Internet Gaming Disorder
Authors: Yau Yvonne , Potenza Marc
Published: August 2014

Internet gaming is arguably one of the most popular online activities. Online game play, particularly massive multiplayer online role-playing games, can be pleasurable and rewarding activities. However, a subset of individuals may exhibit problematic patterns of engagement that negatively impact psychosocial well-being. Consistent with Internet gaming disorder being included in Section III of the recently released fifth edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, relatively little research has been performed into Internet gaming disorder. This review discusses the epidemiological findings and treatment strategies related to Internet gaming disorder. Diagnostic considerations are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research and clinical efforts.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2014; 44(8):379–383.]
Influencia de la transformación austenita-martensita en la estabilidad dimensional de un nuevo acero para herramientas aleado con niobio (0,08%) y vanadio (0,12%)
Authors: Conejero Ortega Gerardo , Candela Vázquez Nuria , Pichel Martínez Montserrat , Barea Del Cerro Rafael , Carsí Cebrián Manuel
Published: August 2014

Se ha estudiado la influencia de la transformación de austenita a martensita en la estabilidad dimensional de un acero experimental para herramientas aleado con niobio (0,08% en peso) y vanadio (0,12% en peso). La estabilidad dimensional del acero experimental fue comparada con la de un acero comercial antes y después de ser sometidos, ambos aceros, a dos tratamientos térmicos diferentes. Los tratamientos térmicos consistieron en un calentamiento y mantenimiento durante una hora a temperaturas de 860 °C (T1) y 900 °C (T2) y un enfriamiento final en horno con nitrógeno (N2) a 1 atmósfera de presión. Inicialmente, se determinaron las composiciones del acero experimental y comercial, mediante técnica de luminiscencia (GDL), y las temperaturas de transformación Ac1 y Ac3 del acero experimental, mediante ensayos dilatométricos, para seleccionar las temperaturas de austenización de los tratamientos T1 y T2. Posteriormente, tras medir la dureza de ambos aceros, se caracterizó la microestructura de los dos aceros mediante técnicas de Difracción de Rayos X (XRD) y metalografía óptica, antes y después de los tratamientos térmicos T1 y T2. Por último, se realizaron los análisis de estabilidad dimensional longitudinal y angular por medio de las medidas de las probetas anulares de los aceros comercial y experimental. Los resultados obtenidos tras haber realizado un contraste de hipótesis mostraron que la variación relativa longitudinal máxima calculada para el acero experimental fue del 0,2% y su variación relativa angular no fue significativa.
Sensing Coverage and Connectivity in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Pehlivanoğlu Ecehan Berk , Özger Mustafa , Akan Özgür Barış
Published: August 2014

Sensing coverage of a field of interest and connectivity are two very important performance measures in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Existing design methodologies and protocols for enhanced field sensing coverage and connectivity in WSNs are not directly applicable to Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSNs) due to their cognitive nature. In this chapter, the authors first review sensing coverage and connectivity models for traditional WSNs. Then, they propose novel approaches for sensing coverage and connectivity establishment in CRSN, benefiting from useful existing models from WSN and Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). Proposed approaches span a wide variety of CRSN requirements and also point out open research problems in the field to guarantee sufficient sensing coverage quality and connectivity in CRSN.
Radio Resource Management in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Ahmad Ayaz , Ahmad Sadiq
Published: August 2014

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) use the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band for transmissions. However, with the increasing usage of these networks for diverse applications, the currently available ISM band does not suffice for their transmissions and a new challenge appears before the WSNs' research community. One of the candidate approaches to tackle this spectrum insufficiency problem is to incorporate the opportunistic spectrum access capability of Cognitive Radio (CR) into the existing WSN, thus giving birth to Cognitive Radio Sensor Network (CRSN). Efficient spectrum utilization is another approach to overcome this challenging problem. Another challenge associated to WSN operation is the dependability of sensor nodes on battery supplied power where the batteries in general are not replaceable. Therefore, advanced and intelligent radio resource management schemes are very essential to perform dynamic and efficient spectrum allocation among multiple sensor nodes and to optimize the power consumption of each individual node in the network. Radio resource management enables the sensor nodes to efficiently utilize the available spectrum and power, which in turn ensures QoS transmissions, maximizes the network lifetime, and reduces the inter-node and inter-network interferences. In this chapter, the authors present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in radio resource management for CRSN. Radio resource management in CRSN has been reviewed in various scenarios (i.e., centralized, cluster-based, and distributed). The related issues and challenges are discussed, and future research directions are highlighted.
MAC Protocol for CRSN
Authors: Jamal Amna , Tham Chen-Khong , Wong Wai-Choong
Published: August 2014

Cognitive Radio (CR) technology has gained popularity in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) because of scarcity caused by the increase in number of wireless devices and service, and it provides spectrum-efficient communication for the resource constrained WSNs. However, appropriate protocols have to be devised to satisfy the requirements of both WSNs and CRs and to enjoy the benefits of cognition in sensor networks. In this chapter, the authors review the existing schemes for wired, wireless, and cognitive radio networks. In addition, they propose a novel energy-efficient and spectrum-aware Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for the cognitive radio sensor network. The authors design a spectrum-aware asynchronous duty cycle approach that caters to the requirements of both the domains. The performance of the proposed MAC is evaluated via simulations. Performance evaluations are also compared with MCMAC, a multi-channel MAC for WSNs. The comparative results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the multi-channel scheme for WSN.
Network Layer for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Zubair Suleiman , Fisal Norsheila , Abazeed Mohammed B. , Khalid Zubair , Salihu Yahya O. , Salihu Bala A. , Hassan T. AbdulAzeez  , Suleiman Ahmad
Published: August 2014

Based on recent trends, Cognitive Radio paradigm has become an integral part of future communication networks of which Wireless Sensor Network is an integral part. However, Cognitive Radio (CR) introduces critical issues that have to be addressed for communication in networks to be achieved. Routing, being the core of communication, has to be critically examined within the context of Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks. In this chapter, the authors discuss relevant issues on the topic of routing in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSN). As a basis, a general overview of routing in the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is made. The applicability of these protocols in CRSN is discussed and the need for integrating Opportunistic Spectrum Access components into existing Wireless Sensor Network protocols is exposed. Factors affecting routing in CRSN are outlined with an emphasis on a cross layering design approach based on a generalized framework. Recent works in this respect are categorized, and finally, open issues in need for research attention are pinpointed.
Collective Animal Behaviour Based Optimization Algorithm for IIR System Identification Problem
Authors: Upadhyay P. , Kar R. , Mandal D. , Ghoshal S. P.
Published: August 2014

In this paper a novel optimization technique which is developed on mimicking the collective animal behaviour (CAB) is applied to the infinite impulse response (IIR) system identification problem. Functionality of CAB is governed by occupying the best position of an animal according to its dominance in the group. Enrichment of CAB with the features of randomness, stochastic and heuristic search nature has made the algorithm a suitable tool for finding the global optimal solution. The proposed CAB has alleviated from the defects of premature convergence and stagnation, shown by real coded genetic algorithm (RGA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE) in the present system identification problem. The simulation results obtained for some well known benchmark examples justify the efficacy of the proposed system identification approach using CAB over RGA, PSO and DE in terms of convergence speed, unknown plant coefficients and mean square error (MSE) values produced for IIR system models of both the same order and reduced order.
Intestinal parasitic infections in Okada rural community, Edo State, Nigeria: a four year retrospective study
Authors: Oladeinde Bankole H. , Omoregie Richard , Olley Mitsan , Anunibe Ahamdi J. , Odia Ikponmwosa
Published: August 2014

Intestinal parasitic infections are associated with morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data on prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is sparse in rural Nigeria. Against this background, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections within a four year period in the rural community of Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. Fecal samples obtained from 1528 patients (consisting of 740 males and 788 females) presenting with signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis at the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada were examined for presence of ova, cyst and trophozoites of parasites using standard methods. Patient’s age ranged from 6 months to 73 years. Study was conducted between 2007 and 2010. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections increased significantly (P=0.003) from 14.7% in 2007 to 22.5% in 2010. In the study period, gender did not affect the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (P>0.05). Patients within <1-10 years had significantly higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasitic agent, while Schistosoma japonicum was the least prevalent. With respect to parasite, males were observed to have consistently higher prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was observed to significantly increase from 2007 to 2010. Age was a risk factor for acquiring intestinal parasitic infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasitic agent in all years of study. Control and prevention measures are advocated.
Surviving spinal cord injury in low income countries
Authors: Øderud Tone
Published: August 2014

Background: Mortality rates from injuries are higher for people from poorer economic backgrounds than those with higher incomes (according to the World Health Organization [WHO]), and health care professionals and organisations dealing with people with disabilities experience that individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in low income countries face serious challenges in their daily lives.Objectives: The aims of this study were to explore life expectancy (life expectancy is the average remaining years of life of an individual) and the situation of persons living with SCI in low income settings.Method: Literature studies and qualitative methods were used. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 informants from four study sites in Zimbabwe representing persons with SCI, their relatives and rehabilitation professionals.Results: There are few publications available about life expectancy and the daily life of persons with SCI in low income countries. Those few publications identified and the study findings confirm that individuals with SCI are experiencing a high occurrence of pressure sores and urinary tract infections leading to unnecessary suffering, often causing premature death. Pain and depression are frequently reported and stigma and negative attitudes are experienced in society. Lack of appropriate wheelchairs and services, limited knowledge about SCI amongst health care staff, limited access to health care and rehabilitation services, loss of employment and lack of financial resources worsen the daily challenges.Conclusion: The study indicates that life expectancy for individuals with SCI in low income settings is shorter than for the average population and also with respect to individuals with SCI in high income countries. Poverty worsened the situation for individuals with SCI, creating barriers that increase the risk of contracting harmful pressure sores and infections leading to premature death. Further explorations on mortality and how individuals with SCI and their families in low income settings are coping in their daily life are required to provide comprehensive evidences.
The creation of a measurable contusion injury in skeletal muscle
Authors: Deane Margaret N. , Gregory Michael , Mars Maurice
Published: August 2014

The effect that compressed air massage (CAM) has on skeletal muscle has been ascertained by the morphological and morphometric evaluation of healthy vervet monkey and rabbit skeletal muscle. How CAM may influence the process of healing following a contusion injury is not known. To determine how CAM or other physiotherapeutic modalities may influence healing, it is necessary to create a minor injury that is both reproducible and quantifiable at the termination of a pre-determined healing period. An earlier study described changes in the morphology of skeletal muscle following a reproducible contusion injury. This study extended that work in that it attempted to quantify the ‘severity’ of such an injury. A 201 g, elongated oval-shaped weight was dropped seven times through a 1 m tube onto the left vastus lateralis muscle of four New Zealand white rabbits. Biopsies were obtained 6 days after injury from the left healing juxta-bone and sub-dermal muscle and uninjured (control) right vastus lateralis of each animal. The tissue was fixed in formal saline, embedded in wax, cut and stained with haematoxylin and phosphotungstic haematoxylin. The muscle was examined by light microscopy and quantification of the severity of injury made using a modified, ‘in-house’ morphological index and by the comparative morphometric measurement of the cross-sectioned epimysium and myofibres in injured and control muscle. The results showed that a single contusion causes multiple, quantifiable degrees of injury from skin to bone – observations of particular importance to others wishing to investigate contusion injury in human or animal models.
An interdisciplinary adventure into the worlds of teaching and practical theology
Authors: Botha Carolina S.
Published: August 2014

A constant challenge to researchers and academic scholars in practical theology is to stay relevant and up to date with the constantly evolving academic concepts in which they discourse. These interactions between individuals and intellectual fields often allow for what Julian M�ller terms a �moment of praxis� within their epistemology that functions as a meeting place between different ideas, paradigms and often even different academic disciplines.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article investigated the possibility of creating an interdisciplinary epistemology between practical theology and teaching. By exploring the role that post foundationalist discourse and interdisciplinary conversations can play in identifying and addressing challenges which face teaching, new light can be shed on the relationship between teaching and practical theology which thus highlights correlations between these two relevant fields.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Pattern and Prevalence, Expanding Clinical Awareness through an Institutional Survey with the Perspective of a Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Kossaify Antoine , Akiki Vanessa
Published: August 2014

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently reported in everyday echocardiograms; accurate assessment is essential for appropriate management and decision making

Objective

We performed a self-audit in order to define the prevalence and pattern of MR and to evaluate methods of assessment with the perspective of developing a quality improvement project.

Methods and Setting

This retrospective analytical study was conducted in a university hospital. Inclusion criteria: age more than 18 years and medical records available within the facility, including a “complete” medical history. Using the picture archiving and communication system, we reviewed 961 echocardiograms performed over a 6-month period. The methods of assessment of native mitral valve regurgitation were reported, and also relevant medical data were collected using an electronic archiving system.

Results and Discussion

Among the 961 patients reviewed, 322 (33.50%) had MR, with variable grades. MR pattern (organic versus functional) was not specified in 49.68% of cases. “Eyeball” assessment and “color jet area” were the most frequently used methods for MR assessment (90.06% and 27.95%, respectively), while “vena contracta” and “flow convergence” methods were rarely implemented (1.55% and 2.17%, respectively). Discussion is made according to current guidelines, while showing the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Conclusion

The prevalence of MR was 33.50%, and in nearly half of cases, the MR pattern was not specified. Qualitative and semi-quantitative methods of assessment were mostly used; quantitative assessment should be implemented more frequently, in accordance with current guidelines. Increasing clinical awareness by creating and implementing a quality improvement project is essential in this context.
Time-Dependent Gene Profiling Indicates the Presence of Different Phases for Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Retina
Authors: Andreeva Kalina , Zhang Meixia , Fan Wei , Li Xiaohong , Chen Yinlu , Rebolledo-Mendez Jovan D. , Cooper Nigel G.
Published: August 2014

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury has been associated with several retinal pathologies, and a few genes/gene products have been linked to IR injury. However, the big picture of temporal changes, regarding the affected gene networks, pathways, and processes remains to be determined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate initial, intermediate, and later stages to characterize the etiology of IR injury in terms of the pathways affected over time. Analyses indicated that at the initial stage, 0-hour reperfusion following the ischemic period, the ischemia-associated genes were related to changes in metabolism. In contrast, at the 24-hour time point, the signature events in reperfusion injury include enhanced inflammatory and immune responses as well as cell death indicating that this would be a critical period for the development of any interventional therapeutic strategies. Genes in the signal transduction pathways, particularly transmitter receptors, are downregulated at this time. Activation of the complement system pathway clearly plays an important role in the later stages of reperfusion injury. Together, these results demonstrate that the etiology of injury related to IR is characterized by the appearance of specific patterns of gene expression at any given time point during retinal IR injury. These results indicate that evaluation of treatment strategies with respect to time is very critical.
Las historias cubanas de este siglo. Análisis del discurso de una muestra intencionada de películas de ficción de la última década
Authors: Véliz Gutiérrez Jennifer , Velazco Díaz Ayrén , Salazar Navarro Salvador
Published: August 2014

Introducción. Este artículo comprende los resultados parciales de una investigación sobre los rasgos discursivos de la producción cinematográfica cubana actual, fundamentado en el análisis de los componentes temáticos y formales de las películas objeto de referencia. La selección de autores/obras se deriva del empleo de varias técnicas investigativas y de la consulta a expertos nacionales e internacionales procedentes de ocho países. Metodología. Mediante una estrategia de diseño cualitativo se recurre a la revisión bibliográfico-documental, la entrevista semiestructurada y el análisis de discurso (narratología fílmica) de la producción cinematográfica seleccionada. Resultados y discusión. Seguida de una contextualización sumaria de los antecedentes de la cinematografía/país Cuba, se procede a desmontar críticamente la producción de dos directores relevantes para el análisis de la producción en el ámbito nacional. Conclusiones. Como resultado de esta indagación se arriba a las características y tipicidades de la narratología fílmica de las películas elegidas y los enfoques e inquietudes generacionales dominantes entre los realizadores en estudio.
Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Pre-School-Aged and School-Aged Children in an Urban Slum: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence, Distribution, and Associated Exposures
Authors: Davis Stephanie M. , Worrell Caitlin M. , Wiegand Ryan E. , Odero Kennedy O. , Suchdev Parminder S. , Ruth Laird J. , Lopez Gerard , Cosmas Leonard , Neatherlin John , Njenga Sammy M. , Montgomery Joel M. , Fox LeAnne M.
Published: August 2014

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are controlled by regular mass drug administration. Current practice targets school-age children (SAC) preferentially over pre-school age children (PSAC) and treats large areas as having uniform prevalence. We assessed infection prevalence in SAC and PSAC and spatial infection heterogeneity, using a cross-sectional study in two slum villages in Kibera, Nairobi. Nairobi has low reported STH prevalence. The SAC and PSAC were randomly selected from the International Emerging Infections Program's surveillance platform. Data included residence location and three stools tested by Kato-Katz for STHs. Prevalences among 692 analyzable children were any STH: PSAC 40.5%, SAC 40.7%; Ascaris: PSAC 24.1%, SAC 22.7%; Trichuris: PSAC 24.0%, SAC 28.8%; hookworm < 0.1%. The STH infection prevalence ranged from 22% to 71% between sub-village sectors. The PSAC have similar STH prevalences to SAC and should receive deworming. Small areas can contain heterogeneous prevalences; determinants of STH infection should be characterized and slums should be assessed separately in STH mapping.