bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação qualitativa em modelo experimental fotoelástico do sistema de força gerado pela mola "T" centralizada com pré-ativações preconizadas por Burstone
Authors: Maia Luiz Guilherme Martins , Gomes Vanderlei Luiz , Santos-Pinto Ary dos , Monini André da Costa , Gandini-Jr Luiz Gonzaga
Published: April 2011

OBJETIVO: avaliar o sistema de forças gerado pela mola T centralizada no espaço interbraquete, com pré-ativação preconizada por Burstone. MÉTODOS: utilizando-se modelos fotoelásticos, a mola T com pré-ativações preconizadas por Burstone, confeccionada com fio retangular de titânio-molibdênio (TMA) de secção 0,017"x 0,025", centralizada e com ativação de 6mm, 3mm e em posição neutra. Para melhor confiabilidade dos resultados, os testes foram repetidos em três modelos igualmente duplicados e confeccionados pelo mesmo operador. Utilizou-se uma distância interbraquetes de 27mm. Para compreensão dos resultados, as franjas foram visualizadas através do polariscópio, fotografadas e analisadas qualitativamente. RESULTADOS: por meio da análise qualitativa da ordem de franjas no modelo fotoelástico, notou-se que, nas extremidades de retração e ancoragem, ambas apresentaram simetria no sistema de força, em toda extensão radicular.
Compensatory Growth of Ludwigia (Ludwigia hyssopifolia) in Response to Interference of Direct-Seeded Rice
Authors: Chauhan B. S. , Pame A. R. P. , Johnson D. E.
Published: April 2011

Ludwigia is an important broadleaf weed of direct-seeded rice in Asia. Crop interference that relies on shading may have potential as a component of integrated weed management strategies but it requires understanding the extent to which rice can interfere with weed growth and how these weeds may respond. The growth of ludwigia was studied when grown alone and in competition with 4 and 12 rice (cv. IR72) plants. Rice interference reduced ludwigia height, number of branches, and shoot and root biomass. However, ludwigia showed the ability to reduce the effects of rice interference by increasing leaf weight ratio, increasing stem and leaf biomass in the upper half of the plant, and increasing specific stem length. At 11 wk after seeding, for example, ludwigia grown with 12 rice plants had 38% greater leaf weight ratio compared to plants grown alone. When grown with 12 rice plants, the weed had 82% of its leaf biomass in upper half of the plant compared to only 25% in weeds grown alone. The results showed that ludwigia responded to rice interference with a combination of adaptations typical of many weed species. Despite such plasticity, the control of ludwigia may be achieved by dense rice stands and increasing interference.
Survival of Patients with Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia: Comparisons of Estimates from Clinical Trial Settings and Population-Based Cancer Registries
Authors: Pulte Dianne , Gondos Adam , Redaniel Maria Theresa , Brenner Hermann
Published: April 2011

Introduction.

The survival of patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) has improved during the past decades. However, there have been discrepancies between results reported from clinical trials and population-based studies. We aimed to elucidate the extent of these discrepancies.

Methods.

We examined the 5-year survival rate of patients in clinical trials of CML treatment and compared these results with the survival of patients in the general population using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, correcting for differences in the age structure of the patient populations.

Results.

Twenty-nine trials were identified for data extraction. The survival rate calculated from SEER data was lower than the survival rate in clinical trials in the corresponding period, with differences of 2.1%–50.7%. Age-adapted survival was similar for four trials, but differences up to 35.8% were seen in most. Limitations of the study include the lack of information on chemotherapy in the SEER database and possible heterogeneity of cases.

Discussion.

The survival rate in clinical trials of CML treatment is higher than the survival rate of all patients with CML. We speculate that the difference may be a result of access to better medications, selection of healthier patients for trials, and the time necessary for adoption of new treatments. This finding underscores the need for population-based studies to give a more realistic idea of survival for patients with a given malignancy in the general population.
Quantity, Design, and Scope of the Palliative Oncology Literature
Authors: Hui David , Parsons Henrique A. , Damani Shamsha , Fulton Stephanie , Liu Jun , Evans Avery , De La Cruz Maxine , Bruera Eduardo
Published: April 2011

The current state of the palliative oncology literature is unclear. We examined and compared the quantity, research design, and research topics of palliative oncology publications in the first 6 months of 2004 with the first 6 months of 2009. We systematically searched MEDLINE, PsychInfo, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and CINAHL for original studies, review articles, and systematic reviews related to “palliative care” and “cancer” during the first 6 months of 2004 and 2009. Two physicians reviewed the literature independently and coded the study characteristics with high inter-rater reliability. We found a consistent decrease in the proportion of oncology studies related to palliative care between 2004 and 2009, despite an absolute increase in the total number of palliative oncology studies. Combining the two time periods, the most common original study designs were case report/series, cross-sectional studies, and qualitative studies. Randomized controlled trials comprised 6% of all original studies. The most common topics were physical symptoms, health services research, and psychosocial issues. Communication, decision making, spirituality, education, and research methodologies all represented <5% of the literature. Comparing 2004 with 2009, we found an increase in the proportion of original studies among all palliative oncology publications but no significant difference in study design or research topic. We identified significant deficiencies in the quantity, design, and scope of the palliative oncology literature. Further effort and resources are necessary to improve the evidence base for this important field.
The Politics of Life: Governing Childhood
Authors: Wells Karen
Published: April 2011

This article uses Foucault's analysis of bio-politics to explore continuities between child-saving and child rights and the connection of both to the racial governing of childhood. It shows how the birth of the modern idea of childhood coincided with shifts in governance from sovereignty to bio-politics, or a politics of life. This shift was the ground on which new practices of philanthropic concern acted on the child to produce new ideas about the child's special capacities and vulnerabilities. These novel practices of governance generated new forms of resistance and new sites of struggle. One strand of these new forms of resistance was the assertion of rights to health, welfare and life. It is in the context of struggles over these new kinds of rights, rather than an older conception of political rights, that the shift to the figure of the rights-bearing child should be understood. The shift from sovereignty to bio-politics was also central to the production of sex/sexuality and race as the truth of the modern subject, and the child appeared as a key figure in these new discursive constructions.
Artful Practices: Identities at Work in Play
Authors: Vicars Mark
Published: April 2011

This article considers the connectivity between arts-based pedagogies, multimodality, popular culture, learning and identity work within the semiotic domains of communities of play. Drawing on the artful practices of two Year 5 boys of Vietnamese and Sudanese cultural heritage, it reflects on how cultural artefacts were put to work in identity play during a seven-week drawing class in an urban Australian primary classroom. The article proposes how the technology of play in childhood is increasingly situated and connected to artefacts of identity. The troublesome presence of play challenges the axiomatic, regulatory norms of pedagogical practices in educational domains, and by drawing on the production of multimodal texts as a narrativizing practice the author endeavours to understand how arts-based pedagogies that utilize young people's cultural capital can create teachable moments and have a positive effect on engagement, participation and achievement in learning.
Concerns of Childhood in India
Authors: Konantambigi Rajani M.
Published: April 2011

This article points out some concerns that pertain to facilitating the development of children in context and the geopolitical issues that surround children as the State, community and parental agencies strive to care and rear children. State schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan suffer from the ills of managing country-wide programmes – poor infrastructure support facilities and personnel, lack of adequate monitoring mechanisms, inability to connect to the local realities including beliefs and aspirations of the people and the inability to get the various government departments together to move in tandem; not to forget the rampant corruption in the systems. Rays of hope are the NGOs, some of them at the national level that have made some inroads in the sectors of child protection, health and education. There is the rural/urban divide in the sectors of health, nutrition and education where private entry does not necessarily mean that they are child and parent friendly, they could be inadequate, exploitative and hostile to children and parents, without the knowledge of the latter. This is especially so of the private education sector. With the onslaught of the media, parents struggle to socialise the children as best as they can.
Determinants of Disclosure Noncompliance and the Effect of the SEC Review: Evidence from the 2006 Mandated Compensation Disclosure Regulations
Authors: Robinson John R. , Xue Yanfeng , Yu Yong
Published: April 2011

We investigate the economic forces that influence noncompliance with mandatory compensation disclosures and the effect of a subsequent focused enforcement action. We utilize SEC evaluations of compensation disclosures mandated by rules adopted in 2006 to examine whether noncompliance is associated with excess CEO compensation, proprietary costs, or previous media attention. We further test whether subsequent CEO compensation declines after the SEC publicly identifies noncompliance. We construct measures of defective disclosures from SEC critiques and find that disclosure defects are positively associated with excess CEO compensation and media criticism of CEO compensation during the previous year. We find no evidence supporting the contention that compensation disclosure defects are associated with proprietary costs. Furthermore, we are unable to document that the level of disclosure defects identified by the SEC is associated with a reduction in excess CEO compensation in the subsequent year.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the paper.

JEL Classifications: M52, G32, G38.
Relative Firm Profitability and Stock Return Sensitivity to Industry-Level News
Authors: Hao Shengquan , Jin Qinglu , Zhang Guochang
Published: April 2011

This study provides theory and evidence to demonstrate how relative firm profitability within an industry affects stock return sensitivity to industry-level news. Extending the Cournot and Bertrand competition models, we predict that (1) the returns of less profitable firms in an industry are more sensitive to industry-level news than those of more profitable firms, and that (2) this inverse relation between relative profitability and return sensitivity is more pronounced when there is positive rather than negative industry news, especially in industries with high (versus low) capital intensity. Using industry returns to proxy for industry-level news, we obtain empirical results consistent with these predictions. We further find that the two fundamental factors that contribute to profitability—cost efficiency and market share—each exhibit an effect similar to that of relative profitability in affecting return sensitivity. Our results remain unchanged after controlling for stock price movements attributable to common risk factors and firm-specific accounting information, and they hold over a range of robustness tests.
Internal Control Disclosures, Monitoring, and the Cost of Debt
Authors: Dhaliwal Dan , Hogan Chris , Trezevant Robert , Wilkins Michael
Published: April 2011

We test the relationship between the change in a firm's cost of debt and the disclosure of a material weakness in an initial Section 404 report. We find that, on average, a firm's credit spread on its publicly traded debt marginally increases if it discloses a material weakness. We also examine the impact of monitoring by credit rating agencies and/or banks on this result and find that the result is more pronounced for firms that are not monitored. Additional analysis indicates that the effect of bank monitoring appears to be the primary driver of these monitoring results. This finding is consistent with the argument that banks are effective delegated monitors for the debt market. The results of this study suggest the need for future research, particularly to test the differential effects of monitoring on the cost of debt compared to the cost of equity.
O-GlcNAcylation Increases ChREBP Protein Content and Transcriptional Activity in the Liver
Authors: Guinez Céline , Filhoulaud Gaëlle , Rayah-Benhamed Fadila , Marmier Solenne , Dubuquoy Céline , Dentin Renaud , Moldes Marthe , Burnol Anne-Françoise , Yang Xiaoyong , Lefebvre Tony , Girard Jean , Postic Catherine
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

Carbohydrate-responsive element–binding protein (ChREBP) is a key transcription factor that mediates the effects of glucose on glycolytic and lipogenic genes in the liver. We have previously reported that liver-specific inhibition of ChREBP prevents hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice by specifically decreasing lipogenic rates in vivo. To better understand the regulation of ChREBP activity in the liver, we investigated the implication of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc or O-GlcNAcylation), an important glucose-dependent posttranslational modification playing multiple roles in transcription, protein stabilization, nuclear localization, and signal transduction.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

O-GlcNAcylation is highly dynamic through the action of two enzymes: the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which transfers the monosaccharide to serine/threonine residues on a target protein, and the O-GlcNAcase (OGA), which hydrolyses the sugar. To modulate ChREBPOG in vitro and in vivo, the OGT and OGA enzymes were overexpressed or inhibited via adenoviral approaches in mouse hepatocytes and in the liver of C57BL/6J or obese db/db mice.

RESULTS

Our study shows that ChREBP interacts with OGT and is subjected to O-GlcNAcylation in liver cells. O-GlcNAcylation stabilizes the ChREBP protein and increases its transcriptional activity toward its target glycolytic (L-PK) and lipogenic genes (ACC, FAS, and SCD1) when combined with an active glucose flux in vivo. Indeed, OGT overexpression significantly increased ChREBPOG in liver nuclear extracts from fed C57BL/6J mice, leading in turn to enhanced lipogenic gene expression and to excessive hepatic triglyceride deposition. In the livers of hyperglycemic obese db/db mice, ChREBPOG levels were elevated compared with controls. Interestingly, reducing ChREBPOG levels via OGA overexpression decreased lipogenic protein content (ACC, FAS), prevented hepatic steatosis, and improved the lipidic profile of OGA-treated db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results reveal that O-GlcNAcylation represents an important novel regulation of ChREBP activity in the liver under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Epigenetic Gene Promoter Methylation at Birth Is Associated With Child’s Later Adiposity
Authors: Godfrey Keith M. , Sheppard Allan , Gluckman Peter D. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Burdge Graham C. , McLean Cameron , Rodford Joanne , Slater-Jefferies Joanne L. , Garratt Emma , Crozier Sarah R. , Emerald B. Starling , Gale Catharine R. , Inskip Hazel M. , Cooper Cyrus , Hanson Mark A.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

Fixed genomic variation explains only a small proportion of the risk of adiposity. In animal models, maternal diet alters offspring body composition, accompanied by epigenetic changes in metabolic control genes. Little is known about whether such processes operate in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using Sequenom MassARRAY we measured the methylation status of 68 CpGs 5′ from five candidate genes in umbilical cord tissue DNA from healthy neonates. Methylation varied greatly at particular CpGs: for 31 CpGs with median methylation ≥5% and a 5–95% range ≥10%, we related methylation status to maternal pregnancy diet and to child’s adiposity at age 9 years. Replication was sought in a second independent cohort.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, retinoid X receptor-α (RXRA) chr9:136355885+ and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) chr7:150315553+ methylation had independent associations with sex-adjusted childhood fat mass (exponentiated regression coefficient [β] 17% per SD change in methylation [95% CI 4–31], P = 0.009, n = 64, and β = 20% [9–32], P < 0.001, n = 66, respectively) and %fat mass (β = 10% [1–19], P = 0.023, n = 64 and β =12% [4–20], P = 0.002, n = 66, respectively). Regression analyses including sex and neonatal epigenetic marks explained >25% of the variance in childhood adiposity. Higher methylation of RXRA chr9:136355885+, but not of eNOS chr7:150315553+, was associated with lower maternal carbohydrate intake in early pregnancy, previously linked with higher neonatal adiposity in this population. In cohort 2, cord eNOS chr7:150315553+ methylation showed no association with adiposity, but RXRA chr9:136355885+ methylation showed similar associations with fat mass and %fat mass (β = 6% [2–10] and β = 4% [1–7], respectively, both P = 0.002, n = 239).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a substantial component of metabolic disease risk has a prenatal developmental basis. Perinatal epigenetic analysis may have utility in identifying individual vulnerability to later obesity and metabolic disease.
Kinematic Analysis of the Take-Off and Start of the Early Flight Phase on a Large Hill (HS-134 m) during the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships
Authors: Janura Miroslav , Cabell Lee , Svoboda Zdenek , Elfmark Milan , Zahalka Frantisek
Published: April 2011

Kinematic Analysis of the Take-Off and Start of the Early Flight Phase on a Large Hill (HS-134 m) during the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships

The take-off is often considered the most significant and difficult phase of a ski jump. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare three groups of ski jumpers representing different skill levels during the execution of the take-off and start of the early flight phase in ski jumping. A total of 30 athletes, recruited from competitors performing ski jumps on an HS-134 m jumping hill, were categorized into three groups based on jump-length execution. Two-dimensional (2-D) kinematic data were collected from the lower extremities, trunk, and skis of the ski jumpers. Findings indicated that the ski jumpers with shorter jump length demonstrated significantly smaller in-run velocity (p < .05), while the elite and mediocre level ski jumpers exhibited a significantly faster shift of the thigh at the transition from take-off into the early flight of the jump (p < .05) than did the low-level ski jumpers. In addition, the centre of body mass (CoM) of the elite group shifted significantly more forward over the skis (p < .01) than did that of the other two groups. Finally, interindividual differences existed among ski jumpers at similar performance levels. The largest coefficients of variation (CVs) were found for the position changes of the trunk and shank behind the jumping hill edge.
Anthropometry and throwing velocity in elite water polo by specific playing positions
Authors: Ferragut C. , Abraldes J. , Vila H. , Rodríguez N. , Argudo F. , Fernandes R.
Published: April 2011

Anthropometry and throwing velocity in elite water polo by specific playing positions

The purposes of this study were threefold: to present the specific physical structure of elite water polo players by playing positions, to access its throwing velocity in different conditions (without goalkeeper, with goalkeeper and with previous displacement), and to observe the relationships between the assessed anthropometric and throwing velocity parameters. Nineteen water polo players of the Spanish National Team (nine offensive wings, five center back and five center forwards) were evaluated. The anthropometric profile (particularly the lengths, breaths, girths and skinfolds) was obtained according to the International Working Group of Kinanthropometry, and the throwing velocity was assessed in 3 × 2 maximal intensity shoots (3 min interval) from the penalty line using a radar. It was possible to observe higher values of body mass, BMI, and muscle mass of the center forwards compared to the wings, and foot length of the center backs compared with the wings, reflecting a specific physical profile for each playing position. However, no difference was found between groups regarding the breadths values. In addition, the somatotype of the wings is a balanced mesomorph, and the center backs and center forwards endo-mesomorphs. Despite center backs have higher hand grip values in comparison with wings, no differences were observed between specific playing positions in each throwing condition, as well as between conditions in each specific playing position. Moreover, observing the correlation coefficient values between anthropometric and throwing velocity variables by specific position for the three throwing conditions, a higher number of relationships was found for the center backs and center forwards rather than for the wings. When the total sample was analysed, a superior number of relationships was observed between the studied parameters in throwing with goalkeeper situation. These data reflects the dependence of the throwing skill on the anthropometric characteristics of water polo players.
Eccentric contraction-induced muscle injury does not change walking economy in older adults
Authors: Gault Mandy , Clements Richard , Willems Mark
Published: April 2011

Eccentric contraction-induced muscle injury does not change walking economy in older adults

The aim of the study was to examine whether self-selected walking speed during downhill treadmill walking by older adults would result in muscle injury and changes in physiological responses during level walking. Twenty-six participants (age: 67 ± 4 yrs; height: 1.69 ± 0.09 m; body mass: 74.9 ± 13.1kg) were assigned to level (n = 11, 30 min, 0%) or downhill walking (n=15, 30 min, -10%) at a self-selected walking speed. Self-selected walking speed and exercise intensity were similar for both groups (level: 4.2±0.4 km·hr-1, 42±6% VO2max; downhill: 4.6±0.6 km·hr-1, 44±15% VO2max). After 48-hours, downhill walking had reduced maximal voluntary isometric force of the m. quadriceps femoris (-15%, P<0.001), indicative of muscle injury, but no changes were observed for walking economy, minute ventilation, heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio during level walking. For older adults, downhill walking at a selfselected walking speed causes muscle injury without any detrimental effect on walking economy. Regular downhill walking at a self-selected walking speed by older adults is an eccentric endurance activity that may have the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.
Effects of annual training cycle on the metabolic response to supra-maximal exercise test in beach volleyball players
Authors: Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak Łucja , Lisiecki Damian , Kasprzak Zbigniew , Karolkiewicz Joanna , Śliwicka Ewa , Nowak Alicja , Podgórski Tomasz , Lewandowska Magdalena
Published: April 2011

Effects of annual training cycle on the metabolic response to supra-maximal exercise test in beach volleyball players

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of sports training on the physiological response to supra-maximal exercise during consecutive phases of the annual training cycle. The study was carried out in volleyball players at the onset of each training phase. VO2 max was determined by an indirect method using the Ästand-Rhyming nomogram and biochemical analyses were performed before and after the Wingate test. Concentrations of lactate in capillary blood were measured and levels of glucose, insulin, visfatin, resistin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of serum and the total antioxidative status of plasma were determined using venous blood.

Most significant differences with respect to physiological and biochemical variables centered around the pre-competitive phase when compared to other phases of the annual training cycle. Blood visfatin concentration in highly trained volleyball players is reduced by supra-maximal exercise, whereas levels of resistin remain relatively constant at rest. With the exception of the competitive phase, values of the insulin resistance index fit within the reference range. Levels of lipid peroxidation products were inversely correlated with the insulin resistance index and resistin concentrations.

The physical training during the annual cycle does not affect resistin levels, but influences insulin, glucose and visfatin concentrations, along with markers of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in beach volleyball players.
Defensive actions of world top judoists
Authors: Boguszewski Dariusz
Published: April 2011

Defensive actions of world top judoists

The objective of this work was to define and determine the effectiveness of defensive actions applied in judo fighting. The study was based on recordings of final fights from Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cup (2005-2008). Actions of female and male contestants participating in total of 56 fights were analyzed (to an accuracy of 10-second-periods of time). All actions, including attacks, counter-attacks and defense without counter-attack, were recorded and their effectiveness, preparatory actions, breaks and the referees' decisions were evaluated. Altogether fights of 95 contestants were subjected to analysis. According to the author's classification of defensive actions, 12 types of defense without counter-attack were defined as follows: (1) hand block, (2) hip block, (3) maneuvering around, (4) twist onto abdomen, (5) hand and hip block, (6) hand block and maneuvering around, (7) stepping aside, (8) separation from grasp, (9) leaving the mat, (10) leg entanglement, (11) bridge, (12) return to tachi-waza (escape from ne-waza). Types of defense most often applied according to the study - hand block and twist onto abdomen - were the least effective (93% and 70% respectively). Ashi-waza and te-waza were throws most often applied as counter-attack. However, sutemi-waza throws were most effectively (50%) applied. Highly effective counter-attacks (28%) should serve as a clue for coaches and athletes at the competitive level. The rules set forth by professor Jigoro Kano (among others: "give up in order to win") may not be adequate for today's competition.
Differences in performance indicators between winning and losing teams in the UEFA Champions League
Authors: Lago-Peñas Carlos , Lago-Ballesteros Joaquín , Rey Ezequiel
Published: April 2011

Differences in performance indicators between winning and losing teams in the UEFA Champions League

The aim of the present study was to identify performance indicators that discriminate winning teams from drawing and losing teams in the UEFA Champions League. All 288 matches played at the group stage in the 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 seasons were analyzed. The game-related statistics gathered were: total shots, shots on goal, effectiveness, passes, successful passes, crosses, offsides committed and received, corners, ball possession, crosses against, fouls committed and received, corners against, yellow and red cards, venue, and quality of opposition. Data were analyzed performing a one-way ANOVA and a discriminant analysis. The results showed that winning teams had significantly higher average values that were for the following game statistics: total shots (p<0.01), shots on goal (p<0.01), effectiveness (p<0.01), passes (p<0.05), successful passes (p<0.05), and ball possession (p<0.05). Losing teams had significantly higher values in the variable yellow cards (p<0.01), and red cards (p<0.01). Discriminant analysis allowed to conclude the following: the variables that discriminate between winning, drawing and losing teams were the shots on goal, crosses, ball possession, venue and quality of opposition. Coaches and players should be aware of these different profiles in order to increase knowledge about game cognitive and motor solicitation and, therefore, to design and evaluate practices and competitions for soccer peak performance teams in a collective way.
Wage Determination with Special Reference to Role in a Family
Authors: Filipová Lenka , Machová Zuzana
Published: April 2011

Wage Determination with Special Reference to Role in a Family

The paper has arisen as a part of the project dealing with the questions of measuring of wage determinants and wage discrimination on the basis of different subjective requirements of women and men on their wages. Using the ordered-response model (Ordered Probit), it analysed wage determination on the basis of Mincer's Wage Regression including dummies for role in a family. The analysis was carried out with the total sample of respondents and subsequently separately for men and women. The data were gained from a questionnaire survey carried out in Ostrava city, Czech Republic. In general, the analysis did not prove previous conclusions of theories or empirical studies about prevailing influence of family characteristics on the wage rate. Nevertheless, it proved statistically significant differences in the wage determination between men and women, and showed that in the case of men, some family characteristics may have been important for determining the wages.
Comparison of Tracking Methods in Respect of Automation of an Animal Behavioral Test
Authors: Mazur-Milecka Magdalena , Nowakowski Antoni
Published: April 2011

Comparison of Tracking Methods in Respect of Automation of an Animal Behavioral Test

Automation in experiments carried out on animals is getting more and more important in research. Computers take over laborious and time-consuming activities like recording and analysing images of the experiment scene. The first step in an image analysis is finding and distinguishing between the observed animals and then tracking all objects during the experiment. In this paper four tracking methods are presented. Quantitative and qualitative figures of merit are applied to confront those methods. The comparison takes into consideration the level of correct object recognition during different disturbances, the speed of computation, requirements as to the frame rate and image illumination, quality of recovering from occluded situations and others.
Surface Roughness Analysis in Milling of Tungsten Carbide with CBN Cutters
Authors: Twardowski Paweł
Published: April 2011

Surface Roughness Analysis in Milling of Tungsten Carbide with CBN Cutters

In this paper, an experimental surface roughness analysis in milling of tungsten carbide using a monolithic torus cubic boron nitride (CBN) tool is presented. The tungsten carbide was received using direct laser deposition technology (DLD). The depth of cut (ap), feed per tooth (fz) and tool wear (VBc) influence on surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz) were investigated. The cutting forces and accelerations of vibrations were measured in order to estimate their quantitative influence onRaandRzparameters. The surface roughness analysis, from the point of view of milling dynamics was carried out. The dominative factor in the research was not feed per toothfz(according to a theoretical model) but dynamical phenomena and feed per revolutionfconnected with them.
Two Heuristic Algorithms for Test Point Selection in Analog Circuit Diagnoses
Authors: Pułka Andrzej
Published: April 2011

Two Heuristic Algorithms for Test Point Selection in Analog Circuit Diagnoses

The paper presents a heuristic approach to the problem of analog circuit diagnosis. Different optimization techniques in the field of test point selection are discussed. Two new algorithms: SALTO and COSMO have been introduced. Both searching procedures have been implemented in a form of the expert system in PROLOG language. The proposed methodologies have been exemplified on benchmark circuits. The obtained results have been compared to the others achieved by different approaches in the field and the benefits of the proposed methodology have been emphasized. The inference engine of the heuristic algorithms has been presented and the expert system knowledge-base construction discussed.
Himmelstochter
Authors: Kuppinger Petra
Published: April 2011

Hülya Kandemir’s book, Himmelstochter (Daughter of heaven), chronicles her transformation from a well-known regional pop singer to a pious Muslima in Germany. Kandemir describes her turn to Islam and the ensuing fine-tuned construction of a modern pious Muslim subjectivity in the contexts of a growing Muslim German public sphere, Muslim German cultural production, and the public sphere at large. Kandemir’s transformation unfolds in Germany in the middle of an often young and visible larger movement of Muslim piety. Her narrative and experience transcend her individual life and demonstrate debates among groups of younger Muslims across ethnic lines. In this paper I introduce Kandemir’s book and trajectory to illustrate aspects of dynamic transformations underway among groups of younger European Muslims. Drawing on a reading of the book and ethnographic observation at a major cultural event, I illustrate how Islam powerfully remakes the lives of young Muslims like Kandemir in ways that are also uniquely German or European. I argue that in particular young Muslimas enter debates and lifeworlds of piety regardless of considerable animosity or even rejection from dominant society. In the process they further Muslim German cultural production and establish themselves as pious Muslimas in the public sphere at large.
Mizrahi Feminism and the Question of Palestine
Authors: Lavie Smadar
Published: April 2011

This paper analyzes the failure of Israel’s Ashkenazi (Jewish, of European, Yiddish-speaking origin) feminist peace movement to work within the context of Middle East demographics, cultures, and histories and, alternately, the inabilities of the Mizrahi (Oriental) feminist movement to weave itself into the feminist fabric of the Arab world. Although Ashkenazi elite feminists in Israel are known for their peace activism and human rights work, from the Mizrahi perspective their critique and activism are limited, if not counterproductive. The Ashkenazi feminists have strategically chosen to focus on what Edward Said called the Question of Palestine—a well funded agenda that enables them to avoid addressing the community-based concerns of the disenfranchised Mizrahim. Mizrahi communities, however, silence their own feminists as these activists attempt to challenge the regime or engage in discourse on the Question of Palestine. Despite historical changes, the Ashkenazi-Mizrahi distinction is a racialized formation so resilient it manages to sustain itself through challenges rather than remain a frozen dichotomy.
Views and Reviews
Authors: Stephenson Jenn
Published: April 2011

Money, Money: Is Theatre a Rich Man's Game?, by Robin Breon

How to Be Indie: The Fight for Independent Theatre Artists to Get What They Need from the Canadian Actors' Equity Association, by Alison Broverman

What Did You Say about My Mama? On Being Productively Uppity, by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard

Marlis Schweitzer, When Broadway was the Runway: Theatre, Fashion, and American Culture, reviewed by Sally Charnow

Kim Solga, D.J. Hopkins, and Shelley Orr, eds., Performance and the City: Performing and Writing Urban Space, reviewed by Helen Paris
Results from the First-Round of Bangladesh Environmental Technology Verification - Support to Arsenic Mitigation (BETV-SAM) Field Test
Authors: Amiri Ali S , Morsheda E , Kazi AI , Siraj S , Ahmed S , Akbor MA
Published: April 2011

The Bangladesh Environmental Technology Verification - Support to Arsenic Mitigation (BETV-SAM) program objectively assessed thirteen arsenic removal technologies (ARTs) that had been submitted for performance verification, and selected seven technologies for the field testing and performance verification. Each technology was deployed to five hydrogeologically distinct regions of Bangladesh and was tested on five wells (with replicate units installed and tested on two wells). Raw and treated water samples were collected at regular intervals and were analysed for arsenic and other water quality parameters. The data were analysed using standard statistical software and the performance of individual ARTs have been evaluated and compared with the proponent's claim. Two technologies (STAR & CIWP) performed well while five other technologies performed poorly and their claims were rejected. The results of the first-round of the BETV-SAM field testing and performance verification program presented and discussed in this paper, may be important from a technological design and development point of view. Key words: Arsenic removal technology; Field testing; Performance verification; Water quality parameters. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7325 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 289-302, 2010
Some Aspects of Biology of Chola Punti Puntius Chola (Hamilton) from the Kangsa River
Authors: Saha Bi K , Saha A
Published: April 2011

The mean values of total length (75.89 ± 13.09 mm), standard length (54.98 ± 7.07 mm), fork length (60.86 ± 9.14 mm), head length (14.75 ± 2.05 mm), snout length (3.79 ± 0.61 mm), pre-dorsal length (31.53 ± 3.18 mm), height of body (20.2 ± 4.11 mm) and total weight (6.62 ± 3.55g) of combined sex of Puntius chola were calculated. Relationships between total length and standard length, fork length, head length, snout length and pre-dorsal length of Puntius chola were found to be linear, positive and highly significant. The length-weight relationship in male, female and combined sex were determined as Log W=-4.510+2.810 Log L, LogW=-4.204+2.685 Log L and Log W=4.465+2.808 Log L respectively. The mean values of condition factor from observed value (ko) of male, female and combined sex were determined as 1.36 ± 0.089, 1.599 ± 0.181 and 1.515 ± 0.192 respectively. The mean values of condition factor from calculated value (kc) of male, female and combined sex were found to be 1.362 ± 0.054, 1.6 ± 0.124 and 1.511 ± 0.075 respectively. The mean values of relative condition factor of male, female and combined sex were registered as 0.999 ± 0.044 , 0.999 ± 0.064 and 0.999 ± 0.112 respectively. Sex ratio was found to be 1:1. Key words: Standard length; Pre-dorsal length; Puntius chola; Morphomertric; Fish culture. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7327 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 309-314, 2010
Effect of Soil Moisture Regimes on Growth and Yield of Mulberry
Authors: Paul NK , Qaiyyum MA
Published: April 2011

Effect of three levels of irrigation viz., no irrigation (I0), irrigation once a month (I1) and irrigations twice a month (I2) on some growth attributes and leaf yield and some of its components of five mulberry varieties were studied in field condition. Significant effect of irrigation on relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and relative leaf growth rate (RLGR) was observed. lrrigation also had significant effect on leaf yield and some of its components. The overall results indicated that twice irrigations in a month with mulberry variety BM-4 could be used for higher leaf yield. Key words: Mulberry; lrrigation; Growth parameters; Leaf yield DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7331 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 331-336, 2010
Electron Irradiation of Carbon Nanotubes: A Credible Defect Generation Technique to Improve Hydrogen Storage for Future
Authors: Kibria AKM Fazle
Published: April 2011

Electron irradiation technique was employed to induce atomic-scale defects in the walls of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using electron beam of energy 120 keV and dose of 2.16 x 1017 electrons cm-2s-1. Structural transformations of the tubes attributable to irradiation exposure were monitored by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and recorded by the connected CCD camera. It was observed that only five seconds (5s) of irradiation could shrink MWCNTs of diameter 15 nm having 11 graphitic layers towards the interior hole up to 2.2 nm and bend the tube. Irradiation incorporated vacancies and the topological defects generated on the tube walls were responsible for it. It was found that the electron irradiation could destroy such MWCNTs within 9 minutes. It was speculated that irradiation induced vacancies and their adjacent dangling bonds (DBs), the pentagon and octagon rings originated from the transformations of vacancies are highly influential to enhance the hydrogen storage in MWCNTs. From the time dependent HRTEM observations, it was found out that electron irradiation period less than 4 minutes is the optimum exposure time to achieve benefit of hydrogen storage in the MWCNTs as used in the present investigation. Electron irradiation induced defects could be used to enhance hydrogen storage in MWCNTs for future applications. Keywords: Carbon nanotube; Electron irradiation; Defect; Vacancy; Hydrogen storage DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7378 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 337-344, 2010
Litter Mass and Nutrient Dynamics in a Transformed Rainforest Ecosystem in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojo AF , Kadeba TOS , Kayode J
Published: April 2011

Litter mass and nutrient changes were studied in a tropical rainforest after the original vegetation was converted to a monoculture plantation of teak. (Tectona grandis Lim.) in Akure forest reserve in southwestern Nigeria. The amount of litter and macronutrients N, P, K, Ca and Mg in litterfall were determined and qualified. The difference in the mean annual litterfall of 6,688 kg ha-1 yr-1 and 3,774 kg ha-1 yr-1 for the natural forest and plantation respectively are in the ratio 2:1. The mean monthly litterfall was statistically significant at 5% probability level. Except for N, nutrient recycling from litterfall showed no significant difference between the two ecosystems. The relative content of the nutrient elements in the litterfall were in the order Ca>Mg>K>N>P in the plantation. Result showed that even though there was lot in litterfall as a result of the conversion, such was not enough to adversely affect the nutrient level of litter and overall litter nutrient contribution to the ecosystem. Key words: Teak; Litter mass; Macronutrients; Tropical rainforest DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7380 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 351-358, 2010
Retention of Nutritional Quality of Solar Dried Carrot (Daucus carota L.) During Storage
Authors: Rahman MM , Kibria G , Karim QR , Khanom SA , Islam L , Islam Farid , Begum Maksuda
Published: April 2011

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a root crop. It belongs to the umbelliferae family. Carrot contains the highest amount of carotene among all the fruits and vegetables which the body converts to vitamin-A. Carrot was dried in a solar drier and packed in polyethylene bags, heat sealed and kept in tin container at ambient temperature for 8 (eight) months. Moisture, reducing sugar, total sugar, starch, protein, fat, vitamin-C, ß-carotene content, energy value and reconstitution time of the product were analysed during its storage period at the interval of 2 months. The initial nutrient of fresh carrot and solar dried carrot for the above parameters were analysed. During the storage period protein, starch and total sugar content decreased slightly, vitamin-C decreased remarkably, â-carotene content decreased very slowly and moisture content increased gradually. Sensory properties such as appearance, colour, flavour, texture, taste and physical parameters such as over-all shrinkage ratio, drying ratio, rehydration ratio of the product were also assessed. By assessing all the parameters it is revealed that the product is acceptable for 6 (Six) months. Key words: Carrot; Solar drying; Storage behaviour; Physical parameters; Nutrients DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7381 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 359-362, 2010
Adsorption Studies of Copper on Rice Husk Ash (RHA)
Authors: Naeem Sumra , Zahra Naseem , Zafar Uzma
Published: April 2011

In present investigation the adsorption of copper on rice husk ash was studied by using batch technique. The quantities of copper metal before and after the treatment of their standard solutions with rice husk ash were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Percentage adsorption was calculated for RHA-Copper solution system. The effects of various parameters, such as pH of solution, contact time, temperature and adsorbate concentration were studied. It was observed that adsorption of copper increased with increasing time, temperature, pH and decreased with increasing adsorbate concentration. Adsorption process is interpreted in terms of Freundlich equation. It was found that rice husk ash can be used as a suitable adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater. Key words: Adsorption; Copper; Rice husk ash DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7382 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 367-370, 2010
Investigation on Physico-Chemical Properties of Vitreous China Sanitary Ware from Local Clays
Authors: Parveen Shahnaj , Jahan Shirin Akter
Published: April 2011

The cost of producing sanitary ware in Bangladesh is substantially low as compared to the advanced countries, because of low labour cost and abundance of basic raw materials. Ten sanitary ware compositions were prepared using Bijoypur clay, black clay, red clay, ball clay and china clay with fluxes and filler materials. Chemical compositions of the raw materials and the formulated batch compositions were determined. Physical properties (linear shrinkage, bulk density, apparent porosity, water absorption etc) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) of the prepared body compositions were also determined. The sample specimens were fired at 1150°C and 1200°C. Compositions S-3, S-4, S- 5, S-7, S-8 and S-10 at 1150°C were found to be of good quality. Key words: Linear shrinkage; Bulk density; Water absorption; MOR; Red clay; Black clay. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7386 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 387-392, 2010