bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks: Parametric and Convex Transformations
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Illanko Kandasamy , Karmokar Ashok , Anpalagan Alagan , Jaseemuddin Muhammad
Published: August 2013

Designing energy-efficient cognitive radio sensor networks is important to intelligently use battery energy and to maximize the sensor network life. In this paper, the problem of determining the power allocation that maximizes the energy-efficiency of cognitive radio-based wireless sensor networks is formed as a constrained optimization problem, where the objective function is the ratio of network throughput and the network power. The proposed constrained optimization problem belongs to a class of nonlinear fractional programming problems. Charnes-Cooper Transformation is used to transform the nonlinear fractional problem into an equivalent concave optimization problem. The structure of the power allocation policy for the transformed concave problem is found to be of a water-filling type. The problem is also transformed into a parametric form for which a ε-optimal iterative solution exists. The convergence of the iterative algorithms is proven, and numerical solutions are presented. The iterative solutions are compared with the optimal solution obtained from the transformed concave problem, and the effects of different system parameters (interference threshold level, the number of primary users and secondary sensor nodes) on the performance of the proposed algorithms are investigated.
Measurement of Phase Difference for Micromachined Gyros Driven by Rotating Aircraft
Authors: Zhang Zengping , Zhang Fuxue , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2013

This paper presents an approach for realizing a phase difference measurement of a new gyro. A silicon micromachined gyro was mounted on rotating aircraft for aircraft attitude control. Aircraft spin drives the silicon pendulum of a gyro rotating at a high speed so that it can sense the transverse angular velocity of the rotating aircraft based on the gyroscopic precession principle when the aircraft has transverse rotation. In applications of the rotating aircraft single channel control system, such as damping in the attitude stabilization loop, the gyro signal must be kept in sync with the control signal. Therefore, the phase difference between both signals needs to be measured accurately. Considering that phase difference is mainly produced by both the micromachined part and the signal conditioning circuit, a mathematical model has been established and analyzed to determine the gyro’s phase frequency characteristics. On the basis of theoretical analysis, a dynamic simulation has been done for a case where the spin frequency is 15 Hz. Experimental results with the proposed measurement method applied to a silicon micromachined gyro driven by a rotating aircraft demonstrate that it is effective in practical applications. Measured curve and numerical analysis of phase frequency characteristic are in accordance, and the error between measurement and simulation is only 5.3%.
An Improved Algorithm to Generate a Wi-Fi Fingerprint Database for Indoor Positioning
Authors: Chen Lina , Li Binghao , Zhao Kai , Rizos Chris , Zheng Zhengqi
Published: August 2013

The major problem of Wi-Fi fingerprint-based positioning technology is the signal strength fingerprint database creation and maintenance. The significant temporal variation of received signal strength (RSS) is the main factor responsible for the positioning error. A probabilistic approach can be used, but the RSS distribution is required. The Gaussian distribution or an empirically-derived distribution (histogram) is typically used. However, these distributions are either not always correct or require a large amount of data for each reference point. Double peaks of the RSS distribution have been observed in experiments at some reference points. In this paper a new algorithm based on an improved double-peak Gaussian distribution is proposed. Kurtosis testing is used to decide if this new distribution, or the normal Gaussian distribution, should be applied. Test results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the positioning accuracy, as well as reduce the workload of the off-line data training phase.
Dendrometer bands made easy: Using modified cable ties to measure incremental growth of trees
Authors: Anemaet Evelyn R. , Middleton Beth A.
Published: August 2013

• Premise of the study: Dendrometer bands are a useful way to make sequential repeated measurements of tree growth, but traditional dendrometer bands can be expensive, time consuming, and difficult to construct in the field. An alternative to the traditional method of band construction is to adapt commercially available materials. This paper describes how to construct and install dendrometer bands using smooth‐edged, stainless steel, cable tie banding and attachable rollerball heads.

• Methods and Results: As a performance comparison, both traditional and cable tie dendrometer bands were installed on baldcypress trees at the National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, by both an experienced and a novice worker. Band installation times were recorded, and growth of the trees as estimated by the two band types was measured after approximately one year, demonstrating equivalence of the two methods.

• Conclusions: This efficient approach to dendrometer band construction can help advance the knowledge of long‐term tree growth in ecological studies.
Iron-catalyzed decarboxylative alkenylation of cycloalkanes with arylvinyl carboxylic acids via a radical process
Authors: Zhao Jincan , Fang Hong , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: August 2013

A Fe(acac)3-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of 2-(aryl)vinyl carboxylic acids with cycloalkanes was developed by using DTBP as an oxidant through a radical process. This reaction tolerates a wide range of substrates, and products are obtained in good to excellent yields (71–95%). The reaction also shows excellent stereoselectivity, and only trans-isomers are obtained.
Le vieillissement au travail
Authors: Vendramin Patricia , Valenduc Gérard
Published: August 2013

Pour répondre aux coûts engendrés par le vieillissement de la population, plusieurs mesures ont été prises afin de maintenir davantage de travailleurs sur le marché de l’emploi jusqu’à l’âge légal de la pension. Ces mesures ne comportent pas de dispositions visant à améliorer la qualité de vie au travail pour les personnes de plus de 50 ans. Elles se heurtent dès lors à la réalité quotidienne de certaines conditions de travail : est-il fondé de demander aux travailleurs vieillissants de continuer à exercer leur métier jusqu’à l’âge de 65 ans ? Le présent Courrier hebdomadaire s’appuie sur les résultats de deux enquêtes datant de 2010 : l’enquête européenne sur les conditions de travail (EWCS), due à Eurofound et portant notamment sur la Belgique, et l’enquête belge sur les forces de travail (LFS), réalisée par Statbel. Sur la base de ces diverses données, P. Vendramin et G. Valenduc dressent le profil statistique des travailleurs belges de plus de 50 ans (par branche d’activité, sexe, taux d’occupation…) et étudient la réalité de leurs conditions de travail (pénibilité, stress, soutien des supérieurs hiérarchiques, perspectives professionnelles…). Ils analysent aussi la perception qu’ont les travailleurs vieillissants de la soutenabilité de leur travail, c’est-à-dire leur sentiment d’être ou non capables d’exécuter les mêmes tâches lorsqu’ils auront 60 ans, et leur volonté de réduire leur temps de travail en fin de carrière. L’étude pointe les principaux facteurs qui influencent les possibilités de maintien dans l’emploi : la qualité du travail (contenu, environnement, conditions d’emploi, relations sociales), la santé et la conciliation entre vie professionnelle et vie privée.
Genetic diversity in peripheral and central populations of the Cantabrian endemism Genista legionensis (Pau) M. Laínz (Fabaceae)
Authors: Cires Eduardo , Pérez René , Bueno Álvaro , Fernández Prieto José Antonio
Published: August 2013

The impact of habitat fragmentation and isolation on the genetic diversity of populations has attracted much attention in studies of plant conservation. The central-peripheral population hypothesis predicts that peripheral populations have reduced genetic variability, so it is often assumed that they deserve higher conservation priority over central populations. In this work, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), we studied the genetic diversity of central and peripheral populations of the Cantabrian endemism Genista legionensis (Fabaceae). At the species level, percentage of polymorphic bands, Nei heterozygosity and Shannon information index were PPB = 89.21%, Hε = 0.246 and I = 0.377, respectively. The study revealed that peripheral populations were smaller in number, with lower levels of genetic diversity compared to the central populations. Furthermore, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the variability was partitioned among populations, also supported by principal coordinates analysis. This study indicates that the decrease in diversity from central to peripheral populations could be explained as a result of edge effect and fragmentation through the enhanced inbreeding and genetic drift, and thus supported the view that habitat fragmentation and related edge effect reduce the population genetic diversity. However, the presence of discriminating fragments in the peripheral populations suggests their conservation in order to preserve the genetic diversity in the Cantabrian endemism G. legionensis.
Typification of Solanum species (Solanaceae) described by Casimiro Gómez Ortega
Authors: Knapp Sandra
Published: August 2013

Neotypes are designated for six names coined by Casimiro Gómez Ortega that were described as members of the large genus Solanum (Solanaceae), Solanum crassifolium, S. cymosum, S. ficifolium, S. leprosum, S. subbiflorum, and S. violaceum. A brief introduction describes the role of Gómez Ortega the botany of his time, and identifies difficulties in typifying names published by him. The currently accepted name for each taxon is given. Each typification is accompanied by a discussion of the reasoning behind the choice of specimen, and all neotypes are illustrated except that of S. crassifolium, which has been illustrated earlier.
A Review of Tools for Overcoming the Challenge of Monitoring of Social Media
Authors: Figueroa Carlos , Otero Abraham
Published: August 2013

Until recently, a company's communications with the public were unidirectional and mostly limited to advertisements in mass media. This gave companies almost complete control over their brand and image. Nowadays, a new set of media, in which the public has similar capabilities for creating content as companies has emerged: social media. The growth of this medium has been exponential, endowing it with a reach that can dwarf traditional mass media. Having or not having a presence in such media is not just a choice of the company. The company's customers and the general public can generate content related to a company without the company’s consent. There is no way for the company to avoid it. All they can do is listen to the conversations, engage in them, and try to dampen negative feelings while steering the overall conversation in positive directions. Given the size of social networks and the large number of conversations that they support on a daily basis, manual monitoring is impossible. In this chapter, the authors review and evaluate various tools to support the tasks of monitoring and managing the content of social media that is relevant for a company, a brand, or a product.
Use of Social Network for Business in Public Relations
Authors: Jerman Damjana , Završnik Bruno
Published: August 2013

Before the development of the Internet, there were only a few major media outlets that organizations could use to reach their target audiences. Subsequently, public relations practitioners were able to carefully control all forms of communication. The arrival of new media in the past few years has posed an array of new opportunities but also threats. The public has developed a need to access news and information practically before it exists, and so there is a growing desire to find out what's new via social network sites. With the introduction of social networks, business organizations should identify those social networks representing their target audiences; they should control and participate in them. This chapter describes basic characteristics of social networks and their role for public relations.
How to Value and Monitor the Relational Capital of Knowledge-Intensive Organizations
Authors: Barão Alexandre , da Silva Alberto Rodrigues
Published: August 2013

Knowledge management systems are a way to help tracking and keeping organizational knowledge. Typically, organizations value is greater than their tangible assets value. Human, structural, and relational capital is essential knowledge but difficult to evaluate because it tends to be tacit and spread in different organizational elements. The relational capital, as tacit knowledge, is not possible to capture its value as from accounting systems. There is a lack of models to evaluate the relational capital of organizations in a network perspective and this research question is: What is the value of this social network? SNARE (Social Network Analysis and Reengineering Environment) is a framework with engineering artifacts that can answer this question. With the aim of evaluating the relational capital of organizations, the authors develop three SNARE components: (1) SNARE-Language – a descriptive UML-based method that provides a representation of an abstract social network structure able to be extended and applied to organizations; (2) SNARE-RCO – a model to determine the relational capital of organizations; and (3) SNARE-Explorer – based on SNARE-Language, is a tool for social networks visualization able to simulate or use real social network scenarios. It also uses SNARE-RCO model to compute the value of the organizational relational capital. The chapter presents an approach for the measurement of the value of organizations' networks.
Critical Success Factors in Enterprise 2.0
Authors: Silva Ana
Published: August 2013

While evangelists and enthusiasts of Enterprise 2.0 praise the benefits of the use of social software in the workplace, the sceptics are not that convinced and some draw attention to the failures of the Knowledge Management concept and tools that were trendy some years ago. In parallel, board members and top management question the true business benefits of Enterprise 2.0 and demand proof of the potential business value prior to giving a green light to this type of investment. If it is true that some of the benefits of Enterprise 2.0 are intangible and therefore harder to measure, the impact on business performance should be observable and consequently measurable. This chapter reflects on the importance of addressing the topic of business performance when it comes to social software in the enterprise. It also discusses the importance of integrating social software into the flow of work in order to drive adoption and sustained use.
Internal Social Networks
Authors: Heitmann Martin , Goepel Monique
Published: August 2013

This chapter examines how the concept of social networks can be effectively transferred to a business context and why some of the promises associated with network use might be misleading. Special emphasis is given to the issue of co-determination within social networks in the light of networks’ proposed benefits for modern companies. The chapter draws relevant insights from literature research and provides a comparison of social networks, user innovation communities, and company requirements. Findings are illustrated by three respective cases from the context of different networks, communities, as well as from network use in business contexts.
Experts vs. Novices
Authors: Almendros Esmeralda Crespo , García Salvador del Barrio
Published: August 2013

As each year sees an increase in the number of Internet users, so too the percentage of purchases made online increases. It is for this reason that firms are showing a growing interest in designing effective communication strategies that help to achieve their online business objectives. Online sales promotion is one of the most widely used communication tools on the Internet. However, there is little research into its effect on purchase intention and how this effect may vary depending on the type of incentive offered and the consumer’s level of experience in using the Internet. This chapter seeks to analyze which types of online sales promotions (utilitarian vs. hedonic) are most effective at triggering online purchasing and whether the user’s past experience of the Internet is capable of moderating the effect of the type of incentive on online purchasing.
Reply Timing as Emotional Strategy in Mobile Text Communications of Japanese Young People
Authors: Kato Yuuki , Kato Shogo , Chida Kunihiro
Published: August 2013

This study investigates the timing of replies to mobile phone text messages focusing especially on the timing of replies from the perspective of the “recipient” of the message. In a previous study, the authors evaluated the timing of replies and the emotional strategies associated with such timing from the perspective of the “sender” and found they employed an emotional strategy whereby they “waited” before responding to mobile text messages in order to continue positive communication. In the present study, they examine if the same strategy is as effective from the perspective of recipients of the messages. Specifically, study participants were asked by questionnaire to rate what emotions they would feel and to what degree when the other party waited before replying to the mobile text messages the participants had sent, where the message sent had conveyed one of four emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, or guilt. These four emotional scenarios are the same as used in the previous study to allow for comparative analysis of the two studies. Additionally, participants in the present study were asked to provide freeform responses for scenarios where they felt it was desirable to wait before replying themselves. The results show differences between the emotional strategic intent of senders for waiting before replying, as determined in the previous study, and how this is perceived by the recipients. The results suggest that there are gaps in perception between senders and recipients regarding the intentional manipulation of reply timing (especially waiting before replying). One suggested gap is that senders that intentionally manipulate the timing of replies for negative or hostile emotions, such as sadness, anger, or guilt, run the risk of making the recipient feel the opposite of the sender’s intended outcome.
Texted Environmental Campaign in China
Authors: Wang Yuanxin
Published: August 2013

This chapter examines how local residents were informed and rallied by the Internet and mobile phone messages for an unprecedented protest against the construction of a hazardous chemical plant in Xiamen, China, and how the municipal government responded by encouraging public participation in environmental decision making via the same communicational platforms. Using combined research methods including interviews and secondary data analysis, this research investigates the role of the Internet and cell phone message in mobilizing the general public to participate in the environmental protection movement in China. The role of Word Of Mouth (WOM) in the environmental movement is discovered for the first time. The unique mechanism of cellular telephones and the Internet in public participation involving multiple stakeholders in China’s environmental policy-making process is also discussed.
The Role of Communication in Online Trust
Authors: Chaari Latifa
Published: August 2013

This chapter aims at better understanding the behavior of the Internet user. It suggests studying the role of communication on the trust of Internet users towards commercial Websites. In order to realize this research, the authors mobilized the Communicative Action Theory of Jürgen Habermas (1987). Therefore, they have brought a new perspective in understanding online trust following action theory. For Habermas, communication is an action that depends on contextual, cultural, and human factors, which cannot be reduced to deterministic mechanisms. He deals with three types of action, which an actor might pursue following his interests, which can be instrumental, strategic, or emancipatory. The instrumental and strategic are purposive-rational actions, which aim at achieving success and at developing a calculated trust based on calculation of the advantages and the costs of the relation, whereas, the communicative action is coordinated by mutual understanding that allows the development of a relational trust based on social interactions. In communicative action, mutual understanding through language allows the social integration of actors and the coordination of their plans and their different interests. In this case, trust is based on a common definition of the situation and the resolution of conflicts of interests between actors. Internet is a medium of communication that can support the three kinds of action. The instrumental and strategic actions allow the development of calculated trust, whereas the communicative action allows the development of relational trust based on social interaction and mutual comprehension.
Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Adenanthin on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Yin Qian-Qian , Liu Chuan-Xu , Wu Ying-Li , Wu Shao-Fang , Wang Yan , Zhang Xia , Hu Xiao-Juan , Pu Jian-Xin , Lu Ying , Zhou Hu-Chen , Wang Hong-Lin , Nie Hong , Sun Han-Dong , Chen Guo-Qiang
Published: August 2013

Adenanthin, a diterpenoid isolated from the leaves of Isodon adenanthus, has been reported to possess antileukemic activity through targeting peroxiredoxin I/II. However, its other potential activities remain to be explored. Using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis, we report in this study that adenanthin exerts efficaciously preventive and therapeutic effects on EAE accompanied by significant restriction of infiltration of inflammatory cells and demyelination in CNS. Adenanthin-presented immunomodulatory effects on EAE are correlated with suppressed proliferation of MOG35–55-reactive T cells, decreased Th1 and Th17 cells, increased regulatory T cell populations, decreased production of serum proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced stimulatory capacity of APCs, which might be mediated by its inhibitory action on NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results propose that, as a novel NF-κB inhibitor, adenanthin has potent immunomodulatory activity for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and possibly other autoimmune disorders.
Information technology as a facilitator of suppliers’ collaborative communication, network governance and relationship longevity in supply chains
Authors: Chinomona Richard
Published: August 2013

There is an increasing awareness about the paramount importance of information technology within business in the context of large businesses. However, research about the investigation of the role of information technology resources in fostering collaborative communication, network governance and relationship longevity in the small and medium enterprise sector has remained scant. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of information technology on collaborative communication, network governance and relationship longevity in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. Five research hypotheses were posited and sample data from 162 small and medium enterprise suppliers were collected and used to empirically test the hypotheses. The results of this study showed that information technology resources positively influenced small and medium enterprise suppliers’ collaborative communication, network governance and consequential relationship longevity with their buyers in a significant way. Overall, the current study findings provided tentative support to the proposition that information technology resources, collaborative communication and network governance should be recognised as significant antecedents for improved relationship longevity between suppliers and their buyers in the SME setting. Therefore, managers in the small and medium enterprise sector and small and medium enterprise owners need to pay attention to both collaborative communication and network governance in order to optimise information technology resource impact on their relationship longevity with their business counterparts. Limitations and future research directions were also indicated.
Small Flag Complexes with Torsion
Authors: Adamaszek Michał
Published: August 2013

We classify flag complexes on at most 12 vertices with torsion in the first homology group. The result is moderately computer-aided. As a consequence we confirm a folklore conjecture that the smallest poset whose order complex is homotopy equivalent to the real projective plane (and also the smallest poset with torsion in the first homology group) has exactly 13 elements.
Nutrients and water temperature are significant predictors of cyanobacterial biomass in a 1147 lakes data set
Authors: Beaulieu Marieke , Pick Frances , Gregory-Eaves Irene
Published: August 2013

Using a ∼ 1000 lake data set that spans the entire continental United States, we applied empirical modeling approaches to quantify the relative strength of nutrients and water temperature as predictors of cyanobacterial biomass (CBB). Given that cyanobacteria possess numerous traits providing competitive advantage under warmer conditions, we hypothesized that water temperature, in addition to nutrients, is a significant predictor of CBB. Total nitrogen (TN), water temperature, and total phosphorus were all significant predictors of CBB, with TN explaining the most variance. Using multiple linear regression analysis, we found that TN and water temperature provided the best model and explained 25% of the variance in CBB. However, when the data set was divided according to basin type, these same variables explained a higher amount of the variation in deep natural lakes (33%, n = 253), whereas the least amount of variation was explained by these variables in shallow reservoirs (12%, n = 307). Competing path models on the full data set using the best variables selected by multiple linear regression show that nitrogen and temperature are indirectly linked to cyanobacteria by association with total algal biomass, which likely reflects changes in light climate and other secondary factors. Our models also indicated that temperature was linked to cyanobacteria by a direct pathway. Under a scenario of atmospheric CO2 doubling from 1990 levels (resulting in an estimated 3.3°C increase of the maximum lake surface water), we predict on average a doubling of CBB.
Effect of vitamins B1 and B12 on bloom dynamics of the harmful brown tide alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophyceae)
Authors: Koch Florian , Sañudo-Wilhelmy Sergio A. , Fisher Nicholas S. , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: August 2013

Most harmful algae require B vitamins. We investigated vitamin use by the B1 and B12 auxotroph, Aureococcus anophagefferens, a harmful alga that dominates plankton communities during dense “brown tides” in North America, Africa, and Asia. B12‐depleted cultures of A. anophagefferens (clone CCMP1984) adapted to lower ambient B12 concentrations by reducing half‐saturation constants (Ks) of B12 uptake and increasing maximum uptake rates (Vmax) compared to vitamin‐replete cultures. In contrast, Vmax of vitamin B1 was higher in replete compared to the depleted cultures, whereas the Ks values were similar for both. Ks values for B12 (5.0–21 pmol L−1) were similar to or higher than concentrations measured during brown tides, suggesting that B12 may restrict the growth of this alga in the field. Over the course of a dense brown tide (> 106 cells mL−1) in Quantuck Bay, New York, vitamin B1 and B12 concentrations declined from > 100 pmol L−1 to < 8 pmol L−1, suggesting there was rapid uptake by A. anophagefferens and its associated microbial community. Experiments performed using radioisotope‐labeled vitamins B1 and B12 and 14C‐bicarbonate indicated that plankton in the size range of A. anophagefferens (1–5 µm) were responsible for the majority of primary production and the majority of vitamin B1 uptake but shared vitamin B12 uptake with smaller picoplankton (< 1 µm). Vitamin uptake rates during the brown tide were capable of turning over standing stocks of vitamin B12 in 15 h, whereas B1 depletion was slower with maximal turnover times of 2.8 d. As the brown tide intensified and vitamin B12 levels declined, the experimental enrichment of brown tide water with vitamin B12 significantly enhanced the growth rates of A. anophagefferens. Collectively, this study demonstrates that vitamin B12 can influence the intensity of harmful algal blooms caused by A. anophagefferens.
Effects of ice cover on sediment resuspension and phosphorus entrainment in shallow lakes: Combining in situ experiments and wind‐wave modeling
Authors: Kleeberg Andreas , Freidank Andreas , Jöhnk Klaus
Published: August 2013

In situ experiments on sediment resuspension were carried out along a depth transect in shallow polytrophic Lake Langer See, northeast Germany (area = 1.27 km2, Zmax = 3.8 m), in winter under ice and in summer 2006, using a hydrodynamically calibrated erosion chamber (diameter 20 cm). Shear velocity U* was incrementally increased 11 times for 10 min each (0–2.57 cm s−1) to initiate resuspension. Entrainment rates (E) of suspended particulate matter (ESPM) and total P (ETP) were determined by a mass balance. Sandy nearshore sediments at 1–2 m depth showed low ESPM (0.01–6.64 g m−2 h−1) and ETP (0.2–2.96 mg m−2 h−1). There was no difference in critical shear velocity (U*crit) of incipient resuspension between winter and summer. Muddy offshore sediments at 2–3.8 m depth showed higher ESPM (0.09–106.1 g m−2 h−1) and ETP (0.06–532.3 mg m−2 h−1). Under ice, U*crit was 0.9–1.1 cm s−1 higher than in summer, indicating that the wave‐unaffected sediment had ample time for consolidation and biostabilization. Wind‐wave modeling, using measured ESPM and ETP, revealed that resuspension is primarily (90%) restricted to the nearshore sediments (17% lake area). Our scenarios show that annual entrainment of SPM and TP increased linearly with the duration of ice‐free period. Since ice coverage increased shear resistance, climate‐driven absence or shortening of ice‐cover would reduce the period for settling of particles and their integration into sediments, lowering their biostabilization, thus facilitating resuspension and phytoplankton recruitment in spring after ice thaw.
Comparative Study of Various Methods of Fetal Weight Estimation in Term Pregnancy
Authors: Mukherjee Partha , Goswami Sebanti , Kumari Anupama
Published: August 2013

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the various methods of estimating fetal weight in term pregnancy and to determine their relative accuracy in predicting the same in different weight categories.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010. It was a prospective cohort type of study covering 500 pregnant women at term. Parameters studied (a) average error (gm) in different birth weight categories, (b) standard deviation of prediction error in each birth weight category.

Results

Ultrasonography was found to have least standard deviation closely followed by the two clinical methods proposed by Johnson and Dare. The average positive predictive value of different methods in our study was 42.2, 70.9, 80.5 and 76% for Dawn's, Johnson's, Dare's formulas and USG respectively.

Conclusion

Easily measurable obstetric parameters with simple instruments requiring minimal manpower training are equally accurate as USG in predicting fetal weight.

How to cite this article

Kumari A, Goswami S, Mukherjee P. Comparative Study of Various Methods of Fetal Weight Estimation in Term Pregnancy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(1):22-25.
A Case of Mucopolysaccharidosis II /I-Cell Disease
Authors: LNU Nisha , Sumangala D Devi
Published: August 2013

A 24-year-old second gravida was admitted at 17.3 weeks for MTP. She underwent a chorion villus sampling (CVS) at 13 weeks of gestation which revealed a fetus with normal karyotype but lysosomal enzyme assay revealed marked deficiency of betagalactosidase consistent with I-cell disease. MTP was done. The fetus weighed 200 gm with no gross anomalies.

How to cite this article

Jyoti RC, Sumangala DD, Nisha. A Case of Mucopolysaccharidosis II/I-Cell Disease. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(1):45-46.
Primary productivity and its variability in the equatorial South China Sea during the northeast monsoon
Authors: Ooi S. H. , Samah A. A. , Braesicke P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Near coastal areas of the equatorial South China Sea (SCS) are one of the world's regions with highest primary productivity (phytoplankton growth). Concentrations of phytoplankton in the SCS depend significantly on atmospheric forcings and the oceanic state, in particular during the northeast (winter) monsoon season from November to March. Aided by new ocean-observing satellite data, we present a climatological overview of recent surface atmospheric and oceanic features in the equatorial SCS during the northeast monsoon to identify the dominant air-sea processes influencing and modulating the primary productivity of the region. Measured chlorophyll a concentrations are used as a proxy for phytoplankton amounts and the spatial and temporal variations are characterized according to meteorological conditions. Converging northeasterly surface winds support high chlorophyll a concentrations along East Malaysia's coastline in conjunction with a continual nutrient supply from the bottom of the continental shelf by vertical mixing. The mixing can be enhanced due to increased turbulence by wind-generated high waves when they approach shallow water from the deep basin during strong cold surges and monsoon disturbances. Intraseasonal variability during the winter monsoon is characterized by a coastal increase of chlorophyll a starting in November and peaking in January. A general decrease is observed in March. Interannual variability of chlorophyll a concentrations is influenced by ENSO (due to the known modulation of cold surge occurrences), with decreases during El Niño and increases during La Niña in early winter along the shore of East Malaysia. As an example, we discuss an enhanced phytoplankton growth event that occurred due to a typical cold surge-induced Borneo vortex event in January 2010.
Spectrometric monitoring of atmospheric carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) above the Jungfraujoch station since 1989: evidence of continued increase but at a slowing rate
Authors: Mahieu E. , Zander R. , Toon G. C. , Vollmer M. K. , Reimann S. , Mühle J. , Bader W. , Bovy B. , Lejeune B. , Servais C. , Demoulin P. , Roland G. , Bernath P. F. , Boone C. D. , Walker K. A. , Duchatelet P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The long-term evolution of the vertical column abundance of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) above the high altitude Jungfraujoch station (Swiss Alps, 46.5 °N, 8.0 °E, 3580 m a.s.l.) has been derived from the spectrometric analysis of Fourier transform infrared solar spectra recorded at that site between 1989 and 2012. The investigation is based on a multi-microwindow approach, two encompassing pairs of absorption lines belonging to the strong ν3 band of CF4 centered at 1283 cm−1, and two additional ones to optimally account for weak but overlapping HNO3 interferences. The analysis reveals a steady accumulation of the very long-lived CF4 above the Jungfraujoch at mean rates of (1.38 ± 0.11) × 1013 molec cm−2 yr−1 from 1989 to 1997, and (0.97 ± 0.02) × 1013 molec cm−2 yr−1 from 1998 to 2012, which correspond to linear growth rates of 1.71 ± 0.14 and 1.04 ± 0.02% yr−1, respectively referenced to 1989 and 1998. Related global CF4 emissions required to sustain these mean increases correspond to 15.8 ± 1.3 and 11.1 ± 0.2 Gg yr−1 over the above specified time intervals. Findings reported here are compared and discussed with respect to relevant results obtained remotely from space and balloons as well as in situ on the ground, including new gas chromatography mass spectrometry measurements performed at the Jungfraujoch since 2010.
High diversity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the upper reaches of the Heihe River, northwestern China
Authors: Tai X. S. , Mao W. L. , Liu G. X. , Chen T. , Zhang W. , Wu X. K. , Long H. Z. , Zhang B. G. , Zhang Y.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Vegetation plays a key role in water conservation in the southern Qilian Mountains (northwestern China), located in the upper reaches of the Heihe River. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are crucial for the protection of the nitrogen supply for vegetation in the region. In the present study, nifH gene clone libraries were established to determine differences between the nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities of the Potentilla parvifolia shrubland and the Carex alrofusca meadow in the southern Qilian Mountains. All of the identified nitrogen-fixing bacterial clones belonged to the Proteobacteria. At the genus level, Azospirillum was only detected in the shrubland soil, while Thiocapsa, Derxia, Ectothiorhodospira, Mesorhizobium, Klebsiella, Ensifer, Methylocella and Pseudomonas were only detected in the meadow soil. The phylogenetic tree was divided into five lineages: lineages I, II and III mainly contained nifH sequences obtained from the meadow soils, while lineage IV was mainly composed of nifH sequences obtained from the shrubland soils. The Shannon–Wiener index of the nifH genes ranged from 1.5 to 2.8 and was higher in the meadow soils than in the shrubland soils. Based on these analyses of diversity and phylogeny, the plant species were hypothesised to influence N cycling by enhancing the fitness of certain nitrogen-fixing taxa. The number of nifH gene copies and colony-forming units (CFUs) of the cultured nitrogen-fixing bacteria were lower in the meadow soils than in the shrubland soils, ranging from 0.4 × 107 to 6.9 × 107 copies g−1 soil and 0.97 × 106 to 12.78 × 106 g−1 soil, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the diversity and number of the nifH gene copies were primarily correlated with aboveground biomass in the shrubland soil. In the meadow soil, nifH gene diversity was most affected by altitude, while copy number was most impacted by soil-available K. These results suggest that the nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities beneath Potentilla were different from those beneath Carex.
On the Milankovitch sensitivity of the Quaternary deep-sea record
Authors: Berger W. H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The response of the climate system to external forcing (that is, global warming) has become an item of prime interest, especially with respect to the rate of melting of land-based ice masses. The deep-sea record of ice-age climate change has been useful in assessing the sensitivity of the climate system to a different type of forcing; that is, to orbital forcing, which is well known for the last several million years. The expectation is that the response to one type of forcing will yield information about the likely response to other types of forcing. When comparing response and orbital forcing, one finds that sensitivity to this type of forcing varies greatly through time, evidently in dependence on the state of the system and the associated readiness of the system for change. The changing stability of ice masses is here presumed to be the chief underlying cause for the changing state of the system. A buildup of vulnerable ice masses within the latest Tertiary, when going into the ice ages, is thus here conjectured to cause a stepwise increase of climate variability since the early Pliocene.
The effect of a zero-diversion policy on emergency department performance measures
Authors: Spaulding Eman , Byrne Laurie , Armbrecht Eric , Jackson Collin , Dalawari Preeti
Published: August 2013

This study examines how emergency department (ED) performance measures at an academic tertiary care center in the Midwest were affected by a regionally-adopted zero diversion policy. Two six-month periods before and after the policy was enacted were selected to measure differences in key performance measures, including left without treatment (LWOT), left without being seen (LWBS), left against medical advice (AMA), mortality, length of stay and hospital admission rate. Total ED census during the two periods was similar. While the zero diversion policy was in effect, LWOT and LWBS rates were 19.4% and 18.2% lower, respectively, than the prior period, p < .002; discharged patients had faster treatment times (228 + 8.0 minutes vs. 242 + 9.0 minutes), p = .015. No differences were observed in AMA or mortality rates. This study revealed no worsening of ED performance measures after adoption of a zero diversion policy.
The assessment of influence of different nitrogen compounds and time on germination of Lupinus angustifolius seeds and chemical composition of final products
Authors: Kasprowicz-Potocka Małgorzata , Walachowska Ewa , Zaworska Anita , Frankiewicz Andrzej
Published: August 2013

The aim of the research was to determine changes in the chemical composition in lupin seeds during seed germination in a solution containing selected nitrogen compounds. Blue lupin seeds of the Neptun cultivar were germinated for 3 or 4 days in darkness, at 24°C in 1% solutions containing the following nitrogen compounds: urea, nitric acid, ammonium sulphate, methionine or yeast extract. The control consisted of seeds germinated in water. The presence of all nitrogen sources has resulted in a poorer growth of the sprouts as compared to seeds germinated in water. There was a significant increase in the true protein content as well as a significant decrease in the content of crude ash and alkaloids in the germinated seeds. The seeds germinated for 4 days had significantly higher total protein content and significantly lower content of nitrogen-free extract compounds and oligosaccharides as compared to the seeds germinated for 3 days. A significant influence of the nitrogen source on the concentration of some amino acids was found. Cystine was found to be absent in seeds germinated in the nitric acid solution, while there occurred a twofold increase in the cystine content and a fivefold increase in the methionine content in seeds germinated in the aqueous solution of methionine and an 50% increase in the cystine concentration was observed in seeds germinated in the yeast extract and ammonium sulphate solution. Methionine and cystine were the limiting amino acids in all the samples, accept of seeds germinated in the methionine solution were it was valine. Aqueous solutions of ammonium sulphate and yeast extract were found to have the most advantageous influence on the chemical composition of lupin germination products.
C-Reactive Protein: An Overview
Authors: Sandeep Kumar Vashist
Published: August 2013

Editorial
Obesity and CRP, Adiponectin, Leptin, and Lipid Profile in Saudi Arabian Adolescent Females
Authors: Sawsan Hassan Mahassni  , Rajaa Braik Sebaa
Published: August 2013

Overweight and obesity are increasing tremendously in female Saudi Arabian adolescents. Overweight and obesity lead to many medical risks and affects the immune system. In this study, the effects of obesity on the immune system of 100 Saudi female adolescent students were investigated. Using a blood sample from each subject, the following immune related parameters were determined: concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin and leptin hormones, and the complete lipid profile. Finally, to assess the body weight status of the subjects and to categorize them, the weight, height, and the waist and hip circumferences were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and the waist circumference (WC). Results show highly significant increases for the CRP and leptin and a highly significant decrease of adiponectin with increasing body weight measured by the three methods. As for the lipid profile, both triglycerides and LDL increased while HDL decreased as body weight increased. Cholesterol did not change with changing body weight measured by the three methods. The findings indicate that obesity seriously affects the immune systems of the subjects and confirm the finding of other researchers that obesity is an inflammatory disease, which explains some health complications associated with obesity.
Atividade agrícola: produção, impacto e sustentabilidade
Authors: Moura Maria da Conceição Freitas , Oliveira Ludimilla Carvalho Serafim de
Published: August 2013

A fruticultura irrigada na região Nordeste, em especial no agropólo Mossoró/Assú-RN, tem se mostrado rápida na produção de alimentos, graças aos avanços tecnológicos em nível de campo como também pós-colheita, permitindo assim, a produção de frutos em quantidade e qualidade. Uma das preocupações referente ao processo de cultivo é a questão do manejo e exploração das terras, pois grandes áreas são cultivadas e trabalhadas para produção de frutos. E dessa forma, surge o paradigma da produção com o equilíbrio ambiental, ou seja, buscar a sustentabilidade. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os principais impactos ambientais da fruticultura irrigada no agropólo Mossoró/Assú – RN. Como metodologia buscou a observação dos impactos através de visitas nas áreas produtivas, com anotações de dados e registro de imagens, em seguida elaborou uma matriz para avaliar a gravidade dos impactos vistos nas áreas produtivas. A matriz era composta de duas partes, uma referindo-se aos processos impactantes da cadeia produtiva e a outra a natureza desse impacto. E como resultado pode-se observar que existem impactos negativos, como o desmatamento, a monocultura, preparo do solo, o uso da água, utilização de agrotóxicos e a extinção de espécies de animais, insetos e plantas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que existem impactos adversos ao meio ambiente ocasionados pela atividade agrícola, e em meio a essas observações também foi possível verificar que a atividade econômica desse setor é uma fonte de renda para a população da região Nordeste.
Percepção ambiental dos policiais do pelotão de Polícia Militar Ambiental do Estado de Sergipe
Authors: Costa Cristiano Cunha
Published: August 2013

Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a percepção ambiental dos policiais do Pelotão de Polícia Militar Ambiental do Estado de Sergipe. Para isso, foi utilizado um questionário semi-estruturado, abrangendo perguntas a respeito das características do policial militar ambiental (gênero, idade, graduação militar, escolaridade e tempo de serviço no PPAmb), características do comportamento nas ocorrências (predileção por ocorrência, atendimento a solicitações, dificuldades no atendimento à ocorrência) e percepção ambiental (afinidades com o meio ambiente, comportamento ambiental, conhecimento sobre meio ambiente, prioridade na soltura de animais silvestres e interesse na participação de cursos ambientais). A maioria dos policiais ambientais possui afinidade com as questões ambientais e 70% adotam ações ambientalmente corretas no local de trabalho. Há uma preocupação em participar de cursos de educação ambiental. Torna-se necessária a criação de cursos específicos às temáticas ambientais – curso de Aperfeiçoamento Profissional Ambiental (CAPA) -, como forma de dotar os profissionais de conhecimentos técnicos, permitindo a prestação de um serviço público de qualidade para a sociedade, no que tange a proteção do meio ambiente.