bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usage of Graph Patterns for Knowledge Assessment Based on Concept Maps
Authors: Grundspenkis Janis , Strautmane Maija
Published: March 2010

Usage of Graph Patterns for Knowledge Assessment Based on Concept Maps

The paper discusses application of concepts maps (CMs) for knowledge assessment. CMs are graphs which nodes represent concepts and arcs represent relationships between them. CMs reveal learners' knowledge structure and allow assessing their knowledge level. Step-by-step construction and use of CMs is easy. However, mere comparison of expert constructed and learners' completed CMs forces students to construct their knowledge exactly in the same way as experts. At the same time it is known that individuals construct their knowledge structures in different ways. The developed adaptive knowledge assessment system which is implemented as multiagent system includes the knowledge evaluation agent which carries out the comparison of CMs. The paper presents a novel approach to comparison of CMs using graph patterns. Graph patterns are subgraphs, i.e., paths with limited length. Graph patterns are given for both fill-in-the-map tasks where CM structure is predefined and construct-the-map tasks. The corresponding production rules of graph patterns allow to expand the expert's constructed CM and in this way to promote more flexible and adaptive knowledge assessment.
An approach to classification of MDA tools
Authors: Chernichkin Anton , Nikiforova Oksana
Published: March 2010

An approach to classification of MDA tools

Nowadays there is a wide variety of tools, supporting the idea of software development process to be enriched by the principles of modelling—the source code is being generated from the model. Many of these purporting to be "MDA complaint" as well. Model driven architecture offers an approach to software development process that provides a separation of concerns, keeping the appropriate level of abstraction on each stage of development. Furthermore, the source code can be generated in a formal way, requiring no interference from the developer. There are two types of software development tools: the former type represents the semiautomatic approach, where the software is supposed to be created using system's model and code transformations, also considering different types of routines, which are done manually, while the latter type is an automatic solution, where no manual steps or routines are required. The original article defines various perspectives on positioning of MDA tools among CASE tools for software development, as well as proposes a methodological approach on classification of MDA tools. One of the perspectives that can be used in the MDA tool classification approach corresponds with the Model Driven Development life cycle, while the other one defines the role of modelling and model application levels in a whole development process. In addition, various sets of features have been defined, in order to clarify the accordance level of these tools from the MDA perspective.
Reconciling software requirements and architectures within MDA
Authors: Donins Uldis , Osis Janis
Published: March 2010

Reconciling software requirements and architectures within MDA

In the software development world little guidance and few methods are available for reconciling software requirements and architecture which satisfies those requirements. In fact none of these methods use formal basis for the reconciling process. The main goal of this paper is to define an approach by which it is possible to reconcile software requirements and architectures within model driven architecture. Model driven architecture considers system from three viewpoints. Each viewpoint has its own model by which the viewpoint is modelled. It is possible to use topological functioning model of system to reconcile software requirements and architectures and to make formal transformation from computation independent model into platform independent model. The use of topological functioning model provides possibility for traceability between software artefacts, e.g. between requirements and architecture elements. By using case study we have proven that it is possible to reconcile requirements and architectures by using topological functioning model. The software architecture in this case is modelled by using topological class diagrams. At the end of the case study we have shown how we can introduce more formalism into UML diagrams by transforming topology from topological functioning model to class diagrams.
Obtaining of elements of UML class diagram from initial information about problem domain
Authors: Pavlova Natalya , Nikiforova Oksana
Published: March 2010

Obtaining of elements of UML class diagram from initial information about problem domain

The Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is frequently used approach to software development. Basic conception of MDA is splitting of software development by levels of abstraction, where every level is presented with separate model - Computation Independent, Platform Independent, Platform Specific Models and code. The construction of central component of Platform Independent Model - system static structure in form of Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagram is discussed in the paper. A set of approaches proposes the way for construction of UML class diagram. Different researchers try to find the possibility to obtain elements of class diagram in the formal way. This paper describes the method of obtaining of elements of class diagram from initial knowledge about the problem domain, which is described with interrelated business process and concept model. The proposed method defines main elements of class diagram, such as class name, class attribute, class operation, relationships among classes. Formal definition of these elements allows to avoid mistakes in the software analysis and design stage. It is very important to obtain correct model on this stage, as the design model is a base of future software.
Use of Business Models within Model Driven Architecture
Authors: Asnina Erika
Published: March 2010

Use of Business Models within Model Driven Architecture

Model Driven Architecture is a framework dedicated for development of large and complex computer systems. It states and implements the principle of architectural separation of concerns. This means that a system can be modeled from three different but related to each other viewpoints. The viewpoint discussed in this paper is a Computation Independent one. MDA specification states that a model that shows a system from this viewpoint is a business model. Taking into account transformations foreseen by MDA, it should be useful for automation of software development processes. This paper discusses an essence of the Computation Independent Model (CIM) and the place of business models in the computation independent modeling. This paper considers four types of business models, namely, SBVR, BPMN, use cases and Topological Functioning Model (TFM). Business persons use SBVR to define business vocabularies and business rules of the existing and planned domains, BPMN to define business processes of both existing and planned domains, and use cases to define business requirements to the planned domain. The TFM is used to define functionality of both existing and planned domains. This paper discusses their capabilities to be used as complete CIMs with formally defined conformity between planned and existing domains.
Problems of test-driven aspect-oriented development
Authors: Sukhorukov Aleksandr
Published: March 2010

Problems of test-driven aspect-oriented development

Test-driven development and aspect-oriented programming are relatively new development techniques each having its own benefits. However, using aspect-oriented language like AspectJ in test-driven development leads to new types of problems that do not appear if these two approaches are applied separately. These problems arise mainly because aspect-oriented paradigm breaks encapsulation principle - behaviour of class is not implemented just in class itself like in traditional object-oriented programming but can be heavily affected by many external aspects. Traditional unit tests designed to test a single unit are not sufficient any more because behaviour being tested is distributed through several units at once, so test design becomes more complicated. In order to efficiently use these two techniques together such problems have to be identified and ways to workaround them have to be discovered. This paper focuses on those problems, describing the most notable ones. Problem descriptions are based on experience with AspectJ, but most of them are common to any aspect-oriented language with similar features. Some empirically discovered principles are provided that help softening negative impact of those problems.
Kutter Steganographical Method's Improvement and Concept of Universal Stegoconstructor
Authors: Yershov Andrew , Rusakov Pavel
Published: March 2010

Kutter Steganographical Method's Improvement and Concept of Universal Stegoconstructor

Information interchange is one of the main processes in human everyday life. This process was simplified due to development of modern technologies, especially computer technologies. But the drawback of such transmission is data exposure. Steganography tries to find possible decisions of this problem. The main difference between steganography and cryptography: malicious person has no any data about information hiding in first case. That's mean he doesn't think about possible valuable information in message. This paper contains information about the conception of digital steganography's development as protection method of the confidential information. Classification of the basic scopes is given, and the problems facing to the given science are explained. Some aspects of steganography were examined in the context of the theory of signal transmission. The properties of possible universal stegomethod's constructor are determined on the basis of required transmission's reliability. The way, which increases the probability of a bit correct detecting in Kutter method till 70%, is offered as improvement of data embedding procedure. Disadvantages of the original steganographical Kutter method's were commented at the same time. Results of experiments are presented as numerous histograms.
Analysis of ASP.NET AJAX architecture
Authors: Lesovsky Andrey
Published: March 2010

Analysis of ASP.NET AJAX architecture

Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML), or AJAX, is a group of interrelated web development techniques used for creating interactive web applications or rich Internet applications. Providing developer with opportunities to create rich and user friendly interface, AJAX makes it possible to improve Internet users experience without requiring them to install any additional software. ASP.NET AJAX, formerly code-named Atlas, is a set of extensions to ASP.NET developed by Microsoft for implementing Ajax functionality. ASP.NET AJAX provides developers with two development scenarios: client-centric development model and server-centric development model. It provides a developer with the opportunity to choose a model which is suitable for specific task and which will distribute load between client and server effectively and optimize network usage. This article discusses the architecture of AJAX and ASP.NET AJAX technologies. The covered themes are AJAX and ASP.NET AJAX architectures, client and server frameworks, client-centric and server-centric development models.
Do Institutions Really Influence Political Participation?
Authors: Whiteley Paul , Stewart Marianne , Sanders David , Clarke Harold
Published: March 2010

This paper examines the influence of institutions and other contextual variables in a set of individual-level models of political participation, using a multi-level modelling strategy. It uses data from Citizenship Survey of the International Social Survey Programme conducted in 2004, to model relationships in many of the world's democracies. It examines the effects of variables that have been shown to be important in aggregate-level models of turnout, such as the effective number of parties, the distortions in representation associated with the electoral system, and the size of districts. It compares the institutional measures with other contextual variables that arise from rival models of individual-level political participation. The institutional variables have a modest impact on individual-level turnout, but their impact is much less important in relation to other types of participation. For the latter, non-institutional contextual variables arising from models of political participation appear to be more important.
Consumer-Based Brand Equity Conceptualisation and Measurement
Authors: Christodoulides George , de Chernatony Leslie
Published: March 2010

Although there is a large body of research on brand equity, little in terms of a literature review has been published on this since Feldwick's (1996) paper. To address this gap, this paper brings together the scattered literature on consumer-based brand equity's conceptualisation and measurement. Measures of consumer-based brand equity are classified as either direct or indirect. Indirect measures assess consumer-based brand equity through its demonstrable dimensions and are superior from a diagnostic level. The paper concludes with directions for future research and managerial pointers for setting up a brand equity measurement system.
Whose Design is it Anyway?
Authors: Gabrielsen Gorm , Kristensen Tore , Zaichkowsky Judith Lynne
Published: March 2010

A series of studies is presented which investigates preference among similar but different designs within a product category. The variables of price, brand name and ‘priming designer’ are shown to shift preferences. Without brand names, consumers prefer a well-designed object. When supplied with information about brand names and designer, they may shift their preferences to designs they believe are ‘designer’ brands, even when the actual design is not.
Applications of Click Chemistry in Radiopharmaceutical Development
Authors: Walsh Joseph C. , Kolb Hartmuth C.
Published: March 2010

Click chemistry, a concept that employs only practical and reliable transformations for compound synthesis, has made a significant impact in several areas of chemistry, including material sciences and drug discovery. The present article describes the use of click chemistry for the development
of radiopharmaceuticals. Target templated in situ click chemistry was used for lead generation. The 1,2,3-triazole moiety was found to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of certain radiopharmaceuticals. The reliable Cu(i)-catalyzed click reaction was employed for radiolabeling of
peptidic compounds without the need for protecting groups. In summary, the click chemistry approach for the discovery, optimization and labeling of new radiotracers, represents a very powerful tool for radiopharmaceutical development.
Host Marking Pheromone (HMP) in the Mexican Fruit Fly Anastrepha ludens
Authors: Edmunds Andrew J. F. , Aluja Martin , Diaz-Fleischer Fransico , Patrian Bruno , Hagmann Leonhard
Published: March 2010

Host marking pheromones (HMPs) are used by insects to mark hosts (usually a fruit) where they have already laid eggs. The compounds serve as a deterrent to conspecifics avoiding over-infestation of hosts (i.e. repeated egg-laying into an already occupied/used host). If these
HMPs are sprayed onto commercially valuable fruit they act as deterrents preventing attack by females interested in laying eggs into the valuable commodity. Having no insecticidal or toxic properties, and being natural products (or close derivatives thereof) they could be used as fruit sprays
to replace insecticides, or in combination with other products to improve efficacy. This review discusses the isolation, and synthesis of the HMP of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens a feared pest of citrus and mangos in Mexico and Central America. This compound is also recognized
by females of other pestiferous species in the same genus Anastrepha distributed from the Southern USA to Northern Argentina, including many Caribbean Islands. The synthetic HMP was shown to exhibit strong electrophysiological activity against A. ludens and excellent interspecies
cross recognition with other Anastrepha species. Behavioural tests confirmed the HMP deterring effect of the synthetic natural product. Further studies enabled us to drastically simplify the structure of the HMP and obtain a derivative, which we named Anastrephamide, which shows
HMP deterring effects very similar to the natural product in laboratory and field tests. The potential use of such HMP derivatives in a crop protection scenario is briefly discussed.
Para-Carboxy Modified Amphiphilic Calixarene, Self-Assembly and Interactions with Pharmaceutically-Relevant Molecules
Authors: Elend Dirk , Pieles Uwe , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: March 2010

The self-assembly properties of the amphiphilic 5,11,17,23-tetra-carboxy-25,26,27,28-tetradodecyloxycalix[4]arene have been investigated at the air–water interface as monomolecular Langmuir layers and in water. The interactions of this amphiphile with salicylic acid (SA), acetyl-salicylic
acid (ASA) and acetaminophene (APAP) have been studied at the air–water interface by means of the Langmuir balance technique. It has been demonstrated that the calix-arene molecules, when self-assembled as Langmuir monolayers, have the ability to interact with all the tested compounds.
While APAP causes a stabilization of the monolayer, ASA and SA cause a slight loss of stability and a drastic change of the compressibility of the monolayer. The study of the self-assembly properties of the title compound in water revealed that this amphiphile can be self-assembled as solid
lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). The atomic force microscopy investigations of the colloidal suspension, spread on a solid surface and dried, revealed the coexistence of the SLNs with layered structures.
Novel Thione-Thiol Rearrangement of Dithiocarbonic Acid O-(2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) Ester in the Context of Controlled Radical Polymerization
Authors: Nesvadba Peter , Bugnon Lucienne , Wagner Trixie
Published: March 2010

Addition of the lithium salt of N-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 10 to carbon disulfide and subsequent methylation affords the rearranged dithiocarbonic acid S-methyl-S'-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)-ester 9 rather than the expected xanthate ester S-methyl-O'-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)-ester
8. n-Butylacrylate could be polymerized with the novel compound 9 even though the polymerization was not controlled.
Developing Catalysts and Catalytic Processes with Industrial Relevance
Authors: Blaser Hans-Ulrich
Published: March 2010

The catalysis group of Solvias has its roots in the Central Research Laboratories of Ciba-Geigy. Since the early eighties its research has been focused on three areas of catalytic technology: heterogeneous hydrogenation, coupling catalysis, and enantioselective hydrogenation. Today,
these are still the catalytic methods with the greatest industrial potential. In this overview a short description will be given how these methods have been developed further since the spin-off of Solvias in 1999. It will be discussed which strategies were successful and what the most important
results have been in the first decade of Solvias.
Bibliometrics as Weapons of Mass Citation La bibliométrie comme arme de citation massive
Authors: Molinié Antoinette , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: March 2010

The allocation of resources for research is increasingly based on so-called 'bibliometrics'. Scientists are now deemed to be successful on the sole condition that their work be abundantly cited. This world-wide trend appears to enjoy support not only by granting agencies (whose task
is obviously simplified by extensive recourse to bibliometrics), but also by the scientists themselves (who seem to enjoy their status of celebrities). This trend appears to be fraught with dangers, particularly in the area of social sciences, where bibliometrics are less developed, and where
monographs (which are not taken into account in citation indexes) are often more important than articles published in journals. We argue in favour of a return to the values of 'real science', in analogy to the much-promised return to a 'real economy'. While economists may strive towards a
more objective evaluation of the prospects of a company, a market, or an industrial sector, we scientists can only base our appraisal on a responsible practice of peer review. Since we fear that decision-takers of granting agencies such as the FNRS, CTI, EPFL, ETHZ, ANR, CNRS, NIH, NSF, DOE,[1]
etc. will be too busy to read our humble paper in Chimia, we appeal to scientists of all countries and disciplines to unite against the tyranny of bibliometrics.
Understanding Parijat through the Prism of Her Biography
Authors: Chauhan Janga B
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v2i1.2863Bodhi Vol.2(1) 2008 p.42-63
Research of Bias in Selected Journals: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Necas Vlastimil
Published: March 2010

This article deals with the possibilities of the approach to the study of the issue of bias in selected journals in the fields of Journalism and Media Studies. It mainly focuses on two areas: first, on work with the term "bias" - how various authors define it and in what ways they study it; second, on identifying common characteristics within different researches - whether their aims or groundings are similar. The remaining parts of the article deal with three main streams of the research of bias which have been identified on the basis of the analysis of the studied research samples. Further, selected texts representing each of the defined groups are introduced in a greater detail. DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v2i1.2866 Bodhi Vol.2(1) 2008 p.117-135
The Sadharanikaran Model and Aristotle's Model of Communication: A Comparative Study
Authors: Adhikary Nirmala Mani
Published: March 2010

This article seeks to study the fundamental differences between the Sadharanikaran model and Aristotle's model of communication. The effort here is aimed for having a comparative study of the concepts of communication process envisioned in two different models from the East and the West. The general objective here is to comprehend the fundamental differences between the concepts of communication process in Aristotelian and Sadharanikaran view. The specific objectives include having comparative understanding of the concept of communication process from Aristotelian and Sadharanikaran perspectives in terms of structure and scope of two models, the human relationships in the process and the goal of communication. DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v2i1.2877 Bodhi Vol.2(1) 2008 p.268-289
Triclosan as a Genotoxic Compound for Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Anitha D , Shantha SL , Krishnamurthy V , Vanishree R
Published: March 2010

Triclosan [5, chloro-2-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol] (CAS No. 3380-34-5) is extensively used as an antimicrobial agent in many pharmaceutical formulations. Understanding its genotoxic potential is the aim of this experimental study. Drosophila fulfils dual function in the field of genetic toxicology - firstly as an experimental organism for short term tests to identify carcinogens and secondly as a model for learning mechanistic pathways of mutagenesis induced by environmental toxicants. The mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster contributed by triclosan is the theme of this study. The Sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) test was conducted on stock of Drosophila melanogaster. Males of well-defined stock and appropriately marked balancer females of FM 7 stock with multiple inverted X-chromosomes were used for the experiment. The triclosan concentration was administered with exposure concentration ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg for adults. The results indicated significant reduction in the number of males in the F2 generation. The mortality of larval population was 100% suggesting the test required lowering of concentrations of triclosan that was administered particularly with respect to larvae. DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2879 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 12-16
Heavy Metals and Safety of Fresh Fruits in Bangalore City, India - A Case Study
Authors: Mahdavian Seyed Esmael , Somashekar RK
Published: March 2010

Urban food security in India is a matter of growing concern. It is estimated that by 2005, 60% of India's population will be living in urban areas. The presence of heavy metals in human body always draws scientific concern as these are considered responsible for affecting health, especially in these days where the release of toxic wastes in the environment has been increased. The increasing trends in food contamination in urban areas are largely attributed to the polluted environment in urban agriculture, contaminated food transport and supply chains; poor market sanitary conditions, and the use of contaminated or waste water for irrigation purposes. The objectives of this paper to measure the levels of heavy metal contamination of fruits in Bangalore markets and assess how the heavy metal contamination might have impacted food safety standards vis a vis heavy metals on urban consumers. The results show that urban consumers are at greater risk of purchasing fresh fruits with high levels of heavy metals beyond the legally permissible limits as defined by the Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. It must be noted here that these norms are less strict than international food safety norms like Codex Alimentarius or European Union standards. It is therefore suggested here that care should be taken in the following: reduce pollution at water source points; improve post harvest handling; enhance better coordination in fresh crops trading system to improve food safety standards; improve sanitary conditions for the city food markets; and increase awareness in consumers and policy makers on the dangers of heavy metal contamination in the food intake. Keywords: Heavy metals; Prevention of Food Adulteration Act; Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2880 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 17-27
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Evaluations of some Medicinal Plants of Nepal
Authors: Chhetri Himal Paudel , Yogol Nisha Shrestha , Sherchan Jyoti , K.C. Anupa , Mansoor S , Thapa Panna
Published: March 2010

Use of plant based drugs and chemicals for curing various ailments and personal adornment is as old as human civilization. Plants and plant-based medicaments are the basis of many of the modern pharmaceuticals we use today for our various ailments. The aim of the study was to find out the bioactive chemical constituents and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of traditionally used eight medicinal plants of Nepal. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and reducing sugar. The highest yield of ethanolic extract was found in Azadiracta indica (29.08%). Ocimum santrum contained all the chemicals except flavonoids and reducing sugar however the Colquhounia coccinea lacked alkaloids and reducing sugar. The antimicrobial activities of these plants extract were also observed. The extract of Rhododendron setosum and the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus were most effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. But the extracts of Azadiracta indica and Elsholtzia fructicosa were found to be most effective against Klebsiella species. Key words: Phytochemical screening; plant extracts; zone of inhibition DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2883 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 49-54
Quantification of PM10 Concentration in Occupation Environment of Traffic Police Personnel in Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal
Authors: Bashyal Ashish , Majumder Ahmad Kamruzzaman , Khanal Sanjay Nath
Published: March 2010

Air pollution, particularly particulate pollution has been emerged as the major air quality issues in urban centers of Nepal including Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the major cities in Nepal located at 28.24 N, 83.99 E, and also one of the most popular tourist destinations. This study has been conducted to assess the traffic police personnel exposure to PM10 (Particulate Matter of diameter 10 micron of less) in their occupational environment in Pokhara. This type study has been conducted for the first time in Pokhara.The monitoring was carried out for seven days in three shifts (morning: 7:30 am to 11:30 am, afternoon: 11:30 am to 3:30pm and evening shift: 3:30pm to 7:30pm) in three major HDTA's (High Density Traffic Areas) of Pokhara. On an average, the duration of sampling in each day was 8 hours in each of the sites. Subjective exposure to PM10 was monitored by personal monitoring technique. Personal air sampler (PCXR4) manufactured by M/s SKC, USA was used. Altogether 35 samples were collected and analyzed gravimetrically in the laboratory. The overall mean concentration (averaged for 8 hours) of PM10 was found to be 1559.107 μg/m3 in Mahendrapul, 1759.032 μg/m3 in B.P chowk and 1733.846 μg/m3 in Prithvi chowk. The overall mean concentration of PM10 was observed higher in morning shifts (2093.790 μg/m3) than evening (1704.005 μg/m3) and afternoon (1192.670 μg/m3) shifts. PM10 concentration was observed higher in Weekdays than Weekends. However, no significant difference in overall mean PM10 concentration was observed in different sampling sites and week days (weekdays and weekends) at 0.05 level significance. Significant difference in PM10 concentration was observed in different shifts only. It was concluded from the findings of the present study that traffic police personnel are exposed to very high level of PM10 (almost 10 to 15 folds higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM10 for Nepal i.e. 120μg/m3) in all three HDTA's of Pokhara city. Key words: Nepal; Pokhara; personal air sampler; occupational environment; HDTA's   DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2886 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 73-80
Electrical Characterization of Atmospheric Pressure Gaseous Discharge
Authors: Kandel SR , Subedi DP
Published: March 2010

This paper reports the generation of atmospheric pressure gaseous discharge and its electrical characterization. For this purpose, a point-plane electrode system has been fabricated. A high voltage power supply (0-11 kV, 50 Hz) was applied across the electrodes. Discharge was generated with and without the dielectric barrier between the electrodes. The gas discharge was seen as in-homogenous filamentary type discharge without the dielectric. Whereas the filamentary discharge turned into bluish glow when the lower electrode was covered by a dielectric. The current and voltage of the discharge were measured by using a high frequency digital oscilloscope. The power consumed by the discharge was measured from the measured values of current and voltage. A special attention has been paid to investigate the effect of electrode geometry on the nature of the discharge Key words: Gaseous discharge; point-plane electrode; dielectric material; filamentary discharge; current and voltage measurement DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2887 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 81-85
A Study on Teaching Applicable Mathematics in the Universities of Nepal
Authors: Panthi Dinesh , Basnet Ritu , Jha K
Published: March 2010

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the program wise weightage of mathematics curriculum in universities of Nepal, in the areas of pure and applied mathematics. It also deals with the status of students' performance for mathematics at various levels. DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2888 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 86-94
His Lordship's -ship and the King of Golfdom. Against a purely functional analysis of suffixhood
Authors: Baeskow Heike
Published: March 2010

For many decades there has been a consensus among linguists of various schools that derivational suffixes function not only to determine the word-class of the complex expressions they form, but also convey semantic information. The aspect of suffix-inherent meaning is ignored by representatives of a relatively new theoretical direction – Neo-Construction Grammar – who consider derivational suffixes to be either purely functional elements of the grammar or meaningless phonological realizations of abstract grammatical morphemes. The latter view is maintained by adherents of Distributed Morphology, who at the same time emphasize the importance of conceptual knowledge for derivational processes without attempting to define this aspect. The purpose of this study is first of all to provide support for the long-standing assumption that suffixes are inherently meaningful. The focus of interest is on the suffixes -ship, -dom and -hood. Data from Old English and Modern English (including neologisms) will show that these suffixes have developed rich arrays of meaning which cannot be structurally derived. Moreover, since conceptual knowledge is indeed an important factor for word-formation processes, a concrete, theory-independent model for the representation of the synchronically observable meaning components associated with -ship, -dom and -hood will be proposed.
The distribution and category status of adjectives and adverbs
Authors: Payne John , Huddleston Rodney , K. Pullum Geoffrey
Published: March 2010

It has long been argued that the environments in which adjectives and adverbs occur are mutually exclusive. This claim is based on a superficial observation that adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify other categories. In this paper, we argue that there are a substantial number of environments in English where complementarity, thus defined, does not hold. One interesting such environment is the function of modifier of nouns, and in one section of this paper we present a detailed analysis of a rarely observed construction in which adverbs, like adjectives, have this function.

Complementarity between adjectives and adverbs is often used in support of a further claim, periodically espoused by a variety of linguists from Kuryłowicz (1936) to Baker (2003) , that adjectives and adverbs are effectively inflectional variants of a single major category. In the final sections of this paper, we argue not only that complementarity as defined does not hold, but that distribution per se is irrelevant to the issue of whether adverbs are inflectionally or derivationally related to adjectives. A review of the arguments points towards adverbs in English in fact standing on the derivational side of the boundary, and forming a distinct (though in some respects atypical) major category.
Variable direction in zero-derivation and the unity of polysemous lexical items
Authors: Plank Frans
Published: March 2010

The adjective, noun, and verb fett/Fett/fett- ‘fat’ in German are polysemous in each word class. The zero-derivational relationships that hold between them are described. The theoretical points are made (i) that, in cases of polysemy, individual senses rather than lexical items as a whole are involved in zero-derivation, and (ii) that, in this particular case, the direction of derivation differs depending on which of the senses are implicated, going from noun to adjective (substance to contentiveness) or from adjective to noun (dimension to state), and thereby precluding the designation of one lexical classification as basic tout court. The implication of such cases is that, with their individual semantic components so autonomous as to be alternately basic and derived in different morphological oppositions, ‘lexical entries’, categorised in terms of word class, cannot be the integral principal organising units of mental lexicons and dictionaries they are commonly taken to be.
Mechanisms of Geomagnetic Field Influence on Gene Expression Using Influenza as a Model System: Basics of Physical Epidemiology
Authors: Zaporozhan Valeriy , Ponomarenko Andriy
Published: March 2010

Recent studies demonstrate distinct changes in gene expression in cells exposed to a weak magnetic field (MF). Mechanisms of this phenomenon are not understood yet. We propose that proteins of the Cryptochrome family (CRY) are "epigenetic sensors" of the MF fluctuations, i.e., magnetic field-sensitive part of the epigenetic controlling mechanism. It was shown that CRY represses activity of the major circadian transcriptional complex CLOCK/BMAL1. At the same time, function of CRY, is apparently highly responsive to weak MF because of radical pairs that periodically arise in the functionally active site of CRY and mediate the radical pair mechanism of magnetoreception. It is known that the circadian complex influences function of every organ and tissue, including modulation of both NF-κB- and glucocorticoids- dependent signaling pathways. Thus, MFs and solar cycles-dependent geomagnetic field fluctuations are capable of altering expression of genes related to function of NF-κB, hormones and other biological regulators. Notably, NF-κB, along with its significant role in immune response, also participates in differential regulation of influenza virus RNA synthesis. Presented data suggests that in the case of global application (example—geomagnetic field), MF-mediated regulation may have epidemiological and other consequences.
Excessive Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke among Hospitality Workers in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Vinnikov Denis , Brimkulov Nurlan , Shahrir Shahida , Breysse Patrick , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of men and women in public places in Kyrgyzstan. This cross-sectional study involved 10 bars and restaurants in Bishkek the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Smoking was allowed in all establishments. Median (interquartile range) air nicotine concentrations were 6.82 (2.89, 8.86) μg/m3. Employees were asked about their smoking history and exposure to SHS at work. Employees were exposed to SHS for mean (SD) 13.5 (3.6) hours a day and 5.8 (1.4) days a week. Women were exposed to more hours of SHS at work compared to men. Hospitality workers are exposed to excessive amounts of SHS from customers. Legislation to ban smoking in public places including bars and restaurants is urgently needed to protect workers and patrons from the harmful effects of SHS.
Specialty Care Use in US Patients with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Bellinger Jessica  D. , Hassan Rahnuma M. , Rivers Patrick A. , Cheng Qiang , Williams Edith , Glover Saundra H.
Published: March 2010

Despite efforts to eliminate health disparities, racial, ethnic, and geographic groups continue lag behind their counterparts in health outcomes in the United States. The purpose of this study is to determine variation in specialty care utilization by chronic disease status. Data were extracted from the Commonwealth Fund 2006 Health Care Quality Survey (n = 2475). A stratified minority sample design was employed to ensure a representative sample. Logistic regression was used in analyses to predict specialty care utilization in the sample. Poor perceived health, minority status, and lack of insurance was associated with reduced specialty care use and chronic disease diagnosis.
Luminescent Lariat Aza-Crown Ether
Authors: Späth Andreas , Rummel Eva-Maria , König Burkhard
Published: March 2010

Lariat ethers are interesting recognition motifs in supramolecular chemistry. The synthesis of a luminescent lariat ether with triglycol chain by azide–alkyne (Huisgen) cycloaddition is presented.
The Chemical and Evolutionary Ecology of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) Toxicity in Terrestrial Vertebrates
Authors: Hanifin Charles T.
Published: March 2010

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is widely distributed in marine taxa, however in terrestrial taxa it is limited to a single class of vertebrates (Amphibia). Tetrodotoxin present in the skin and eggs of TTX-bearing amphibians primarily serves as an antipredator defense and these taxa have provided excellent models for the study of the evolution and chemical ecology of TTX toxicity. The origin of TTX present in terrestrial vertebrates is controversial. In marine organisms the accepted hypothesis is that the TTX present in metazoans results from either dietary uptake of bacterially produced TTX or symbiosis with TTX producing bacteria, but this hypothesis may not be applicable to TTX-bearing amphibians. Here I review the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary ecology of TTX in amphibians with some attention to the origin of TTX present in these taxa.
The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Fatigue during Exercise: Potential Role for NAD+(H)
Authors: Mach John , Midgley Adrian W. , Dank Steve , Grant Ross S. , Bentley David J.
Published: March 2010

This study compared serum pyridine levels (NAD+ /NADH) in trained (n = 6) and untrained (n = 7) subjects after continuous progressive exercise at 50%, 70% then 95% of physical work capacity until fatigue (TTF) after consuming a placebo or antioxidant (AO) cocktail (Lactaway©). An increase of 17% in TTF was observed in AO as compared to placebo (p = 0.032). This was accompanied by a significant increase in serum NAD+ levels (p = 0.037) in the AO supplemented group post exercise. The increases in NAD+ and improved endurance reflect lower oxidative stress-induced suppression of aerobic respiration.
NSAIDs and Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pezzilli Raffaele , Morselli-Labate Antonio Maria , Corinaldesi Roberto
Published: March 2010

The resulting pain is the main symptom of acute pancreatitis and it should be alleviated as soon as possible. NSAIDs are the first line therapy for pain and they are generally administered to acute pancreatitis patients upon admission to the hospital. In addition, these drugs have also been used to prevent post-endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) acute pancreatitis. On the other hand, there are several reports indicating that NSAIDs may be the actual cause of acute pancreatitis. We carried out a literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE; all full text papers published in from January 1966 to November 2009 on the use of NSAIDs in acute pancreatitis were collected; the literature search was also supplemented by a review of the bibliographies of the papers evaluated. Thus, in this article, we will systematically review the current literature in order to better illustrate the role of NSAIDs in acute pancreatitis, in particular: i) NSAIDs as a cause of acute pancreatitis; ii) their use to prevent post-retrograde ERCP pancreatitis and iii) their efficacy for pain relief in the acute illness of the pancreas.
Advances in Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials for Sensors and Actuators
Authors: Aksel Elena , Jones Jacob L.
Published: March 2010

Piezoelectrics have widespread use in today’s sensor and actuator technologies. However, most commercially available piezoelectric materials, e.g., Pb [ZrxTi1-x] O3 (PZT),are comprised of more than 60 weight percent lead (Pb). Dueto its harmful effects, there is a strong impetus to identify new lead-free replacement materials with comparable properties to those of PZT. This review highlights recent developments in several lead-free piezoelectric materials including BaTiO3, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, K0.5Bi0.5TiO3, Na0.5K0.5NbO3, and their solid solutions. The factors that contribute to strong piezoelectric behavior are described and a summary of the properties for the various systems is provided.
A Star Recognition Method Based on the Adaptive Ant Colony Algorithm for Star Sensors
Authors: Quan Wei , Fang Jiancheng
Published: March 2010

A new star recognition method based on the Adaptive Ant Colony (AAC) algorithm has been developed to increase the star recognition speed and success rate for star sensors. This method draws circles, with the center of each one being a bright star point and the radius being a special angular distance, and uses the parallel processing ability of the AAC algorithm to calculate the angular distance of any pair of star points in the circle. The angular distance of two star points in the circle is solved as the path of the AAC algorithm, and the path optimization feature of the AAC is employed to search for the optimal (shortest) path in the circle. This optimal path is used to recognize the stellar map and enhance the recognition success rate and speed. The experimental results show that when the position error is about 50″, the identification success rate of this method is 98% while the Delaunay identification method is only 94%. The identification time of this method is up to 50 ms.
Allometry of within‐fruit reproductive allocation in subtropical dicot woody species
Authors: Chen Hong , Felker Sara , Sun Shucun
Published: March 2010

Angiosperm fruits typically consist of pericarp and seed, which collectively function to maximize plant reproductive success. Within‐fruit reproductive allocation has been scarcely examined across a wide range of fruit types and taxa although it is critical to the understanding of the evolution of fruit size and seed size. We investigated seed size, fruit size, seed number per fruit (SNF), and within‐fruit biomass allocation between seed mass and pericarp mass for 62 dicot woody species (27 deciduous and 35 evergreen species) of a subtropical evergreen forest in southwest China. At the fruit level, total pericarp mass (TPM) isometrically scaled with increasing total seed mass (TSM) in the evergreen species and in the pooled data set, while TPM increased faster than TSM in the deciduous species. The slope difference is possibly due to the difference in the timing of fruit development between the two species groups. At the seed level, seed package (pericarp mass per seed) isometrically scaled with increasing seed size in the deciduous group, but less than isometrically in the evergreens and in the pooled data set. SNF was negatively correlated with seed size but positively correlated with the proportion of pericarp within fruits. In conclusion, within‐fruit biomass allocation is significantly affected by seed size, fruit size, and SNF in both deciduous and evergreen species. The implications of the observed scaling relationships are discussed in relation to seed size evolution and global patterns of seed size variation.
Expression patterns of AaDL, a CRABS CLAW ortholog in Asparagus asparagoides (Asparagaceae), demonstrate a stepwise evolution of CRC/DL subfamily of YABBY genes
Authors: Nakayama Hokuto , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: March 2010

Understanding the evolutionary path of transcription factors is essential for the elucidation of plant evolution. The CRC/DL subfamily of the YABBY gene family are functionally diverse, plant‐specific, putative transcription factors. In Arabidopsis thaliana, CRABS CLAW (CRC) is expressed in the abaxial region of carpel primordia and in floral nectaries, where it regulates carpel morphology and nectary development. By contrast, in Oryza sativa, DROOPING LEAF (DL) is expressed in the entire carpel primordium and in the central undifferentiated cells of leaves, where it regulates carpel identity and midrib development. Recent studies suggest that abaxial expression and functional roles in the carpel are ancestral characters, although when and how neo‐functionalizations occurred remains unclear. To elucidate the evolutionary processes of the CRC/DL subfamily, we examined in situ expression patterns of a CRC ortholog (AaDL) in Asparagus asparagoides (Asparagales). Like CRC in Arabidopsis thaliana, AaDL was clearly expressed in the abaxial region of the ovary wall. Expression was also detected in the phloem of leaves, but not in the septal nectary. Thus, expression in the entire carpel primordium might have been acquired after the divergence of Asparagus, with expression competence in the leaves acquired before the divergence of Asparagus in monocots. Our data indicate that the evolution of CRC/DL subfamily genes occurred in a stepwise manner.