bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual Capital – Observations in Process
Authors: Cross Simon
Published: April 2024

This article outlines some observations and recommendations derived from a study of the experiences of people who understand themselves to work for the ‘common good’. Drawing on theological analysis of a series of surveys and interviews, this article sets out some key observations which are framed as having potential for practical application. The work draws on an underpinning of process-relational theology, which is, broadly, an extension of the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. Recommendations for action are intended to provide suggested ways for the church, and wider elements of civil society, to grapple with some of the apparent challenges presented by the context of a post secular society.
Palestinian Arabs as Co-Heirs of the Abrahamic Promise: Revisiting a Literal, Unconditional Interpretation
Authors: Huffman Michael
Published: April 2024

A majority of American evangelicals interpret God’s promise to give a certain land to Abraham’s descendants both literally and unconditionally (see Gen 12:2–3 and Gen 15). Because the promise is literal, Abraham’s living descendants are the rightful heirs of the promised land; because it is unconditional, this right belongs to Abraham’s biological descendants regardless of their behavior, beliefs, or other changeable factors. Evangelicals who support Israel as a Jewish nation-state do so largely in response to this way of reading the biblical Abrahamic promise. Meanwhile, others express alarm at what this implies for Arabs who live there, as well as for those who have been compelled to leave. The result is an impasse in Christian political posture toward the role of Arabs in the modern state of Israel, seemingly with no hope of resolution apart from a seismic shift in approaches to biblical hermeneutics. This article argues, however, that even a literal, unconditional reading of the Abrahamic promise, when followed to its logical end, leads necessarily to the welcoming of modern Arabs in the promised land. Without minimizing the importance of hermeneutical differences among Christians, the article shows that these do not need to be resolved before an unqualified advocacy for the welcoming of Arabs, both in Israel and elsewhere, can become standard among all Christians.
Healthy Cities
Authors: Kn ox Andy
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the parameters of what a healthy city might look like from the perspective of the politics of love. Beginning with some definitions of city, love and wellbeing, the paper contrasts these with features of the unhealthy cities in our current context and experience. Taking as the starting point the inequalities and inequities exposed by the current Coronavirus pandemic, the pre-existent roots of the current crisis are set out. Focusing on the impact of austerity policies of the last decade on women, ethnic minorities and children, particular emphasis is given to the significant effects of adverse childhood experiences. The negative impacts of current politics of division, exclusion and freedom are then explored as evidence of the broken ideology of capitalism in crisis. The positive remedies advocated by Mariana Mazzucato, Katherine Trebeck and Kate Raworth which are currently being explored in several cities with exciting results are then outlined. Finally, the principles of love are put forward as a participative agenda for the future health of our cities.
The Lord’s Supper Table as Icon for Remembrance in I Corinthians 11:17-34: An Apostolic and Patristic Reprimand for Inclusive, Christlike Table Manners
Authors: Lapish Marisa
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the “table manners” around early church practices of the Lord’s Supper Table in light of I Corinthians 11:17-34. Alongside patristic voices, Paul’s corrective reprimand in this passage demonstrates an inclusive ethic at the Lord’s Supper Table as an icon of remembrance for expressing the gospel of love embodied in the new humanity on earth as it is in heaven. First-century Greco-Roman meal practices are discussed as well as the meaning of anamnesis as “remembrance,” for a Christotelic expression in Jesus’ Last Supper as a kingdom of God prototype for early church table manners. In I Corinthians 11:17-34, the unethical table manners of the rich toward the poor are specifically highlighted by Paul and confirmed through patristic writings. By pointing back to Jesus’ Last Supper table, Paul actually collapses time to point forward, reorienting the church of Corinth to the future kingdom of God—the messianic banquet table where all would feast equitably and peaceably, with love and justice. In this way, the Lord’s Supper practice is a “re-membering” of suffering humanity, an ethic of “just hospitality.” This table represents the kenotic love of Jesus through the love of neighbour, revealing the meaning of the cross, the body and blood given for one and all, expressed through the bread and wine shared by one and all.
Discharged from the Law: Paulos, Anarchy and Spirit. Exploring Romans 6-8 With Gershom Scholem and Walter Benjamin
Authors: Blower David Benjamin
Published: April 2024

This essay is a brief sketch on Paul’s writings about law and Spirit in the book of Romans. Christian theology has historically understood law as basically synonymous with Judaism, and Paul’s discourse on law is largely taken to be the reasoning of a superior religion over and against its failed or expired predecessor. In spite of the correctives of E. P. Sanders, it has been said that New Perspectives theologians are still describing some, albeit more nuanced, version of the same old picture. This has tended to reduce the complexity of the primitive messianic movement to a religion preoccupied with its supposed supremacy over another religion, all the while remaining quietist regarding the law of the Roman Imperium. We may wonder if this, in the weave of the world, hasn’t helped to create favourable conditions for the marriage of imperial Christendom and white supremacy. It is proposed here that, in Romans 6-8, Paul describes all kinds of law as a self-defeating attempt to hold a broken world together by threat of violence. Messianic redemption is to be lived out in a field of social and political anarchy beyond this deadlock, unobliged to the powers and laws of the present age: a life held together, not by the violence of law-imposing hierarchies, but by pistis and pneuma; that is, by relationships good enough to trust, rooted in the divine presence in creation.
Det grønne BNP - et nyttigt redskab for politikerne?
Authors: Fuglsang Niels
Published: April 2024

Denne artikel argumenterer for, at det nye grønne BNP kan få en central betydning for de politiske beslutninger i Danmark. Artiklen redegør for, hvordan det grønne BNP potentielt kan fungere som et mål for den økonomiske politik og dermed hjælpe en ny reformagenda igang, som adskiller sig fra den arbejdsudbudsagenda, der har præget dansk politik de seneste årtier. Dernæst giver artiklen nogle eksempler på, hvordan politikere i medierne og i forhandlinger bruger økonomiske beregninger som våben for at fremme deres ideologiske dagsordner, og artiklen reflekterer over, hvordan vi kan forvente, at det grønne BNP også vil blive brugt i politiske magtkampe. Endelig argumenterer artiklen for, at en forudsætning for, at det grønne BNP kan få indflydelse, er, at man indarbejder det i Finansministeriets regnemodel set-up, så det bliver en del af det system, som politiske forslag systematisk vurderes ud fra.
Abstract
Authors: Marcussen Martin
Published: April 2024

Danmarks grønne nationalprodukt
Sheep and goat breeding
Authors: Zečević Ervin
Published: April 2024

The beginnings of sheep and goat production go back to the dawn of human civilization. In the geographical areas where the first human civilizations began to develop, the domestication of sheep from wild animals that lived there began. The first domesticated animals did not differ much from their original forms and changes in morphological and production characteristics followed later during the development of sheep and goat production. Significant contributions to the development of these branches of animal husbandry were made by ancient world cultures such as Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Changes in production were formed specifically to meet the needs of specific products such as wool, meat and milk. In this process, significant morphological modifications have occurred, such as changes in hair in wool in sheep, changes in the skin, deposition of adipose tissue, horn lessness and so on. In addition to this, there was a differentiation of breeds in accordance with the production goals that were primary, so that meat, dairy and wool production types were singled out. Along with the processes of differentiation of production types, a large number of breeds have developed, mainly according to geographical distribution. New breeds have characteristics that have been developed under the influence of man and are based on specialized or combined production of milk, meat and wool. In Europe, sheep production accounts for a significant share of total livestock production, especially in countries where cattle production has been reduced due to various geographical factors. In sheep and goat production in Europe, the leading countries are the Mediterranean countries, which have developed traditional sheep and goat products of high economic value. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, sheep and goat production are not at a satisfactory level. It is mostly about extensive sheep and goat farming without organized and systemic solutions to the problems in this production. The breed composition in Bosnia and Herzegovina is based mostly on strains of the autochthonous pramenka breed without organized selection work. Typically, sheep and goat products should be based on different technological processes such as the production of meat, milk, wool and combined output. The breeding system itself is based on the breeding of purebred breeding heads and the breeding of commercial heads for production and the market. An important element of breeding is reproduction, since these are seasonal animals whose mating season is in the fall. In order to increase the productivity and accumulativeness of these branches of livestock production, the method of estrus synchronization using various hormonal preparations is applied. Defining breeding goals is the main starting point when it comes to any livestock production, so this is the case with sheep and goat breeding. Animal selection is carried out in accordance with breeding goals. In addition to economic importance, sheep and goat production play an important role as an ecological factor in the use, preservation and conservation of pastures.
Soil erosion modeling using computer-graphic methods and geographic information systems
Authors: Spalevic Velibor , Curovic Milic
Published: April 2024

The surface of the earth, exposed to gravitational forces, wind, water and ice, is continuously evolving within spatial and temporal proportions. The erosion processes that form the land surface are extremely complex and difficult to quantify over large areas. Remote sensing provides important data that allows us to gain insight into the interactions between physical processes and environmental conditions that control the erosion and development of landforms. Recent advances in mapping technologies, such as the use of LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and ground-penetrating radar, have significantly increased the spatial and temporal function of the analysis of these processes. New research suggests that fundamental changes in the initial theories of erosion processes may be made to align with new scientific findings. Analysis and modelling based on the science of geospatial information (GIS) play an important role in better understanding and predictability aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of soil erosion and its deposition. In this paper it is presented the views, theory and methods of modelling soil erosion, sediment transport and sedimentation in watercourses based on the application of computer graphics methods and the use of geographic information systems. The mathematical equations that stand in the algorithmic backgrounds of the models for the control of soil erosion are applied for the calculation of the intensity of erosion, and the modelling of this process of soil degradation. The presented methods explain the movement of eroded material from basins, its deposition downstream, and the influences of these processes on the evolution of natural landscapes of the studied areas. Some approaches that used GIS applications in simple and advanced models are discussed, and models used in the world and in the Western Balkans region are presented.
Forest reclamation in function of improving the forest fund
Authors: Krstić Milun , Govedar Zoran , Kanjevac Branko
Published: April 2024

Degradation of forest ecosystems, together with climate change, is one of the most significant problems today. Recent estimates indicate that more than 2 billion hectares of forests in the world have been degraded, with the expected trend of their further degradation due to increased pressures on forest ecosystems. Reclamation of degraded forests is based on the basic principles of theory and practice of silviculture, is a very complex process and require a specific silvicultural approach that involves the application of complicated and often financially demanding methods in order to achieve satisfactory results. The great importance of reclamation of degraded forests is reflected in their potential for ensuring the sustainability of forest ecosystems, preserving and increasing biodiversity, improving the functions of forest ecosystems, as well as mitigating global climate change. Consequently, adaptive management and reclamation of degraded forests are key strategies aimed at increasing the functionality and stability of forests under the multiple pressures of global change.
Planning of forest traffic infrastructure
Authors: Petković Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Planning of forest traffic infrastructure is the main task in the future because of overuse of timber in the areas that near forest roads. This process is the nesseccary to prepare, support and lead by using contemporary information technology (IT). Quality of planning of forest traffic infrastructure requires analysis of larger number of criteria in order to support decission making and sustainability of the selected solutions. Forestry is the very interesting field study for using of Geographical information sysistem (GIS) because of diversity of terrain and stand conditions. GIS contains the tools for spatial and statistical analysis and its strength is in connecting different information into one whole and simple data processing. Data processing means analysis of current state of forest accessibility, planning and designing of new primary and secondary forest traffic infrastructure and analysis of achieved forest accessibility. Beside of utilization of timber, comperhansive planning of forest traffic infrastructure should be taken into account the interes of stakeholders from medicine, sport, turism, ecology and protection of cultural and historical heritage. Their needs and requairements are necessary to evaluate and used the results of questioning of stackeholders for final decision making. Optimal primary forest accessibility should be from 20 to 30 m/ha from the point of forest management intensity, terrain conditions etc. The optimal secondary forest accessibility could be considered excellent relative secondary forest accessibility what means 90% of compartment area is accessible for double winching distance arround secondary traffic infrastructure. These aimed forest accessiblities could be achived by designing of new primary and secondary forest traffic infrastructure in the field by contemporary tools based on ultrasonic and laser technology like Vertex Laser Geo and in office by softwares for forest road designing like RoadEng. At the end it is necessary to take into account economic analysis of planning and designing of forest traffic infrastructures.
Land as a resource for biomass production
Authors: Dželetović Željko
Published: April 2024

Soil cover on the area of the West Balkans is very heterogeneous. Due to limited possibilities of increasing arable lands, an issue relating to rational utilization of the existing land reserves has been raised. Namely, an increase of food costs, which coincides with global increase of biofuel production, leads to thinking that fuel production induces an increase of food costs. Suitability of land space for specific purpose utilization is based on long-term economy. This problem would be solved by biomass production on marginal lands, because productive arable lands would be intended for food production. Lands that are suitable for exploitation in intensive agricultural production and appropriate for cultivation are classified into I-IV land capability class, and lands that are less suitable and unsuitable for exploitation (marginal lands) are classified into V-VIII land capability class. In the opinion of most researchers, economic production of wood and grass biomass should be developed on the lands of IV-VIII land capability class. Thereby, there is a high percentage of abandoned and marginal agricultural lands in some countries of the West Balkans. Regarding a high percentage of meadows and pastures, which are mainly on land areas of V-VIII class and insufficient exploitation thereof, the potential of available land areas for crop cultivation for obtaining biomass is very big. They can include even temporarily lost areas (greenfields and brownfields) as well as the areas under powerlines. Land composition has a limited effect on elements concentration in the biomass and on its quality. The crops cultivated for obtaining biomass generally have low demands for nutrients and are adaptable to various land conditions. The reserves of the land organic carbon can be increased by biomass production, and in that way soil fertility can be improved. Whether through biomass production the biodiversity will be improved or decreased, it depends on the mode of utilization of land areas and on the cultivated crop management practice.
Congenital Absence of Ileum, Caecum and Appendix in a Preterm Neonate: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Komandla Asritha , Rawat Aditi , Karotkar Sagar
Published: April 2024

There are numerous birth defects that can affect the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the oesophagus or stomach to the small and large intestines. Intestinal atresias are one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in newborns. The most common location is the jejunum, followed by the duodenum and the colon. Congenital absence of the ileum, caecum, and appendix is an extremely rare condition. Here, an exceptional instance of congenital absence involving the distal jejunum, ileum, caecum, and appendix in a male child is presented, who presented with chief complaints of multiple episodes of bilious vomiting after initiating the first feed and non passage of meconium. Upon initial examination, the patient was suspected to have an intestinal obstruction and subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy. However, intraoperative findings revealed a grossly dilated proximal jejunal loop, and the next segment of the intestine was the narrow ascending colon. In due course, the baby recovered well and was discharged. Currently, there is no documented occurrence of a comparable case involving a viable neonate in the existing body of scholarly literature. Surgeons need to understand positional variations and congenital anomalies, as well as the procedures needed to identify these abnormalities during surgery.
Substance P Level in Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disorder undergoing Decompressive Surgery: An Observational Study
Authors: Panda Amrita , Sarangi Rajlaxmi , Sahu Debadyuti , Sharma Saurabh , Das Narendra Kumar , Rath Sibanarayan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorders experience Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) for which they undergo decompressive surgery. Substance P (SP), a neurotransmitter which acts as a modulator of pain perception and transmits nociceptive signals via primary afferent fibers to the spinal cord and brainstem. In chronic painful conditions, SP level can be associated with the severity of pain and gets altered; however, this correlation is not present in acute pain. Aim: To evaluate serum SP level in CLBP patients undergoing decompressive spine surgery. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study, in which 30 patients with CLBP undergoing decompressive spine surgery were enrolled. Along with them, one first-degree relative of each patient and an equal number of healthy volunteers were included in the study group. Patients were followed-up on the 5th postoperative day and at two months after surgery for the evaluation of SP levels and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Statistical data analysis was carried out using IBM PASW Statistics (SPSS) 25.0 version software. SP levels followed a non normal distribution and were compared by Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal Wallis test (for 2 or more groups, respectively) and correlated using Spearman rank correlation. Results: Patients undergoing decompressive spine surgery had a significantly higher SP level (97.5 picogram/mL (pg/mL)) than healthy volunteers (23.22 pg/mL), p-value <0.001. The serum SP levels in patients were found to be significantly reduced on the 5th postoperative day (31.7 pg/mL) and at two months after surgery (48.5 pg/mL), p-value=0.043. In contrast, there was no discernible change in the VAS score, which did not correlate with the fall in SP levels on the 5th postoperative day. Conclusion: SP level was elevated in subjects with degenerative lumbar spine disorders undergoing decompressive surgery. Higher levels of SP can be attributed to CLBP in those patients. SP can be contemplated as a biomarker of pain due to degenerative lumbar spine pathology. However, further studies are warranted to substantiate this.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ КОЭФФИЦИЕНТА ШУМА GAN HEMT ТРАНЗИСТОРОВ ОТ РЕЖИМОВ РАБОТЫ
Authors: Чаплыгин Ю.А. , Лосев В.В. , Хлыбов А.И. , Родионов Д.В. , Котляров Е.Ю. , Егоркин В.И.
Published: April 2024

В статье приведены результаты исследований зависимостей коэффициента шума и коэффициента усиления GaN HEMT транзисторов от режимов работы в L-диапазоне частот (1…2 ГГц). Отмечено, что минимальные измеренные значения коэффициента шума (менее 1,0 дБ) находятся в диапазоне напряжений на стоке 2,5…5,5 В и плотностей тока стока 40…80 мА/мм. Минимальный коэффициент шума (NFmin) имеет значение не более 0,G5 дБ.
Allgrove Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Amar N. Ben , Radi A. , Ourrai A. , Hassani A. , Abilkassem R.
Published: April 2024

Allgrove syndrome, or Triple A syndrome, is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder with three key clinical features: achalasia, alacrima, and adrenal insufficiency. Around a third of patients present with additional features, such as neurological and autonomic manifestations (making it syndrome 4A). Alacrima usually appears in early childhood, while achalasia and adrenal insufficiency manifest later. In adulthood, the presentation is predominantly neurological, with autonomic impairment and polyneuropathy.
We report the case of a 7-year-old female patient who consulted us with delayed weight gain and nutritional issues, alacrimia, and chronic vomiting since the age of 6 months. Clinical examination revealed malnutrition, with weight and BMI less than 3 standard deviations. Alacrima was confirmed by a positive Schirmer's test. Oesogastroduodenal transit, gastric fibroscopy, and manometry confirmed achalasia. In our case, there was no neurological involvement nor adrenal insufficiency. Treatment consisted of optimal managing of the manifestations of the disease.
Effect of Different Shading Color on Growth and Yield Performance of (Black Ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker
Authors: Roslan Izlamira , Mohd Yaseer Suhaimi , Raship Izyani , Jusoh Samsiah , Ramly Mazlina
Published: April 2024

A study was conducted to investigate the impact of different shading colors on the growth and yield performance of (black ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse at MARDI Jerangau, Terengganu, from September 2022 to May 2023. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The shade treatments consisted of non-shade (T1), green shade (T2), yellow shade (T3), and red shade (T4). The results revealed that the application of colored shading significantly enhanced both the growth and yield of K. parviflora. Notably, the growth performance at the 5-month after planting (MAP) stage was crucial for rhizome yield, with any decrease in plant height potentially leading to diminished rhizome weight measurements. Among the shading colors, green shade emerged as the most effective, boosting total rhizome weight compared to non-shaded conditions. Correlation analysis between yield components demonstrated a strong positive relationship between rhizome length and rhizome weight (0.894), followed by rhizome weight and root weight (0.835). In conclusion, the study highlights the beneficial effects of colored shading on the yield components of K. parviflora, emphasizing the potential for optimized cultivation practices to enhance crop productivity.
Saffron Blooms Beyond Soil: A Thorough Review on Soilless Corm Production Strategies
Authors: V Sree Hasthini
Published: April 2024

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a highly valuable spice and medicinal plant known for its potent aromatic compounds. Due to its scarcity and susceptibility to various challenges, including adverse weather, soil conditions, and adulteration. There is a growing interest in soilless cultivation methods such as hydroponics to enhance saffron production. This article discusses the potential benefits of soilless cultivation, the structure for cultivating corms in hydroponic systems, the choice of growing media, nutrient solutions, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and environmental conditions, including light spectrum modulation, to optimize saffron corm production.
Iodine Fortification Study of Some Common Nigerian Vegetables Using Copper Complex
Authors: Anarado Chigozie John Onyinye , Anarado Charity Ebere , Okonkwo Ngozi Anastasia , Ikeh Obianuju Adaobi , Umendu Ogechi , Adike Nonso Ernest , Uduma Victor Idika
Published: April 2024

Iodine deficiency (ID) is the result of insufficient dietary iodine intake in humans, the deficiency not only leads to goiter formation but also to severe retardation of growth, development and maturation of nearly all the tissues of the body, especially those that are fast developing. The aim of this research is to evaluate levels of iodine intake by ten Nigerian vegetables using copper complex. Dry alkaline ash method was used in the determination. The results obtained showed that all the ten vegetables used absorbed high concentrations of iodine when inoculated with 0.09 M and 0.14 M [Cu(I)4]2- . Iodine phytotoxicity was observed in all the plants when inoculated with 0.2-0.8 M of the copper complex as all the plants died. Increase in the concentration of copper complex from 0.09-0.14 M increased the absorption of iodine by Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorous olitoruis, Gongronema lotifolium and Solanum melongena. The reverse was observed with Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus, Cucurbita pepo and Telfairia occidentalis.  Ocimum gratissimum absorbed the iodine at 0.09M with value of 164.79 mg/kg, the vegetable also absorbed least at 0.14 M with a dose of 61.80 mg/kg. The intake of the iodine by the plants showed that the method can be used in the fortifying these Nigerian vegetables with iodine, thereby reducing the incidence of Iodine deficiency disorder in humans.
Investigation of Parasites and Microbial Load in Local Beverages Sold by Vendors in the Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: N. Eze Chinwe , Ovutor Owhoeli , Chinua Orluoma , A. Patience Ndidi , Tomiwa Omotayo
Published: April 2024

Aim: To determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites and microbes in Fura da Nono, Gbagaba (Washing and setting), Agbo-iba (Malaria) and Agbo-jedi jedi sold by street vendors in Rivers State.
Study Design:  A total of 216 samples were procured randomly from eight different locations.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology [parasitology unit), University of Port Harcourt, from March - July 2022.
Methodology: The 216 samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using the Concentration method, while 120 of the samples selected based on type and location were examined for bacteria and fungi using standard microbial techniques.
Results: out of the 216 samples examined, 105(48.61%) local made drinks were contaminated with parasites as follows; Gbagagba (washing & setting) 48(81.3%), Agbo jedi-jedi 24(44.4%), Agbo Iba 22(40.7%) and Fura da Nono 11(20.4%) with the following species of parasites; Hookworm 48(22.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides 34(15.7%), and Trichuris trichiura 23(10.6%) p=.05. Of the120 local drinks subjected to bacterial evaluation, 92(76.67%) were positive for bacteria as follows; Fura da Nono 26(86.7%), Agbo jedi-jedi 24(80%), Gbagagba 22(73.3%), and Agbo jedi jedi 20(66.7%), with the following species of bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus 49(40.83%), Escherichia coli 16(13.3%) and Klebsiella spp 27(22.5%) p=.05. while 73(60.8%) was positive for fungi as follows; Fura da Nono 22(73.3%), Agbo Jedi-Jedi 21(70%), Gbagagba 12(56.7%) and Ago-Iba 13(43.2%). Candida species were the only fungi observed in the drinks. This study has shown various microorganisms present in locally made drinks which could have resulted from contaminated soils or poor hygiene during preparation processes.
Conclusion: Street vendors who produce these drinks should be regularly trained on safe handling of their products and send them to approved laboratories for quality assessment before marketing.
Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Prasad Nand Kishore , Bahadur Dhirendra , Vasseur Sébastien , Duguet Etienne
Published: March 2009

Magnetism, which is an intrinsic property of every atom, has a profound influence on living organisms. Magnetism of nanoparticles plays a strong role in certain specific applications of health care. More particularly, several magnetic inorganic oxides, such as iron oxides, which are biocompatible, have been extensively used for several medical applications in their nanometric form. These applications/perspectives include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, hyperthermia treatment of cancer, targeted drug delivery, and biological entity separation or identification. This article examines these applications through an understanding of the problems involved and the current and future possibilities for resolving them.
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Fernández‐García Marcos , Rodriguez José A.
Published: March 2009

This article covers the fundamental science, synthesis, characterization, physicochemical properties, and applications of oxide nanomaterials. It also explains the fundamental aspects that determine the growth and behavior of these systems, briefly examines synthetic procedures using bottom‐up and top‐down fabrication technologies, discusses the sophisticated experimental techniques and state‐of‐the‐art theory results used to characterize the physicochemical properties of oxide solids, and describes the current knowledge concerning key oxide materials with important technological applications.
Microarray analysis of liver gene expression in iron overloaded patients with sickle cell anemia and beta‐thalassemia
Authors: Flanagan Jonathan M. , Steward Shirley , Hankins Jane S. , Howard Thad M. , Neale Geoffrey , Ware Russell E.
Published: March 2009

Chronic transfusion therapy is used clinically to supply healthy erythrocytes for patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) or beta‐thalassemia major (TM). Despite the benefits of red blood cell transfusions, chronic transfusions lead to iron accumulation in key tissues such as the heart, liver, and endocrine glands. Transfusion‐acquired iron overload is recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving chronic transfusions. At present, there is little understanding of molecular events that occur during transfusional iron loading and the reasons for the large inter‐individual variation observed clinically in transfusion‐acquired iron accumulation. To address these issues, we examined whether any liver‐expressed genes in SCA or TM patients with transfusional iron overload were associated with the degree of iron accumulation. Specifically, we performed microarray analysis on liver biopsy specimens comparing SCA patients with mild or severe iron overload and also compared SCA with TM patients. Fifteen candidate genes were identified with significantly differential expression between the high and low liver iron concentrations. SCA patients and 20 candidate genes were detected between the SCA and TM patient comparison. Subsequent quantitative PCR experiments validated 12 candidate genes; withGSTM1,eIF5a,SULF2,NTS, andHO‐1being particularly good prospects as genes that might affect the degree of iron accumulation. Future work will determine the baseline expression of these genes prior to transfusional iron overload and elucidate the full impact of these genes on the inter‐individual variation observed clinically in transfusion‐acquired iron accumulation. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The phenotype of persons having mosaicism for trisomy 21/Down syndrome reflects the percentage of trisomic cells present in different tissues
Authors: Papavassiliou Paulie , York Timothy P. , Gursoy Nurcan , Hill Gloria , Nicely Lauren Vanner , Sundaram Usha , McClain Allison , Aggen Steven H. , Eaves Lindon , Riley Brien , Jackson‐Cook Colleen
Published: March 2009

Little is known about the pathogenesis of the phenotype in individuals with trisomy 21 mosaicism and Down syndrome. The primary goal of this study was to identify factors contributing to the observed phenotypic variation by evaluating 107 individuals having trisomy 21 mosaicism. To investigate a potential “threshold” effect due to trisomic imbalance, lymphocyte and buccal mucosa nuclei were scored using FISH. Overall, buccal cells showed a significantly higher frequency of trisomy than lymphocytes (P < 0.0001). Using latent class analysis, two phenotypic classes were identified based on the clinical findings of the propositi. Patients from class 1 had significantly fewer traits and a lower percentage of trisomic cells (mean of 37.3% lymphocytes; 34.5% buccal mucosa cells) when compared to those stratified into class 2 (54.0% lymphocytes; 53.4% buccal mucosa cells). Tissue‐specific influences were also detected, with buccal mucosa trisomy levels being significantly correlated with IQ (P = 0.0094; both ectodermal derivatives), while congenital heart defects were significantly correlated with lymphocytes (P = 0.0286; both mesodermal embryonic derivatives). In conclusion, allowing for the distinction of two groups, we observed variation in phenotype, associated with the percentage of trisomic cells. We also observed tissue‐specific effects on phenotype. The results of this study should enable geneticists and other health care professionals to provide information regarding optimal diagnostic approaches and anticipated clinical outcomes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology of acephalus/acardius monozygotic twins: New insights into an epigenetic causal hypothesis
Authors: Martínez‐Frías María Luisa ,   the ECEMC Working Group
Published: March 2009

Apart from a series of 10 acephalus/acardius (Ac/Ac) cases described from a pathological point of view, and the analysis of a review of published cases, we have been unable to find any epidemiological studies on Ac/Ac. Using data from the Spanish Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECEMC), we present here what seems to be the first epidemiological analysis of a consecutive series of the Ac/Ac type of monozygotic twins (MZT). Among a total of 2,281,604 consecutive births, 11 cases of Ac/Ac MZT were detected, giving a frequency of 0.48 per 100,000 births. However, we consider the period 1980–1985 as the baseline for our data, as in this period voluntary termination of pregnancy was not possible in Spain, and the frequency of Ac/Ac MZT was 0.49 per 100,000 births. Nonetheless, this frequency should be considered as a minimal estimation. The characteristics of these Ac/Ac cases indicate that they are more frequent in males (sex ratio 2.67). In addition, gestational age in Ac/Ac cases was 2.41 and 3.12 weeks lower than in malformed and control twins, respectively. Similarly, their mothers are 4.54 and 4.68 years younger than mothers of separate malformed and control twins, respectively. To understand the biological basis behind the occurrence of MZT in the context of recent observations, we evaluate the hypothesis that the epigenetic processes involved in the early cleavage of the embryo, and in blastocyst formation during development, may be implicated in twinning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xq13.2q21.1 duplication encompassing the ATRX gene in a man with mental retardation, minor facial and genital anomalies, short stature and broad thorax
Authors: Lugtenberg Dorien , de Brouwer Arjan P.M. , Oudakker Astrid R. , Pfundt Rolph , Hamel Ben C.J. , van Bokhoven Hans , Bongers Ernie M.H.F.
Published: March 2009

In a man with severe mental retardation, minor facial and genital anomalies, disproportionate short stature and a broad thorax, we identified a de novo Xq13.2q21.1 duplication by array CGH. This 7 Mb duplication encompasses 23 known genes, including the X‐linked mental retardation (XLMR) genes ATRX and SLC16A2. The phenotype of this patient is similar to that described in more than 10 previously reported patients with overlapping Xq duplications. Detailed comparison of the clinical characteristics and the function of the genes located in the commonly duplicated regions of these patients led us to the hypothesis that an increased dosage of ATRX and perhaps of other genes is involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of this XLMR phenotype, including mental retardation, short stature, and genital abnormalities comprising cryptorchidism and/or a small penis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and catalytic properties of bis(imino)pyridine palladium(II) complexes as efficient catalysts for Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction in water
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Wenzhen , He Ren
Published: March 2009

Air‐stable bis(imino)pyridine palladium(II) complexes were synthesized and complex 12 proved to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction between aryl bromides and arylboronic acids in air using water as solvent. The coupling reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to provide biaryls in excellent yields and Pd black was not observed. The recycling of the catalysts was also investigated, for up to three cycles, and complex 12 still exhibited good activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemilabile‐coordinated copper promoted amination of aryl halides with ammonia in aqueous ethylene glycol under atmosphere pressure
Authors: Guo Zhennü , Guo Jiayi , Song Ying , Wang Limin , Zou Gang
Published: March 2009

Direct amination of aryl iodides and bromides with ammonia under 1 atm pressure has been effected using in situ‐generated hemilabile coordinated copper(I) species from copper(I) halides or copper metal in aqueous ethylene glycol, producing primary aromatic amines in good yields. Ammonia pressure and water were found to accelerate the copper‐mediated reaction while strong chelating ligands showed a suppression effect. A rationale for the copper‐mediated amination of aryl halides with ammonia is given based on a double‐face role of chelating effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ZrOCl2·8H2O: a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthene derivatives under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Lü Hong‐Yan , Li Jian‐Jiong , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: March 2009

ZrOCl2·8H2O has been found to be an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthenes from aldehydes and 5,5‐dimethylcyclohexane‐1,3‐dione under solvent‐free conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical modeling of reactive transport of anti‐tumor drugs through electro‐active membranes
Authors: Saurabh Parag , Chakraborty Saikat
Published: March 2009

We present a mathematical modeling and design of an implantable polymer membrane‐based drug‐release device that uses alternate voltage scans across the electro‐active membrane for delivery and reactive uptake of anionic anti‐tumor drugs. Our mathematical model comprises Poisson–Boltzmann, Nernst–Planck and Diffusion–Reaction equations written for three compartments, namely, the drug reservoir, the polymer membrane and the diseased tissue, with the governing equations for the compartments being linked to each other through the boundary conditions. An analytical solution for the three‐compartment model has been obtained using Laplace transforms and residue integration. We use this solution to quantify the various parameters controlling the spatiotemporal dynamics of drug delivery and analyze the efficacy of the reactive transport process for an anionic chemotherapeutic drug, Irinotecan‐HCl, commercially also known as CPT‐11. We show that a ‘smart pill’ with optimal drug efficacy may be designed by altering the thickness and the diffusivity of the electro‐active membrane, and by tuning the applied voltage and the duration of the positive and the negative voltage scans such that the drug concentration in the tumor tissue is maintained within its therapeutic range. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Olive husk oil transesterification in a fluidized bed reactor with immobilized lipases
Authors: Ricca Emanuele , De Paola Maria Gabriela , Calabrò Vincenza , Curcio Stefano , Iorio Gabriele
Published: March 2009

In the present work, olive husk oil was continuously transesterified by immobilized lipases in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Preliminary fluidization tests were run to find the fluidization flow rate for the system under study. Subsequently, the reactor was operated continuously performing high productivity, as compared to literature data on packed bed reactors (PBR) for biodiesel production and to batch data reported in this work. The system was also run in a recycle configuration aiming at studying the effect of repeated passages of the substrates within the reactor, without changing fluidization conditions (i.e. decreasing the fresh feed flow rate to the system by increasing the recycle flow rate, without changing the flow rate entering the reactor). Tests at different recycle ratios were performed to investigate the effect on the process performance of different dilution degrees within the reactor and fresh flow rates fed to the system and to find optimal operating conditions. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partitioning behavior of mercury during coal combustion: the influence of low‐NOx burners and operation load of boiler
Authors: Luo Guang‐Qian , Yao Hong , Xu Ming‐Hou
Published: March 2009

Two 200 MW, pulverized bituminous coal‐fired electric utility boilers each equipped with a five‐field cold‐side electrostatic precipitator (ESP) as the only air pollution control device (APCD) were investigated on mercury distribution and speciation under various conditions. With the same fuel consumption, both facilities are the same but with different burners, low‐NOx type and conventional type. Sampling points of gaseous mercury and chlorine species were at the inlet and outlet of the ESP. The mercury concentrations in various solids, including parent coal, bottom slag, economizer bottom ash and fly ash in different hoppers of ESP, were sampled and analyzed. The Ontario Hydro Method was employed to detect mercury in flue gas, and HCl and Cl2 were detected by the EPA method 26. A series of tests were conducted on the boiler with low‐NOx burners under various loads (70, 85 and 100% of full load) and on the other boiler with conventional burners under full load. Results showed that small amount of mercury remained in the solid combustion products and most of mercury was released into the atmosphere. The majority of the released mercury was in oxidized form. Burner types and load variation had effects on Cl species concentration in flue gas. Furthermore, particle diameter and carbon content and specific surface area of fly ash affected speciation and distribution of mercury and mercury removal efficiency of ESP. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of interaction between hydroxyl group and high valence metal ion impurity on the electrospinnability of polyvinyl alcohols
Authors: Zhu Xinsheng , Gao Qiang , Xu Detao , Shi Xiaoli
Published: March 2009

The production of superfine polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber is usually much difficult by using the routine spinning, whereas electrospinning is a viable technique as the mechanism of fiber formation is different. In this article, the effects of solution properties in terms of the residual acetyl group and high valence metal ion impurity of PVA on electrospinning were carefully investigated. Both the solution viscosity and the surface tension tendencies with PVA concentration indicated that there existed strong physicochemical interaction besides concentration and molar mass factors. NMR spectra and DSC thermographs indirectly showed that the devoid acetyl group of PVA would promote the physical gelation and the formation of hydrogen bondings, and the physical cross‐linking occurred at high saponification degrees in the presence of high valence metal ion impurity. All the interactions aggravated the electrospinnability. Nevertheless, both removal of high valence metal ion impurity and the selection of PVA with low saponification degrees would be always accessible routes to ensure the PVA electrospinning. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Investigation on the fracture behavior and morphology of maleated poly(ethylene 1‐octene) toughened and glass fiber‐reinforced nylon 1010
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Zhang Yong , Ren Wentan
Published: March 2009

The maleated poly(ethylene 1‐octene) (POE‐g‐MAH)‐toughened and glass fiber (GF)‐reinforced nylon 1010 was prepared by melting extrusion. A good trade‐off between stiffness and toughness was obtained by the combination of POE‐g‐MAH and GF. The essential work of fracture (EWF) model was used to characterize the fracture behavior of nylon/POE‐g‐MAH/GF composites. With increasing GF content, the energy consumed in outer plastic zone gradually decreased, and the work consumed in inner fracture process zone reached the maximum value at the GF content of 10 wt %. Morphology investigations showed that POE‐g‐MAH was uniformly dispersed in nylon/POE‐g‐MAH (80/20) blend, and the nylon around POE‐g‐MAH particles suffered a great plastic deformation in the impact test. For nylon/POE‐g‐MAH/GF composites, large plastic deformation occurred in the matrix around GF rather than around rubber particles. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that GF significantly increased the storage and loss moduli and decreased value of tan δ, but had little effect on its position. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009