bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models or metaphors?: Remarks on ‚tranference’ in philosophy and science
Authors: Mikulic Borislav
Published: February 2014

Dealing with the presumed universality of metaphor and its role in the
discourse of philosophy and science, the article discusses, in the first
part, the theses on metaphor as ?all pervading means? of language and
thought, raised by romantic and post-romantic philosophers of language, and
its impact on the meta-discourse on philosophy and science in recent
contemporary contributions by epistemologists of science and language
philosophers. The aim of the article is to show, on one side, that this
universalisation of metaphor has been operative in the recent philosophy
rather as a tacit confusion of metaphors with models and analogies than as
elaboration of the presumed constitutive role of the so-called genuin
metaphor in the rational discourse. On this ground, the article tries to
provide, in the second and the third part, additonal and different arguments
than those raised by ?friends of metaphor? for locating the presumed
?irrationality? of metaphor so as to reexamine the relevance of the
difference between the literality of the underlying linguistic functions and
the emphatic assertion by metaphorical expressions. As a result, in the
fourth part, a different model has been suggested for estimating metaphors as
universal, legitimate, and epistemically innovative in the rational discourse
of philosophy and science. Such a view allows for conceiving of the presumed
?all-pervading? character of transference in language and thought as based on
the universality of linguistic functions and yet enables to consider
metaphors as what they actually are - a particular, but peculiar,
intralinguistic phenomenon without which no insight into the differential and
material character of language and speech seems to be possible at all.
Exploratory experimentation and taxonomy of experimentation
Authors: Stojanovic Milutin
Published: February 2014

Transformation of the philosophy of science during the last three decades is
largely based on the philosophers? insights in the experimental side of
science. Central issues in this new field, such as classification of basic
elements and types of experimentation, are still developing. Subject of this
work will be one of these types, Steinle?s ?exploratory experimentation?
(EE), and its place in taxonomy of experimentation. After presenting an array
of historical cases of experimentation, I analyze Elliott?s systematization
of EE subtypes. I will claim that it does not represent development of
Steinle?s ideas, although it can be used to improve taxonomy of
experimentation in general. Special attention will be dedicated to the
development of this taxonomy and understanding forms of experimentation not
focused on theory testing - specifically EE.
Brandom, Wittgenstein and intersubjectivity
Authors: Sládecek Michal
Published: February 2014

The introductory part of the article deals with general features of Brandom?s
social pragmatic position. The central part considers Brandom?s
interpretation of Kripke?s conception of social character of rules, as well
as Habermas? critique of Brandom?s conception of I-thou and I-we types of
intersubjectivity. In the final part the author is surveying Brandom?s
interpretation of Wittgenstein?s understanding of intersubjectivity, as well
as of norms and rules in general. According to the author, Brandom treats
intersubjectivity as immediate communication, while neglecting the role of
socially and historically shared norms. Also, Brandom rejected justification
of rules by past application, and, by emphasizing the key role of inferential
and practical consequences of accepted rules, he considered pragmatic
attitudes and commitments as oriented towards future validation of meaning
and rules. The author also claims that, from Wittgensteinian perspective,
communication and intersubjectivity involve more a profound re-adjustment of
interlocutors? perspectives rather than doxatic interchange of perspectives,
as Brandom suggested.
Pinite-cordierite from spotted slate of the Brajkovac contact metamorphic aureole (Dudovica locality, central Serbia)
Authors: Vaskovic Nada , Nikic Zoran , Sreckovic-Batocanin Danica , Eric Suzana , Memovic Emin
Published: February 2014

The Paleozoic very low to low-grade metamorphic rocks of the
Bukulja-Lazarevac Unit designated as Drina, Golija and Birac formations are
contact metamorphosed by the intrusion of the Tertiary Brajkovac granodiorite
into spotted slates and hornfelses. In some parts, they are slightly
migmatized at the contact. In addition to their outcrops found at the
western, eastern and northern parts of the formation, these rocks are also
found in boreholes near Dudovica at about 8 km south-west from the pluton.
There, at a depth of 110 m, the spotted slates comprise oval to ellipsoid
pinite-rich spots which can be regarded as incipient cordierite
porphyroblasts (up to 5 mm in diameter) overgrowing the existing regional
foliation. They are composed of cryptocrystalline mixture of a very fine
sericitic material ? light glassy orange ?film? (some kind of an amorphous
gel-like material often mixed with limonite matter) and are abundant in
inclusions: minute quartz and dusty ore minerals (magnetite) prevail. In
addition, within some spots an increased number of xenotime and monazite
inclusions are noted. Minute flakes of neobiotite are formed at the expense
of quartz-sericite-chlorite matrix. The secondary chlorite occurring as
overgrowths on pinite-cordierite spots shows variable composition
(brunsvigite to diabandite). The Mg/Fe+Mg ratio of cryptocrystalline pinitic
mixture ranges from 0.14-0.67. The Si vs AlIV+AlVI relations deviate from the
ideal muscovite-phengite join due to Tschermak substitution towards chloritic
composition or a more complex mixture, including clay minerals (which
reflected a decrease of Altot and Si with increase of Fe2+). Obtained data
indicates that the cordierite-pinite spots can be related to contact
metamorphic processes that occurred within the temperature range 300-450?C.
Natural radioactivity of groundwater in Serbia
Authors: Cuk Marina , Papic Petar , Stojkovic Jana
Published: February 2014

Activity concentrations of radionuclides 40K, 228Ra, 226Ra, 238U and Th232
and gross alpha and beta activities were analyzed in more than 100 samples of
groundwater in Serbia. The highest gross alpha activity was recorded at 1.33
Bq/L (average 0.12 Bq/L), while the highest beta activity was 5.43 Bq/L
(average 0.68 Bq/L). The potassium isotope 40K exhibited the highest active
concentration (2.6 Bq/L) and was the largest contributor to the gross natural
beta activity. Among the analyzed samples, 28 were found to have elevated
beta activity concentrations, of which five samples also measured elevated
alpha activity. All the groundwater samples that exhibited elevated
radioactivity were of the HCO3-Na type and were genetically associated with
granitic rocks. Their TDS levels and CO2 gas concentrations were also
elevated.
Rare earth elements in some bottled waters of Serbia
Authors: Todorovic Maja , Papic Petar , Cuk Marina , Stojkovic Jana
Published: February 2014

Twenty-one bottled mineral and spring waters from Serbia were analyzed for 16
inorganic chemical parameters, including lanthanides and yttrium which belong
to the group of so-called rare earth elements (REE). REE concentrations in
the bottled water samples varied over a broad range, from 5.39 to 1585.82
ng/L. Total concentrations in the bottled water samples were calculated
taking into account the classification of lanthanides into heavy (HREE) and
light (LREE), with yttrium added to the HREE group. The LREE concentrations
ranged from 3.62 to 1449.63 ng/L, while those of the HREE were from 0 to
136.19 ng/L. Distinct REE signatures were observed in waters that drained
specific rocks. The REE patterns in groundwater from granitic and related
rocks showed LREE and HREE enrichment, while groundwater with mafic rock
influence exhibited slightly LREE enrichment. Several bottled water samples
featured naturally-occurring carbon dioxide, whose solutional capacity
contributed to the highest REE concentrations in the analyzed samples. High
REE concentrations are also a result of sudden changes in oxidation-reduction
conditions, which particularly affect La, Ce and Eu. Aquifers developed in
granitic and related rocks (methamorphic and sedimentary rocks) constitute
favorable environments for HREE in groundwater, corroborated by the
occurrence of HREE in bottled water samples. The bottled water samples
largely exhibited a negative cerium anomaly and nearly all the samples showed
a positive europium anomaly.
Limited aromatic pathway genes diversity amongst aromatic compound degrading soil bacterial isolates
Authors: Minovska Gordana , Narancic Tanja , Mandic Mina , Senerovic Lidija , Vasiljevic Branka , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina
Published: February 2014

Identification and characterization of novel genes belonging to microbial
aromatic biodegradation pathway is of great importance as they have been
proven versatile biocatalysts. In this study, the selection of 19
environmental bacterial isolates capable to degrade a wide range of aromatic
compounds has been screened for the presence of five genes from the lower and
the upper aromatic biodegradation pathway using PCR methodology. In the case
of 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase and toluene dioxygenases, although present in
the most of environmental isolates, very limited diversity of the genes has
been encountered. Highly conserved sequences of these genes in environmental
samples revealed high homology with gene sequences of the characterized
corresponding genes from Pseudomonas putida species. The screen using
degenerate primers based on known catechol-and naphthalene dioxygenases
sequences resulted in a limited number of amplified fragments. Only two
catechol 2,3-dioxygenase from two Bacillus isolates were amplified and showed
no significant similarities with dioxygenases from characterized organisms,
but 80-90% identities with partial catechol 2,3-dioxygenase sequences from
uncultured organisms. Potentially three novel catechol 1,2-dioxygenases were
identified from Bacillus sp. TN102, Gordonia sp. TN103 and Rhodococcus sp.
TN112. Highly homologous tautomerase and toluene dioxygenases amongst
environmental samples isolated from the contaminated environment suggested
horizontal gene transfer while limited success in PCR detection of the other
three genes indicates that these isolates may still be a source of novel
genes.
The effect of different acute concentrations of cadmium chloride on the frequency of micronuclei in AO rats
Authors: Popovic-Bubujuk Slavica , Bojat Nenad , Djelic Ninoslav , Dronjak Sladjana , Kostadinovic Ljiljana , Coghill-Galonja Tamara , Andjelkovic Marko
Published: February 2014

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic heavy metal which may cause severe biological
effects in vivo and in vitro. In this study, an evaluation of the acute Cd
ability to trigger micronuclei (MNi) formation was carried out on 3-monthold
male and female Albino Oxford (AO) rats using micronucleus (MN) test.
Experimental animals were treated intraperitoneally with three different
concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2): 0.5, 1, and 2 mg CdCl2 per kg of
body weight. Control animals received equal volume of sterile phosphate
buffered saline. The results showed that 2 mg CdCl2 per kg b.w. concentration
caused a highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in MNi
formation in the bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), exerting a
clear-cut concentration-dependent effect. Lower concentrations of CdCl2 used
(0.5 and 1 mg/kg b.w.) also caused MNi formation, but with lower statistical
significance. Sex differences in MNi production in bone marrow PCEs after
acute exposure to different experimental concentrations of CdCl2 were not
observed in our study. Our results indicate the ability of CdCl2 to exerts
genotoxic effects in bone marrow of AO rats, and complement previous data on
the genotoxicity of this important environmental contaminant, burdening the
body from different sources - major being industrial exposure, food and
cigarette smoking.
Using of AFLP to evaluate gamma-irradiated amaranth mutants
Authors: Labajová Mária , Ziarovská Jana , Razná Katarína , Ovesná Jaroslava , Hricová Andrea
Published: February 2014

To determine which of several gamma-irradiated mutants of amaranth Ficha
cultivar and K-433 hybrid are most genetically similar to their
non-irradiated control genotypes, we performed amplified fragment length
polymorphism (AFLP) based analysis. A total of 40 selective primer
combinations were used in reported analyses. First analyses of
gamma-irradiated amaranth mutant lines were done used the AFLP. In the study,
primers with the differentiation ability for all analysed mutant lines are
reported. The very specific changes in the mutant lines? non-coding regions
based on AFLP length polymorphism were analysed. Mutant lines of the Ficha
cultivar (C15, C26, C27, C82, C236) shared a genetic dissimilarity of 0,11
and their ISSR profiles are more similar to the Ficha than those of K-433
hybrid mutant lines. The K-433 mutant lines (D54, D279, D282) shared genetic
dissimilarity of 0,534 but are more distinct to their control plant as a
whole, as those of the Ficha mutant lines. Different AFLP fingerprints
patters of the mutant lines when compared to the Ficha cultivar and K-433
hybrid AFLP profiles may be a consequence of the complex response of the
intergenic space of mutant lines to the gamma-radiance. Although a genetic
polymorphism was detected within accessions, the AFLP markers successfully
identified all the accessions. The AFLP results are discussed by a
combination of biochemical characteristics of mutant lines and their control
genotypes.
Molecular cloning and in silico analysis of three somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase mRNA from date palm
Authors: Rekik Imen , Elleuch Amine , Kriaa Walid , Drira Noureddine
Published: February 2014

We report here the isolation and characterizations of three somatic
embryogenesis receptor kinase (PhSERK) genes from palm date by a rapid
amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach. PhSERKs belong to a small family
of receptor kinase genes, share a conserved structure and extensive sequence
homology with previously reported plant SERK genes. Sequence analysis of
these genes revealed the sequence size of 11051 pb (PhSERK1), 7981 pb
(PhSERK2) and 10510 pb (PhSERK3). The open reading frames of PhSERK1,
PhSERK2 and PhSERK3 are 1914 pb, 1797 pb and 1719 pb respectively. PhSERKs
belongs to the LRR-type cell surface RLKs, which possess a number of
characteristic domains. These include an extracellular domain (EX)
containing a variable number of LRR units, signal pepetide (SP) immediately
followed by a single transmembrane domain (TM) and an intracellular kinase
domain. The phylogenetic tree shows that the protein PhSERK1, PhSERK2 and
PhSERK3 clustered within monocots SERKs proteins groups. We also predicted
the secondary and tertiary with ligand binding sites structure of the
protein PhSERKs.
Variability of factors that affect availability of iron, manganese and zinc in maize lines
Authors: Dragicevic Vesna , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana , Stojiljkovic Milovan , Filipovic Milomir , Dumanovic Zoran , Kovacevic Dragan
Published: February 2014

Deficiencies of some mineral elements are causing serious health problems,
which could be prevented by increase of mineral nutrients in food with
supplementation, food fortification or plant breeding. From this point,
experiment with 78 maize inbred lines was set up to determine maize lines
with improved contents of Fe, Zn and Mn, as well as their relations with
phytic acid, inorganic phosphorus and ?-carotene, as factors which affect
their absorption. Obtained results suggest that investigated maize lines show
high variability in concentration of Fe, Mn and Zn, as well as phytic acid
(which sustain availability of mineral elements) and ?-carotene (which
enables better absorption of mineral element and minimize negative effect of
phytic acid). From this point of view, group of genotypes with phytic P ? 3 g
kg-1 was interesting. Among them, L2 and L23 are maize lines with relatively
high inorganic P, Fe and Zn contents, and together with relatively low ratio
between phytic and inorganic P, they could be used as a good source of P, Fe
and Zn. On the other hand, L1 and L4 are also maize lines with high inorganic
P, ?-carotene and Mn, and favourable ratio between phytic acid and Fe and Zn,
what could give them advance as source of Mn in breeding programs. The same
maize lines could also be candidates with improved ability for Fe and Zn
absorption, what is based on high ?-carotene content. Maize line L14, with
relatively high concentration of all three.
Stalk rot resistance in Maksimir 3 synthetic maize population after four cycles of recurrent selection
Authors: Bukan Miroslav , Sarcevic Hrvoje , Buhinicek Ivica , Palaversic Branko , Lewis Ramsey , Kozumplik Vinko
Published: February 2014

Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) and anthracnose stalk rot (ASR), caused by Fusarium
spp. and Colletotrichum graminicola (Ces.) G.W. Wils. respectively, are the
two most important stalk diseases in maize which increase the incidence of
stalk lodging and reduce grain yield. The aim of the present study was to (1)
evaluate the effect of four cycles of recurrent selection in the Maksimir 3
Synthetic (M3S) maize population on ASR and FSR resistance and (2) to
investigate the correlation among the different disease rating methods. The
experiment included six M3S cycle populations per se and their test-crosses
with a single cross hybrid. ASR resistance was estimated on artificially
inoculated plant rows using three ratings (the number of infected internodes,
the number of internodes rotten more than 75% and evaluation of outer stalk
discoloration) whereas FSR resistance was estimated in artificially
inoculated rows as well as in naturally inoculated rows by rating severity of
disease symptoms on longitudinally cut stalks using the standard resistance
scale. The results of the present study showed that four cycles of selection
in the M3S maize population, conducted primarily for grain yield improvement,
did not significantly affect its resistance to both ASR and FSR. Among the
disease ratings a moderate positive correlation was found only between two
ASR resistance ratings (the number of infected internodes and the number of
internodes rotted more than 75%) in both population per se (r=0.49**) and
population test-crosses (r=0.56**).
Assessment of self-(in) compatibility in some sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) genotypes
Authors: Radicevic Sanja , Maric Sladjana , Cerovic Radosav , Djordjevic Milena
Published: February 2014

The paper presents results of a three-year study of self-(in)compatibility in
four economically important sweet cherry genotypes - ?Karina?, ?Kordia?,
?Regina? and ?Summit?, under agro-environmental conditions of Western Serbia.
Determination of S-RNase genotype, microscopic observation of the pollen tube
growth rate and assaying of the fruit set level after self-pollination were
used to assess the genotypes. ?Kordia? (S3S6), ?Regina? (S1S3) and ?Summit?
(S1S2) are self-incompatible genotypes, with a considerable number of pollen
tubes ending the growth in the middle third of the style and lack of fruit
set. ?Karina?, as S3S4 genotype, behaved as self-compatible, since its pollen
tubes reached the base of the style and ovary, penetrating the nucellus. In
addition, fruit set for ?Karina? was recorded in all three years of study
(40.26%, 18.79% and 21.81%, respectively).
On music and art in the journal Danica (1860-1872)
Authors: Marjanovic Natasa
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with features and articles on music and art published in the
journal Danica, in the period 1860-1872. Selected articles contain
significant testimonies on the place of musical practice in the everyday life
of Serbs and other Slavic people living in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the
nineteenth century. The feature articles abound with details on the artistic
activities of respected individuals and singing societies, popular
cultural-artistic events (besedas, balls, dances), new publications on music
and other news. Several articles were dedicated to aesthetic and
philosophical views on art. In a separate section of this paper, I analyze
the narrative style of these articles.
Les modèles économiques du genre de la comédie musicale en Serbie et en France depuis 2005
Authors: Jankovic-Begus Jelena
Published: February 2014

Le genre de la com?die musicale - ou musical en terminologie anglo-saxonne -
repr?sente un sujet d?actualit? de la vie th??trale serbe et fran?aise. La
derni?re d?cennie a donn? un nouveau ?lan au genre, mais c?est notamment la
p?riode depuis l?ann?e 2005 qui se caract?rise par des nombreux changements
importants dans la fili?re qui ont contribu?s au succ?s sans pr?c?dent de
la com?die musicale ? Belgrade et en Serbie. Mais aussi en France, dans un
contexte le plus diff?rent que possible du contexte serbe, l?ann?e 2005 a
donn? de nombreux changements importants de la fili?re du th??tre musical
en ce qui concerne la production et la r?ception du genre. Quand on observe
la com?die musicale en Serbie et en France, il faut prendre en compte des
diff?rences de la nature terminologique mais aussi de la nature ?conomique
provenant de diff?rents modes d?exploitation des spectacles.
The Kosovo memory book as an example of the recording of war victimisation: Methodology and importance for establishing the facts about the past, collective memory and reconciliation
Authors: Nikolic-Ristanovic Vesna , Radovanovic Una , Popovic Milica
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is the presentation and analysis of the data collection
methodology and content of the first volume of the Kosovo Memory Book
1998-2000, as an example of collecting and displaying data of war
victimisation from the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Analysis of the
Kosovo Memory Book is done in the context of so far development of
methodology of data collection about war casualities, with examination of
effects that data presented in the book may have on both victims and
restoring of broken relationships among people. First, it provides an
overview of the methodology used and data obtained, and then the methodology
and data, as well as images of conflicts that established data provide and
their consequences are discussed and analyzed.
Modal logic and logic of fiction
Authors: Nocic Vladimir , Nocic Jasmina
Published: February 2014

This paper analyzes the views of representative theoreticians of possible
worlds semantics and possible worlds theory in an attempt to ascertain the
degree and manner of interdisciplinary borrowing through focusing on possible
worlds and individuals in those worlds. The paper first clarifies the general
perceptions of possible worlds, perceptions in the field of modal
restrictions, transworld identity, and identity over time, as presented in
the works of Saul Kripke, David Lewis, and Nicholas Rescher, the
representative semanticists of possible worlds, and then ascertains the
degree and manner of their adaptations in the theory proposed by Ljubomir
Dolezel within literary theory. The conclusion is that the cooperation
between the two disciplines stands on fertile ground but that it is necessary
to perform more systematic adaptations due to different subjects of research
and different objectives.
Theoretical study of heat pump system using CO2/dimethylether as refrigerant
Authors: Fan Xiao-Wei , Zhang Xian-Ping , Ju Fu-Jun , Wang Fang
Published: February 2014

Nowadays, HCFC22 is widely used in heat pump systems in China, which should
be phased out in the future. Thus, eco-friendly mixture CO2/dimethylether
is proposed to replace HCFC22. Compared with pure CO2 and pure
dimethylether, the mixture can reduce the heat rejection pressure, and
suppress the flammability and explosivity of pure dimethylether. According
to the Chinese National Standards on heat pump water heater and space
heating system, performances of the subcritical heat pump system are
discussed and compared with those of the HCFC22 system. It can be concluded
that CO2 /dimethylether mixture works efficiently as a refrigerant for heat
pumps with a large heat-sink temperature rise. When mass fraction of
dimethylether is increased, the heat rejection pressure is reduced. Under
the nominal working condition, there is an optimal mixture mass fraction of
28/72 of CO2/dimethylether for water heater application under conventional
condensation pressure, 3/97 for space heating application. For water heater
application, both the heating coefficient of performance and volumetric
heating capacity increase by 17.90% and 2.74%, respectively, compared with
those of HCFC22 systems. For space heating application, the heating
coefficient of performance increases by 8.44% while volumetric heating
capacity decreases by 34.76%, compared with those of HCFC22 systems. As the
superheat degree increases, both the heating coefficient of performance and
volumetric heating capacity tend to decrease.
GDTM-Padé technique for the non-linear differential-difference equation
Authors: Lu Jun-Feng
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on applying the GDTM-Pad? technique to solve the
non-linear differential-difference equation. The bell-shaped solitary wave
solution of Belov-Chaltikian lattice equation is considered. Comparison
between the approximate solutions and the exact ones shows that this
technique is an efficient and attractive method for solving the
differential-difference equations.
Effect of secondary air on soot nucleus production in stoker-fired boilers
Authors: Wang Qing-Cheng , Wu Zhao-Chun
Published: February 2014

Black smoke emission and soot nucleus production in a stoker-fired boiler by
secondary air are studied numerically and experimentally. Temperature field,
flow field, and soot nucleus concentration are predicted numerically. It
reveals that the secondary air gives about 10% reduction of the soot nucleus
production, and the black smoke emission is controlled evidently.
The inverse problem in zero linear ablation of aluminizing carbon composites under high heat flux
Authors: Huang Haiming , Li Weijie , Xu Chenghai , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: February 2014

The concept of zero linear ablation is introduced to describe the mass
ablation without shape change, and it is employed to design thermal
protection materials under an extreme thermal environment. Aluminizing carbon
composites are used as a sample to study numerically the heat response. As
indicated in the numerical results, the shape of the composites did not
change under a high heat flux because the phase transition (melt or
evaporation) of aluminum can absorb a lot of energy before the ablation of
carbon, and the zero linear ablation depends on not only the volume fraction
of aluminum, but also the heating period and the heat flux.
A comparison of various basis functions based on meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method for linear stability of circular jet
Authors: He Qing , Xie Mingliang
Published: February 2014

Various basis functions based on Fourier-Chebyshev Petrov-Galerkin spectral
method are described for computation of temporal linear stability of a
circular jet. Basis functions presented here are exponentially mapped
Chebyshev functions. There is a linear dependence between the components of
the perturbation vector field, and there are only two degrees of freedom for
the perturbation continuum equation. According to the principle of
permutation and combination, the basis function has three basic forms, i. e.,
the radial, azimuthal or axial component, respectively. The results show that
three eigenvalues for various cases are consistent, but there is a preferable
basis function for numerical computation.
Analysis model for forecasting extreme temperature using refined rank set pair
Authors: Qiao Ling-Xia , Zhang Yin , Ma Wan-Ying , Yang Xiao-Hua , Li Jian-Qiang
Published: February 2014

In order to improve the precision of forecasting extreme temperature time
series, a refined rank set pair analysis model with a refined rank
transformation function is proposed to improve precision of its prediction.
The measured values of the annual highest temperature of two China?s cities,
Taiyuan and Shijiazhuang, in July are taken to examine the performance of a
refined rank set pair model.
Inversion of spheroid particle size distribution in wider size range and aspect ratio range
Authors: Tang Hong
Published: February 2014

The non-spherical particle sizing is very important in the aerosol science,
and it can be determined by the light extinction measurement. This paper
studies the effect of relationship of the size range and aspect ratio range
on the inversion of spheroid particle size distribution by the dependent mode
algorithm. The T matrix method and the geometric optics approximation method
are used to calculate the extinction efficiency of the spheroids with
different size range and aspect ratio range, and the inversion of spheroid
particle size distribution in these different ranges is conducted. Numerical
simulation indicates that a fairly reasonable representation of the spheroid
particle size distribution can be obtained when the size range and aspect
ratio range are suitably chosen.
Model of fractal aggregates induced by shear
Authors: Wan Zhanhong , Chen Jiawang , Youc Zhenjiang , Lia Zhiyuan
Published: February 2014

It is an undoubted fact that particle aggregates from marine, aerosol, and
engineering systems have fractal structures. In this study, fractal geometry
is used to describe the morphology of irregular aggregates. The mean-field
theory is employed to solve coagulation kinetic equation of aggregates. The
Taylor-expansion method of moments in conjunction with the self-similar
fractal characteristics is used to represent the particulate field. The
effect of the target fractal dimensions on zeroth-order moment, second-order
moment, and geometric standard deviation of the aggregates is explored.
Results show that the developed moment method is an efficient and powerful
approach to solving such evolution equations.
Modified homotopy perturbation method coupled with Laplace transform for fractional heat transfer and porous media equations
Authors: Yan Li-Mei
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this paper is to extend the homotopy perturbation method to
fractional heat transfer and porous media equations with the help of the
Laplace transform. The fractional derivatives described in this paper are in
the Caputo sense. The algorithm is demonstrated to be direct and
straightforward, and can be used for many other non-linear fractional
differential equations.
Polymer liquid membrane for nanofiber fabrication
Authors: Kong Hai-Yan , He Ji-Huan , Chen Rou-Xi
Published: February 2014

This paper finds that a polymer liquid membrane can be effectively used for
nanomaterials fabrication using a blowing air and an electronic force.
Polyvinyl alcohol solution is used to produce membrane on a rotating ring,
which passes through periodically the solution, the membrane is deformed into
a bubble by the blowing air under the presence of an electrostatic field. The
experimental data show that the receptor distance affects the fiber size
greatly.
Periodic solution to general conduction problems
Authors: Mu Gui , Dai Zhengde , Liu Jun , Fu Jie
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present a modified exp-function method, where hyperbolic
cosine and cosine functions are used. The hyperbolic cosine functions are
responsible for energy localization while cosine functions reveal the
periodic effect. A general conduction problem is used as an example to
illustrate the solution process.
Design and analysis of flow rectifier of gas turbine flowmeter
Authors: Li Zhi-Fei , Du Zheng , Zhang Kai , Li Dong-Sheng , Su Zhong-Di , Yan Wei-Wei
Published: February 2014

Three-dimensional computational model for a gas turbine flowmeter is
proposed, and the finite volume based SIMPLEC method and k-? turbulence model
are used to obtain the detailed information of flow field in turbine
flowmeter, such as velocity and pressure distribution. Comparison between
numerical results and experimental data reveals a good agreement. A rectifier
with little pressure loss is optimally designed and validated numerically and
experimentally.
The effect of gamma ray on the thermo-mechanical property of silk fibroin
Authors: Jin Huanyu , Yin Hua , An Yan
Published: February 2014

This paper studies the effect of gamma ray on the thermo-mechanical
properties of silk fibroin experimentally. The experiment reveals that the
gamma ray can accelerate biodegradation of silk fibroin by decreasing its
thermo-mechanical property.
Effects of different retting methods on thermal stability and mechanical properties of hemp fibers
Authors: Yu Hong-Qin , Chen Shou-Hui , Yuc Chong-Wen , Chang Yan-Li
Published: February 2014

Different retting methods were employed in hemp retting, treated hemp fibers
by various retting methods were characterized by residual gum content,
fineness, tenacity, elongation, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The
results indicated that alkali-oxygen one bath process was satisfactory,
which achieved hemp fiber with 2.14 tex, residual gum content 2.99% and
tenacity 54.33 cN/tex.
Ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and operative findings in dogs infested with giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale)
Authors: Rahal Sheila C. , Mamprim Maria J. , Oliveira Hugo S. , Mesquita Luciane R. , Faria Luis G. , Takahira Regina K. , Matsubara Lídia M. , Agostinho Felipe S.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To compare ultrasonographic, CT, and surgical findings in dogs infested with giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale).

Design—Case series.

Animals—15 crossbred dogs infected with D renale.

Procedures—Immediately after ultrasonography was performed with dogs in dorsal recumbency, sequential transverse images of the abdomen were acquired with a helical CT scanner. After plain CT, contrast CT was performed with a nonionic iodinated contrast agent. Subsequently, exploratory celiotomy was performed.

Results—In the corticomedullary area of the right kidney of 12 dogs, ultrasonography revealed several ring-like structures with an echogenic wall and anechoic central area in the transverse plane and arrayed as bands in the longitudinal plane. Similar structures were observed in the abdominal cavity of 10 dogs. In 13 dogs, CT revealed loss of corticomedullary differentiation in the right kidney, with discrete uptake of contrast material in the periphery of the kidney, and several ring-like or elongated structures with a hyperdense wall and hypodense center. In 11 dogs, the same structures were observed free in the abdominal cavity. Surgery revealed that 13 dogs had a damaged right kidney that required nephrectomy. Parasites were found free in the abdominal cavity of 7 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonography and CT were effective imaging methods for detecting D renale in the kidney and less effective for detecting parasites in the abdominal cavity. Care should be taken to avoid erroneously interpreting normal structures as parasites, especially in the abdominal cavity.
Technical and clinical outcomes of ureteral stenting in cats with benign ureteral obstruction: 69 cases (2006–2010)
Authors: Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick W. , Todd Kimberly , Bagley Demetrius H.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To evaluate the technical, short-term, and long-term outcomes in cats with benign ureteral obstructions treated by means of double-pigtail ureteral stent placement.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—69 cats (79 ureters).

Procedures—The diagnosis of benign ureteral obstruction was made via abdominal ultrasonography, radiography, and ureteropyelography. Ureteral stent placement was attempted endoscopically, surgically, or both, with fluoroscopic guidance. The medical records were reviewed for pre-, intra-, and postoperative data; complications; and outcome.

Results—69 cats (79 ureters) had stent placement attempted for various causes: ureterolithiasis (56/79 [71%]), stricture (10/79 [13%]), both ureterolithiasis and stricture (12/79 [15%]), or a purulent plug (1/79 [1%]). Stent placement was successful in 75 of 79 ureters (95%). Median number of stones per ureter was 4 (range, 0 to > 50), and 67 of 79 (85%) had concurrent nephrolithiasis. Preoperative azotemia was present in 95% (66/69) of cats (median creatinine concentration, 5.3 mg/dL [range, 1.1 to 25.8 mg/dL]), and 71% (49/69) remained azotemic (median, 2.1 mg/dL [range, 1.0 to 11.8 mg/dL]) after successful surgery. Procedure-related, postoperative (< 7 days), short-term (7 to 30 days), and long-term (> 30 days) complications occurred in 8.7% (6/69; 7/79 ureters), 9.1% (6/66), 9.8% (6/61), and 33% (20/60) of cats, respectively; most of these complications were minor and associated with intermittent dysuria or the need for ureteral stent exchange. The perioperative mortality rate was 7.5% (5/69), and no deaths were procedure related. The median survival time was 498 days (range, 2 to > 1,278 days). For patients with a renal cause of death, median survival time was > 1,262 days, with only 14 of 66 cats (21%) dying of chronic kidney disease. Nineteen (27%) cats needed a stent exchange (stricture in-growth [n = 10], migration [4], ureteritis [2], dysuria [2], pyelonephritis [1], or reflux [1]). No patient died of the procedure or recurrent ureteral obstruction.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study indicated that ureteral stenting is an effective treatment for benign ureteral obstructions in cats regardless of obstructive location, cause, or stone number. The perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were lower than those reported with traditional ureteral surgery. The short- and long-term complications were typically minor but may necessitate stent exchange or use of an alternative device, particularly with ureteral strictures. The prognosis for feline ureteral obstructions after ureteral stenting could be considered good when the procedure is performed by trained specialists.
Association between caudal fold tuberculin test responses and results of an ELISA for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis and mycobacterial culture of feces in tuberculosis-free dairy herds
Authors: Brito Barbara P. , Aly Sharif S. , Anderson Randall J. , Fossler Charles P. , Garry Franklyn B. , Gardner Ian A.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To evaluate associations between Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) and caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test results in cattle.

Design—Longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluations.

Animals—1 California (approx 3,600 cows) and 3 Colorado (approx 640, 1,190, and 1,480 cows) dairy herds considered free of Mycobacterium bovis infection.

Procedures—In the California herd, the association between CFT response and MAP status was determined with ELISA and mycobacterial culture of feces within 1 year before and after CFT testing. The association between CFT and MAP status in all herds was modeled with mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results—In the California herd, significantly higher odds of being classified as suspect by CFT were found for cows with results of MAP ELISA negative before and positive after CFT testing (OR, 5.6) and cows positive before and after CFT testing (OR, 8.1). Higher odds were found for cows positive for mycobacterial culture of feces before and negative for culture after CFT testing (OR, 4.6) and cows negative for mycobacterial culture of feces before and positive for culture after CFT testing (OR, 13.2). All herds had higher odds of being classified as suspect by CFT testing for cows with positive results for ELISA (OR, 2.9) or mycobacterial culture of feces (OR, 5.0), compared with cows with negative results of the same tests.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A strong association was found between positive MAP test results and being classified as a suspect by CFT testing. Within-herd MAP prevalence may affect specificity of CFT testing for tuberculosis in cattle.
Mesoporous phosphated and sulphated silica as solid acid catalysts for glycerol acetylation
Authors: Ghoreishi Khadijeh , Asim Nilofar , Yarmo Mohd , Samsudin Mohd
Published: February 2014

Sulphate- and phosphate-loaded silicas were synthesised using the sol-gel method with different sulphate and phosphate loadings. These catalysts were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Acidity was measured using the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD-NH3) method. The results showed that glycerol esterification with acetic acid conversion decreased as follows: α(H2SO4) (100 %) > α(H3PO4) (99 %) > α(silica loaded with 20 % sulphuric acid) (SS-20; 98 %) > α(silica loaded with 20 % phosphoric acid) (PS-20; 83 %). These studies suggest that the solid acid catalytic activity in the esterification of glycerol is highly dependent on catalyst acidity strength, pore size and surface area.
Efficient one-pot synthesis of 2-hydroxyethyl per-O-acetyl glycosides
Authors: Tao Hong-Wen , Wang Xia , Yi Ping-Gui , Deng Zhi-Hong , Yu Xian-Yong , Li Xiao-Fang
Published: February 2014

A class of stereo-isomerically-pure alkanediol monoglycosides, 2-hydroxyethyl per-O-acetyl pyranosides (IIIa-IIIf), was conveniently prepared by a one-pot reaction of per-O-acetylated pyranoses (Ia-If) and 2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)ethanol (II) with catalysis by BF3·OEt2. The α-(IIIa) or β-linked glycosides (IIIb-IIIf) with 1,2-trans-configuration were obtained from glycosyl donors with participation of the neighbouring 2-O-acetyl group. BF3·OEt2, along with hydrogen fluoride released from BF3·OEt2 under the experimental conditions used, facilitates the subsequent de-protection of siloxane to successfully afford 2-hydroxyethyl per-O-acetyl-pyranosides.
Unusual complications after occupational exposure to giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): A case report
Authors: Klimaszyk Piotr , Klimaszyk Dorota , Piotrowiak Michał , Popiołek Agnieszka
Published: February 2014

Exposure to giant hogweed brings about the risk of serious skin damage, usually in the form of phytophotodermatitis. Initially, skin changes are signaled by a burning sensation, followed by a vesiculobullous rash and long-term hyperpigmentation. Usually, skin disorders improve after the application of topical and oral corticosteroids. In extremely rare instances, full skin thickness burns or epidermal necrosis occur. The study presents a case of occupational exposure to hogweed, which resulted in extensive skin lesions leading to the disablement of a 27-year-old man. The principles of procedure to be followed when contact with giant hogweed is an occupational hazard are also outlined.
Involving Nepali academics in health research
Authors: Neupane Dinesh , Teijlingen Edwin Van , Khanal Vishnu , Mishra Shiva Raj , Kallestrup Per
Published: February 2014

Many academics from Nepal do not involve in research activities. There are several factors hindering the involvement such as inadequate human resources and lack of financial resources. Despite limited human and financial resources, we believe it is still possible to attract many Nepali academics in health research. This paper purposes some ideas to increase involvement of Nepali academics in health research.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i2.9868 Health Prospect Vol.12(2) 2013: 21-23
A gap between Law and Practice: A Community’s Perception of Unmarried Women’s Abortion Options in Nepal
Authors: Hald Simone Christensen , Sondergaard Ditte Aagaard
Published: February 2014

Background In 2002, the Nepalese abortion law went from being highly restrictive to fully liberal. This study aimed to explore a local community’s perception of the situation for unmarried Nepalese women wanting to practice their legal right to abortion.Methods The study comprised a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews with men and women above the age of 16 years living in the Makwanpur District, Nepal. The final data included 55 questionnaires and 16 interviews. The questionnaire data was univariate analysed, while a condensation of meaning analysis was carried out on the interviews.Results The overall awareness of abortion being legal was high, although the extent of knowledge of the specific legal grounds varied. Unmarried women were believed to have access to abortion services, although they risked stigmatisation due to their marital status. The community attitude towards these women having abortions was very negative, hence it differed from the legal acceptance of all women having the right to abortion. This was explained by societal norms on premarital sexual activity. Generally, the participants felt that changing attitudes would be difficult but possible over time.Conclusion A considerable gap exists between the legal acceptance of abortion and community attitudes when it comes to unmarried women as this group encounters barriers when wanting to practice their right. Therefore, these barriers need to be addressed to allow unmarried Nepalese women access to safe abortion services without the risk of being stigmatised.One possible alternative is educational initiatives such as disseminating information vigorously through mass media to create awareness.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i2.9869 Health Prospect Vol.12(2) 2013: 24-30
User-provider relations pertaining to health care delivery in Jumla district
Authors: Bhurtyal Ashok , Adhikari Dushala
Published: February 2014

Background Nepal’s health policy making and programming shifted over the past six decades in tune with international milieu. After 2006 revolution, radical new leadership of health ministry wrote health as a fundamental right in the interim constitution and scrapped hitherto existing user fees in peripheral health facilities. This work aimed to understand user-provider interaction at facility and community setting while people attempt utilising fee-less health care.Methods We used key informant interviews to explore the mechanism of health care delivery and general reality of Jumla districtin north-west Nepal. We used semi-structured interviews with respondents at both the providing and receiving sides. We asked open ended questions and used answers to preceding questions to generate new questions around the area of discussion.Results Health care machinery in Jumla struggled between constrained supply and elevating demand side factors. District hospital endured this challenge more than primary health care centre and health posts studied. User-provider relations were more turbulent in the hospital where targeted approach to fee removal was effected, than other facilities where charges were abolished altogether. Users and providers had their own side of the story, exemplified by experiences in accessing and delivering fee-removed health care.Conclusion We conclude that user-provider dynamics manifest in Jumla originate elsewhere. Health care programmes are crafted without people’s meaningful participation. Prescriptions trickle down all the way from international health rings to rural villages like that of Jumla – through national systems – founded on economic and political interests as contrasted to citizen’s legitimate needs. We recommend further ethnographic work to fully explore and address factors that determine user-provider relations at point of health care use.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i2.9870 Health Prospect Vol.12(2) 2013: 31-36
Challenges for Transforming Family Planning Rights into Practices in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Khadga Bahadur
Published: February 2014

Transforming family planning rights into practices is not an easy task especially in a developing nation like Nepal where society is patriarchal and literacy is low. Besides, coverage and quality of reproductive health services and active involvement of the community is crucial in the transformation. For properly addressing these challenges, all the sectors that provide family planning services need to act on advocacy, creating demand, reshaping service delivery, sustainability (financial and self-reliance) and high level political and financial commitments are necessary.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i2.9874 Health Prospect Vol.12(2) 2013: 42-46