bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New mitochondrial and nuclear primers for the Mediterranean marine bivalve Pinna nobilis
Authors: SANNA D. , DEDOLA G.L. , SCARPA F. , LAI T. , COSSU P. , CURINI-GALLETTI M. , FRANCALACCI P. , CASU M.
Published: June 2016

Pinna nobilis is the largest endemic Mediterranean marine bivalve. During past centuries, various human activities led to the regression of its populations. As a consequence of stringent standards of protection, demographic expansions are currently reported in many sites. We designed a set of four mitochondrial- and two nuclear- specific PCR-primers with the aim to provide molecular tools to gather new insights into the genetic variability of this species. A total of 54 specimens were sampled from 25 Mediterranean localities in order to evaluate the level of polymorphism of these markers in P. nobilis. The most variable molecular markers identified were the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (nad3), and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S). Positive results, in terms of good amplifications and scorable sequences, were also obtained in the co-generic Pinna rudis. The molecular markers identified in this study, and the PCR-protocols provided, represent a useful tool for future researches devoted to infer the genetic variability of P. nobilis populations thus allowing the development of effective conservation measures.
Reproductive aspects of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax (Condrichthyes: Etmopteridae), from the central western Mediterranean sea. Notes on gametogenesis and oviducal gland microstructure.
Authors: PORCU C. , MARONGIU M. F. , FOLLESA M. C. , BELLODI A. , MULAS A. , PESCI P. , CAU A.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the reproductive biology of the velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax was analyzed in Sardinian waters (central western Mediterranean). This species was sexually dimorphic with females growing to a larger size than males. Marked sexual dimorphism in size was also observed along the vertical gradient. Histological analysis of gonads was very useful in assigning macroscopical maturity stages. The investigation on the microstructure of oviducal gland (OG) highlighted four morphofunctional zones with mucous and/or proteic secretions according to the zone and to their specific functions and development. Sperm in the OG was found for the first time in E. spinax. The localization of sperm storage tubules deeper in OG suggested long-term sperm storage, which is in agreement with the long reproductive cycle described. This species matured late, specifically at 80.7% and 79% at the maximum observed size for females and males respectively. Mature specimens were found throughout the year with pregnant females observed in winter and autumn. A low fecundity was observed with a mean ovarian fecundity of 16.5 mature follicles.
Monitoring the habitat use of common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using passive acoustics in a Mediterranean marine protected area
Authors: LA MANNA G. , MANGHI M. , SARA G.
Published: June 2016

The Mediterranean Tursiops truncatus subpopulation has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of its decline. This species in coastal areas is exposed to a wide variety of threats: directed kills, bycatch, reduced prey availability caused by environmental degradation and overfishing, habitat degradation including disturbances from boat traffic and noise. Despite the increase in boat traffic in the Mediterranean Sea, the effect on T. truncatus’ habitat use has been studied in little detail and few data have been published. This study represents the first attempt to characterise spatial and temporal habitat use by T. truncatus and its relation to boat traffic in the Isole Pelagie Marine Protected Area (Italy) on the basis of an originally developed passive acoustic monitoring system (PAM). The devices were deployed in 2 areas in the southern waters of Lampedusa, during 2 separate years (2006 and 2009), each time for 3 months (from July to September) and in 6 time slots (3 diurnal and 3 nocturnal). Acoustic analysis showed that T. truncatus used the Southern coastal area of Lampedusa independently of the year, primarily during the early summer, a period coinciding with the peak of calving season. Dolphin occurrences appeared independent of boat traffic, with the exception of the smallest temporal scale (time slots): dolphin occurrences were more prevalent during the night when the level of boat traffic was lower. This study provides evidence on T. truncatus habitat use in the Mediterranean Sea and reveals that boat traffic could be one of the factors influencing it, thus stressing the need for further detailed investigation regarding this topic.
Distribution patterns of shallow water polychaetes (Annelida) along the Alexandria coast, Egypt (eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: DORGHAM M. M. , HAMDY R. , EL RASHIDY H. H. , ATTA M. M. , MUSCO L.
Published: June 2016

Shallow hard bottom and intertidal soft bottom polychaete assemblages of the Alexandria coast, southeastern Mediterranean (Levantine Sea), were studied during a complete annual cycle in order to analyze spatial temporal patterns of variation in assemblages, and relevant factors related to polychaete distribution. The present study recorded a total of 73 species, belonging to Syllidae (22 species), Nereididae (9 species), Serpulidae (6 species), Eunicidae (5 species) and other 19 families. The assemblages experienced pronounced spatial and temporal variation throughout the study area, but spatial variation appeared more important in determining the observed patterns. Polychaete distribution related to variation of grain size and sessile macrobenthos cover suggesting that these structural variables accounted more than the physical-chemical ones (namely BOD, dissolved oxygen, organic carbon, organic matter, salinity, temperature, pH) in influencing the patterns of assemblages’ distribution. The present study is the southeastern-most one dealing with ecology and distribution patterns of hard bottom polychaetes from the Mediterranean Sea, as well as one of the few studies dealing with intertidal soft bottom polychaetes in the Levant Basin.
Zooplankton variation in relation to hydrology in an enclosed hypoxic bay (Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece)
Authors: KEHAYIAS G. , APOSPORIS M.
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the temporal and spatial variation of the zooplankton community of a hypoxic coastal embayment (Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece) in relation to hydrological characteristics during an annual cycle. The main hydrological feature was the prolonged water stratification, which determined hypoxic conditions in the deeper layers that became anoxic close to the bottom in September, while vertical mixing occurred for a very short period (October-November). The total zooplankton abundance fluctuated between 44.6 and 159.7 ind l-1. Fourteen groups were recorded, among which copepods dominated accounting on average for 86.4 %. Most of the groups presented higher abundance values in winter and spring when increased chlorophyll-α concentrations were found. Oxygen depletion affects the vertical distribution of most zooplankton groups and the vertical habitat partitioning between copepod orders and their ontogenetic stages. Several taxa were recorded even in the deep, anoxic layers, but only the polychaete larvae increased in abundance with depth. Calanoids, appendicularians and bivalve larvae presented eastward decrease of abundance in the deepest layers following the same pattern of oxygen decrease. Notwithstanding hypoxic conditions in its deepest layers, Amvrakikos Gulf was accounted for a mesotrophic ecosystem, with the nutrient concentration being lower than in the past. Several biotic elements indicate that the gulf is in a transitional phase towards a better quality state and these results reinforce the need for consistent monitoring of this ecosystem.
Epiphytic bryozoan community of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile leaves in two different meadows at disturbed and control locations
Authors: KOCAK F. , AYDIN-ONEN S.
Published: June 2016

The impact of fish farming activities on Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Aegean Sea have been detected by using bryozoan epiphytes as indicators of disturbance. Samples were collected by SCUBA diving in September 2004 for comparing assemblages between disturbed (I1:0-5 m; I2:5-10 m and I3:10-15 m) and control meadows (C1:0-5 m; C2:5-10 m and C3:10-15 m) located at different depths. Regarding to mean percentage cover of bryozoans, significant differences were found between stations, leaf sides, depths and their interactions (p<0.05). Bryozoan species were colonized densely on back side of the adult leaves. Bantariella verticillata, Alcyonidium sp., Aetea truncata, Chorizopora brongniartii, Fenestrulina joannae were frequently observed species on P. oceanica leaves. B. verticillata showed statistically significant side and station differences while other species showed only significant side differences. Moreover, the mean coverage of Aetea truncata showed neither station nor side variations. B. verticillata could be evaluated as an appropriate key species for environmental changes. In the impacted meadow, higher mean coverage values of the species were particularly determined on front side of the leaves. These results suggest that characteristics of localities, leaf sides and leaf parts can be responsible factors on coverage value of epiphytic bryozoan species.
Biology and population dynamics of by-catch fish species of the bottom trawl fishery in the western Mediterranean
Authors: ORDINES F. , FARRIOLS M.T. , LLEONART J. , GUIJARRO B. , QUETGLAS A. , MASSUTÍ E.
Published: June 2016

The teleosts Chelidonichthys cuculus, Trigloporus lastoviza, Serranus cabrilla and Trachinus draco, are important by-catch species, in terms of landed biomass and commercial value, from the continental shelf bottom trawl fishery off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean). The main biological parameters of these species were calculated from monthly biological samplings, and were used along with three years pseudo-cohorts (2008-2010) obtained from monitoring on-board of the bottom trawl fleet, to assess their exploitation level through Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) and Yield per Recruit (Y/R) analysis. Time series of fishery independent indicators based on MEDITS surveys data such as the evolution of the abundance and biomass, the distribution range, and the Conservation Status of Fish b (CSFb), were also analyzed. All four species analyzed showed growth overfishing. The reductions of the fishing effort required to reach the Y/RF0,1 reference point were lower, 66-73% depending on the species, to those reported for the target species M. merluccius (87%), but higher than that reported for M. surmuletus (53%), in the study area in the period 2000-2010. The abundance and biomass, and the distribution range did not show any trend for the period 2001-2011, whereas the CSFb showed signs of recovery that may be due to the displacement of the trawl fishing effort from the shelf to the slope during the last decade. Our results underline the necessary incorporation of monitoring and assessment of by-catch species to the management of fisheries as their populations can show a more pronounced overexploitation than target ones.
Analysis of phytoplankton community in the vicinity of domestic sewage outflow during stratified conditions
Authors: SKEJIĆ S. , BOJANIĆ N. , MATIJEVIĆ S. , VIDJAK O. , GRBEC B. , NINČEVIĆ Ž GLADAN , ŠESTANOVIĆ S , ŠANTIĆ D.
Published: June 2016

The response of phytoplankton community structure to anthropogenically-derived nutrient from the submarine sewage outflow was analysed in a shallow coastal area of the middle Adriatic Sea. The study was conducted during the eight-year period (2002-2010) at six stations in the Brač Channel, aiming to assess the potential change in the state of biological and environmental parameters before and after the sewage commissioning. The research was particularly focused on phytoplankton producers during the summer which is considered to be critical due to water stratification and low water dynamics. The results show an increase in phytoplankton biomass in the deep layer after the discharge activation that was significant (M-W test; U=584.5, p<0.01), but not related to any intense phytoplankton bloom or oxygen deficiency. Temporal variability of total phytoplankton abundances throughout the research period indicated a significant increase in 2005, the year following the sewage outflow activation. Pairwise Dunn's multiple comparison test emphasised the difference in the years before the sewage activation (2002, 2003) compared to 2005 (2002 vs. 2005, R=-60.92 p<0.001; 2003 vs. 2005, R=-63.92 p<0.001). This situation was soon followed by the rapid equalization in phytoplankton abundances. Considering the entire research period, there were no changes in contributions of major phytoplankton groups, but the increase in overall species diversity was recorded, supporting the view that moderate inputs may stimulate plankton taxonomic diversity in coastal ecosystems. Increased ciliate and copepod nauplii abundance was also observed but was considered to be caused by natural variability.
The Impact of an Extreme Storm Event on the Barrier Beach of the Lefkada Lagoon, NE Ionian Sea (Greece)
Authors: GHIONIS G. , POULOS S. E. , VERYKIOU E. , KARDITSA A. , ALEXANDRAKIS G. , ANDRIS P.
Published: June 2016

The present investigation examines the characteristics of a high energy storm event, that took place on November 9-11, 2007 in the NE Ionian Sea (eastern Mediterranean), and its impact upon the barrier beach that separates the Lefkada lagoon from the open Ionian Sea. The storm event was caused by NW winds with speeds exceeding 20 m/s (40 knots), which have an annual frequency of occurrence less than 0.015%. This high energy event produced waves with >5 m significant offshore height and 9.5 s period; these waves developed on 10th November during the rapid rise of barometric pressure (~1.4 hPa/hr), which followed the barometric pressure drop from 1020.5 hPa at 06:00 (UTC) of 9th November to 1001.7 hPa at 06:00 h (UTC) of 10th November. Secondary breaking at the shoreline produced wave heights >1.5 m, associated with a surge of >0.4 m and a run-up capability of >2.4 m. The waves managed to overtop the barrier beach (elevations ~2.5 m), lowering the seaward side of the barrier beach by 10-30 cm and causing a coastline retreat of 0.9 to 2.2 m; these morphological changes correspond volumetrically to a sediment loss of approximately 8 m3/m of coastline length from the sub-aerial part of the beach. During the last three decades a significant change in the frequency of occurrence and direction (from S-SW-W to N-NW-NE) of severe storms with wind speeds exceeding 40 knots has been recorded, affecting the sediment transport pattern and contributing to the erosion of the north beaches of Lefkada.
HOT COMPRESSION TEST OF 9 Cr-1 Mo STEEL – NUMERICAL SIMULATION
Authors: Fedoriková Alica , Kvačkaj Tibor , Kočiško Róbert , Bidulský Róbert , Petroušek Patrik , Bidulská Jana , Domovcová Lucia
Published: June 2016

This paper is focused on the evaluation of formability of heat resistant steel type 9Cr-1Mo by laboratory numerical simulation – hot compression test confirmed by laboratory hot compression test. The 9Cr-1Mo steel represents modern 9%Cr tempered martensitic steel for high temperature applications in advanced thermal power plants. Numerical simulations were computed in software Deform 3D for five proposed sample shapes. On the base of normalized Cockcroft-Latham criterion (nCL), indicating the material damage during deformation, the sample type “tapered roller with four axial notches” was found to be the most suitable for hot workability evaluation. On base of simulations, it is also evaluated the temperature range of the workability of 9Cr-1Mo. The interval of good workability according to the nCL criteria is in the temperature range from 650 to 950 °C.
PROBLEMS OF ENSURING QUALITY OF A SURFACE LAYER WHEN PRODUCING COMPONENTS FROM HARD-TO-PROCESS HEAT RESISTANT ALLOYS
Authors: Zhukov Eduard Leonidovich , Kozar Ivan Ivanovich , Olodyazhniy Dmitriy Yurievich
Published: June 2016

We consider the study results of the hard-to-process titanium-based alloys processing on turning lathes. The influence made on the quality of the surface layer, characterized by the amplitude roughness parameters, by geometry, cutting tool properties, processing modes and dimensional wear is considered.
Charting the Territory: Recombination as a Source of Uncertainty for Potential Entrants
Authors: Montauti Martina , Wezel Filippo Carlo
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we conceptualize categories as regions of a cognitive map that structure the market and guide the investment decisions of potential entrants—i.e., of new and established organizations. We advance that, as a category appears altered via incumbents’ acts of recombination, potential entrants face market-specific uncertainty and are discouraged to invest in that category. These negative effects of recombination on market entries are, however, mitigated at increasing values of category status. We test our arguments in the market for electronic music. The analyses of product and organizational entries in music styles between 1978 and 2011 lend support to our arguments.
Chlorophyll Meter-Based Dynamic Nitrogen Management in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Subtropical Environment
Authors: Hasan Md , Khaliq Qazi , Baset Mia Md , Bari Md , Islam Md
Published: June 2016

Injudicious use of nitrogen fertilizer is very commonly practice in tropical and subtropical regions. SPAD (Soil-Plant Analysis Development) chlorophyll meter-based nitrogen top-dressing may reduce the risk of under or over application. Considering this, the study was conducted to measure the relative advantage of dynamic methods of nitrogen fertilization over conventional method in wheat field. For this, conventional nitrogen (CN) treatments i.e. CN60, CN90, CN120, CN150 at 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 were compared with four chlorophyll meter-based dynamic nitrogen (DN) treatments i.e. DN80, DN90, DN120, DN100 at 80, 90, 120 and 100 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Irrespective of treatments, SPAD meter readings remained above 45 (threshold value) beyond 50 days after seeding, but plant performance varied depending on the methods and doses used in nitrogen top-dressing. Treatment CN150 performed better displaying the highest SPAD values, total dry matter production, leaf area index, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate resulting to the highest grain yield (5.10 t/ha) in wheat. The plant performance in DN120, DN100, DN90 and CN120 treatments were statistically similar to that of CN150 in respect of all most all plant characters studied. Comparing with CN treatments, DN treatments resulted in better plant growth and grain yield at the same level of nitrogen fertilizer. This is because of maintaining need-based fertilizer at early stage of wheat and application of appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer in each time in DN treatments compared to CN treatments. The result suggests that chlorophyll meter can be effectively used for real time nitrogen top-dressing to increase productivity of wheat.
Podiatry evaluation of a chitosan gelling fibre dressing in diabetic foot ulceration
Authors: Walker Angela
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this small evaluation on five patients presenting to community podiatry services in Birmingham with foot ulceration was to explore common problems associated with diabetes and other high-risk conditions and illustrate the clinical effectiveness and experience of using a chitosan absorbent gelling fibre dressing (KytoCel®, Aspen Medical). Each of these case studies bought their individual complex issues and complications that affected the healing process. General wound care involved debridement, if required, dressings, pressure redistribution addressing footwear needs, systemic antibiotics where required, and shared care with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in secondary care where appropriate.
Identification and expression of two types of chicken GnRH-II genes in mature hard-lipped barb, Osteochilus hasselti
Authors: PRAYOGO N. A. , WIJAYANTI G. E. , SULISTYO I. , SUKARDI P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Prayogo NA, Wijayanti GE, Sulistyo I. Sukardi P. 2016. Identification and expression of two types of chicken GnRH-II genes in mature hard-lipped barb, Osteochilus hasselti. Biodiversitas 17: xxx. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is synthesized in the brain and acts in the anterior pituitary to stimulate the release of gonadotropins in fishes as well as in other vertebrates. Genomic DNAs and cDNAs of two chicken-type GnRH-II genes of hard-lipped barb, namely cGnRH-II type 1 and type 2, were cloned. The length of cloned genomic DNA of cGnRH-II type 1 was 580 bp and cDNA was 206 bp. The length of cloned genomic DNA of cGnRH-II type 2 was 570 bp and cDNA was 196 bp. The cGnRH-II type 1 and type 2 cDNAs encode precursors of 68 and 63 amino acids, respectively. Those precursors consist of a signal peptide, cGnRH-II decapeptide and a GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) linked by a Gly-Lys-Argproteolytic site. Using quantitative Real Time-PCR, expression levels of these two cGnRH-II genes were detected in the brain, liver and gonad of hard-lipped barb. Expression of the GnRH-II type 1 gene was found only in the brain and liver, on the other hand, expression of the cGnRH-II type 2 gene was found in the gonad, in addition to the brain and liver. The expression of the cGnRH-II genes outside the brain suggested that cGnRH-II might act as an autocrine or paracrine regulator.
What does dental professionalism mean to you?
Authors: Watts Danny James
Published: June 2016

The Association of Dental Groups’ Undergraduate Bursary Award (Professionalism) is an annual award for undergraduate entries relating to professionalism in dentistry. It is open to all UK dental undergraduates, whether dentists, hygienists, therapists or clinical dental technicians, and has three prizes: gold, silver and bronze. The competition involves answering two questions: ‘Describe what the term “dental professional” means to you, ensuring that you cover each of the main domain headings?’ and ‘Describe a time and situation in which you have had to demonstrate dental professionalism and explain which aspect of the main domain headings were relevant in the circumstances?’ The 2016 Silver Prize was awarded to Danny Watts, and here we present his essay on what the term ‘dental professional’ means to him.
Value-based dentistry: Putting the patient first
Authors: Koka Sreenivas , Raz Galya
Published: June 2016

What does ‘value’ mean? In the context of dental care, it can be defined as the quality of care received by a patient divided by the cost to the patient of receiving that care. In other words: V =Q/C, where Q equals the quality improvement over time, which most patients view in the context of the outcome, the service provided and safety/risk management, and C equals the financial, biological and time cost to the patient. Here, the need for, and implications of, value-based density for clinicians and patients alike are explored.
Does size matter? The benefits and challenges of voluntary sector partnerships in dementia service provision for South Asian communities in England
Authors: Blakey Heather , Parveen Sahdia , Oyebode Jan R.
Published: June 2016

In response to the need for improved access to dementia services for minority ethnic communities, the Alzheimer’s Society piloted, in 2014, the Information Programme for South Asian Families (IPSAF), an adapted version of its existing course for carers. It delivered this in partnership with local black and minority ethnic community and faith organisations, a new approach for the Alzheimer’s Society. In most cases, the partnerships formed were strong and effective, and have given rise to ongoing plans for joint working that bring benefits to both the local organisations and the Alzheimer’s Society. However, the current realities of UK voluntary and community sector dynamics raise questions of ownership and issues around how to establish genuine partnerships. In this article, we reflect on what the IPSAF experience indicates about the potential for equitable partnerships between small and large organisations, and draw out lessons for building effective, mutually beneficial relationships.
Analysis and visualization of social user communities
Authors: López Sánchez Daniel , Revuelta Jorge , De La Prieta Fernando , Dang Cach
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a novel framework for social user clustering is proposed. Given a current controversial political topic, the Louvain Modularity algorithm is used to detect communities of users sharing the same political preferences. The political alignment of a set of users is labeled manually by a human expert and then the quality of the community detection is evaluated against this gold standard. In the last section, we propose a novel force-directed graph algorithm to generate a visual representation of the detected communities.
Simulation environment for algorithms and agents evaluation.
Authors: Chamoso Pablo , De La Prieta Fernando
Published: June 2016

This article presents an adaptive platform that can simulate the centralized control of different smart city areas. For example, public lighting and intelligent management, public zones of buildings, energy distribution, etc. It can operate the hardware infrastructure and perform optimization both in energy consumption and economic control from a modular architecture which is fully adaptable to most cities. Machine-to-machine (M2M) permits connecting all the sensors of the city so that they provide the platform with a perfect perspective of the global city status. To carry out this optimization, the platform offers the developers a software that operates on the hardware infrastructure and merges various techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) and statistics, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), multi-agent systems (MAS) or a Service Oriented Approach (SOA), forming an Internet of Services (IoS). Different case studies were tested by using the presented platform, and further development is still underway with additional case studies.
Friendship and Education, Coffee and Weapons: Exchanges between Socialist Ethiopia and the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Unfried Berthold
Published: June 2016

This article aims to present a chapter of a global history of cooperation between the European center of the Soviet World System and African “countries on a socialist path to development.” This contribution is focused on exchanges and interactions between the German Democratic Republic and revolutionary Ethiopia on various levels: Trade, examining the practice of the instrument barter trade “to the mutual advantage” genuinely used in the commercial side of these relations; and Aid, examining practices of the transfer of (material and personal) resources essentially free of charge, often called “solidarity.” After distinguishing layers of cooperation from determinedly negotiated foreign trade agreements in the mutual interest to unilateral “solidarity” transfers in a spirit of “friendship” and carving out main actors in these fields, this contribution identifies spheres of contact, interaction, and cooperation between GDR advisors, experts, and solidarity workers and their Ethiopian counterparts. Flows in the sphere of trade, solidarity, and in personal relations between GDR personnel in Ethiopia and their Ethiopian counterparts are discussed in the perspective of reciprocity. This question of flows and contacts is not primarily examined in the mirror of expectations, intentions, and declarations, but grounded on practices retrieved by the analysis of (primarily German) archive material and on interviews. These sources show those encounters from their practical side, which cannot be resumed by a story of success or failure. The article concludes with an assessment of GDR-Ethiopian cooperation as part of a multilateral entanglement in which Cuba and the Soviet Union were other critical actors.
On Silencing the Next Generation: Legacies of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution on Youth Political Engagement
Authors: Gebremariam Eyob Balcha , Herrera Linda
Published: June 2016

This article argues that the Ethiopian revolution was a generational achievement. Hence, its legacy and lasting social effects can be best examined through a sociological lens that highlights the intergenerational relations between the “revolutionary generation” of 1974 and today’s “restrained generation.” One of the significant legacies of the Ethiopian revolution is that it continues to instill fear in young people who are inclined to engage in politics. This culture of fear has grown out of the atrocious “Red Terror” period of the late 1970s, and continues in different forms to the present as political youth, including social media activists, are vulnerable to persecution. Even as the young generation attempts to create new platforms for political engagement, it remains under the heavy hand of the revolutionary generation. After nearly four decades, the methods of crushing youth political activism remain almost the same. This article seeks to offer insights into how Ethiopian youth pursue various strategies to deal with the structural impediments to their active political engagement. It is also an attempt to unveil certain practices by the older generation that are designed to keep the youth in a political impasse.
The Influence of Pre-Mortem Conditions on Pale, Soft and Exudative (PSE) and Dark, Firm and Dry (DFD) Pork Meat
Authors: Čobanović Nikola , Karabasil Nedjeljko , Stajković Silvana , Ilić Nevena , Suvajdžić Branko , Petrović Miloš , Teodorović Vlado
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gender, stocking density in the transport vehicle, lairage time and season on the incidence of skin lesions on pig carcasses and PSE and DFD meat. Skin lesions on carcasses (480, in total) were assessed according to the Welfare Quality® protocol (2009). The pH and temperature measurements were performed 45 minutes after slaughter. The group of carcasses with skin lesions score 2 had significantly higher incidence of PSE and DFD meat compared to the groups of carcasses with skin lesions score 0 and 1. With regard to gender, there were no differences in meat quality parameters, as well as for the incidence of skin lesions and PSE and DFD meat. The results showed that a space allowance lower than 0.3 m2/100 kg and higher than 0.5 m2/100 kg pig had a detrimental effect to animal welfare and meat quality. Lairage time affected meat quality parameters, incidence of skin lesions score and PSE and DFD meat, where after long lairaging (> 17 h) mean pH45 and t45 values became significantly higher, as well as the incidence of skin lesions and DFD meat. After short lairaging (< 1 h) mean pH45 value became significantly lower, while mean t45 value and the incidence of PSE meat became significantly higher. A significantly higher number of skin lesions on the carcass were observed in winter compared to all other seasons. High temperatures during summer and low temperatures during winter had a negative influence on meat quality parameters and incidence of PSE and DFD meat.
The Ecological Rationality of Historical Costs and Conservatism
Authors: Braun Eduard
Published: June 2016

The principles characterizing the traditional revenue-expense approach to accounting cannot be traced back to a distinct event. I argue that they are ecologically rational. Their functionality is the result of cultural evolution, not of unitary human design. This is the reason why the efforts to defend them against the balance-sheet approach endorsed by standard-setters have encountered severe difficulties. Only the latter is clearly based on a coherent model of the economy, namely neoclassical economics. I further argue that a solid basis for explaining the rationale of the culturally evolved accounting principles can be found in behavioral economics. These principles are in line with human behavior as found in numerous laboratory and field experiments. It is especially with respect to Prospect Theory that a close parallel can be identified. I combine this observation with a market process view of the economy. Financial accounting according to the balance-sheet approach does not add new information to the market process; it only summarizes on the firm level information provided by the market. In contrast, the revenue-expense approach provides private information to the market à la Hayek (1945). The revenue-expense approach thus turns out to be congenial to the organization of the market economy.
Aus dem wiederentdeckten Trierer Zinsregister von 1347–1406
Authors: Cluse Christoph
Published: June 2016

A manuscript register of late-medieval real-estate and mortgage contracts in Trier, which was offered for sale by a Jewish antiquarian bookseller in 1918, has only recently been rediscovered. This study gives a first impression of its contents, concentrating on two aspects: firstly, the inception of the register is situated in the context of the urban discord between the Archbishop and the citizens of Trier in 1350. Secondly, the new evidence on the post-1349 Jewish community in the city is related to what was previously known of its history. The new source underlines the importance of Jewish women entrepreneurs in this period.
NS-Raubgut in Darmstädter Bibliotheken vor und nach 1945
Authors: Göller Andreas
Published: June 2016

This article discusses the attitude, prior to as well as after 1945, of both the former Hessian State Library (Landesbibliothek) and the academic library (Hochschulbibliothek) at Darmstadt towards books confiscated by the Nazis. Since most of the records as well as books have vanished in the bombings of the year 1944, only few items looted from victims of persecution could be identified. After 1948, the now united State and University Library (Landes- und Hochschulbibliothek) was given several thousand confiscated books that have not subsequently been restituted by the German and Allied public authorities. Among them, parts of the former Lodges’ libraries in Mainz (Rhenus-Loge) and Darmstadt (Starkenburg-Loge) give an impression of the intellectual life of the B’nai B’rith Order in pre-war Germany.
Lipase NS81006 immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for biodiesel production
Authors: Thangaraj Baskar , Jia Zhaohua , Dai Lingmei , Liu Dehua , Du Wei
Published: June 2016

Lipase-catalyzed biodiesel production is being the object of extensive research due to the demerits of chemical based catalytic system. Lipase immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles has the integrated advantages of traditional immobilized lipase and free lipase for its rather fast reaction rate and easy separation. It has been demonstrated that free lipase NS81006 has potential in catalyzing the alcoholysis of renewable oils for biodiesel preparation. In this study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with organosilane compounds like (3-aminopropyl)triethyloxysilane (APTES) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane) MPTMS were used as carriers for lipase immobilization. Lipase NS81006 was covalently bound to the organosilane-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles by using glutaraldehyde cross-linking reagent. A biodiesel yield of 89% and 81% could be achieved by lipase immobilized on APTES-Fe3O4 and MPTMS-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles respectively under optimized conditions of oil to methanol molar ratio 1:3 with three step addition of methanol, reaction temperature 45°C and reaction time duration 12 h. The lipases immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles could be recovered easily by external magnetic field for further use.
Studies on poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate biosynthesis by a consortium of microorganisms
Authors: Eremia Mihaela Carmen , Lupescu Irina , Vladu Mariana , Petrescu Maria , Savoiu Gabriela , Stefaniu Amalia , Spiridon Maria
Published: June 2016

Polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHAs) are specifically produced by a wide variety of bacteria, as an intracellular energy reserve in the form of homo- and copolymers of [R]-β-hydroxyalkanoic acids, depending on the C source used for microorganism growth, when the cells are grown under stressing conditions. In this paper we present microbiological accumulation of poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO) by using a consortium of bacterial strains, Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis, in a rate of 3:1, grown on a fermentation medium based on sodium octanoate as the sole carbon source. The experiments performed in the above mentioned conditions led to the following results: from 18.70 g sodium octanoate (7.72 g/L in the fermentation medium) used up during the bioprocess, 3.93-3.96 g/L dry bacterial biomass and 1.834 - 1.884 g/L PHA, containing 85.83 - 86.8% PHO, were obtained.
Utilization of unripe banana peel waste as feedstock for ethanol production
Authors: Waghmare Ashish G. , Arya Shalini S.
Published: June 2016

Banana is second largest produced fruit of total world’s fruits. Cooking banana or plantains processing industry is generating enormous amount of waste in the form of unripe banana peel at one place, thus important to study waste management and utilization. Therefore, unripe banana peel was investigated for ethanol production. This study involved chemical characterization, optimization of acid hydrolysis, selection of yeast strain and optimization of fermentative production of ethanol from dried unripe banana peel powder (DUBPP). Ethanol concentration was determined using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Characterization of DUBPP revealed notably amount of starch (41% w/w), cellulose (9.3% w/w) and protein (8.4% w/w). 49.2% w/w of reducing sugar was produced by acid hydrolysis of DUBPP at optimized conditions. Three yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were screened for ethanol conversion efficiency, osmotolerance, ethanol tolerance, thermotolerance, fermentation ability at high temperature and sedimentation rate. Further, fermentation conditions were optimized for maximum ethanol production from acid hydrolysate of DUBPP. At optimized fermentation conditions, 35.5 g/l ethanol was produced using selected strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3095. Hence, unripe banana peel waste can be good feedstock for ethanol production.
High-throughput sequencing offers new insights into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
Authors: Pang Alina P.S. , Sugai Christopher , Maunakea Alika K.
Published: June 2016

Chemical modifications of DNA comprise epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of cellular activities and memory. Although the function of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) has been extensively studied, little is known about the function(s) of relatively rarer and underappreciated cytosine modifications including 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). The discovery that ten-eleven translocation (Tet) proteins mediate conversion of 5-mC to 5-hmC, and other oxidation derivatives, sparked renewed interest to understand the biological role of 5-hmC. Studies examining total 5-hmC levels revealed the highly dynamic yet tissue-specific nature of this modification, implicating a role in epigenetic regulation and development. Intriguingly, 5-hmC levels are highest during early development and in the brain where abnormal patterns of 5-hmC have been observed in disease conditions. Thus, 5-hmC adds to the growing list of epigenetic modifications with potential utility in clinical applications and warrants further investigation. This review discusses the emerging functional roles of 5-hmC in normal and disease states, focusing primarily on insights provided by recent studies exploring the genome-wide distribution of this modification in mammals.
Baseline and elaboration
Authors: Langacker Ronald W.
Published: June 2016

Many aspects of language and cognition involve an asymmetry describable in terms of a baseline (B) and various dimensions and levels of elaboration (E). The baseline has some kind of priority – being already established, in place, or under control – and is generally more substantive than elaborating elements. B/E organization is reflected in the control cycle, a very general cognitive model with many manifestations in everyday experience. Since elaboration produces a higher-level baseline, B/E organization involves successive strata, each a substrate for the next, which draws on additional conceptual resources creating a wider range of potential. Seriality and hierarchy represent special cases of this layered organization: in a serial structure each element provides the substrate for interpreting the next; and in composition, component structures function as a dual baseline for apprehending the more elaborate composite structure. B/E organization is characteristic of both individual structures and systems of opposing elements. Recognizing it eliminates the need to posit “zero” elements, as the zero member of a system is simply the baseline structure.
A novel In Vitro Model for Studying Nanoparticle Interactions with the Small Intestine
Authors: Schimpel Christa , Rinner Beate , Absenger-Novak Markus , Meindl Claudia , Fröhlich Eleonore , Falk Andreas , Zimmer Andreas , Roblegg Eva
Published: June 2016

Manufactured nanomaterials provide promising features
for new technologies in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical
applications. On the other hand, orally ingested nanomaterials/
nanoparticles may interact with or enter intestinal cells
via different mechanisms, resulting in possible injuries of the
biological system. For that reason, the current study aims to
provide useful information concerning physicochemical properties
of nanoparticles with regard to cytotoxic effects and uptake
mechanisms in the small intestine. Differently charged polystyrene
nanoparticles were used and cytotoxicity and uptake were
studied with an intestinal in vitro co-culture model, mimicking
the villus epithelium and a triple-culture model recapitulating
the follicle-associated epithelium. Mechanisms of cellular transport
were investigated at 37°C and 4°C to verify that internalization
mainly occurs energy-dependently. Chemical inhibitors
(i.e., chlorpromazine, genistein, dynasore) were used to block
dynamin-dependent endocytic pathways without affecting cell
viability and membrane integrity. Qualification and quantification
were performed via confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.
Furthermore, co-localization studies with commonly used
markers (i.e., transferrin, lactosylceramide) were carried out and
co-localization was assessed via calculation of Pearson´s correlation
coefficient and Mander´s overlap coefficient. The results
show that size and surface chemistry play a crucial role in cytotoxic
interactions and cellular uptake of nanoparticles (NPs).
Independent of the surface charge, NPs strongly interact with
intestinal mucus and are immobilized. Uptake predominantly occurs
via M cells and is surface-charge dependent. Whereas negatively
charged particles fail to enter cells, positive and neutral
particles penetrate M cells energy-dependently. More precisely,
both clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis are involved.
It can be concluded that the presented system serves as a valuable
tool to assess safety aspects of manufactured nanomaterials
and hence, substantially contributes to nanosafety efforts.
On Distortion in Digital Microwave Power Amplifiers
Authors: Al-Mozani Dhamia , Wentzel Andreas , Heinrich Wolfgang
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a first study of distortion in digital power amplifiers (PA) is presented. The work is based on a voltage mode class-S PA with a GaN MMIC for the 900 MHz frequency band. The investigation focuses on the quasi-static amplitude-to-amplitude (AM-AM) and amplitude-to-phase (AM-PM) distortions. Different digital modulation schemes are applied and studied versus output power back-off. This includes two pulse-width modulation (PWM) versions as well as band-pass delta-sigma (BPDS) modulation. The results are verified by measurement data.
Sodium sulphite pulping of Scots pine under neutral and mildly alkaline conditions (NS pulping)
Authors: Hanhikoski Saara , Warsta Elina , Varhimo Antero , Niemelä Klaus , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: June 2016

Sodium sulphite pulping of Scots pine chips in the initial pH range of 7.5–9 was investigated at 180°C and 165°C (for 120–240 min), using chemical charges between 25 and 50% and anthraquinone (AQ) charges 0–0.2%. As a result, pulps with yields of 52–73% and kappa numbers of 35–106 were produced. Delignification was accelerated by higher Na2SO3 charges and temperatures, and by AQ addition, whereas the effect of initial pH was negligible. The high pulp yields at a given kappa number were attributable to high retention of hemicelluloses, especially that of galactoglucomannan. The relatively low viscosities of pulps were apparently caused by depolymerisation of cellulose by sulphite. The sulphonic acid groups in the pulps correlated well with the residual lignin content, although some sulphonation of polysaccharides may also be possible. The results indicate that pulping of softwood in buffer-free (without Na2CO3 and/or NaOH) sodium sulphite liquor may result in pulps with tailored characteristics.
The multi-functional foot in athletic movement: extraordinary feats by our extraordinary feet
Authors: Wilson Jennifer , Kiely John
Published: June 2016

The unique architecture of the foot system provides a sensitive, multi-tensional method of communicating with the surrounding environment. Within the premise of the paper, we discuss three themes: complexity, degeneracy and bio-tensegrity. Complex structures within the foot allow the human movement system to negotiate strategies for dynamic movement during athletic endeavours. We discuss such complex structures with particular attention to properties of a bio-tensegrity system. Degeneracy within the foot structure offers a distinctive solution to the problems posed by differing terrains and uneven surfaces allowing lower extremity structures to overcome perturbation as and when it occurs. This extraordinary structure offers a significant contribution to bipedalism through presenting a robust base of support and as such, should be given more consideration when designing athletic development programmes.
In vitro activity of Lycium barbarum (Goji) against major human phase I metabolism enzymes
Authors: Liu Rui , Tam Teresa W. , Mao Jingqin , Salem Ammar , Arnason John T. , Krantis Anthony , Foster Brian C.
Published: June 2016

Background: Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine and a functional food in China. Goji tea may interact with drugs such as warfarin by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, and this study was undertaken to characterize the effect of Goji products on CYP2C9/19-, CYP2D6 *1/*10-, CYP3A4/5/7-, CYP19-, and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) 3-mediated metabolism.

Methods: Goji juice, water, and ethanol extracts were examined for their effect on CYP2C9/19-, 2D6-, 3A4/5/7-, 4A11-, CYP19-, and FMO3-mediated metabolism by using in vitro bioassay. The mechanism-based inactivation (MBI) of Goji juice on CYP3A4 was also examined.

Results: Data indicates that both fresh juice and commercially available juice caused strong inhibition (over 75 %) of most of the major CYP450 enzymes and moderate inhibition of FMO3 (30–60 %). Compared to juice, the Goji cold/hot water extracts effected low inhibition (below 30 %) of these enzymes. Ethanol (80 %) extracts exhibit the strongest inhibition on CYP2C9 and 2C19 (over 90 %). The inhibition pattern of dried and fresh berry extract and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV fingerprints were similar.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that Goji products (berries, tea, tincture, and juice) can inhibit phase I drug metabolism enzymes and have the potential to affect the safety and efficacy of therapeutic products.