bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Elements of Effective Program Design: A Two-Level Analysis
Authors: Howlett Michael , Mukherjee Ishani , Rayner Jeremy
Published: February 2015

Policy and program design is a major theme of contemporary policy research, aimed at improving the understanding of how the processes, methods and tools of policy-making are employed to better formulate effective policies and pro-grams, and to understand the reasons why such designs are not forthcoming. However while many efforts have been made to evaluate policy design, less work has focused on program designs. This article sets out to fill this gap in knowledge of design practices in policy-making. It outlines the nature of the study of policy design with a particular focus on the nature of programs and the lessons derived from empirical experience regarding the conditions that enhance program effectiveness.
Linkages of Electoral Accountability: Empirical Results and Methodological Lessons
Authors: Maloy J. S.
Published: February 2015

A basic theory of electoral accountability is widely accepted by academic opinion: voters cause politicians to gain or lose office through periodic elections, thereby influencing policy through the threat of electoral sanction. Empirical studies run the gamut from findings of strong support for this theory, to mixed or conditional support, to weak or negative results. When electoral processes are analyzed in terms of two distinct causal linkages within a three-part chain of accountability, however, positive findings are revealed as weaker than they appear while a compelling trend emerges toward findings ranging from conditional to negative in the last two decades. This trend is visible in three topical areas—economic voting, political corruption, and ideological congruence—and it holds for both presidential and parliamentary regimes as well as for a variety of electoral systems. The new electoral skepticism’s unsettling results and insightful methods may help to improve future research and reform efforts alike.
The AK Party’s Islamic Realist Political Vision: Theory and Practice
Authors: Mufti Malik
Published: February 2015

The currently governing Turkish AK Party’s reformist agenda at home and its increasingly assertive policies abroad, like the “soft” and “hard” power elements of its foreign policy, reflect a remarkable coherence and continuity in the political vision of the party leadership. That vision—a contemporary manifestation (sometimes described as “neo-Ottomanism”) of an older tradition of Islamic realism—is explicated through a detailed analysis of the speeches and writings of the main AK Party leaders, as well as of their opponents within the Islamist movement, and correlated with actual policy practice. It is further suggested that the AK Party’s preoccupation with its traditional secular-nationalist (Kemalist) adversaries has left it unprepared to confront an even more formidable looming challenge: liberalism.
Social Class and Social Capital in China and Britain: A Comparative Study
Authors: Li Yaojun
Published: February 2015

We use the China General Social Survey (2005) and the Home Office Citizenship Survey (2005) to study civic engagement and neighbourhood trust in China and Britain in this paper. We focus on class differences in participation in sports/recreation, religion, children's/adult education and public-welfare activities, and trust in the neighbours. We find higher levels of civic involvement in Britain but greater neighbourhood trust in China. This is mainly due to structural differences. China has a large proportion of peasants who have very low levels of civic involvement but very high levels of neighbourhood trust. Among the non-peasant population, the two countries have similar levels of class differences in civic (except religious) involvement. There are small class differences in China on neighbourhood trust, but marked effects in Britain. Overall, there is a greater similarity than difference in class effects in both civic engagement and social trust in the two countries. While differences in demographic attributes (and China's specific institutional arrangement, the household registration system, or hukou) account for some of the observed patterns, we also find more pronounced class than demographic effects in the two countries. Class plays a major role in the development of social capital.
The "Idle No More" Movement: Paradoxes of First Nations Inclusion in the Canadian Context
Authors: Wotherspoon Terry , Hansen John
Published: February 2015

Idle No More, a recent protest movement initiated to draw attention to concerns by Indigenous people and allies about changes in Canada's environment and economic policies, has also raised awareness about social and economic conditions experienced by much of Canada's Indigenous population. While discourses and policies oriented to social inclusion are not as prominent in Canada as in Europe and several other contexts, these conditions and the strategies adopted by governments to address them are consistent with narrowly-framed inclusion policies. We provide an overview of what these conditions represent and how they have come to be framed in the context of the Idle No More movement. However, we extend our analysis to understand how the Idle No More movement and discourses of inclusion and exclusion alike have often been framed in ways that further limit solutions to the problems that they are oriented to resolve by stigmatizing and distancing Indigenous people, especially when they ignore or undermine distinct Indigenous rights and the foundations of formal Aboriginal status. We draw upon Indigenous concepts of justice and critical analyses of power relations in order to explore the contradictory locations and experiences associated with Indigenous inclusion in the Canadian context. We conclude by exploring the movement's contributions to broadened conceptions of inclusion that build upon alternative conceptions of socioeconomic participation and success.
Is Disability a Health Problem?
Authors: MacLachlan Malcolm , Mannan Hasheem
Published: February 2015

We welcome Andrew Haig's critique of our paper, "Disability & Health: A research agenda" in Social Inclusion. Our paper sought to identify research priorities to better understand, provide enhanced services and a better quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly in relation to their health and wellbeing. Haig's critique makes several important points that deserve serious consideration. His comments reflect a view of the relationship between disability and health which is different from the one we have espoused. Specifically, Haig argues that (a) disability is a health problem, (b) medical rehabilitation should be separated from Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), and (c) the evidence base for medical rehabilitation is much stronger than for CBR. We address each of these points below arguing that while some types of disability clearly result from health problems; often disability is not experienced as a health problem; and sometimes, disability in interaction with restricted access is the cause of health problems.
Credibility Assessments as 'Normative Leakage': Asylum Applications, Gender and Class
Authors: Wikström Hanna , Johansson Thomas
Published: February 2015

Based on the assumption that credibility assessments function as 'normative leakage' within the asylum process, we analyse how narratives of gender and class are articulated, rendered meaningful, or silenced in credibility assessments. Two cases concerning male applicants are selected in order to illustrate these processes. In relation to the existing concepts of internal/external credibility, we wish to introduce the concept of social credibility, which focuses on how the assessors read different socio-cultural narratives. While previous research has shown that the postcolonial will to protect women favours women as victims of patriarchal cultures, we wish to point out the continuity of this line of argumentation in relation to male and female applicants by adopting a theoretical generalization: male applicants instead become situated at the other end of the spectrum of postcolonial notions of modernity as non-victims, victims of other circumstances or perpetrators. We argue that these processes are accentuated in relation to credibility assessments. In order to prevent processes of social exclusion and to enhance inclusive practice, authorities need to acknowledge the 'normative leakage' associated with the assessment process.
How Gender Conscious Pedagogy in Higher Education Can Stimulate Actions of Social Justice in Society
Authors: Witt Ann-Katrin , Cuesta Marta
Published: February 2015

In order to reflect about methods that can generate social justice and democratization, this article emphasises on practical implementations, connected to gender conscious pedagogy. Gender conscious pedagogy aims at overcoming the myth of objectivity, and by questioning through teaching what is considered as common sense and ‘normal’. This entails acting and reflecting on breakthroughs, for example about an understanding of how gender codes influence everyday instances as well as working life. The collected data is based on narratives from alumni students who were asked to memorise and reflect on their gender studies and particularly about how useful this type of knowledge is in connection with everyday and working life - as politician, lecturer, IT-manager, doctoral student etc. The aim of this article is to focus on how teachers support students to be gender confident and as a consequence of that, becoming gender actors outside the university, in working life. Some central questions are: how are gender issues represented and integrated in the different areas of studies; what can teachers do in order to generate equality in the classroom; in what way and how are students given possibilities of understanding, internalizing and discussing gender issues.
The Mosque and Social Networks: The Case of Muslim Youth in Brisbane
Authors: Karimshah Ameera , Chiment Melinda , Skrbis Zlatko
Published: February 2015

Much of the existing public discourse surrounding Muslim youth in Western societies is framed through a simplistic and static understanding of the role of the Mosque in their everyday life. Mosques are often seen as places for the development of Muslim conservatism where membership is gender and ethno-specific and activities are socially restrictive (Spalek & Imtoual, 2007, p. 195; Spalek & Lambert, 2008; Poynting & Mason, 2008, p. 237). This contributes to an ongoing public preoccupation with the idea that it is necessary to integrate Muslim youth into “mainstream society” as a counter measure to anti-social behaviour and attributed outcomes (i.e. terrorism). This paper, building on the work of Dialmy (2007, p. 70) and Jamal (2005, p. 523), offers an account of how young Muslims network and socialise around the Mosque in Brisbane, Australia. We show that contrary to popular public conception, the role of the Mosque in the lives of Muslim youth is multifaceted and serves as the centrepiece from which the majority of socialisation, across variety formal and informal networks, occurs. This paper also explores the reasons underpinning Muslim youth’s social participation, emphasizing the socio-cultural factors (both within and beyond the place of worship) that facilitate and hinder participation across a range of social settings. We argue that discussions on Muslim youth and social engagement must be positioned within an informed understanding of the nuanced role of the Mosque in the generation of social networks within Western contexts.
Does Antwerp Belong to Everyone? Unveiling the Conditional Limits to Inclusive Urban Citizenship
Authors: Van Puymbroeck Nicolas , Blondeel Paul , Vandevoordt Robin
Published: February 2015

Recent theoretical discussions have indicated that citizenship is not only a way of being, but also a way of behaving. This article aims to show how attempts to regulate the behaviour of the citizenry can introduce a new topography of inclusion and exclusion, thereby exercising a direct effect on particular ethnic minorities. We investigate the issue in Antwerp, the largest city of the Flemish Region in Belgium. With his slogan ‘Antwerp belongs to everyone’ former mayor Patrick Janssens gained significant international attention for Antwerp’s supposedly inclusive conception of urban citizenship. In this article, we argue that the universality of Antwerp’s city slogan has nevertheless veiled the introduction of new exclusionary prescriptions centred around citizens’ conduct. Drawing on a Foucauldian account of power, three different modes of policing are discussed that have rearticulated the boundaries of urban citizenship in Antwerp. The disciplinary, bio-political and etho-political techniques of power each show in a different way attempts by the state to steer and effectively regulate what counts as appropriate conduct. As a corollary of governmental power, particular ways of behaving have been labelled as deviant and abnormal, thus rendering full citizenship conditional on a set of substantial expectations on how to perform as a citizen. As these expectations are only apparently neutral with respect to ethnic identities, a tension arose between the city’s universal and inclusive rhetoric and its particular and exclusionary policies.
Brokerage in Cross-Border Mobility: Social Mechanisms and the (Re)Production of Social Inequalities
Authors: Faist Thomas
Published: February 2015

Brokerage is an essential yet understudied function in social life. In one of the classics in the field of sociology, Georg Simmel differentiated three types of the “third” which help to analyse brokerage: the disinterested mediator or arbitrator, tertius gaudens and divide et impera. Studies that conceptualise traffickers and smugglers as brokers are extremely rare. Scholars lack a typology which can serve as a basis for comparative research. To advance scholarship on brokerage this article seeks to develop a conceptual-typological matrix by setting out to explore three questions: Why does brokerage exist? What kind of social mechanism is brokerage? What are the implications of brokerage for social inequalities and equalities? The analysis concludes with the consequences of different types of brokerage for the (re)production of social inequalities.
Linking local retention, self‐recruitment, and persistence in marine metapopulations
Authors: Lett Christophe , Nguyen-Huu Tri , Cuif Marion , Saenz-Agudelo Pablo , Kaplan David M.
Published: February 2015

Three indices of larval retention have been used in the literature to assess the tendency for self‐maintenance of local marine populations: local retention (LR), self‐recruitment (SR), and relative local retention (RLR). Only one of these, LR, defined as the ratio of locally produced settlement to local egg production, has a clear relationship to self‐persistence of individual sites. However, SR, the ratio of locally produced settlement to settlement of all origins at a site, is generally easier to measure experimentally. We use theoretical, simulation, and empirical approaches to bridge the gap between these different indices, and demonstrate that there is a proportional relationship between SR and LR for metapopulations close to a stable state and with lifetime egg production (LEP) approximately uniform over space. Similarly, for systems where larval mortality rates are a relatively uniform function of release site, RLR (defined as the ratio of locally produced settlement to all settlement of local origin) and LR will also be proportional. Therefore, SR and RLR provide information on relative rates of LR for systems satisfying these conditions. Furthermore, the ratio between LR and SR can be used to evaluate global persistence of metapopulations, and therefore provides valuable information not necessarily available if only LR is considered.
Ontogenetic shifts in trait‐mediated mechanisms of plant community assembly
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Bachelot Bénédicte , Muscarella Robert , Schwartz Naomi , Forero-Montaña Jimena , Nytch Christopher J. , Swenson Nathan G. , Thompson Jill , Zimmerman Jess K. , Uriarte María
Published: February 2015

Identifying the processes that maintain highly diverse plant communities remains a central goal in ecology. Species variation in growth and survival rates across ontogeny, represented by tree size classes and life history stage‐specific niche partitioning, are potentially important mechanisms for promoting forest diversity. However, the role of ontogeny in mediating competitive dynamics and promoting functional diversity is not well understood, particular in high‐diversity systems such as tropical forests. The interaction between interspecific functional trait variation and ontogenetic shifts in competitive dynamics may yield insights into the ecophysiological mechanisms promoting community diversity. We investigated how functional trait (seed size, maximum height, SLA, leaf N, and wood density) associations with growth, survival, and response to competing neighbors differ among seedlings and two size classes of trees in a subtropical rain forest in Puerto Rico. We used a hierarchical Bayes model of diameter growth and survival to infer trait relationships with ontogenetic change in competitive dynamics. Traits were more strongly associated with average growth and survival than with neighborhood interactions, and were highly consistent across ontogeny for most traits. The associations between trait values and tree responses to crowding by neighbors showed significant shifts as trees grew. Large trees exhibited greater growth as the difference in species trait values among neighbors increased, suggesting trait‐associated niche partitioning was important for the largest size class. Our results identify potential axes of niche partitioning and performance‐equalizing functional trade‐offs across ontogeny, promoting species coexistence in this diverse forest community.
Mycorrhizal strategies of tree species correlate with trailing range edge responses to current and past climate change
Authors: Lankau Richard A. , Zhu Kai , Ordonez Alejandro
Published: February 2015

As climates shift in space, tree species ranges are predicted to shift as well. While range shifts due to climate change have been typically modeled based on abiotic factors alone, interactions among species in diverse communities may alter these range dynamics by inhibiting or enhancing the establishment of propagules along the leading edge, or by increasing or decreasing tolerance to novel climates at the trailing edge. Here, we investigated how the rate of expansion at leading range margins, and contraction at trailing range margins of temperate tree species in response to both past and current climate change related to an important species interaction: whether temperate tree species associate with arbuscular (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal symbionts. Mycorrhizal symbioses can mediate plant stress tolerance, and lack of EM fungal mutualists has been linked to establishment failures of EM tree species in new ranges. We found no difference in rates of leading edge expansion between the two guilds. However, EM tree taxa showed reduced contraction at their trailing edge compared to AM taxa in response to both past and current climate change. Since the mycorrhizal guild of the dominant trees may affect ecosystem properties, differential range dynamics between these functional groups of trees may have consequences for the functioning of future forests.
Perceptions of Sexual Assault Victims/Survivors: The Influence of Sexual History and Body Weight
Authors: Gotovac Sandra , Towson Shelagh
Published: February 2015

The intersection between a woman’s body weight and sexual history and the victim blaming attitudes of future health care providers was investigated. University undergraduate students (N = 91) enrolled in programs associated with the provision of health care read 1 of 4 patient files of a woman reporting a rape as well as 2 distracter files. Results showed that, for overweight rape victims/survivors, study participants’ antifat attitudes were correlated with victim blaming attitudes. Male participants held the attacker significantly less responsible than did female participants if the victim/survivor had several previous sexual partners. Findings suggest that body weight should be considered as a contributing factor in attitudes toward rape victims/survivors, and the gender of the health care provider can be a factor in the post-assault treatment of overweight rape victims/survivors.
Help-Seeking Patterns Among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: Do They Forgo the Criminal Justice System if Their Adjudication Wishes Are Not Met?
Authors: Cerulli Catherine , Kothari Catherine , Dichter Melissa , Marcus Steve , Kim Tae Kuen , Wiley Jim , Rhodes Karin V.
Published: February 2015

Following a criminal case disposition, an intimate partner violence (IPV) victim’s willingness to seek future police and prosecutorial assistance may depend on her prior experiences within the system. This longitudinal study examines the relationship between IPV victims’ future help-seeking based on past experiences. We hypothesized women would return to the criminal justice system if their adjudication wishes corresponded with prosecutors’ actions. Contrary to the hypothesis, results suggest women return to the criminal system and other venues even if prosecutors’ actions do not correspond to their earlier stated wishes. This has important policy implications given pro-prosecution protocols that encourage adjudication regardless of a woman’s participation.
What Are the Primary Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis? A Theoretical and Empirical Review
Authors: Brockman Robert , Murrell Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

Despite a rise in the popularity of cognitive behavior therapy for psychosis (CBTp) over the past 15 years, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that CBTp has only modest effects on psychotic syndrome outcomes and that empirical evidence of its superiority over other psychosocial treatments is poor (Jones, Hacker, Meaden, Cormac, & Irving, 2012; Wykes, Steel, Everitt, & Tarrier, 2008). However, for some time now, some authors prominent in the development of CBTp have argued the primary goals of CBTp not to be global syndrome reduction but the amelioration of emotional distress and behavioral disturbance in relation to individual psychotic symptoms (Birchwood & Trower, 2006). A review of the theoretical and empirical literature related to CBTp reveals broad support for this position. Implications and recommendations for research into the efficacy of CBTp are discussed.
Early Frenotomy Improves Breastfeeding Outcomes for Tongue-Tied Infants
Authors: Praborini Asti , Purnamasari Hani , Munandar Agusnawati , Wulandari Ratih Ayu
Published: February 2015

Although there is evidence to suggest that frenotomy improves breastfeeding outcomes for tongue-tied (ankyloglossic) infants, less is known about the optimal timing of treatment. In this retrospective cohort study, the timing of frenotomy and its impact on infant and maternal factors
were examined in 31 tongue-tied babies with breastfeeding difficulties in a hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. After frenotomy, all infants improved latching and mothers experienced a subjective improvement in nipple pain and breast engorgement. Frenotomy improved weight gain in infants regardless
of type of tongue-tie (p = .001), but greater mean weight gains were achieved in tongue-tied babies who underwent early frenotomy (prior to Day 8) compared to babies who underwent late frenotomy (after Day 8; p = 0.002). Tongue-tie and frenotomy issues need to be addressed during
the very first few days of an infant’s life to ensure optimal breastfeeding outcomes.
North Sea Oil and the Scottish Independence Referendum
Authors: Sen Sanjoy
Published: February 2015

Guest editorial

On 18 September 2014, the Scottish public will vote on the question, “Should Scotland be an independent country?” With North Sea oil predicted to be the largest sector in an independent Scottish economy, the industry finds itself at the center of a political and economic debate.

First, some basics. The United Kingdom (UK) consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In 1999, a new Scottish Parliament opened with limited devolved powers including health and education. Following its surprise 2011 election victory, the pro-independence Scottish National Party is now delivering on its referendum pledge. Scotland’s population of 5 million forms just 8% of the UK total, but is comparable to that of its prosperous Scandinavian neighbors, including Norway. While well beyond its 2000 peak production, the North Sea oil and gas sector remains valuable; up to a further 24 billion BOE is recoverable. Although substantial in the Scottish context, this forms less than 1% of global reserves. Tax revenues amounted to GBP 11 billion in 2012 while the sector employs 500,000 workers. The resource meets more than 50% of UK hydrocarbon demand, sharply reducing import dependence.

The outlook for the North Sea is mixed. Investment sits at record levels (GBP 13 billion in 2013) as multinationals develop new opportunities in the Atlantic margin (e.g., Total’s Laggan-Tormore project) while smaller independents redevelop mature assets (e.g., Apache’s purchase of BP’s Forties field). Production, however, has tumbled to below 2 million BOEPD and exploration continues to fall.

Approximately 85% of reserves on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) lie in waters closest to Scotland. Upon independence, this would account for almost a fifth of Scotland’s national gross domestic product. While much debated publicly, the precise location of the UK-Scotland maritime boundary is less significant in terms of reserves than might be imagined. Arrangements for distinctive island communities in the far north (Orkney and Shetland) require resolution, however. More pertinent to the effect on the oil and gas industry would be new Scottish tax arrangements, treatment of cross-border pipelines, and unitization agreements. In terms of licensing, the Scottish government has pledged to honor existing agreements but provision of tax relief on the sector’s predicted GBP 35 billion of decommissioning liabilities is a source of industry uncertainty.
Digital Curation and Doctoral Research
Authors: Abbott Daisy
Published: February 2015

This article considers digital curation in doctoral study and the role of the doctoral supervisor and institution in facilitating studentsâ€™ acquisition of digital curation skills, including some of the potentially problematic expectations of the supervisory relationship with regards to digital curation. Research took the form of an analysis of the current digital curation training landscape, focussing on doctoral study and supervision. This was followed by a survey (n=116) investigating attitudes towards importance, expertise, and responsibilities regarding digital curation. This research confirms that digital curation is considered to be very important within doctoral study but that doctoral supervisors and particularly students consider themselves to be largely unskilled at curation tasks. It provides a detailed picture of curation activity within doctoral study and identifies the areas of most concern. A detailed analysis demonstrates that most of the responsibility for curation is thought to lie with students and that institutions are perceived to have very low responsibility and that individuals tend to over-assign responsibility to themselves. Finally, the research identifies which types of support system for curation are most used and makes suggestions for ways in which students, supervisors, institutions, and others can effectively and efficiently address problematic areas and improve digital curation within doctoral study.
Assessing Perceived Usability of the Data Curation Profile Toolkit Using the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zilinski Lisa , Brandt D. Scott , Carlson Jake
Published: February 2015

The Data Curation Profiles Toolkit (DCPT) emerged out of a Purdue University Librariesâ€™ 2004 initiative to engage in multidisciplinary research. It is a tool developed to assist librarians and other information professionals to conduct data interviews and identify the needs of researchers when managing, sharing, or curating their data. The DCPT has been widely adopted and applied in various contexts but its usability as a tool has not been formally assessed. To address this need, we have conducted a survey of users of the DCPT. The survey included quantitative measures of potential influencing factors of using the DCPT and its perceived usability (its usefulness as a tool and its ease of use). Open-ended questions about usersâ€™ experiences with the DCPT were also included to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the tool, as well as areas that could be improved. Factor analysis of the quantitative results and subsequent regression models revealed several underlying factors that affect the perceived usability of the DCPT. Responses to the open-ended questions revealed several themes of usersâ€™ concerns: the amount of time required to use the DCPT, the structure and format of the DCPT, alignment of the DCPT with particular contexts, and the use of the DCPT to engage faculty and the library community. By correlating themes identified from the open-ended questions with the analysis of quantitative data, this paper provides the first empirical assessment of the DCPT that could help further improve the toolkitâ€™s usability based on user needs and expectations. The methodology used in the study could readily be applied to assess and improve the utility of other tools used by data and information professional.
Double catalytic effect of (PhNH3)2CuCl4 in a novel, highly efficient synthesis of 2-oxo and thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydopyrimidines
Authors: Jankovic Nenad , Bugarcic Zorica , Markovic Svetlana
Published: February 2015

An innovative route for the construction of 2-oxo and
thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines was delineated through a multicomponent
reaction under Biginelli conditions, starting from different aromatic
aldehydes, ?-ketoesters and urea or thiourea. Proper choice of copper complex
(PhNH3)2CuCl4, as a novel homogeneous catalyst, enables facile, efficient,
and inexpensive reaction under mild experimental conditions. Moreover, we
present the first application of this complex salts in organic synthesis
ever. The obtained products are of high purity, and can be easily isolated
from the reaction mixture in good to excellent yields. Also, compared to the
classical Biginelli reaction conditions, the present method has the
advantages in higher yields and experimental and work-up simplicity. To
illustrate the joint catalytic action of the Cu2+ and phenylammonium ions,
two key steps of Biginelli reaction were examined using the M06 functional.
Theoretical study on the Diels-Alder reaction of bromo-substituted 2H-pyrane-2-ones and some substituent vinyls
Authors: Haghdadi Mina , Amani Hamed , Nab Nasim
Published: February 2015

A DFT study of the reactivity, regio- and stereoselectivity of Diels-Alder
reaction between 3-bromo, 5-bromo, and 3,5-dibromo-2(H)-pyran-2-ones and some
weakly activated and unactivated alkenes has been carried out using density
functional theory (DFT). Four possible reaction channels, which are related
to the formation of meta- and para- and endo- and exo-cycloadducts have been
explored and characterized. The energy and natural bond orbital analysis
shows that the meta-regioselectivity on the exo pathway is preferred and
follows an asynchronous concerted mechanism with a polar nature in all
Diels-Alder cycloadditions. Moreover, the activation free energies of
Diels-Alder cycloadditions of 3,5-dibromo-2(H)-pyran-2one are lower than 3-
bromo-2(H)-pyran-2one and 5-bromo-2(H)-pyran-2one, which are in line with
experimental observation. DFT-based reactivity indices clearly predict the
regiochemistry of the isolated cycloadducts.
Multicenter Wiener indices and their applications
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Furtula Boris , Li Xueliang
Published: February 2015

The Wiener index W can be viewed as a molecular structure descriptor composed
of increments representing interactions between pairs of atoms. A
generalization of the W are the Steiner-Wiener indices kW, k=3,4,.... In the
quantity Wk, interactions between k-tuples of atoms play role, based on the
concept of Steiner distance. It is shown that the term W+?Wk provides an
approximation for the boiling points of alkanes better than W itself. The
best such approximation is obtained for k=7.
On the Interplay of Microvasculature, Parenchyma, and Memory in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: van Bussel Frank C. , Backes Walter H. , Hofman Paul A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Kessels Alfons G. , van Boxtel Martin P. , Schram Miranda T. , Stehouwer Coen D. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Jansen Jacobus F.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, especially regarding memory for which the hippocampus plays an essential role. The pathophysiological mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study is to examine whether hippocampal microvascular and microstructural changes are related to type 2 diabetes (based on status or based on fasting blood glucose [FBG] levels) and verbal memory performance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-nine participants with type 2 diabetes (64.5 ± 6.1 years old) and 34 participants without type 2 diabetes (58.3 ± 9.2 years old) underwent detailed cognitive assessments and 3-Tesla MRI using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI. Multivariate regression analyses controlling for age, sex, education level, BMI, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit level, and relative hippocampal volume were performed to examine associations between hippocampal IVIM measures, type 2 diabetes (status and FBG), and memory performance.

RESULTS

For the microvasculature, blood perfusion volume (f) was larger in participants with type 2 diabetes, f and blood flow (fD*) increased with higher FBG levels, and microvascular pseudodiffusion (D*) and fD*, which are indicative of altered microvasculature, were higher in participants with both relatively high FBG levels and low memory performance. In addition, fD* increased with lower memory performance. For the parenchymal microstructure, the diffusion (D), indicative of injured microstructure, was higher with reduced memory performance.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the parenchymal microstructure, especially the microvascular properties of the hippocampus are altered in participants with both type 2 diabetes and memory problems and possibly hint at an underlying vascular mechanism.
Preliminary Unification of Kronsztadt86 Local Vertical Datum with Global Vertical Datum
Authors: Łyszkowicz Adam , Kuczyńska-Siehień Joanna , Biryło Monika
Published: February 2015

The study concerns computation of the gravity potential difference between the Kronsztadt86 datum and the global vertical datum. This method is based on the use of ellipsoidal heights from satellite observations, normal heights obtained from the conducted leveling campaign and quasigeoid/ellipsoid separations computed based on the EGM2008 model. The obtained results indicate that there are substantial differences in the estimated value of the parameter ΔW, computed from three different satellite networks: POLREF, EUVN-DA and ASG-EUPOS. The parameter was determined with sufficient accuracy and the applied systematic error model has low efficiency. The computations reveal that the best value of ΔW for the territory of Poland is 0.43 m2s-2.
Effects of Tillage and Crop Establishment Methods, Crop Residues, and Nitrogen Levels on Wheat Productivity, Energy-savings and Greenhouse Gas Emission under Rice -Wheat Cropping System
Authors: Sah G. , Shah S. C. , Sah S. K. , Thapa R. B. , McDonald A. , Sidhu H. S. , Gupta R. K. , Tripathi B. P. , Justice S. E.
Published: February 2015

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate conventional tillage (CT), permanent raised bed (PRB), and zero tillage (ZT) with residue retention and removal at three nitrogen levels (0, 100, and 120 kg N ha-1) on wheat productivity, energy input and energy output, energy use efficiency, specific energy, and CO2 emission from 2010 to 2012 under rice-wheat system at Pheta V.D.C, Bara, Nepal. The experiments were carried out in strip split plot designs with three replications. Zero tillage wheat produced significantly higher grain yield (2616.5 kg ha-1), saved 10.4 % energy input, increased energy output (12.4 %), enhancing energy use efficiency by 25.2 % and reducing specific energy by 23.6 %, as compared to conventional tillage. Diesel consumption on crop establishment and irrigations were the lowest for ZT (48.6 liter ha-1) and the highest for CT (86.3 liter ha-1). PRB consumed the lowest quantity of diesel on two irrigations (34.6 liter ha-1) with higher energy use efficiency (3.4 %) and lower specific energy (8.76 MJ kg-1) over CT. The CO2 emission from CT was the highest (224.32 kg ha-1) over ZT (126.4 kg ha-1) and PRB (146.11 kg ha-1). Residue retention increased 4 % grain yield over residue removal. Without nitrogen application, energy output was the lowest (34192 MJ ha-1) with the highest specific energy (12.6 MJ kg-1). Thus, zero-till wheat with 40-cm residue retention and 100 kg N ha-1 application was suggested for mass scale adoption in the Tarai region of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12104      Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 1-10
Evaluation of Tomato Cultivars for Central Tarai of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Surendra Lal , Sah Raj Lal
Published: February 2015

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is an important winter vegetable crop in Central Tarai. As compared to India (25 t/ha), the productivity of this crop in this area is quite low (17 t/ha). One of the major contributing factors of low productivity of tomato is the lack of suitable high yielding varieties under rice based cropping system. Ten tomato cultivars, 3 released check cultivars (Pusa ruby and CL-1131 open pollinated and Srijana hybrid cultivar), 7 superior cultivars from Initial Evaluation Trial in the past were planted in November 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010 at RARS Parwanipur in rice-based cropping system. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Seedlings were transplanted on beds at 60x60 cm spacing fertilized with 120:100:60 NPK + 15 t compost per hectare. Results showed that cv. HRDTOM-005XHRDTOM-010 (30.64 t/ha) followed by Makis (28.90 t/ha) and cv. Srijana (28.87 t/ha) gave higher yield among the tested cultivars. These cultivars had given 47.0%, 38.7%, and 38.5% more yield as compared to commercial hybrid variety Manisha (20.84t/ha) whereas Bari-4 and CL-1131 had superior performance among the tested open pollinated cultivars. On the basis of overall performance, cultivars, HRDTOM-005XHRDTOM-010, Makis and Srijana hybrid cultivars, and Bari-4 and CL- 1131from open pollinated cultivars were selected and recommended for cultivation in central Tarai.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12105  Nepal Journal Of Science and Technology, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2014, 11-16
Biofilm Formation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens on Abiotic Surface is Independent of Cellulose Synthesizing Gene
Authors: Tuladhar Reshma
Published: February 2015

Surface attachment is indispensable in the process of biofilm formation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which has been attributed to the production of extracellular polysaccharide. Adherence of bacteria on the plant was expected to be strong with cellulose synthesis. However, its role in the biofilm formation on abiotic surface is not known.  Biofilm cover-slip assay was carried to estimate the biofilm formation. Biofilm formation was not reduced by truncating ellulose synthesis gene. The celCD deleted strain produced biofilm slightly greater than normal strain NTL4 of A. tumefaciens. Besides, production of extracellular polysaccharide was not reduced in the cellulose gene deleted strain NTL4 celCD. Quantitative estimation showed increased exo-polysaccharide in celCD deleted strain. Abolishing the cellulose synthesis property by truncating the cellulose gene did not affect biofilm formation in abiotic surface. In  fact cellulose might be repressing biosynthesis of other polysaccharides responsible in biofilm formation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12112Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 41-46
Spatial Variations in the Diurnal Pattern of Precipitation over Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Shrestha Dibas , Deshar Rashila
Published: February 2015

The Central Himalayan Region (Nepal Himalayas), comprised of two clear sub-parallel mountain ranges, is atypical location for studying the impact of rugged topography on spatio temporal variations of precipitation. The relationship between topography and diurnal cycles of rainfall have been investigated utilizing 13-year (1998–2010) high resolution (0.05° × 0.05°) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data. An investigation of diurnal cycle of precipitation revealed an afternoon maximum during the pre-monsoon season (March–May) and midnight–early morning maximum during the summer monsoon season (June–August)over the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The summer monsoon exhibited a robust spatial variation of diurnal cycle of precipitation, during afternoon-evening time, primary rainfall peak appeared along the Lesser Himalayas (~2,000–2,200 m above mean sea level), while early-morning rain in contrast showed maximum concentration along the southern margin of the Himalayas (~500–700 m above MSL). An afternoon-evening rainfall peak was attributed to higher rain frequency, whereas early-morning rainfall peak was attributed to fewer but rather intense rainfall. It is suggested that, confluence between down slope and moist south easterly monsoon flow triggers convection near the foothills of the Himalayas during early morning period. The results further suggested the morning precipitation moves southward in the mature monsoon season.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12116Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014), 57-64
Susceptibility Pattern of Gram Negative Urine Pathogens with Exclusion of Escherichia coli to Quinolone/ Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Authors: Sapkota Bharat , Bhandari Ram Krishna , Tiwari Bishnu Raj
Published: February 2015

Quinolone/Fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics are frequently used for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI). Because of high frequency of Gram negative bacterial infection in UTI and emerging resistant urinary pathogen in spite of lower prevalence with exclusion of Escherichia coli, the susceptibility pattern was subjected in this study. The study was conducted at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) Teku, Kathmandu with an objective to study the antibiotic Quinolone/Fluoroquinolones susceptibility pattern. Out of 550 urine samples, 100 (18.18%) bacteria were isolated from NPHL. Also, 69 isolates from Blue-Cross Hospital and 83 isolates from Medicare Hospital were collected. Altogether 252 urine isolates, showing significant growth in MacConkey Agar and blood agar were identified by standard microbiological techniques. Among 62 Gram negative isolates other than Escherichia coli subjected for the study; Proteus mirabilis (27.42%), Proteus vulgaris (11.29%), Klebsiella oxytoca (12.90%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.75%), Citrobacter freundii (8.06%), Enteribacter cloaecae (6.45%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.90%), Acinetobacter spp. (3.23%). Altogether eight types of antibiotics belonging to quinolone/fluoroquinolone group were used in this study. Among them, norfloxacin was found most sensitive and nalidixic acid was most resistant against Gram negative isolates.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12119Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 77-84
Prevalence of Serum Antibodies to TORCH Infections among the Women of Child Bearing Age Visiting National Public Health Laboratory, Teku
Authors: Lamichhane Binit , Pudasaini Binita , Upadhyay Bishnu , Sharma Mohan , Khanal Shyam Prasad
Published: February 2015

The primary infection of Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) abbreviated as TORCH, remain a major problem in the women of child bearing age in Nepal. The main aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of TORCH infections among the women of child bearing age visiting the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu. Serum samples collected from 302 patients were tested for TORCH infections by IgM Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The seropositivity rate was found to be 18.82% (54/287) for T. gondii, 10.07% (28/278) for Rubella, 16.49% (46/279) for CMV and 23.34% (67/287) for HSV. The seropositivity rates in pregnant women were 17.92% (19/106) for T. gondii, 11.54% (12/104) for Rubella, 19.23% (20/104) for CMV and 25% (26/104) for HSV, the statistical association of TORCH infections with pregnancy was insignificant (P>0.05). Similarly, the seropositivity rates in women with bad obstetric history (BOH) were 17.84% (43/241) for T. gondii, 11.06% (26/235) for Rubella, 18.57% (44/237) for CMV and 26.14% (63/241) for HSV. The statistical association of CMV and HSV with previous obstetric performance were significant (P>0.05) while that of T. gondii and Rubella were insignificant (P<0.05). The seropositivity rate was found to be highest for HSV infection (23.34%) followed by T. gondii (18.82%), Cytomegalovirus (16.49%) and Rubella (10.07%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12120Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 85-90
Strategies Resolving Spatial Fragmentation: Case Study in the Brownfield Zone of Budapest
Authors: Romaniak Alicja , Skaliczki Judit , Szabó Árpád
Published: February 2015

The transitory belt of Budapest contains a great number of underused, brownfield areas awaiting rehabilitation as a result of the economic transformations of the last few decades. The paper deals with a characteristic problem of this belt, the visual and spatial fragmentation, and examines it at one specific location: the neighbourhood of the Gas Works area in Óbuda. Through this example, it proposes specific urban design and landscape oriented spatial strategies that could be applied to this fragmented site. These strategies use densification tools, deal with the reprogramming of the open landscape, and propose urban landscape design interventions with the goal of hydrological management. The objective of the paper is to identify approaches dealing with the fragmentation of the neighbourhood and propose tools for articulating a more connected, visually more integrated environment.
Cross-Sectoral Resource Management: How Forest Management Alternatives Affect the Provision of Biomass and Other Ecosystem Services
Authors: Frank Susanne , Fürst Christine , Pietzsch Frank
Published: February 2015

Integrated forest management is faced with the challenge that the contribution of forests to economic and ecological planning targets must be assessed in a socio-ecological system context. This paper introduces a way to model spatio-temporal dynamics of biomass production at a regional scale in order to derive land use strategies that enhance biomass provision and avoid trade-offs for other ecosystem services. The software platform GISCAME was employed to bridge the gap between local land management decisions and regional planning by linking growth and yield models with an integrative mesoscale modeling and assessment approach. The model region is located in Saxony, Germany. Five scenarios were simulated, which aimed at testing different alternatives for adapted land use in the context of climate change and increasing biomass demand. The results showed, for example, that forest conversion towards climate-change-adapted forest types had positive effects on ecological integrity and landscape aesthetics. In contrast, negative impacts on landscape aesthetics must be expected if agricultural sites were converted into short rotation coppices. Uncertainties with stem from assumptions regarding growth and yield models were discussed. Future developmental steps which consider, for example, accessibility of the resources were identified.