bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Necrotising soft tissue infections of the perianal and perineal region: Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Stanojevic Goran , Pecic Vanja , Nestorovic Milica , Radojkovic Milan , Radovanovic Zoran , Krivokapic Zoran
Published: December 2016

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a life-threatening condition,
characterized by extensive necrosis of skin, subcutaneous, fascia and muscle.
82% of patients exhibit some of the risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus,
obesity and alcoholism, smoking, immunodeficiency, malnutrition or low
socio-economic status. The necrotizing soft tissue infection is initially
diagnosed by a clinical examination. The use of imaging, particularly
computed tomography, represents a golden standard; the CT exam usually shows
the presence fluid collections, abscess, adipose tissue degeneration and
subcutaneous emphysema. The treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infection
involves surgical debridement, drainage, wide incisions of the affected area,
tissue decompression and application of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy.
Despite existing modern methods of treatment, or the so-called principle of
?source control?, the mortality is still up to 51%. Necrotizing soft tissue
infection is a very dangerous infection we should always be aware of, and
treat it as early as possible.
Proctalgia fugax
Authors: Korèek Jozef
Published: December 2016

Background: Proctalgia fugax is a benign, self-limiting disease characterized
by episodes of intense anorectal pain at frequent intervals in the absence of
organic proctological disease.The aim of this study was to investigate
patients of this condition and to treat them with sequential therapy.
Material and Method: Author examined 46 patients with acute perianal
pain-duration less than 30 minutes-without organic disease or previous
perianal surgery since 2006 to 2015 in his Department. Author tretaed these
patients using a three-step treatment: first step: hip bath, and
benzodiazepines, second step: anal dilation, third step: internal lateral
sphincterotomy if hypertrophy of the internal anal sphincter was demonstrated
by endoanal ultra-sonography (EUS) and no improvement was confirmed with the
previous steps of treatment. Results: 46 patients with an average follow-up
of 6 years. EUS confirmed a grossly thickened internal anal sphincter in 12
cases. After the first step of our sequential treatment 23 patients improved
and 2 patients cured, after the second step of treatment 12 patients had
remarcable improvement and 3 patients cured and after the third step of
treatment 8 patients had remarcable improvement and 3 patients cured.
Conclusion: A total resolution of Proctalgia fugax is not possible, but we
may improve symptoms and their frequency. EUS can help in the diagnosis of
organic diseases or internal anal sphincter hypertrophy, for which we can
perform an internal anal sphnicterotomy.
Playing with anthems: The formation of the cult of empress Elisabeth in Hungarian music
Authors: Windhager Ákos
Published: December 2016

In this paper I reveal how the cult of Empress Elisabeth affected the
reception of three different volumes of Hungarian music. These three works
are: Erzs?bet-eml?ny (Elisabeth Memorial Album, 1854) edited by Korn?l
?br?nyi; Erzs?bet (Elisabeth, 1854) opera by K?roly Doppler, Ferenc Doppler
and Ferenc Erkel; and Die Legende von der heiligen Elisabeth (The Legend of
Saint Elisabeth, 1865) by Franz Liszt. In spite of their high artistic level,
the first two works were banned by the cultural elite who interpreted them as
Habsburgian political music after the downfall of the dual state. On the
other hand, the intentionally apolitical oratorio by Franz Liszt was regarded
by the same cultural elite as the highest standard of artistic representation
of the Empress. As a consequence of parallel distribution of both imperially
and nationally constructed memories, a strange diffusion appeared in the
social sphere, especially in Hungarian cultural memory. Conflicting memories
emerged due to the discrepancy between the original Hungarian political myth
(Kossuth-myth) and Empress Elisabeth?s cult. Using the terminology introduced
by Claude L?vi-Strauss, I have labeled this situation as the clash of the
cold and hot society in Hungary during the 19th century.
Star persona and national identity in the age of the empire: The role of Maja Strozzi-Pecic in Petar Konjovic’s opus
Authors: Grmusa Verica
Published: December 2016

This study explores the collaboration between the soprano Maja Strozzi-Pecic
and the composer Petar Konjovic. It sheds light on the relations between the
star and the musical work, as well as the notions of gender and genre,
reinstating the performer to the centre of the historical stage within the
epoch and the genre of music not usually associated with stardom. It examines
the star as both the product and the producer, and as an embodiment of a
national identity, highlighting the star?s agency in the creation of her own
persona and the co-authoring of the works that she performed.
Serbian church chant in the service of national ideology
Authors: Peno Vesna , Vesic Ivana
Published: December 2016

In this paper we investigate the process of the creation and embodiment of
the concept of Serbian folk church chant throughout the 19th and the
beginning of the 20th century among Serbian intellectuals and scholars. In
order to indicate its main dimensions we focused on church music narratives
of that time. Due to a detailed analysis of discussions and writings in
periodicals as well as the published chant collections themselves, we were
able to assess the dominant interpretations of the historical development of
church singing in the Serbian Orthodox church. Looking closely at
suppositions made about the origins and formation of church chants through
the history of the Serbian church we could unveil their character e.g.
whether they were the result of previously done research or were just a
product of speculative thinking. In addition, we formed assumptions on the
embeddedness of the concept of Serbian folk church chant in influential
narratives on national identity and culture developed among the Serbian
political and intellectual elite. The aim of our investigation was to show
that the concept of Serbian folk church chant was not only determined by
socio-political strivings in the Serbian state but that it was also a product
of the wider political and cultural goals of the Serbian elite. Finally, we
sought to suggest the important role played by 19th and early 20th century
Serbian church music scholars in the process of imagining the Serbian nation.
A general factor of personality in a sample of inmates: Associations with indicators of life-history strategy and covitality
Authors: Medjedovic Janko , Kujacic Daliborka
Published: December 2016

This study looked for a General Factor of Personality (GFP) in a sample of
male convicts (N=226; mean age 32 years). The GFP was extracted from seven
broad personality traits: FFM factors, Amoralism (the negative pole of the
lexical Honesty-Humility factor) and Disintegration (operationalization of
Schizotypy). Three first-order factors were extracted, labeled
Dysfunctionality, Antisociality and Openness, and GFP was found through the
hierarchical factor analysis. The nature of the GFP was explored through
analysis of its relations with markers of fast Life-History strategy and
covitality. The results demonstrated that the GFP is associated with
unrestricted sexual behavior, medical problems, mental problems, early
involvement in criminal activity and stability of criminal behavior. The
evidence shows that the GFP is a meaningful construct on the highest level of
personality structure. It may represent a personality indicator of
fitness-related characteristics and could be useful in research of
personality in an evolutionary context.
Coping strategies as mediators in the relationship between test anxiety and academic achievement
Authors: Genc Ana
Published: December 2016

In most modern societies, nearly every realm of life involves some form of
evaluation of our knowledge, abilities and skills. Given the potentially
significant consequences of exams, it is not surprising that they are often
very stressful. This study aimed to determine the existence and nature of the
relationships between level of test anxiety, coping strategies, and achieved
success on a mid-term test. As well as examining the direct relations between
the given variables, our primary interest was to investigate the potential
mediating role of coping mechanisms between the input and output variables of
the examined stressful transaction. The study was conducted on a sample of
263 students from the Psychology and German Studies Departments of the
Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Novi Sad. According to our
results, only emotion-focused coping mechanisms were statistically
significant mediators in the relationship between level of test anxiety and
mid-term test achievement. The results indicate that students with high test
anxiety who employ predominantly emotion-focused coping strategies score
lower on a pre-exam knowledge test.
The influence of the induction of farrowing on live birth, body mass, appearance of dystocia, mortality and surviving of neonatal pigs in litter during the first ten days
Authors: Jovic Slavoljub , Cupic Vitomir , Ristic Gordana , Vakanjac Slobodanka , Dimitrijevic Blagoje , Miladinovic Dejana , Zivkovic Lada
Published: December 2016

The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the the day of
farrowing induction on the number of newborn piglets (live born and dead
born), body mass and mortality of neonatal pigs in litter by the tenth day of
age. For the investigation purpose, there were chosen 167 pregnant animals,
34 gilts and 133 sows, divided into 3 groups each, according to the day of
pregnancy when prostaglandin analogue, dinoprost-tromethamine, was applied
(from 112th to 114th day). Fastest- induced parturition was in gilts which
were administered dinoprost on the 113th day of pregnancy, (34,30 ? 6,23) h
after application, that is, in sows which were administered prostaglandin on
the 114th day of pregnancy, (29,57 ? 4,14) h after application of dinoprost.
Most gilts (75 %) and sows (90,91%) started farrowing 24-36 h after dinoprost
application, when it was given on the 113th day of pregnancy. During daily
twelve-hour working time (7-19 h), 67,07% out of all the treated animals
started farrowing. When farrowing was induced on the 112th day of pregnancy,
17 sows (12,78%) needed obstetric assistance for dystocia, while 47 (35,34 %)
sows had troublesome farrowing. Along with the delayed induction, body mass
of newborn pigs increased, and the largest recorded weight was 1,27 kg in
sows, that is 1,38 kg in gilts, which were given dinoprost on the 114th day
of pregnancy, with the lowest number of live born pigs of body mass less than
1 kg (23,76%). In this experiment there was determined the connection between
the body mass and vitality of newborn piglets, so the lowest mortality rate
of the pigs by the 10th day of age was noticed in sows and gilts which were
given dinoprost on the 114th day of pregnancy (11,05%), in regard to the pigs
born of sows and gilts which were given dinoprost on the 112th day of
pregnancy (15,39 %).
Comparative characteristics of shoulder blade (Scapula) and shoulder bone (Humerus) of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and sheep (Ovis aries) in order to determine the animal species
Authors: Blagojevic Milos , Nikolic Zora , Prokic Bogomir , Cupic-Miladinovic Dejana
Published: December 2016

In illegal hunting it is often possible only on the basis of morphological
characteristics to determine the animal species. By the method of comparison
there was performed the forensic analysis of roe deer and sheep osteological
features. For the purpose of investigating the shoulder blade (Scapula) and
shoulder bone (Humerus) comparative characteristics, there were used 6
shoulder blades and 6 shoulder bones of roe deer and 8 shoulder blades and 8
shoulder bones of sheep. After the skin, muscles, arterial, venous and
lymphatic vessels as well as nerves were removed from the bones, they were
thermally treated in an autoclave. Subsequently, the bones were placed in 3%
solutioin of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for bleaching and degreasing. Then
they were air dried and then photographed. Shoulder blade (Scapula) is a
bone plate (Ossa plana) roughly triangular in shape. Scapular spine (Spina
scapulae) is much more prominent in roe deer with acromion blade in the form
of spike, while in sheep it is shorter and ends with acrimion at a right
angle. Shoulder blade cup (Cavitas glenoidalis) in roe deer is round in
shape, and in sheep it is oval. Tuberculum supraglenoidale and Processus
coracoideus in sheep are more and in roe deer less developed. Shoulder bone
(Humerus) in roe deer is relatively long, slender bone with proximal
convexity turned cranially in regard to the same bone in sheep, which is
stronger and heavier. Tuberculum majus in roe deer is less developed, and in
sheep it is in a form of solid bone protuberance. Tuberculum minus and
Tuberositas deltoidea in sheep are more developed than in roe deer. At
medial condyle (Condylus medialis) in sheep there is shallow and wide
groove, while in roe deer it is deeper and narrower. On the basis of
morphological differences of roe deer and sheep bones, it can be determined
with certainty which animal spesies they belong to.
Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches on European integration
Authors: Kostic Slavisa
Published: December 2016

This article analyzes the attitudes of the Russian Orthodox Church and the
Roman Catholic Church on Europe and European integration, through the
activities such as the writings of Bishop of Vienna - now Metropolitan of
Volokams - Hilarion Alfeyev and cardinal Joseph Ratzinger-Pope Benedict XVI.
Furthermore, it perceives their reflection on moral pluralism, the role of
Christianity in foundation of modern Europe and in process of European
integration as well as their attempt in establishing the creative answer to
militant secularism. The culmination of the cooperation between the two
churches was the joint Catholic-Orthodox forum in Trent in 2008 and joint
declaration of prolonging family values in European Union.
The beginnings of institutional education of female children in Serbia
Authors: Vidosavljevic Sladjana
Published: December 2016

Institutional vocational education of female children in the Principality of
Serbia began in 1846, when the Statute for setting up girl?s education was
brought, defining a specific task, organization and content of girl?s
schools. The biggest role in the opening of vocational schools for female
children had women's associations - communities. The communities represented
humanitarian organizations which took care of the protection of women and
their right to enlightenment. Their work is largely tied to the vocational
education of female children, school work, management, financing, charitable
and humanitarian activities. Women?s communities established the women ?s
vocational schools, which were an important factor for the general education
of young women, both in the economic and the cultural- educational plan. The
women students who finished vocational schools in the second half of the
nineteenth and the early twentieth century had the ability to successfully
carry out handicraft activities, to be advanced, giving a contribution to the
formation of a new, modern society.
More than 20 years after re-emerging in the 1990s, diphtheria remains a public health problem in Latvia
Authors: Kantsone Ieva , Lucenko Irina , Perevoscikovs Jurijs
Published: December 2016

In 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the goal of eliminating diphtheria within the WHO European Region by the year 2000. However, in 1990 an epidemic emerged within the Russian Federation and spread to other countries, including Latvia, by 1994. We describe national surveillance and immunisation coverage data in Latvia from 1994 to 2014 and present historical data from 1946. We defined a laboratory-confirmed case as a clinical case in which toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis was isolated. From 1994 to 2014, 1,515 cases were reported, giving an average annual incidence of 3.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (range 0.1–14.8), with the highest incidence in age groups 5–19 and 40–49 years (4.4 and 4.3/100,000, respectively); 111 deaths were reported, 83.8% cases were laboratory-confirmed. Most cases occurred in unvaccinated adults. To improve disease control a supplementary immunisation campaign for adults was initiated in 1995, and by the end of 1998 national coverage among adults reached 70%, and reached 77% in 2003, but declined to 59% by 2014. Diphtheria remains a problem in Latvia with continued circulation of toxin-producing strains of C. diphtheriae. We recommend to strengthen immunisation to cover adults, as well as the education of health professionals and a serological survey.
Spanish Landscapes in the Middle Ages: Reconstructing Territorial Memory from Early Documents and Cartography –A GIS-Based Methodology
Authors: Chías Pilar , Abad Tomás
Published: December 2016

The gradual disappearance of traditional ways of life in the countryside is changing the historical relationship between rural inhabitants and their environment. As a consequence, the reconstruction of historical landscapes and territories plays an important role in historical memory. Toponyms are now considered an essential means of constructing community identities, because they refer to old uses and infrastructures, as well as to historical landmarks. Following the clues left behind by toponyms, old landscapes emerge from the past and endow the present ones with new meanings. The main goal of our project has been to preserve, protect, and disseminate this essential cultural heritage, which might otherwise sink into oblivion under the weight of the recent sweeping transformations wrought on the countryside by urban development and land use planning. To this end, we have developed an Open GIS-based tool that can be applied worldwide and which falls within the framework of European Union policies to promote free multilingual digital access to Europe's cultural heritage. This tool will provide free information on toponyms, helping to reconstruct historical territories and landscapes.
L'hygiène scolaire en congrès international : Du biopouvoir légitimé et partagé à ses inégales applications pédagogiques (1852–1913)
Authors: Parayre Séverine
Published: December 2016

Par l'étude de quinze congrès internationaux d'hygiène de 1852 à 1912 et de quatre congrès internationaux d'hygiène scolaire de 1904 à 1913, nous présentons les évolutions des discours de l'hygiène à l'école en Europe et dans le monde, la circulation des savoirs et l'influence des débats scientifiques sur les pratiques nationales et locales de chacun des pays. Dans un premier temps, nous revenons sur l'organisation des congrès, sur les personnes qui les composent et qui sont porteuses de changements, sur les thèmes fédérateurs et novateurs, ainsi que sur l'évolution des conceptions de l'hygiène scolaire au cours de la Troisième République et avant la Première Guerre mondiale. Puis nous présentons les apports des congrès dans les transformations de l'hygiène à l'école, avant de montrer les limites que peuvent présenter ces grandes rencontres des élites scientifiques et politiques, aussi bien dans l'influence des politiques sanitaires et éducatives que dans le changement de pratiques au sein des écoles.
William Osler's historiography: a rhetorical analysis
Authors: Teigen Philip M
Published: December 2016

William Osler the historian is viewed principally as an early collector of medical and scientific books and as an advocate of a method of teaching the history of medicine, namely, that it be taught on wards and in clinics rather than in formal courses. Although these are accurate descriptions of his book-collecting activity and his convictions about the teaching of the history of medicine, one can go further and relate these two features to his historical writing and see the whole as a unified and consistent interpretive endeavor. My approach to Osler is rhetorical in the sense that it is primarily concerned with his historical writing as writing, and focuses specifically upon his preferred concepts (inventio), the characteristic order in which he arranged his evidence (dispositio), and how his style integrated them to form the historiographical direction of his writing. I use rhetoric not in its pejorative sense of misleading and overblown language, but as “persuasive reasoning, honestly and earnestly persuasive when good, that is, when the rhetor meets Cato's standard: vir bonus dicendi peritus.”
Doors Closed and Opportunities Missed: Lessons from Failed Automotive Investment Attraction in Canada in the 1980s
Authors: Mordue Greigory D.
Published: December 2016

During the 1980s, Canada's automotive manufacturing assembly landscape changed when five new manufacturers from outside of North America made large-scale investments. The industry shifted from one focused on US-owned corporations to one with a much more international orientation. Because of the success Canada enjoyed in attracting foreign automotive investment, one might conclude that those engaged in the process did so with a coherent plan and that the period was marked by one success after another. The reality, however, is that several misses also occurred. Layering archival sources and interviews with secondary sources, this article contributes to the history of the economic development of Canada's automotive industry. Through this, important lessons for policy-makers are offered: The process of goal and policy congruence is demonstrated; one sees how dominant personalities can override governance mechanisms, even in large corporations; and one observes the capacity of exogenous factors to affect the best-laid plans.
What Does the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Portend for the Canadian Automotive Industry?
Authors: Carey Jeffrey , Holmes John
Published: December 2016

If ratified, the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will likely have a significant impact on the global production strategies of automotive firms. The rules of origin and required levels of regional content-value for products to receive preferential tariff treatment under the TPP will significantly influence what, where, and how automotive components are produced both within and outside the TPP region. This article assesses the TPP's potential impact on automotive production in Canada. Although there may well be both winners and losers among Canadian automotive suppliers, the overall impact on automotive production and employment in Canada is likely to be negative.
Challenges Confronting the Canadian Automotive Parts Industry: What Role for Public Policy?
Authors: Holmes John , Rutherford Tod , Carey Jeffrey
Published: December 2016

This article reports on a recent survey of Canadian automotive component manufacturing plant managers that focused on issues related to innovation and the influence of public policy on plant-level competitive strategies and performance. Three questions are addressed: (a) Do public policies inhibit or contribute to plant success, (b) does the experience of Canadian-owned plants differ from that of foreign-owned plants, and (c) does the experience of small- and medium-sized plants differ from that of large plants? The analysis is first situated within the context of the industry and recent Canadian automotive and manufacturing policy and concludes with the implications of our findings for public policy development.
Reimagining Theatre Criticism
Authors: Shaffeeullah Nikki
Published: December 2016

In this article the author discusses the relationship between the practice of theatre criticism and equity-focused spaces for theatre conversations like the magazine alt.theatre: cultural diversity and the stage. Speaking from a Canadian context, the author argues that the parameters that define mainstream theatre criticism often manifest as low tolerance for artistic risk and cultural difference, whereas alt.theatre and other forums born from equity movements hold at their centre an understanding that artistic excellence and risk are culturally constructed. The author reflects on what culturally responsive and inclusive theatre criticism might look like: she unpacks the skills of the theatre critic and analyzes how they could best be used when reviewing art coming from marginalized perspectives; and then, considering other political contexts including anti-racist activism and the economic constraints placed on theatre by capitalistic structures, assesses how theatre criticism could better respond to politically engaged content.
Public Humanities in the Age of the Ideas Industry and the Rise of the Creatives
Authors: Elmer Jonathan
Published: December 2016

Our world is post-auratic in Walter Benjamin's sense, but that does not mean that the humanities are left without a task. The world that Benjamin described as a world of play also affords opportunities. Humanities competes in this space with new dramaturgy of ideas (see: TED talks), and with design as a master trope for creativity. But the enduring appeal of embodied experience, typified by festivals, indicates that there is still room for the complex and unpredictable diffusion of ideas.
The Public Role of Humanities Scholarship, in the Humboldtian Tradition
Authors: Thunder David
Published: December 2016

What sort of contribution to the public weal constitutes a natural extension of the goals and values of humanities scholarship, and what sort a betrayal? This essay aims to shed light on this question by restating one historically influential conception of humanities scholarship and speculating about how humanities scholarship thus understood might play a positive role in society without betraying its own distinctive mission. The view of humanities scholarship adopted here is inspired by a broad humanistic tradition developed by thinkers like Wilhelm von Humboldt, John Henry Newman, and Karl Jaspers. This tradition views humanistic scholarship not only as the soul of the university, but also as a promoter of high culture and truth in society at large. In the context of the increasingly fashionable notion of “public humanities,” this essay offers a restatement of the traditional view of humanities scholarship and a brief discussion of the challenges of “doing public humanities” while honouring a broadly Humboldtian ideal of humanistic research and teaching.
Public Humanities as Third Space: Memory, Meaning-Making and Collections and the Enunciation of “We” in Research
Authors: Krmpotich Cara
Published: December 2016

Drawing on scholar-practitioner precedents within museums, and collaborative research principles in museum anthropology, the Memory, Meaning-Making and Collections research initiative is offered as an example of public humanities research. Focus is placed on the dynamics between, and identities of, research participants from both the university and the public in order to interrogate how public humanities research engagements are conceptualized. Homi Bhabha's third space is used to analyse Memory, Meaning-Making and Collections, and the third space's capacity for disruptive enunciation encouraged as valuable – even necessary – within public humanities research.
The Publics of the Adelaide Festival of Ideas
Authors: Phiddian Robert
Published: December 2016

The Adelaide Festival of Ideas (AFOI), is a biennial festival of public debate on issues ranging from cosmology to art to public policy. It is one of the earliest of its kind, and the author has been involved on programming committees and as chair since its inception in 1999. This paper is an analysis of the sorts of public engagement the AFOI elicits from those who come to listen and engage. The sessions are largely free and well-attended, and the passive model of audience entertainment seems a very poor explanation of the civically active mode of engagement that actually occurs. This paper briefly maps the historical trajectory of the festival, and then uses Michael Warner's framework of publics and counterpublics to explain how the AFOI is both more and other than a simple addition to the entertainment industry. Understanding different qualities of engagement is a crucial issue for a broad appreciation of the public humanities.
International learning experiences at home in Japan: The challenges and benefits of taking English-medium courses for Japanese students
Authors: Ishikura Yukiko
Published: December 2016

English-medium degree programmes are one of the trends within the internationalisation of higher education in Japan. The recent university internationalisation project, Project for Establishing University Network for Internationalization, or Global 30 is a good example. English-medium degree programmes attract a larger and more diverse international student population to study in Japan and create an on-campus international learning environment for both local and international students. This article aims to shed light on what attracts Japanese students to such an on-campus international learning experience and the kinds of challenges they face in taking English-medium courses. The results of my research show that English as a medium of instruction is a good tool to attract Japanese students, but the quality and relevance of what is being delivered are also significant. Japanese students are willing to challenge themselves in a different learning environment, but they tend to do so without seeking support, which in turn limits their learning.
Health Benefits from Companion Animals
Authors: Rahman Md Siddiqur
Published: December 2016

Microbes and Health, January 2015. 4(1): 1-3
Molecular Cloning cysK Gene from Escherichia coli Genome, Transferring in the Intestinal Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria and the Expression Analysis of O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase
Authors: Kushkevych Ivan V
Published: December 2016

Sulfate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide which is toxic and carcinogenic for intestinal epithelial cells and can cause the development of the inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis in the humans and animals. Enzyme O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase, localized in Escherichia coli genome, use sulfide as substrate in the cysteine synthesis pathway. In this paper, the molecular cloning cysK gene from E. coli, its genetic transferring in the intestinal sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio piger Vib-7 and the expression analysis of the enzyme was studied. Cysteine synthesis from hydrogen sulfide as substrate in the D. piger Vib-7 strain at the first time was demonstrated and characterized. The bacterial growth, sulfate and lactate consumption, accumulation of sulfide, acetate and cysteine synthesis in both D. piger Vib-7 wild-type and mutant-type were tested. The mutant-strain consumed much faster sulfate and lactate producing cysteine in the cultivation medium. The expression of the cysK gene in the mutant-type was studied by the formation of the final reaction product (cysteine) and the activity of O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase enzyme. Cysteine level was directly proportional to consumption of sulfate in the mutant-type and accumulation of sulfide in the wild-type. The D. piger Vib-7 mutant-type completely used sulfate the 48th hour of cultivation, thereafter additional sulfite and sulfide doses from the medium were also consumed and converted to cysteine. The obtained genetically constructed mutant strain bacterium D. piger Vib-7 for therapeutic strategy could be applied as a probiotic substance for subjects with inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. This strain can compete with other intestinal sulfate-reducing bacteria, actively growth consuming sulfate and lactate much faster, and converting the toxic sulfide to untoxic cysteine in the gut.Microbes and Health, January 2015. 4(1): 19-24
Detection of Specific type-A Antigen and Specific Antibody against Avian Influenza virus in Native Duck at Netrokona district of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MM Mafizul , Akter Mir Rowshan , Rahman Md Mostafizer , Haque Md Atiqul , Uddin Md Karim , Khan Md Abu Sayed
Published: December 2016

The present study was conducted on unvaccinated native ducks of different age groups to determine specific antibody titer level against Avian Influenza virus (AIV) by indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) and to detect avian influenza type A virus antigen by rapid AIV antigen test kit at Netrokona district of Bangladesh. This study showed that AIV specific antibody positive cases were 78 out of 90 blood serum samples and the highest antibody titer was 2323 and lowest antibody titer was 256. The total 86.67% sera samples were showed positive result. The study showed that 66.66% sera sample were positive against AIV at 3-4 month of aged group and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 1428, 256 and 906.3 respectively. On the other hand 78% sera sample were positive against AIV at 5-6 month aged group and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 1675 , 451 and 1083.6 respectively. The sera sample collected from 7-8 month aged group showed 88.9% positive and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 1857, 578 and 1285.5 respectively. The sera sample collected from 9-10 month of aged group showed 100% positive against AIV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 197l, 638 and 1571.5 respectively .The sera sample collected from duck of ?11 month aged group were 100% positive against AIV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 2323, 1423 and 1813.7 respectively. Tracheal and cloacal swabs from ducks with antibody titer more than 1813.778 were tested for the avian influenza type A antigen by Anigen Rapid AIV Ag test kit. The above sample showed 20% positive result. In conclusion it is evident that Avian influenza virus-specific antibody was successfully detected through commercially available Avian influenza virus antibody test kit (ELISA Kit) and the virus induced a significant antibody titer indicating the affecting virus was absolutely AIV.
Seismic Responses of a Cable-Stayed Bridge with Consideration of Uniform Temperature Load
Authors: Guo Junjun , Zhong Jian , Dang Xinzhi , Yuan Wancheng
Published: December 2016

The effects of temperature load on the dynamic responses of cable-stayed bridges have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. However, these investigations mainly focus on the influence of temperature on the dynamic characteristics of structures, such as vibration mode and frequency. This paper discusses the effects of uniform temperature changes on the seismic responses of a cable-stayed bridge. A three dimensional finite element model of a cable-stayed bridge using OpenSees is established for nonlinear time history analysis, and uniform temperature load is applied to the prototype bridge before the conducting of seismic excitation. Three ground motion records are selected from the PEER strong motion database based on the design spectrum. Case studies are then performed considering the varying temperature and the connections between the deck and pylons of the bridge. The result shows that the seismic responses of the bridge are significantly increased with the consideration of temperature load. Meanwhile, the types between the deck and pylon also have notable impacts on the seismic responses of the bridge with and without temperature changes. This research could provide a reference for designers during the design phase of cable-stayed brides.
BSNCare+: A Robust IoT-Oriented Healthcare System with Non-Repudiation Transactions
Authors: Yeh Kuo-Hui
Published: December 2016

Recently, the rapid advancement in technologies of modern intelligent objects has led to a new network paradigm, called the Internet of Things (IoT), in which every networked and automated object has been connected in a pervasive manner. New types of IoT-based application services are thus presented. In a healthcare oriented environment, the usage of IoT has brought opportunities for assisting physicians (or nurses) to provide on-demand and real-time body-care services to patients with higher accuracy and better efficiency. However, while IoT-oriented techniques deliver such advantages, they may encounter system security vulnerabilities and patient privacy threats not seen in the past. In this paper, we propose a robust IoT-based healthcare system, called BSNCare+, in which body sensor networks (BSNs) are adopted as the underlying communication architecture. In the proposed healthcare system, we exploit lightweight crypto-primitives to construct a secure communication mechanism that does achieve data confidentiality and entity authentication among intelligent body sensors, the mobile gateway and the backend BSN-Care server. In addition, we evaluate the performance of the proposed healthcare system using the Raspberry PI series platform. The results show the practicability and feasibility of BSNCare+.
Decoherence in Excited Atoms by Low-Energy Scattering
Authors: Quiñones Diego , Varcoe Benjamin
Published: December 2016

We describe a new mechanism of decoherence in excited atoms as a result of thermal particles scattering by the atomic nucleus. It is based on the idea that a single scattering will produce a sudden displacement of the nucleus, which will be perceived by the electron in the atom as an instant shift in the electrostatic potential. This will leave the atom’s wave-function partially projected into lower-energy states, which will lead to decoherence of the atomic state. The decoherence is calculated to increase with the excitation of the atom, making observation of the effect easier in Rydberg atoms. We estimate the order of the decoherence for photons and massive particles scattering, analyzing several commonly presented scenarios. Our scheme can be applied to the detection of weakly-interacting particles, like those which may be the constituents of Dark Matter, the interaction of which was calculated to have a more prominent effect that the background radiation.
Discrete Geometry—From Theory to Applications: A Case Study
Authors: Gu David , Saucan Emil
Published: December 2016

Science does not necessarily evolve along the lines that are taught to us in High School history classes and in popular films, that is, from simple to complex.[...]
Facile Synthesis of MnPO4·H2O Nanowire/Graphene Oxide Composite Material and Its Application as Electrode Material for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Bo , Bin Duan , Ren Fangfang , Xiong Zhiping , Zhang Ke , Wang Caiqin , Du Yukou
Published: December 2016

In this work, we reported a facile one-pot hydrothermal method to synthesize MnPO4·H2O nanowire/graphene oxide composite material with coated graphene oxide. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscope were employed to study its morphology information, and X-ray diffraction was used to study the phase and structure of the material. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the elements information. To measure electrochemical performances of electrode materials and the symmetry cell, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectrometry were conducted on electrochemical workstation using 3 M KOH electrolytes. Importantly, electrochemical results showed that the as-prepared MnPO4·H2O nanowire/graphene oxide composite material exhibited high specific capacitance (287.9 F·g−1 at 0.625 A·g−1) and specific power (1.5 × 105 W·kg−1 at 2.271 Wh·kg−1), which is expected to have promising applications as supercapacitor electrode material.
Benthic Predators Influence Microhabitat Preferences and Settlement Success of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris)
Authors: Cowan Zara-Louise , Dworjanyn Symon , Caballes Ciemon , Pratchett Morgan
Published: December 2016

Like most coral reef organisms, crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster spp.) are expected to be highly vulnerable to predation as they transition from a planktonic larval phase to settling among reef habitats. Accordingly, crown-of-thorns starfish might be expected to exhibit behavioural adaptations which moderate exposure to predation at this critical stage in their life history. Using pairwise choice experiments and settlement assays, we explored the ability of competent larvae of Acanthaster cf. solaris to first detect and then actively avoid benthic predators during settlement. Pairwise choice experiments revealed that late stage brachiolaria larvae are able to detect predators in the substrate and where possible, will preferentially settle in microhabitats without predators. Settlement assays (without choices) revealed that larvae do not necessarily delay settlement in the presence of predators, but high levels of predation on settling larvae by benthic predators significantly reduce the number of larvae that settle successfully. Taken together, these results show that crown-of-thorns starfish are highly vulnerable to benthic predators during settlement, and that variation in the abundance of benthic predators may exert a significant influence on patterns of settlement for crown-of-thorns starfish.
Development of Seismic Demand for Chang-Bin Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan Strait
Authors: Wang Yu-Kai , Chai Juin-Fu , Chang Yu-Wen , Huang Ti-Ying , Kuo Yu-Shu
Published: December 2016

Taiwan is located on the Pacific seismic belt, and the soil conditions of Taiwan’s offshore wind farms are softer than those in Europe. To ensure safety and stability of the offshore wind turbine supporting structures, it is important to assess the offshore wind farms seismic forces reasonably. In this paper, the relevant seismic and geological data are obtained for Chang-Bin offshore wind farm in Taiwan Strait, the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is carried out, and the first uniform hazard response spectrum for Chang-Bin offshore wind farm is achieved. Compared with existing design response spectrum in the local regulation, this site-specific seismic hazard analysis has influence on the seismic force considered in the design of supporting structures and therefore affects the cost of the supporting structures. The results show that a site-specific seismic hazard analysis is required for high seismic area. The paper highlights the importance of seismic hazard analysis to assess the offshore wind farms seismic forces. The follow-up recommendations and research directions are given for Taiwan’s offshore wind turbine supporting structures under seismic force considerations.
Shear Resistance Properties of Modified Nano-SiO2/AA/AM Copolymer Oil Displacement Agent
Authors: Lai Nanjun , Guo Xin , Zhou Ning , Xu Qian
Published: December 2016

To address the problem regarding poor shear resistance of commonly employed polymers for oil displacement, modified nano-SiO2/AA/AM copolymer (HPMNS) oil displacement agents were synthesized using acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), and modified nano-SiO2 of different modification degrees as raw materials. HPMNS was characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR), dynamic/static light scattering, and scanning electron microscope. A comparative study of the shear resistance properties for partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and HPMNS was conducted. Compared to HPAM, the introduced hyperbranched structure endowed HPMNS with good shear resistance, which was quantified from the viscosity retention ratio of the polymer solutions. From the perspective of rheological property, HPMNS also showed great shear stability after shearing by a Mixing Speed Governor and porous media shear model. Furthermore, with a higher degree of modification, HPMNS-2 had better shear stability in terms of viscosity and rheological property than HPMNS-1. The phenomena were due to its lower hydrodynamic radius, weight-average molecular weight, and better flexibility of its molecular chains. In addition, upon the indoor displacement test, the resistance factor and residual resistance factor values of HPMNS-2 were higher than those of HPAM. This behavior is beneficial for increasing oil recovery.
The Impact of Renewable Energy Policies on the Adoption of Anaerobic Digesters with Farm-Fed Wastes in Great Britain
Authors: Gowreesunker Baboo , Tassou Savvas
Published: December 2016

This paper explores the effects of the feed-in tariff (FiT) and renewable heat incentive (RHI) schemes on the adoption of anaerobic digesters (AD), and the potential energy generation from farm-fed wastes in Great Britain. This paper adopts a linear programming model, developed in the International Energy Agency (IEA) TIMES platform, aiming to quantify the degree of adoption of AD and the type of energy generation technologies that can be driven by digester biogas to reduce farm energy costs. The results show that the adoption of AD is cost-beneficial for all farms, but different rates of the FiT and RHI schemes will influence the competitiveness between the implementation of combined heat and power (CHP) systems and the utilisation of biogas to only generate heat. The choice of technology is further dependent on the electricity/heat use ratio of the farms and the energy content of the feedstock. The results show that pig farms will more readily adopt CHP, because of its relatively higher electricity-to-heat use ratio, compared to other types of farms, which will favour biogas boilers.
Overview on the General Approaches to Improve Gluten-Free Pasta and Bread
Authors: Padalino Lucia , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo
Published: December 2016

The use of gluten-free products is increasing since a growing number of people are suffering from celiac disease and thereby need gluten-free diet. Gluten is responsible for the visco-elastic characteristics of wheat-based products; therefore, its lack makes the gluten-free products not similar to wheat-based product, with scarce textural properties. This reason constitutes the major industrial limitation. Thus, obtaining good-quality gluten-free products represents a technological challenge. This review reports the main strategies adopted to produce high quality gluten-free pasta and bread. They are mainly obtained by the utilization of specific ingredients (hydrocolloids, proteins or enzymes) to be incorporated into the standard formulation or the adoption of proper technological variables that can enhance above all the functional properties, the texture and the taste.
Rainfall Variability across the Agneby Watershed at the Agboville Outlet in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Kouakou Akissi , Lawin Emmanuel , Kamagaté Bamory , Dao Amidou , Savané Issiaka , Srohourou Bernard
Published: December 2016

This study analyzes, at local and regional scales, the rainfall variability across the Agneby watershed at the Agboville outlet over the period 1950–2013. Daily rainfall data from 14 rain gauges are used. The methods used are based, firstly, on the rainfall index which aims to characterize the inter-annual and decadal variability of rainfall and, secondly, on the moving average to determine the dynamics of the mean seasonal cycle of the precipitations. Furthermore, the Pettitt test and the Hubert segmentation are applied to detect change-point in the rainfall series. At the basin scale, analysis of rainfall signals composites has shown that the rainfall deficit was more pronounced after the leap of monsoon. Dry years were characterized by an early monsoon demise which is remarkable after 1968. Moreover, the years after 1969 presented a shift of the peaks in precipitation for about 12 days. These peaks were reached early. The rainfall signal showed that the rainfall deficit for the period after 1968, relatively to the period before, was 10% in June against 36% in October for the average rainfall in the Agneby basin. At the local scale, the deficit of the peaks depends on the location. These rainfall deficits were 23% against 36.3% in June for the Agboville and Bongouanou rain gauges, respectively.