bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lidar-based Studies of Aerosol Optical Properties Over Coastal Areas
Authors: Zielinski Tymon , Pflug Bringfried
Published: October 2008

Aerosol size distribution and concentration strongly depend on wind speed,direction, and measuring point location in the marine boundary layer over coastal areas.The marine aerosol particles which are found over the sea waves in high wind conditionsaffect visible and near infrared propagation for paths that pass very close to the surface aswell as the remote sensing measurements of the sea surface. These particles are producedby various air sea interactions. This paper presents the results of measurements taken atnumerous coastal stations between 1992 and 2006 using an FLS-12 lidar system togetherwith other supporting instrumentation. The investigations demonstrated that near-waterlayers in coastal areas differ significantly from those over open seas both in terms ofstructure and physical properties. Taking into consideration the above mentioned factors,aerosol concentrations and optical properties were determined in the marine boundary layeras a function of offshore distance and altitude at various coastal sites in two seasons. Thelidar results show that the remote sensing algorithms used currently in coastal areas needverification and are not fully reliable.
A Novel Pulse Measurement System by Using Laser Triangulation and a CMOS Image Sensor
Authors: Wu Jih-Huah , Chang Rong-Seng , Jiang Joe-Air
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a novel, non-invasive, non-contact system to measure pulsewaveforms of artery via applying laser triangulation method to detect skin surfacevibration. The proposed arterial pulsation measurement (APM) system chiefly consists of alaser diode and a low cost complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imagesensor. Laser triangulation and centroid method are combined with the Fast FourierTransform (FFT) in this study. The shape and frequency of the arterial pulsation can bedetected rapidly by using our APM system. The relative variation of the pulse at differentmeasurement points near wrist joint is used as a prognostic guide in traditional Chinesemedicine (TCM). An extensive series of experiments was conducted to evaluate theperformance of the designed APM system. From experimental results, the pulse amplitudeand frequency at the Chun point (related to the small intestine) of left hand showed anobvious increase after having food. In these cases, the peak to peak amplitudes and thefrequencies of arterial pulsations range from 38 to 48 μm and from 1.27 to 1.35 Hz,respectively. The height of arterial pulsations on the area near wrist joint can be estimatedwith a resolution of better than 4 μm. This research demonstrates that applying a CMOSimage sensor in designing a non-contact, portable, easy-to-use, low cost pulse measurementsystem is feasible. Also, the designed APM system is well suited for evaluating and pre-diagnosing the health of a human being in TCM clinical practice.
Modeling and Fabrication of Micro FET Pressure Sensor with Circuits
Authors: Dai Ching-Liang , Tai Yao-Wei , Kao Pin-Hsu
Published: October 2008

This paper presents the simulation, fabrication and characterization of a microFET (field effect transistor) pressure sensor with readout circuits. The pressure sensorincludes 16 sensing cells in parallel. Each sensing cell that is circular shape is composed ofan MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) and a suspended membrane, which the suspendedmembrane is the movable gate of the MOS. The CoventorWare is used to simulate thebehaviors of the pressure sensor, and the HSPICE is employed to evaluate the characteristicsof the circuits. The pressure sensor integrated with circuits is manufactured using thecommercial 0.35 μm CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) process and apost-process. In order to obtain the suspended membranes, the pressure sensor requires apost-CMOS process. The post-process adopts etchants to etch the sacrificial layers in thepressure sensors to release the suspended membranes, and then the etch holes in the pressuresensor are sealed by LPCVD (low pressure chemical vapor deposition) parylene. Thepressure sensor produces a change in current when applying a pressure to the sensing cells.The circuits are utilized to convert the current variation of the pressure sensor into thevoltage output. Experimental results show that the pressure sensor has a sensitivity of 0.032mV/kPa in the pressure range of 0-500 kPa.
Six-Degree-of-Freedom Sensor Fish Design and Instrumentation
Authors: Deng Zhiqun , Carlson Thomas J. , P. Joanne , Richmond Marshall C.
Published: October 2008

Fish passing through dams may be injured or killed despite advances in turbinedesign, project operations and other fish bypass systems. The six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF)Sensor Fish device is an autonomous sensor package that characterizes the physical conditionsand physical stresses to which fish are exposed when they pass through complex hydraulicenvironments. It has been used to identify the locations and operations where conditions aresevere enough to injure or kill fish. During the design process, a set of governing equationsof motion for the Sensor Fish was derived and simulated to understand the design implica-tions of instrument selection and placement within the body of the device. The Sensor Fishpackage includes three rotation sensors, three acceleration sensors, a pressure sensor, and atemperature sensor with a sampling frequency of 2,000 Hz. Its housing is constructed of clearpolycarbonate plastic. It is 24.5 mm in diameter and 90 mm in length and weighs about 43 g,similar to the size and density of a yearling salmon smolt. The accuracy of the pressure sensorwas determined to be within 0.2 psi. In laboratory acceptance tests, the relative errors of boththe linear acceleration and angular velocity measurements were determined to be less than5%. An exposure is defined as a significant event when the acceleration reaches predefinedthresholds. Based on the different characteristic of acceleration and rotation velocities, theexposure event is categorized as either a collision between the Sensor Fish and a solid struc-ture or shear caused by turbulence. Since its development in 2005, the 6DOF Sensor Fish hasbeen deployed successfully at many major dams in the United States.
Satellite-based Flood Modeling Using TRMM-based Rainfall Products
Authors: Harris Amanda , Rahman Sayma , Hossain Faisal , Yarborough Lance , Bagtzoglou Amvrossios C. , Easson Greg
Published: October 2008

Increasingly available and a virtually uninterrupted supply of satellite-estimatedrainfall data is gradually becoming a cost-effective source of input for flood predictionunder a variety of circumstances. However, most real-time and quasi-global satelliterainfall products are currently available at spatial scales ranging from 0.25o to 0.50o andhence, are considered somewhat coarse for dynamic hydrologic modeling of basin-scaleflood events. This study assesses the question: what are the hydrologic implications ofuncertainty of satellite rainfall data at the coarse scale? We investigated this question onthe 970 km2 Upper Cumberland river basin of Kentucky. The satellite rainfall productassessed was NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellitePrecipitation Analysis (TMPA) product called 3B41RT that is available in pseudo real timewith a latency of 6-10 hours. We observed that bias adjustment of satellite rainfall data canimprove application in flood prediction to some extent with the trade-off of more falsealarms in peak flow. However, a more rational and regime-based adjustment procedureneeds to be identified before the use of satellite data can be institutionalized among floodmodelers.
Determination of Primary Spectral Bands for Remote Sensing of Aquatic Environments
Authors: Lee ZhongPing , Carder Kendall , Arnone Robert , He MingXia
Published: October 2008

About 30 years ago, NASA launched the first ocean-color observing satellite:the Coastal Zone Color Scanner. CZCS had 5 bands in the visible-infrared domain with anobjective to detect changes of phytoplankton (measured by concentration of chlorophyll) inthe oceans. Twenty years later, for the same objective but with advanced technology, theSea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS, 7 bands), the Moderate-ResolutionImaging Spectrometer (MODIS, 8 bands), and the Medium Resolution ImagingSpectrometer (MERIS, 12 bands) were launched. The selection of the number of bands andtheir positions was based on experimental and theoretical results achieved before thedesign of these satellite sensors. Recently, Lee and Carder (2002) demonstrated that foradequate derivation of major properties (phytoplankton biomass, colored dissolved organicmatter, suspended sediments, and bottom properties) in both oceanic and coastalenvironments from observation of water color, it is better for a sensor to have ~15 bands inthe 400 – 800 nm range. In that study, however, it did not provide detailed analysesregarding the spectral locations of the 15 bands. Here, from nearly 400 hyperspectral (~ 3-nm resolution) measurements of remote-sensing reflectance (a measure of water color)taken in both coastal and oceanic waters covering both optically deep and optically shallowwaters, first- and second-order derivatives were calculated after interpolating themeasurements to 1-nm resolution. From these derivatives, the frequency of zero values foreach wavelength was accounted for, and the distribution spectrum of such frequencies wasobtained. Furthermore, the wavelengths that have the highest appearance of zeros wereidentified. Because these spectral locations indicate extrema (a local maximum orminimum) of the reflectance spectrum or inflections of the spectral curvature, placing the bands of a sensor at these wavelengths maximizes the potential of capturing (and then restoring) the spectral curve, and thus maximizes the potential of accurately deriving properties of the water column and/or bottom of various aquatic environments with a multi-band sensor.
An Overview of Label-free Electrochemical Protein Sensors
Authors: Vestergaard Mun'delanji , Kerman Kagan , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: October 2008

Electrochemical-based protein sensors offer sensitivity, selectivity and reliabilityat a low cost, making them very attractive tools for protein detection. Although the sensorsuse a broad range of different chemistries, they all depend on the solid electrode surface,interactions with the target protein and the molecular recognition layer. Traditionally, redoxenzymes have provided the molecular recognition elements from which target proteins haveinteracted with. This necessitates that the redox-active enzymes couple with electrodesurfaces and usually requires the participation of added diffusional components, or assemblyof the enzymes in functional chemical matrices. These complications, among many others,have seen a trend towards non-enzymatic-based electrochemical protein sensors. Severalelectrochemical detection approaches have been exploited. Basically, these have fallen intotwo categories: labeled and label-free detection systems. The former rely on a redox-activesignal from a reporter molecule or a label, which changes upon the interaction of the targetprotein. In this review, we discuss the label-free electrochemical detection of proteins,paying particular emphasis to those that exploit intrinsic redox-active amino acids.
Use of a Dynamic Enclosure Approach to Test the Accuracy of the NDIR Sensor: Evaluation Based on the CO2 Equilibration Pattern
Authors: Pandey Sudhir Kumar , Kim Ki-Hyun , Lee Sun-Ho
Published: October 2008

As part of a quality assurance (QA) study for sensor systems, an enclosureapproach is applied to assess the accuracy of non-dispersive infrared (NDIR)-based CO2sensors. To examine the performance of the sensor system, an enclosure chambercontaining six sensor units of the two model types (B-530 and H-500) was equilibratedwith calibrated CO2 standards at varying concentration levels. Initially, the equilibrationpattern was analyzed by CO2-free gas (0 ppm) at varying flow rates (i.e., 100, 200, 500, and1000 mL min-1). Results of the test yielded a highly predictable and quantifiable empiricalrelationship as a function of such parameters as CO2 concentration, flow rate, andequilibration time for the enclosure system. Hence, when the performance of the NDIR-method was evaluated at other concentrations (i.e., 500 and 1000 ppm), all the sensor unitsshowed an excellent compatibility, at least in terms of the correlation coefficients (r >0.999, p = 0.01). According to our analysis, the NDIR sensor system seems to attain anoverall accuracy near the 5% level. The relative performance of the NDIR sensor for CO2analysis is hence comparable with (or superior to) other methods previously investigated.The overall results of this study indicate that NDIR sensors can be used to provide highlyaccurate and precise analyses of CO2 both in absolute and relative terms.
Combination of On-line pH and Oxygen Transfer Rate Measurement in Shake Flasks by Fiber Optical Technique and Respiration Activity MOnitoring System (RAMOS)
Authors: Scheidle Marco , Klinger Johannes , Büchs Jochen
Published: October 2008

Shake flasks are commonly used for process development in biotechnologyindustry. For this purpose a lot of information is required from the growth conditions duringthe fermentation experiments. Therefore, Anderlei et al. developed the RAMOS technology[1, 2], which proviedes on-line oxygen and carbondioxide transfer rates in shake flasks.Besides oxygen consumption, the pH in the medium also plays an important role for thesuccessful cultivation of micro-organisms and for process development. For online pHmeasurement fiber optical methods based on fluorophores are available. Here a combinationof the on-line Oxygen Transfer Rate (OTR) measurements in the RAMOS device with anon-line, fiber optical pH measurement is presented. To demonstrate the application of thecombined measurement techniques, Escherichia coli cultivations were performed and on-line pH measurements were compared with off-line samples. The combination of on-lineOTR and pH measurements gives a lot of information about the cultivation and, therefore, itis a powerful technique for monitoring shake flask experiments as well as for processdevelopment.
Naked-eye and Selective Detection of Mercury (II) Ions in Mixed Aqueous Media Using a Cellulose-based Support
Authors: Díez-Gil César , Caballero Antonio , Ratera Imma , Tárraga Alberto , Molina Pedro , Veciana Jaume
Published: October 2008

A test paper for high-selectivity detecting Hg2+ ions in mixed acetonitrile-watersolutions has been achieved using a bis(ferrocenyl) azine, as chromogenic chemosensormolecule, and a solid cellulose fibre, as a substrate. Depending on the amount of mercuryions in contact with the detecting molecule a spectacular color change in the celluloseindicator is produced, being possible to determine the concentration of Hg2+ ions either bynaked eye or spectroscopically.
Optical Fiber Sensing Using Quantum Dots
Authors: Jorge Pedro , Martins Manuel António , Trindade Tito , Santos José Luís , Farahi Faramarz
Published: October 2008

Recent advances in the application of semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantumdots, as biochemical sensors are reviewed. Quantum dots have unique optical properties thatmake them promising alternatives to traditional dyes in many luminescence basedbioanalytical techniques. An overview of the more relevant progresses in the application ofquantum dots as biochemical probes is addressed. Special focus will be given toconfigurations where the sensing dots are incorporated in solid membranes and immobilizedin optical fibers or planar waveguide platforms.
Analysis of Mean Access Delay in Variable-Window CSM
Authors: Miśkowicz Marek
Published: October 2008

The paper addresses the problem of the mean access delay characteristics in termof the channel load for networked sensor/control systems in LonWorks/EIA-709 technology.The system modelling is focused on the Media Access Control protocol that provides theload prediction and determines the key network characteristics. The network model assumesthe consistency of load prediction between the nodes, and that the Transaction ControlSublayer does not introduce limitations on the data transmission. The latter means that thenumbers of concurrent outgoing transactions being in progress are unlimited. Furthermore, itis assumed that the destination addresses of transmitted messages are distributed rather thanconcentrated on particular nodes. The analytical approach based on Markov chains isapplied. The calculation of transition probabilities of the Markov chain is exemplified by theload scenario where all the transactions are acknowledged, unicast, and the optionalcollision detection is enabled. On the basis of the stochastic analysis, the probabilities of asuccessful transmission and collision, respectively, are computed. Furthermore, thenumerical results of the mean access delay are reported. The simulative validation ofanalytical results is provided.
Multi-instrumental Analysis of Tissues of Sunflower Plants Treated with Silver(I) Ions – Plants as Bioindicators of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Krizkova Sona , Ryant Pavel , Krystofova Olga , Adam Vojtech , Galiova Michaela , Beklova Miroslava , Babula Petr , Kaiser Jozef , Novotny Karel , Novotny Jan , Liska Miroslav , Malina Radomir , Zehnalek Josef , Hubalek Jaromir , Havel Ladislav , Kizek Rene
Published: October 2008

The aim of this work is to investigate sunflower plants response on stressinduced by silver(I) ions. The sunflower plants were exposed to silver(I) ions (0, 0.1, 0.5,and 1 mM) for 96 h. Primarily we aimed our attention to observation of basic physiologicalparameters. We found that the treated plants embodied growth depression, coloured changes and lack root hairs. Using of autofluorescence of anatomical structures, such aslignified cell walls, it was possible to determine the changes of important shoot and rootstructures, mainly vascular bungles and development of secondary thickening. Thedifferences in vascular bundles organisation, parenchymatic pith development in the rootcentre and the reduction of phloem part of vascular bundles were well observable.Moreover with increasing silver(I) ions concentration the vitality of rhizodermal cellsdeclined; rhizodermal cells early necrosed and were replaced by the cells of exodermis.Further we employed laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for determination of spatialdistribution of silver(I) ions in tissues of the treated plants. The Ag is accumulated mainlyin near-root part of the sample. Moreover basic biochemical indicators of environmentalstress were investigated. The total content of proteins expressively decreased withincreasing silver(I) ions dose and the time of the treatment. As we compare the resultsobtained by protein analysis – the total protein contents in shoot as well as root parts – wecan assume on the transport of the proteins from the roots to shoots. This phenomenon canbe related with the cascade of processes connecting with photosynthesis. The secondbiochemical parameter, which we investigated, was urease activity. If we compared theactivity in treated plants with control, we found out that presence of silver(I) ions markedlyenhanced the activity of urease at all applied doses of this toxic metal. Finally we studiedthe effect of silver(I) ions on activity of urease in in vitro conditions.
Lactoferrin Isolation Using Monolithic Column Coupled with Spectrometric or Micro-Amperometric Detector
Authors: Adam Vojtech , Zitka Ondrej , Dolezal Petr , Zeman Ladislav , Horna Ales , Hubalek Jaromir , Sileny Jan , Krizkova Sona , Trnkova Libuse , Kizek Rene
Published: October 2008

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity and others tohealth beneficial properties. The main aim of this work was to propose easy to usetechnique for lactoferrin isolation from cow colostrum samples. Primarily we utilizedsodium dodecyl sulphate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for isolation of lactoferrinfrom the real samples. Moreover we tested automated microfluidic Experionelectrophoresis system to isolate lactoferrin from the collostrum sample. The welldeveloped signal of lactoferrin was determined with detection limit (3 S/N) of 20 ng/ml. Inspite of the fact that Experion is faster than SDS-PAGE both separation techniques cannotbe used in routine analysis. Therefore we have tested third separation technique, ionexchange chromatography, using monolithic column coupled with UV-VIS detector (LCUV-VIS). We optimized wave length (280 nm), ionic strength of the elution solution (1.5M NaCl) and flow rate of the retention and elution solutions (0.25 ml/min and 0.75 ml/min.respectively). Under the optimal conditions the detection limit was estimated as 0.1 μg/mlof lactoferrin measured. Using LC-UV-VIS we determined that lactoferrin concentrationvaried from 0.5 g/l to 1.1 g/l in cow colostrums collected in the certain time interval up to 72 hours after birth. Further we focused on miniaturization of detection device. We testedamperometric detection at carbon electrode. The results encouraged us to attempt tominiaturise whole detection system and to test it on analysis of real samples of humanfaeces, because lactoferrin level in faeces is closely associated with the inflammations ofintestine mucous membrane. For the purpose of miniaturization we employed thetechnology of printed electrodes. The detection limit of lactoferrin was estimated as 10μg/ml measured by the screen-printed electrodes fabricated by us. The fabricatedelectrodes were compared with commercially available ones. It follows from the obtainedresults that the responses measured by commercial electrodes are app. ten times highercompared with those measured by the electrodes fabricated by us. This phenomenonrelates with smaller working electrode surface area of the electrodes fabricated by us(about 50 %) compared to the commercial ones. The screen-printed electrodes fabricatedby us were utilized for determination of lactoferrin faeces. Regarding to fact that sample offaeces was obtained from young and healthy man the amount of lactoferrin in sample wasunder the limit of detection of this method.
Metallic Nanomaterials for Sensitivity Enhancement of Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Goldys Ewa M. , Xie Fang
Published: October 2008

Utrasensitive detection of trace analytes by fluorescence benefits forfluorescence amplifying substrates. We review here our recent work concerned withunderstanding of enhancement mechanisms and formation of three such substrates: silverfractals, silver coated gold nanoparticles deposited on glass and fluorescence enhancinggold colloids.
Amperometric Enzyme-based Gas Sensor for Formaldehyde: Impact of Possible Interferences
Authors: Achmann Sabine , Hämmerle Martin , Moos Ralf
Published: October 2008

In this work, cross-sensitivities and environmental influences on the sensitivityand the functionality of an enzyme-based amperometric sensor system for the directdetection of formaldehyde from the gas phase are studied. The sensor shows a linearresponse curve for formaldehyde in the tested range (0 - 15 vppm) with a sensitivity of1.9 μA/ppm and a detection limit of about 130 ppb. Cross-sensitivities by environmentalgases like CO2, CO, NO, H2, and vapors of organic solvents like methanol and ethanol areevaluated as well as temperature and humidity influences on the sensor system. The sensorshowed neither significant signal to CO, H2, methanol or ethanol nor to variations in thehumidity of the test gas. As expected, temperature variations had the biggest influence onthe sensor sensitivity with variations in the sensor signal of up to 10 % of the signal for 5vppm CH2O in the range of 25 - 30 °C.
Assembling Amperometric Biosensors for Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Belluzo María Soledad , Ribone María Elida , Lagier Claudia Marina
Published: October 2008

Clinical diagnosis and disease prevention routinely require the assessment ofspecies determined by chemical analysis. Biosensor technology offers several benefits overconventional diagnostic analysis. They include simplicity of use, specificity for the targetanalyte, speed to arise to a result, capability for continuous monitoring and multiplexing,together with the potentiality of coupling to low-cost, portable instrumentation. This workfocuses on the basic lines of decisions when designing electron-transfer-based biosensorsfor clinical analysis, with emphasis on the strategies currently used to improve the deviceperformance, the present status of amperometric electrodes for biomedicine, and the trendsand challenges envisaged for the near future.
"To be Japanese for a Day": The Influence of Colonial Nostalgia in Taiwanese Seniors' Travel Decision-Making Behavior
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Ranjan , Lin Chung-Hsien , Lin Jin-Ling
Published: October 2008

Tourism scholars have studied the phenomenon of senior travelers' decision-making behavior. However, few studies have paid attention to the role of colonial nostalgia in senior travelers' decision-making behavior. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the importance of colonial
nostalgia in senior travelers' decision-making behavior in hot springs tourism in Taiwan. The findings revealed that colonial nostalgia is indeed one of the major reasons for Taiwanese senior travelers to visit Japanese-style hot springs. Taiwanese senior travelers' fascination for Japanese-style
hot springs suggested their nostalgia for the Japanese colonial period. Interestingly, the study partially implied that generally reported antipathy of Mainland Chinese towards Japan does not apply to Taiwanese, or the feeling is even opposite. The study highlighted the unique characteristics
of Taiwanese holidaying in Japanese-style hot springs as cultural practices and as a total experience of the foreign culture without actually visiting the destination. Hence, future efforts to understand senior travelers' decision-making behavior should consider the importance of colonial
nostalgia.
A Royal Tour in 1897: An Indicative Example of Tourism'S Impacts in the Generating Regions of Whole Tourism Systems
Authors: Leiper Neil
Published: October 2008

King Chulalongkorn of Siam visited Europe in 1897. While the trip had political purposes, in several ways it reflected a model of Grand Tourism and, like virtually all tourism, had impacts on the economic and social environments of the places visited. In this case the more interesting,
substantial, and long-lasting impacts occurred in Siam, after the King's return. All tourism has impacts on environments in places where tours end, the same places where they begin, in the generating regions of whole tourism systems. The research literature on tourism's impacts has focused
almost entirely on destination regions, so the present study can draw attention to the need for more research on generating regions.
Representations of Islam in Official Tourism Promotion
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: October 2008

This article is concerned with the ways in which Islam is represented in the official tourism promotion of countries with mainly Muslim populations where non-Muslims constitute important tourist markets. Islam is one of the world's major religions, but it has a potentially difficult
relationship with international tourism and has become a sensitive issue for the industry due to wider political developments. The cases of selected leading destinations are considered and their formal printed and online promotional materials are analyzed. Islam is shown to be acknowledged,
but it occupies a relatively limited amount of space and marketers focus on visually appealing and noncontroversial manifestations of the religion. Implications of such an approach are discussed and it is concluded that some revisions may be advisable in the light of conditions in the contemporary
world.
Tourism And Globalization Of Cultural Heritage In Africa: Mind The Difference?
Authors: Okech Roselyne
Published: October 2008

Cultural tourism is a growing component of the international tourism phenomenon. It involves movements of people motivated by culture such as study tours, performing arts, festivals, cultural events, visits to sites and monuments, and travel to pilgrimage sites. The cultural impact
of tourism on many parts in Africa may be less obvious because these places are already economically, socially, and culturally diverse, and globally connected through well-established electronic and social networks. In the context of globalization, what place exists for an African identity
and what is the importance of such identity within and outside Africa? Do ethnocultural identities become less relevant as we become members of the "global village" within the global economy? What is the role and place of the people of African descent? It is not easy for an African to talk
about Africa without referring to the age-old issues of poverty, slavery, and illiteracy. But there is also a danger of drifting into apologetics and rationalizations about current events and blaming some historical development or some common experience. The relationship between culture, globalization,
and tourism is important because tourism development can create confusion about cultural dissections. This article addresses such issues and their contribution to regional integration.
To Protect and Attract: Firms Cooperating in Nature-Based Tourism Destinations
Authors: Pesämaa Ossi , Hair, Jr. Joseph , Eriksson Per Erik
Published: October 2008

This article explores solutions to potential communication problems that arise from cooperation in nature-based tourism (NBT) destinations. The questions posed in this article are: "When is a local firm in an NBT destination likely to cooperate with other firms?" and "How can cooperation be facilitated among NBT firms?" The primary focus of our research, therefore, is how to facilitate cooperation in NBT destinations. To do so, we first review different risk elements by describing a simulated scenario in which two participants (NBT firms) confront a prisoner's dilemma with different options—cooperation and competition. The outcome of that scenario demonstrates that cooperation is only rational when the benefits of cooperation are greater than those for competition. Such situations do not occur in single games involving the prisoner's dilemma, but only in infinitely repeated games. Because cooperation may not be rational from a game theoretic perspective, policy makers and the firms involved should work actively to increase the benefits of cooperation. We conclude that cooperation is best achieved by having activities coordinated either by a strong, aggressive company or a strategic hierarchical network. Our logic is that coordinating activities from one point will increase the likelihood that partners have the same information and thus minimize conflicts.
Creating a Sustainable Brand for Northern Ireland Through Film-Induced Tourism
Authors: O'Connor Noëlle , Bolan Peter
Published: October 2008

This article explores the integration of film-induced tourism and destination branding upon locations featuring in a film. Northern Ireland and the film The Chronicles of Narnia—the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) are the case study under investigation. The researchers'
hypothesis is that a brand based on the image derived from a film may be a strong means of marketing the area and supporting tourism even when the film is shot elsewhere. This was initially tested through key informant interviews with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) to assess
the linkages between film-induced tourism and destination branding. The review of existing academic literature identified a gap in previous investigations, which indicated that there has been little focused research on this phenomenon, particularly in the Irish context. In response, the interviews
undertaken were an initial attempt to fill this gap. The findings from these interviews and the issues that emerged from the literature review highlighted a number of implications for the future branding of such destinations. If such implications are adhered to, destinations such as Northern
Ireland can strive to brand themselves more effectively in association with film, as seen with New Zealand and The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) trilogy.
Growth and market integration in Amazonia: A comparison of growth indicators between Shuar, Shiwiar, and nonindigenous school children
Authors: Blackwell Aaron D. , Pryor George , Pozo José , Tiwia Washington , Sugiyama Lawrence S.
Published: October 2008

We describe and compare the growth of three groups of juveniles, aged 0–18, who experience different degrees of market integration and acculturation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These include 1,384 indigenous Shuar from the Upano Valley of Ecuador and surrounding areas, 570 nonindigenouscolono(or colonist) children from the same area, and 42 Shiwiar from the interior of Ecuador. We use differences between these populations in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)z‐scores to assess the effects of changing subsistence patterns on Shuar growth and nutrition. Although, for all three groups, mean height‐for‐agez‐scores were negative, Shuarz‐scores were significantly lower than either colono or Shiwiarz‐scores. Mean weight‐for‐agez‐scores were also negative for Shuar and colono juveniles, while mean BMI‐for‐age and weight‐for‐heightz‐scores were greater than zero for all three groups. Using NHANES standards, 41% of male and 38% of female Shuar were classified as stunted, versus 16% of male and 20% of female colonos. Compared to Shuar, colonos were three times less likely to be stunted (OR = 0.33,P< 0.01) and Shiwiar were eight times less likely to be stunted (OR = 0.13,P= 0.01). These differences suggest that changes in diet have negatively affected Shuar growth and nutrition. Am. J. Hum. Biol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of iron deficiency as a nutritional adaptation to infectious disease: An evolutionary medicine perspective
Authors: Wander Katherine , Shell‐Duncan Bettina , McDade Thomas W.
Published: October 2008

An evolutionary perspective suggests that iron deficiency may have opposing effects on infectious disease risk, decreasing susceptibility by restricting iron availability to pathogens, and increasing susceptibility by compromising cellular immunocompetence. In some environments, the trade‐off between these effects may result in optimal iron intake that is inadequate to fully meet body iron needs. Thus, it has been suggested that moderate iron deficiency may protect against acute infection, and may represent a nutritional adaptation to endemic infectious disease stress. To test this assertion, we examined the association between infection, reflected by C‐reactive protein, a biomarker of inflammation, and iron status, reflected by transferrin receptor (TfR) and zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratio (ZPP:H), among school‐age Kenyan children, and evaluated the hypothesis that moderate iron deficiency is associated with lower odds of infectious disease. TfR > 5.0 mg/l, with sensitivity and specificity for iron deficiency (ZPP:H > 80 μmol/mol) of 0.807 and 0.815, was selected as the TfR definition of iron deficiency. Controlling for age and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), the odds ratio (OR) for acute viral or bacterial infection associated with iron deficiency (compared to normal/replete) was 0.50 (P= 0.11). Controlling for age and TSF, the OR for infection associated with an unequivocally iron replete state (compared to all others) was 2.9 (P= 0.01). We conclude that iron deficiency may protect against acute infection in children. Am. J. Hum. Biol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contributions of Mouse Genetic Background and Age on Anterior Lens Capsule Thickness
Authors: Danysh Brian P. , Czymmek Kirk J. , Olurin Pecos T. , Sivak Jacob G. , Duncan Melinda K.
Published: October 2008

Accurate lens capsule thickness measurements are necessary for studies investigating mechanical characteristics of the capsule. Confocal Z‐axis imaging was used to measure the anterior lens capsule thickness of living intact lenses with minimal tissue manipulation. Measurements of the anterior capsule thickness is reported for the first time in young and old mice from four inbred strains, BALB/c, FVB/N, C57BL/6, and 129X1, and the outbred strain ICR. Our data demonstrates that the mouse anterior lens capsule continues to grow postnatally similar to that described in other mammals. It is also shown there is a significant difference in anterior lens capsule thickness between unrelated mouse strains, suggesting that capsule thickness is a quantitative trait shared by strains with common ancestry. Measurements, taken from other regions of FVB/N capsules revealed the anterior pole to be the thickest, followed by the equatorial region and posterior pole. In addition to mouse, anterior capsule measurements taken from intact cattle, rabbit, rat lenses, and human capsulotomy specimens correlated with the overall size of the animal. Anat Rec, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of ace inhibitors and TMOF on growth, development, and trypsin activity of larval Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Lemeire Els , Borovsky Dov , Van Camp John , Smagghe Guy
Published: October 2008

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc metallopeptidase capable of cleaving dipeptide or dipeptideamide moieties at the C‐terminal end of peptides. ACE is present in the hemolymph and reproductive tissues of insects. The presence of ACE in the hemolymph and its broad substrate specificity suggests an important role in processing of bioactive peptides. This study reports the effects of ACE inhibitors on larval growth in the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis. Feeding ACE inhibitors ad lib decreased the growth rate, inhibited ACE activity in the larval hemolymph, and down‐regulated trypsin activity in the larval gut. These results indicate that S. littoralis ACE may influence trypsin biosynthesis in the larval gut by interacting with a trypsin‐modulating oostatic factor (TMOF). Injecting third instar larvae with a combination of Aea‐TMOF and the ACE inhibitor captopril, down‐regulated trypsin biosynthesis in the larval gut indicating that an Aea‐TMOF gut receptor analogue could be present. Injecting captopril and enalapril into newly molted fifth instar larvae stopped larval feeding and decreased weight gain. Together, these results indicate that ACE inhibitors are efficacious in stunting larval growth and ACE plays an important role in larval growth and development. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biochemical characterization of rab proteins from Bombyx mori
Authors: Uno Tomohide , Moriwaki Tsubasa , Nakamura Masahiko , Matsubara Mamoru , Yamagata Hiroshi , Kanamaru Kengo , Takagi Michihiro
Published: October 2008

The small GTPases known as Rab proteins are key regulators of membrane trafficking. We used RT‐PCR to isolate cDNA clones of insect‐specific Rab proteins (BRabN1 and BRabN2) showing low homology with known Rab proteins from other animals, from mRNA of Bombyx mori. These 2 Rabs were produced in Escherichia coli and purified. BRabN1 bound [3H]‐GDP and [35S]‐GTPγS with dissociation constants of 0.087 × 10−6 M and 1.02 × 10−6 M, respectively, whereas those of BRabN2 were 0.546 × 10−6 M and 1.02 × 10−6 M, respectively. Binding of [35S]‐GTPγS to BRabN1 and N2 was inhibited by GDP and GTP. The GTP‐hydrolysis activities of BRabN1 and N2 were 154 and 35.5 mmol/min/mole, respectively, and bound [35S]‐GTPγS was exchanged efficiently with GTP. BRabN1 also showed ATPase activity and exchange of [35S]‐GTPγS with ATP. Monoclonal antibodies against BRabN1 and N2 did not recognize any other Rab proteins, and Western blotting using the anti‐BRabN1 antibody revealed a single band in the testis of B. mori. These results suggest that BRabN1 and N2 of B. mori bind GTP, convert from the GTP‐bound state to the GDP‐bound state by intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity, and return to the GTP‐bound state with the exchange, and that BRabN1 is specifically expressed in testis. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new versatile gene‐trap vector for insect transgenics
Authors: Lukacsovich Tamas , Hamada Noriko , Miyazaki Sakura , Kimpara Akiyo , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: October 2008

A new piggyBac‐based gene‐trap vector, pB‐GT1, was constructed. pB‐GT1 contains three marker genes, dsRed, Gal4, and EGFP. dsRed is under the control of the constitutive 3xP3 promoter, which induces dsRed expression wherever the vector is inserted in the host genome. The Gal4 sequence has no promoter but is preceded by the splice acceptor site so that it can be transcribed as a transcript fused with the host exon 5′ to the insertion site. EGFP is driven by the constitutive ie+hr promoter but lacks a poly(A)+ signal sequence, and thus the EGFP expression is detectable only when its transcript is fused with the host exon 3′ downstream of the insertion. By the microinjection of the vector into fertilized eggs, we obtained transgenic Drosophila with a single copy of pB‐GT1, which was inserted into the first intron of the ovo gene. The female flies of this transgenic line are sterile, indicating that the insertion inactivated the ovo gene, generating a new allele of this locus, ovopB‐GT1. RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that an ovo‐Gal4‐fusion transcript is produced in ovopB‐GT1 flies. The fact that UAS‐EGFP reporter expression was detected in ovopB‐GT1 germ cells in a pattern similar to that reported for wild‐type ovo indicates that functional Gal4 is expressed via pB‐GT1, recapitulating the endogenous expression pattern of the trapped gene. pB‐GT1 is thus useful in insect genomics for the efficient assignment of functions of individual genes. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parasitic castration of Plutella xylostella larvae induced by polydnaviruses and venom of Cotesia vestalis and Diadegma semiclausum
Authors: Bai Su‐fen , Cai Dong‐zhang , Li Xin , Chen Xue‐xin
Published: October 2008

In the present study, we used γ‐ray to irradiate the female parasitoids to make wasp eggs infertile, resulting in pseudoparasitization, which allowed the analysis of maternal secretions such as polydnaviruses (PDVs) and venom in the absence of larval secretions or teratocytes by the growing parasitoids. We then investigated the spermatogenesis and components of testicular proteins of male Plutella xylostella larvae pseudoparasitized by two endoparasitoids (Cotesia vestalis and Diadegma semiclausum). The results showed that pseudoparasitism by the two endoparasitoids at the early third instar host larvae both induced smaller testes in size than those of nonparasitized host larvae. Both of them caused parasitic castration, and the degree of castration is almost as severe as in naturally parasitized hosts. This suggested that PDVs and venom played a major role in the degeneration of host testes. There are significant differences in the degree of castration induced by the two endoparasitoids, with respect to testicular growth, testicular protein concentrations, and histological changes of germ cells. Cotesia vestalis bracovirus always has a significantly stronger effect on host testicular growth and development than D. semiclausum ichnovirus. SDS‐PAGE analysis indicated that synthesis of P 65 and P 67 proteins were clearly inhibited in testes of hosts that were pseudoparasitized by C. vestalis while reduction in synthesis of other proteins was not evident. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential activation of the lectin and antimicrobial peptide genes in Sarcophaga peregrina (the flesh fly)
Authors: Tanji Takahiro , Shiraishi Hirohisa , Natori Shunji , Ohashi‐Kobayashi Ayako
Published: October 2008

Sarcophaga lectin is an immune defense protein which is transcriptionally induced upon immune challenge in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga peregrina. So far, we have revealed that the Sarcophaga lectin gene has multiple NF‐κB ‐binding motifs in its promoter. Here we showed that the nuclear extracts from Sarcophaga‐derived culture cells, NIH‐Sape‐4, and larval fat bodies have binding activity to the multiple κB motifs in the lectin gene promoter, some of which were responsive to immune stimuli. We also compared the expression profiles of the lectin gene with those of the antibacterial peptide genes from the point of view of inducers, expression tissues and local induction in digestive tracts. In each case, the lectin gene was activated in different manners from other inducible defense genes. These results indicate the complex regulation of the lectin gene, possibly by NF‐κB ‐related transcription factors. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in hemocytes of Plutella xylostella after parasitism by Diadegma semiclausum
Authors: Huang Fang , Shi Min , Yang Yan‐yan , Li Jun‐ying , Chen Xue‐xin
Published: October 2008

We examined the changes of hemocytes in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), due to parasitism by the endoparasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Necrosis of prohemocytes in different stages was observed while cell death was absent in the mature hemocytes in the parasitized larvae, which was related to the declined total hemocyte count per microliter (THC). THC in the host hemolymph declined sharply by 12 h post‐parasitization and then remained at a low level. When hemocytes of the parasitized larvae were cultured in vitro, encapsulation ability was suppressed coincidently with the inhibited spreading ability; however, such effects were transient. Simultaneously, activation of the prophenoloxidae from the hemocytes was inhibited. Unlike the results of previous studies, the decrease in hemocytes, which was due to the necrosis of the prohemocytes instead of the mature hemocytes in our study, was not responsible for the impaired encapsulation. Our studies suggest that parasitism by D. semiclausum have some effects on hematopoietic regulation and on hemocyte immune reaction of P. xylostella larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How do UK climate scenarios compare with recent observations?
Authors: Dessai Suraje , Hulme Mike
Published: October 2008

National climate scenarios are increasingly being used in long‐term strategic planning and decision‐making, but their projections have rarely been compared with observations. Recent changes in seasonal Central England temperature (CET) and England and Wales precipitation are compared with the projections of four generations of UK climate scenarios. It is shown that from 1961–1990 to 1978–2007 CET has been warming faster than represented in most of the scenario projections, particularly in summer. For precipitation, the scenarios have correctly represented the sign of the observed change for most of the period, the greatest ambiguity occurring in summer. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of superstitious beliefs on consumer novelty seeking and independent judgment making: Evidence from China
Authors: Hernandez Monica D. , Wang Yong Jian , Minor Michael S. , Liu Qian
Published: October 2008

Cultural content has been examined in consumer adoption of new products, whereas the relationship between enduring cultural beliefs and adoption remains unexplored. In this study, proactive superstitious behaviors (e.g., carrying a lucky charm) and passive superstitious beliefs (e.g., belief in fate) were empirically tested as antecedents of consumer novelty seeking (CNS) and consumer independent judgment making (CIJM). The results suggest that proactive superstitious beliefs positively influence CNS, whereas passive beliefs negatively influence CNS. Only passive superstitious beliefs positively influence CIJM. Results also suggest that previous superstition scales are incomplete and fail to reflect contemporary thinking about superstitious beliefs.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.