bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing effect of nitrogen on grain production of hybrid maize in Chitwan valley
Authors: Adhikary BH , Adhikary R
Published: October 2013

Nitrogen is one of the key factors for increased grain production of hybrid maize. A newly developed hybrid maize variety Rampur Hybrid-2 was evaluated for grain production by the application of different levels of nitrogen (60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha) at varying plant densities (55555, 66666 and 83383 plants/ha) along with 60 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O /ha in the acidic soil (pH 5.3) of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during the years of 2008/09 and 2009/10. Factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was the design of experiment. The crop was planted at the plot size of 18 m2 (3.6 m × 5 m). maize was planted in the month of September and harvested in February. The result indicated a sharp response of nitrogen application to this crop whereas the effect of density was observed to be non-significant. Two years mean yield results showed that highest grain yield (11.10 t /ha) was recorded when the crop was supplied with 180 kg nitrogen and with 83383 plants /ha followed by the crop supplied with 120 kg N /ha and 66,666 plant population (10.69 t /ha). The experimental results revealed that application of high dose of N (180 kg N /ha) could help increase hybrid maize grain production in the acidic soils of Chitwan valley. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 33-41 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8984
Food security scenario, challenges, and agronomic research directions of Nepal
Authors: Bista DR , Amgain LP , Shrestha S
Published: October 2013

The interim constitution of Nepal has mentioned “food sovereignty as fundamental right in its constituents 18.3". However, Nepal is experiencing decline in food security situation due to collision of domestic, national and international crises viz. poor agricultural growth, declined national agricultural priority, global climate change, global food crisis, and political instability. There is domination of small and marginal holders in Nepalese agriculture. Although the share of agriculture in country’s GDP is decreasing, it is still 33%, and the highest among the South Asian countries. Cereals are the most important staple food crops in Nepal and rice number one from area and production followed by maize, wheat, millets and barley. The grain-legumes and potatoes are considered the protective food crops for the maintenance of balance human nutrition in Nepal. Out of 88 countries, Nepal ranked 57th in Global Hunger Index (GHI) with GHI value of 19.8 depicting alarming situation of hunger in different regions of the country. Since the III Five year plan (1975- 80), the government of Nepal has given high priority in agriculture, focusing major approaches on promotion of integrated farming systems to address food and nutrition security. However, the food security situation is deteriorating. Adaptive measures on climate change, food distribution policy, crop and livestock insurance, subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, research and development activities on food-grain crops and bio-diversity conservation, inter agency coordination, food and seed buffer stock, and institutional capacity building would the viable options to maintain the food security in Nepal. From the rigorous study of various past research works, it can be concluded that the wider gap of several food grain crops can be reduced by system research, crop modelling, and up-scaling the use of agricultural machineries and tools. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 42-52 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8985
Effect of different mulching materials on weed dynamics and yield of direct seeded rice in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Gaire R , Dahal KR , Amgain LP
Published: October 2013

An experiment was carried out at farmers' field to compare the effects of live mulches and herbicide on weed growth and dynamics, yield, and economic performance of direct seeded rice under humid sub-tropical condition at Phulbari, Chitwan in 2009. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of i) control, ii) three hand weeding, iii) herbicide application (bispyribac sodium @ 80 ml/ha) + one hand weeding, iv) wheat straw mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, v) Eupatorium mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, vi) brown manuring with Sesbania aculeata @ 30 kg/ha, vii) brown manuring with Sesamum indicum @ 2kg/ha, and viii) brown manuring with Crotolaria juncea @ 30 kg/ha. Weed dry matter accumulation was significantly lower with herbicide application (1.15 g/m2) than wheat straw mulch (6.75 g/m2). The treatments with brown manuring and Eupatorium mulch were found to be equally effective in suppressing the weed growth by reducing both dry matter content and weed density. Application of Eupatorium mulch one day after sowing produced significantly higher grain yield (3.5 t/ha) than control (1.77 t/ha), Sesamum brown manuring (2.97 t/ha) and wheat straw mulch (2.83 t/ha). Yield attributes like effective tillers/m2, panicle length and panicle weight were positively correlated with grain yield (r = 0.540, 0.705, 0.531 and 0.613 respectively). The net profit (Rs. 63.17 x 1000/ha) obtained from the treatment with Eupatorium mulch was higher than other tested treatments. Eupatorium mulch and herbicide application recorded equal benefit cost ratio of 2.4. Cultivation of direct seeded rice with the application of Eupatorium mulch or brown manuring (BM) of Sesamum was found effective for increasing yield and net returns in humid subtropical condition of Chitwan. Live mulching could be an eco-friendly weed control options in DSR. The BM option also provides crop residue for the addition of organic matter. This result suggests that BM is a potential alternative of herbicide application. Either mulching with Eupatorium and wheat straw or growing of Sesbania and Crotolaria as BM with rice up to 30 DAS are advisable to increase productivity with reduced cost of production at Chitwan and similar condition. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 73-81 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9008
Yield prediction and nitrogen recommendation in maize using normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Karki TB
Published: October 2013

A study was carried out using three maize genotypes with three levels of nitrogen (30 kg, 60 kg and 120 kg per hectare) during the summer season of 2010 and 2011with the aim of predicting maize (Zea mays L.) yield through the Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The NDVI was recorded at different times throughout the growing season using a Greenseeker™ handheld sensor. Significant effect of genotypes and nutrient levels on the NDVI was observed at different growth stages of maize. There was positive correlation between the NDVI and grain yield. In the first season, the correlation coefficients were 0.90, 0.92, 0.76 and 0.73, respectively at 15, 45, 75 and 110 days after seeding. In the second season, the correlation coefficients were 0.80, 0.92, 0.77 and 0.75 respectively at 15, 45, 75 and 110 days after seeding. The NDVI based N calculator showed that irrespective of genotypes, yield potentials under farmers' levels of nutrient management were almost half of the recommended doses of nitrogen. The amount of N to be top dressed decreased with increased crop duration. Grain yield varied significantly due to season, genotypes and nutrient levels. NDVI was affected due to season, stages of the crop (DAS), genotypes and nutrient levels. Interaction effects were significant for season x genotype, growth stage x genotype, growth stage x nutrient levels, genotype x nutrient levels and genotype x growth stage x nutrient levels. There was a strong positive correlation between NDVI and grain yields of hybrid maize at 15 and 45 DAS, but this correlation declined thereafter. This means that N top-dressed at or after 75 days of seed sowing will not increase grain yield as significantly as N applied earlier in the season. In contrast, topdressed N was producing significant effects on the open pollinated Rampur Composite even after 75 days of seed sowing. Further confirmation of the finding could be useful for top dressing N in the maize crop. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 82-88 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9009
Morpho-physiology of wheat genotypes under different sowing dates as affected by Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust in Chiwan, Nepal
Authors: Neupane SP , Ojha BR , Ghimire SK , Sah SK , Shrestha SM , Puri RR
Published: October 2013

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy farm of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, Nepal in 2008/09. The experiment was laid out in factorial design in spit plot arrangement consisting of date of sowing as main factor and wheat genotypes as sub factor. Wheat genotypes were sown in 22 November for normal sowing and 29 December for late sowing condition. These were assessed against Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust severity in a naturally inoculated environment. Result showed that wheat genotypes differed significantly with respect to flag leaf area, flag leaf duration and plant height. Genotype BL-3064 showed the lower decline (624.9 to 615.1) in chlorophyll content whereas RR-21 showed highest decline (471.2 to 360.4) in chlorophyll content from normal to late sowing, possibly contributing to resistant to the disease. The AUDPC value revealed that genotypes BL-3625 and BL-3623 had increased level of resistance due to lower AUDPC value and higher flag leaf duration. The results of this study suggest that genotypes BL-3623, BL-3625, BL-3063 and BL-3064 could be the option in warm and humid regions of Terai condition so far as resistant to Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust are concerned. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 109-116 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9012
Legumes crop rotation can improve food and nutrition security in Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel S , Pokhrel S
Published: October 2013

An intensive review of the literatures was made to access the importance of crop rotation for sustainable agriculture in Nepal. Result shows that an appropriate crop sequences improves soil fertility, reduces fertilizer cost, controls soil erosion, makes environment healthy, increases crop yields and develop sustainable crop production in the long run. Based on the study, identification of location specific crop sequences, their extension and evaluation of the impact on food production are recommended. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 123-127 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9014
Regulatory framework of GMOs and hybrid seeds in Nepal
Authors: Thapa M
Published: October 2013

Most of the farmers are aware of about hybrid seeds; however almost all farmers and even technicians are not quite known about GMOs and associated effects. It is unspoken that use of hybrids has no adverse effect on the environment, human/animal health and our ecosystem if managed properly. Since, Nepal is in a very infant stage in hybrid research and development; however the demand is increasing over time. National legislative mechanism, human resources and physical facilities are not well established in testing and regulation of GMOs. So it is necessary to encourage policy-makers to strengthen their commitment and provide strong policy and financial support to promote hybrid research and development in Nepal through public private partnership for import substitution. Strong regulatory mechanism should be developed and adopted to reduce the inflow of hybrids and regulation of GMOs from abroad. National legislative, administrative and technical competency on research and testing of seed, plants, food, feed and animals with GMOs should be strengthened and regularized along with public participation for making decision whether to allow or restrict the import of the GMOs. Public participation is necessary in the decision making process of production, import, handling and use of GMOs and hybrids. As GMOs are very new and unknown about its implication on human health and the biological diversity, people at all levels should be aware of both the positive and negative aspects of GMOs. As a part of the public awareness program, it is required to disseminate available information on GMOs and products thereof through appropriate media, languages and publications and concerned stakeholders including growers, consumers, and business entrepreneurs. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 128-137 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9015
National seed legislation: Harmonization with international treaties and conventions
Authors: Kshetri B Thapa
Published: October 2013

Government of Nepal (GoN) started seed legislation by framing different acts such as Seed Act, 1988 (2045), Seed Regulation 1997(2054) and Seed Policy, 1999 (2056) to regulate seed and seed related issues. Some of these acts have been amended and redrafted according to needs. During this period, GoN, became a contracting party to Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992 and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), 2001. It also signed the Cartagena Protocol, 2000 and received the member of WTO in 2004. In these treaties and convention, Nepal has made commitments in international forum to provide plant variety protection with protecting the rights of farmers and related stakeholders on seed to establish sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures for bio-safety. In this context, it is necessary to reframe the national seed legislations in order to remove its present legal complications and to harmonize it with international treaties and conventions. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 138-149 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9016
Maize seed production communities in hills towards a new path of contract seed production in Nepal
Authors: KC DB , Ferrara GO , Gadal N , Neupane S , Puri R , Khatiwada B , Sharma H
Published: October 2013

Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed production(CBSP) group initiated in the hills of Nepal under Hill Maize Research Project in 2000. Trained members of the community group produce improved seeds identified through participatory varietal selection procedures. Despite quantum jump in maize seed production, 14 tons by 7 CBSP groups in 2000 to 1,036 tons by 207 groups in 2012, seed marketing remained one of the challenges in HMRP districts. Main objective of this study was to analyze maize seed production trend and presowing seed contracts in hill districts under HMRP. Linear regression model showed seed production trend over the period 2000 to 2012 highly significant. Annual compounded growth rate of seed during the same period was estimated to be 34.36%. Pre-sowing seed contract in cereal crops in the hills of Nepal is a new initiative of HMRP IV. Analysis showed 63 formal contracts were signed for 170.45 tons of improved maize seed between 50 CBSP groups and 24 private seed buyers/traders. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 150-155 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9017
Seed Producer Organization of Farmer: An Experience of Western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal S
Published: October 2013

Use of improved seeds has a vital role in enhancing agricultural production. Agriculture extension has implemented farmers’ managed seed multiplication program at the community level to ensure efficient supply of improved seeds. Several success and failure cases of seed multiplication through farmers' organizations were experienced. Therefore, a case study was conducted in the western terai region of Nepal to explore the factors responsible for success/failure of farmers' organizations involved in seed production. The results of the study found that internal factors of group, nature of extension support, quality control mechanism, and seed marketing approaches are the key elements, which affect the performance of farmers' organizations- seed groups and cooperatives. It was also observed that organizations developed in farmers' own initiatives performed better than those formed in external influence. The results of this research suggest that the autonomy of group actions has long term impact on ownership development. Business skills, technical skills and organizational management skills were equally important for the viability of farmers' organizations so far as seed business is concerned. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 156-167 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9018
Short communication: Heterosis and combining ability of Nepalese yellow maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Gautam SR , Ojha BR , Ghimire SK , Gurung DB
Published: October 2013

Nepalese yellow maize inbred lines were characterized for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of their crosses and parents were identified having high combining ability for determining the heterotic effects on yield and other quantitative traits of hybrids. A line x tester mating design was used for making the crosses in the winter season of 2008 and the hybrids along with their parents and four checks were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in the spring season of 2009 at the experimental farm of the National Maize Research Program, Chitwan. Significant variations were found among the treatments for grain yield and other traits which indicated presence of high magnitude of genetic variations among tested inbred lines. The cross between RML-32 and RML-17 produced the highest grain yield (15870 kg/ha) among the crosses. Hybrids such as RL-194 x RL-84 (10770 kg/ha), RML-21 x RML-17 (9270 kg/ha), RL-180 x RML-17 (9270 kg/ha) and L-1 x RL-84 (8785 kg/ha) were found superior grain yielder. Thirty-nine hybrids showed positive mid-parent heterosis for grain yield among 40 crosses. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis for grain yield was found 880% in cross between RML-32 and RML-17, followed by RL-98X RML-17 (507%), RL-103 x RML-17 (403%), PUTU-18 x RML- 17 (351%) and RL-180 x RL 84 (316%). Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 172-180 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9020
8th Agronomists' National Workshop Report Ashad 30-31, 2070 (14-15 July 2013)
Authors: Nepal Agronomy Society of
Published: October 2013

Jointly Organized by Crop Development Directorate and Agronomy Society of Nepal Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 181-191 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9021
Synthesis and characterization of novel bioactive 1,2,4-oxadiazole natural product analogs bearing the N-phenylmaleimide and N-phenylsuccinimide moieties
Authors: Maftei Catalin V , Fodor Elena , Jones Peter G , Franz M Heiko , Kelter Gerhard , Fiebig Heiner , Neda Ion
Published: October 2013

Taking into consideration the biological activity of the only natural products containing a 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring in their structure (quisqualic acid and phidianidines A and B), the natural product analogs 1-(4-(3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (4) and 1-(4-(3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)phenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (7) were synthesized starting from 4-(3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)aniline (1) in two steps by isolating the intermediates 4-(4-(3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)phenylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid (3) and (Z)-4-(4-(3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)phenylamino)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid (6). The two natural product analogs 4 and 7 were then tested for antitumor activity toward a panel of 11 cell lines in vitro by using a monolayer cell-survival and proliferation assay. Compound 7 was the most potent and exhibited a mean IC50 value of approximately 9.4 µM. Aniline 1 was synthesized by two routes in one-pot reactions starting from tert-butylamidoxime and 4-aminobenzoic acid or 4-nitrobenzonitrile. The structures of compounds 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
AN AGGREGATE TRANSPORT DEMAND MODEL FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT FLOW SIMULATION
Authors: Nuzzolo Agostino , Crisalli Umberto , Comi Antonio
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a system of models for the estimation of international (import/export) freight flows through a partial share approach. It allows us to simulate attraction, production, distribution and modal split for the estimation of modal Origin-Destination matrices in quantities. Aiming at predicting long term effects for strategic planning, the modelling system has been specified through easy-to-capture variables represented by level-of-service attributes and aggregate socio-economic variables. The calibration was carried out by using a set of available data in Italy that allowed us to consider import/export flows for different freight types given by the aggregation of classes provided by European NST/R classifications.
Unexpected Finding of Delayed-Onset Seizures in HIV-Positive, Treatment-Experienced Subjects in the Phase Iib Evaluation of Fosdevirine (Gsk2248761)
Authors: Margolis David A , Eron Joseph J , DeJesus Edwin , White Scott , Wannamaker Paul , Stancil Britt , Johnson Mark
Published: October 2013

Background

Fosdevirine (GSK2248761) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with HIV-1 activity against common efavirenz-resistant strains. Two partially blind, randomized, Phase IIb studies were initiated (1 in treatment-naive and 1 in treatment-experienced subjects with HIV) to select a once-daily dose of fosdevirine for Phase III trials.

Methods

In the SIGNET study, treatment-naive subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to receive once-daily fosdevirine 100 or 200 mg or efavirenz 600 mg, each along with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine 300 mg/200 mg or abacavir/lamivudine 600 mg/300 mg. In the SONNET study, treatment-experienced subjects with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant HIV-1 were randomized 1:1:1 to treatment with fosdevirine 100 or 200 mg once daily or etravirine 200 mg twice daily, each along with twice-daily darunavir/ritonavir 600/100 mg and raltegravir 400 mg. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of subjects with HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml. Safety and pharmacokinetics were also addressed.

Results

A total of 35 subjects were exposed to fosdevirine 100 or 200 mg. Trials were halted when 5 treatment-experienced subjects (1 receiving fosdevirine 100 mg, 4 receiving fosdevirine 200 mg) developed new-onset seizures after ≥4 weeks of exposure to fosdevirine. There was no clear association between seizures and fosdevirine plasma drug levels. Time to seizure onset ranged from 28 to 81 days, and all 5 subjects experienced ≥1 seizure after drug discontinuation.

Conclusions

The delayed onset of seizures after fos-devirine exposure and persistence after discontinuation is without precedent in antiretroviral drug development, leading to additional investigation and underscoring the need for careful subject monitoring.
Triple Infection with HIV-1, Htlv-1 and Strongyloides Stercoralis, Rendering Cd4+ T- C E L L Counts a Misleading Entity
Authors: Janssen Saskia , Rossatanga Elie G , Jurriaans Suzanne , ten Berge Ineke JM , Grobusch Martin P
Published: October 2013

We report the case of a Gabonese HIV-patient who presented with haemoptysis, weight loss, fulminant diarrhoea and subsequent ileus and elevated CD4+ T-cell counts. He was diagnosed with Strongyloides stercoralis and human T-lymphotrophic virus type-1 infection. After treatment of the strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, his CD4+ T-cell counts dropped greatly. The initially elevated CD4+ T-cell counts were misleading to the clinicians with regard to decision-making on antiretroviral therapy initiation.
Sodium Tanshinone Iia Sulfonate Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus via Suppressing N Gene Expression and Blocking Virus-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Sun Na , Li E , Wang Zhiwei , Zhao Junxing , Wang Shaoyu , He Junping , Bai Yuansheng , Li Hongquan
Published: October 2013

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic loss in the swine industry. Currently, there is no effective way to prevent PRRSV infection. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a natural compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, was shown to possess anti-PRRSV activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of STS on PRRSV-induced cell apoptosis and PRRSV N protein expression pattern.

Methods

Relative quantification real-time PCR was used to evaluate the inhibition of STS on N gene expression. Simultaneously indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and western blot were used to assess the effect on N protein expression. Apoptosis was analysed using fluorescence microscope with an annexin V-EGFP kit. The effect of STS on caspase-3 cleaving was assessed by western blot.

Results

Our results showed that STS could inhibit viral N gene expression at both the messenger RNA stage and at the protein level in PRRSV-infected cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, STS could also rescue PRRSV-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that STS may serve as a base compound for developing more effective drugs against PRRSV infection.
Anthropometric Measurements and Lipid Profiles to Detect Early Lipodystrophy in Antiretroviral Therapy Experienced HIV-Infected Children in the Chapas-3 Trial
Authors: Musiime Victor , Cook Adrian , Kayiwa Joshua , Zangata Dorothy , Nansubuga Carol , Arach Beatrice , Kenny Julia , Wavamunno Priscilla , Komunyena Justine , Kabamba Desiree , Asiimwe Alice R , Mirembe Grace , Abongomera George , Mulenga Veronica , Kekitiinwa Adeodata , Kityo Cissy , Walker Sarah A , Klein Nigel , Gibb Diana M ,   the CHAPAS-3 trial team
Published: October 2013

Background

Few studies have investigated objective markers of lipodystrophy in African children. We compared body circumferences, skin-fold thickness (SFT) and lipids in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and stavudine (d4T)-exposed children with HIV-uninfected controls.

Methods

In the CHAPAS-3 trial, HIV-infected children (ART-naive or on d4T for ≥2 years without clinical lipodystrophy) were randomized to d4T, abacavir or zidovudine with lamivudine (3TC) plus a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC), SFT (biceps, triceps, sub-scapular and supra-iliac) and fasting lipids (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and triglycerides [TRIG]) were measured at randomization in all HIV-infected children, and in HIV-uninfected controls. Age- and sex-adjusted z-scores of MUAC, CC, SFT and the sum of SFT (SSF) using Dutch reference data were compared across groups using linear regression.

Results

Of 496 children, 49% were male, 299 (median age 2.5 years [IQR 1.5–4.0]) were ART-naive, 109 (median age 6 years [IQR 5.5–7.0]) were ART-experienced and 88 (median age 2.2 years [IQR 1.5–3.0]) were control children. Overall, 100% and 95% of ART-experienced children had been on d4T plus 3TC and nevirapine, respectively, for a median 3.5 years (IQR 2.6–4.2). Mean (sd) weight-for-age z-scores and MUAC z-scores were -1.51 (1.29) versus -0.90 (0.88) versus -0.33 (1.15) and -1.56 (1.25) versus -1.24 (0.97) versus -0.65 (1.06) in ART-naive versus -experienced versus controls, respectively (all P<0.02). The mean (sd) of SSF was lower in the ART-experienced (-0.78 [1.28]) than in the ART-naive (-0.32 [1.09]; P<0.0001) children and controls (-0.29 [0.88]; P<0.002). ART-experienced children had higher mean fasting TC, LDL and HDL but lower TRIG compared to ART-naive children ( P-values <0.0001), and higher TC and HDL but lower TRIG compared to controls ( P-values <0.01).

Conclusions

In ART-experienced children on d4T-containing regimens, we observed lower SFT and higher TC and LDL values compared to ART-naive children and HIV-uninfected controls.
Low-Dose Pegylated Interferon-α2A plus Ribavirin Therapy for Elderly And/Or Cirrhotic Patients with HCV Genotype-1B and High Viral Load
Authors: Tamai Hideyuki , Mori Yoshiyuki , Shingaki Naoki , Kawashima Akira , Tsukuda Hiroshi , Higashi Katsuhiko , Moribata Kosaku , Kawaguchi Masanori , Ueda Kazuki , Deguchi Hisanobu , Inoue Izumi , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Kato Jun , Ichinose Masao
Published: October 2013

Background

Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy is still recommended for elderly and/or cirrhotic patients. This study examined whether sustained virological response (SVR) to low-dose PEG-IFN-α2a plus ribavirin therapy for elderly and/or cirrhotic patients could be predicted based on viral reduction within 2 weeks after therapy initiation or interleukin IL-(28B) polymorphism and viral mutations.

Methods

Participants comprised 115 elderly (≥65 years) and/or cirrhotic patients with genotype-1b and high viral load. Reduced doses of PEG-IFN-α2a (90 μg/kg/week) and ribavirin (400-800 mg/day) were administered for 48-72 weeks based on virological response of each patient.

Results

SVR was achieved in 34% (39/115), and treatment was discontinued in 15% (17/115). Univariate analysis identified age, α-fetoprotein, fibrosis marker, interferon sensitivity-determining region (ISDR), IL-28B polymorphism and level of viral reduction within 2 weeks as factors contributing significantly to SVR. However, no significant differences were noted in core amino acid substitutions. Multivariate analysis identified age, hyaluronic acid, ISDR and viral reduction as factors independently associated with SVR. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SVR based on the level of viral reduction at 2 weeks (cutoff level, 1.7 log IU/ml) were 83% and 84%, respectively. The PPV of SVR based on IL-28B major and ISDR mutant was 70%, and the NPV of SVR based on IL-28B minor and wild-type ISDR was 89%.

Conclusions

Evaluations of viral reduction at 2 weeks or both IL-28B and ISDR are useful to predict SVR to low-dose PEG-IFN-α2a plus ribavirin therapy for elderly and/ or cirrhotic patients.
L'adoption au Brésil aujourd'hui
Authors: Cardoso de Mello Anna Christina
Published: October 2013

À partir de son expérience d’expert psychologue au tribunal de justice de São Paulo, l’auteur présente l’adoption au Brésil, commente les procédures d’adoption nationale et internationale, ainsi que les défis et les difficultés, et donne des chiffres concernant les enfants et les adolescents adoptables et les familles postulantes. Elle expose l’accompagnement pendant le processus d’adoption, dès l’évaluation des candidats, en passant par la préparation des enfants et des adolescents, la période du rapprochement dans le foyer d’accueil, le stage de vie commune et la postadoption. La conclusion de l’auteur est positive : les bénéfices l’emportent sur les obstacles, puisqu’il existe aujourd’hui une plus grande maîtrise des connaissances, une meilleure gestion des situations difficiles, ainsi qu’un travail transdisciplinaire entre le réseau des services et le système de garantie des droits.
Marketing or Social Marketing
Authors: Kapoor Avinash , Kulshrestha Chinmaya
Published: October 2013

The challenge is to understand what marketing is: is it a business activity or is it ultimately all about managing the social order and influencing the behavioural changes in the societies. The chapter gives a conceptual understanding of social marketing from multiple perspectives, analyzes key issues and challenges in social marketing which makes it different from traditional marketing, and identifies certain areas in social marketing where further research is required. Because of its uniqueness, the extended marketing mix becomes very important in social marketing and social objectives can be achieved through creating experiences to offer solutions, which, in turn, influence behaviour.
Place @-Branding and European Capitals
Authors: Silvana de Rosa Annamaria , Bocci Elena
Published: October 2013

This chapter extends the concept of place branding and applies it to the digital world of the Internet (place @-branding). Among the various environments of the complex digital universe of the Internet, the chapter deals in particular with (1) Websites as vehicles of images, representations, evaluations of places, and (2) social networks as spaces for the exchange and sharing of “lived” or “imagined” experiences of places by past-visitors and potential first-visitors. The analysis of place@-branding via Websites and social networks is based on empirical research data that targets various historic European capitals (Rome, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Warsaw, Vienna). The social representations of these cities are investigated by comparing: 1) their institutional Websites; 2) virtual tours made by Google Earth; 3) conversations among the members of two social networks (Facebook and Yahoo! Answers) on elements of interest concerning social representations and the “lived” or “imagined” experiences of these cities as first visitors (past-visitors) or potential ones (future first-visitors). The nature of these conversations is induced or spontaneous according to communicative constraints imposed by the two social networks by means of a series of piloted questions (in the case of Yahoo! Answers) and a selective focus on spontaneous communicative exchanges (in the case of Facebook).
A Social Network Strategy for the Social Marketing of Online Courses and Learning Resources in Higher Education
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: October 2013

In virtually all institutions of higher learning, there is the development of online courses to meet local demands foremost but also to potentially glean from an international cadre of learners. Various universities may offer curricular topics relevant to a much larger context. This chapter makes the case that network science may be applied to marketing online courses in higher education to reach target learners. This focuses on some real-world instructional design cases and the marketing strategies used. These cases are then analyzed using a social network strategy approach, which is first described here. Finally, there are ideas on how to apply a social network strategy to various online learning “products.”
Employing Consumer Perception Insights to Address Dissonance and Increase Product Acceptance
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Dham Sanjeev , Kapoor Atul
Published: October 2013

The essence of the chapter is use of communication mix used for addressing the dissonance of the women among reproductive age regarding long-term contraceptives. The use of Intrauterine Device (IUD) has remained static at around two percent for the last decade and a half, despite IUDs being an effective reversible contraceptive. There are many myths and misconceptions prevalent in the communities, which have resulted in this low use of IUD. The different communication channels, interpersonal counseling, mass media, medical detailing and helpline, have the same objective of raising awareness and dispelling negative words regarding IUD. An outbound call through helpline is based on the principle of AIDAS (Awareness Interest Desire Action Satisfaction). A helpline call through counselor help in assuring women of the method adopted and creates brand ambassadors for IUD, who in turn motivate other women in the community.
Cause-Related Marketing
Authors: Kapoor Avinash , Kulshrestha Chinmaya
Published: October 2013

Cause-related marketing is established by a corporation that wishes to continue its philanthropic efforts by choosing one organization, or cause, with which to associate. Simply, it is a partnership between a corporate organization and a non-profit where there is a mutually beneficial relationship. In the context of cause relatedness, a triad may consist of the consumer, the firm, and the cause. This chapter identifies and discusses the consumer evaluations along with the issues and challenges of cause-related marketing. The chapter concludes that for all businesses there is need to be more socially responsible rather than just being customer responsible.
Paradise to Peril
Authors: Denas Scheljert
Published: October 2013

This is a brief personal account of the human failures and social impacts from hurricane Katrina as contrasted with the improved risk management planning in advance of Hurricane Isaac. This paper is a unique first person account of a disaster. It presents the authors personal experiences during the hurricane.
Exploring Socio-Technical Design of Crisis Management Information Systems
Authors: Harnesk Dan , Lindström John
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, we explore design foundations and conceptualize a design approach to examine the socio-technical knowledge that crisis organizations have about crisis management Information Systems. We use findings from a case study across four crisis organizations to illustrate how the network of knowledge, information management, and integration of technology and information were interpreted by stakeholders during a large wild fire in 2006. The design approach illustrates that design foundations of crisis management Information Systems encompass: a network of knowledge, IT management, and information integration. We argue that the design foundation is promising for analysis and explanation of the enrolment of actors, adaptation of technology/processes, and stabilization of crisis management Information Systems.
Sociotechnical Uses of Social Web Tools during Disasters
Authors: Potts Liza
Published: October 2013

Social web tools are being leveraged by participants to communicate throughout their workday as well as during times of crisis. Using the London Bombings of 7 July 2005 as a case study, this chapter illustrates the need for sociotechnical interventions in systems design. By employing Actor Network Theory the author makes visible the active participants and technologies within the ecosystems of social media tools. Such visibility provides insight to the designer seeking to optimize communication systems in the wake of disaster, as well as providing further generalization to everyday use. Guidelines for improving systems and user interfaces based on disaster scenarios are described.
Information Security in Data and Storage Grids through GS3
Authors: Cunsolo Vincenzo Daniele , Distefano Salvatore , Puliafito Antonio , Scarpa Marco
Published: October 2013

In grid computing infrastructures, the data storage subsystem is physically distributed among several nodes and logically shared among several users. This highlights the necessity of: (i) Availability for authorized users only, (ii) Confidentiality, and (iii) Integrity of information and data: in one term security. In this work we face the problem of data security in grid, by proposing a lightweight cryptography algorithm combining the strong and highly secure asymmetric cryptography technique (RSA) with the symmetric cryptography (Advanced Encryption Standard, AES). The proposed algorithm, we named Grid Secure Storage System (GS3), has been implemented on top of the Grid File Access Library (GFAL) of the gLite middleware, in order to provide a file system service with cryptography capability and POSIX interface. The choice of implementing GS3 as a file system allows to protect also the file system structure, and moreover to overcome the well-known problem of file rewriting in gLite/GFAL environments. This chapter describes and details both the GS3 algorithm and its implementation, also evaluating the performance of such implementation and discussing the obtained results.
A Critical Assessment of the Oath Project
Authors: Amann Wolfgang , Khan Shiban
Published: October 2013

Trillions in value were destroyed in the recent financial crisis. Of equal harm was another consequence. In a time of such a financial crisis – in addition to the ecological and social ones – trust in business organizations and their managers is very low. A survey by the Aspen Institute reveals unpromising prospects as future business leaders seem utterly unconcerned with ecological and societal demands. The Oath Project is a recent phenomenon and proposes solution with which business schools aim to protect their own reputation and invite graduates to commit to a more ethical behavior during their careers. Based on one standard oath during graduation, a number of business schools show they have understood they need to contribute to preventing crises more than this was the case in the past. This chapter provides a critical review of the status quo and way ahead of the oath project. It scrutinizes the actual potential and likelihood of success. In contrast to the field of health care, it is not a single person or doctor deciding which medication to hand to a patient. For what it is worth, the biggest benefit is likely to be the resulting discussion about value and values in business schools and the media.
Addressing the U.S. Federal Government Financial Crisis
Authors: Boddie William S.
Published: October 2013

The United States (U.S.) Federal Government is in an extreme financial crisis. The U.S. national debt is $14T and the national deficit is $1.3T. The U.S. Government seeks to improve government-wide performance, reduce operating costs, reduce the national debt, and reduce the national deficit. If the U.S. Government continues its current enterprise management approach, the national debt and national deficit could become greater and the Government could default on its debt. The DoD institutionalized a Business Mission Area Enterprise Architecture (EA) and improved performance and reduced operating costs. Leaders in the DoD leveraged an EA-based approach to improve department-wide performance and reduce costs in selected instances. This chapter proposes that the DoD institutionalize an EA-based approach to improve department-wide performance, reduce operating costs, reduce the national debt, and reduce the national deficit.
Resilient Emergency Response
Authors: Trnka Jiri , Johansson Björn J.E.
Published: October 2013

The focus of this chapter is the design and development of Information and Communication Technologies that support collaborative work and processes in command and control teams, more specifically, in joint emergency response operations. The unique contexts and varying circumstances of response operations have an impact on how collaborative work and interactions among commanders emerge, as well as on the extent to which Information and Communication Technologies are used. This emergence of response operations poses specific methodological complications and demands on how to study command and control teams, and also how to approach high-level design problems. The chapter demonstrates how such analysis can be performed. It presents a study of scenario-based role-playing simulation with professionals – emergency management commanders – as participants. The study documents the work practice of a team of commanders from the Swedish local and regional emergency response organizations responding jointly to an emergency, a medium size forest fire. The study also identifies areas and/or activities that may be enhanced by command and control tools. A combined set of bottom-up data driven and top-down methods – topical episode analysis, communicative roles, socio-metric status and communication modelling – are used to assess communication and interactions among the commanders. The findings indicate that the studied commanders used informal arrangements within the established formal command and control structures, and took informal functions and communicative roles across organizational and domain boundaries to handle diverse incidents and so called pseudo-problems. This identified adaptive and improvised behaviour of the commanders – and the team as whole – was identified as a critical characteristic for effective command and control work in joint response operations. Cross-domain and cross-organizational knowledge was found to be the most important feature of this type of capability to adapt and improvise. The study, further, highlights the significance of employing bottom-up, data driven methods for analysis of design and development processes, as well as important methodological challenges related to this type of analysis.
Incident Command Situation Assessment Utilizing Video Feeds from UAVs
Authors: McGuirl John , Sarter Nadine , Woods David
Published: October 2013

Past experience has shown that introducing new Information Technologies can have unintended and undesirable consequences, such as new forms of errors and a narrowing of data search activities. Eight Incident Commanders (ICs) took part in a simulated disaster response exercise to determine how the availability of real-time image feeds from a UAV impact on situation assessment and decision-making. The exercise simulated the video feed from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows incident command centers to monitor developments at a crisis site. The results showed that information from the video image channel dominated information available from other channels or in other forms. Nearly all of the ICs failed to detect important changes in the situation that were not captured in the imaging channel but that were available via other, more traditional data sources. The dominance of the image feed resulted in ICs narrowing their data search activities and reducing cross-checking across diverse data sources. This study confirms anecdotal reports that users can over-rely on video feeds from UAVs.
The Use of RFID Technologies for E-Enabling Logistics Supply Chains
Authors: Michaelides Zenon , Forster Richard
Published: October 2013

This chapter reviews the potential benefits and challenges of introducing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies as a means of e-enabling logistics supply and distribution systems. It introduces RFID and associated technologies as a catalyst for e-enabling optimised supply and distribution activities. In particular, the emerging role of RFID in integrating logistics supply chains is considered key to aligning tasks and achieving operational efficiencies. Other benefits include better visibility resulting from proactive task and process management, and improved risk assessment associated with better data accuracy/quality. In addition, the optimisation of planning and control functions is enhanced through the introduction of key RFID technologies and their integration into logistics systems and operations. Finally, the use of RFID technologies is reviewed in a variety of diverse sectors and areas, from assisting humanitarian efforts through solutions aimed at recovering from the effects of natural disasters to providing accurate and effective methods of recording race times for the Los Angeles marathon.
Developing and Maintaining Trust in Hastily Formed Relief Networks
Authors: Tatham Peter , Kovács Gyöngyi
Published: October 2013

Although there is a vast body of academic and practitioner literature championing the importance of trust in long-term business relationships, relatively little has been written discussing the development and maintenance of trust in networks that are formed at short notice and that often operate for a limited period of time. However, some models of trust and trusting behavior in such “hastily formed relief networks” (HFRN) do exist, and the aim of this chapter is to consider the theoretical application of one of the most prominent examples – that known as “swift trust” – to a post-disaster humanitarian logistics scenario. Presented from the perspective of a HFRN, this chapter presents a discussion of the practical application of the swift trust model.