bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bird communities in two fragments of Cerrado in Itirapina, Brazil
Authors: Telles M. , Dias MM.
Published: August 2010

The Cerrado domain is a mosaic of vegetation types at the local scale, and this environmental heterogeneity leads to high regional bird diversity. Therefore, we aimed to survey quantitative and qualitatively the bird fauna of two fragments of Cerrado and to compare them with an adjacent protected area (Estação Ecológica de Itirapina), in order to assess the heterogeneity of bird diversity in the region. The present study was conducted during 12 months from October 2006 to September 2007 in the municipality of Itirapina, Southeastern Brazil. Altogether we recorded 210 bird species. Fifty-six of them had never been detected in Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, and eleven species are new records for the whole Itirapina region. The list also includes six species that are endangered in Sao Paulo State and five endemic species of the Cerrado domain. Most species were recorded in less than 50% of the visits and exhibited low relative abundance. Primarily insectivorous species were the most common, followed by omnivores. Frugivorous birds were poorly represented. Carnivores were more abundant than usually observed in fragments. The similarity among fragments was higher than between fragments and the protected area. Considering the vegetation heterogeneity in the Cerrado domain, our results reinforce the importance of conserving fragments in order to sample this diversity.
Benthic macroinvertebrates of a tropical lake: Lake Caçó, MA, Brazil
Authors: Lucca JV. , Pamplin PAZ. , Gessner AF. , Trivinho-Strixino S. , Spadano-Albuquerque AL. , Rocha O.
Published: August 2010

Benthic communities are highly relevant in the study of aquatic ecosystems, both for their role in the functioning of the ecosystem and also as markers or indicators of paleo-conditions. Their distribution, as in other communities, is conditioned by abiotic and biotic factors and to their interactions, which determine the structure of the community that is established. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition, abundance and spatial distribution of the benthic community, by collecting at 20 sampling sites in Caçó Lake (State of Maranhão, Brazil). Seasonal variation in these community parameters was analysed and related to the seasonal displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The results indicated that changes occur in the taxa richness, diversity and density of the benthic species of this lake that are mainly related to seasonality. All those parameters were higher in the dry than in the rainy period. The family Chironomidae (Diptera, Insecta) was the most important component of the community, representing approximately 50% of the total benthic fauna of the lake. The identification of the Chironomidae currently occurring in Lake Caçó is relevant, even at the genus level, considering the fact that this group produces fossilizing remains and could perhaps be good paleolimnological and paleoclimatic tracers that could be used to make inferences on past lake and climate conditions.
Records on floral biology and visitors of Jacquemontia montana (Moric.) Meisn. (Convolvulaceae) in Mucugê, Bahia
Authors: Silva FO. , Kevan SD. , Roque N. , Viana BF. , Kevan PG.
Published: August 2010

We present the first records on pollination biology of Jacquemontia montana (Moric.) Meisn. (Convolvulaceae), a widespread climber in the Chapada Diamantina. Our objectives were to (1) characterise flower morphology and biology of J. montana; (2) sample flower visitors and (3) make inferences about potential pollinators, based on foraging behaviour. Observations and sampling were performed on two patches from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, May 15th to 16th, 2007. The corolla is bowl shaped, pentamerous, gamopetalous, actinomorphic, and yellow, with a mean diameter of 22.43 ± 1.81 mm, the depth being variable during flower phases. Stigma receptivity lasted from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM and pollen viability from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM Pollen. showed great decline in number but not in viability during anthesis. Nectarivorous (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera) and herbivorous (Orthoptera) insects were found on the flowers. Both male and female bees (Dialictus spp., Robertson 1902) were the most frequent flower visitor. The bees' behaviour, and time spent on flowers, varied according to the resource gathered (i.e., pollen or nectar). The Dialictus species are likely to be the main pollinator of J. montana, considering the frequency, contact with reproductive parts, and carrying only J. montana pollen spread over the ventral part of the thorax, abdomen and legs. Although not quantified, nectar may still be available in the afternoon, considering the behaviour of bees on flowers during this time. Pollen:ovule ration that was1.200:4, suggests facultative xenogamy.
Utilização do Sig na delimitação das áreas de preservação permanente (APP's) na Bacia do Rio Sagrado (Morretes/PR)
Authors: Nowatzki Alexei , Santos Leonardo José Cordeiro , Paula Eduardo Vedor de
Published: August 2010

O presente trabalho se enquadra no Programa CAD (Contaminantes, Assoreamento e Dragagem) no Estuário de Paranaguá/PR, tendo por objetivo a utilização do SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas) para a delimitação das Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP's), na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Sagrado (Morretes/PR). Como etapa preliminar efetuou-se o estudo da legislação brasileira vigente (Código Florestal e resoluções CONAMA) no que se refere à delimitação das APP's. Em seguida, por meio do software ArcGIS 9.2, foram delimitadas as seguintes categorias de APP: 1) nascentes, 2) mata ciliar, 3) entorno de reservatórios, 4) topo de morros, 5) topo de montanhas, 6) linhas de cumeada, 7) encostas acima de 45 graus de declividade e 8) mangues. A utilização do SIG mostrou-se uma eficiente ferramenta para delimitação das Áreas de Preservação Permanente, a partir dos resultados verificou-se a existência de dois grupos de APP's: o primeiro representado pelo conjunto das categorias 1, 2, 3 e 8 com 51,9% do total mapeado e um segundo representado pelo conjunto das categorias 4, 5, 6 e 7, com 48,1% do total das APP's da bacia. A APP de Mata Ciliar possui a maior representatividade com 28,9km² tendo como principal funcionalidade ambiental a preservação dos recursos hídricos.
Condições morfodinâmicas associadas a afogamentos: contribuição à segurança nas praias oceânicas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Bulhões Eduardo Manuel Rosa
Published: August 2010

Nas praias oceânicas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, o número de resgates realizados por ano é da ordem de milhares. Este estudo visa identificar condições críticas à segurança dos banhistas nas praias oceânicas da cidade, por meio da elaboração de estudos em clima de ondas, propagação de ondas em águas rasas e condições morfodinâmicas nas praias que podem se apresentar como perigosas à integridade dos milhares de banhistas frequentadores das praias cariocas. Os perigos relacionados são a arrebentação das ondas, a topografia móvel do leito praial e a formação de correntes longitudinais e de retorno na zona de surfe. Esses processos naturais são resultado da interação física entre a hidrodinâmica marinha próxima à costa e o relativo reposicionamento do fundo arenoso nas praias que, de fato, expõe banhistas ao risco de afogamentos. A hipótese testada é a de que a partir de estudos em clima de ondas, são identificadas condições médias de ondulação que ao se propagarem até as praias, geram condições morfodinâmicas diferenciadas até mesmo ao longo de um mesmo arco praial. Por sua vez, os estágios morfodinâmicos podem apresentar características perigosas aos banhistas. A análise das estatísticas de salvamentos permite identificar segmentos nas praias onde há maior ou menor concentração de banhistas em situação de risco. Como resultado, chegou-se a um guia de avaliação de risco nas praias, através da correlação entre altura de ondas, nível da maré e estágios morfodinâmicos, que, em último caso, define os qualitativos das praias que expõem os banhistas a riscos.
Análise espacial dos condicionantes da criminalidade violenta no estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Batella Wagner Barbosa , Diniz Alexandre Magno Alves
Published: August 2010

O fenômeno da criminalidade desponta neste início de século como um dos principais problemas vividos pelos habitantes das grandes cidades. Diversas ciências têm se dedicado ao estudo deste tema, mas somente nas últimas décadas a Geografia vem explorando a dimensão espacial da criminalidade através de uma sub-disciplina denominada Geografia do Crime. No escopo desta perspectiva surgem diversas contribuições para o estudo espacial da criminalidade. Este trabalho explora a distribuição espacial dos crimes contra pessoa e contra o patrimônio no Estado de Minas Gerais e, na sequência, analisa os condicionantes desta criminalidade. Para isso, faz-se uso de técnicas de mapeamento, com auxílio dos Sistemas de Informações Geográficas, e de estatística espacial.
Reterritorialização e identidade territorial
Authors: Chelotti Marcelo Cervo
Published: August 2010

Para realizar a referida análise, delimitamos o recorte temporal pós-1990 no qual se acentua a luta pela posse da terra no Rio Grande do Sul e, consequentemente, o processo de instalação dos projetos de assentamentos rurais na região. Assim, torna-se evidente uma nova dinâmica territorial em alguns municípios da Campanha Gaúcha, após o processo de reterritorialização camponesa. Nossa metodologia pautou-se na abordagem qualitativa. A partir dessa premissa, procuramos responder os objetivos propostos. No referencial teórico, discutimos a importância da incorporação do conceito de Territorialização-Desterritorialização-Reterritorialização (TDR) embasados nos estudos sobre as diferentes territorialidades promovidas pelos movimentos sociais no campo. Utilizamos também o conceito de identidade territorial, pois na análise em questão são conceitos que se complementam. Isso se justifica porque identificamos claramente duas identidades territoriais presentes nas expressões da reterritorialização camponesa na região. Detectamos que a configuração territorial da Campanha Gaúcha nesse início de século XXI é bastante complexa em função da heterogeneidade de atores envolvidos na trama territorial, apresentando-se como um espaço regional onde as rugosidades são evidentes, mas com transformações significativas em curso. Estamos, portanto, diante de uma nova territorialidade camponesa que expressa suas manifestações socioculturais por meio de elementos materiais e imateriais, promovendo uma metamorfose no espaço latifundiário regional. A partir dessas novas relações, os camponeses reterritorializados expressam nesse novo território sua identidade territorial.
Extracellular HMGB1: an Ambiguous Messenger During HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Gozlan Joel , Borde Chloe , Marechal Vincent
Published: August 2010

High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein is an abundant nuclear protein that is released
outside the cell, upon immune activation or primary cell necrosis. In the extra-cellular space, HMGB1 acts
as a potent soluble factor that coordinates cellular events that are crucial for the amplification of
inflammation, establishment of early immune responses and tissue repair. HMGB1 is therefore considered
as the leading member of a subgroup of the Damage Associated Pattern Molecules named “Alarmins”.

Its critical position between innate and adaptive immunity targets HMGB1 is an important soluble factor
that may interfere with HIV-1 infection. Indeed, recent works from our laboratory and others brought
evidences for significant - although ambiguous - impact of HMGB1 on HIV-1 infection and/or expression.

This review will summarize the current understanding of this exciting molecule, before focusing on the
main data available in the literature regarding its relationship with HIV-1. Its potential role during AIDS
pathogenesis will be discussed.
α1Antitrypsin Therapy Increases CD4+ Lymphocytes to Normal Values in HIV-1 Patients
Authors: L. Bristow Cynthia , Cortes Jose , Mukhtarzad Roya , Trucy Maylis , Franklin Aaron , Romberg Val , Winston Ronald
Published: August 2010

Adult thymopoiesis is a multi-step process that in adult mice is highlighted by a 21-day cycle of
coordinated journeying of progenitor cells between adult bone marrow and thymus. In the analogous
human system, cell surface human leukocyte elastase (HLECS), the chemokine receptor CXCR4, and its
ligand stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, CXCL12) are required for progenitor cells to vacate bone
marrow. We have recently observed that the number of circulating CD4+ lymphocytes is correlated with
the HLECS ligand, α1antitrypsin (α1proteinase inhibitor, α1PI). In HIV-1 disease, α1PI levels are deficient
and rate limiting for CD4+ lymphocytes. We demonstrate herein that α1PI therapy increases the number of
CD4+ lymphocytes in blood. In HIV-1 patients the number of CD4+lymphocytes is increased to normal
values after 2 weeks of therapy. Importantly, the 23-day periodicity of appearance of CD4+ lymphocytes
suggests that α1PI regulates adult human thymopoiesis.
Vitamin D and HIV Infection
Authors: Fibla Joan , Caruz Antonio
Published: August 2010

Among environmental factors related to pathogen infection, vitamin D is largely considered to
be protective and promoter of good health. For these reasons, a general concern exists about vitamin D
insufficiency that has been found around world reaching epidemic dimensions. In the last few years,
interest about the role of vitamin D on immune response has been increased after encouraging data
illustrated the well-known contribution of the binomial sunlight exposure/vitamin D on protection to
mycobacterium infections. The vitamin D mediated induction of microbicide factors against bacterial
infections runs in parallel with the vitamin D immunosuppressant activity induced to control the
exacerbation of the cellular immune response. These complementary effects can be modulated to
guarantee a correct vitamin D action. Concerning HIV infection a protective role can be expected from the
vitamin D mediated microbicide activity, but no single effects can be deduced from the vitamin D
immunosuppressant activity. In addition, the direct effects of vitamin D by promoting HIV replication can
act as a confounding factor when trying to understand the role of vitamin D in HIV infection. In the
present review we have evaluated available bibliography of vitamin D action on the immune system
response crossing it with data on HIV immunopathology trying to find common pathways that can shed
light on the role of vitamin D on HIV infection and disease progression to AIDS.
Bureaucracy and Geography: Geographic Relocation of the Norwegian Central Administration
Authors: Trondal Jarle , Kiland Charlotte
Published: August 2010

How did the Norwegian government succeed in the geographic relocation of a number of domestic agencies? This study suggests an organisational theory approach to explain the success. It argues that formal organisation of the decision-making process in government largely explains the success of the relocation reform. The government had to contend with: physical relocation of institutions tending to mobilise the attention and resistance of affected stakeholders, earlier attempts at physical relocation of agencies largely failing, and the absence of parliamentary majority. Studies demonstrate that large-scale reform processes tend to be characterised by medium degrees of hierarchical control. Instrumental leadership tends to be present in minor institutional reforms than in large-scale reforms. This study suggests that large-scale physical relocation of agencies was completed largely through the formal design of the reform process, i.e. by safeguarding hierarchical leadership from the government.
The effect of IL-6 on the trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo
Authors: Jovanovic Milica , Kovacevic Tamara , Stefanoska Ivana , Vicovac Ljiljana
Published: August 2010

Embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage, implantation into the uterine wall and the development of the functional placenta are steps crucial for the establishment of normal pregnancy. Specific cells of the placenta, the trophoblast cells, invade the uterine stroma and spiral arteries, adapting them to pregnancy. Interleukin-6 is present in the human endometrium during the receptive phase and early pregnancy. Trophoblasts also produce IL-6, which was found to stimulate trophoblast invasion and migration in vitro. Here we show that the activity of MMP-9 may contribute to the observed increased invasion. In addition, in the HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line IL-6 increases cell proliferation. .
Expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in subcutaneous endometriosis
Authors: Djordjevic M. , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Jovanovic B. , Sazdanovic P. , Folic M. , Mitrovic Marina , Djordjevic Gordana
Published: August 2010

Endometriosis is a clinical disorder defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Depending on the localization of the endometrial tissue related to the pelvis, the endometriosis can be classified either as intrinsic or extrinsic. The prevalence of endometriosis is difficult to determine. Statistical data show that endometriosis could be associated both with female infertility (20%) and pelvic pains (24%), while in 4.1% of affected women, endometriosis has asymptomatic forms. The total prevalence of endometriosis is estimated to be between 5-10%. A 35-year-old woman from Knic, Serbia, was admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Clinical Center in Kragujevac for surgical treatment of a suspicious swelling in the pubic region. Following surgical intervention, a nut-sized tumor was removed and sent for both pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results confirmed the presence of subcutaneous endometriosis positive for both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Endometriosis is usually described as a steroid hormone-dependent change that resembles the eutopic endometrial tissue characteristic for the presence of both glandular and stromal tissues. Given the fact that endometrial lesions are estrogen-dependent tumors, a crucial factor in the development of endometriosis is a late exposure to the hormone, mostly estrogen. Spontaneous subcutaneous endometriosis is rarely observed, but it could be assumed if there is recurrent pelvic pain which intensifies during menstruation. Given the fact that endometriosis coexists with different autoimmune diseases, multidisciplinary approaches are required for its proper diagnosis. .
Superoxide dismutase activity and isoenzyme profiles in bulbs of snake's head fritillary in response to cold treatment
Authors: Jevremovic Sladjana , Petric Marija , Zivkovic Suzana , Trifunovic Milana , Subotic Angelina
Published: August 2010

The activities and isoenzyme profiles of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in in vitro Fritillaria meleagris bulbs in response to cold treatment (4?C) were investigated. Differences in SOD activity and isoenzyme profiles in bulbs under standard growth conditions, six weeks chilling, as well as seven days after the completion of cold treatment are presented. SOD activity initially decreased but then rapidly increased seven days after cold treatment. Four isoforms of SOD are active under standard and chilling conditions, while three isoforms are presented 7 days after cold treatment. Native gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of mitochondrial and chloroplast localized SODs. .
Biofilm forming cyanobacteria, algae and fungi on two historic monuments in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Ljaljevic-Grbic Milica , Vukojevic Jelena , Subakov-Simic Gordana , Krizmanic Jelena , Stupar Milos
Published: August 2010

Biofilm on the sandstone substrata of the bridge 'Brankov most' and on the granite substrata of the 'Monument of the Unknown Hero' contains a complex consortia of cyanobacteria, algae, and fungi. Coccoid and filamentous cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms make up the photosynthetic part of the biofilm while hyphal fragments, chlamydospores, fruiting bodies and spores take part as fungal components. These structures make a dense layer by intertwining and overlapping the stone surface. Five cyanobacterial, 11 algal and 23 fungal taxa were found. The interaction of the biofilm's constituents results in the bioweathering of the stone substrata through mechanical penetration, acid corrosion and the production of secondary mycogenic biominerals. .
Lichens as bioindicators of air quality in Dimitrovgrad (South-Eastern Serbia)
Authors: Stamenkovic S. , Cvijan M. , Arandjelovic Mirjana
Published: August 2010

Air pollution detection in Dimitrovgrad has not been done yet. In this work different lichen have been used as a bioindication to establish different air pollution levels. At 18 investigated points 22 lichen taxa have been found. Using the Index of Atmospheric Purity (IAP) it has been found that there are 3 different air pollution zones in Dimitrovgrad: 'lichen desert', 'transitional' and 'normal zone'. The most sensitive lichen taxa in Dimitrovgrad are Evernia prunastra, Ochrolechia pallescens, Parmelia sulcata, and Physcia tenella and the most tolerant are Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Physcia adscendens, Physconia distorta, Physconia grisea, and Xanthoria parietina. .
Comparison of extraction methods for the hypotensive drugs from Eucommia ulmoides
Authors: Cao Hui
Published: August 2010

Extraction methods using Soxhlet extraction (SE), enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EE), semi-bionic extraction (SBE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were evaluated for the yields of geniposidic acid (GPA) and geniposide (GPS) from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides. The results showed that the yields of GPA and GPS attained by EE and SBE were highest, respectively. Compared with various extraction methods for the extraction of GPA and GPS, the SBE was more efficient than other methods. There was no organic solvent used in SBE. The pH values of semi-bionic extraction were the same as in the human body. The results indicate that SBE can be used for large-scale and efficient extraction of GPA and GPS from plant materials. The time taken by SFE was longer than other methods, but the yields of GPA and GPS were the lowest. .
Determination of trace elements in the plants of Mt. Bozdag, Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Yildiz D. , Kula I. , Ay G. , Baslar S. , Dogan Y.
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the current level of atmospheric heavy metal content on the Bozdag Mountain of the Aegean Region, Turkey. Twenty nine different plants were selected to study their potential as biomonitors of trace elements such as Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb, Mn and Cd (?g g-1, dry weight). The samples were collected from two different altitudes of Mt. Bozdag. The concentrations of trace elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations determined at 1000 m altitude ranged from 0.025 to 1.609, 0.232 to 0.731, 0.578 to 5.983, 0.287 to 0.565 and 0.176 to 2.659 (?g g-1, dry weight), for Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb and Mn, respectively. At the altitude of 1600 m, the values ranged from 0.023 to 0.939, 0.258 to 1.254, 0.839 to 5.176, 0.301 to 1.341 and 0.405 to 3.351 (?g g-1, dry weight) for Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb and Mn, respectively. No Cd was detected at either altitude. Statistical significance was determined by the independent sample t-test and comparisons were made in order to determine if there were any differences between the averages of herbaceous and woody plants. .
Addition to the methodology of research into permanent teeth hardness
Authors: Gnjato Sanja
Published: August 2010

This paper examines permanent teeth hardness (microhardness) using the Vickers method. An original methodology was developed and adopted for preparing the experimental material, i.e. the cross sections into four characteristic locations on the tooth: corona dentis, cervix dentis, pars medialis radicis dentis and apex radicis dentis. A new 'hardness profile' was introduced, which connects hardness and location along the cross section of the tooth. Hardness was measured 664 times on experimental cross sections with total a average hardness of 73.17 HV according to Vickers and a standard deviation of 55.68 HV. The derived descriptive statistical indicators of tooth hardness were calculated for equivalent cross sections, individual teeth, teeth groups and tooth localizations. Two algorithms were developed for determining the rank of tooth hardness - one for estimating the rank of arithmetic mean of the hardness of the cross sections of the teeth, and the other for estimating the rank of hardness for individual teeth. .
Morphological and molecular identification of potato cyst nematode populations in Serbia
Authors: Oro Violeta , Ivanovic Z. , Nikolic B. , Barsi L. , Radivojevic M. , Jovcic B.
Published: August 2010

Quarantine species such as potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are present in Serbia since 1999 and 2005, respectively. These nematodes are sibling species and their morphological identification is complex due to their morphometric overlap. The cysts from the localities of Kladnica, Sanac, Gojna Gora and Milatovici were grown on susceptible potato varieties and their morphological differences have been discussed. To avoid ambiguities in species morphological designation a duplex PCR method was chosen for a rapid and accurate species identification. The whole procedure, from DNA extraction to DNA isolation, can be performed in a single day. .
New invasive species of aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in Serbia and Montenegro
Authors: Petrovic-Obradovic Olivera , Tomanovic Z. , Poljakovic-Pajnik L. , Hrncic Snjezana , Vucetic Andja , Radonjic Sanja
Published: August 2010

Three new invasive species of aphids have been found in Serbia: Chaitophorus populifolli Essig, Myzocallis walshii (Monell) and Trichosiphonaphis polygonifoliae (Shinji) and two have been found in Montenegro: Aphis illinoisensis Shimer and Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy). A. illinoisensis is a pest of the grapevine, T. polygonifoliae, feeds on a decorative shrub (Lonicera) and the other three feed on trees (Populus, Quercus and Lagerostroemia). Three of the species are American aphids and two are of Asian origin. Their morphology, illustrated by original drawings and data on the biology and distribution are given. .
The effect of different concentrations of Liberase HI used in a non automated method for human adult pancreatic islet isolation
Authors: Nikolic D. , Djordjevic P.B. , Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic Vesna , Paunovic I. , Kalezic Nevena , Popovic S. , Stefanovic D. , Dzingalasevic Marina
Published: August 2010

Liberase HI has many advantages over traditional collagenases. Liberase performs the rapid dissociation of human pancreata and allows for the preservation of the morphological and functional integrity of isolated islets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Liberase HI (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mg/ml) on the yield, viability and function of islets isolated by a non-automated method. Based on our results, the Liberase HI concentration 1.5 mg/ml is recommended for this method of isolation. .
Characterization of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria strains pathogens of pepper in Serbia
Authors: Ignjatov Maja , Gasic Katarina , Ivanovic Milan , Sevic Milan , Obradovic Aleksa , Milosevic Mirjana
Published: August 2010

During spring and summer of 2008, 101 bacterial strains was isolated from the diseased pepper leaves collected from different pepper growing areas in the Republic of Serbia. The aim of this research was to characterize the isolated strains and determine their taxonomic position according to the most recent nomenclature. Pathogenic, biochemical and physiological characteristics of isolated bacteria were tested using standard bacteriological tests. The pathogen races were determined according to the reaction of differential varieties of Early Calwonder (ECW), their isogenic lines (ECW-10R, ECW-20R, ECW-30R) and Capsicum pubescens. The sensitivity of strains to bactericides was studied in vitro by culturing bacteria on sucrose pepton agar (SPA) plates, amended with filter-sterilized aqueous solution of streptomycin and kasugamycin (50, 100, 200 ppm) or copper-sulphate (100, 200 ppm). Based on pathogenic, biochemical and physiological characteristics, the investigated strains belonged to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. The reaction of pepper differential varieties indicated that these strains belonged to pepper races P1, P3, P7, P8. Streptomycin resistant strains were not detected, but 6 strains were resistant to kasugamycin (50 ppm) and 13 strains to copper-sulphate (200 ppm), indicating bacterial resistance development.
Suppressive effect of some forage plants on the growth of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Iva xanthiifolia
Authors: Milanova Senka , Vladimirov Vladimir , Maneva Svetla
Published: August 2010

A pot trial in greenhouse conditions has been carried out to investigate the role of some plant species in suppression of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Iva xanthiifolia growth. Screening of several plant species (Medicago sativa L., Lolium perenne L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Elymus repens (L.) Gould - all from both turf and seeds) was conducted. The results of the experiment showed that some perennial plants, especially L. perenne, D. glomerata and M. sativa, can be a reliable means of suppression of the growth and seed production of A. artemisiifolia and I. xanthiifolia. Moreover, simple greenhouse screening turned to be a reliable method for predicting this potential suppressive role under certain conditions.
Available services, capacity to help victims of domestic violence in Vojvodina and the awareness and satisfaction of women with these services
Authors: Nikolic Jasmina , Nikolic-Ristanovic Vesna , Petrovic Nikola
Published: August 2010

This paper presents the results of three surveys of the Victimology Society of Serbia, which were conducted during 2009 in the project 'Towards a comprehensive system to combat violence against women in Vojvodina'. These surveys aimed to: 1) determine the exact number of organizations that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence in Vojvodina, their practices, services and facilities; 2) gather information on methods of recording, storage, processing and availability of the data on victims of domestic violence; 3) collect data on the awareness of women about the possibilities of protection, their awareness about the legislation and the existence of services that can be of assistance, as well as the satisfaction of victims of domestic violence with the services of state institutions and NGOs.
Latent structure of learning goals and strategies
Authors: Opacic Goran , Mirkov Snezana
Published: August 2010

A review of the relevant literature demonstrates disagreement regarding the number and nature of factors that affect learning goals and strategies, as well as whether the goals and strategies may be treated as separate groups of phenomena. In order to clarify this controversy, a sample of 364 Belgrade University students was given an instrument consisting of 94 indicators taken from a larger number of available instruments that measure approaches to learning, goal orientations and learning strategies. Factor analysis, applied on the obtained data, showed that six first-order factors related to learning goals and seven first-order factors related to learning strategies explain the latent structure of the phenomenon. Then, second order factor analysis was applied on the pool of obtained factor scores. The assumption that learning goals and strategies share a similar latent structure was confirmed. The results show that a large number of these factors can be predominantly reduced to three latent dimensions: deep approach, surface approach, and achievement approach. The paper suggests that precise operationalisation of the achievement approach is required in the future research.
New method and treatment technique applied to interband transition in GaAs1−x
Px ternary alloys
Authors: Băleanu Cristina-Mihaela , Nigmatullin Raoul , Cetin Saime , Băleanu Dumitru , Ozcelik Suleyman
Published: August 2010

In this paper we presented a new method (Eigen-Coordinates (ECs)) that can be used for calculations of the critical points (CPs) energy of the interband-transition edges of the heterostructures. This new method is more accurate and complete in comparison with conventional ones and has a wide range of application for the calculation of the fitting parameters related to nontrivial functions that initially have nonlinear fitting parameters that are difficult to evaluate. The new method was applied to determine the CPs energies from the dielectric functions of the MBE grown GaAs1−xPx ternary alloys obtained using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements at room temperature in the 0.5-5 eV photon energy region. The obtained results are in good agreement with the results of the other methods.
Restorative Justice conferencing and the youth offender: exploring the role of oral language competence
Authors: Snow Pamela C. , Sanger Dixie D.
Published: August 2010

Background: Restorative Justice is an approach to responding to youth offending that aims to be collaborative and conciliatory rather than adversarial. In this respect, it is a welcome innovation in justice, welfare, and educational settings, and is gaining favour around the world. To date, however, the Restorative Justice literature has not considered the possible implications of unidentified language impairment in the young offenders who are asked to participate in face‐to‐face conferences with their victim(s).

Aims: The aims of this paper are (1) to bring two paradigms together: Restorative Justice on the one hand, and the literature on language and social cognition impairments in vulnerable and socially marginalized young people on the other; (2) to stimulate awareness and interest in this aspect of public policy and practice by speech–language pathologists; and (3) to suggest some research questions that need to be tackled from an oral language competence perspective.

Methods & Procedures: A narrative review of the relevant literature pertaining to both Restorative Justice and oral language competence in vulnerable young people was conducted, with particular emphasis on the implications of the undetected language impairments as a source of possible unintended harm to both victims and offenders in Restorative Justice conferences.

Main Contribution: This is the first paper that specifically addresses the oral language skills of vulnerable and socially marginalized young people with respect to their capacity to participate in Restorative Justice conferences.

Conclusions: It is important that speech–language pathologists contribute their specialized knowledge and clinical skills to public policy‐making and debate, and practice that pertains to marginalized young people who may have undetected oral language impairments. Speech–language pathology as a profession is well positioned to plan and execute important programmes of research on this growing approach to dealing with youth offending and reducing recidivism.
Writing Successful Covering Letters for Unsolicited Submissions to Academic Journals
Authors: Gump Steven
Published: August 2010

Writing a covering letter is a necessary step before submitting an unsolicited manuscript to an academic journal. In cases where the author has not queried the editor of the target journal prior to submission, the covering letter can - and should - be drafted to serve three functions. This article demonstrates how a covering letter can (1) establish the author's credibility, (2) help ensure that the manuscript is seriously considered for publication, and (3) initiate a positive rapport with the editor and editorial staff of the journal. In addition, this article includes sample texts from ‘successful’ covering letters: covering letters that, ultimately, result in having the accompanying manuscript accepted for publication.
A University Press Publishing Consortium for Africa: Lessons from Academic Libraries
Authors: Darko-Ampem Kwasi
Published: August 2010

This article presents the results of a case study of the policies and practices of six African university presses. Based on the findings, it posits the formation of a consortium of African university presses. It borrows heavily from consortium formation in the library world.
Past Pentecostalism: Notes on Rupture, Realignment, and Everyday Life in Pentecostal and African Independent Churches
Authors: Engelke Matthew
Published: August 2010

Pentecostal studies has been one of the most vibrant areas of research in Africa for over twenty years, but is it time we started to look past Pentecostalism? Using some of the most important work in this tradition as a point of departure, this article offers both a critique of and supplement to the Pentecostal literature. It focuses in particular on how we should understand the relationship between Pentecostalism and African Independency by pushing the debates on how to frame their oft-shared desire to ‘break with the past’. Every rupture is also a realignment and how each is conceptualized and understood is a matter not only of discourse but decisions and dilemmas faced in everyday life.
Playing Pool Along the Shores of Lake Victoria: Fishermen, Careers and Capital Accumulation in the Ugandan Nile Perch Business
Authors: Beuving J. Joost
Published: August 2010

The 1990s saw the emergence of a thriving Nile perch export market from East Africa. This commercial table fish species is landed by migrant fishermen at villages that have sprung up along the shores of Lake Victoria, and then exported to overseas markets. By analysing the Ugandan perch fishery as a set of careers, the article shows that, although some fishermen have benefited from the perch boom, most face an uncertain and marginal existence. Few of them, however, move away in response. Analysis of an anthropological case study reveals that this is because the fishermen value the urban culture characterizing prominent village landings, expressed in particular clothing and hairstyles, the prevalence of non-kin ties, and a prospering leisure industry epitomized by the proliferation of pool tables. Hence, a cultural preference for life at the landings, rather than a universal quest for economic opportunity, drives their economic decision making.
Post-Colonial Migration: Virtual Culture, Urban Farming and New Peri-Urban Growth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1975–2000
Authors: Owens Geoffrey Ross
Published: August 2010

Using ethnographic and historical approaches, this article examines unplanned, peri-urban settlements on Dar es Salaam's northern and western fringe, where urban farming is central to many residents’ household economy. Contrasting with conventional models of African urban migration, these new districts were established by a vanguard of educated urban professionals, utilizing farming as an economic diversification strategy. Despite disjunctures arising through decolonization and implementation of state socialism in the 1960s and 1970s, this peri-urban vanguard not only engaged in agricultural activities reminiscent of regions on the borderlands of Tanzania, but also contributed to the reproduction of configurations of socio-economic inequality characteristic of other kinds of urban communities. With critical infrastructural improvements and a pool of urban labourers supporting their endeavours, these districts attracted additional, economically influential urban in-migrants following capitalist reforms following the implementation of the Zanzibar Declaration in 1991.
‘My “Veil” Does Not Go With My Jeans’: Veiling, Fundamentalism, Education and Women's Agency in Northern Cameroon
Authors: van Santen José C. M.
Published: August 2010

This article demonstrates that the struggle over the Muslim ‘veil’ in public schools, which is related to tensions between the norms of secular democracy and principles of religious tolerance, has also become a topic of debate in Cameroon. I take the life of a young woman, Maimouna, whose life I have followed for 22 years, as a point of departure, and place it in the historical and social contexts of her society. I try not only to negotiate presuppositions about women and Islam in order to challenge notions of Muslim women as a homogeneous category, but also to challenge the automatic association of Islam, fundamentalism and the debate on veiling. In this debate it is often taken for granted that women have no say over their own lives. I show not only that the wishes of diverse groups of women living in Muslim societies may vary, but also that in a single woman's life her views may change. I explore how aspects of the new fundamentalist discourse (in which education for women is of importance) – against a background in which political and religious leaders, as in the past, cooperate closely – come to the fore in the subject of veiling. Religious and political councils initiate the foundation of private Islamic schools that are built with money from Saudi Arabian NGOs. In these schools women may wear headgear, which they have to take off in public schools in accordance with the laic prescriptions of Cameroon's constitution. The incessant change of views on veiling is linked to local, national and international contexts, but in a different way at each level. The story of Maimouna indicates that modernity is gendered. In the fundamentalist discourse in Cameroon in which veiling has acquired significance, men opt for another type of school where veiling is allowed, while women opt for education.
Cocoa, Marriage, Labour and Land in Ghana: Some Matrilineal and Patrilineal Perspectives
Authors: Duncan Beatrice Akua
Published: August 2010

There is evidence to show that the institution of marriage, particularly customary law marriage, has served as an important framework for the extraction of conjugal labour as a factor in cocoa production since its introduction in the Gold Coast in 1879. This was necessitated by the abolition in 1874 of slavery and pawning, and the consequent need to replace an illegitimate and coercive system with a legitimate one. By virtue of a pre-existing customary obligation placed on women to assist their husbands in their economic pursuits, the marriage institution provided a basis for this transition. It has been argued, however, that some forms of economic relationship in Ghana revolve around expectations of reciprocity, and that human beings are not altogether altruistic in their dispensation of labour. Hence, women who provide labour support to their husbands expect to be rewarded with land or cocoa farms. In this article, I argue that the pivotal role of cocoa in the rural economy intensified the use of conjugal labour and the consequent expectation of land by wives from their husbands, resulting in a situation in which cocoa, marriage, labour and land rights eventually evolved as ‘institutional quadruplets’. Through case studies extracted from field work conducted in six communities in the Brong Ahafo, Western and Volta Regions of Ghana I demonstrate the continued interplay between these forces in modern times, and outline some policy-centred concerns for the future direction of the cocoa industry.
Revisiting the Politics of Belonging in Cameroon
Authors: Page Ben , Evans Martin , Mercer Claire
Published: August 2010

The article introduces a themed section in the journal on hometown associations in Cameroon. It outlines the impact of ten years’ work in this field and argues that notions of autochthony remain central in understanding Cameroonian politics. However the three articles go on to argue that some of the claims about home, belonging and politics are difficult to reconcile with the hazier reality observed on the ground. The articles aim to disturb any universal, inevitable or overly tidy segue between questions of belonging and claims of political segmentation. Too often the existing literature moves too quickly to an analysis that foregrounds only the worrisome dimensions of a politics of belonging, thus leaving little space for other interpretations. To explore this dilemma the article continues by exploring a land dispute in Bali Nyonga, north-west Cameroon. It shows (1) how ideas of belonging remain central to the practice of politics; (2) how the politics of belonging has changed over time; and (3) how it is possible to foreground an alternative ‘politics of conviviality’, which would otherwise be shaded out by the dominance of the politics of belonging within the literature.
Disguising the Pain of Remembering in Akwapim
Authors: Gilbert Michelle
Published: August 2010

In Akropong-Akwapim, south-eastern Ghana, memories of a sorrowful or conflict-laden past are accessed by verbal and visual strategies that are allusive in nature. The name-response that a mother gives to her child, sites marked in the ritual landscape and a chief's gold-covered linguist staff with a carved narrative image are all sites of memory pertaining to the identity of persons or groups. Formalized, repetitive and felt to be obligatory, they commemorate continuity with a dangerous and/or painful past and simultaneously deny it. This essay concerns memory, ritual, and the deliberate obscurity of reference.
Political Clientelism and Rural Development in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ọmọbọwale Ayọkunle Olumuyiwa , Olutayọ Akinpẹlu Ọlanrewaju
Published: August 2010

In spite of the universality of clientelism, it is often seen as a peculiar aspect of Third World politics, one which inevitably stifles development. This study examines clientelistic relationships in south-western Nigeria and their possible impact on rural development, with a special focus on Ibadan. It finds that rural clients attract the attention of the political class to promote the exchange of goods for loyalty through associations that afford clients a sort of cohesive power and a common front, the basis of their relevance in the political-clientelistic chain. This clientelistic chain also serves as the channel through which development projects are conceived and implemented. But since the projects provided only serve symbolic purposes, they easily collapse: clients may have the opportunity of changing patrons, but they remain subservient to the political/economic elite. Thus rural underdevelopment persists in spite of a continual inflow of development projects (and goods).
Lip-synch Gospel: Christian Music and the Ethnopoetics of Identity in Kenya
Authors: Lamont Mark
Published: August 2010

In recent years there has been an outpouring of Kenyan scholarship on the ways popular musicians engage with politics in the public sphere. With respect to the rise in the 1990s and 2000s of gospel music – whose politics are more pietistic than activist – this article challenges how to ‘understand’ the politics of gospel music taken from a small speech community, in this case the Meru. In observing street performances of a new style of preaching, ‘lip-synch’ gospel, I offer ethnographic readings of song lyrics to show that Meru's gospel singers can address moral debates not readily aired in mainline and Pentecostal-Charismatic churches. Critical of hypocrisy in the church and engaging with a wider politics of belonging and identity, Meru gospel singers weave localized ethnopoetics into their Christian music, with the effect that their politics effectively remain concealed within Meru and invisible to the national public sphere. While contesting the perceived corruption, sin and hypocrisy in everyday sociality, such Meru gospel singer groups cannot rightly be considered a local ‘counter-public’ because they still work their politics in the shadows of the churches.