bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Diets on Biology ofAbaris basistriataandSelenophorus seriatoporus(Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Barbosa C L , Cividanes F J , Andrade D J , Dos Santos-Cividanes T M
Published: January 2012

Ground beetles or carabids are collective terms for the beetle family Carabidae. This family contains many species considered important predators associated with agricultural crops. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different diet types on consumption, fecundity, and egg viability of Abaris basistriata Chaudoir and Selenophorus seriatoporus Putzeys (Coleoptera: Carabidae) . The diets assessed were as follows: larvae of Tenebrio molitor L.; minced beef; dry cat food; the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani); seeds of signal grass, Brachiaria decumbens Stapf; and a diet mixture. Five males and five females of each species were kept isolated in a plastic container divided by a silicon barrier, one side being filled with sifted soil that was moistened for oviposition and the other lined with filter paper to receive the diet. A. basistriata did not consume the B. decumbens seeds. The most consumed diet by A. basistriata and S. seriatoporus adults was T. molitor larvae. S. graminum and T. molitor larvae and diet mixture were considered the diets most favorable for the reproductive capacity of A. basistriata and S. seriatoporus, respectively. However, T. molitor larvae and diet mixture were the most favorable diets for rearing both carabid species in the laboratory.
Molecular Characteristics of Subterranean Termites of the GenusReticulitermes(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) from Korea
Authors: Kim M-J , Choi Y-S , Lee J , Kim J-J , Kim G-H
Published: January 2012

Molecular and taxonomic studies of subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) have suggested that Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto is the only species that occurs in Korea. However, the specimens studied to date were collected from a limited number of locations, and basic information about the distribution, taxonomy, and molecular characteristics of this genus in Korea is still lacking. In this study, we collected Reticulitermes specimens from 50 sampling sites distributed throughout the country. By comparing the cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene of mitochondrial DNA sequences, we conclude that Reticulitermes speratus is represented by two haplotypes in Korea. In addition, we report the first occurrence of another Reticulitermes species in this country.
Effect of Temperature on the Fecundity ofPezothrips kellyanus(Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Varikou K , Birouraki A , Tsitsipis I , Sergentani Chr
Published: January 2012

The reproductive biology of a citrus pest Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) was studied at four constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) on lemon leaf discs, under laboratory conditions. Lifetime fecundity of mated P. kellyanus was twofold higher at 20 and 25°C than at 15°C. Temperature had no significant effect on fecundity but daily oviposition rate increased as temperature increased. At 15°C, a female of P. kellyanus oviposited 1.13 offspring and at 30°C 5.35 offspring in average per day. Adult longevity was inversely related to temperature. Specifically, female longevity was longest at 15°C (53.90 d) and shortest at 30°C (13.64 d). Preoviposition, oviposition, and postoviposition periods decreased inversely to temperature. Sex ratio was strongly female biased (>60%) at 15 and 25°C. The net reproductive rate (Ro was highest at 15°C and lowest at 30°C. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) as well as the finite rate of increase (λ) were related to temperature and were highest at 30°C. The mean generation time (T) and population doubling time (DT) were inversely related to temperature and were longest at the lowest studied temperature, 15°C. Almost all biological parameters (except preoviposition period) differed significantly between mated and unmated females when were tested at 25°C. The offspring sex ratio was significantly higher at mated than unmated females. Unmated females produced only a few female offspring confirming arrhenotoky in P. kellyanus.
Evaluation of Factors That Influence Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) Seed Germination and Emergence
Authors: Sabila Mercy H. , Grey Timothy L. , Webster Theodore M. , Vencill William K. , Shilling Donn G.
Published: January 2012

A perennial species in its native range of Asia and Africa, Benghal dayflower in North America establishes annually from seed. This species has the unique ability to produce aerial and subterranean flowers and seeds. Information on how various environmental factors affect Benghal dayflower aerial and subterranean seed germination and emergence in the United States is lacking. Studies were conducted to determine the effect of temperature, planting depth, salt concentration, and pre-emergence herbicides on germination or emergence of aerial and subterranean Benghal dayflower seed. Maximum aerial seed germination occurred at 30 C, whereas maximum subterranean seed germination occurred at 30 and 35 C. Germination at 40 C was delayed relative to optimum temperatures. The seed coats in this study were mechanically disrupted to evaluate the response of seeds to temperature in the absence of physical dormancy. The physical dormancy imposed by the seed coat could require additional study. Benghal dayflower was not tolerant to ≥ 10 mM NaCl, indicating that this exotic species is not likely to become problematic in brackish marshes and wetlands of coastal plain regions. There was an inverse linear response of Benghal dayflower emergence and planting depth, with no emergence occurring at a planting depth of 12 cm. A field survey of Benghal dayflower emergence revealed that 42% of plants established from a depth of 1 cm in the soil profile, with 7 cm being the maximum depth from which seedlings plants could emerge. This suggests that PRE herbicides must remain in the relatively shallow depths of the soil profile to maximize control of germinating seedlings. Subterranean seeds were less sensitive than aerial seeds toS-metolachlor, the primary means of controlling this species in cotton. There were no differences between the germination of aerial and subterranean seed in response to treatment with diclosulam.
The Critical Period of Weed Control in Lentil (Lens culinaris) in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Smitchger Jamin A. , Burke Ian C. , Yenish Joseph P.
Published: January 2012

The critical period of weed control (CPWC) for ‘Pardina’ and ‘Brewer’ lentil was determined in field experiments near Pullman, WA, in 2008 and 2009. Trial treatments were kept either weed free for periods of 0, 14, 25, 35, 45, 60, 75, or ∼90 d after emergence (DAE), or weeds were allowed to grow before removal for periods of 0, 14, 25, 35, 45, 60, 75, or ∼90 DAE. Averaged across varieties, lentil with season-long weed interference had 29.5 and 32% seed yield reduction compared to weed-free lentils in 2008 and 2009, respectively. When measured at crop maturity, a 1% loss in lentil seed yield resulted from each 5.68 g m−2of dry weed biomass. Based on a 5% yield loss threshold, the CPWC for lentil was estimated to be from 270 to 999 growing degree days (GDD), 22 to 57 DAE, or crop growth stage (CGS) 7 to the early pod stage during 2008. In 2009, the CPWC was 624 to 650 GDD, with no occurrence of a CPWC when estimated using DAE and CGS. Spiny sowthistle emerged and competed with the lentil crop later in the growing season than mayweed chamomile, indicating that mayweed chamomile may be an earlier and stronger competitor than spiny sowthistle.
Use of Logistic Equation for Detection of the Initial Parasitism Phase of Egyptian Broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) in Tomato
Authors: Ephrath Jhonathan E. , Hershenhorn Josseph , Achdari Guy , Bringer Shalom , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: January 2012

The dynamics of the host–parasite relationship between tomato cv. Brigade and Egyptian broomrape is temperature-related. This relationship was utilized for the development of an equation on the basis of thermal time (as measured by growing degree days, GDD, C) to predict the parasitism dynamics of Egyptian broomrape in tomato. To obtain a reliable prediction from thermal time values, studies based on a wide range of temperatures are essential. Four temperature-regime treatments and five levels of infestation with Egyptian broomrape seeds were tested in a multiclimate greenhouse (phytotron) and a temperature-controlled greenhouse, respectively. The day/night temperature regimes were 20/12 C, 23/15 C, 26/18 C, and 29/21 C and the infestation levels were 0 (noninfested control), 1, 5, 10, and 25 mg of Egyptian broomrape seeds per liter of soil. As expected, increasing temperature or infestation levels resulted in faster appearance and higher rate of attachments, respectively. The relation between development of attachments and GDD was described as a three-parameter logistic curve. In both temperature-regime and infestation-level experiments, the development of attachments began 200 GDD after planting and the maximal number of attachments was recorded 800 GDD after planting. A significant reduction in the aboveground biomass of the tomato plants due to increased Egyptian broomrape biomass was recorded only for the 26/18 C and 29/21 C day/night treatments and the three highest infestation levels (5, 10, and 25 mg L−1soil). The ability to predict the start of parasitism can be used to develop a climate-based system for Egyptian broomrape control with herbicides.
Light Quality and the Critical Period for Weed Control in Soybean
Authors: Green-Tracewicz Emily , Page Eric R. , Swanton Clarence J.
Published: January 2012

The critical period for weed control (CPWC) is an integral component of integrated weed management strategies. Several studies have defined the CPWC in soybean under varying agronomic conditions, yet none have described the mechanisms involved in crop yield losses caused by weed competition. We hypothesized that under nonresource-limiting conditions, morphological changes resulting from the expression of shade avoidance could be used to define a period of developmental sensitivity to low red-to-far-red ratio (R : FR) that would overlap with the defined CPWC in soybean. Two experiments (a sequential harvest and a weed addition/removal series) were conducted in 2008 and 2009 under controlled environmental conditions to address this hypothesis. Two light-quality treatments were used: (1) high R : FR ratio (i.e., weed-free), and (2) low R : FR ratio (i.e., weedy). The low R : FR ratio treatment induced shade avoidance responses in soybean, which included increases in height, internode length, and the shoot : root ratio, as well as a reduction in biomass accumulation and leaf number. Using the morphological changes in biomass and leaf number observed in the weed addition/removal series, a period of developmental sensitivity to low R : FR was defined between the first trifoliate (V1) and third trifoliate (V3) stages of soybean development. This period was found to be very similar to the CPWC previously defined by field studies of soybean–weed competition.
Factors Affecting the Germination of Tall Morningglory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Authors: Singh Megh , Ramirez Analiza H. M. , Sharma Shiv D. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: January 2012

Tall morningglory is an annual broadleaf vine and a problem weed in many annual and perennial crops in several countries including the United States. A better understanding of the germination biology of tall morningglory would facilitate the development of better control strategies for this weed. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse and laboratory conditions to evaluate the effects of various environmental factors, such as temperature, light, planting depth, pH, osmotic and salt stress, and flooding duration, on the germination of tall morningglory. The results suggested that the optimum day/night temperature range for the germination of tall morningglory was 20/12.5 to 35/25 C and maximum germination (89%) was observed at 30/20 C. Temperature higher and lower than the optimum range significantly reduced germination. Alternate light and dark did not have any adverse effect on the germination of tall morningglory seeds. The germination was 10% at an osmotic stress of −0.3 and −0.4 MPa, and above that, no germination was observed. Tall morningglory showed some tolerance to salt stress. The germination was 40% and 12% at salt concentrations of 50 mM and 200 mM, respectively. Germination was affected by pH levels, and maximum germination occurred at pH 6, whereas above or below that level, germination was significantly reduced. Maximum germination of seeds was 83 and 94% when sown at 0 and 2 cm depth in soil, within a week of sowing; however, germination was significantly reduced to 76% when placed at a depth of 4 cm or deeper. Under no flooding treatment, 87% of seed germinated, but flooding delayed and inhibited the germination of tall morningglory seeds. It is concluded that several environmental factors affected the germination of tall morningglory, and this information could help to predict the spread of tall morningglory in new areas such as Florida.
Efficacy of Local Drug Delivery of 0.5% Clarithromycin Gel as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy in the Treatment of Current Smokers With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Agarwal Esha , Pradeep A.R. , Bajaj Pavan , Naik Savitha B.
Published: January 2012

Background: The relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal disease has been examined extensively. Local delivery of antimicrobials into periodontal pockets improves periodontal health. The present study is designed to investigate the adjunctive effects of subgingivally delivered 0.5% clarithromycin (CLM) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for treating chronic periodontitis in smokers.

Methods: Sixty‐one patients were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: group 1, in which 31 individuals received scaling and root planing plus 0.5% CLM, and group 2, in which 30 individuals received scaling and root planing plus placebo gel. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months; they included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The mean concentration of 0.5% CLM in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was estimated by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements. At the end of 6 months, the mean GI, PI, mSBI, PD, and CAL for the CLM group were 1.06 ± 0.28, 2.82 ± 0.64, 1.36 ± 0.24, 4.64 ± 0.63, and 4.90 ± 0.46, respectively, versus 1.38 ± 0.41, 3.22 ± 0.57, 1.44 ± 0.27, 6.07 ± 0.88, and 5.69 ± 0.46, respectively, for the placebo group. Using an individual‐based analysis, individuals in group 1 showed enhanced clinical outcome (P <0.05) over a period of 6 months compared with those in group 2. CLM was detected in GCF until a period of 7 weeks after the local drug delivery.

Conclusion: Although both treatment strategies seemed to benefit the individuals, the adjunctive use of 0.5% CLM as a controlled drug delivery system enhanced the clinical outcome.
Tooth and Periodontal Clinical Attachment Loss Are Associated With Hyperglycemia in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Botero Javier Enrique , Yepes Fanny Lucia , Roldán Natalia , Castrillón Cesar Augusto , Hincapie Juan Pablo , Ochoa Sandra Paola , Ospina Carlos Andrés , Becerra María Alejandra , Jaramillo Adriana , Gutierrez Sonia Jakeline , Contreras Adolfo
Published: January 2012

Background: Periodontal disease has been associated with diabetes, but there is still controversy on the relationship between periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between blood glucose levels and clinical parameters of periodontal disease in individuals with diabetes.

Methods: A total of 65 individuals with diabetes and 81 individuals without diabetes were included in the study. A full‐mouth periodontal examination and preprandial fasting glycemia values were recorded for each individual. Glycosylated hemoglobin was only measured in patients with diabetes. A comparative analysis between groups (Mann‐Whitney U test) and a correlation analysis between glycemia and periodontal parameters were performed (Spearman test).

Results: Patients without diabetes presented more teeth than individuals with diabetes (P <0.05). Patients with diabetes with periodontitis displayed loss of periodontal clinical attachment compared to patients without diabetes, but the highest value was observed in patients with periodontitis that reported a smoking habit. Furthermore, patients with diabetes with periodontitis presented higher glycemia and glycated hemoglobin values in contrast to patients with gingivitis. Patients with diabetes with hyperglycemia had a higher risk to develop periodontitis (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 4.93). A positive correlation was observed between glycemia and clinical attachment loss (AL), whereas a negative correlation between glycemia and the number of teeth present was found (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Tooth and periodontal AL were increased by hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes. This study contributes additional evidence that diabetes could aggravate periodontal disease and affect the systemic health of individuals.
Mortality in Kidney Disease Patients Treated with Phosphate Binders
Authors: Di Iorio Biagio , Bellasi Antonio , Russo Domenico
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives

Dietary phosphorous overload and excessive calcium intake from calcium-containing phosphate binders promote coronary artery calcification (CAC) that may contribute to high mortality of dialysis patients. CAC has been found in patients in early stages of nondialysis-dependent CKD. In this population, no study has evaluated the potential role of phosphorus binders on mortality. This study aimed to evaluate all-cause mortality as the primary end point in nondialysis-dependent CKD patients randomized to different phosphate binders; secondary end points were dialysis inception and the composite end point of all-cause mortality and dialysis inception.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements

This is a randomized, multicenter, nonblinded pilot study. Consecutive outpatients (n=212; stage 3–4 CKD) were randomized to either sevelamer (n=107) or calcium carbonate (n=105). Phosphorus concentration was maintained between 2.7 and 4.6 mg/dl for patients with stage 3–4 CKD and between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dl for patients with stage 5 CKD. The CAC score was assessed by computed tomography at study entry and after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. All-cause mortality, dialysis inception, and the composite end point were recorded for up to 36 months.

Results

In patients randomized to sevelamer, all-cause mortality and the composite end point were lower; a nonsignificant trend was noted for dialysis inception.

Conclusions

Sevelamer provided benefits in all-cause mortality and in the composite end point of death or dialysis inception but not advantages in dialysis inception. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Investor Awareness and Investment on Equity in Nepalese Capital Market
Authors: Kadariya Sudarshan , Subedi Phul Prasad , Joshi Bharati , Nyaupane Ram Prasad
Published: January 2012

Keywords: Access; Awareness; Information; Investment; Stock MarketDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v2i1.5702Banking Journal 2012; 2(1): 1-15
Core Principles and Global Practices of Deposit Insurance Scheme: A Comparison of the Trend with the Nepalese System
Authors: Bhatta Kiran Prasad
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v2i1.5705 Banking Journal 2012; 2(1): 59-83
From the Editor
Authors: Karn Dharmendra
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5709Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009
Changing Profile of Herpes Zoster in Nepal: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Kayastha BMM , Shrestha Pallem , Shrestha R , Lama L
Published: January 2012

Keywords: Herpes zoster; Clinico-epidemiological profile; dermatomesDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5710Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 1-4
STI vaccines: a review
Authors: Paudel Severino , Dhali T
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5713Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 13-21
Chromoblastomycosis mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Kayastha BMM , Shrestha R , Shrestha Pan , Karki A
Published: January 2012

Chromoblastomycosis (CM), a chronic subcutaneous mycosis, is caused by several dematiaceous fungi, the most common being Fonsecaea pedrosoi . It usually occurs in the lower extremities following traumatic implantation of the organisms. We are reporting a case of rapidly developing case of CM on the unilateral lower limb with a fungating mass like ulcerative lesion and hyperkeratotic warty growth. We could not explain the pattern of this rapid growth which seems to be one of the rare presentations. Scraping from a verrucous lesion in potassium hydroxide preparation revealed mycelia arising from sclerotic bodies The histopathology from the warty lesion showed granulomatous lesion without muriform or medlar bodies. The histopathology from the ulcerative lesion did not show any malignant changes. Our case responded very well to itraconazole. This case is presented here for the rapidity of growth and the development of a fungating mass and bleeding that simulated the behaviour of squamous cell carcinoma.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5714  Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 22-26
Sweet's Syndrome: a case report
Authors: Kayastha BMM , Lama L , Shrestha P , Shrestha R , Karki A
Published: January 2012

Sweet's syndrome is a disorder characterized by fever and painful skin lesions. The condition starts suddenly with the appearance of red, slightly raised tender plaques, usually on the back, arms, face or neck. Women are most at risk of Sweet's syndrome, predominantly between 30-50 years of age who have recently had an upper respiratory tract infection. Here we present a 70 years old lady who came with fever and tender erythematous plaques on trunk and limbs. On investigation, leucocytosis with raised ESR was found and the skin biopsy was consistent with Sweet's syndrome. There was dramatic improvement with systemic corticosteroid.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5716  Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 31-33
Teledermatology in Nepal: Where are we?
Authors: Neupane S Saraswoti
Published: January 2012

Teledermatology is the practice of clinical dermatology by making use. of images , computers and telecommunication technologies for the diagnosis and treatment ·of skin conditions. The technology involves two different approaches, store-and-forward approach and real-time interaction. Although it has a long history, its implementation in Nepal is still in the period of conception. Both the approaches have their own advantages, but they are not. free from disadvantages. In Nepal, rapidly growing telecommunication facility throughout the country can be utilized to increase the accessibility to dermatology consultation service. Considering the high burden of skin diseases compared to the limited number of dermatologists in the country, teledermatology could be an effective tool in improvement of the health care delivery system.Keywords: Teledermatology; skin diseases; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5718  Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 38-40
Recent Abstracts from International Journals 2009
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5719Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 42-47
Food and Economic Security through Homestead Vegetable Production by Women in Flood Affected Char Land
Authors: Hasan Shaikh Shamim , Sultana Sabina
Published: January 2012

The study was conducted in several “Chars” (Char Kachadia, Char Gangaproshad, Char Alokdia and Char Tishondi) in Shibalaya Upazilla under Manikganj District to: investigate the livelihood situation and socio-demographic characteristics of the Char women, identify the current crop production practices adopted by them and to highlight the most likely months for food insecurity along with main problems regarding homestead vegetable production by the respondents. A total of 150 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study was conducted during August 2009 to February, 2010. It was revealed that most of the respondents were middle aged, had medium to big families, were mostly illiterate to having primary education. They had an average homestead vegetable farm of 6.71 decimals. It was found from the study that most of the respondents spent 3.20 hours/day for cultivating vegetables in their homestead areas. Different types of vegetables were being grown by the respondents including spinach, bitter gourd, cowpea, pumpkin, okra, water spinach, pointed gourd in the summer season and red amaranth, brinjal, tomato, bean, radish, pepper in the winter season. All these vegetables provided food security as well as economic security to the respondents who pointed out that March and September were the most food insecure months. The findings also indicated that the respondents faced several problems like lack of capital, lack of irrigation water during dry season and lack of good quality seeds. Keywords: Food and economic security; homestead; vegetable production; char land DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9478 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 44-53
Social Networks in Rural Situation: A Case Study in Mymensingh District of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MA , Haque S
Published: January 2012

This study based on social networks has identified the socio-economic status of the respondents, their risk management strategies, size and density of the social networks of the actors, and the patterns of relations among social actors in the village Chargobodia of Mymensingh district. A snowball sampling technique was applied and data were collected from 35 respondents from the selected village through field survey using a pre-designed questionnaire, PRA and observation technique. The study indicated that social ties play an important role to manage risk, and the level of income; education and position in the society have great impact on social ties. The strategies used for risk management included communication with family members, neighbours, and friends for getting help, and use of other means such as money lender, NGOs etc. The actors having more ties had a better position in the society to manage any adverse situation. Some actors were in a large network but maintained close interaction with selected few for managing their risk. The group formation mainly depended on close relationship, reciprocity and mutual trust. Based on the findings suggestions have been made for taking sound policies, stronger institutions and better governance as the key tools for more effective poverty reduction and risk management in Bangladesh. Keywords: Social network; risk management DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9481 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 73-81
Studies on Direct and Indirect Effects of Different Plant Characters on Yield of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) Var. Antiquorum
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA
Published: January 2012

Thirty accessions of taro (Colocasia esculenta L) varieties were evaluated to estimate the direct and indirect effects of different plant characters, namely, plant height, petiole length, petiole breadth, leaf number, leaf length, leaf breadth, LAI, inflorescence length, peduncle length, corm length, corm breadth, cormel number, cormel length, cormel breadth, corm weight, cormel weight on yield per plant. Plant height, petiole length, corm breadth, cormel number, cormel length exhibited direct effect on yield per plant at the genotypic level. Cormel weight and cormel breadth had the highest direct effect on yield per plant at the phenotypic level. The residual effect was 0.3043 at the genotypic level and that at phenotypic level was 0.4874. Keywords: Colocasia esculenta; direct effect; indirect effect; yield of taro DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9483 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 89-98
Womens Participation in Family Decision Making in Dumki Upazila of Patuakhali District
Authors: Rashid MU , Islam MM
Published: January 2012

The investigation was conducted to know the family decision making role of rural women in some selected villages namely Shreerampur, Jalisha, and Jhatra of Dumki upazila under Patuakhali district. Data were collected through interview schedule for seventy selected women during February, 2010. The selected characteristics of the rural women were age, education, family size, farm size, annual income, agricultural knowledge, non-localite behavior, training exposure, fatalism and media exposure. Decision Making Index (DMI) was developed to measure each of the items regarding different aspects of role. The DMI ranged from 98-165 against a possible range of 0-210. On the basis of DMI top aspects of decision making role were ‘house construction’ (165), ‘education of children’ (160), ‘participation in social, religious and marriage ceremony’ (160) and ‘vaccination of children’ (155). Overall, family decision making role indicated that the highest proportion (42.8%) of the rural women were found playing medium decision making role while the rest 57.2% was equally shared by high and low decision makers. Correlation analysis indicated education, agricultural knowledge and non-localite behavior to have positive significant influence on family decision making role of the rural women. Keywords: Rural women; decision making role; family DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9488 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 137-142
Climate of Bangladesh: An Analysis of Northwestern and Southwestern Part Using High Resolution Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM)
Authors: Rouf MA , Uddin MK , Debsarma SK , Rahman M Mizanur
Published: January 2012

The past, present and future climatic pattern (temperature and rainfall) of northwestern and southwestern part of Bangladesh was assessed based on the High Resolution Atmospheric-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM) using the present rainfall and temperature data of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Climatology in Bangladesh is derived from 20 km mesh MRI-AGCM (Atmospheric General Circulation Model) calibrated with reference to the observed data for the period of 1979-2006. Then, projections for rainfall and temperature are made for near future (2015-2034) and future (2075-99). Two disaster prone areas (i) northwestern part (Shapahar & Porsha) and (ii) southwestern part (Kalapara & Amtoli) were selected as the study areas. AOGCM model was run for Bangladesh and also for study areas separately. The present mean temperature for Bangladesh was found to rise from the past, rises slightly, but in near future and future the rate of mean temperature rise is projected to be much more than the present rate (increase up to 4.34 °C/100 years), the rate is projected to be 5.39 °C/100 years in case of Shapahar and Porsha a while 4.37 °C/100 years in case of Kalapara and Amtoli. The present, near future and future average rainfall of Bangladesh appeared to fluctuate, but have shown a decreasing trend (decreases up to 1.96 mm/100 years). The mean average rainfall of Shapahar and Porsha presently decreases very slowly (not significant), but in near future and future will decrease slowly (0.66mm/100 years). In case of Kalapara, the average rainfall appears to decrease presently, near future and future will decrease up to 3.62 mm/100 years. The average rainfall of Amtoli appears to decrease @ 1.92mm/100 years but in near future appears to increase slightly and again decrease @ 3.27mm/100years in future. Keywords: Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM); climatology; simulation; temperature; rainfall DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9489 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 143-154
Toward a Brighter Future for Psychology as an Observation Oriented Science
Authors: Grice James W. , Barrett Paul T. , Schlimgen Liz A. , Abramson Charles I.
Published: January 2012

Serious criticisms of psychology’s research practices and data analysis methods date back to at least the mid-1900s after the Galtonian school of thought had thoroughly triumphed over the Wundtian school. In the wake of Bem’s (2011) recent, highly publicized study on psi phenomena in a prestigious journal, psychologists are again raising serious questions about their dominant research script. These concerns are echoed in the current paper, and Observation Oriented Modeling (OOM) is presented as an alternative approach toward data conceptualization and analysis for the social and life sciences. This approach is rooted in philosophical realism and an attitude toward data analysis centered around causality and common sense. Three example studies and accompanying data analyses are presented and discussed to demonstrate a number of OOM’s advantages over current researcher practices.
Forest Carbon Leakage Quantification Methods and Their Suitability for Assessing Leakage in REDD
Authors: Henders Sabine , Ostwald Madelene
Published: January 2012

This paper assesses quantification methods for carbon leakage from forestry activities for their suitability in leakage accounting in a future Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) mechanism. To that end, we first conducted a literature review to identify specific pre-requisites for leakage assessment in REDD. We then analyzed a total of 34 quantification methods for leakage emissions from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the Climate Action Reserve (CAR), the CarbonFix Standard (CFS), and from scientific literature sources. We screened these methods for the leakage aspects they address in terms of leakage type, tools used for quantification and the geographical scale covered. Results show that leakage methods can be grouped into nine main methodological approaches, six of which could fulfill the recommended REDD leakage requirements if approaches for primary and secondary leakage are combined. The majority of methods assessed, address either primary or secondary leakage; the former mostly on a local or regional and the latter on national scale. The VCS is found to be the only carbon accounting standard at present to fulfill all leakage quantification requisites in REDD. However, a lack of accounting methods was identified for international leakage, which was addressed by only two methods, both from scientific literature.
Chemical Affinity as Material Agency for Naturalizing Contextual Meaning
Authors: Matsuno Koichiro , Salthe Stanley N.
Published: January 2012

Chemical affinity involves the integration of two different types of interaction. One is the interaction operating between a pair of reactants while forming a chemical bond, and the other is the prior interaction between those reactants when they identify a reaction partner. The context of the environments under which chemical reactions proceed is identified by the interaction of the participating chemical reactants themselves unless the material process of internal measurement is substituted by theoretical artifacts in the form of imposed boundary conditions, as in the case, for example, of thermal equilibrium. The identification-interaction specific to each local participant serves as a preparation for the making of chemical bonds. The identification-interaction is intrinsically selective in precipitating those chemical bonds that are synthesized most rapidly among possible reactions. Once meta-stable products appear that mediate chemical syntheses and their partial decompositions without totally decomposing, those products would become selective because of their ongoing participation in the identification-interaction. One important natural example must have been the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
Secondary Metabolites from an Algicolous Aspergillus versicolor Strain
Authors: Miao Feng-Ping , Li Xiao-Dong , Liu Xiang-Hong , Cichewicz Robert H. , Ji Nai-Yun
Published: January 2012

Two new compounds, asperversin A (1) and 9ξ-O-2(2,3-dimethylbut-3-enyl)brevianamide Q (2), and nine known compounds, brevianamide K (3), brevianamide M (4), aversin (5), 6,8-di-O-methylnidurufin (6), 6,8-di-O-methylaverufin (7), 6-O-methylaverufin (8), 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (9), ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α,6β-triol (10), and 6β-methoxyergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α-diol (11), were obtained from the culture of Aspergillus versicolor, an endophytic fungus isolated from the marine brown alga Sargassum thunbergii. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 4, 7 and 8 exhibited antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus, and 7 also showed lethality against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) with an LC50 value of 0.5 μg/mL.
Prediction of BOD, COD, and Total Nitrogen Concentrations in a Typical Urban River Using a Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix with PARAFAC and UV Absorption Indices
Authors: Hur Jin , Cho Jinwoo
Published: January 2012

The development of a real-time monitoring tool for the estimation of water quality is essential for efficient management of river pollution in urban areas. The Gap River in Korea is a typical urban river, which is affected by the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and various anthropogenic activities. In this study, fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and UV absorption values at 220 nm and 254 nm were applied to evaluate the estimation capabilities for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations of the river samples. Three components were successfully identified by the PARAFAC modeling from the fluorescence EEM data, in which each fluorophore group represents microbial humic-like (C1), terrestrial humic-like organic substances (C2), and protein-like organic substances (C3), and UV absorption indices (UV220 and UV254), and the score values of the three PARAFAC components were selected as the estimation parameters for the nitrogen and the organic pollution of the river samples. Among the selected indices, UV220, C3 and C1 exhibited the highest correlation coefficients with BOD, COD, and TN concentrations, respectively. Multiple regression analysis using UV220 and C3 demonstrated the enhancement of the prediction capability for TN.
Climate Change Impacts on Water Availability and Use in the Limpopo River Basin
Authors: Zhu Tingju , Ringler Claudia
Published: January 2012

This paper analyzes the effects of climate change on water availability and use in the Limpopo River Basin of Southern Africa, using a linked modeling system consisting of a semi-distributed global hydrological model and the Water Simulation Module (WSM) of the International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade (IMPACT). Although the WSM simulates all major water use sectors, the focus of this study is to evaluate the implications of climate change on irrigation water supply in the catchments of the Limpopo River Basin within the four riparian countries: Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The analysis found that water resources of the Limpopo River Basin are already stressed under today’s climate conditions. Projected water infrastructure and management interventions are expected to improve the situation by 2050 if current climate conditions continue into the future. However, under the climate change scenarios studied here, water supply availability is expected to worsen considerably by 2050. Assessing hydrological impacts of climate change is crucial given that expansion of irrigated areas has been postulated as a key adaptation strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa. Such expansion will need to take into account future changes in water availability in African river basins.
IgG Glycosylation Changes andMBL2Polymorphisms: Associations with Markers of Systemic Inflammation and Joint Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: TROELSEN LONE N. , JACOBSEN SØREN , ABRAHAMS JODIE L. , ROYLE LOUISE , RUDD PAULINE M. , NARVESTAD EVA , HEEGAARD NIELS H. , GARRED PETER
Published: January 2012

Objective.

To examine whether IgG glycosylation changes andMBL2genotypes are associated with systemic inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

IgG N-glycan content was determined from serum in 118 patients with RA by high-throughput glycan analysis using normal-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.MBL2extended genotypes (YA/YA, YA/XA, XA/XA, YA/YO, XA/YO, YO/YO) were determined. Systemic inflammation was assessed by serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Joint destruction was assessed by total Sharp score (TSS) and alloplastic surgery records.

Results.

IgG hypogalactosylation was significantly correlated to IL-6 (Spearman’s rho = 0.32, p < 0.001), CRP (Spearman’s rho = 0.31, p < 0.001), TSS (Spearman’s rho = 0.25, p = 0.01), and alloplastic replacement of joints (Spearman’s rho = 0.18, p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis including age, CRP, anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), and other confounders, IgG hypogalactosylation was significantly associated with TSS (p = 0.014) and alloplastic joint replacement (OR 76.5, p = 0.041) in patients homozygous for the high expressionMBL2genotype YA/YA, but not in carriers of lower expression genotypes.

Conclusion.

Decreased galactosylation of IgG correlated to markers of inflammation, i.e., IL-6 and CRP. Only in patients homozygous for high expression of theMBL2genotype YA/YA was IgG hypogalactosylation associated with markers of joint destruction. Our results suggest that inflammation-associated decreased galactosylation of IgG combined with high expressionMBL2genotypes are involved in the pathophysiology of RA.
Le temps de vivre ou le temps de mourir ?
Authors: Motu Emily , Michalon Clair
Published: January 2012

Qui, face au temps qui s’écoule ou se mesure, n’a pas été surpris par la nonchalance de certains, choqué par la rigidité d’autres, mis à mal par la souplesse des horaires et une attente qui s’étire ? Cet article offre une explication possible des différents rapports au temps entretenus par différents groupes culturels. En accédant aux raisons sous-jacentes des différentes façons de gérer le temps, on peut trouver les comportements de l’Autre, bien que différents, voire opposés aux siens, rationnels et donc maintenir un dialogue avec lui. Ce dialogue est la première étape nécessaire à la richesse de la rencontre interculturelle. Vient ensuite, quand cela est possible, l’adoption des comportements de l’Autre, afin d’enrichir la palette de ses propres comportements culturels, c’est la capacité d’adaptation, c’est la richesse des vrais êtres interculturels.
Nuevas evidencias de la coespecificidad entre Hipparion primigenium melendezi Alberdi, 1974 de Los Valles de Fuentidueña (Segovia) e Hipparion concudense concudense Pirlot, 1956 de Concud (Teruel) España
Authors: Pesquero M. D. , Alberdi M. T.
Published: January 2012

En este trabajo se realiza una comparación morfológica y biométrica de Hipparion primigenium melendezi de Los Valles de Fuentidueña (Segovia) e Hipparion concudense concudense de Concud (Teruel) con el fin de revisar la posible coespecifidad entre ellas. Se han realizado comparaciones con material de otras localidades españolas (La Roma 2, Puente Minero, Milagros, Las Casiones y Venta del Moro) y Euro-asiáticas (Höwenegg, Germany; Pavlodar, Kazakhstan [forma pequeña]). A partir de los caracteres morfológicos y los análisis bivariantes y multivariantes de los restos de Hipparion de ambas localidades y su comparación con los restos de otras localidades españolas y euroasiáticas se confirma la relación coespecifica entre ambas especies de Hipparion. Sin embargo, tanto las diferencias encontradas en la morfología dental como en la gracilidad de sus metápodos podrían sugerir diferencias a nivel subespecífico.
Ácaros oribátidos de medios endogeos del este de España: un nuevo género y dos nuevas especies de Multioppiinae (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae) y dos primeras citas ibéricas.
Authors: Subías L. S. , Shtanchaeva U.
Published: January 2012

Se describe un nuevo género de la familia Oppiidae, Tainsculptoppia n. gen. y dos nuevas especies: Tainsculptoppia graptoppioides n. sp. y Ramusella (Insculptoppia) ramulifera n. sp., pertenecientes a la subfamilia Multioppiinae, del sureste de España y recolectadas en medios endogeos en las orillas y lecho de un río seco. El género Tainsculptoppia se carateriza por la presencia de setas c2 (ta) bien desarrolladas en la región anterior del notogáster, mientras que la especie R. (I.) ramulifera se caracteriza por la presencia de ramas del sensilo bifurcadas. Se incluye también en el género Tainsculptoppia a la especie Tainsculptoppia subiasi (Pérez-Íñigo jr., 1990) n. comb. y se citan por primera vez para España las especies: Phthiracarus boresetosus Jacot, 1930 y Platyliodes doderleini (Berlese, 1883).
An Optimization Algorithm Based on Brainstorming Process
Authors: Shi Yuhui
Published: January 2012

In this paper, the human brainstorming process is modeled, based on which two versions of Brain Storm Optimization (BSO) algorithm are introduced. Simulation results show that both BSO algorithms perform reasonably well on ten benchmark functions, which validates the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed BSO algorithms. Simulation results also show that one of the BSO algorithms, BSO-II, performs better than the other BSO algorithm, BSO-I, in general. Furthermore, average inter-cluster distance Dc and inter-cluster diversity De are defined, which can be used to measure and monitor the distribution of cluster centroids and information entropy of the population over iterations. Simulation results illustrate that further improvement could be achieved by taking advantage of information revealed by Dc and/or De, which points at one direction for future research on BSO algorithms.
Student and Instructor Satisfaction with E-learning Tools in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Keengwe Jared , Diteeyont Watsatree , Lawson-Body Assion
Published: January 2012

This study utilized Expectancy Confirmation Theory (ECT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine satisfaction of students and instructors toward online learning tools and resources in online learning environments. The study findings indicate that student expectation was the most important factor that helped the instructors to design and provide appropriate and efficient technology tools and resources to enhance student learning. Further, the instructors were satisfied with the technology tools and resources that were provided, as these helped them to achieve their instructional expectations. These findings could help to stimulate reflections on ways to improve and design useful e-learning tools and resources that could enhance effective teaching and learning in online environments.
Scheduling of Inbound Trucks at a Cross-Docking Facility
Authors: Golias Mihalis M. , Saharidis Georgios K. D. , Boile Maria , Theofanis Sotirios
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the problem of scheduling of inbound trucks to the inbound doors at a cross-docking facility. The authors optimize for two conflicting objectives: minimize the total service time for all the inbound trucks and minimize the delayed completion of service for a subset of the inbound trucks, which are considered as preferential customers. The problem is formulated as a bi-objective and as a bi-level mixed integer problem. Due to the nature of the former and the complexity of the latter formulation, a genetic algorithm and a k-th best based algorithm are proposed as the solution approaches. Computational examples are used to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each formulation.