bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and quality analysis of membrane cartridges used in long-term operation
Authors: Nishimori K. , Tokushima M. , Oketani S. , Churchouse S.
Published: August 2010

In this study, operation and maintenance performance in two long-term operating Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment facilities were investigated. One facility in Japan started its operation in 1999 showed that both effluent BOD and n-hexane extracts were less than 5 mg/L, and a cumulative replacement percentage (CR%) of membrane cartridges was 7.8% as of 2008. Another facility in the United Kingdom (UK) started its operation in 1998 showed that average effluent BOD was less than 5 mg/L and more than 5-log removal of faecal coliforms was maintained. The CR% was 6.4% as of 2008. Amongst 95 facilities in Europe, the CR% was 6.4% after 5-year operation. In order to inspect product quality of membrane cartridges after 10-year operation in the UK facility, clean water flow (CWF) rate and pore size distribution were measured. The CWF rate was approximately 100% of that of new membrane cartridge's, and the pore size distribution was well maintained at less than 0.46 μm. A microscopic observation showed some scratches on the membrane surface. However, they did not lead to deteriorate permeate quality. These data suggested that the membrane cartridges can be used as long as 10 years.
The removal of disinfection by-product precursors from water with ceramic membranes
Authors: Harman B. I. , Koseoglu H. , Yigit N. O. , Sayilgan E. , Beyhan M. , Kitis M.
Published: August 2010

The main objective of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with different pore sizes in removing natural organic matter (NOM) from model solutions and drinking water sources. A lab-scale, cross-flow ceramic membrane test unit was used in all experiments. Two different single-channel tubular ceramic membrane modules were tested with average pore sizes of 4 and 10 nm. The impacts of membrane pore size and pressure on permeate flux and the removals of UV280 nm absorbance, specific UV absorbance (SUVA280 nm), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were determined. Prior to experiments with model solutions and raw waters, clean water flux tests were conducted. UV280 absorbance reductions ranged between 63 and 83% for all pressures and membranes tested in the raw water. More than 90% of UV280 absorbance reduction was consistently achieved with both membranes in the model NOM solutions. Such high UV absorbance reductions are advantageous due to the fact that UV absorbing sites of NOM are known to be one of the major precursors to disinfection by-products (DBP) such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. For both UF membranes, the ranges of DOC removals in the raw water and model NOM solutions were 55–73% and 79–91%, respectively. SUVA280 value of the raw water decreased from 2 to about 1.5 L/mg-m by both membranes. For the model solutions, SUVA280 values were consistently reduced to ≤1 L/mg-m levels after membrane treatment. As the SUVA280 value of the NOM source increased, the extent of SUVA280 reduction and DOC removal by the tested ceramic UF membranes also increased. The results overall indicated that ceramic UF membranes, especially the one with 4 nm average pore size, appear to be effective in removing organic matter and DBP precursors from drinking water sources with relatively high and sustainable permeate flux values.
Optimal groundwater contamination monitoring using pumping wells
Authors: Shlomi Shahar , Ostfeld Avi , Rubin Hillel , Shoemaker Christine
Published: August 2010

This study presents a new method for selecting monitoring wells for optimal evaluation of groundwater quality. The basic approach of this work is motivated by difficulties in interpolating groundwater quality from information collected for only few sampled wells. The well selection relies on other existing data relevant to contaminant distribution in the sampling domain, e.g. predictions of models which rely on past measurements. The objective of this study is to develop a method of selecting the optimal wells, from which measurements could best serve some external model, e.g. a kriging system for characterizing the entire plume distribution, a flow-and-transport model for predicting a future distribution, or an inverse model for locating contaminant sources or estimating aquifer parameters. The decision variable at each sampling round determines the specific wells to be sampled. The study objective is accomplished through a spatially-continuous utility density function (UDF) which describes the utility of sampling at every point. The entire methodology which utilizes the UDF in conjunction with a sampling algorithm is entitled the UDF method. By applying calculations in steady and unsteady state sampling domains the effectiveness of the UDF method is demonstrated.
Even-hole-free graphs: A survey
Authors: Vuskovic Kristina
Published: August 2010

The class of even-hole-free graphs is structurally quite similar to the class of perfect graphs, which was the key initial motivation for their study. The techniques developed in the study of even-hole-free graphs were generalized to other complex hereditary graph classes, and in the case of perfect graphs led to the famous resolution of the Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture and their polynomial time recognition. The class of even-holefree graphs is also of independent interest due to its relationship to ?-perfect graphs. In this survey we describe all the different structural characterizations of even-hole-free graphs, focusing on their algorithmic consequences.
GC/MS analysis of gaseous degradation products formed during extrusion blow molding process of PE films
Authors: Stasiek Joachim , Malinowski Rafał , Ligor Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: August 2010

Results of the investigation of volatile organic compounds emission during polyethylene extrusion are presented. Two polymers of different processing properties were tested, namely linear low density polyethylene (ExxonMobil) and high density polyethylene (Liten FB 29). Blowing film extrusion in experimental technological line using a single screw extruder as the imported element was done. VOCs were collected on sorbent tubes containing Tenax. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied for the identification of volatile degradation products. PE LLD material emits a significantly larger amount of hydrocarbons than PE-HD. Its emission contains mainly C18 and C20 hydrocarbons (alkanes, 1-alkenes, and α,ω-alkadienes). In case of the PE-HD polymer, lower degradation was observed and C18 and C23 hydrocarbons were emitted.
Knowledge Transfer in Higher Education Quality Management: The Case of Germany and Slovakia
Authors: Báráňová-Čiderová Denisa , Mayer Peter
Published: August 2010

Knowledge Transfer in Higher Education Quality Management: The Case of Germany and Slovakia

The last two decades have been characterized by a fundamental change in the approaches, tools and instruments in the quality management at Higher Education Institutions. Comparison of two Higher Education Institutions in the Slovak Republic and Germany highlights similarities and trends in quality assurance. Both case studies show how multifaceted the quality management is, and the needs to be approached if a meaningful progress is to be made. Complexity has to be explicitly recognized and built into the approach chosen. Higher Education Institutions have to develop internal quality assurance processes. Quality culture is key for addressing the challenges.
Improved Fall-Related Efficacy in Older Adults Related to Changes in Dynamic Gait Ability
Authors: Bishop Mark D. , Patterson Tara S. , Romero Sergio , Light Kathye E.
Published: August 2010

Background

Low fall-related efficacy is associated with the number and severity of future falls in older adults with balance disorders.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine whether improvements in clinical measures of balance after an intervention program were associated with changes in efficacy.

Design

A prospective, nonexperimental, pretest-posttest design was used.

Methods

Sixty-three people (43 men, 20 women; mean [±SD] age=76.6±4.9 years) with a history of at least 2 falls in the previous 12 months were enrolled between 2004 and 2008 to participate in a 12-week home exercise program. Balance deficits were identified using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and participants were evaluated monthly. Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between measures of balance (BBS and DGI) and efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale) before intervention. A second model examined the relationship between changes in balance and changes in efficacy after participation in the program.

Results

Preintervention scores of efficacy were significantly associated with age, depression, and BBS and DGI scores. After controlling for age, depression, and strength (force-generating capacity), BBS and DGI scores together accounted for 34% of the variance in preintervention efficacy. Significant improvements were noted in efficacy, BBS and DGI scores, and depression after intervention. When controlling for preintervention efficacy and changes in depression, the changes in DGI and BBS scores together explained 11% of the variance in the change in fall-related efficacy; however, only DGI scores contributed uniquely.

Limitations

These results are tempered by the absence of a control group to examine the role of time on changes in efficacy.

Conclusions

The results suggest that increased emphasis on mobility during rehabilitation leads to improved confidence to perform activities of daily living without falling.
Book Review
Authors: Czekierda Waldemar
Published: August 2010

The Teaching Files: Chest. By C. Isabela S. Silva and Nestor L. Muller. London: Saunders/Elsevier, 2010. ISBN 978-1-4160-6110-6. 448 pages, approx 600 images. Price (hardcover): € 106.76.
Breast MRI as an adjunct to mammography: Does it really suffer from low specificity? a retrospective analysis stratified by mammographic BI-RADS classes
Authors: Benndorf Matthias , Baltzer Pascal A.T. , Vag Tibor , Gajda Mieczyslaw , Runnebaum Ingo B. , Kaiser Werner A.
Published: August 2010

Background: Reports on the specificity of breast MRI are heterogeneous, depending on the respective setting of the performed study.

Purpose: To retrospectively estimate the sensitivity and especially the specificity of breast MRI in the non-screening setting as an adjunct to mammography sorted by breast density and to estimate the accuracy of breast MRI in cases rated BI-RADS 0 and 3 mammographically.

Material and Methods: A total of 216 consecutive patients with referral to breast MRI and previously acquired mammography were enrolled in this analysis. Negative findings were followed up with a mean time of 26.7 months. The loss to follow-up was 10.8%. The single breast was regarded as the study subject ( n=399, 364 cases were eligible for calculation of diagnostic accuracy). BI-RADS 1 and 2 were rated as benign, 4 and 5 as malignant. BI-RADS 0 and 3 were analyzed separately. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from the normally approximated binomial distribution and taken to represent significant differences for the two imaging modalities if they did not overlap.

Results: Among the study population, 62 malignant neoplasms were detected. For cases rated BI-RADS 1, 2, 4, and 5 ( n=251), the sensitivity of breast MRI was 95.7% (95% CI 89.9–100.0%) and 74.5% (95% CI 62.0–87.0%) for mammography, respectively. The specificity of breast MRI was 96.1% (95% CI 93.4–98.8%) and 92.2% (95% CI 88.5–95.9%) for mammography, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI did not depend on breast density. In cases rated BI-RADS 0, n=57 (3, n=56), breast MRI achieved a sensitivity of 100% (90.9%) and a specificity of 98.1% (88.9%). There was a significant ( P< 0.01) accumulation of dense breast tissue (ACR IV) in breasts rated BI-RADS 0 in mammography. Breast MRI missed three malignant lesions, two of them being smaller than 3 mm.

Conclusion: There is no rationale to criticize the low specificity of breast MRI when used as an adjunct to mammography. The independency of the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI from breast density makes it a worthwhile choice in mammographic BI-RADS 0 cases.
Microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization in soil amended with different proportions of vermicompost and coir dust
Authors: Walpola BC , Wanniarachchi SD
Published: August 2010

The effect of different combinations of vermicompost and coir dust on microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization in soil was studied under laboratory conditions. Treatment with 75% vermicompost and 25% coir dust (T2) demonstrated the highest carbon mineralization and NH+4-N contents followed by treatment T1 (100% vermicompost) and T3 (50% vermicompost and 50% coir dust). Despite the varied NO3-N contents at the initial stages of incubation, the NO3-N content steadily increased for all the treatments at day 49 onwards. The highest NO3-N content was observed in T1 followed by that in T2 and T3. Such studies need be conducted under field conditions to reach a definite conclusion. Key Words: Vermicompost; coir dust; mineralization. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5830Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 537-543, December 2009
Performances of different hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) varieties under intercropping systems with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Alom MS , Paul NK , Quayyum MA
Published: August 2010

The experiment was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Jessore to evaluate the performance of different varieties of hybrid maize under intercropping systems with groundnut in rabi seasons to find out the suitable intercropping system in increasing crop productivity and profitability of consecutive two years (2004 and 2005). Four sole crops of hybrid maize varieties (BHM-1, BHM-3, Pacific-11 and Pacific-984), one sole crop of groundnut (var. Jhingabadam) and eight intercropping systems of maize + groundnut under two planting methods viz., normal and paired row made 13 treatments were used. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Among the intercropped treatments, four rows groundnut in between paired rows of hybrid maize var. Pacific-11 showed higher maize equivalent yield (13.56 t/ha in 2003-04 and 15.34 t/ha in 2004-05), groundnut equivalent yield (4.34 t/ha in 2003-04 and 4.91 t/ha in 2004-05), land equivalent ratio (1.54 in 2003-04 and 1.66 in 2004-05) as compared to other treatments. Key Words: Hybrid maize varieties; intercropping systems; groundnut. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5835Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 585-595, December 2009
Assessment of irrigation water quality of Bogra District in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Shamsad SZKM
Published: August 2010

Some important physio-chemical parameters of surface and groundwater of Bogra District were evaluated for the criteria of irrigation water quality. Forty four water samples were collected in the peak dry season (December-April) from different areas of Bogra District. The study revealed that temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), total hardness (Ht) and Kelly’s ratio of waters were found within the permissible limits for irrigation purposes. Any initiative for surface and groundwater development for planned irrigation practices is highly encouraged. Key Words: Irrigation water (surface and groundwater); quality; Bogra District. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5836Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 597-608, December 2009
Contribution of rice straw to potassium supply in rice-fallow-rice cropping pattern
Authors: Saha PK , Miah MAM , Hossain ATMS , Rahman F , Saleque MA
Published: August 2010

A field experiment was conducted through 2001-2004 at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur Farm with a view to determining the contribution of rice straw to K supply and K-use efficiency for the next crop in Rice-Fallow-Rice cropping pattern. Two levels of chemical potassium-0 (K0) and 66 kg K/ha (K66) from muriate of potash (MoP)- were tested with or without straw incorporation. Results showed that the use of K either from inorganic fertilizer or from rice straw increased the plant height, panicles/m2, grain and straw yields of rice in both Boro and T. Aman seasons. However, the effect of K was more distinct in Boro season. On an average, 1.33 t/ha yield benefit of Boro rice was obtained with rice straw incorporation in K0 plot. Application of K significantly increased the total K and P uptake of rice crops. Agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity and physiological efficiency of K decreased with the increasing K level regardless of K sources in Boro season. Potassium replenishment through chemical fertilizer was not sufficient to balance K. However, incorporation of rice straw showed a positive K balance. Positive perceptible changes in soil characteristics and soil nutrient status (N, P and K) were observed due to K fertilization either from inorganic (MoP) or from organic sources. Key Words: Contribution of rice straw application; K-supply; rice-fallow-rice cropping pattern. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5839Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 633-643, December 2009
Genetic divergence analysis in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Quamruzzaman AKM , Rashid MA , Ahmad S , Moniruzzaman M
Published: August 2010

Genetic divergence among 19 eggplant genotypes was estimated using Mahalanobis's D2 statistic. Altogether five clusters were formed. Cluster I contained the highest number of genotypes (7) and cluster IV and V contained the lowest (2). The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different geographical locations into five clusters was random, demonstrating that geographical isolation may not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster V (1.067) and the lowest for cluster III (0.916). The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V (10.748). Cluster V recorded the highest mean for plant height at last harvest (cm), leaf blade length (cm), leaf blade diameter (cm), leaf pedicel length (cm), fruit pedicel length (cm), prickle on calyx. Whereas, number of branches per plant, fruit diametre (cm), individual fruit weight (g), fruit yield (t/ha) and prickle on fruit pedicel were in cluster II with the highest means. Therefore, more emphasis should be given on cluster V for selecting genotypes as parents for crossing with the genotypes of cluster II which may produce new recombinants with desired traits. Key Words: Genetic diversit; eggplant (Solanum melongena L.); cluster analysis. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5845Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 705-712, December 2009
Awareness of the farmers on the use of hot water seed treatment device for controlling phomopsis blight of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Hossain MT , Hossain S , Islam MA , Khan MAR , Hossain SMM
Published: August 2010

Key Words: Hot water seed treatment; phomopsis blight of eggplant DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5847Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 723-727, December 2009
Carbon Nanotubes Filled with Ferromagnetic Materials
Authors: Weissker Uhland , Hampel Silke , Leonhardt Albrecht , Büchner Bernd
Published: August 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) filled with ferromagnetic metals like iron, cobalt or nickel are new and very interesting nanostructured materials with a number of unique properties. In this paper we give an overview about different chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods for their synthesis and discuss the influence of selected growth parameters. In addition we evaluate possible growth mechanisms involved in their formation. Moreover we show their identified structural and magnetic properties. On the basis of these properties we present different application possibilities. Some selected examples reveal the high potential of these materials in the field of medicine and nanotechnology.
The Potential Role of Cannabinoids in Modulating Serotonergic Signaling by Their Influence on Tryptophan Metabolism
Authors: Jenny Marcel , Schröcksnadel Sebastian , Überall Florian , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: August 2010

Phytocannabinoids present in Cannabis plants are well known to exert potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Previously, we have demonstrated that the psychoactive D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) modulate mitogen-induced Th1-type immune responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The suppressive effect of both cannabinoids on mitogen-induced tryptophan degradation mediated by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), suggests an additional mechanism by which antidepressive effects of cannabinoids might be linked to the serotonergic system. Here, we will review the role of tryptophan metabolism in the course of cell mediated immune responses and the relevance of cannabinoids in serotonergic signaling. We conclude that in particular the non-psychotropic CBD might be useful for the treatment of mood disorders in patients with inflammatory diseases, since this cannabinoid seems to be safe and its effects on activation-induced tryptophan degradation by CBD were more potent as compared to THC.
Erosion Relevant Topographical Parameters Derived from Different DEMs—A Comparative Study from the Indian Lesser Himalayas
Authors: Datta Pawanjeet S. , Schack-Kirchner Helmer
Published: August 2010

Topography is a crucial surface characteristic in soil erosion modeling. Soil erosion studies use a digital elevation model (DEM) to derive the topographical characteristics of a study area. Majority of the times, a DEM is incorporated into erosion models as a given parameter and it is not tested as extensively as are the parameters related to soil, land-use and climate. This study compares erosion relevant topographical parameters—elevation, slope, aspect, LS factor—derived from 3 DEMs at original and 20 m interpolated resolution with field measurements for a 13 km2 watershed located in the Indian Lesser Himalaya. The DEMs are: a TOPO DEM generated from digitized contour lines on a 1:50,000 topographical map; a Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM at 90-m resolution; and an Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) DEM at 15-m resolution. Significant differences across the DEMs were observed for all the parameters. The highest resolution ASTER DEM was found to be the poorest of all the tested DEMs as the topographical parameters derived from it differed significantly from those derived from other DEMs and field measurements. TOPO DEM, which is, theoretically more detailed, produced similar results to the coarser SRTM DEM, but failed to produce an improved representation of the watershed topography. Comparison with field measurements and mixed regression modeling proved SRTM DEM to be the most reliable among the tested DEMs for the studied watershed.
A Reaction-Diffusion-Based Coding Rate Control Mechanism for Camera Sensor Networks
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Hyodo Katsuya , Wakamiya Naoki , Murata Masayuki
Published: August 2010

A wireless camera sensor network is useful for surveillance and monitoring for its visibility and easy deployment. However, it suffers from the limited capacity of wireless communication and a network is easily overflown with a considerable amount of video traffic. In this paper, we propose an autonomous video coding rate control mechanism where each camera sensor node can autonomously determine its coding rate in accordance with the location and velocity of target objects. For this purpose, we adopted a biological model, i.e., reaction-diffusion model, inspired by the similarity of biological spatial patterns and the spatial distribution of video coding rate. Through simulation and practical experiments, we verify the effectiveness of our proposal.
Mirror Symmetry Breaking in Helical Polysilanes: Preference between Left and Right of Chemical and Physical Origin
Authors: Fujiki Michiya
Published: August 2010

From elemental particles to human beings, matter is dissymmetric with respect to mirror symmetry. In 1860, Pasteur conjectured that biomolecular handedness— homochirality—may originate from certain inherent dissymmetric forces existing in the universe. Kipping, a pioneer of organosilicon chemistry, was interested in the handedness of sodium chlorate during his early research life. Since Kipping first synthesized several Si-Si bonded oligomers bearing phenyl groups, Si-Si bonded high polymers carrying various organic groups—polysilanes—can be prepared by sodium-mediated condensation of the corresponding organodichlorosilanes. Among these polysilanes, optically active helical polysilanes with enantiomeric pairs of organic side groups may be used for testing the mirror symmetry-breaking hypothesis by weak neutral current (WNC) origin in the realm of chemistry and material science. Several theoretical studies have predicted that WNC-existing chiral molecules with stereogenic centers and/or stereogenic bonds allow for distinguishing between image and mirror image molecules. Based on several amplification mechanisms, theorists claimed that minute differences, though still very subtle, may be detectable by precise spectroscopic and physicochemical measurements if proper chiral molecular pairs were employed. The present paper reports comprehensively an inequality between six pairs of helical polysilane high polymers, presumably, detectable by (chir)optical and achiral 29Si-/13C- NMR spectra, and viscometric measurements.
La société britannique, la monarchie et la guerre, 1914-1945
Authors: Chassaigne Philippe
Published: August 2010

Clef de voûte du système institutionnel britannique, la monarchie ne pouvait échapper à la mise à l’épreuve que constituèrent les deux guerres mondiales. Si, dans le domaine de la politique intérieure, le pouvoir du souverain n’augmenta pas, pas plus qu’il ne joua, dans aucun des deux conflits, le rôle du « roi de guerre », en revanche, la dimension impériale de la couronne en sortit renforcée : l’Empire démontra un loyalisme à toute épreuve (exception faite de la neutralité irlandaise en 1939) et l’adoption du Statut de Westminster (1931), redéfinissant les rapports entre la métropole et les Dominions, mettait expressément l’accent sur l’allégeance à la Couronne comme facteur de l’unité impériale. Surtout, les Royals surent se mettre à l’unisson de la nation : George V et George VI jouèrent pleinement leur rôle de « père tutélaire » de leurs sujets et, lors de chaque conflit, l’ensemble de la famille royale multiplia les visites sur le terrain ou s’engage dans maintes activités caritatives. En outre, les media déclinèrent à l’infini ce thème de la monarchie partageant les épreuves des Britanniques. L’institution sortit donc renforcée de deux conflits qui, sur le Continent, entraînèrent la ruine de plus d’une dynastie européenne.
Les comportements démographiques des élites bordelaises au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Minvielle Stéphane
Published: August 2010

La reconstitution des familles des élites bordelaises a permis de montrer les évolutions et les permanences de leurs comportements démographiques entre la fin du XVII e siècle et le déclenchement de la Révolution française. On observe une grande diversité des pratiques, bien que cette population soit socialement assez homogène, avec notamment le rôle pionnier de la noblesse dans la limitation des naissances.
Un modèle d'expansion économique à Nantes de 1763 à 1792 : Louis Drouin, négociant et armateur
Authors: Pineau-Defois Laure
Published: August 2010

La France et le port de Nantes en particulier, connaissent un essor commercial remarquable tout au long du XVIII e siècle. Les guerres ne viennent perturber que ponctuellement cette prospérité basée sur un système d’échanges entre la façade atlantique, l’Afrique et l’Amérique. L’après-guerre de Sept Ans marque un renouveau dans le paysage du négoce nantais : des hommes néophytes pour la plupart, se lancent dans l’aventure maritime et deviennent les plus puissants de la place commerciale à la veille de la Révolution. Louis Drouin représente une figure emblématique de ces nouvelles élites portuaires de la fin de l’Ancien Régime. Quelles sont les caractéristiques de cette élite ? Comment l’armement de navires et le négoce peuvent-ils permettre un enrichissement aussi prompt et efficace ? Quels moyens se donnent ces hommes pour réussir ? Louis Drouin progresse dans son entreprise de manière infaillible et stratégique. Il s’associe à deux autres négociants dans un premier temps, pour débuter dans l’armement afin de se constituer un capital personnel. Puis, il combine à une droiture massive et régulière avec Saint-Domingue un armement négrier peu audacieux mais efficace. De plus, sa connaissance étendue de Saint-Domingue et ses relations établies lors de ses quatorze années de vie à Saint Marc, lui assurent une compétence ineffable dans le commerce des Îles. Sa spéculation, autant pour le financement des expéditions maritimes que lors des phases de belligérance, nous permet de déceler les tactiques d’un homme rompu aux rouages du capitalisme commercial. L’exemple de Louis Drouin nous offre la possibilité d’approcher au mieux les mentalités négociantes de cette fin d’Ancien Régime et de comprendre le rôle de la Révolution dans la désagrégation des fortunes coloniales et maritimes.
Les vivants et les morts dans les métropoles de l'époque moderne
Authors: Harding Vanessa
Published: August 2010

Résumé La façon dont une société s’occupe de ses cadavres peut être riche d’enseignements. Les rituels mortuaires et les pratiques funéraires révèlent et renforcent les structures sociales, et sont un mécanisme important pour assurer une continuité et une récupération sociales face à la mort. Les premières villes modernes, et particulièrement les grandes métropoles comme Londres ou Paris, ont du faire face à un défi hygiénique et pratique, qui consistait à enterrer chaque année des milliers de morts tout en s’efforçant de ménager la susceptibilité des croyances populaires. Cet article montre quelles solutions et pratiques elles ont développées, et soutient qu’il existe un rapport essentiel entre la façon dont les problèmes concernant la mort et l’enlèvement des corps étaient traités à Londres et à Paris au début de l’époque moderne, et la manière dont ces villes font face aux grandes crises et aux problèmes d’ordre et de désordre. La continuité dans les pratiques funéraires pendant la période de la Réforme semble avoir été un facteur de stabilité à Londres, et une source de conflit à Paris.
Du « bon usage » de la clôture et de l'enfermement dans les établissements charitables aux xviie et xviiie siècles
Authors: Dinet-Lecomte Marie-Claude
Published: August 2010

Résumé Le phénomène de clôture et d’enfermement triomphe à la fin du xvi e siècle et au xvii e siècle sous le double effet de la Réforme catholique et de la politique de grand « renfermement des pauvres ». Si l’historiographie en a souligné la convergence et la concomitance, elle n’a pas toujours saisi la complexité des motivations, l’ampleur des aspirations religieuses et surtout la place centrale occupée par les femmes dans le combat charitable. C’est pourquoi, cette contribution s’intéresse au rôle des sœurs hospitalières dans la société. À la différence des moniales, elles ne participent pas (ou si peu) à l’invasion conventuelle des villes car elles relèvent à la fois de l’Église, de l’État et des municipalités. Majoritaires dans les hôtels-Dieu, les hôpitaux et les pensionnats des villes, elles doivent concilier vie religieuse et service hospitalier. Malgré une infinité de statuts et de règles, tout est mis en œuvre pour éviter la surenchère conventuelle de certaines religieuses. La règle est constamment mitigée, il y a des degrés, des accommodements dans la clôture amplifiés dans la pratique. Les deux dernières parties consacrées aux sœurs de charité montrent que l’absence de clôture voulue par Vincent de Paul n’est pas une forme d’émancipation. Pour qu’elles ne se perdent pas dans le monde, elles sont astreintes à une totale soumission vis-à-vis de leur supérieur ecclésiastique et des administrateurs hospitaliers. L’obéissance tient lieu de clôture, le travail est une forme de prière. De là, la naissance des stéréotypes dès le xviii e siècle car, en dépit des apparences, beaucoup de contemporains ne pensaient pas que l’esprit de clôture fût aussi fort chez les séculières et de fait, les rapprochait des religieuses à vœux solennels.
Les activités métaux précieux de la Degussa dans l'Europe occupée, 1939
Authors: Banken Ralf
Published: August 2010

Résumé Avant 1933, l’entreprise Degussa de Francfort/Main contrôlait la branche allemande des métaux précieux. Par sa position de leader du marché que lui conférait son implication dans de nombreux cartels, les importations et les exportations qu’elle réalisait assuraient un équilibre de la demande et de l’offre sur le marché allemand. Pour ce faire, la Degussa collaborait avec d’autres leaders de marché européens (Comptoir Lyon Alemand à Paris; Johnson, Matthey & Co à Londres), avec lesquels ils ne se concurrençaient pas entre eux sur leurs marchés nationaux respectifs. La situation n’a pas changé quand, en 1934, le contingentement gouvernemental des métaux précieux a été introduit en Allemagne, dans la mesure où la Degussa jouait un rôle dominant dans leur répartition. De même, après le déclenchement de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, malgré l’influence grandissante de l’office de contrôle des métaux précieux ( Reichsstelle für Edelmetalle ) sur le système de contingentement, la politique de la Degussa est restée déterminée par ses intérêts à long terme et par une stratégie commerciale prudente. En dehors des exportations dans des pays neutres ou occupés (Suisse, Danemark, etc.), il n’y a qu’en Europe orientale qu’une nouvelle organisation de vente des métaux précieux a été mise en place. En Europe occidentale, la Degussa a continué à collaborer avec ses anciens partenaires commerciaux et a renoncé à une expansion rapide. Le marché français a été laissé au partenaire habituel (Comptoir Lyon Alemand) sur la base des anciens accords. Toutefois, indépen-damment des frontières nationales et du statut des territoires, la Degussa a transformé à grande échelle des métaux précieux pillés par l’État allemand. Ces métaux étaient généralement amenés en Allemagne par des agences du Reich, et vendus seulement ensuite à la Degussa ou à d’autres entreprises. Dans ce cadre, l’entreprise était impliquée dans la récupération de l’or des victimes juives de l’Holocauste, qui était ensuite transformé dans le système de contingentement des métaux précieux ou transféré à la Reichsbank sous la forme de lingots.
Aspects économiques de l'occupation allemande en France, 1940-1944: l'exemple de l'industrie électrotechnique
Authors: Homburg Heidrun
Published: August 2010

Résumé L’article tente d’illustrer, à travers l’exemple de l’industrie de la construction électrotechnique en France et en Allemagne, la thèse qu’étudier les conditions de la collaboration économique, ses effets et ses limites nécessite de poser le régime d’occupation et la collaboration économique comme un processus d’interaction entre l’occupant et l’occupé. Le caractère international de cette industrie et le fait que toutes les grandes entreprises françaises et allemandes étaient intégrées dans un réseau de relations multilatérales qui incluait souvent les firmes américaines géantes comme partie tierce eurent un impact ambigu. D’une part, les relations existantes facilitèrent pour les entreprises allemandes l’emploi des ressources françaises pour leur propre effort de guerre et l’intégration des usines françaises dans leurs capacités de production, nourrissant ainsi la collaboration économique. Mais, d’autre part, ces relations limitaient la portée et l’intensité destructrice de la collaboration, dans la mesure où les deux parties, aussi bien les dirigeants français qu’allemands, ont pris conscience en 1943 que le rapport de forces commençait à changer et que l’existence future de leur entreprise dépendrait de leur coopération avec les Américains après la fin de la guerre.
Une dimension ignorée des relations économiques franco-japonaises : Mitsubishi en France avant 1945
Authors: Hara Terushi
Published: August 2010

Créé en 1878 par Iwasaki Yataro, Mitsubishi s’est rapidement imposé comme le premier des zaibatsu. Présent dans tous les domaines (navigation, commerce, import-export, banque, industrie chimique et industrie lourde, etc.), Mitsubishi s’est implanté en France, en 1924 sous la raison sociale de Société Anonyme Française Mitsubishi. Celle-ci s’est d’abord intéressé à l’aviation, entre 1924 et 1927, en particulier à la société Dewoitine. C’est un échec, dû à la faillite de cette dernière entreprise. De 1928 à 1932, la SAFM investit dans l’import-export, mais la crise économique l’oblige à réduire de moitié son capital en 1932. La rationalisation des années 1933-1938 puis la guerre lui permet de subsister jusqu’à sa liquidation le 24 juillet 1944.
L'échec d'un serviteur du roi Vidaud de La Tour, premier président du parlement Maupeou à Grenoble
Authors: Coulomb Clarisse
Published: August 2010

Le coup Maupeou a traditionnellement été analysé comme une victoire de la monarchie, le chancelier ayant réussi à mettre fin en 1771 à l’opposition parlementaire. Que l’opinion publique, philosophes compris excepté Voltaire, ait condamné cette réforme autoritaire est bien connu. Ce qui l’est moins c’est que les partisans du pouvoir royal au sein des parlements considérèrent leur collaboration à l’œuvre du chancelier comme un échec personnel autant que collectif. C’est ce que montre l’exemple de Jean-Jacques Vidaud de La Tour premier président du parlement de Dauphiné de 1771 à 1775.
Les réseaux de marrainage en Italie du Nord du XVe au XVIIe siècle : coutumes, évolution, parcours individuels
Authors: Alfani Guido
Published: August 2010

Dans les sociétés européennes des siècles passés, les relations de parrainage et de compérage, qui étaient tissées sous une forme de parenté particulière (la « parenté spirituelle »), jouaient un rôle social important. Bien qu’il ait des spécificités importantes, le marrainage présente encore de nombreux aspects obscurs car il a été souvent assimilé au parrainage. Avant le Concile de Trente, les marraines avaient moins d’importance que les parrains ; elles étaient même absentes dans beaucoup de communautés italiennes. C’est justement le Concile qui, en imposant une très nette diminution du nombre des parrains, revalorisa le marrainage et favorisa la participation des femmes à des systèmes complexes de parenté spirituelle. Dans le cadre de cette évolution, l’activité des marraines se dessine comme une sorte de « carrière » qui règle et conditionne l’élaboration progressive d’un réseau de relations qui a été souvent intégré dans celui des hommes (pères ou maris).
Centralité des activités dans la région urbaine de Tunis (1994-2004)
Authors: Amara Mohamed , Kriaa Mohamed , Montacer Makram
Published: August 2010

Dans cet article, nous examinons la configuration spatiale de la métropole tunisoise (Grand Tunis). Dans un premier temps, une Analyse Exploratoire des Données Spatiales (ESDA) a été menée afin de visualiser la centralité des densités de l’emploi et de la population en 1994 et 2004 ainsi que son évolution. Dans un deuxième temps, les outils de l’économétrie spatiale nous ont permis d’estimer et de comparer les spécifications monocentrique, multicentrique et dispersive des fonctions de densité de l’emploi et de la population. Nous cherchons à vérifier d’abord la robustesse des configurations obtenues avec l’ESDA, à définir et à retenir ensuite la spécification qui décrit le mieux la configuration de la centralité urbaine du Grand Tunis. Les résultats montrent un passage d’une configuration monocentrique à une configuration multicentrique, qui est confirmée par la localisation résidentielle. Ces résultats sont en concordance avec les enseignements de la Nouvelle Économie Urbaine (NEU).
Effect of dietary fishmeal replacement in the formulated food by heat processed soybean meal on growth, survival and crude protein level of fingerlings of Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia (GIFT)
Authors: Yatawara MDMDWMMK , Hettiarachchi M
Published: August 2010

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary fishmeal replacement in the formulated food by heat processed soybean meal on growth, survival and crude protein level of fingerlings of Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia (GIFT). Six experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous approximately. The diet 1 (control diet) contained 100% fishmeal and 0% soybean meal. Fishmeal was partially replaced by 10%, 25%, 30%, 40% and 50% of heat-treated soybean meal in the diets 2 to 6. Early GIFT fingerlings (body weight 1.92 ± 0.10 g) were reared in 164 L indoor fiberglass tanks and 3 replicates were arranged for each experimental diet. Each tank was provided with continuous mild aeration. Feed ration was 10% of total fish biomass over the first 30 days which was divided and offered at 09:00 h, 12:00 h and 16:00 h daily and the amount was reduced up to 8% of total fish biomass for the next 30 days. Results showed that percentage weight gain recorded in fish fed with the experimental diets 4, 5 and 6 (where fish meal was replaced by 30%, 40% and 50% soybean meal respectively) were not significantly different from that of fish fed with the control diet (P
Studies on the sea cucumber fishery in the North Western coastal region of Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake DCT , Wijeyaratne MJS
Published: August 2010

Present study was carried out at the major landing sites at Kalpitiya and Mannar in the North Western coastal region of Sri Lanka from October 2002 to April 2003. A total of 16 sea cucumber species belong to the Order Aspidochirotida were identified. Of these, 12 species belonged to Family Holothuridae and four to Family Stichopodidae. Holothuria scabra and H. spinifera were found to be restricted to the Mannar area whilst H. fuscogilva, H. nobilis, Actinopyga echinites, Bohadschia argus, B. marmorata, unidentified Bohadschia sp, Thelenota ananas and T. anax were recorded only in the Kalpitiya area. H. atra, H. edulis, A. miliaris, A. mauritiania and Stichopus chloronotus were found in both areas but these species were not very frequent in catches. Sea cucumbers were harvested by fishers through diving and hand picking. Total catch and effort in the two areas showed marked differences. In Kalpitiya area B. marmorata was dominant in catches while in Mannar H. scabra was dominant. During the period of survey, the highest estimated catch was recorded in March 2003 in Kalpitiya area (22,692 Numbers) and January in Mannar area (16,269 Numbers). The fishing effort remained at a more or less steady level in Mannar area throughout the study period (7 - 9 boats day-1). However in Kalpitiya area, fishing effort varied considerably (7 - 13 boats day1) and the maximum and minimum fishing efforts were reported in March 2003 and October 2002 respectively. Nevertheless there was no significant difference between the mean number of boats engaged in this fishery in the two areas. Significantly high catches per diver per day was noted in Kalpitiya area (22.6 Numbers day-1) than in mannar (5.5 Numbers day-1) (p< 0.001). The estimated total number of sea cucumbers caught in Mannar and Kalpitiya area during the present study was 102,280. Of these 47,507 individuals were caught from Kalpitiya area and 54,773 were caught from Mannar area. Estimated values for asymptotic length (L∞) of A. echinites, A. miliaris, B. marmorata, unidentified Bohadschia. Sp. and H. scabra, were 32 cm, 41.5 cm, 56.3 cm, 41.5 cm, and 34.4 cm and the growth coefficients were 1.9 year-1, 2.3 year-1, 1.35 year-1, 1.8 year-1, 0.8 year-1 respectively. The highest mortality estimated for A. miliaris while the lowest was for H. scabra. It appears that size regulation is the most important measure for sustainable exploitation of existing sea cucumber stocks in the North western coastal region of Sri Lanka. DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v12i0.2212Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 12 (2007): 19-38
Population dynamics of Hyporhamphus limbatus (Beloniformes, Hemiramphidae) in two lowland reservoirs of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumara PAD Ajith , Amarasinghe US
Published: August 2010

Although Hyporhamphus limbatus is found in several lowland reservoirs of Sri Lanka, due to gear restrictions imposed through fisheries regulations, this species remains unexploited or under-exploited in spite of having a good consumer preference. Population dynamics of H. limbatus in two Sri Lankan reservoirs, namely Minneriya and Udawalawe were investigated in the present study. Length frequency data of H. limbatus caught in shore seine nets of mesh sizes 1 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm were analysed using FiSAT software package and the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated for non-seasonalised growth. Asymptotic total length was 155.4 mm for Minneriya and 156.4 mm for Udawalawe. Growth constants of H. limbatus for Minneriya and Udawalawe were 1.37 and 1.09 year-1 respectively. High total mortality rates (4.90 in Minneriya and 3.01 in Udawalawe), which are equivalent to production/biomass ratio indicate that both stocks can withstand heavy fishing. Relative yield-per-recruit (Y'/R) analyses indicate that at present these stocks are under-exploited and that by increasing size at first capture to about 70 mm, Y'/R can be optimized at the exploitation rate of 0.6. The shore seine nets of 5 mm mesh sizes can be used to exploit H. limbatus in both reservoirs. However, juveniles of exotic cichlids and other non-target species caught in the nets are needed to be released back to reservoirs.DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v13i0.2204Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 13 (2008): 23-38
Heavy metal levels in two food fish species from Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka: Relationships with the body size
Authors: Indrajith HAP , Pathiratne KAS , Pathiratne A
Published: August 2010

The present study was carried out to assess the levels of eight metals viz. Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, Hg and Zn in two species of food fish, Etroplus suratensis and Ambassis commersoni from Negombo estuary. The levels of Hg were analyzed by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry whereas the other metals were analyzed by flame/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Total metal levels in muscle, gill and liver tissues of the fish showed a wide range. Accumulation of most metals in the tissues of the fish followed the increasing order, muscle < gills ≤ liver. Of the different metal levels detected in the fish, only the level of Cd in liver tissue of 6% of E. suratensis and 12% of A. commersoni exceeded the level specified for human consumption by European Union. Interspecies comparisons revealed that mean level of Zn in the muscle tissue of A. commersoni was two fold higher than that of E. suratensis. The levels of metals in the muscle tissue of both fish species were positively correlated with the body weight or body length of the fish. Based on the levels of Hg, Pb, and Cd in the fish, edible muscle of both fish species collected from the estuary was found to be safe for human consumption. However, heavy consumption of bigger size fish may pose a health risk to the consumers as there were strong positive correlations between body weight or body length and metal levels in muscle tissues of both species of fish.DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v13i0.2207Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 13 (2008): 63-81