bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serious Games for education and training
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro , Bellotti Francesco , Berta Riccardo
Published: November 2014

Serious Games (SGs) are gaining an ever increasing interest for education and traning. Exploiting the latest simulation and visualization technologies, SGs are able to contextualize the player’s experience in challenging, realistic environments, supporting situated cognition. However, we still miss methods and tools for effectively and deeply infusing pedagogy and instruction inside digital games. After presenting an overview of the state of the art of the SG taxonomies, the paper introduces the pedagogical theories and models most relevant to SGs and their implications on SG design.  We also present a schema for a proper integration of games in education, supporting different goals in different steps of a formal education process. By analyzing a set of well-established SGs and formats, the paper presents the main mechanics and models that are being used in SG designs, with a particular focus on assessment, feedback and learning analytics. An overview of tools and models for SG design is also presented. Finally, based on the performed analysis, indications for future research in the field are provided.
Gamification and Smart, Competence-Centered Feedback: Promising Experiences in the Classroom
Authors: Kickmeier-Rust Michael D. , Hillemann Eva C. , Albert Dietrich
Published: November 2014

Gamification appears being a promising approach to utilize the strong motivational potential of “gaming” in classroom without suffering from shortcomings such as low efficiency, weak pedagogy, or maybe most importantly the high costs. In the context of a European project we developed a rather light weight tool for learning and practicing multiplications. The target age group of the tool is 6 to 8 years. To benefit from the motivational potential of games we used a “gamification” approach. Accordingly we designed and developed a game-like, attractive user interface and integrated aspects of competition. The system is capable of providing students formative, competence-oriented feedback in real-time. Tailored to the age group this feedback is presented in form of a ninja character. For an experimental comparison of the effects of different feedback modes, we realized the conditions (i) no feedback, (ii) written only right/wrong feedback, (iii) audio right/wrong feedback, and (iv) competence-based, smart formative feedback. We applied and evaluated the tool in Austrian classrooms and found some evidence for the motivational aspect of the gamification elements, in particular the scoring. We also found strong positive effects of an individualized and meaningful feedback about achievements and progress.
Serious Gaming Analytics: What Students´ Log Files Tell Us about Gaming and Learning
Authors: Westera Wim , Nadolski Rob , Hummel Hans
Published: November 2014

In this paper we explore existing log files of the VIBOA environmental policy game. Our aim is to identify relevant player behaviours and performance patterns. The VIBOA game is a 50 hours master level serious game that supports inquiry-based learning: students adopt the role of an environmental consultant in the (fictitious) consultancy agency VIBOA, and have to deal with complex, multi-faceted environmental problems in an academic and methodologically sound way. A sample of 118 master students played the game. We used learning analytics to extract relevant data from the logging and find meaningful patterns and relationships. We observed substantial behavioural variability across students. Correlation analysis suggest a behavioural trade that reflects the rate of “switching” between different game objects or activities. We were able to establish a model that uses switching indicators as predictors for the efficiency of learning. Also we found slight evidence that students who display increased switching behaviours need more time to complete the games.  We conclude the paper by critically evaluating our findings, making explicit the limitations of our study and making suggestions for future research that links together learning analytics and serious gaming.
Serious Games to support Reflection in the HealthCare Sector
Authors: Pannese Lucia , Morosini Dalia
Published: November 2014

This paper describes two serious games designed for care homes and hospitals to support reflection in learning in the frame of the MIRROR project. The games aim to empower and engage employees to reflect on past work performances and personal learning experiences in order to learn in ‘real-time’ and to creatively solve pressing problems. The games, designed for new nurses and carers, were tested with more than 200 users with different methods (quantitative and qualitative). Results collected so far seem to underline how the various gaming characteristics and supports offered by the Virtual Tutor (within the games) create favorable conditions so as to allow learners to adopt a reflective attitude towards their own past/present acts and experiences.
The Use of Player-centered Positive Reinforcement to Schedule In-game Rewards Increases Enjoyment and Performance in a Serious Game
Authors: Nagle Aniket , Wolf Peter , Riener Robert , Novak Domen
Published: November 2014

Among the methods used to increase enjoyment and performance in serious games, reward schedules, i.e., determining when in-game rewards should be given, have not been sufficiently explored. In the present study, we designed a simple memory training serious game and compared two methods of scheduling rewards, both based on the paradigm of positive reinforcement: fixed ratio schedule, in which rewards were given after a fixed number of correct responses, and variable ratio schedule, in which rewards were given after an unpredictable number of correct responses. To account for the variability in player preference for rewards, a player-centered sub-mode was included in both schedules by adjusting the schedule ratio according to player preference for rewards. The effectiveness of this approach was tested by comparing it against two more sub-modes: one which used a predetermined ratio, and another which set the ratio to the opposite of player preference. The game was put online and tested with 210 participants. Enjoyment, performance, duration of gameplay, and likelihood to play again were significantly higher in the player-centered sub-mode than the other sub-modes. On average, the variable-ratio schedule was better in the outcome measures than the fixed-ratio schedule. The results highlight the importance of in-game rewards, and indicate that giving rewards according to a player-centered variable-ratio schedule has the potential to make serious games more effective.
Seed dispersal limitations shift over time in tropical forest restoration
Authors: Reid J. Leighton , Holl Karen D. , Zahawi Rakan A.
Published: November 2014

Past studies have shown that tropical forest regeneration on degraded farmlands is initially limited by lack of seed dispersal, but few studies have tracked changes in abundance and composition of seed rain past the first few years after land abandonment. We measured seed rain for 12 months in 10 6–9‐year‐old restoration sites and five mature, reference forests in southern Costa Rica in order to learn (1) if seed rain limitation persists past the first few years of regeneration; (2) how restoration treatments influence seed community structure and composition; and (3) whether seed rain limitation is contingent on landscape context. Each restoration site contained three 0.25‐ha treatment plots: (1) a naturally regenerating control, (2) tree islands, and (3) a mixed‐species tree plantation. Sites spanned a deforestation gradient with 9–89% forest area within 500 m around the treatment plots. Contrary to previous studies, we found that tree seeds were abundant and ubiquitous across all treatment plots (585.1 ± 142.0 seeds·m−2·yr−1 [mean ± SE]), indicating that lack of seed rain ceased to limit forest regeneration within the first decade of recovery. Pioneer trees and shrubs comprised the vast majority of seeds, but compositional differences between restoration sites and reference forests were driven by rarer, large‐seeded species. Large, animal‐dispersed tree seeds were more abundant in tree islands (4.6 ± 2.9 seeds·m−2·yr−1) and plantations (5.8 ± 3.0 seeds·m−2·yr−1) than control plots (0.2 ± 0.1 seeds·m−2·yr−1), contributing to greater tree species richness in actively restored plots. Planted tree species accounted for <1% of seeds. We found little evidence for landscape forest cover effects on seed rain, consistent with previous studies. We conclude that seed rain limitation shifted from an initial, complete lack of tree seeds to a specific limitation on large‐seeded, mature forest species over the first decade. Although total seed abundance was equal among restoration treatments, tree plantations and tree islands continued to diversify seed rain communities compared to naturally regenerating controls. Compositional differences between regenerating plots and mature forests suggest that large‐seeded tree species are appropriate candidates for enrichment planting.
Modeling of methane emissions using artificial neural network approach
Authors: Stamenkovic Lidija , Antanasijevic Davor , Ristic Mirjana , Peric-Grujic Aleksandra , Pocajt Viktor
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a model for forecasting CH4 emissions at
the national level, using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) with broadly
available sustainability, economical and industrial indicators as their
inputs. ANN modeling was performed using two different types of architecture;
a Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) and a General Regression Neural
Network (GRNN). A conventional multiple linear regression (MLR) model was
also developed in order to compare model performance and assess which model
provides the best results. ANN and MLR models were developed and tested using
the same annual data for 20 European countries. The ANN model demonstrated
very good performance, significantly better than the MLR model. It was shown
that a forecast of CH4 emissions at the national level using the ANN model
can be made successfully and accurately for a future period of up to two
years, thereby opening the possibility to apply such a modeling technique
which can be used to support the implementation of sustainable development
strategies and environmental management policies.
Effect of Self-Efficacy on Weight Loss: A Psychosocial Analysis of a Community-Based Adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Hays Laura M. , Finch Emily A. , Saha Chandan , Marrero David G. , Ackermann Ronald T.
Published: November 2014

Objective. Weight loss is the most effective approach to reducing diabetes risk. It is a research priority to identify factors that may enhance weight loss success, particularly among those at risk for diabetes. This analysis explored the relationships between self-efficacy, weight loss, and dietary fat intake among adults at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Methods. This pilot, site-randomized trial was designed to compare group-based Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention delivery by YMCA staff to brief counseling alone (control) in 92 adults at risk for diabetes (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, ≥ 2 diabetes risk factors, and a random capillary blood glucose of 110–199 mg/dl). Self-efficacy was measured using the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. A paired t test was used to determine within-group changes in self-efficacy and weight at 6 and 12 months. Using a fitted model, we estimated how much of an increase in self-efficacy was related to a 5% weight reduction at 6 and 12 months.

Results. Self-efficacy was associated with a 5% reduction in baseline weight at 6 and 12 months but was not related to fat intake.

Conclusion. These findings suggest that it is important to assess the level of self-efficacy when counseling adults at high risk for diabetes about weight loss. Certain aspects of self-efficacy seem to play a greater role, depending on the stage of weight loss.
Affective and Restorative Valences for Three Environmental Categories
Authors: Martínez-Soto Joel , Gonzales-Santos Leopoldo , Barrios Fernando A. , Lena Maria E. Montero-López
Published: November 2014

The present study evaluated images of environments in three categories with different affective and restorative valences through two computerized assessments. A non-verbal computerized response scale and the Mexican Scale of Environmental Restoration Perception were employed. 104 students assessed the affective qualities of 117 images (47 natural, 37 urban with nature, and 33 built-up without nature) according to pleasure and activation dimensions. Then 96 students assessed 54 images with high and low valence for their restorative quality. Natural images were found to generate positive affective reactions of liking and activation and high restorative quality. Affective responses to urban with nature environments tended to be positive with moderate restorative quality. Built-up without nature environments were perceived as less pleasant and had low restorative quality. However, among built-up without nature environments, some settings with striking architectural qualities evoked positive affective valences.
Legume Seeds and Rapeseed Press Cake as Replacers of Soybean Meal in Feed for Fattening Pigs
Authors: Hanczakowska Ewa , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata
Published: November 2014

The possibility of replacing soybean meal with a mixture of legume seeds and rapeseed press cake (RPC) was evaluated on 60 pigs weighing about 30 kg at the beginning of the experiment. Pigs were allocated to 5 experimental groups. Group I (control) received standard feed mixture containing soybean meal as a main protein source. Next groups received rapeseed press cake (RPC) mixed with fodder pea (Pisum sativum var. Ramrod) - group II, field bean (Vicia faba var. Kasztelan) - group III, blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius var. Regent) - group IV or yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus var. Mister) - group V. Soybean protein was replaced by experimental protein sources at about 30% in grower (17% legumes, 13% rapeseed press cake) and at 100% in finisher diets (experimental proteins in equal ratio accounted for about 55% of mixture protein). Limited feeding was used, water was available ad libitum. Half the animals in each group received mixtures supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes Ronozyme VP and Ronozyme WX. Apparent digestibility of feed nutrients was estimated using the balance method on 30 fatteners not used in the fattening experiment, weighing about 40 kg for grower and 70 kg for finisher diets. Gross composition of legume seeds and RPC, amino acid composition of their protein, glucosinolate content in RPC and tannin content in faba bean and alkaloids in lupins were analysed. Carcass traits and meat quality were also estimated. Legume protein content ranged from 19.6% (pea) to 39.8% (yellow lupin). RPC protein contained more sulphur amino acids than legume protein. There was no significant difference in protein and fat digestibility. Body weight gains of fatteners fed with blue lupin were comparable to controls but significantly lower than those of the remaining groups. Supplemental enzymes improved body weight gains of fatteners receiving field bean. There was no significant difference in carcass traits and meat quality except for sensory analysis. It is concluded that the mixture of RPC and legume seeds can replace soybean meal in fattener feed.
Influence of Knits Structure on Flammability and Comfortability
Authors: Mikučionienė D. , Milašiūtė L. , Milašius R.
Published: November 2014

Investigations of the influence of the knit structure, i.e. the loop length and the number of yarns in a loop, on flammability and comfortability are presented in this paper. The investigations were carried out using single jersey knits from Delta TA 18 tex × 2 yarns with five variants of a loop length. Single yarn as well as folded yarn from two single yarns was used in the investigations. Comparison of the results of single-layer knits flammability and air permeability with those of multilayer packet was made. The results obtained show that an increase in the loop length of the knit increases their permeability to air and decreases the burning time as well as increase in the number of layers decreases the air permeability and increases the burning time. Moreover, the similar burning time with significantly different permeability to air can be achieved changing the basic knitting parameters, i.e. the loop length and/or the yarn linear density.
Effect of moderate and high intensity training sessions on cardiopulmonary chemosensitivity and time-based characteristics of response in high performance rowers
Authors: Tomiak Tomasz , Mishchenko Viktor , Lusenko Elena , Diachenko Andrej , Korol Adam
Published: November 2014

The present study was performed to clarify fatigue-induced effects of a strenuous and moderate intensity endurance training session on temporary changes of cardiopulmonary (CP) chemosensitivity and fast kinetics response.

Eleven high performance (national level) male rowers participated in this study [age 21.8 ±1.7 (range 18-25 years), 89.3 ±2.0 kg, 190.1 ±1.7 cm, VO2 max 67.9 ±1.1 ml·kg-1·min-1]. The studies involved three steps: 1) a study of effects related to a training session of moderate intensity, 2) effects of a high intensity session, and 3) an impact of a high intensity session on values of peak response. The high intensity session consisted of intermittent training loads made up of five sets of four repetitions of sixty-second work intervals (HR of 149-186 bt·min-1). The moderate intensity session consisted of unvarying type of exercise (HR of 138-167 bt·min-1). Measurements were made at rest before, 13-15, and 37-39 hours after the training session. In rebreathing tests ventilatory sensitivity to CO

We found that a training session of high intensity resulted in a significant decrease in sensitivity to hypercapnia, an increase in CP sensitivity to hypoxia, a decrease in CP fast kinetics and stability of peak response 13-15 hours after the session vs. baseline. Mean power in a 6-min maximum test decreased, which was mainly determined by a decrease in mean power during the first 3 min and utilization of VO2max for a 6-min test. Moderate intensity of a training session resulted in an increase in ventilatory sensitivity to hypercapnia whereas sensitivity CP to hypoxia and fast kinetics remained unaffected.

These results suggest that not only CP chemosensitivity to hypoxia but also CP chemosensitivity to hypercapnia are variable in high intensity endurance training. The variability related to the effect of fatigue in the recovery phase (up to 15-15 hours) after strenuous training sessions.
Agrotourism development in Ghana: A study of its prospects and challenges at Adjeikrom Cocoa Tour Facility
Authors: Eshun Gabriel , Tettey Christopher
Published: November 2014

Literature depicts agrotourism as a tool for environmental conservation and rural development. Nonetheless, there is a glaring lacuna in literature concerning agrotourism research from Western Africa. This paper seeks to contribute towards filling this gap in literature. The paper investigates the current situation of agrotourism at Adjeikrom in Ghana, the challenges facing Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility, the opportunities Adjeikrom offers as an agrotourism destination and the role of agrotourism in the socio-economic development of the people of Adjeikrom. Fifty questionnaires were administered to purposively selected residents from Adjeikrom, alongside interviews with the management of the agrotourism facility. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility is bereft with challenges such as inadequate skilled personnel, poor state of the Visitor Centre, incoherent marketing of the destination, inadequate Government support and low record of domestic tourists. The study maintains that the Adjeikrom Cocoa Farm Tour Facility has huge prospects for growth if the aforementioned challenges are addressed.
The prospective impact of new shopping centres on the retail structure of Braga
Authors: Guimarães Pedro Porfirio
Published: November 2014

Following the application for two new shopping centres in the city of Braga, a medium-size city located in the North region of Portugal, the purpose of this paper is to look for evidence of the possible impacts of those commercial structures on the retail sector of Braga. An overview of the literature allows us to conclude the strong relation between retail and cities and their town centres. Recently, the process of suburbanization and the transformation in the retail sector put into question the role of those areas by transferring the consumption from town centres and traditional retail formats to new structures located on the periphery. 400 questionnaires were given to consumers to analyse the consumption habits and the way they might change with the possible arrival of two new shopping centres. We have come to the conclusion that these commercial structures are very much present in the consumption habits and in the commercial environment of consumers. They associate characteristics like quality, animation, security, cleanness, time saving, product diversity, comfort, conviviality and parking facilities with that retail format. With the implantation of new shopping centres it is expected that the existent retail sector will undergo a decrease in its importance as a shopping destination. The data from the questionnaires allow us to conclude that it is not only the already existent shopping centres that will suffer but also the other retail formats. Nevertheless, a significant number of respondents do not think of transferring the shopping they already do to the new retail structures.
New player on the scene: Turkish engagement in Africa
Authors: Rudincová Kateřina
Published: November 2014

Turkey’s engagement in Africa is connected to the ideological shift of Turkish government during the era of Justice and Development Party and its redirection from the Western-centred to the more diversified foreign policy. Turkish policy in Africa has two dimensions: first one is promoted by the official representation of the State, and the second is performed mainly by civil sector of Turkish society, the business organisation as well as various NGOs. This paper examines Turkish involvement in Africa from various perspectives. It focuses on the economic, political as well as ideological role of Turkey in Africa.
Flower chafer Protaetia speciosissima (Scopoli, 1786) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) – protected saproxylic species of oak stands in Poland
Authors: Plewa Radosław , Hilszczański Jacek , Jaworski Tomasz , Tarwacki Grzegorz
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the results of our studies on the preferences of the flower chafer, Protaetia speciosissima (Scopoli, 1786). The studies were carried out in 2009-2010 in the Forest Districts of Hajnówka, Krotoszyn, Łochów, Pińczów, and Puławy, located in various regions of Poland. Barrier traps consisting of a Moericke’s trap and a Malaise’s trap combined with a barrier of fine net were used to collect beetles. Traps were installed at two heights in over 100 years old oak stands, with the upper level in the canopy layer (mean height of 20.5 m) and the lower level adjacent to the tree trunk (mean height of 4.5 m). During two-year study, we collected a total of 328 specimens of P. speciosissima, 299 from the upper- and 29 from the lower forest layer. Thus, we confirmed strong preferences of the adult P. speciosissima for the canopy layer in oak stands. Furthermore, our observations on phenology indicate that the second half of June and all of July are the months with the highest population density of P. speciosissima. This paper also proposes modes of action for conservation of the species
The use of the particle size distribution of soils in estimating quality of mountain forest sites
Authors: Lasota Jarosław , Błońska Ewa , Zwydak Maciej , Wanic Tomasz
Published: November 2014

The physical and chemical properties of soil are the basic features that are used in the assessment of mountain sites. The aim of this study was to produce a simple key for classifying forest sites in mountain areas using soil particle size distribution. 200 plots (standard typological space) were selected for examination, most of which are typical of the Carpathians - being dominated by flysch rock. A few plots were located in the Sudety and Tatra Mountains, which have a different surface geology, mostly metamorphic rock and granite. The study proved that soil properties (reaction, base saturation, content of base cations, organic carbon and nitrogen) are helpful in distinguishing and assigning soils to particular site types. The particle size distribution of forest mountain sites separated into different categories in terms of productivity. These results can be used to improve the classification of forest mountain sites.
Estimating aboveground woody biomass of forests in Poland for FAO/ECE and UNFCCC reporting
Authors: Jabłoński Marek , Budniak Piotr
Published: November 2014

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol have committed member states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by, among others, promoting the increase of carbon sequestration by carbon sinks (including woody biomass in forests). In order to achieve these objectives, an international reporting system was designed.

The stock of woody biomass depends on several environmental and managerial factors, which determine species composition and age structure of a forest as well as characteristics of individual trees. Estimating aboveground woody biomass, especially on a nation-wide level, is generally based on the application of conversion factors to known characteristics such as the volume of the growing stock. The application of default conversion factors, as proposed by international guidelines, however, is questionable, since inventory systems for and definitions of growing stock differ from country to country.

In this paper, the methods used in Poland to estimate woody biomass for the FAO and the UNFCC reporting, were presented and analysed. We also analysed the influence of some stand and tree characteristics, such as tree species composition and content of bark and its density, on the stock of woody biomass. We conclude that issues not addressed in the IPCC guidelines, such as big differences in wood and bark density, especially for pine, need to be taken into consideration when making estimations. Moreover, the results of this paper show that biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF) proposed by IPCC are not adequate for Polish conditions.
Revision of Anomopterella Rasnitsyn, 1975 (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Anomopterellidae) with two new Middle Jurassic species from northeastern China
Authors: Li Longfeng , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong
Published: November 2014

New Anomopterella Rasnitsyn, 1975, wasps from the Jiulongshan Formation (Bathonian/Callovian) at Daohugou (Inner Mongolia of China), with well-preserved wings, body, antennae and tarsi, document relationship among species and enhance our understanding of the morphology of the extinct family Anomopterellidae Rasnitsyn, 1975. Based on eight well-preserved specimens, we describe, A. pygmea sp. n. and A. brevis sp. n., describe new materials of A. ovalis Li, Rasnitsyn, Shih & Ren, 2013, and A. ampla Li, Rasnitsyn, Shih & Ren, 2013, emend the genus in Anomopterellidae (A. pygmea sp. n. with toruli and eyes), and provide a determination key to species of the genus, including four specimens outside the formal classification.
Systems toxicology approaches enable mechanistic comparison of spontaneous and cigarette smoke-related lung tumor development in the A/J mouse model
Authors: Luettich Karsta , Xiang Yang , Iskandar Anita , Sewer Alain , Martin Florian , Talikka Marja , Vanscheeuwijck Patrick , Berges An , Veljkovic Emilija , Gonzalez-Suarez Ignacio , Schlage Walter , Schlage Walter , Hoeng Julia , Peitsch Manuel
Published: November 2014

The A/J mouse is highly susceptible to lung tumor induction and has been widely used as a screening model in carcinogenicity testing and chemoprevention studies. However, the A/J mouse model has several disadvantages. Most notably, it develops lung tumors spontaneously. Moreover, there is a considerable gap in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary chemical carcinogenesis in the A/J mouse. Therefore, we examined the differences between spontaneous and cigarette smokerelated lung tumors in the A/J mouse model using mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) profiling. Male A/J mice were exposed whole-body to mainstream cigarette smoke (MS) for 18 months. Gene expression interaction term analysis of lung tumors and surrounding nontumorous parenchyma samples from animals that were exposed to either 300 mg/m3 MS or sham-exposed to fresh air indicated significant differential expression of 296 genes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis® (IPA®) indicated an overall suppression of the humoral immune response, which was accompanied by a disruption of sphingolipid and glycosaminoglycan metabolism and a deregulation of potentially oncogenic miRNA in tumors of MS-exposed A/J mice. Thus, we propose that MS exposure leads to severe perturbations in pathways essential for tumor recognition by the immune system, thereby potentiating the ability of tumor cells to escape from immune surveillance. Further, exposure to MS appeared to affect expression of miRNA, which have previously been implicated in carcinogenesis and are thought to contribute to tumor progression. Finally, we identified a 50-gene expression signature and show its utility in distinguishing between cigarette smoke-related and spontaneous lung tumors
Radiosensitive effect of curcumin on thyroid cancer cell death induced by radioiodine-131
Authors: Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Hosseini Seyed Amir Hossein
Published: November 2014

Curcumin is a natural product widely consumed by humans. It has many biological properties. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitive effect of curcumin on thyroid cancer cells against cellular toxicity induced by 131-I. Human thyroid cancer and human non-malignant fibroblast cells (HFFF2) were treated with 131-I and/or curcumin at different concentrations (5, 10 and 25 μg/ml) for 48 h. The cell proliferation was measured by determination of the surviving cells by using MTT assay. Our results showed that curcumin increased the killing effect of 131-I on thyroid cancer cells, while it exerted no toxicity on HFFF2 cells. This result shows a promising effect of curcumin on the enhancement of therapeutic effects of 131-I in patients
Synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel 1-substituted fentanyl analogs in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Yadav Shiv Kumar , Maurya Chandra Kant , Gupta Pradeep Kumar , Jain Ajai Kumar , Ganesan Kumaran , Bhattacharya Rahul
Published: November 2014

Fentanyl [N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidinyl)propionanilide] is a potent opioid analgesic agent, but a has narrow therapeutic index. We reported earlier on the synthesis and bioefficacy of fentanyl and its 1-substituted analogs (1-4) in mice. Here we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of four additional analogs, viz. N-isopropyl-3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (5), N-tbutyl- 3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (6), isopropyl 2-[4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl]propionate (7) and t-butyl 2-[4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl]propionate (8). The median lethal dose (LD50) determined by intravenous, intraperitoneal and oral routes suggests these analogs to be comparatively less toxic than fentanyl. On the basis of observational assessment on spontaneous activities of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, all the analogs were found to be similar to fentanyl. Naloxone hydrochloride abolished the neurotoxic effects of these analogs, thereby ascertaining their opioid receptor-mediated effects. All the analogs displayed significant analgesic effects, measured by formalin-induced hind paw licking and tail immersion tests at their respective median effective dose (ED50). They also exhibited 8-12 fold increase in therapeutic index over fentanyl. However, 5 and 6 alone produced lower ED50 (20.5 and 21.0 μg/kg, respectively) and higher potency ratio (1.37 and 1.33, respectively) compared to fentanyl. They could thus be considered for further studies on pain management
Antidotal activity of Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit) on fluoride induced toxicity in rats
Authors: Vasant Rupal A. , Narasimhacharya A. V. R. L.
Published: November 2014

Consumption of fluoride leads to several physiological disturbances in carbohydrate, lipid and antioxidant metabolisms. Averrhoa carambola L. fruit (Star fruit) is a commonly consumed fruit in tropical countries and is an ingredient in folklore medicines. As the fruits have high polyphenolic and antioxidant contents, the present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of star fruit as a dietary supplement in attenuating the fluoride induced hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress in laboratory rats. A four-week exposure to fluoride caused sustained hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress and, when the diet was supplemented with star fruit powder, carbohydrate, lipid and antioxidant profiles were restored significantly. It is surmised that the antihyperglycemic, antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant activities of star fruit in fluoride exposed rats could be due to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, ascorbic acid and fibers in the fruit, which are all well known regulators of carbohydrate, lipid and antioxidant metabolisms. These findings suggest that star fruit can be used as a dietary supplement in fluoride endemic regions to contain fluoride induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress
Dynamics of organic carbon losses by water erosion after biocrust removal
Authors: Cantón Yolanda , Román Jose Raúl , Chamizo Sonia , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Moro María José
Published: November 2014

In arid and semiarid ecosystems, plant interspaces are frequently covered by communities of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens and mosses, known as biocrusts. These crusts often act as runoff sources and are involved in soil stabilization and fertility, as they prevent erosion by water and wind, fix atmospheric C and N and contribute large amounts of C to soil. Their contribution to the C balance as photosynthetically active surfaces in arid and semiarid regions is receiving growing attention. However, very few studies have explicitly evaluated their contribution to organic carbon (OC) lost from runoff and erosion, which is necessary to ascertain the role of biocrusts in the ecosystem C balance. Furthermore, biocrusts are not resilient to physical disturbances, which generally cause the loss of the biocrust and thus, an increase in runoff and erosion, dust emissions, and sediment and nutrient losses. The aim of this study was to find out the influence of biocrusts and their removal on dissolved and sediment organic carbon losses. One-hour extreme rainfall simulations (50 mm h-1) were performed on small plots set up on physical soil crusts and three types of biocrusts, representing a development gradient, and also on plots where these crusts were removed from. Runoff and erosion rates, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and organic carbon bonded to sediments (SdOC) were measured during the simulated rain. Our results showed different SdOC and DOC for the different biocrusts and also that the presence of biocrusts substantially decreased total organic carbon (TOC) (average 1.80±1.86 g m-2) compared to physical soil crusts (7.83±3.27 g m-2). Within biocrusts, TOC losses decreased as biocrusts developed, and erosion rates were lower. Thus, erosion drove TOC losses while no significant direct relationships were found between TOC losses and runoff. In both physical crusts and biocrusts, DOC and SdOC concentrations were higher during the first minutes after runoff began and decreased over time as nutrient-enriched fine particles were washed away by runoff water. Crust removal caused a strong increase in water erosion and TOC losses. The strongest impacts on TOC losses after crust removal occurred on the lichen plots, due to the increased erosion when they were removed. DOC concentration was higher in biocrust-removed soils than in intact biocrusts, probably because OC is more strongly retained by BSC structures, but easily blown away in soils devoid of them. However, SdOC concentration was higher in intact than removed biocrusts associated with greater OC content in the top crust than in the soil once the crust is scraped off. Consequently, the loss of biocrusts leads to OC impoverishment of nutrient-limited interplant spaces in arid and semiarid areas and the reduction of soil OC heterogeneity, essential for vegetation productivity and functioning of this type of ecosystems.
Modelling soil water content variations under drought stress on soil column cropped with winter wheat
Authors: Csorba Szilveszter , Raveloson Andrea , Tóth Eszter , Nagy Viliam , Farkas Csilla
Published: November 2014

Mathematical models are effective tools for evaluating the impact of predicted climate change on agricultural production, but it is difficult to test their applicability to future weather conditions. We applied the SWAP model to assess its applicability to climate conditions, differing from those, for which the model was developed. We used a database obtained from a winter wheat drought stress experiment. Winter wheat was grown in six soil columns, three having optimal water supply (NS), while three were kept under drought-stressed conditions (S). The SWAP model was successfully calibrated against measured values of potential evapotranspiration (PET), potential evaporation (PE) and total amount of water (TSW) in the soil columns. The Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (N-S) for TWS for the stressed columns was 0.92. For the NS treatment, we applied temporally variable soil hydraulic properties because of soil consolidation caused by regular irrigation. This approach improved the N-S values for the wetting-drying cycle from -1.77 to 0.54. We concluded that the model could be used for assessing the effects of climate change on soil water regime. Our results indicate that soil water balance studies should put more focus on the time variability of structuredependent soil properties.
The Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on Sport
Authors: Szabó Földesi Gyöngyi
Published: November 2014

The current economic crisis is the worst one in decades; it is surely the worst one the world has experienced since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Although it has affected countries with different positions in the global village in different ways and to different degrees, it has had worldwide consequences in most sub-systems of societies, including sport. These are hot issues in management and in everyday practice; still, relatively little attention has been paid to them within the social sciences. The objective of this paper is to close this gap by studying how the recent global economic crisis has affected sport. Two spheres of sport have been selected for analysis: mega sport events and grassroots sports. These two fields were chosen because of their social importance and because there is little scientific evidence about how they face and answer the challenges coming from the economic crisis. The topic is discussed from the theoretical perspective of the nexus of economy, politics, society, and culture. The methodological considerations refer to the lack of reliable sources for economic data related to sport. The results indicate that mega sport events have suffered less from the recession: there might be new actors, but the show goes on. The true loser is grassroots sport. Household impoverishment might lead to a decreased willingness of the individual practitioners to pay for sports goods and services and to a decreased contribution of volunteers working in sport. The funding models vary across countries, but generally both public and private funding has been reduced. In conclusion, it is underlined that no fields of sport have been left untouched by the current global economic crisis, but grassroots sports have suffered the most from it.
Comparison of the Stature and Lower Limb Segment Lengths between Santhals and Banglalees of Pirganj, Rangpur
Authors: Ahmed Sultan , Akhter Afruza Bulbul , Anwar Selina , Begum Anjum Ara , Rahman Khalilur , Saha Narayan Chandra
Published: November 2014

Context: The relationship between height and long bone differs according to race, age, sex and size of the body. Anthropometric studies of bones convey information regarding race, sex, age and stature of a person. This information is of immense interest to the anatomist in the academic field as well as medico legal work. Climates, heredity, nutritional status of population are reported to have an effect on stature and length of long bones. The study was aimed at to the anthropometric measurement of stature and length of different segments of lower limb of adult Santhal males of Pirganj upazilla, Rangpur to find out any racial characteristics of their own and compared with Bangalee adult males of the same area to find out any racial variations between these two groups of populations. Materials and Methods: Stature is the standing height of a person. The study was done on 60 adult male Santhals and 120 adult male Bangalees. Measurements stature and different lower limb segment length (upper leg segment length, lower leg segment length, leg segment length) was done. Results :It was seen from the result of the present study that though height and upper leg segment length was higher in Bangalees than the Santhals, the lower leg segment length and leg segment length was significantly higher in the Bangalee males than the Santhals. Conclusion: The present study shows that the lower leg segment length and leg segment length was significantly higher in the Bangalee males than Santhals due to nutritional deficiency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20674 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 71-76
Identifying Qualities of a Medical Teacher
Authors: Talukder Md Humayun Kabir , Parveen Shahana , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: November 2014

Context: Teaching is a novel profession. Teaching is a science as well as an art. In case of medical teaching it is more important as it deals with human being oriented curriculum. Products of the medical teachers will deal with life and death. So medical teachers should have such qualities as role model in-front of students. It will help students to become future physicians with professionalism which the medical profession and people expect from them. Materials & Methods: A descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted in different government and nongovernment medical colleges of Bangladesh to identify the qualities of medical teachers. The study population was the teachers of MBBS course who were working at least one year in medical colleges and were willing to co-operate and were available at the time of data collection. Sample size was 437. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data from the teachers. There were few open ended questions also. Results: Study revealed the generic fundamental qualities of a medical teacher are competent in respective subject, teach medical students daily, ethical person, nonthreatening attitude, assess the student in unbiased way, strength of personality, updated with relevant recent knowledge, not involve in grouping, preparing and presenting audio visual aids to make the teaching sessions attractive, strength of good communication (verbal, nonverbal, writing etc.), conduct research regularly, publish article in journals every year, act as role model, friendly with the colleagues, supportive for the staff, co-operate rationally with the administration, justified decision maker and good basic clinical care provider. Study also revealed the specific qualities of a medical teacher are sympathetic & empathetic dealings of a teacher towards patients, counsel to motivate students to be a self directed learner, motivate students for positive extracurricular activities (outdoor/indoor games, cultural functions, wall magazine, debate etc.), well behalf manager, fair personalities, wear decent well dress and not actively involved in politics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20677 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 86-91
A Case of Cervical Dystonia - Non Responsive to Usual Noninvasive Treatment
Authors: Hafez Fahmida , Begum Shahanaz , Islam Jahidul , Sobhan Shahina , Nessa Jebun , Shahidullah MK
Published: November 2014

Cervical dystonia is a focal dystonia characterized by neck muscles contracting involuntarily-causing abnormal movement & awkward posture of the head & neck.It is a rare disorder that can occur at any age even infancy.Symptoms generally begin gradually& then reach a point where they dont get substantially worse.Asymmetry of the Sternocleidomastoid is often present in untreated patient.There is no cure for cervical dystonia. Injecting botulinum toxin into the affected muscles often reduce the signs & symptoms of cervical dystonia.Here, it has been described a rare case of a forty seven year old male patient with a history of cervical dystonia presented with struggle with head position, resisting but never overcoming the tendency of his head to assume an unnatural position.The management including drugs like oral analgesic,muscle relaxant,anti-parkinson drug & even antipsychotic drug were used. Phychiatric approach like different modalities of heat such as Short Wave Diathermy, Microwave diathermy & Ultra sound therapy were used. Brace like cervical collar and different types of exercise was also prescribed,even botulinum toxin was injected into suspected muscles but all treatments discussed above failed in this case. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20679 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 92-94
Evaluation of productive and reproductive performance of Black Bengal goat
Authors: Paul RC , Rahman ANMI , Debnath S , Khandoker MAMY
Published: November 2014

The present study was conducted with a view to know the productive and reproductive parameters of Black Bengal goat in a nucleus breeding flock of Bangladesh Agricultural University, and two other regions i.e., Modhupur (Tangail) and Dimla, (Nilphamari). Data were collected on a regular basis from January 2011 to January 2012. The results showed that birth weight of kids was significantly affected by type of birth (p<0.01), parity of dam (p<0.01) and season of birth (p<0.05) in three different regions. Yearling weight was varied significantly by sex of kid (p<0.01) and season of birth (p<0.05) in three different regions. Daily milk production was significantly affected by type of birth (p<0.01), parity of dam (p<0.01) and season of birth (p<0.01). Litter size and age at first conception were significantly affected by parity of dam. Kid mortality was significantly affected by season of birth (p<0.01) in nucleus flock. The results indicated that sex of kid, type of birth, parity of dam and season of birth influenced the productive and reproductive parameters in nucleus flock, Modhupur and Dimla and the performance also varied between nucleus flock and field levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20704 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 104-111