bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cattle grazing and vegetation management for multiple use of Mediterranean shrubland in Israel
Authors: Henkin Zalmen
Published: January 2012

Regenerating sclerophyllous shrubby and woody vegetation on uncultivated land in the Mediterranean region is a source of browse for goats, cattle, camels, and wildlife. Traditionally, this Mediterranean shrubland was intensively grazed by mixed herds, predominantly goats that maintained an open landscape. In addition, the vegetation supplied timber for fuel and construction, as well as culinary and medicinal plants. Patches of deeper soil were cultivated, often on terraces. In recent years, goat husbandry has declined and the establishment of protected areas has favored the regeneration of a dense woodland dominated byQuercus calliprinos. Commercial beef husbandry has largely replaced the traditional management system. After initial thinning to open up the thickets, the oak woodland can sustain a viable beef herd with moderate supplementation. Appropriate management of grazing, control of the shrub component and, in some cases, soil nutrient amelioration, can lead to the development of relatively stable, open woodland with nutritious and usually attractive herbaceous patches. In addition to animal production, these rangelands have significant recreational, conservation, and landscape values that are becoming increasingly important as urbanization increases. Such landscapes provide a wide range of ecological services and are less of a fire hazard than the undisturbed regenerating successional shrub thickets. The multiple benefits of the open landscape can justify the expense of necessary interventions that cannot be borne by any single benefit.
Making the human dimensions of sustainable community development visible to engineers
Authors: Lucena Juan , Schneider Jen , Leydens Jon A
Published: January 2012

Recently, engineers – particularly those working on sustainability-related initiatives – have increasingly turned their efforts towards under-served communities. This paper summarises the findings in Engineering and Sustainable Community Development (Juan Lucena et al., 2010 ) aimed at a diversity of these efforts which are grouped here under the term ‘engineering to help’. These initiatives often exist under names such as community service, humanitarian engineering, and engineers without borders or activities such as the Institution of Civil Engineers' co-sponsored workshop ‘Helping local communities to help themselves’. Although there has been a blossoming of engineering-to-help-related programmes around the world, there is a lack of critical reflections of engineers' involvement. The book summarised in this paper attempts to fill that void. The paper concludes with an invitation to engineers to become critically involved in the complex world of sustainable community development.
Transition in public participation in Chinese water management
Authors: Song Xingqiang , Mulder Karel , Frostell Björn , Ravesteijn Wim , Wennersten Ronald
Published: January 2012

In recent years, the Chinese central government has expressed the goal of working towards a civil society. However, there are great challenges in a transition to participatory decision-making in water systems management, and this paper aims to analyse the difficulties in the Chinese context. The development of Chinese water systems is summarised, with a focus on the characteristics of water management framework and its underlying values. The initiation of public participation in environmental decision-making is tracked, as well as its scope in the planning process of three water-related projects. Finally, the participatory mechanisms and capacity in China are briefly discussed from different perspectives. This paper argues that effective public participation in China is substantially hindered by current participatory mechanisms and capacity. Improved decision-making would result from: amendments to legal requirements on compulsory participation and broadening environmental information disclosure; developing sufficient relevant monitoring systems towards evidence-based planning and decision-making; inclusion of all relevant stakeholders under transparent planning and decision-making regimes; and building institutional capacity with the emphasis on developing a feasible procedural framework for participation and for assessing the effectiveness of the participatory process.
Using the functional response of a consumer to predict biotic resistance to invasive prey
Authors: Twardochleb Laura A. , Novak Mark , Moore Jonathan W.
Published: January 2012

Predators sometimes provide biotic resistance against invasions by nonnative prey. Understanding and predicting the strength of biotic resistance remains a key challenge in invasion biology. A predator's functional response to nonnative prey may predict whether a predator can provide biotic resistance against nonnative prey at different prey densities. Surprisingly, functional responses have not been used to make quantitative predictions about biotic resistance. We parameterized the functional response of signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) to invasive New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum; NZMS) and used this functional response and a simple model of NZMS population growth to predict the probability of biotic resistance at different predator and prey densities. Signal crayfish were effective predators of NZMS, consuming more than 900 NZMS per predator in a 12‐h period, and Bayesian model fitting indicated their consumption rate followed a type 3 functional response to NZMS density. Based on this functional response and associated parameter uncertainty, we predict that NZMS will be able to invade new systems at low crayfish densities (<0.2 crayfish/m2) regardless of NZMS density. At intermediate to high crayfish densities (>0.2 crayfish/m2), we predict that low densities of NZMS will be able to establish in new communities; however, once NZMS reach a threshold density of ∼2000 NZMS/m2, predation by crayfish will drive negative NZMS population growth. Further, at very high densities, NZMS overwhelm predation by crayfish and invade. Thus, interacting thresholds of propagule pressure and predator densities define the probability of biotic resistance. Quantifying the shape and uncertainty of predator functional responses to nonnative prey may help predict the outcomes of invasions.
The memory of spatial patterns: changes in local abundance and aggregation in a tropical forest
Authors: Flügge Anton J. , Olhede Sofia C. , Murrell David J.
Published: January 2012

The current spatial pattern of a population is the result of previous individual birth, death, and dispersal events. We present a simple model followed by a comparative analysis for a species‐rich plant community to show how the current spatial aggregation of a population may hold information about recent population dynamics. Previous research has shown how locally restricted seed dispersal often leads to stronger aggregation in less abundant populations than it does in more abundant populations. In contrast, little is known about how changes in the local abundance of a species may affect the spatial distribution of individuals. If the level of aggregation within a species depends to some extent on the abundance of the species, then changes in abundance should lead to subsequent changes in aggregation. However, an overall change of spatial pattern relies on many individual birth and death events, and a surplus of deaths or births may have short‐term effects on aggregation that are opposite to the long‐term change predicted by the change in abundance. The change in aggregation may therefore lag behind the change in abundance, and consequently, the current aggregation may hold information about recent population dynamics. Using an individual‐based simulation model with local dispersal and density‐dependent competition, we show that, on average, recently growing populations should be more aggregated than shrinking populations of the same current local abundance. We tested this hypothesis using spatial data on individuals from a long‐term tropical rain forest plot, and find support for this relationship in canopy trees, but not in understory and shrub species. On this basis we argue that current spatial aggregation is an important characteristic that contains information on recent changes in local abundance, and may be applied to taxonomic groups where dispersal is limited and within‐species aggregation is observed.
Increased Risks of Preterm Birth and a Low‐Birth‐Weight Baby in Thai Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Positive Pregnant Women With Periodontitis
Authors: Pattrapornnan Pakkaporn , DeRouen Timothy A. , Songpaisan Yupin
Published: January 2012

Background: Many studies have investigated the risks of adverse neonatal outcomes associated with the presence of periodontitis in non‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected pregnant women. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no study to investigate the risk of neonatal outcomes associated with periodontitis in HIV‐infected pregnant women. The aim of this study is to measure the risk of having adverse neonatal outcomes: preterm delivery (<37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (<2,500 g at birth), and preterm and low‐birth‐weight baby (<37 weeks of gestation and <2,500 g at birth) associated with the presence of periodontitis in HIV‐infected women.

Methods: A total of 292 HIV‐infected pregnant women were interviewed for demographic information and medical history and were examined for their periodontal status during weeks 16 to 34 of gestation. Follow‐up sessions were done after the delivery to record the baby's data. Periodontitis defined by various criteria were evaluated as exposures. Binomial regression (generalized linear model) was used to examine the risk ratios (RRs). Logistic regression, t tests, and χ2 test were used to examine the associations of periodontitis with adverse neonatal outcomes.

Results: Forty women had preterm delivery, 39 women delivered a low‐birth‐weight baby, and 22 women gave birth to a baby that was preterm and low birth weight. We found significant elevated risks of having preterm delivery as RR = 3.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29 to 7.38, low birth weight RR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.65, and preterm and low birth weight as RR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.55 to 10.76 in women who had at ≥1 5‐mm periodontal pocket.

Conclusion: This study found a positive risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in HIV‐infected pregnant women who had moderate periodontitis.
Edge bipartiteness and signless Laplacian spread of graphs
Authors: Fan Yi-Zheng , Fallat Shaun
Published: January 2012

Let G be a connected graph, and let ?b(G) and SQ(G) be the edge bipartiteness
and the signless Laplacian spread of G, respectively. We establish some
important relationships between ?b(G) and SQ(G), and prove SQ(G)?2
(1+cos?/n) with equality if and only if G = Pn or G = Cn in case of odd n. In
addition, we show that if G?Pn or G?C2k+1; then SQ(G)?4; with equality if and
only if G is one of the following graphs: K1,3, K4, two triangles connected
by an edge, and Cn for even n. As a consequence, we prove a conjecture of
Cvetkovic, Rowlinson and Simic on minimal signless Laplacian spread
[Eigenvalue bounds for the signless Laplacian, Publ. Inst. Math. (Beograd),
81(95)(2007), 11-27].
Influence of season on pig carcass and M. semimembranosus quality
Authors: Dzinic Natalija , Petrovic Ljiljana , Tomovic Vladimir , Jokanovic Marija , Sojic Branislav
Published: January 2012

Partial dissection method showed significantly higher (P<0.05) meat yield in
carcasses of pigs fattened in the winter (57.5%), comparing with the meat
yield of pigs fattened in the autumn (55.2 %), but not significantly higher
comparing to the meat yield of pigs fattened in spring (56.4 %) (P>0.05). On
the basis of technological parameters (pHi, pHu, colouru - L
Influence of the composition of common bean extracts on their coagulation ability
Authors: Kukic Dragana , Sciban Marina , Tepic Aleksandra , Prodanovic Jelena
Published: January 2012

Coagulation and flocculation are the most used methods for removal of
turbidity of water. Recently, many studies have focused on the investigation
of natural coagulants for this purpose. In view of the fact that extracts of
common bean have coagulation activity, this study is concerned with the
chemical composition of these extracts and their influence on the coagulation
activity. Extraction was conducted with distilled water, 0.5M NaCl and 1M
NaCl and total sugars content, proteins, phytic acid and total phenolics
content and their coagulation activity were determined in the obtained
extracts. These experiments confirmed that an extraction time of 10 minutes
is sufficient for the extraction of active coagulant components from common
bean seeds and that water is satisfactorily efficient and most economical
solvent.
Influence of emulsifiers on the optimization of processing parameters of refining milk chocolate in the ball mill
Authors: Pajin Biljana , Zaric Danica , Dokic Ljubica , Seres Zita , Soronja-Simovic Dragana , Omorjan Radovan , Loncarevic Ivana
Published: January 2012

Chocolate manufacture is a complex process which includes a large number of
technology operations. One of the obligatory phases is milling, called
refining, which aims at obtaining the appropriate distribution of particle
size, resulting in the chocolate with optimal physical and sensory
characteristics. The aim of this work was to define and optimize the process
parameters for the production of milk chocolate by a non-conventional
procedure, using the ball mill. The quality of chocolate mass, produced on
this way, is determined by measuring the following parameters: moisture, size
of the largest cocoa particle, yield flow, and Casson plastic viscosity. A
special consideration of this study is the optimization of the types and
amounts of emulsifiers, which are responsible for achieving the appropriate
rheological and physical characteristics of the chocolate mass. The obtained
parameters are compared with those which are typical for the standard
procedure.
Antioxidant activity of three different Serbian floral honeys
Authors: Savatovic Sladjana , Dimitrijevic Dejan , Djilas Sonja , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Cetkovic Gordana , Tumbas Vesna , Stajner Dubravka
Published: January 2012

In this study, three Serbian honey samples (Acacia, Linden and "Homoljski
med") were analyzed to determine their total phenolic, flavonoid and
antioxidant content, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. The
antioxidant activity of honeys was examined by different tests, including the
reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical
scavenging assay. In addition, correlations between the antioxidant activity
and total phenolic, as well as flavonoid content were also sought. The
highest content of total phenolics (27.44 mg/100 g), flavonoids (9.78 mg/100
g), reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were obtained in
the case of Linden honey. The EC50 values of the Linden honey, determined
based on the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were 24.17
mg/ml and 51.34 mg/ml, respectively. Also, the antioxidant content was
highest for Linden honey, and it valued 5.45 mg QEAC/100 g (expressed as mg
of quercetin equivalent antioxidant content - QEAC per 100 g of honey) and
7.82 mg AEAC/100 g (expressed as mg of ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant
content - AEAC per 100 g of honey). Also, a linear correlation was observed
between the antioxidant activity and total phenolics, as well as total
flavonoids.
Effect of alkaline solutions on the tensile properties of glass-polyester pipes
Authors: Putic Slavisa , Stamenovic Marina , Petrovic Jelena , Rakin Marko , Medjo Bojan
Published: January 2012

Construction materials, traditionally used in process equipment, are today
successfully replaced by composite materials. Hence, many pipes are made of
these materials. The subject of this study was the influence of liquids on
the state of stresses and tensile strengths in the longitudinal and
circumferential direction of glass-polyester pipes of a definite structure
and known fabrication process. These analyses are of great importance for the
use of glass-polyester pipes in the chemical industry. The tensile properties
(the ultimate tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity) were tested and
determined for specimens cut out of the pipes; flat specimens for the tensile
properties in the longitudinal direction and ring specimens for the tensile
properties in the circumferential direction. First, the tension test was
performed on virgin samples (without the influence of any liquid), to obtain
knowledge about the original tensile properties of the material composite
studied. Subsequently, the specimens were soaked in alkaline solutions:
sodium hydroxide (strong alkali) and ammonium hydroxide (weak alkali). These
solutions were selected because of their considerable difference in pH
values. The specimens and rings were left for 3, 10, 30 and 60 days in each
liquid at room temperature. Then, the samples were tested on tension by the
standard testing procedure. A comparison of the obtained results was made
based on the pH values of the aggressive media in which the examined material
had been soaked, as well as based on the original tensile properties and the
number of days of treatment. Micromechanical analyses of sample breakage
helped in the elucidation of the influence of the liquids on the structure of
the composite pipe and enabled models and mechanisms that produced the change
of strength to be proposed.
Prediction of the inhibitory activity of benzimidazole derivatives against Bacillus spp.
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovica Sanja , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Gadzuric Slobodan
Published: January 2012

In the present paper, the antibacterial activity of some
1-benzylbenzimidazole derivatives was evaluated against Gram-positive
bacteria Bacillus spp. by using QSAR (quantitative structure-activity
relationship). The tested compounds displayed in vitro antibacterial activity
and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all compounds.
The lipophilicity descriptors of the studied compounds were measured by
theoretical calculation (ClogP). The correlation between the MIC (log1/cMIC)
and lipophilicity descriptors was investigated, and a mathematical model has
been developed as a calibration model for predicting the antibacterial
activity of this class of compounds. The quality of the model was validated
by leave one out (LOO) technique as well as by the calculation of statistical
parameters for the established model. The results of the present study may be
useful for the designing of new benzimidazole derivatives that would be more
potent against Bacillus spp.
Antibacterial activity of Beta vulgaris L. pomace extract
Authors: Velicanski Aleksandra , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Markov Sinisa , Vulic Jelena , Djilas Sonja
Published: January 2012

Antibacterial activity of Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot) pomace extract
(concentration 100 mg/ml) was tested against five Gram positive and seven
Gram negative bacterial strains (reference cultures and natural isolates).
Disc diffusion method with 15 ?l of extract and agar-well diffusion method
with 50 and 100 ?l were used. Antibiotic (cefotaxime/clavulanic acid) was
used as a control sample. The tested extract showed the highest activity
against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, where clear zones (without
growth) appeared. There was no any activity against other tested
Gram-positive bacteria, except for Staphylococcus epidermidis, with a small
zone of reduced growth. Growth of all tested Gram-negative bacteria was
inhibited usually with 100 ?l of extract. The most susceptible were
Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella typhymurium. The tested antibiotic gave
clear, usually large zones for all tested strains except for Staphylococcus
cohni spp. cohni, where only a zone of reduced growth appeared.
Essential oil and extract of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Zekovic Zoran , Adamovic Dusan , Cetkovic Gordana , Radojkovic Marija , Vidovic Senka
Published: January 2012

Two different methods of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil
isolation, steam distillation and extraction by methylene chloride (Soxhlet
extraction) were investigated. After the determination of essential oil
content in the investigated drug and in dry extract (using steam
distillation), qualitative and quantitative composition of obtained essential
oils, determined by TLC and GC-MS methods, were compared. The content of
linalool was higher (52.4%) in essential oil obtained by coriander steam
distillation than that in essential oil separeted from dry extract (42.8%),
and, on the other hand, content of geranyl-acetate was lower (4.6% and 11.7%,
respectively).
Involutina farinacciae Bronnimann & Koehn-Zaninetti 1969, a marker for the Middle Liassic in basinal and some platform facies of Mediterranean and near east areas: The discussion concerning the paleogeography of Montenegro-Albania border region (the Scutari-Pec lineament)
Authors: Radoicic Rajka , Jovanovic Divna
Published: January 2012

Foraminiferal species Involutina farinacciae BRONNIMANN & KOEHN-ZANINETTI, is
a marker of Middle Liassic basinal and transitional platform bassin facies
widely distributed in Mediterranean area (Umbria-Marche, Pindos, Budva,
Sicilia and the Inner Dinarides basin), also in Iraqi Kurdistan (?Avroman?
Basin). In the Dinaric Carbonate Platform (DCP) it indicates intramarginal
and intraplatform depressions. Paleogeography of the Montenegro-Albania
border area formed by the inherited prealpine paleogeographic scenario that
resulted in a different arrangement of the paleogeographic units westward and
eastward of the paleostructure (Scutari-Pec Lineament) which controlled the
geological history of the region. This transverse paleostructure was a)
coincident with the paleogeographic front of the DCP, and b) the westward
limit of the overtrusted Mirdita Zone. The difference in the paleogeographic
features in the prolongation from the DCP througout Albania, controlled by
paleostructure, are the source of seizmicity, rotation and deviation (SE to
NW, into NE) of the Complex Mirdita Zone.
New data concerning the early middle miocene on the southern slopes of Fruska Gora (Northern Serbia): A case study from the Mutalj quarry
Authors: Rundic Ljupko , Knezevic Slobodan , Vasic Nebojsa , Cvetkov Vesna , Rakijas Milovan
Published: January 2012

During the last few years, geological research at the southern slopes of
Fruska Gora Mt. enabled the discovery of different Miocene units (undivided
the Lower Miocene and Middle Miocene Badenian, predominantly). This is
primarily thinking of the so-called Leitha limestone (Middle Miocene,
Badenian), which is an important component in cement production (La Farge
Co., Beocin). The high carbonate content (more than 98 %) allows it to be a
very important raw material that is mixed with Pannonian marl in the process
of cement manufacture. Continuous exploitation of this rock at the Mutalj
Quarry enabled an insight into its structural, stratigraphic,
sedimentological and hydrogeological features, as well as its relation to the
other underlying/overlying units. Numerous fossils (i.e., red algae,
mollusks, corals, bryozoans, and foraminifers) and their biostratigraphic
range indicate to Middle Miocene Badenian age. Based on data from different
boreholes, structural and sedimentological characteristics, spatial
distribution, etc., a relatively large rock body was discovered (approx. 0.3
km2). Within these Leitha limestones, there are frequent cracks and caverns
infilled with fine lateritic clays and alevrites. These clays were sampled
for a paleomagnetic study. The carrier of the primary remanent magnetization
(RM) is magnetite that has a primary origin. Lateritic clays are
characterized by significant value of magnetic susceptibility. The degree of
anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is low with the dominant
magnetic foliation.
Petrophysical and mechanical properties of the Struganik limestone (Vardar zone, Western Serbia)
Authors: Gajic Violeta , Matovic Vesna , Vasic Nebojsa , Sreckovic-Batocanin Danica
Published: January 2012

The Struganik limestone has been increasingly popular in recent years for
interior and exterior building applications, due to easy workability, low
cost and multi purpose suitability. The quality of limestone is determined by
its mineralogical and textural characteristics and physico-mechanical
properties. The Struganik stone corresponds to marl, clayey limestone and
limestone (micritic and allochemical). The limestone is commonly layered,
either thinly bedded or banked. Chert concretions are present in all
varieties. The Upper and the Lower Campanian age were deduced by the abundant
foraminifers. Micrite limestone is an autochthonous rock generated in a deep
marine environment, whereas allochemical limestone is related to a shallow
marine environment but subsequently brought into a deep-water system. The
mass quality of the Struganik limestone is controlled by variability of
lithology and layering. The values of physico-mechanical properties, such as
density, porosity, water absorption and strength, were statistically analyzed
and the obtained data were used to assess the rock quality in the quarry. The
relationship among the quantified properties is described by regression
analyses and the equations of the best-fit line. The Struganik limestone was
qualified by its petrological and engineering properties coupled with
statistical analysis. It satisfies the majority of the requirements of the
Main National Standard as a decorative stone, but with a limiting factor
regarding abrasive resistance.
The Novo Okno copper deposit of olistostrome origin (Bor, Eastern Serbia)
Authors: Antonijevic Ivan
Published: January 2012

The copper deposit Novo Okno, uncovered at present, with non-ore and ore
clasts of massive sulphides (from 0.5 to 50 m3 in size), has many distinctive
features that indicate its olistostrome origin. The deposit is chaotic in
structure, unstratified, with the lower surface unconformable over the
underlying parent rock of the basin. It is a lens-like body, with the longer
axis directed east and west, variable in thickness from 15 to 28 metres,
about 335 metres long and less than 140 metres wide. These and other
characteristics of the body indicate a unified, reworked, olistostrome copper
deposit formed from primary ore bodies of the Bor mineral deposit and
vulcanite, destroyed by volcanic explosion into blocks and rocks of Turonian
age and extrusion and concurrent deposition on the land surface.
Gravitational massive sliding of the consolidated rocks down the slopes of
the volcanic relief and chaotic accumulation of ore and non-ore clasts
(olistoliths) in a marine basin evolved in the Upper Turonian and the Lower
Senonian.
Dinosaur tracks in the Struganik quarry (Western Serbia)
Authors: Cammarosano Antonella
Published: January 2012

nema
Reading habits of secondary school students in Serbia
Authors: Krnjaic Zora , Stepanovic Ivana , Pavlovic-Babic Dragica
Published: January 2012

Within the research study about free time, interests, cultural needs and
habits of secondary school students, their reading habits were studied in
particular. The paper is aimed at exploring the reading habits of secondary
school students, which are expressed through different media, first and
foremost, through book reading, as well as through reading the press and
using the internet, and to determine the connection between them. The
research was conducted by means of a questionnaire on the sample of 2426
students from 26 secondary schools from nine Serbian towns. The results
referring to the level of development of reading habits of our secondary
school students indicate that: 12% of students do not read; 21% read only the
required reading; 40% read the required reading and occasionally the books
that are not required; 20% read the required reading and often other books as
well; and 7% are passionate readers. Secondary school students do not have a
formed habit of using library services and most frequently read popular
literature and popular science. The most frequently read texts in the press
refer to leisure and sports. More developed reading habits of secondary
school students are related to reading the sections on culture in daily
newspapers, reading popular science magazines and using educational software.
Educational implications of the paper indicate that it is necessary to
develop students? reading habits through teaching and learning and to
encourage students to use both books and the modern media for learning
purposes.
Nimesulide induced Stevens- Johnson Syndrome
Authors: Karunaratne D , Khatri R
Published: January 2012

Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe, episodic, acute mucocutaneous reaction that is most often elicited by drugs and occasionally by infections. We report a case of 29 years old woman who developed Stevens - Johnson syndrome following the ingestion of Nimesulide tablets. Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug with antipyretic and analgesic properties. To the best of our knowledge there have been no previous reports of SJS induced by the ingestion of Nimesulide in the medical literature. This case highlights the importance of Nimesulide and other NSAIDS as the possible cause of Stevens - Johnson syndrome which needs to be borne in mind by the treating physician in cases of drug reactions. Key words Nimesulide; Stevens - Johnson syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v9i1.5765 NJDVL 2010; 9(1): 25-27
Postherpetic Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome: An under recognized condition
Authors: Dhali TK , Agrawal S
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v9i1.5769 NJDVL 2010; 9(1): 31-33
Profile of Vitiligo in Western Nepal
Authors: Kumar A , Neupane S , Parajuli S , Gurung D
Published: January 2012

Background Vitiligo is common worldwide. The highest incidence is reported from Indian subcontinent. However, there are only few studies available on epidemiology of vitiligo from Nepal Objective To determine the clinical patterns of vitiligo, the associated sociodemographic factors and its associated disorders among patients attending dermatology outpatient department of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Fishtail Hospital and Research Center Pokhara. Methods All patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of vitiligo over a period of one-year (from march 2009 to march 2010 ) at the out-patient clinics in the Dermatology Department of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Fishtail Hospital and Research Center, Pokhara were included in the study. Socio-demographic details regarding age, sex, marital status, education and occupation were recorded .A detailed clinical history related to the presenting complain and clinical examination findings were recorded. Relevant available investigations were ordered based on signs and symptoms to determine if any associated disorders. Results Two hundred and twenty four patients with clinical diagnosis of vitiligo were studied. Males constituted 102 (45%) patients and females 122 (55%) of the total number of patients. Duration of disease at the time of presentation ranged from two weeks to 40 years. The lower limb was the initial site of onset of vitiligo in majority 77 (34.37%) of the patients, followed by the upper limbs, head and neck, trunk and mucosae in decreasing order of frequency. The commonest clinical pattern found was vitiligo vulgaris followed by acrofacial, segmental and mucosal types. Lesions showing leukotrichia were observed in 40 (18.87%) patients and koebnerization was observed in 42 (18.75%) patients. Eleven children had halo nevi. Associated abnormalities included alopecia areata (13 patients), diabetes mellitus (12 patients) and one patient had atopic dermatitis. A positive family history was obtained in 14(6.25%) of the patients. Conclusion Vitiligo vulgaris is on of the common clinical-type skin disorder observed in Nepal. There w e re associated disorders/abnormalities in some patients such as alopecia areata , diabetes mellitus and atopic dermatitis. Keywords Clinical Profile; Vitiligo; Western Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v9i1.5771 NJDVL 2010; 9(1): 40-43
Ehical Reading Of Platoss The Republic
Authors: Ybanez Tomacruz Jose Ma
Published: January 2012

The last four books of Plato’s THE REPUBLIC manifest fecundity, not simply in terms of books or pages but in terms of topics or themes. Plato in this opus, true to the form of a Socratic disciple, uses the method of the catena -chain. That is, one topic is nexated or interconnected to the other. This is also the reason why I have decided to delve into this paper not in terms of books but thematically, more specifically, those I consider to be major ones. These themes that I deem to be major ones contained in the four books are Plato’s notions of human nature and morality, socio-political philosophy, the process of education or learning, and then his epistemology. However, here I have decided to tackle only one, i.e., Plato’s notions of human nature and morality. Lastly, let it also be pointed out that all the expository work and critique shared here are all mine, and thus, for any error or shortcoming, the burden is solely mine and not of Plato nor of any other person. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i2.9622 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(2): 2-6
Bioethics: Awakening And Changing Of Human Life
Authors: Begum Ferdousshi
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i2.9626Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(2): 24-30
Education & Practice Of Bioethics: An Initiative To Build A Just, Sustainable & Healthful Society
Authors: Ali Md Ashraf
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i2.9627Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(2): 31-33
Ethics in the Judiciary System of Bangladesh
Authors: Imam Mehedi
Published: January 2012

In Bangladesh, demand for judicial independence in practice has been a much debated issue and the demand is fulfilled but expectation of people is not only limited to have an independent judiciary but to have an impartial system and cadre of people, which will administer justice rationally being free from fear or force. The independence of judiciary and the impartial judicial practice are related concepts, one cannot sustain without the other and here existence as well as the need of practicing impartiality is well recognized. But the art of practicing impartiality does not develop overnight as it’s related to development of one’s attitude. It takes a considerable time resulting from understanding, appreciating and acknowledging the moral values, ethics and professional responsibility. The judiciary includes Judges, Advocates mostly who are expected to demonstrate a high level of moral values and impartiality towards people seeking justice and ‘rule of law’. This is true that bench officers and clerks are also part of the process to ensure rule of law with same level of participation by the law enforcing agencies such as police. However the paper includes only those who either join judiciary as Judge/Magistrate or Advocate to explore level and extent of ethical knowledge they receive being key role players of the system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i2.9628 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(2): 34-36
Organ Transplantation And Vulnerable Donors: Donation Under Emotional Compulsion
Authors: Memon Inayat Ullah
Published: January 2012

During last few decades advancements in medical knowledge and technologies have increased the practice of organ donation. Organ transplantation, on one hand gifts renewed life to the donors, while on the other hand unwanted ethical practices in the field exploit vulnerable donors, such as trend of ‘transplantation tourism’ involving non-related live donors. Beyond this, some delicate and intriguing situations bring the physicians at cross-roads in cases of live related donors’ transplantation. In this paper, I would like to discuss and analyze a case of live donor (un-married girl), where overtly consents to donate kidney to her brother who is breadearner of their joint family. By consenting to donate, the girl jeopardizes her matrimonial proposal as her fiancé is uncertain about her post-donation health status. The transplant clinician, aware of this fact faces ethical dilemma, whether to perform transplantation surgery so as save the life of ailing patient or to abandon it in order to save the future marriage of the girl from being broken. The case highlights multiple ethical issues in Asian socio-cultural context. I have attempted to disentangle the dilemma by applying Mc Donald and Rodney’s framework of ethical decision making. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i3.9632 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(3): 35-42
Intellectual Property Rights And Developing Countries
Authors: Hossain Arif , Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: January 2012

Knowledge is the multidimensional outcome of human intellect. Intellectual Property Rights system (IPRs) is considered from economic and legal aspect as the ownership rights for the excessive use of innovation and creative work. IPRs are measured to encourage innovation, promote investment in S&T and make the technologies for public benefit. But history shows that from the time of industrial revolution in Europe and during twentieth century in the North America and Japan, IPRs contribute to the S&T driven economic growth. Therefore, there is a fair and consistent relationship between strength of IPRs and per capital income. A recent study of World Bank suggested that the major beneficiaries of IPRs in terms of enhanced value of patents are the developed countries with USA along made an annual gain of US $ 20 billion while developing country face an annual loss of 7.5 billion on royalties and license fees. Moreover, for the developing county, while indigenous technological capability is a significant determinant to economic growth and poverty reduction, no exact relationship has been established between the IPRs and economic growth. Developed countries and business corporations who are benefited directly from IPRs regime insist on implementation of strong IPRs for all countries. Need for strong IPRs for developing and least developed countries are discussed. Strong IPRs for all countries whether it leads to transfer of wealth from poor countries to rich countries to further widen the economic divide is a major ethical concern. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i3.9633 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(3): 43-46
An Overall View Of Bio Ethics Practices In Our Day To Day Life And It`S Remedies
Authors: Ahmed ZU
Published: January 2012

Historically, ethics has been considered the province of religion i.e moral theology and large, still remains so. In most cases religion provides an important answer to the question, why one should act ethically. The ancient Greeks were the first to examine ethics philosophically and thus independently to religion . The major proponents of it were Socrates, Plato and Aristotle in the 5th & 4th centuries B.C. Now a days we can see lack of ethics everywhere of our life. This article try to find out –where & what are the ethics we are lacking behind in our day to days life and it`s probable remidies. Morality should be practiced and should start from the –“DINNING TABLE”. Beside this Government should pass down policies, which will facilitate this practice to get good citizens. The main thrust of modern ethics or moral philosophy is to attempt to lay the foundations of ethical conduct, which should be bear in mind with good faith. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i3.9635 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(3): 52-57
Shanghai Modern: Replaying Futures Past
Authors: O´Connor Justin
Published: January 2012

This article discusses different accounts of Shanghai Modern, the period between 1920s and 1940s in which the city occupied a unique position within China and the world. It places discussions of this period in the context of the resurgence of urban led modernization in China, led by Shanghai. It looks in particular at Leo Ou-Fan Lee’s attempt to link the cosmopolitanism of Shanghai modern with prospects for this new post-reform China. I then discuss Ackbas Abbas’ response to this book and use this as a way of reflecting on the progress of Shanghai urban development and its divergence/ convergence with similar processes in the West. The article then looks at the other significant moment of the Cultural Revolution as a way of opening up discussions of Chinese and Shanghainese modernity beyond that of simply an absorption into Western capitalist modernity. It concludes by briefly introducing this volume.
The Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium Approach to Far-From-Local-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Beretta Gian Paolo , Keck James C. , Janbozorgi Mohammad , Metghalchi Hameed
Published: January 2012

The Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium (RCCE) method for the description of the time-dependent behavior of dynamical systems in non-equilibrium states is a general, effective, physically based method for model order reduction that was originally developed in the framework of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. A generalized mathematical formulation is presented here that allows including nonlinear constraints in non-local equilibrium systems characterized by the existence of a non-increasing Lyapunov functional under the system’s internal dynamics. The generalized formulation of RCCE enables to clarify the essentials of the method and the built-in general feature of thermodynamic consistency in the chemical kinetics context. In this paper, we work out the details of the method in a generalized mathematical-physics framework, but for definiteness we detail its well-known implementation in the traditional chemical kinetics framework. We detail proofs and spell out explicit functional dependences so as to bring out and clarify each underlying assumption of the method. In the standard context of chemical kinetics of ideal gas mixtures, we discuss the relations between the validity of the detailed balance condition off-equilibrium and the thermodynamic consistency of the method. We also discuss two examples of RCCE gas-phase combustion calculations to emphasize the constraint-dependent performance of the RCCE method.
Adaptation of Forests and Forest Management to Climate Change: An Editorial
Authors: Keenan Rodney J.
Published: January 2012

Climate change presents potential risks to forests and challenges for forest managers. Adaptation to climate change involves monitoring and anticipating change and undertaking actions to avoid the negative consequences and take advantage of potential benefits of those changes. Forest managers are accustomed to considering the long-term implications of their decisions. However, many are now responding to much shorter term economic or political imperatives. Climate change potentially increases the consequences of many existing challenges associated with environmental, social or economic change. Some current management measures may continue to be suitable in responding to increasing pressures under climate change, while for other situations new measures will be required. This special issue presents papers from Africa, Europe, and North America that provide examples of the type of analysis being implemented to support forest management in a changing climate. The implications in the context of uncertainty in climate projections and ecosystem responses are discussed.
Phylogeographical Analysis on Squalidus argentatus Recapitulates Historical Landscapes and Drainage Evolution on the Island of Taiwan and Mainland China
Authors: Yang Jin-Quan , Tang Wen-Qiao , Liao Te-Yu , Sun Yang , Zhou Zhuo-Cheng , Han Chiao-Chuan , Liu Dong , Lin Hung-Du
Published: January 2012

Phylogeographical analyses on Squalidus argentatus samples from thirteen localities within mainland China and Taiwan were conducted for biogeographic studies, as their dispersal strictly depends on geological evolution of the landmasses. A total of 95 haplotypes were genotyped for mtDNA cyt b gene in 160 specimens from nine river systems. Relatively high levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.984) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.020) were detected in S. argentatus. Two major phylogenetic haplotype groups, A and B, were revealed via phylogenetic analysis. The degree of intergroup divergence (3.96%) indicates that these groups diverged about 4.55 myr (million years) ago. Haplotype network and population analyses indicated significant genetic structure (FST = 0.775), largely concordant with the geographical location of the populations. According to SAMOVA analysis, we divided these populations into four units: Yangtze-Pearl, Qiantang-Minjiang, Jiulong-Beijiang and Taiwan groups. Mismatch distribution analysis, neutrality tests and Bayesian skyline plots indicated a significant population expansion for lineage A and B, approximately dated 0.35 and 0.04 myr ago, respectively. We found strong geographical organization of the haplotype clades across different geographic scales that can be explained by episodes of dispersal and population expansion followed by population fragmentation and restricted gene flow.
Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antifungal Activity Screening of the Allium ursinum L. (Liliaceae)
Authors: Bagiu Radu Vasile , Vlaicu Brigitha , Butnariu Monica
Published: January 2012

The objective of the study was to summarize the methods for isolating and identifying natural sulfur compounds from Allium ursinum (ramson) and to discuss the active constituents with regard to antifungal action. Using chromatographic techniques, the active constituents were isolated and subsequently identified. Analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggested that these compounds were sulfur constituents, with a characteristic absorbance at 250 nm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses allowed the chemical structures of the isolated constituents to be postulated. We adopted the same methods to identify the health-giving profiling of ramsons and the effects are thought to be primarily derived from the presence and breakdown of the alk(en)ylcysteine sulphoxide, alliin and its subsequent breakdown to allicin (sulfur-compounds of ramson) in connection with antifungal action. The aim of the study was the characterization of the chemical composition of ramsons and the testing of the action of the in vitro extracts, on different strains of Candida albicans. The main goal was to highlight the most efficient extracts of Allium ursinum that can provide long-term antifungal activity without remissions. The extracts from Allium ursinum plants, inhibited growth of Candida spp. cells at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 mg/mL, while that of adherent cells at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to > 4.0 mg/mL, depending on the yeast and plant species.
Optical Properties of Mg, Fe, Co-Doped Near-Stoichiometric LiTaO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Hsu Wei Tse , Chen Zhi Bin , Wu Chien Cheng , Choubey Ravi Kant , Lan Chung Wen
Published: January 2012

Mg, Fe co-doped near-stoichiometric lithium tantalite (SLT) single crystals were grown by employing the zone-leveling Czochralski (ZLCz) technique. The optical properties, holographic parameters, as well as the composition of the grown crystals were measured. It was found that the Li/Ta ratio decreased with the doping of Mg and Fe ions. A red shift was observed in absorption spectrum for the Mg, Fe co-doped crystals compared to the undoped and Mg-doped ones. The effect of the iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+) was further discussed based on the specified absorption bands. Moreover, the occupation mechanism for the defects was discussed by using the IR absorption spectrum, which was attributed to the FeTa3− defects in the highly Fe-doped crystal. In addition, the holographic parameters were also found to be improved with a higher Fe/Ta ratio in the crystals.