bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketization of refuse collection in Denmark: social and environmental quality jeopardized
Authors: Busck Ole
Published: August 2007

Refuse collection has been the main public service to be out-sourced in Denmark since the EU guidelines on public procurement came into force in 1993. The contracting activities of the municipalities are framed by a complex set of ideologies and objectives, in addition to regulations. At both EU level and at national level, the demands for marketization of the public sector are counterbalanced by demands for social and environmental considerations. The procurement directive reflects the balance legalizing the inclusion of such requirements by contracting. The Danish experiences, however, tell a grim tale of subordination of social requirements in municipal contracting practices with implications for the quality of the service. The results of a recent study of developments in the working conditions at commercial collection companies show deterioration in respect of health and safety, competence building and job security concurrent with the increase in outsourcing and competition in the sector. In the analysis of the results, a combination of municipal cost-saving strategies, harsh market forces and cultural influences are identified as causal factors. Drawing on a brief institutional analysis, it is concluded that the existing normative and regulative framework of municipal contracting needs reinforcement if societal intentions of qualified public services and acceptable working conditions are to be effective. Initiatives to simultaneously improve working conditions and environmental results of collection are called for.
Air permeability of compost as related to bulk density and volumetric air content
Authors: Poulsen Tjalfe G. , Moldrup Per
Published: August 2007

Compost air permeability controls air flow through compost during composting or when using compost as biofilter material. Air permeability is therefore an important characteristic of compost. The relationships between air permeability ( ka) in compost and compost dry bulk density (ρb), gravimetric water content (ω), and volumetric air content (ε) was investigated for two types of composts. The composts used were produced from a digested sewage sludge—straw mixture and from garden waste and measurements were conducted on sieved and repacked 100 cm3 compost samples. Results showed a linear relation between log( ka) and ρb at constant values of ω for both composts, indicating an exponential relationship between ka and ρb. The slopes of these relationships generally became more negative with increasing ρb. The results further showed a linear relationship between log( ka) and log(ε) for both composts as also often observed for soils. It was observed that the log( ka) and log(ε) relationships for the garden waste compost all intercepted at the same location despite having very different slopes. This means that it is possible to predict the entire ka—ε relationship using only one measurement of corresponding ( ka, ε) for garden waste. It was not possible to determine whether this was also the case for the sewage sludge compost due to difficulties in sample preparation at low and high water content.
Estimating the quantity of solid waste generation in Oyo, Nigeria
Authors: Afon Abel O. , Okewole Afolabi
Published: August 2007

The study established waste multipliers that could be used in conjunction with the population figure of a city to estimate the quantity of solid waste generation in the developing world. Oyo, a traditional city in Nigeria was the focus of the study. Two sets of data were collected. The first was the information on the socio-economic attributes of residents obtained from 648 households through questionnaires administered using a systematic random sampling technique. The second was the measurement of waste generated in 25% of the households for a week in each of the 12 months of the year. The study established that 23.3% of the residents surveyed have educational qualifications beyond secondary school, with 51.2% engaged in occupations requiring very little or no formal education and 50.9% were in the low-income group. The daily per capita solid waste generation was 0.129 kg. The highest (9.8%) and lowest (6.5%) of the annual quantities of waste were produced in October and February, respectively. Similarly, 20.2% of the weekly generation was produced on Saturday and the 10.2% produced on Thursday was the lowest. Animal dung, which accounted for 18.0%, constituted the highest component of the total solid waste generated. The study further established that the organic component of the waste generation was 75.4%. The results of the regression analysis R2 significant at 0.001 showed that income, household size, social status, occupation, education and season of the year explained 88.8% of waste generation in Oyo. It was established that 50.90 tonnes of solid waste was generated per day in the city in 2005, and the daily generation in the year 2008 is estimated to be 55.20 tonnes. The study concluded that with an average annual population growth of 13 000 people for the town, an additional 1.3 acres of land will need to be legally acquired annually, implying that 10.92—19.68 hectares will be required as dump site(s) over the next 20—30 years.
Effects of municipal solid waste compost application on the microbial biomass of cultivated and non-cultivated soil in a semi-arid zone
Authors: Bouzaiane Olfa , Cherif Hanene , Saidi Neila , Jedidi Naceur , Hassen Abdennaceur
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to assess whether soil microbial biomass could be used as an indicator of environmental changes following the application of organic residue (compost of municipal solid waste and farmyard manure) or mineral fertilizers (N and P) into cultivated or uncultivated loam—clayey soil, for three consecutive years. The carbon and nitrogen of the microbial biomass (BC and BN) were studied using the fumigation-extraction method. For the two cultivated and uncultivated plots, BN and BC were more important in the superficial profile (0—20 cm) than in the deep one (20— 40 cm). In the uncultivated soil, we observed a good linear relation between BC and BN at the level of upper soil horizon during the wet season with r coefficients of 0.95, 0.71 and 0.80 for the consecutive years 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Microbial biomasses C and N increased during the rainy season and decreased during the dry season. Microbial biomass C and N showed the higher content with compost and farmyard manure at 40 tonnes ha—1. Moreover, the results showed that at the beginning of the experiment, the microbial biomass was higher in the ploughed wheat-cultivated plot than in the uncultivated one. Microbial biomass C and N in the cultivated plot amended with compost at 40 tonnes ha—1 were significantly different in comparison with the soil microbial biomass amended with farmyard manure. The combining of chemical fertilizer with the organic fertilizer, such as compost at 40 or 80 tonnes ha—1 and farmyard manure, increased the microbial biomasses C and N after 1 and 2 years. In the cultivated or uncultivated plots the results revealed that the best application rate of the compost was 40 tonnes ha—1 and when the compost rate was increased from 40 to 80 tonnes ha—1 both BC and BN decreased significantly.
Failures during construction of a landfill lining: a case analysis
Authors: Blight Geoffrey E.
Published: August 2007

Two tension failures occurred during the construction of the protection and leachate drainage layers for a geomembrane landfill liner on a slope of 24° to the horizontal. The paper describes and analyses the design and shows that the failures occurred largely because the sequence of construction was altered without due consideration of the consequences. The designers also appeared unaware that there is a difference between the nominal strength of a structural element and its actual in-service strength. This misconception also played a major part in the failures.
Is Mission Attachment an Effective Management Tool for Employee Retention? An Empirical Analysis of a Nonprofit Human Services Agency
Authors: Seok Eun Kim  , Jung Wook Lee
Published: August 2007

Nonprofit organizations have been known as mission-driven entities, in which people are attracted by their passion for the mission and remain there to accomplish it. This study tested the traditional assumption of mission orientation among nonprofit employees by replicating Brown and Yoshioka's research on the role of mission attachment as a factor in nonprofit employee retention. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis are generally consistent with Brown and Yoshioka: Human services employees showed a positive attitude toward the agency's mission, but dissatisfaction with working conditions—pay and career advancement—overrode the role of mission attachment in employee retention. However, employees' positive perceptions and strong correlations between nonprofit working conditions and mission attachment suggest that mission can still play a significant role in retaining nonprofit employees by reducing dissatisfaction with pay and career advancement.
If a Tree Falls in the Forest
Authors: Daley Dennis M.
Published: August 2007

This study examines the effect of grievances on organizational effectiveness characteristics. Using data from the 2000 Merit Principles Survey, the author constructs three measures of organizational effectiveness characteristics: attitudinal indices on performance appraisal, job satisfaction, and efficacy. These serve as dependent variables in regression analyses testing perceptions of adverse events (fair treatment and being misled), filing of formal complaints, and being subject to retaliation. This allows an examination of whether withdrawal (a decline in organizational effectiveness characteristics) is because of the initial event (measured as lack of fair treatment or being misled) or because of participation in the formal grievance process or later retaliation.
Ovarian toxicity in rats caused by methidathion and ameliorating effect of vitamins E and C
Authors: Güney Mehmet , Demirin Hilmi , Oral Baha , Özgüner Meltem , Bayhan Gökhan , Altuntas Irfan
Published: August 2007

We have investigated the effect of subchronic administration of methidathion (MD) on ovary evaluated ameliorating effects of vitamins E and C against MD toxicity. Experimental groups were as follows: control group; a group treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD (MD group); and a group treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD plus vitamin E and vitamin C (MD + Vit group). MD and MD + Vit groups were given MD by gavage five days a week for four weeks at a dose level of 5 mg/kg/day by using corn oil as the vehicle. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA: an indicator of lipid peroxidation) concentration, serum activity of cholinesterase (ChE), and ovary histopathology were studied. The level of MDA increased significantly in the MD group compared with the control ( P < 0.005). Serum MDA decreased significantly in the MD + Vit group compared with the MD group ( P < 0.05). The activities of ChE decreased significantly both in the MD and MD + Vit groups compared with the controls ( P < 0.05). However, the decrease in the MD + Vit groups was less than in the MD group; the ChE activity in the MD + Vit group was significantly higher compared with MD group ( P < 0.05). Number of ovarian follicles were significantly lower in the MD group compared to the controls ( P < 0.05). Number of atretic follicles were significantly higher in the MD group than in the controls ( P < 0.05). Follicle counts in MD + Vit group showed that all types of ovarian follicles were significantly higher, and a significant decrease in the number of atretic follicles compared with the MD group ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, subchronic MD administration caused an ovarian damage, in addition, LPO may be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in MD-induced toxicity. Treatment with vitamins E and C after the administration of MD reduced LPO and ovarian damage. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 491—498
Lead exposure effect on angiotensin II renal vasoconstriction
Authors: Robles Hilda Vargas , Romo Eunice , Sanchez-Mendoza Alicia , Rios Amelia , Soto Virgilia , Avila-Casado M. Carmen , Medina Armando , Escalante Bruno
Published: August 2007

Low levels of chronic lead exposure can produce hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, which could be associated with oxidative stress, changes in vascular tone and an imbalance of endothelial-derived vasoconstriction and vasodilator factors. The aim was to investigate the effect of chronic lead-exposure on angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction in isolated perfused kidney and microvessels. Male Wistar rats (230—250 g) were treated for 12 weeks with lead acetate (100 ppm, Pbgroup) or pure water (control group). We evaluated the vascular reactivity in the kidneys and renal microvessels in the presence and absence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in both groups. The nitrite concentration in renal perfusate was measured as an index of NO released, renal abundance of 3-nitrotyrosine was measured as well as endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression. Oxidative stress was measured by using the oxidative fluorescence dye dihydroethidium (DHE) to evaluate in situ production of superoxide and identified by confocal microscopy. Lead-exposure significantly increased blood pressure, eNOS protein expression, oxidative stress and vascular reactivity to angiotensin II. L-NAME potentiated vascular response to angiotensin II in control group but had no effect on the Pb-group. Nitrites released from the kidney of lead-group was lower compared to the control group while 3-nitrotyrosine was higher. This data suggest that lead-induced hypertension could be caused partially by an altered NOsystem. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 499—507
Nephrotoxicity and its prevention by taurine in tamoxifen induced oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Tabassum Heena , Parvez Suhel , Rehman Hasibur , Dev Banerjee Basu , Siemen Detlef , Raisuddin Sheikh
Published: August 2007

Tamoxifen (TAM) is an anti-neoplastic drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. It decreases the hexose monophosphate shunt and thereby increasing the incidence of oxidative stress in cells leading to tissue injury. The present study was undertaken to investigate modulatory effects of taurine on the nephrotoxicity of TAM with special reference to protection against disruption of nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Oxidative stress was measured by renal lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, protein carbonyl (PC) content, reduced glutathione (GSH), activities of phase I and II drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes. TAM treatment resulted in a significant ( P < 0.001) increase in LPO in kidney tissues as compared to control, while taurine pretreatment showed a significant decrease ( P < 0.01) in the LPO in kidneys when compared with the TAM-treated group. Taurine + TAM group animals showed restoration in the level of cytochrome P450 content, activities of glutathione metabolizing enzymes viz., glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Pretreatment of animals with taurine markedly attenuated, PC content, restored the depleted nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. These results clearly demonstrate the role of oxidative stress, and suggest a protective effect of taurine on TAM-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 509—518
Adult lisinopril ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 1998—2005
Authors: Forrester Mathias B.
Published: August 2007

There is limited information on potentially adverse lisinopril ingestions reported to poison control centers. Using adult lisinopril ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers during 1998—2005, the proportion of cases involving serious outcomes was determined for selected variables and evaluated for statistical significance by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 468 cases identified, 43 (9%) involved serious outcomes. The severity of the outcome associated with adult lisinopril ingestions depended on the dose and the circumstances of the ingestion. Thus, serious outcomes were significantly more likely to occur with a maximum dose >80 mg (RR 5.69, CI 2.43—13.33) or, if the dose was unknown, ≥3 tablets (RR 9.57, CI 2.39—54.97), where the circumstances of the exposures involved self-harm or malicious intent (RR 6.96, CI 3.65—13.31), or the patient was already at or en route to a health care facility when the poison control center was contacted (RR 7.33, CI 3.09—17.85) or referred to a health care facility by the poison control center (RR 23.76, CI 10.62—55.67). The management of patients with severe outcomes was more likely to involve health care facilities. Such information is useful for creating of triage guidelines for the management of adult lisinopril ingestions. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 483—489
Effects of diallyl tetrasulfide on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in the liver of rats
Authors: Murugavel P. , Pari L.
Published: August 2007

The protective efficacy of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) from garlic on liver injury induced by cadmium (Cd) was investigated. In this study, Cd (3 mg/kg body weight) was administered subcutaneously for 3 weeks to induce toxicity. DTS was administered orally (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) for 3 weeks with subcutaneous (sc) injection of Cd. Cd-induced liver damage was evidenced from increased activities of serum hepatic enzymes, namely aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase, with significant elevation of lipid peroxidation indices (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides) and protein carbonyl groups in the liver. Rats subjected to Cd toxicity also showed a decline in the levels of total thiols, reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E, accompanied by an increased accumulation of Cd, and significantly decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver. Administration of DTS at 40 mg/kg body weight significantly normalised the activities of hepatic marker enzymes, compared to other doses of DTS (10 and 20 mg/kg body weight). In addition, DTS (40 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd and the level of lipid peroxidation, and restored the level of antioxidant defense in the liver. Histological studies also showed that administration of DTS to Cd-treated rats resulted in a marked improvement of hepatocytes morphology with mild portal inflammation. Our results suggest that DTS might play a vital role in protecting Cd-induced oxidative damage in the liver. Human & Experimental Toxicology(2007) 26, 527—534
Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine, caffeic acid and vitamin E on doxorubicin hepatotoxicity
Authors: Gokcimen A. , Cim A. , Tola H.T. , Bayram D. , Kocak A. , Özgüner F. , Ayata A.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the possible protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), caffeic acid (CAPE) and vitamin E (Vit-E) on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 250 and 350 g were supplied and randomly divided into five groups. Animals in study groups were pretreated with a single dose of doxorubicin (Dox), which was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). Control group (Group I) was treated with intraperitoneal saline injection. Group II did not received any antioxidant agent after the injection. Group III and Group IV were given CAPE and intraperitoneal vitamin E injection for eight days, respectively. Group V received NAC for eight days. The study was finished after 10 days. Tissue samples were collected from all animals and histopathological examination was performed. There was statistically significant difference between the experiment groups and controls by means of mononuclear cell infiltration and diameters of hepatic sinusoid, terminal hepatic venule (central vein) and portal area (portal canal). Changes related with hepatocellular damage were more prominent, whereas there was no significant difference between Dox and NAC given groups histopathologically. It was observed that structural changes were regressed after CAPE administration. However, this recovery was more prominent in vitamin E given group. These findings suggest that Dox induced liver damage could be efficiently reversed by vitamin E administration. It has been found that CAPE, but not NAC has protective effects on Dox-induced hepatocellular damage. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 519—525
A Refined Double-row Spherical Roller Bearing Model and its Application in Performance Assessment of Moving Race Shaft Misalignments
Authors: Cao M.
Published: August 2007

Largely due to their self-aligning and superior loading capabilities, spherical roller bearings have seen extensive application. Compared with the single-row deep-grooved-ball (DGB) bearing, the dynamics involved in the operation of double-row spherical roller bearings (SRBs) are much more complicated; double-row SRBs have at least twice as many degrees of freedom (DoFs) as DGBs. Also, the contact forces between each one of a pair of rollers and the inner race/outer race can be different, resulting in unbalanced axial forces on the moving race and causing axial displacement and angular movements of the moving race. Due to its complexity, modeling efforts carried out so far have not included the effects of the rotational DoFs of the moving race. Aiming at improving the state of the art, a comprehensive dynamic model of SRBs is developed in this investigation. This model takes into account all the DoFs of the moving race, including the angular movements about both the vertical and horizontal axes. Subsequently, the contact angle between each individual roller and the moving race is correlated with each linear and rotational DoF of the moving race. The model developed in this investigation can quantitatively analyze the effects of linear and rotational shaft misalignments. Therefore, it provides guidelines for optimizing system installation requirements/procedure, which will be valuable for high-precision machine systems. The simulation results demonstrate that the rotational DoFs of the moving race have major effects on the force/displacement responses and thus should be included in the model for a more accurate assessment of the system performance. Extensive case studies are carried out to assess the effects of the loading conditions and radial clearance, as well as shaft misalignment.
An Integrative Feminist Model
Authors: McPhail Beverly A. , Busch Noël Bridget , Kulkarni Shanti , Rice Gail
Published: August 2007

The feminist perspective on intimate partner violence is a predominant model in the field, although not immune to criticism. In this research, frontline workers in the violence against women movement responded to critiques of the feminist model. The project used a focus group and a modified grounded theory analysis. Participants agreed with some criticisms, including an overreliance on a punitive criminal justice system, but reported skepticism toward proposed alternatives. Findings led to the development of the Integrative Feminist Model, which expands the feminist perspective in response to critiques, new research, and alternative theories while retaining a gendered analysis of violence.
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking
Authors: Southworth Cynthia , Finn Jerry , Dawson Shawndell , Fraser Cynthia , Tucker Sarah
Published: August 2007

This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed.
Negotiating State and NGO Politics in Bangladesh
Authors: Halim Chowdhury Elora
Published: August 2007

This note showcases the story of Nurun Nahar, a survivor of acid violence in Bangladesh, to demonstrate that, despite protective measures, state, medical, and legal institutions continually fail to adequately respond to violence against women systematically and deny women rights to state protection, which are affirmatively embodied in law. The failure of state institutions to ensure appropriate care has been somewhat mitigated by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), particularly women's groups, which are albeit heavily constrained because of the volume of demand yet scarcity of expertise, infrastructure, and funds. In addition, this note offers some thoughts on how nonstate actors, namely, women's NGOs, have created alternative strategies and visions for victimized women's recovery and empowerment.
An Evaluation of the Coping Patterns of Rape Victims
Authors: Littleton Heather
Published: August 2007

The current study sought to provide an expansion of Resick and Schnicke's information-processing model of interpersonal violence response. Their model posits that interpersonal violence threatens victims' schematic beliefs and that victims can resolve this threat through assimilation, accommodation, or overaccommodation. In addition, it is hypothesized that how victims resolve schematic threat affects their coping strategies. To test this hypothesis, a cluster analysis of rape victims' coping patterns was conducted. Victims' coping patterns were related to distress, self-worth, and rape label in ways consistent with predictions. Thus, future research should focus on the implications of how victims integrate trauma with schemas.
Fatty Acids Profile of the Subcutaneous Backfat Layers from Iberian Pigs Raised Under Free-range Conditions
Authors: Daza A. , Ruiz-Carrascal J. , Olivares A. , Menoyo D. , Lopez-Bote C.J.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acid composition of the outer, inner and subinner subcutaneous backfat layers from Iberian pigs raised under free-range conditions. The pigs were fattened on acorns and grass under free-range conditions from 101 to 155 kg of live weight. Proportions of C16:0, C18:0 and C20:0 were lower in the outer than in the inner layer, while the C12:0, C16:0 and C18:0 contents were higher in the subinner layer than in the inner layer. The outer layer had higher C15:1, C16:1 n-7, C17:1, C18:1 n-7 and similar C16:1 n-9, C18:1 n-9 and C20:1 n-9 proportions than the inner layer, while the subinner layer had lower C17:1, C18:1 n-9, C20:1, similar C15:1, C16:1 n-7, C18:1 n-7 and higher C16:1 n-9 proportions than the inner layer. Only the concentrations of C18:3 n-3, C18:4 n-3 and C20:3 n-3 were lower in subinner than in inner layer. The content of all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher in the outer than in the inner layer except for the C20:4 n-6 fatty acid. A tendency (P < 0.1) to a higher Σ n-6/Σ n-3 fatty acids ratio was found for the inner and subinner layers than for the outer layer. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between the proportions of C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3 and C20:3 n-9 of the inner layer and subinner layer. The outer layer melting point (MP) was lower than those of the inner and subinner layers, although no difference for MP between inner and subinner layers was observed.
Computational Characterisation and Identification of Peptides for in silico Detection of Potentially Celiac-Toxic Proteins
Authors: Darewicz M. , Dziuba J. , Minkiewicz P.
Published: August 2007

This work reports on in silico analysis of celiac-toxic peptide occurrence in proteins. The toxic properties of celiac disease are linked to the presence of specific amino acid sequences and the properties of their environment. The analysed celiac-toxic peptides were found to be predominated by unordered structures of random coil and β-turns. Proline and glutamine-rich amino acid sequences from hydrophilic β-turns were exposed on the surface of the precursor proteins. The sequence motifs represented by gluten peptide epitopes or tetrapeptides with surroundings seem to represent an immunodominant structure. The application of MS BLAST software enabled identification of a few fragments with high degrees of identity to the toxic peptides in one protein sequence. Rich sources of celiac-disease-potentiating peptides were wheat gliadins, barley hordeins and rye secalins as well as low-molecular weight fractions of glutenin. In addition, amino acid sequences with a high degree of identity to the toxic peptides examined were detected in maize zein, oat avenin, protein of rice, yeast and chicken muscles, as well as β-casein and galanin.
Comparative Effects of Dry- and Moist-Heating Treatments on the Biochemical Characteristics of Terminalia catappa L. Seed
Authors: Ezeokonkwo C.A.
Published: August 2007

The effects of dry- (roasting) and moist-heat (boiling) treatments on the biochemical characteristics of Terminalia catappa (tropical almond) seed were determined. There were no significant differences in crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content of the seeds with respect to processing. Boiling increased significantly ( P < 0.05) the crude fibre, however roasting reduced it. Roasting had a better effect on the total dietary fibre (TDF) and gross energy level of the seeds than boiling. There were no significant differences in the effects of both processes on the amino acid, fatty acid and sugar profiles of the seeds. Roasting improved the potassium, phosphorus, copper and iodine, reducing the magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron contents. Boiling improved the sodium and selenium and reduced the potassium, magnesium and calcium levels.
Rheological Behaviour of Formulated Bread Doughs During Mixing and Heating
Authors: Collar C. , Bollain C. , Rosell C.M.
Published: August 2007

During breadmaking different physicochemical phenomena occur producing discernible changes in the rheological properties. Traditionally, these changes have been studied with equipments controlling separately the mixing step and the baking process. The MIXOLAB is a new apparatus which measures torque when bread dough is subjected to a dual mixing and temperature constraint. It was the aim of this study to compare this new tool with other available methodologies in order to explore its use as a suitable technique for determining bread dough rheological properties. A broad range of correlations was found, not only within parameters derived from the MIXOLAB, but also with standard methods as the pasting method performed by the Rapid Visco Analyser, the gluten index and uni- and bi-axial extensional measurements. The use of MIXOLAB has also allowed the identification of the influence of design factors (flour and exogenous enzymes) on the rheological properties. These results confirm MIXOLAB as a promising tool for the rheological assessment of bread dough.
Inactivation of Microorganisms in Cloudy Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba Linn.) Juice by Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Zhang H. , Wang Z. , Yang R.-J. , Xu S.-Y.
Published: August 2007

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) were applied to neutral ginkgo cloudy juice to study the influence of the electric field strength, the treatment time and temperature on microbial inactivation. The results showed that microbial inactivation increased with the electric field strength, the treatment time and temperature. PEF treatment caused 3.39 and 4.44-log cycles reduction of coliforms and total plate counts, respectively, when pulse duration was 3 μs, the electric field strength 30 kV/cm, the treatment time 520 μs and the water bath temperature 15°C. Under the same conditions, the microbial shelf life of ginkgo cloudy juice was extended to 24 days at 4°C and 18 days at room temperature. A 3.7-log cycles reduction of the total yeast and mould counts was obtained by applying 390 μs of 30 kV/cm at 15°C.Yeast and mould cells were less resistant to PEF process than bacteria cells. The effect of heat generated during the PEF treatment was limited on microbial inactivation. Temperature and the induced heat by PEF had synergistic effects to microbial inactivation in cloudy ginkgo juice.
Characteristics of Thin-Layer Infrared Drying of Apple Pomace With and Without Hot Air Pre-drying
Authors: Sun J. , Hu X. , Zhao G. , Wu J. , Wang Z. , Chen F. , Liao X.
Published: August 2007

Thin-layer infrared drying characteristics of apple pomace, with and without hot air pre-drying, were studied with a laboratory scale infrared dryer. Moreover, ten commonly used mathematical models were used to fit experimental data. Logarithmic model and Page model were most adequate in describing thin-layer drying of fresh and pre-treated apple pomace respectively. The values of average effective diffusivity in drying the pre-treated apple pomace were about 1.3 times of that in the fresh apple pomace with the initial moisture content of 40% (wet basis).The values of activation energy of moisture diffusion were about 30 kJ/mol for the fresh and pre-treated apple pomace respectively. Infrared drying, combined with hot air pre-drying, can save 20% of drying time to remove the same amount of remained moisture as compared to the infrared drying alone. The above findings might be used for operation of drying apple pomace.
Sensory Changes in Farmed Senegalese Sole (Solea senegalensis) During Ice Storage
Authors: Tejada M. , De las Heras C.
Published: August 2007

The access to a wider variety of farmed fish species is an increasing consumer demand. Solea sp. are considered excellent candidates to diversify this demand, although some problems persist to farm this species in a commercial scale. Exploratory work in Senegalese sole ( Solea senegalensis) is being done in different farming areas and it is plausible that its cultivation in a commercial scale will be done in the near future. For this reason it is important to know how this farmed species maintain its quality during ice storage. Senegalese sole from two different areas in Spain and different size and rearing conditions were analysed up to 28 days of ice storage to establish the eating quality and storage life determined by a sensory panel by means of a quality test in the cooked fillets and a quality index (QI) applying the QI method (QIM), shear resistance of the raw and cooked muscle, color and microbiological counts. The batches were rejected by the sensory panel at 22 and 25 days of storage. The commercial period determined for Senegalese sole is longer than that for other commercial farmed species. The differences between the two batches may be due to differences in size and rearing conditions.
The Effect of Face Sheet Wrinkle Defects on the Strength of FRP Sandwich Structures
Authors: Hayman Brian , Berggreen Christian , Pettersson Robert
Published: August 2007

Wrinkle defects may reduce the compressive strength of a face laminate for in-plane loading applied perpendicularly to the line of the wrinkle. To be able to decide whether a repair is needed, it is necessary to know the magnitude of the strength reduction for a given wrinkle geometry. In the studies reported here, the influence of wrinkle defects on the in-plane compressive strength of quasi-isotropic carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates used in PVC foam-cored sandwich panels has been investigated by three approaches: testing of sandwich beam specimens in four-point bending, testing of sandwich panels with in-plane compression, and finite element simulation. Wrinkles involving different numbers of plies have been considered. Two different sandwich lay-ups typical of deck and hull bottom panels in naval ships have been included.
Sandwich Beam with a Periodical and Graded Core Manufactured Using Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Nygaard Jens Vinge , Lyckegaard Anders
Published: August 2007

This article presents a technique for the production of graded sandwich cores, and a study of the effect of lengthwise grading of core properties for the facilitation of transverse loading. A significant failure mode of sandwich panels is caused by indentation of the foam core in regions at which local forces are introduced into the sandwich panel. The aim of this work is to synthesize a microstructure that can diminish this failure mode. By applying a rapid prototyping technique a periodic, open beam structure is synthesized. Additionally, the structure has been graded in the longitudinal direction by alternating over the beam diameter. The structure obtained is joined to aluminium face sheets to form a sandwich beam. The panel has been subjected to a three point bending test and the results have been compared to a finite element model, and further indentation tests show an increased transverse stiffness in the strengthened part of the beam.
Can achievement differentials be explained by social class alone?
Authors: Rothon Catherine
Published: August 2007

This article assesses the importance of social class in explaining differentials in the educational achievements of minority ethnic pupils in England and Wales. It is found to be a key factor for all groups. The analysis finds significant differences between ethnic groups even when pupils from the same social class background are compared. When disparities within ethnic groups are examined, however, it is found that the effect of moving one place down the social class structure is similar for all ethnicities. This leads to the conclusion that social class operates in a similar way for all ethnic groups without a specifically `ethnic effect' that mitigates its impact in certain groups.
The educational attainment of the second generation in Germany
Authors: Kristen Cornelia , Granato Nadia
Published: August 2007

A B S T R AC T Using the German Microcensus, we study second-generation immigrants' educational attainment in Germany, focusing on the descendants of classic labour migrants. Our results show that educational outcomes in terms of attending or completing the highest schooling track leading to the Abitur vary considerably among different ethnic groups. Second-generation young adults, in particular Turks and Italians, experience pronounced disadvantages in comparison to their German peers. The central question in this context is to what extent ethnic stratification in the German school system is related to educational and social background. Our findings suggest that ethnic disadvantages primarily result from social rather than from specific ethnic inequalities, since initial differences in the chances of attaining the Abitur disappear after considering educational and social origin, the only exception being Italian young adults.
Old and new inequalities in educational attainment
Authors: Phalet Karen , Deboosere Patrick , Bastiaenssen Vicky
Published: August 2007

This study examines ethnic and class inequalities in educational attainment using the 2001 Belgian Census. It analyses the highest qualifications that the 1973 to 1979 birth cohort obtained in 2001. Variation in attainment levels is explained as a function of gender, ethnic and class origins, and other characteristics of the parental household in 1991. Earlier findings of gross ethnic disadvantage, in particular among Turkish and Moroccan youngsters, were largely replicated when ethnicity is identified by ancestry rather than nationality. Looking across ethnic groups, parental resources in 1991 were very powerful predictors of educational attainment in 2001. In order of importance, parental education, accumulated wealth (as measured by ownership and quality of housing), employment and occupational class explain most educational inequality. Ethnic disadvantage is perpetuated from one generation to the next mainly through mechanisms of class disadvantage. In addition, there is evidence of cumulative ethnic and class disadvantage for Turkish and Moroccan minorities. Finally, the largest unexplained ethnic disadvantage is found for the Turkish minority in Flanders. Not only are they most underrepresented in tertiary education, they are also most at risk of school dropout in secondary education.
Continuous Modification Treatment of Polyester Fabric by Ar-O2(10:1) Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Zhongfu Ren , Xiaoliang Tang , Hong'en Wang , Gao Qiu
Published: August 2007

Low-pressure glow discharges are efficient in generating uniform plasmas. They have been applied in the surface modification of a variety of materials. But most of these applications are limited to small-scales because of their reliance on vacuum equipments needed to sustain processes at low pressure. This work aims at commending a continuous surface treatment device, which meets the requirement of textile material surface modification by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure for industry production. In the experiment, quasi-glow-discharge, a glow-discharge like plasma, is produced under atmospheric pressure with the continuous simple device. Through the discharge of mixture of argon and oxygen, Ar-O2(10:1), polyester fabric is continuously modified. The results reveal that the dyeability of the polyester fabric is dramatically improved. The spectral value (K/S) of the dyed polyester fabric is increased by about 50%, and the relative dye up-take is also increased by about 18% after the treatment. The dyeing fastness of the modified material remains the highest degree. That is to say, the improvement of the dyeability does not degrade the dyeing fastness of the material at all. The study of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the smooth and glossy surface of polyester fiber becomes rough after the treatment. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) illustrates that Ar-O2(10:1) discharge can help generate a few carboxyl groups in the polyester fiber surface. The improvement of dyeability is attributed to the reaction of coarsenization and the introduction of functional groups in the surface during the treatment. Producing approximately uniform plasma in simple operation and achieving satisfying surface modification of textile material, this kind of device would play an active role in the future technological textile industry.
Thermogravimetric Analysis of a Cellulosic Fabric Incorporated with Ammonium Iron (II)-Sulfate Hexahydrate as a Flame-retardant
Authors: Morteza Mostashari Seyed , Fallah Moafi Hadi
Published: August 2007

The effect of ammonium iron (II)-sulfate hexahydrate [(NH4)2Fe (SO4)2.6H2O] as a nondurable finish on the flammability of 100% cotton fabric, (woven construction, weighing 144 g/m2) has been investigated. The laundered bone-dried, weighed fabrics are impregnated with suitable concentrations of the above-mentioned salt solution by means of squeeze rolls and drying at 110°C for 30 min. They are then cooled in a desiccator, re-weighed with an analytical balance, and kept under ordinary conditions before the fulfilment of the vertical flame test. The optimum add-on values to impart flame-retardancy expressed in g anhydrous ammonium iron (II)-sulfate hexahydrate per 100 g fabric are about 23.62—25.82%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) of pure cotton, treated cotton, and the salt is fulfilled and their thermograms are compared and commented. The results are in compliance with `Gas theory' and `Chemical theory'.
hDectin-1 is involved in uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens
Authors: Weck Markus M. , Appel Silke , Werth Daniela , Sinzger Christian , Bringmann Anita , Grünebach Frank , Brossart Peter
Published: August 2007

Human Dectin-1 (hDectin-1) is a member of the C-type lectin–like receptor family that was shown to be the major receptor for fungal beta-glucans and to play an important role in the cellular responses mediated by these carbohydrates. In this study, we demonstrate that hDectin-1 is involved in the uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens. Furthermore, activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDCs) with toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand but not with TLR2 ligand or TLR7 ligand resulted in down-regulation of hDectin-1 expression and reduced phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells as well as presentation of pp65-derived T-cell epitopes upon engulfment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)–infected human foreskin fibroblasts.
NOTCH1 pathway activation is an early hallmark of SCL T leukemogenesis
Authors: Göthert Joachim R. , Brake Rachael L. , Smeets Monique , Dührsen Ulrich , Begley C. Glenn , Izon David J.
Published: August 2007

The acquired activation of stem cell leukemia (SCL) during T lymphopoiesis is a common event in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Here, we generated tamoxifen (TAM)–inducible transgenic mice (lck-ERT2-SCL) to study the consequences of acquired SCL activation during T-cell development. Aberrant activation of SCL in thymocytes resulted in the accumulation of immature CD4+CD8+ (double-positive, DP) cells by preventing normal surface expression of the T-cell receptor αβ (TCRαβ) complex. SCL-induced immature DP cells were further characterized by up-regulated NOTCH1 and generated noncycling polyclonal CD8+TCRβlow cells. The prevalence of these cells was SCL dependent because TAM withdrawal resulted in their disappearance. Furthermore, we observed that SCL activation led to a dramatic up-regulation of NOTCH1 target genes (Hes-1, Deltex1, and CD25) in thymocytes. Strikingly, NOTCH1 target gene up-regulation was already observed after short-term SCL induction, implying that enhanced NOTCH signaling is mediated by SCL and is not dependent on secondary genetic events. These data represent the basis for a novel pathway of SCL-induced leukemogenesis and provide a functional link between SCL and NOTCH1 during this process.
Multiagent induction and maintenance therapy for patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Authors: Boruchov Donna M. , Gururangan Sri , Driscoll M. Catherine , Bussel James B.
Published: August 2007

Patients with severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may require an acute increase in the platelet count for surgery or ongoing hemorrhage as well as long-term maintenance treatment. Certain of these patients may be refractory to steroids, intravenous anti-D, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and splenectomy. Therefore, acute platelet increases were studied in 35 patients completely unresponsive to IVIG or high-dose steroid treatment. Because of their lack of response to either or both single agents, these patients were administered a 3- or 4-drug combination including IVIG 1 g/kg, intravenous methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg, Vinca alkaloids (VCR 0.03 mg/kg), and/or intravenous anti-D (50-75 μg/kg). Subsequent maintenance therapy with the oral combination of danazol (10-15 mg/kg) and azathioprine (2 mg/kg) was given to 18 of the 35 patients. Seventy-one percent of the patients responded to the intravenous combination treatment with acute platelet increases of at least 20×109/L to a level greater than 30×109/L. Two thirds of the patients given maintenance therapy achieved stable platelet counts greater than 50×109/L without other treatments. One patient developed an ileus, but otherwise there was little toxicity of combination treatment. Combination chemotherapy is a useful approach for patients with ITP refractory to conventional treatments both for acute induction and for long-term maintenance therapy.