bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the growth of euryale ferox salisb. And some limnological parameters
Authors: Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Begum ZN Tahmida
Published: November 2011

Euryale ferox was grown in meso-scale culture by using mature fresh fruits. Seeds kept dry for a few days were found completely non-viable. A two year ex situ study on the growth and the associated limnological parameters of E. ferox showed some distinct relationship. Among these petiole length of E. ferox positively correlated with photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), day length, rainfall, humidity, air temperature, water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP). Among these parameters positive correlation between petiole length and rainfall was found to be significant at 1% level. Leaf area of E. ferox showed positive correlation with PAR, day length, rainfall, humidity, air temperature, water temperature, pH, TDS, conductivity, NO3-N, SRP and planktonic phaeopigment concentrations. Among these parameters positive correlation between leaf area and day length was found to be significant at 5% level. However, both leaf area and petiole length of E. ferox showed negative correlation with alkalinity, DO, soluble reactive silicate (SRS) and chlorophyll a. Key words: Euryale ferox; Growth; Limnological parameters DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i1.8942 DUJBS 2010; 19(1): 41-46
Heavy metal contamination in Gulshan-Baridhara lake, Dhaka
Authors: Mohuya Farzana Ahmed , Bhuiyan Rejuan Hossain , Hoque Sirajul
Published: November 2011

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in the pelagic water of Gulshan-Baridhara Lake were determined. The samples were collected from ten different spots in summer (April, 2007) and monsoon (August, 2007) seasons. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the lake water varied from 0.068 - 0.091, 0.048 - 0.225, 0 - 6.135, 0 - 0.062 and 0.023 - 0.067 mg/l during the summer season, respec-tively. Mean values of the samples collected from mid points for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb of ten stations in summer were 0.083, 0.100, 2.336, 0.074, and 0.046 mg/l, respectively. In monsoon the concentration of above mentioned heavy metals varied from 0.016 - 0.019 mg Cd/l, 0.005 - 0.035 mg Cr/l, 0.002 - 0.018 mg Cu/l, 0.007 - 0.159 mg Ni/l, and 0.052 - 0.151 mg Pb/l. Mean values of these heavy metals in monsoon were 0.018, 0.018, 0.011, 0.037 and 0.093, mg/l, respectively. The depletion factor was less than unity for Pb and exceptionally high for Cu. Finally the study revealed that among the heavy metals only Pb concentration exceeded the standard level during the monsoon, otherwise concentrations of all other four heavy metals (viz. Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni) exceeded the standard level of drinking-, fishing- and surface water as set up by WHO, GOB, USEPA, DOE and FWPCA, for the summer period. Key words: Status; Heavy metals; Contamination; Gulshan-Baridhara Lake DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i1.8944 DUJBS 2010; 19(1): 53-61
Effects of arsenic on diversity of rice field weeds
Authors: Aziz Abhul , Ahmed Ashfaque
Published: November 2011

Key words: Arsenic; Rice fields; Weeds; DiversityDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i1.8949 DUJBS 2010; 19(1): 95-98
Antigenicity of the surface proteins of non o1 non o139 vibrio cholerae in rabbit model
Authors: Bonny Tania S , Rabbi Fazle , Yasmin Mahmuda , Nessa Jamalun , Ahsan Chowdhury R
Published: November 2011

An investigation was carried out to demonstrate the antigenicity of the surface proteins of the non O1 non O139 V. cholerae in rabbit model. Three rabbits were immunized with the surface proteins and sera were collected at one week intervals for six weeks. Sera were examined for antibodies specific for surface antigens using ELISA and the results showed a significant increase in antibody titers with time. The SDS?PAGE analysis showed a number of protein bands ranging from 21 to 131 kDa after Coomassie brilliant blue R250 staining. However, immunoblot analysis showed four major antigenic bands of 38, 43, 74 and 85 kDa to be prominent. These identified proteins might have higher immunogenic effects among humans infected with non O1 non O139 V. cholerae and some of these antigenic proteins could be included as diagnostic tools based on serology and also in vaccine preparations. Key words: Antigenicity; Surface proteins; Non O1 non O139 V. cholerae; Rabbit model DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8954 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 129-135
Antidiabetic effect of syzygium cumini l. Seed on type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Bhuyan Zaied Ahmed , Rokeya Begum , Masum Nuruzzaman , Hossain Shahdat , Mahmud Ishtiaq
Published: November 2011

The present study evaluates the effects of powder and ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds (1.25/ kg bw) treatment for 21 days on glucose homeostasis, serum insulin, serum lipids and liver glycogen content in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic rats. The administration of S. cumini seed powder and ethanol extract for 21 days to type 2 diabetic rats significantly reduced the fasting glucose level although it did not alter the blood glucose level after glucose challenge. The insulin level and liver glycogen content also were not changed after dietary administration of Syzygium cumin powder or ethanol extract. In addition to hypoglycemic effect, the Syzygium cumini significantly ameliorated the lipid profile. The plasma LDL?cholesterol level, an atherogenic lipid, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with a concurrent increase (p < 0.01) in the plasma HDL?cholesterol level, thus suggesting dietary Syzygium cumini could be used as one of the alternatives in the treatment of diabetes.    Key words: Syzygium cumini; Diabetes; Cholesterol DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8959 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 157-164
Effect of male parental care on reproductive success of burying beetles, nicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Musa Sharmin
Published: November 2011

The burying beetles, Nicrophorus vespilloides (Coleoptera: Silphidae) show elaborate biparental care. They utilize a carcass as food of their own and to feed their offspring. Male parental care is important for both before and after the larvae hatch. But it is still not clear why male parents stay with the brood after the larvae hatch and provide care. The main objective of the study was to test whether male parents gain any future benefit from providing care that means access to carcass. Present investigation suggested previous parental care experience did not improve offspring fitness of future clutches. The offspring survival traits like number, average weight and development time showed no variation between clutches of experienced and inexperienced male parents. Key words: Parental care; Reproductive success; Burying beetles DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8960 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 165-170
Developmental stages of a mottled emigrant butterfly, catopsilia pyranthe
Authors: Arju MH , Bashar MA , Moula G
Published: November 2011

The overall life cycle, duration and survival rate of different developmental stages (egg, larva and pupa) of Catopsilia pyranthe conducted at 27 ± 3°C and RH 75% ± 2. showed that within 6.4 days 68% eggs hatched. The average duration from egg to adult, larval stage and pupal were 23.87, 10.93 and 6.8 days, respectively. Fifty six out of 68 larvae successfully completed their whole 5 instars. There were positive correlation among the larval instars, amount of food consumption and excretion of faeces. About 52% pupa were emerged as adult at laboratory condition. Key words: Life cycle; Catopsilia pyranthe; Developmental stages; Rearing DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8961 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 171-179
Phosphorus fertilization in inbred and hybrid rice
Authors: Islam MR , Saha PK , Zaman SK , Uddin MJ
Published: November 2011

Five phosphorus rates (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg P/ha) were tested with four rice genotypes in Boro (BRRI dhan36, BRRI dhan45, EH1 and EH2) and T. Aman (BRRI dhan30, BRRI dhan49, EH1 and EH2) season. Phosphorus rates did not influence grain yield irrespective of varieties in T. Aman season while in Boro season P response was observed among the P rates. Application of P @ 10 kg/ha significantly increased the grain yield. But when P was applied @ 20 and 30 kg P/ha, the grain yield difference was not significant. The optimum and economic rate of P for T. Aman was 20 kg P/ha but in Boro rice the optimum and economic doses of P were 22 and 30 kg/ha, respectively. Hybrid entries (EH1 and EH2) used P more efficiently than inbred varieties. A negative P balance was observed up to 10 kg P/ha. Key words: Response; Phosphorus fertilizer; Inbred; Hybrid rice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8962 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 181-187
Proximate composition of different portion of Hilsa, tenualosa ilisha from two regions of the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh
Authors: Shamim Md Ali Hossain , Ahmed Md Kawser , Abdullah Abu Tareq Mohammad
Published: November 2011

Tenualosa ilisha from Chittagong and Khulna regions of the Bay of Bengal was analyzed which showed that proximate compositions varied among the different portions of fish body. The highest value of moisture found in dorsal portion of the fish (Khulna region) whereas the lowest value of moisture found in caudal portion of the fish (Chittagong region) were 56.59 and 54.69%, respectively. The protein content was estimated to be 20.56, 21.89, 20.29, 21.33, 20.87 and 20.50% in dorsal portion (Chittagong region), ventral portion (Chittagong region), caudal portion (Chittagong region), dorsal portion (Khulna region), ventral portion (Khulna region) and caudal portion (Khulna region), respectively. The fat content was recorded 18.66% in dorsal portion (Chittagong region), 20.28% in ventral portion (Chittagong region), 19.71% in caudal portion (Chittagong region), 18.65% in dorsal portion (Khulna region), 19.15% in ventral portion (Khulna region) and 19.00% in caudal portion (Khulna region). The percentage of ash content was highest in ventral portion of fish body from the Khulna region (1.55) and lowest in dorsal portion of fish body from the Khulna region (1.03). The highest carbohydrate content was found in caudal portion of fish from the Chittagong region (3.93%) and lowest in ventral portion of fish from the Chittagong region (1.60%). The present findings revealed that the highest protein content was recorded as in ventral portion of fish from the Chittagong region (21.89%) and the fat was highest in ventral portion of fish from the Chittagong region (20.28%). Key words: Proximate composition; Ecosystem; The Bay of Bengal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i2.8970 DUJBS 2011; 20(2): 109-115
Association of c-reactive protein and uric acid with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Islam Md Safiqul , Islam Md Saiful , Kabir Yearul
Published: November 2011

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in insulin secretion or action or both. Some recent studies had shown that elevated level of C?reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid are involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, regardless of other characteristics of subjects. Our aim was to investigate the association between CRP and uric acid levels with diabetes in Bangladeshi population. Two hundred type 2 diabetic subjects (male 110, female 90) and 60 non diabetic subjects (30 male, 30 female) were included in the study over six months. CRP and uric acid were measured by Latex Agglutination method and enzymatic colorimetric method, respectively. CRP was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in diabetic compared to non-diabetic subjects for both male and female subjects. The level of uric acid was also significantly higher in male and female diabetic subjects (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) compared to non-diabetic subjects, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, CRP showed a positive association with uric acid and BMI in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. On the other hand, uric acid showed positive association with fasting blood sugar (FBS), diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c and CRP in case of diabetic subjects, but with age, BMI, CRP, HbA1c and creatinine in non-diabetic subject. Uric acid also shows a significantly (p < 0.001) positive Pearson correlation with CRP. These data strongly suggest that compared to non-diabetic subjects, diabetic subjects have significantly higher level of CRP and uric acid. Key words: C-reactive protein; Uric acid; Type 2 diabetes; Bangladeshi population DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i2.8980 DUJBS 2011; 20(2): 191-199
Bets on Hats: On Dutch Books Against Groups, Degrees of Belief as Betting Rates, and Group-Reflection
Authors: Bovens Luc , Rabinowicz Wlodek
Published: November 2011

The Story of the Hats is a puzzle in social epistemology. It describes a situation in which a group of rational agents with common priors and common goals seems vulnerable to a Dutch book if they are exposed to different information and make decisions independently. Situations in which this happens involve violations of what might be called the Group-Reflection Principle. As it turns out, the Dutch book is flawed. It is based on the betting interpretation of the subjective probabilities, but ignores the fact that this interpretation disregards strategic considerations that might influence betting behavior. A lesson to be learned concerns the interpretation of probabilities in terms of fair bets and, more generally, the role of strategic considerations in epistemic contexts. Another lesson concerns Group-Reflection, which in its unrestricted form is highly counter-intuitive. We consider how this principle of social epistemology should be re-formulated so as to make it tenable.
Catalytic Reactions on Model Gold Surfaces: Effect of Surface Steps and of Surface Doping
Authors: Fajín José L. C. , Cordeiro Maria Natália D. S. , Gomes José R. B.
Published: November 2011

The adsorption energies and the activation energy barriers for a series of reactions catalyzed by gold surfaces and obtained theoretically through density functional theory (DFT) based calculations were considered to clarify the role of the low coordinated gold atoms and the role of doping in the catalytic activity of gold. The effect of the surface steps was introduced by comparison of the activation energy barriers and of the adsorption energies on flat gold surfaces such as the Au(111) surface with those on stepped surfaces such as the Au(321) or the Au(110) surfaces. It is concluded that the presence of low coordinated atoms on the latter surfaces increases the adsorption energies of the reactants and decreases the activation energy barriers. Furthermore, the increasing of the adsorption energy of the reaction products can lead to lower overall reaction rates in the presence of low gold coordinated atoms due to desorption limitations. On the other hand, the effect of doping gold surfaces with other transition metal atoms was analyzed using the dissociation reaction of molecular oxygen as a test case. The calculations showed that increasing the silver content in some gold surfaces was related to a considerable increment of the reactivity of bimetallic systems toward the oxygen dissociation. Importantly, that increment in the reactivity was enhanced by the presence of low coordinated atoms in the catalytic surface models considered.
Biological Activity of Carbazole Alkaloids and Essential Oil of Murraya koenigii Against Antibiotic Resistant Microbes and Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Nagappan Thilahgavani , Ramasamy Perumal , Wahid Mohd Effendy Abdul , Segaran Thirukanthan Chandra , Vairappan Charles S.
Published: November 2011

A total of three carbazole alkaloids and essential oil from the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae) were obtained and examined for their effects on the growth of five antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria and three tumor cell lines (MCF-7, P 388 and Hela). The structures of these carbazoles were elucidated based on spectroscopy data and compared with literature data, hence, were identified as mahanine (1), mahanimbicine (2) and mahanimbine (3). The chemical constituents of the essential oil were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS). These compounds exhibited potent inhibition against antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (210P JTU), Psedomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25619), Klebsiella pneumonia (SR1-TU), Escherchia coli (NI23 JTU) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SR16677-PRSP) with significant minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values (25.0–175.0 mg/mL) and minimum bacteriacidal concentrations (MBC) (100.0–500.0 mg/mL). The isolated compounds showed significant antitumor activity against MCF-7, Hela and P388 cell lines. Mahanimbine (3) and essential oil in particular showed potent antibacteria and cytotoxic effect with dose dependent trends (≤5.0 μg/mL). The findings from this investigation are the first report of carbazole alkaloids’ potential against antibiotic resistant clinical bacteria, MCF-7 and P388 cell lines.
Formulation Patents and Dermatology and Obviousness
Authors: Mei Dan-Feng , Liu Josephine , Davitz Michael A.
Published: November 2011

Most patents covering dermatologic products contain patent claims directed to the pharmaceutical formulation of the product. Such patents, known as formulation patents, are vulnerable to attacks based on the legal argument that the formulations covered are obvious over formulations already known prior to the filing of the patent application. Because obviousness is an important concept in patent law, recent court cases concerning obviousness and formulation patents were examined and discussed below. Courts have ruled that patent claims are obvious when features of the claimed formulation are found in the prior art, even if the features or characteristics of the formulation are not explicitly disclosed in the prior art. However, patentees have successfully overcome obviousness challenges where there were unexpected results or properties and/or the prior art taught away from the claimed invention.
Calibrating Single-Ended Fiber-Optic Raman Spectra Distributed Temperature Sensing Data
Authors: Hausner Mark B. , Suárez Francisco , Glander Kenneth E. , Giesen Nick van de , Selker John S. , Tyler Scott W.
Published: November 2011

Hydrologic research is a very demanding application of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) in terms of precision, accuracy and calibration. The physics behind the most frequently used DTS instruments are considered as they apply to four calibration methods for single-ended DTS installations. The new methods presented are more accurate than the instrument-calibrated data, achieving accuracies on the order of tenths of a degree root mean square error (RMSE) and mean bias. Effects of localized non-uniformities that violate the assumptions of single-ended calibration data are explored and quantified. Experimental design considerations such as selection of integration times or selection of the length of the reference sections are discussed, and the impacts of these considerations on calibrated temperatures are explored in two case studies.
Distributed Bees Algorithm Parameters Optimization for a Cost Efficient Target Allocation in Swarms of Robots
Authors: Jevtić Aleksandar , Gutiérrez Álvaro
Published: November 2011

Swarms of robots can use their sensing abilities to explore unknown environments and deploy on sites of interest. In this task, a large number of robots is more effective than a single unit because of their ability to quickly cover the area. However, the coordination of large teams of robots is not an easy problem, especially when the resources for the deployment are limited. In this paper, the Distributed Bees Algorithm (DBA), previously proposed by the authors, is optimized and applied to distributed target allocation in swarms of robots. Improved target allocation in terms of deployment cost efficiency is achieved through optimization of the DBA’s control parameters by means of a Genetic Algorithm. Experimental results show that with the optimized set of parameters, the deployment cost measured as the average distance traveled by the robots is reduced. The cost-efficient deployment is in some cases achieved at the expense of increased robots’ distribution error. Nevertheless, the proposed approach allows the swarm to adapt to the operating conditions when available resources are scarce.
Development of a New Surface Acoustic Wave Based Gyroscope on a X-112°Y LiTaO3 Substrate
Authors: Wang Wen , Liu Jiuling , Xie Xiao , Liu Minghua , He Shitang
Published: November 2011

A new micro gyroscope based on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) gyroscopic effect was developed. The SAW gyroscopic effect is investigated by applying the surface effective permittivity method in the regime of small ratios of the rotation velocity and the frequency of the SAW. The theoretical analysis indicates that the larger velocity shift was observed from the rotated X-112°Y LiTaO3 substrate. Then, two SAW delay lines with reverse direction and an operation frequency of 160 MHz are fabricated on a same X-112°Y LiTaO3 chip as the feedback of two SAW oscillators, which act as the sensor element. The single-phase unidirectional transducer (SPUDT) and combed transducers were used to structure the delay lines to improve the frequency stability of the oscillator. The rotation of a piezoelectric medium gives rise to a shift of the propagation velocity of SAW due to the Coriolis force, resulting in the frequency shift of the SAW device, and hence, the evaluation of the sensor performance. Meanwhile, the differential structure was performed to double the sensitivity and compensate for the temperature effects. Using a precise rate table, the performance of the fabricated SAW gyroscope was evaluated experimentally. A sensitivity of 1.332 Hz deg−1 s at angular rates of up to 1,000 deg s−1 and good linearity are observed.
Plasmonic Nanostructures for Nano-Scale Bio-Sensing
Authors: Chung Taerin , Lee Seung-Yeol , Song Eui Young , Chun Honggu , Lee Byoungho
Published: November 2011

The optical properties of various nanostructures have been widely adopted for biological detection, from DNA sequencing to nano-scale single molecule biological function measurements. In particular, by employing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), we can expect distinguished sensing performance with high sensitivity and resolution. This indicates that nano-scale detections can be realized by using the shift of resonance wavelength of LSPR in response to the refractive index change. In this paper, we overview various plasmonic nanostructures as potential sensing components. The qualitative descriptions of plasmonic nanostructures are supported by the physical phenomena such as plasmonic hybridization and Fano resonance. We present guidelines for designing specific nanostructures with regard to wavelength range and target sensing materials.
Climate Responsive Design and the Milam Residence
Authors: Fiocchi Carl , Hoque Simi , Shahadat Mohammad
Published: November 2011

Energy conservation and efficiency is an essential area of focus in contemporary building design. The perception that the designers of buildings during the Modernist period of architecture ignored these principles is a false one. The present study, an examination of Paul Rudolph’s Milam Residence, a masterpiece of American residential architecture, is part of a larger project endeavoring to create a knowledge base of the environmental performance of iconic modernist homes. A critical examination of the Milam House allows insight into specific design characteristics that impact energy efficiency and conservation. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the Milam Residence was constructed in 1962. It was the last of a series of Florida residences designed by Rudolph, Chairman of the Department of Architecture at Yale University (1958–1965). The structure’s form is strongly related to its location on a subtropical beachfront. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the building’s solar responsiveness. Specifically, we examine design strategies such as orientation and sunscreening and their effect on daylighting, shading, and heat gain. The analysis is based on parametric energy modeling studies using Autodesk’s Ecotect, an environmental analysis tool that allows simulation of building performance. While the initial target of the program was early design, the program allows the input of complex geometries and detailed programming of zones, materials, schedules, etc. The program's excellent analyses of desired parameters are augmented by visualizations that make it especially valuable in communicating results. Our findings suggest that the building, as built and situated on the site, does take advantage of daylighting and solar shading and does so in both expected and unexpected ways.
FREQUENCY DOMAIN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND RETAIL SALES FOR SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES / VARTOTOJŲ PASITIKĖJIMO, PRAMONINĖS GAMYBOS IR MAŽMENINĖS PREKYBOS DAŽNIŲ ANALIZĖ PASIRINKTOSE EUROPOS ŠALYSE
Authors: Mermod Aslı Yüksel , Dudzevičiūtė Gitana
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the relationship between consumer confidence, economic growth and retail sales for selected countries employing frequency domain analysis. Our methodology includes the causality test developed by Breitung and Candelon (2006) which improves the methodology of Geweke (1982) and Hosoya (1991). We focus on the causality tests across frequency bands as well as the usual Granger causality tests. Especially for the emerging countries the causality goes from the economic growth to consumer confidence but not vice versa. This argument basically supports the findings of Güneş and Uzun (2010) as well as Balkytė and Tvaronavičienė (2010), which claim that in emerging countries consumers are not able to trigger the economic growth with their confidence due to their subsistence level of income. Besides, causality from consumer confidence to retail sales, which is a proxy for the consumer expenditures, is detected. As in Basdas and Çelik (2010), we also obtain significant differences whenever the frequency domain causality tests are employed instead of usual Granger causality tests in time domain. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas ryšys tarp vartotojų pasitikėjimo, ekonomikos augimo ir mažmeninės prekybos pasirinktose dvylikoje Europos šalių, taikant dažnių analizės metodą. Vartotojų pasitikėjimo rodiklis traktuojamas kaip vienas pagrindinių ekonomikos rodiklių, padedančių priimti svarbius investicinius ir verslo sprendimus tiek trumpalaikėje, tiek ilgalaikėje perspektyvoje. Tyrimo objektas susijęs su ryšio tarp vartotojų pasitikėjimo, ekonomikos augimo ir mažmeninės prekybos nustatymu tiek tarp išsivysčiusių, tiek mažiau ekonomiškai išsivysčiusių Europos šalių. Tyrimo metodologija apima Breitung ir Candelon (2006) priežastingumo testą, kuris patobulina ir papildo Geweke (1982) ir Hosoya (1991) siūlomus tyrimų metodus. Kylanti šalių ekonomika lemia vartotojų pasitikėjimą, o ne atvirkščiai. Šis argumentas iš esmės patvirtina Güneş ir Uzun (2010) bei Balkytės ir Tvaronavičienės (2010) ankstesnių tyrimų išvadas, kad augančios ekonomikos šalyse vartotojų pasitikėjimas dėl pajamų lygio neturi įtakos ekonomikos augimui. Atliekant tyrimą nustatytas priežastingumo ryšys tarp vartotojų pasitikėjimo ir mažmeninės prekybos kaip vieno iš pagrindinių vartojimą charakterizuojančių rodiklių.
THE INFLUENCE OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON BALTIC CORPORATE PERFORMANCE / KAPITALO STRUKTŪRA BALTIJOS ĮMONĖSE
Authors: Bistrova Julia , Lace Natalja , Peleckienė Valentina
Published: November 2011

Seeking for the optimal capital structure lasts for more than 50 years and still is very topical, especially during the market turmoil as it happened in 2008. No perfect answer is yet provided to the question of how large debt amount should be kept on the accounts. The main objective of the present paper is to analyze the impact of capital structure decisions on the equity performance and on the profitability of the companies located in Baltics. The study covered the time period of 4 years (from 2007 till 2010) and the sample data of 36 “blue-chip” companies listed on the Baltic Stock exchanges. The results of the study discover positive relationship between stock performance and sufficiency of equity capital. Besides, there was found an inverse relationship between the level of debt and capital profitability confirming the pecking order theory that in the best case the company should use self-generated funds. Santrauka Optimalios kapitalo struktūros siekiama daugiau nei 50 metų ir tai vis dar yra labai aktualu, ypač per finansų krizę, įvykusią 2008 m. Kol kas nėra gauta galutinio atsakymo į klausimą – kokio dydžio skola turi būti laikoma sąskaitose. Pagrindinis šio straipsnio tikslas – išnagrinėti kapitalo struktūros sprendimų įtaką akcijų rinkai ir Baltijos šalių įmonių pelningumui. Tyrimas apėmė ketverių metų laikotarpį (nuo 2007 m. iki 2010 m.) ir 36 patikimiausių akcijų ,,blue chips“ duomenų, įtrauktų į Baltijos vertybinių popierių biržų sąrašus, pavyzdžius. Atlikus tyrimą nustatytas teigiamas ryšys tarp akcijų ir akcinio kapitalo pakankamumo. Be to, buvo nustatytas atvirkštinis ryšys tarp skolos lygio ir kapitalo pelningumo, patvirtinančio kapojimo kvotos teoriją, kad geriausiu atveju kompanija panaudos savo sukuriamus išteklius.
The pastor as model for peaceful existence
Authors: Cooke Terence
Published: November 2011

Many people are disillusioned in the democratic South Africa. That is because they went out from the assumption that with the dawn of democracy, violence would disappear. Unfortunately this did not happen. As with most things in life it is not an either � or, but a both � and scenario. In fact, violence is part of the democratic system. Real peace between men and powers can only be the peace of God, the peace which alone heals all disorder. The peace of the world is at best peaceful coexistence, not peace.In South Africa we have a negotiated agreement to peaceful coexistence, and sometimes, for example, after the miracle of the 1994 election and the euphoria of the World Cups of 1995, 2007 and 2010, we may even think we have achieved real peace. It is indeed in these times of euphoria that the people of South Africa may be tempted to lower our aim and settle for second best thinking that we have arrived.Model is used not in the sense of the pastor being an example of a peaceful existence to be followed. It is rather used in the sense that a pastor in his or her professional capacity has the knowledge of the meaning of the term �peaceful existence� and also the hermeneutic competency to apply that knowledge in concrete situations. This opens the exiting possibility that pastors can become travel companions on the road to real peace.The different aspects of being a pastor, office bearer, professional and person, each contribute to the pastor being a model for peace. It must be emphasised that the different aspects always work together as a unity and the strength of the pastor as a model for a peaceful existence is in the simultaneous application of these aspects in the context in which the pastor lives.
Utility of on-site evaluation of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration specimens
Authors: Griffin Adrienne Carruth , Schwartz Lauren Ende , Baloch Zubair W.
Published: November 2011

Background:

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an integral tool in the diagnosis and staging of malignant tumors of the lung. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples has been advocated for as a guide for assessing the accuracy and adequacy of biopsy samples. Although ROSE has proven useful for numerous sites and procedures, few studies have specifically investigated its utility in the assessment of EBUS-TBNA specimens. The intention of this study was to explore the utility of ROSE for EBUS-TBNA specimens.

Materials and Methods:

The pathology files at our institution were searched for all EBUS-TBNA cases performed between January 2010 and June 2010. The data points included number of sites sampled per patient, location of site(s) sampled, on-site evaluation performed, preliminary on-site diagnosis rendered, final cytologic diagnosis, surgical pathology follow-up, cell blocks, and ancillary studies performed.

Results:

A total of 294 EBUS-TBNA specimens were reviewed and included in the study; 264 of 294 (90%) were lymph nodes and 30 of 294 (10%) were lung mass lesions. ROSE was performed for 140 of 294 (48%) specimens. The on-site and final diagnoses were concordant in 104 (74%) and discordant in 36 (26%) cases. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 132 of 140 (94%) cases with on-site evaluation and 138 of 154 (90%) without on-site evaluation. The final cytologic diagnosis was malignant in 60 of 132 (45%) cases with ROSE and 46 of 138 (33%) cases without ROSE, and the final diagnosis was benign in 57 of 132 (47%) with ROSE and 82 of 138 (59%) without ROSE. A cell block was obtained in 129 of 140 (92%) cases with ROSE and 136 of 154 (88%) cases without ROSE.

Conclusions:

The data demonstrate no remarkable difference in diagnostic yield, the number of sites sampled per patient, or clinical decision making between specimens collected via EBUS-TBNA with or without ROSE. As a result, this study challenges the notion that ROSE is beneficial for the evaluation of EBUS-TBNA specimens.
Glandular Odontogenic Cyst of Maxilla
Authors: Guruprasad Yadavalli , Chauhan Dinesh Singh
Published: November 2011

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental lesion that is considered a distinct entity because of its uncommon histopathological characteristics. It has morphological similarities to other lesions, which makes its diagnosis challenging for pathologists. It strikes distinct age groups, with an average patient age being 50 years. This lesion can involve either jaw, but the anterior region of the mandible is the most commonly affected area. It exhibits a tendency toward recurrence when conservative treatment is administered. It is believed that the low prevalence of GOC in the literature is due not only to its rarity, but also to the fact that its main characteristics are also found in other pathological entities. We report here radiologic-pathologic features of GOC of the maxilla in a 17-year-old female patient.
Does a Health Plan Effort to Increase Smokers' Awareness of Cessation Medication Coverage Increase Utilization and Cessation?
Authors: Alesci Nina L. , Boyle Raymond G. , Davidson Gestur , Solberg Leif I. , Magnan Sanne
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To test whether a mailing describing new coverage for smoking cessation medications increases benefit knowledge, utilization, and quitting.

Methods.

This randomized controlled trial assigned participants to benefit communication via (1) standard contract changes or (2) enhanced communication with direct-to-member postcards. A sample of 1930 self-identified smokers from two Minnesota health plans took surveys before and 1 year after the benefit's introduction. The follow-up response rate was 80%. A multilevel logistic estimator tested for differences in benefit knowledge and smoking behavior from baseline.

Results.

More enhanced than standard communication respondents knew about the benefit (39.0% vs. 22.2%, p < .0001) at follow-up. Groups did not differ on bupropion utilization (24.6% vs. 23.1%, p = .92); nicotine replacement therapy utilization (26.9% vs. 25.9%, p = .26), or cessation (12.8% vs. 15.6%, p = .32).

Conclusion.

Although limited by the low intervention intensity and potential social desirability bias, information about new coverage alone does not appear to increase quitting behaviors.
Factors Underlying Variation in Receipt of Physician Advice on Diet and Exercise: Applications of the Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization
Authors: Honda Keiko
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To identify factors associated with receipt of physician advice on diet and exercise, including patient sociodemographic characteristics, health-related needs, and health care access, using Andersen's model of health care utilization.

Design.

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Setting.

NHIS data were collected through personal household interviews by Census interviewers. The overall response rate for the 2000 NHIS adult sample was 82.6%.

Subjects.

Subjects were a representative sample of the American civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 18 and older. After eliminating missing data and respondents who reported they did not see a doctor in the past 12 months, sample sizes for physician advice on diet and exercise were n = 26,255 and n = 26,158, respectively.

Measures.

Using the 2000 NHIS, the prevalence of receipt of physician advice on diet and exercise was assessed. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between receipt of physician advice on diet and exercise and potential predictors, adjusting for all covariates.

Results.

By self-report, 21.3% and 24.5% of respondents received physician advice on diet and exercise, respectively. Being middle-aged (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.29 for diet; AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.33–1.79 for exercise) and having a baccalaureate degree or higher (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.52–2.08 for diet; AOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.47–2.07) were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving physician advice on diet and exercise. African-Americans (AOR = .78, 95% CI = .67–.92) and foreign-born immigrants (AOR = .57, 95% CI = .38–.86) were less likely to receive physician advice on exercise. The prevalence of physician advice was higher for persons who chose hospital outpatient departments as a usual source for care (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.66–3.36 for diet; AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.68–3.4 for exercise) than for adults with other types of usual care sites. Poorer self-rated health status (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 4.12–6.57 for diet; AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 2.04–3.38 for exercise) and obesity (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 2.02–2.66 for diet; AOR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.46–3.69 for exercise) was positively associated with the likelihood of receiving physician advice on diet and exercise.

Conclusions.

Effective strategies to increase receipt of physician advice should include efforts to improve access to regular source of care and patient-physician communication. Sociodemographic factors remain independent and important predictors of who obtains such advice.
Proportion of Trips Made by Walking: Estimating a State-Level Baseline for Healthy People 2010 Objective 22–14
Authors: Rafferty Ann P. , McGee Harry B. , Petersmarck Karen A. , Miller Corinne E.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the proportion of short trips made by walking among Michigan adults and barriers to walking for transportation.

Methods.

Four questions on walking for transportation were asked of 3808 respondents to the Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) between January and December 2001.

Results.

Three quarters (74.3%) of Michigan adults were estimated to have made at least one short trip (.25–1 mile) in the previous week; however, only 36.2% of them walked even one of these trips. The mean proportion of short trips walked was 21.4%; less than 10% of all respondents walked five or more trips per week.

Discussion:

Our results provide a Michigan-specific baseline for Healthy People 2010 Objective 22-14 (i.e., increase the proportion of trips made by walking) and suggest the potential for these questions to be used to monitor active transportation via the BRFSS.
Effect of Community Coalition Structure and Preparation on the Subsequent Implementation of Cancer Control Activities
Authors: Garland Barbara , Crane Martin , Marino Christina , Stone-Wiggins Brenda , Ward Ann , Friedell Gilbert
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors within a three-phase community coalition development model that influence short-term success in cancer control coalitions based on the cumulative number of educational and screening activities conducted by the coalitions.

Design.

This study was a nonrandomized community intervention trial involving four autonomous, independently funded multistate projects aimed at using coalitions to increase cancer screening and early detection.

Setting.

The study was conducted in medically underserved, rural counties of Appalachia.

Subjects.

Sixty-three coalitions involved 1725 members representing 71 counties within 10 states.

Intervention.

A network of local and regional community cancer control coalitions throughout rural Appalachia delivered culturally sensitive cancer control messages to women, with the long-term goal of increasing the early detection of breast cancer.

Analysis.

County-level coalitions were the unit of analysis for this study. Multiple linear regression was used to determine if three classes of variables corresponding to the developmental history of coalitions—formation, preparation for implementation, and implementation—were associated with the number of educational and screening activities conducted by the coalitions.

Results.

The presence of a paid coordinator and formal organizational structure were both strongly associated with the number of activities conducted, accounting for 71% of the variability in coalition activities. Other variables positively associated with number of activities were the preparation of written community assessments and the modification of implementation plans. The same factors (structure, written plans) were associated with activities in coalitions without paid organizers (r2 = .57), as was the number of meetings. However, such coalitions produced an average of only 2.2 activities vs. 21.7 activities in coalitions with paid coordinators.

Conclusion.

The ALIC study would seem to indicate that community-based coalitions with paid coordinators and formal structures are capable of generating significantly higher levels of activity than those without either a paid coordinator or formal structure.
Concepts Guiding the Study of the Impact of the Built Environment on Physical Activity for Older Adults: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Cunningham Grazia O. , Michael Yvonne L.
Published: November 2011

Objective.

To identify theoretical models and key concepts used to predict the association between built environment and seniors' physical activity on the basis of a comprehensive review of the published literature.

Data Source.

Computer searches of Medline (1966–2002), PubMed (1966–2002), and Academic Search Elite (1966–2002) were conducted, and 27 English-language articles were found. Search terms included built environment, physical activity, exercise, walking, neighborhood, urban design, seniors, aging, aging in place, and physical environment.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

The primary inclusion criterion included the relation between the built environment and the physical activity among seniors living in neighborhoods. Studies assessing physical activity or overall health of a community-based population were included if underlying theoretical models and concepts were applicable to a senior population. Studies solely assessing social or psychosocial characteristics of place were excluded, as were review articles.

Data Extraction.

Extracted data included theoretical model, aspect of built environment studied, methods, and outcomes.

Data Synthesis.

Tables present key definitions and summarize information from empirical studies.

Results.

Twenty-seven articles that focused on the environment-behavior relation in neighborhoods, six specific to seniors, were found. This area of research is in its infancy, and inconsistent findings reflect difficulties in measurement of the built environment.

Conclusions.

The relation between the built environment and the physical activity among seniors has been the subject of a limited number of studies. The choice of theoretical model drives the selection of concepts and variables considered. Safety, microscale urban design elements, aesthetics, and convenience of facilities are consistently studied across models. Few validated instruments have been developed and tested to measure neighborhood built environment.
Measuring Cues for Healthy Choices on Restaurant Menus: Development and Testing of a Measurement Instrument
Authors: Cassady Diana , Housemann Robyn , Dagher Cindy
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To develop and test the Menu Checklist, an instrument to be used by community members to assess cues for healthy choices in restaurants.

Design.

Menus from 14 restaurants were coded independently by two trained community reviewers to test the interrater reliability of the instrument.

Setting.

A low-income, urban, African-American community in Los Angeles, California.

Subjects.

Restaurants were selected based on community perceptions of their potential to be included in a nutrition education and advocacy program to improve the availability of healthy foods.

Measures.

The Menu Checklist was adapted from previously tested measurement tools developed by the Prevention Research Center at Saint Louis University. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), κ statistics, and percent agreements were calculated to assess interrater reliability. Descriptive statistics were calculated to show the availability of cues for healthy foods.

Results.

The interrater reliability coefficients for the majority of items were high (.93–1.0). Labeling on restaurant menus was rare, as were low-fat choices. Fruits and vegetables were readily available: 31% of all entrees included one serving and 39% of all appetizers were primarily fruits and vegetables.

Conclusions.

The Menu Checklist is a reliable, low-cost means for community members to collect data on influences on food choices in restaurants.
The Association between Multiple Youth Assets and Sexual Behavior
Authors: Oman Roy F. , Vesely Sara K. , Aspy Cheryl B. , McLeroy Kenneth R. , Luby Christi D.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To investigate the possible positive cumulative effects that youth assets may have on youth sexual behaviors.

Design.

Cross-sectional data were collected from a randomly selected population by in-home, in-person interviews. Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test and logistic regression were conducted to determine the potential cumulative effects that youth assets may have on youth sexual behaviors and to test for significant asset by sexual risk behavior trends.

Setting.

Racially diverse inner-city neighborhoods in two midwestern cities.

Subjects.

Teenagers (n = 1350; mean age = 15.2 years) and parents of the teenagers (n = 1350). The response rate was 51%.

Measures.

Demographic factors, nine youth assets, and five sexual behavior outcomes.

Results.

Significant (p < .05) trends and odds ratios (ORs) were found for three of the five youth sexual behavior outcomes. Youths with more assets were more likely to have never participated in sexual intercourse (OR = 1.32). Of sexually active youths, those with more assets were more likely to have delayed first intercourse until at least 17 years of age (OR = 1.47) and to have used birth control at last sexual intercourse (OR = 1.18). Nonsignificant (p > .05) results were found for current sexual activity and number of sexual partners.

Conclusions.

The results generally support the notion that the more assets adolescents possess, the more likely they are to engage in positive behavior. Practitioners planning asset-based teenage pregnancy prevention programs might consider promoting several specific youth assets.