bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interação entre Contabilidade e Direito: em busca de uma teoria da regulação contábil
Authors: Murcia Fernando Dal-Ri
Published: November 2014

Parece existir um consenso na comunidade contábil de que leis e normas de alta qualidade resultam na melhora da confiança dos usuários das demonstrações contábeis, o que é fundamental para o desenvolvimento dos mercados e, consequentemente, para a alocação de recursos na economia. Mas, até que ponto uma norma ou lei deve exigir a divulgação de informações aos usuários? Quais critérios devem ser levados em conta pelos órgãos normatizadores? A resposta para essas questões passam, fundamentalmente, pelo entendimento da relação entre o direito e a contabilidade. Isso ocorre, porque a contabilidade é, também, alvo de regulação. Contudo, diferentemente do que acontece na economia, a regulação é, todavia, pouca estudada na área contábil. Dentro desse contexto, o presente trabalho busca discutir questões relacionadas à regulação contábil e está organizado em três seções: (i) primeiramente, discute-se a discricionariedade inerente à prática contábil, que gera o chamado “gerenciamento de resultados ou lucros”; (ii) em seguida, busca-se compreender quais seriam as justificativas e os objetivos da regulação contábil; (iii) por último, discute-se o processo de convergência da contabilidade brasileira, com a migração para as normas internacionais e seus respectivos impactos.
Business models for Serious Games developers - transition from a product centric to a service centric approach.
Authors: Baalsrud Hauge Jannicke , Wiesner Stefan , Garcia Sanchez Rosa , Kyvsgaard Hansen Poul , Fiucci Giusy , Rudnianski Michel , Basanez Jon Arambarri
Published: November 2014

In the context of the serious games industry, up to now the most commonly used BM among developers representing SMEs consists in offering an individual product to the customer, based on tailored one-of a kind production. Such production has high costs and low re-usability and leads to a long time-to-market. For an industry dealing with products highly dependent on technological advances, this implies high risks for failure and thus being put out of business. Consequently, an increasing number of Serious Games developers are struggling to survive. These trends are not specific for the SG development sector, but can actually be observed in several others, like software industry as well as the manufacturing industry, where a transition to less product-oriented BM can be observed. This article is based on an analysis of cases studies to outline how such a transition might be possible also within serious game industry, but also to discuss the threats and opportunities of the transition, both based on case studies as well as on comparison with experiences in other industries
Measuring Effectiveness in Digital Game-Based Learning: A Methodological Review.
Authors: All Anissa , Nunez Castellar Elena Patricia , Van Looy Jan
Published: November 2014

In recent years, a growing number of studies are being conducted into the effectiveness of digital game-based learning (DGBL). Despite this growing interest, there is a lack of sound empirical evidence on the effectiveness of DGBL due to different outcome measures for assessing effectiveness, varying methods of data collection and inconclusive or difficult to interpret results. This has resulted in a need for an overarching methodology for assessing the effectiveness of DGBL. The present study took a first step in this direction by mapping current methods used for assessing the effectiveness of DGBL. Results showed that currently, comparison of results across studies and thus looking at effectiveness of DGBL on a more general level is problematic due to diversity in and suboptimal study designs. Variety in study design relates to three issues, namely different activities that are implemented in the control groups, different measures for assessing the effectiveness of DGBL and the use of different statistical techniques for analyzing learning outcomes. Suboptimal study designs are the result of variables confounding study results. Possible confounds that were brought forward in this review are elements that are added to the game as part of the educational intervention (e.g., required reading, debriefing session), instructor influences and practice effects when using the same test pre- and post-intervention. Lastly, incomplete information on the study design impedes replication of studies and thus falsification of study results.
Flow Experience as a Quality Measure in Evaluating Physically Activating Collaborative Serious Games
Authors: Kiili Kristian J. M. , Perttula Arttu , Lindstedt Antero , Arnab Sylester , Suominen Marko
Published: November 2014

The measurement of the subjective playing experience is important part of the game development process. The enjoyment level that a serious game offers is a key factor in determining whether a player will be engaged in the gameplay and achieve the objectives of the game. In this paper we report the results of a game design process in which two prototypes of a collaborative exergame were studied. The main aim of the paper is to explore to what extend the measurement of flow experience can facilitate the game evaluation and design process. Alltogether 102 junior high school students participated in two user experience studies and played collaborative exergames designed to teach soft skills. Playing experience was measured with a flow questionnaire, playing behavior was observed and some of the players were interviewed. The results showed that flow experience can be used to evaluate the overall quality of the gameplay and it provides a structured approach to consider the quality of the game. However, flow does not provide detailed information about the shortages of the game and thus complementary methods is needed to identify the causes. The results also indicated that flow experience was independent of gender that supports its use in quality measurement.
Multimodality with Eye tracking and Haptics: A New Horizon for Serious Games?
Authors: Deng Shujie , Kirkby Julie A. , Chang Jian , Zhang Jian Jun
Published: November 2014

The goal of this review is to illustrate the emerging use of multimodal virtual reality that can benefit learning-based games. The review begins with an introduction to multimodal virtual reality in serious games and we provide a brief discussion of why cognitive processes involved in learning and training are enhanced under immersive virtual environments. We initially outline studies that have used eye tracking and haptic feedback independently in serious games, and then review some innovative applications that have already combined eye tracking and haptic devices in order to provide applicable multimodal frameworks for learning-based games. Finally, some general conclusions are identified and clarified in order to advance current understanding in multimodal serious game production as well as exploring possible areas for new applications.
Game-based Training of Listening Skills: The Effects of Degraded Communications
Authors: Bowers Clint , Hussain Talib , Procci Katelyn
Published: November 2014

Many important tasks depend upon the ability of personnel to be able to extract information from verbal communication in suboptimal conditions. However, there is little guidance in how best to train people to improve this skill, specifically regarding the most effective combination of human or synthesized speech with or without text captions.  In this study, we examined two competing theories, the cognitive theory of multimedia learning versus resilient listening, to determine best practices for designing a game to train active listening skills in complex environments. One-hundred and nineteen U.S. Navy recruits (53% male, average age of 21.5 years) participated in this study.  The results indicated that games with degraded auditory conditions did not improve listening abilities in a transfer condition.  Games using recorded human voices resulted in the best performance.
Use of Ecological Gestures in Soccer Games Running on Mobile Devices
Authors: Plantevin Valere , Menelas Bob-Antoine Jerry
Published: November 2014

The strong integration of “intelligent mobile devices” into modern societies offers a great potential for a wide spread distribution of mobile serious games. As in the case of Virtual Reality based systems, in order to be useful and efficient, these serious games need to be validated ecologically. In this context, this paper addresses the use of ecological interactions for a mobile serious game. We exploit a wearable insole in order to let users interact with a virtual soccer game via real-world soccer movements. We analyzed the concept of ecological interactions. The system used for recognition of ecological gestures is also detailed. A primary study showed that proposed system can be exploited for real time gesture recognition on a mobile device.
Does N2 fixation amplify the temperature dependence of ecosystem metabolism?
Authors: Welter Jill R. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Cross Wyatt F. , Hood James M. , Huryn Alexander D. , Johnson Philip W. , Williamson Tanner J.
Published: November 2014

Variation in resource supply can cause variation in temperature dependences of metabolic processes (e.g., photosynthesis and respiration). Understanding such divergence is particularly important when using metabolic theory to predict ecosystem responses to climate warming. Few studies, however, have assessed the effect of temperature–resource interactions on metabolic processes, particularly in cases where the supply of limiting resources exhibits temperature dependence. We investigated the responses of biomass accrual, gross primary production (GPP), community respiration (CR), and N2 fixation to warming during biofilm development in a streamside channel experiment. Areal rates of GPP, CR, biomass accrual, and N2 fixation scaled positively with temperature, showing a 32‐ to 71‐fold range across the temperature gradient (~7°–24°C). Areal N2‐fixation rates exhibited apparent activation energies (1.5–2.0 eV; 1 eV = ~1.6 × 10−19 J) approximating the activation energy of the nitrogenase reaction. In contrast, mean apparent activation energies for areal rates of GPP (2.1–2.2 eV) and CR (1.6–1.9 eV) were 6.5‐ and 2.7‐fold higher than estimates based on metabolic theory predictions (i.e., 0.32 and 0.65 eV, respectively) and did not significantly differ from the apparent activation energy observed for N2 fixation. Mass‐specific activation energies for N2 fixation (1.4–1.6 eV), GPP (0.3–0.5 eV), and CR (no observed temperature relationship) were near or lower than theoretical predictions. We attribute the divergence of areal activation energies from those predicted by metabolic theory to increases in N2 fixation with temperature, leading to amplified temperature dependences of biomass accrual and areal rates of GPP and R. Such interactions between temperature dependences must be incorporated into metabolic models to improve predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.
Application of experimental design in examination of the dissolution rate of carbamazepine from formulations: Characterization of the optimal formulation by DSC, TGA, FT-IR and PXRD analysis
Authors: Krstic Marko , Razic Slavica , Vasiljevic Dragana , Spasojevic Djurdjija , Ibric Svetlana
Published: November 2014

Poor solubility is one of the key reasons for the poor bioavailability of
these drugs. This paper displays a formulation of a solid surfactant system
with carbamazepine, in order to increase its dissolution rate. Solid state
surfactant systems are formed by application of fractal experimental design.
Poloxamer 237 and Poloxamer 338 were used as surfactants and Brij? 35 was
used as the co-surfactant. The ratios of the excipients and carbamazepine
were varied and their effects on the dissolution rate of carbamazepine were
examined. Moreover, the effects of the addition of natural (diatomite) and a
synthetic adsorbent carrier (Neusiline UFL2) on the dissolution rate of
carbamazepine were also tested. The prepared surfactant systems were
characterized and the influence of the excipients on possible changes of the
polymorphous form of carbamazepine examined by application of analytical
techniques (DSC, TGA, FT-IR, PXRD). It was determined that an appropriate
selection of the excipient type and ratio could provide a significant
increase in the carbamazepine dissolution rate. By application of analytical
techniques, it was found that that the employed excipients induce a
transition of carbamazepine into the amorphous form and that the selected
sample was stable for three months, when kept under ambient conditions.
Feasibility of the SMART Project: A Text Message Program for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Herbert Linda Jones , Mehta Priya , Monaghan Maureen , Cogen Fran , Streisand Randi
Published: November 2014

This study investigated response rates to the Self-Management and Research Technology Project, a 6-week text message program for adolescents with type 1 diabetes designed to provide diabetes self-management reminders and education. The rate of response to texts was high, with 78% of texts responded to during the 6-week period. Girls and participants who self-reported sending a large number of personal daily texts had higher response rates; other demographic and medical variables were unrelated to text response rates. Inclusion of mobile health technologies such as text messages in clinical care may be a unique, relevant method of intervention for youths with type 1 diabetes, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or glycemic control.
Genetic Variation of Two Horse Breeds in Cpg Islands of Oas1 Locus
Authors: Ząbek Tomasz , Semik Ewelina , Fornal Agnieszka , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: November 2014

Allelic and haplotypic variations at 27 SNP sites identified in four CpG islands of OAS1 were described in a group of Anglo-Arabian and Hucul horses. Variation in the type of less frequent alleles was the source of variability among breeds. A number of putative LD blocks were identified which could be used to study changes in the genetic structure between generations of both breeds concerning susceptibility to flaviviral infections. Some of the identified SNPs may have an impact on the transcriptional activity of OAS1 or could lead to amino acid substitution influencing proper function of OAS1 enzyme. In the light of recent studies, the described genetic variability of investigated CpG islands might be important in view of the effectiveness of viral incorporation into the host genome.
Semiprime rings with nilpotent Lie ring of inner derivations
Authors: Kular Kamil
Published: November 2014

We give an elementary and self-contained proof of the theorem which says that for a semiprime ring commutativity, Lie-nilpotency, and nilpotency of the Lie ring of inner derivations are equivalent conditions
Evaluation of Structure Quality of Web from Electrospun Nanofibres
Authors: Milašius Rimvydas , Malašauskienė Jolanta
Published: November 2014

Electrospinning is remarkably a simple and versatile method for producing nanofibres. The diameter of nanofibres can vary from 10 nm to >1000 nm. In electrospinning, most of the attention is focused on producing fibres with a uniform diameter. It is very important to understand how the diameter and its distribution vary with the materials used and the processing parameters. An analysis of literature sources has shown that the distribution curves of the diameters obtained are very complex and do not resemble normal distributions, while they do more closely correspond to those of compound distributions. The goal of this article is to analyse the distributions of the nanofibre diameters and to propose a new method for the evaluation process of nanofibres and the quality of a nanofibre web. The uniformity of structure and the quality of nanofibres web must be described by average values. The peaks of modal values and the percentage quantity of them must be used for evaluation of a web structure.
Human-Friendly Design of Virtual System “female Body-dress”
Authors: Guo Mengna , Kuzmichev Victor E. , Adolphe Dominique C.
Published: November 2014

Recently, the development efforts focused on the computer simulation of garments, which depend on the material's physico-mechanical properties. It intends to achieve the best possible and realistic simulations of garments, which are available for pressure prediction. In this manner, 3D garment virtual technology improvements allow the visualization of pressure areas with values where the fabric might be too tight against the body. Although the purposes of simulation graphics were acceptable, the accuracy for apparel shaping is not enough to meet the needs of Virtual Prototyping and CAD utilization especially while the fabric properties system design was inadequate. Moreover, the existing pressure simulation is intended to simply predict the pressure index or how the textile deformation extend, which are deficient in real human's perception. In this research, the 3D shapes belonging to typical female bodies and dresses made of different fabrics were obtained by 3D body scanners (ScanWorX and TELMAT). Through reconstruction for the 3D torso shapes, the volumetric eases between body and dress were calculated by means of a software Rhinoceros. A new approach for the selection of textile properties based on the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) was proposed to investigate its relations with dress shaping and pressure comfort. Finally, fabric properties tested by the KES-F system were compared with volumetric eases, objective pressure indexes and subjective comfort scores to reveal the relations how the fabric properties have impacts on dress outside shaping and inside pressure comfort of a female body. In this manner, the human-friendly CAD instead of mechanical approach existing before has been presented as a new approach to promote the construction of a realistic system for the 3D simulation optimization.
Comparing the physical activity patterns of 3-year-old Finnish and Australian children during childcare and homecare days
Authors: Soini Anne , Watt Anthony , Tammelin Tuija , Soini Markus , Sääkslahti Arja , Poskiparta Marita
Published: November 2014

Limited previous research has contrasted physical activity (PA) patterns in preschool children across different hourly patterns or segments of day, or adopted similar methodologies to compare the PA behaviors of children from different countries. The purpose of this study was to examine how the PA levels and patterns differed between 3- year-olds within and between childcare and homecare days in Finland and Australia.

ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to monitor 121 (80 Finnish, 41 Australian) children’s PA for five consecutive days.

No significant country differences were observed in children’s daily total PA (light-tovigorous PA [LMVPA]), except that during childcare days Finnish children spent more time in light PA compared to Australian children. During childcare attendance hours children engaged in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) for an average of 48 minutes (SD = 24) covering 54% of their daily MVPA in Finland, and for 53 minutes (SD = 34) covering 64% of their daily MVPA in Australia. Variation in children’s hour-by-hour PA was more pronounced during childcare days than homecare days.

Despite the variations based on cultural practices, no major differences were observed in children’s daily total PA between the countries. However, these findings provide a better understanding of 3-year-olds’ PA behavior patterns and will serve as valuable evidence for the development of PA promotion in preschool children in both Finland and in Australia.
Motives for participation in active sport tourism – participants of holiday windsurfing camps
Authors: Tomik Rajmund , Gorska Katarzyna , Staszkiewicz Adam , Polechonski Jacek
Published: November 2014

Active sport tourism involves travelling in order to participate in different forms of movement recreation; engagement in physical activity is the primary aim of active sport tourism. Each and every decision regarding holiday, weekend or one-day trips is made based on several motives of different strength; it is the interaction between the motives that generates the ultimate behaviour of an individual. The aim of the study was to determine the motives behind the decision of holiday windsurfing camp participants to become engaged in this particular form of active sport tourism.

Seventy-three participants of windsurfing camps in Jastarnia (Hel Peninsula at the Polish seaside) entered the study, which was carried out in the form of a diagnostic survey. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire.

The survey revealed considerable diversity regarding the types of active sport tourism undertaken by windsurfing camp participants in the year preceding data collection. The motives for participation in active sport tourism were also very different both among women and men. Nevertheless, social factors turned out to be of the greatest importance while making a decision about becoming involved in active sport tourism.

Our study demonstrated that gender dimorphism had only been seen regarding the physical activity motive. Female respondents mentioned this particular motive for participation in the windsurfing camp more often than men.
New modes of industrial manufacturing: India’s experience with special economic zones
Authors: Anwar Mohammad Amir
Published: November 2014

Special economic zones in India have gained prominence among the policy making circles in recent years. The argument by the policy makers was that these zones will allow industrialisation in India. This article reviews the emerging geography of SEZs (special economic zones) in India and the Indian government recent experiment with the SEZs as models of economic development. The article argues that current SEZ policy in India is designed along the lines of mainstream economic strategy for industrialisation of Washington Consensus, i.e. open economy with greater market freedom coupled with minimal government intervention leads to rapid economic growth and rising incomes. The evidence suggests that these zones are giving rise to uneven geographical development in India with certain regions, sectors and classes are deriving the benefits from this policy.
Quality of life in rural areas: A topic for the Rural Development policy?
Authors: Brauer René , Dymitrow Mirek
Published: November 2014

Contemporary transformations of rural areas involve changes in land uses, economic perspectives, connectivity, livelihoods, but also in lifestyles, whereupon a traditional view of ‘the rural’ and, consequently, of ‘rural development’ no longer holds. Accordingly, EU’s 2007-2013 Rural Development policy (RDP) is one framework to incorporate aspects labelled as quality of life (QOL) alongside traditional rural tenets. With a new rendition of the RDP underway, this paper scopes the content and extent of the expired RDP regarding its incorporation of QOL, in order to better identify considerations for future policy making. Using novel methodology called topic modelling, a series of latent semantic structures within the RDP could be unravelled and re-interpreted via a dual categorization system based on RDP’s own view on QOL, and on definitions provided by independent research. Corroborated by other audits, the findings indicate a thematic overemphasis on agriculture, with the focus on QOL being largely insignificant. Such results point to a rationale different than the assumed one, at the same time reinforcing an outdated view of rurality in the face of the ostensibly fundamental turn towards viewing rural areas in a wider, more humanistic, perspective. This unexpected issue of underrepresentation is next addressed through three possible drivers: conceptual (lingering productionist view of the rural), ideological (capitalist prerogative preventing non-pecuniary values from entering policy) and material (institutional lock-ins incapable of accommodating significant deviations from an agricultural focus). The paper ends with a critical discussion and some reflections on the broader concept of rurality.
Hotel location in Africa’s world class city: The case of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Jayne M.
Published: November 2014

Urban tourism is of rising importance for economic and tourism geographers. One of the most important elements for urban tourism is the hotel economy. Against a backdrop of international debates around the location of hotels in cities in both developed and developing countries this article unpacks the changing geography of hotels in South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg for the period 1990 to 2010. Johannesburg is one of the leading and growing destinations for urban tourism in South Africa. Its hotel scape has been radically transformed in the past two decades. It is shown that the shifting geography of hotel development in Johannesburg reveals a complex pattern of disinvestment in certain city spaces and subsequent reinvestment and re-vitalization of those spaces as well the changing patterns of hotel investment towards the new successful nodes of business and leisure tourism in the city.
Analysis of the role of RAS Family Mutations in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Current Treatment Practice
Authors: Saridaki Zenia , Souglakos John , Georgoulias Vassilis , Douillard Jean-Yves
Published: November 2014

A major challenge in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the identification of specific biomarkers that are likely to predict which patients will benefit from a specific treatment. To this date, a number of studies have shown that a tumour's mutational profile influences treatment outcome in patients with mCRC and should, therefore, be used to guide treatment decision. For more than 5 years now, we know that patients with tumours harbouring mutations in exon 2, codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS oncogene gain no benefit from the administration of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (moAbs), Cetuximab and Panitumumab. It has just recently being elucidated that KRAS mutations outside codons 12 and 13 and mutations in the NRAS gene confer resistance to Cetuximab and Panitumumab, as well. Thus, since June 2013, the analysis of exons 2, 3 and 4 of KRAS and NRAS has been incorporated in daily clinical practice to improve patients’ selection for anti-EGFR moAbs treatment. Nevertheless, even if patients’ outcome under anti-EGFR moAbs therapy is improved with better selection based on Ras mutational status, more research is needed in this field; the matter is far from being resolved, since there are still a minority of wt RAS patients who do not respond upfront to such a treatment.
Comparison of heat of combustion and calorific value of the cones and wood of selected forest trees species
Authors: Aniszewska Monika , Gendek Arkadiusz
Published: November 2014

Every year, scaling plants buy (up to tens of tons) cones which needs to be peeled. After the process of scaling, the cones themselves are waste, which is partly sold. The problem of waste disposal is especially severe in plants where the processing is performed by electrically-powered scaling cabinets, but the problem does not apply to facilities where pellets are burned to produce beat.

We examined the beat of combustion and calorific value of the residues from scaling plants that can be used in the production of refined wood fuels. The residues consist of the empty cones of pine, spruce, larch as well as husks and stems of silver fir. Additionally, we conducted measurements of the beat of combustion for wood and cones of each species and compared them to their respective calorific values.

The results revealed that the average calorific value of the cones is in the range 17.81-19.86 MJ/kg. Our work showed that empty cones have a significantly higher calorific value and beat of combustion than the wood of spruce, larch and fir. In the case of pine, cones and wood did not differ significantly.

These results led us to the conclusions that empty de-scaled cones can be utilised as a valuable primary solid fuel or fuel additive for the production of refined products for the local market.

Due to the low annual production of cones in comparison to other materials such as sawdust and wood chips, pine cones should be used as a supplement, to enrich fuels of inferior quality by enhancing their energetic properties.
The possibilities of biologically protecting plants against diseases in nurseries, with special consideration of Oomycetes and Fusarium fungi
Authors: Okorski Adam , Oszako Tomasz , Nowakowska Justyna A. , Pszczółkowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2014

Achieving high quality propagative material is difficult today due to the limited number of pesticides recommended for use. Simultaneously, EU regulations on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in forest nurseries came into a force, requiring a search for alternative plant protection methods that are safe for humans, animals and the environment. In this paper, we present the possibilities of using bio-fungicides against diseases in forest nurseries, their mechanisms of action, as well as the direction of their development (according to IPM rules). We reviewed the results achieved by different research teams presenting the possibilities and trends in combatting Oomycetes and Fusarium spp. pathogens currently having the most important economic impact.
The systematics and paleobiogeographic significance of Sub-Boreal and Boreal ammonites (Aulacostephanidae and Cardioceratidae) from the Upper Jurassic of the Bohemian Massif
Authors: Hrbek Jan
Published: November 2014

Upper Jurassic marine deposits are either rarely preserved due to erosion or buried under younger sediments in the Bohemian Massif. However, fossil assemblages from a few successions exposed in northern Bohemia and Saxony and preserved in museum collections document the regional composition of macro-invertebrate assemblages and thus provide unique insights into broad-scale distribution and migration pathways of ammonites during the Late Jurassic. In this paper, we focus on the systematic revision of ammonites from the Upper Oxfordian and Lower Kimmeridgian deposits of northern Bohemia and Saxony. The ammonites belong to two families (Aulacostephanidae and Cardioceratidae) of high paleobiogeographic and stratigraphic significance. Six genera belong to the family Aulacostephanidae (Prorasenia, Rasenia, Eurasenia, Rasenioides, Aulacostephanus, Aulacostephanoides) and one genus belongs to the family Cardioceratidae (Amoeboceras). They show that the Upper Jurassic deposits of the northern Bohemian Massif belong to the Upper Oxfordian and Lower Kimmeridgian and paleobiogeographically correspond to the German-Polish ammonite branch with the geographical extent from the Polish Jura Chain to the Swabian and Franconian Alb. Therefore, the occurrences of ammonites described here imply that migration pathway connecting the Polish Jura Chain with habitats in southern Germany was located during the Late Oxfordian and Early Kimmeridgian in the Bohemian Massif.
Ozone decomposition
Authors: Batakliev Todor , Georgiev Vladimir , Anachkov Metody , Rakovsky Slavcho , Rakovsky Slavcho
Published: November 2014

Catalytic ozone decomposition is of great significance because ozone is a toxic substance commonly found or generated in human environments (aircraft cabins, offices with photocopiers, laser printers, sterilizers). Considerable work has been done on ozone decomposition reported in the literature. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the literature, concentrating on analysis of the physico-chemical properties, synthesis and catalytic decomposition of ozone. This is supplemented by a review on kinetics and catalyst characterization which ties together the previously reported results. Noble metals and oxides of transition metals have been found to be the most active substances for ozone decomposition. The high price of precious metals stimulated the use of metal oxide catalysts and particularly the catalysts based on manganese oxide. It has been determined that the kinetics of ozone decomposition is of first order importance. A mechanism of the reaction of catalytic ozone decomposition is discussed, based on detailed spectroscopic investigations of the catalytic surface, showing the existence of peroxide and superoxide surface intermediates
Melanogenesis inhibitory activity of Korean Undaria pinnatifida in mouse B16 melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Min-Jin , Kim Dong Sam , Yoon Hun-Seok , Lee Wook Jae , Lee Nam Ho , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: November 2014

A number of seaweed species are used as traditional foods and medicine in different parts of the world, including Asian countries. However, very few data on the anti-melanogenic effect of seaweed have been published. Undaria pinnatifida (Dolmiyeok), a brown alga, is a traditional food in Jeju Island, the southern regions of the Korea peninsula. In this study, ethylacetate extracts of U. pinnatifida (UPE) were examined for their anti-melanogenic potentials. Our results supports the finding that UPE down-regulated melanin content in a dose-dependent pattern. To clarify the target of UPE action in melanogenesis, we performed Western blotting for tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which are key melanogenic enzymes. UPE inhibited tyrosinase and MITF expressions in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that treatment with UPE significantly inhibits the melanogenesis in B16 cells, and may be effective in the whitening agent for the skin
Effects of cadmium and monensin on renal and cardiac functions of mice subjected to subacute cadmium intoxication
Authors: Ivanova Juliana , Gluhcheva Yordanka , Arpadjan Sonja , Mitewa Mariana
Published: November 2014

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known nephrotoxic agent. Cd-induced renal dysfunction has been considered as one of the causes leading to the development of hypertension. The correlation between Cd concentration in blood and urine and cardiovascular diseases has been discussed in many epidemiological studies. A therapy with chelating agents is utilized for the treatment of toxic metal intoxication. Herein we present novel information indicating that monensin (applied as tetraethylammonium salt) is a promising chelating agent for the treatment of Cd-induced renal and cardiac dysfunction. The study was performed using the ICR mouse model. Adult ICR male mice were divided into three groups with six animals in each group: control (received distilled water and food ad libitum for 28 days); Cd-intoxicated (treated orally with 20 mg/kg b.w. Cd(II) acetate from day 1 to day 14 of the experimental protocol), and monensin treated group (intoxicated with Cd(II) acetate as described for the Cd-intoxicated group followed by oral treatment with 16 mg/kg b.w. tetraethylammonium salt of monensic acid for 2 weeks). Cd intoxication of the animals resulted in an increase of the organ weight/body weight indexes. Cd elevated significantly creatinine and glucose level in serum. Monensin treatment improved the organ weight/body weight ratios. The therapy of the Cd-intoxicated animals with monensin ameliorated the creatinine and glucose level in serum and decreased the concentration of the toxic metal ions in the heart and kidneys by 54 % and 64 %, respectively
Rainfall interception and spatial variability of throughfall in spruce stand
Authors: Dohnal Michal , Černý Tomáš , Votrubová Jana , Tesař Miroslav
Published: November 2014

The interception was recognized as an important part of the catchment water balance in temperate climate. The mountainous forest ecosystem at experimental headwater catchment Liz has been subject of long-term monitoring. Unique dataset in terms of time resolution serves to determine canopy storage capacity and free throughfall. Spatial variability of throughfall was studied using one weighing and five tipping bucket rain gauges. The basic characteristics of forest affecting interception process were determined for the Norway spruce stand at the experimental area - the leaf area index was 5.66 - 6.00 m2 m-2, the basal area was 55.7 m2 ha-1, and the crown closure above individual rain gauges was between 19 and 95%. The total interception loss in both growing seasons analyzed was 34.5%. The mean value of the interception capacity determined was about 2 mm. Throughfall exhibited high variability from place to place and it was strongly affected by character of rainfall. On the other hand, spatial pattern of throughfall in average showed low variability.
Impact of evapotranspiration on discharge in small catchments
Authors: Dvořáková Šárka , Kovář Pavel , Zeman Josef
Published: November 2014

We apply the Linear Storage Model (LSM) to simulate the influence of the evapotranspiration on discharges. High resolution discharge data from two small catchments in the Czech Republic, the Teply Brook and the Starosuchdolsky Brook catchment are used. The results show the runoff process is simpler in a deeper valley of the Starosuchdolsky catchment where the soil zone is deeper and the valley bottom recharges runoff even during very dry periods. Two-soil zone model is adequate to simulate the diurnal runoff variability. Three-soil zone model is needed in the Teply Brook catchment due to the absence of water transport in the most-upper soil zone. Time delays between minimum and maximum discharge during the day reach up to about 20 hours. Evapotranspiration and hydraulic resistances are as high as 14% of catchment daily runoff in the urbanized Starosuchdolsky Brook catchment and 25% of catchment daily runoff in the forested, less impacted Teply Brook catchment
Explanation or Understanding? Movement Studies Between Natural Sciences and Cultural Studies
Authors: Eichberg Henning
Published: November 2014

Movement studies are - like health studies - placed between natural sciences and cultural studies as well as between quantitative and qualitative methods. That is why they are challenged by some methodological contradictions. Yet the dual relations between nature and culture, and between quantitative and qualitative methods, may be of superficial character. Deeper beneath, one finds tensions with theoretical implications: between the quest for evidence and the comparative method, between generalization and case study, between explanation and understanding, between the correctness of the answer and the quality of the question, between affirmative and fluent knowledge, between factors and connections, between data and patterns, between the state of research and historical change of knowledge, between objectivity and subjectivity, and between theory and philosophy. There seems to be something akin to cultural struggle in the field of knowledge. Yet the dual contradictions do not comprise two neatly separated “cultures of knowledge” that exclude each other. There are cross-disciplinary connections and overlaps, which help toward an understanding of human life.
Morphological Characterisation And Molecular Sex Determination Of Human Remains From The 15th–17th Centuries In Latvia
Authors: Ščėsnaitė-Jerdiakova Asta , Pliss Liāna , Gerhards Guntis , Gordina Elīna Pētersone , Gustiņa Agnija , Pole Ilva , Zole Egija , Ķimsis Jānis , Jansone Inta , Ranka Renāte
Published: November 2014

Sex determination is one of the most important and initial steps in human profile identification from archaeological material. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the application of molecular approaches alongside morphological methods for sex determination in archaeological human skeletal remains. Human skeletal remains were excavated from three cemeteries: St Gertrude Old Church, Dom Square and St Peter’s Church, of 15th–17th century burials in Rīga, Latvia. Morphological and molecular genetic methods, including amplification of genes AMELX/Y and SRY were used to analyse seven skeletal remains. The conducted analyses of morphological features identified sex in all seven cases (two females and five males). By molecular analyses of mediaeval DNA it was possible to determine sex in five of seven (71%) samples. In all positive cases full agreement between morphological estimation and molecular genetic methods was observed. To conclude, DNA analysis can be considered for sex identification in cases with no signs of sexual dimorphism (juvenile skeletons) or partially preserved skeletons.
Photographic Estimation of Facial Height and Nasal Length of Bangladeshi Women
Authors: Farhat Nazma , Naushaba Humaira , Saha Rita Rani , Parash M Tanveer Hossain , Ara Jubaida Gulshan , Karmakar Mallika
Published: November 2014

Context: Estimation of facial height and nasal length from digital photography is important to evaluate and planning surgical treatment of facial trauma, facial defect and post traumatic deformity. So facial height and nasal length values are of great use in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. These values are also important for identification of a person in forensic anthropology and archeology. The reliability of estimation of facial height from nasal length by using multiplication factor is high. The values of facial height and nasal length vary among populations. Materials and Method: This is a cross sectional, analytical type of study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from January 2010 to June 2011. One hundred (100) Bangladeshi 25 to 45 years old women were selected for the study. Fourth class female employees of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital and part time housemaids of Mitford area were selected by purposive sampling as study subjects. Results: The values of facial height and nasal length were 17.949 ± 1.3111cm and 5.179 ± 0.5349cm respectively. Multiplication factor for measuring facial height from nasal length was 3.49 ± 0.2864 (Mean ± SD). No significant difference was found between the measured and estimated facial height from nasal length. Conclusion: The anthropometric base line data of different facial dimensions might help the surgeons in diagnosing and treating reconstructive cases DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20669 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 50-53
Study of Morphometric Analysis of Mandibular Foramen in Bangladeshi Dry Adult Human Mandible
Authors: Hoque Md Mesbahul , Ara Shamim , Begum Shahanaz , Kamal AHM Mostafa , Momen Md Abdul
Published: November 2014

Context: Mandible is the lower jaw bone providing attachment of muscles of mastication and facial expression and provides pathway for inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. Adequate anaesthesia is a prerequisite of most of the dental procedures. Effective pain control in dentistry may be achieved by the local anaesthetic techniques; the most common procedures which are followed by the inferior alveolar nerve block. Therefore, identification of mandibular foramen is important for dental surgeons in nerve block and surgical procedures to avoid injury to neurovascular bundle. The aim of this study was to determine the position of the mandibular foramen from various anatomical landmarks. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional analytical type of study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka on one hundred and eighty five (185) dry adult human mandibles of unknown sex. Position of mandibular foramen was determined using the distance of the mandibular foramen to (a) the anterior border of the ramus (b) the posterior border of the ramus (c) the mandibular notch (d) the head of the mandible (e) the posterior edge of third molar socket and (f) the symphysis menti which were measured with the help of digital sliding calipers. Results: The mandibular foramen was at the same distance from each landmark on both sides demonstrating symmetry. There was no significant difference in the values on the right and left sides of the mandibles. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of this study might be useful in certain surgical procedure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20671 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 58-61
Variations in the Location of Basilar Artery on Ventral Surface of Pons
Authors: Sultana Anjuman Ara , Ara Shamim , Rahman Mushfika , Afroz Halima , Akter Rahanur , Akter Farhana , Fatema Kanij
Published: November 2014

Context: Basilar artery is formed by the union of right & left vertebral arteries at the lower border of pons / mid medullary level which courses upward along Basilar groove on the anterior surface of pons & supplies the anatomical structures within the posterior cranial fossa of brain. The Circle of Willis is the principal arterial anastomotic trunk of brain formed by anastomosis between the branches of internal carotid arteries and terminal branch of basilar artery. It is responsible for collateral circulation of brain, specially of old people - who have reduced blood supply to brain due to senile arteriosclerosis. Cerebrovascular diseases due to basilar artery is more common in men than women. Anatomy of basilar artery and its branches are very complex and variable. So, detailed morphogical knowledge is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorder. To identify whether there is any variations in the location of basilar artery in relation to basilar groove on the ventral surface of pons . Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive type of study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2010 to December 2010. Seventy(70) postmortem basilar arteries were collected from unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Department of Forensic medicine, Dhaka Medical College Dhaka. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of Dhaka Medical College. The position of basilar artery in all the samples were either in the midline, right to midline or left to midline. Formalin fixed brain was washed with plain tap water to remove excess formalin and was kept on metallic tray. Location of basilar artery was examined carefully by hand magnifying glass and noted. Results: In the present study, location of basilar artery was found at midline in 70% brain, right to midline in 17%, left to midline in 13%. Conclusion: Further studies in large scale for preparing a database of anatomy of basilar artery are recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20673 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 68-70