bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reproductive hormone cycle of adult female American alligators from a barrier island population
Authors: Hamlin Heather J , Lowers Russell H , Kohno Satomi , Mitsui-Watanabe Naoko , Amano Haruna , Hara Akihiko , Ohta Yasuhiko , Miyagawa Shinichi , Iguchi Taisen , Guillette Louis J
Published: March 2014

Comparatively, little data are available detailing the geographic variation that exists in the reproductive endocrinology of adult alligators, especially those living in barrier islands. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MI) is a unique barrier island environment and home to the Kennedy Space Center (FL, USA). Seasonal patterns of sex steroids were assessed in adult female American alligators from MI monthly from 2008 to 2009, with additional samples collected at more random intervals in 2006, 2007, and 2010. Plasma 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin concentrations peaked in April, coincident with courtship and mating, and showed patterns similar to those observed in adult female alligators in other regions. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, however, showed patterns distinctly different than those reported for alligator populations in other regions and remained relatively constant throughout the year. Plasma DHEA peaked in July around the time of oviposition, decreased in August, and then remained constant for the remaining months, except for a moderate increase in October. Circulating concentrations of DHEA have not been previously assessed in a female crocodilian, and plasma concentrations coincident with reproductive activity suggest a reproductive and/or behavioral role. Interestingly, plasma testosterone concentrations peaked in May of 2008, as has been shown in female alligator populations in other regions, but showed no peak in 2009, demonstrating dramatic variability from year to year. Surveys showed 2009 to be particularly depauperate of alligator nests in MI, and it is possible that testosterone could serve as a strong indicator of breeding success.
Large granular lymphocyte leukemia. A rare disease with personalized treatment options
Authors: Adamkovich Nóra , Kispál Mihály , Krenács László , Bagdi Enikő , Borbényi Zita
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Large granular lymphocyte leukemia is rare, mainly chronic disease. The most common complication is neutropenia, but other immune-mediated cytopenia may also occur. There are no unified treatment recommendations and initiation of treatment mainly depends on the severity of the symptoms. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyze the main steps of the diagnosis and the necessity and outcome of treatment in their patients diagnosed with large granular lymphocyte leukaemia. Method: The authors retrospectively analyzed the data of 17 large granular lymphocyte leukemia patients. Results: Of the 17 patients, 7 patients required treatment because of transfusion dependent anemia (4 patients) or neutropenia (3 patients). In 4 patients corticosteroid was given (supplemented with cyclosporine in one patients), while the other patients received anti-CD52 (one patient), low dose methotrexate (one patient) and combined chemotherapy (one patient). Five patients achieved partial response, and two patients died in sepsis. Conclusions: In this cohort only a smaller proportion of patients required therapy. Immunosuppression can be successful, but the effect in most cases was temporary. The most serious complication was sepsis, which is associated with a significant risk of mortality in cases with neutropenia. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(11), 414–419.
Transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic bowel resection in deeply infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Bokor Attila , Pohl Ákos , Lukovich Péter , Rigó Jr. János
Published: March 2014

The authors report a case of a 27-year-old patient who had deeply infiltrating endometriosis involving the rectum, sigmoid colon and the rectovaginal septum, which was removed by laparoscopic surgery. During surgery the affected bowel segment, the deeply infiltrating nodule of the rectovaginal septum and the posterior vaginal wall were resected and the 12 cm long specimen was removed transvaginally. Postoperative bleeding was noted in the first postoperative day, which was treated laparoscopically, aswell. This case history confirms data from the literature showing that the natural orifice specimen extraction procedure can widely be applied during operations for deeply infiltrating endometriosis and that laparoscopic anterior resection is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of colorectal deeply infiltratnig endometriosis. Moreover, perioperative complications can be treated by means of laparoscopic surgery. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(11), 420–423.
Porous Polyimide-Silica Composite: A New Thermal Resistant Flexible Material
Authors: Fukubayashi Yumeto , Yoda Satoshi
Published: March 2014

We developed a new highly porous polyimide (PI) -silica composite with high flexibility, mechanical strength, and heat resistance. The composite was prepared by a new process consisting of (1) phase separation of a mixture of PI precursor (polyamic acid), solvent, and silicon alkoxide, induced by high-pressure CO2 (40 °C, 20 MPa), (2) silicate formation by sol-gel reaction, and (3) supercritical CO2 extraction of the solvent. The composite had a bimodal porous structure with micropores of 10-30 μm and nanopores of ∼50 nm. In the PI matrix, silica nanoparticles (< 100 nm in diameter) were highly dispersed. Porosity of the composite was 78%, which is higher than that of conventional porous PI prepared by physical foaming technique. Relative dielectric constant of the material was lower than 1.4 at 1 MHz. The porous PI-silica composite sheet was flexible enough to be folded without cracking. Notably, the Young’s modulus (0.80 GPa) and the onset decomposition temperature (600 °C) of the PI-silica composite were higher than those of conventional porous PI with similar porosity, respectively. The porous PI-silica composite is promising as a flexible thermal insulator for high-temperature use and as a thermal resistant low-k material.
Consórcio Intermunicipal da Fronteira (CIF): descrevendo as principais ações voltadas ao desenvolvimento regional a partir da perspectiva do poder público municipal
Authors: Angnes Juliane Sachser , Mattos Sandra Mara Matuisk , Klozovski Marcel Luciano , Sturm Marlete Inês
Published: March 2014

Este artigo propõe-se descrever as principais ações voltadas ao desenvolvimento regional promovidas pelo Consórcio Intermunicipal da Fronteira (CIF), constituído pelos municípios de Barracão e Bom Jesus do Sul (PR) e Dionísio Cerqueira (SC), localizados no Brasil, e Bernardo de Irigoyen de Misiones, localizado na Argentina, da perspectiva do poder público municipal, representado pelos prefeitos destas cidades e pelo coordenador executivo do CIF. Assim, trata-se de uma pesquisa que utiliza a abordagem qualitativa, realizada por meio de entrevista individual em profundidade aplicada aos quatro prefeitos municipais que compõem o CIF e o coordenador executivo deste. Tais entrevistas se propuseram a examinar, sob a ótica desses agentes, a formação do CIF, bem como as ações planejadas e as ações em implementação desde sua constituição. Neste sentido, os principais resultados apontaram os meios que os municípios encontraram para buscar recursos que viabilizassem a melhoria da infraestrutura, garantindo o progresso e o desenvolvimento social, econômico e cultural da região. Apresentou ainda os resultados positivos da implantação do CIF em âmbito regional e as dificuldades e limitações enfrentadas neste processo.
Publicidade e consumo responsável
Authors: Santos Tarcyanie Cajueiro
Published: March 2014

Da perspectiva sociocultural, a sociedade pautada nos valores do consumo para a conformação das subjetividades se tornou o grande eixo de sentido da vida social. Na publicidade contemporânea, há uma crescente preocupação com o homem e a responsabilização que este passou a ter sobre si próprio e o seu entorno, expressa através de termos como consumo "responsável", ou "sustentável". Ao levar em conta esses dois aspectos, o presente artigo busca refletir sobre as transformações no discurso publicitário e suas relações com o contexto sociocultural. Para tanto, utiliza a metodologia baseada na análise de discurso dos anúncios inspirada em Foucault a partir das noções de biopolítica e de dispositivo desse autor.
Medication errors: classification of seriousness, type, and of medications involved in the reports from a university teaching hospital
Authors: Dalmolin Gabriella Rejane dos Santos , Rotta Eloni Terezinha , Goldim José Roberto
Published: March 2014

Medication errors can be frequent in hospitals; these errors are multidisciplinary and occur at various stages of the drug therapy. The present study evaluated the seriousness, the type and the drugs involved in medication errors reported at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. We analyzed written error reports for 2010-2011. The sample consisted of 165 reports. The errors identified were classified according to seriousness, type and pharmacological class. 114 reports were categorized as actual errors (medication errors) and 51 reports were categorized as potential errors. There were more medication error reports in 2011 compared to 2010, but there was no significant change in the seriousness of the reports. The most common type of error was prescribing error (48.25%). Errors that occurred during the process of drug therapy sometimes generated additional medication errors. In 114 reports of medication errors identified, 122 drugs were cited. The reflection on medication errors, the possibility of harm resulting from these errors, and the methods for error identification and evaluation should include a broad perspective of the aspects involved in the occurrence of errors. Patient safety depends on the process of communication involving errors, on the proper recording of information, and on the monitoring itself.
Croton schiedeanus Schltd prevents experimental hypertension in rats induced by nitric oxide deficit
Authors: Páez María Teresa , Rodríguez Diana Catalina , López Daniel Fernando , Castañeda Jorge Arturo , Buitrago Diana Marcela , Cuca Luis Enrique , Guerrero Mario Francisco
Published: March 2014

Croton schiedeanus Schltd (N.V.: "almizclillo") is a plant used in traditional medicine as an antihypertensive in Colombia. It contains flavonoid, diterpenoid and fenilbutanoid metabolites that have vasodilatation effects linked to the NO/cGMP pathway. This work aimed to assess the capacity of a 96% EtOH extract to prevent the hypertension induced by nitric oxide (NO) deficiency in rats. The NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10 mg/kg/d, i.p) was administered during five weeks to three groups of rats (6-7 animals): C. Schiedeanus (200 mg/kg/d, p.o), enalapril (reference, 10 mg/kg/d, p.o) and vehicle (control: olive oil 1 ml/kg/d, p.o). In addition, the blank group received only vehicle. The arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured daily for six weeks. After sacrificing the animals, the aortic rings were isolated, contraction was triggered with phenylephrine (PE 10-6 M) and relaxant responses were achieved with cumulative concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh, 10-10 - 10-4 M). L-NAME increased the systolic arterial pressure in the control group, attaining mean values of 131 mm Hg at week 5, whereas the C. schiedeanus, enalapril and blank groups maintained blood pressure under 100 mm Hg. The capacity of PE to contract aortic rings was greater in the C. schiedeanus, enalapril and blank groups than in the control group (2157, 2005, 1910 and 1646 mg, respectively). The pEC50 values for ACh were as follows: C. Schiedeanus (6.89) >enalapril (6.39) > blank (5.68) > control (5.09). These results give support to C. Schiedeanus as a natural antihypertensive source.
Identification of alkali-reactive aggregates: some examples
Authors: Fernandes Isabel , Ramos Violeta , Noronha Fernando , Silva António Santos , Nunes João Carlos , Medeiros Sara
Published: March 2014

Alkali–aggregate reactions have been known for decades although the acceptance of their occurrence has been delayed in some countries until the 1990s. Potential reactivity has been identified in most of the rock types used as aggregates around the world. The most common reactive rocks are sedimentary (e.g. opaline sandstone) and metamorphic (e.g. gneiss). However, igneous rocks such as granites have also proved to be reactive in some areas and innocuous in many other regions. It has been concluded that the designation is not enough to label a rock as reactive and that microstructure is very often the determinant factor of reactivity. In the present study a summary is made on the state-of-the-art on alkali–aggregate reactions. Emphasis is given on the identification of potentially reactive aggregates based on petrographic methods. Examples from a large number of samples analysed in the scope of a research project are presented.
Climate‐moderated responses to wildfire by macroinvertebrates and basal food resources in montane wilderness streams
Authors: Rugenski Amanda T. , Minshall G. Wayne
Published: March 2014

Changes in both climate and fire frequency have been documented but the combined effects of these are poorly understood in freshwater systems, thus making it imperative for long‐term studies in pristine habitats to quantify climate‐mediated wildfire effects in lotic systems. We quantified the response of invertebrates and basal food resources in 6 wilderness streams in central Idaho USA for 8 years pre‐fire and 5 years post‐fire. We found that a shift in climate toward increased temperature and reduced peaks in snow‐melt runoff moderated the effects of wildfire on basal food resources and altered invertebrate community structure and annual variation. Taxon richness significantly increased over the 13‐year study period at all sites regardless of fire. Post‐fire changes were accompanied by an increase in the relative abundances of chironomid midges and Baetis mayflies, which generally are regarded as disturbance‐adapted taxa. Ordination analysis of invertebrate community biomass showed that both unburned and burned streams differed between pre‐ and post‐fire years and combined, our results suggest that the effects of climate ameliorated the effects of fire. We found significant correlations between community structure and climatic variables of precipitation, temperature, and discharge in all streams. Our findings support previous studies that attribute a large part of negative fire effects on stream ecosystems to major increases in runoff from sparsely vegetated uplands and attendant restructuring of channels and substrata. However, we found during a period of climate warming and reduction in snow‐melt runoff, these adverse effects were suppressed resulting in increases in basal food resources and invertebrate density and biomass following fire. Our results show the importance of long‐term studies in quantifying community changes in responses to disturbance under a changing climate in lotic ecosystems.
Resistant to the Recession: Low-Income Adults’ Maintenance of Cooking and Away-From-Home Eating Behaviors During Times of Economic Turbulence
Authors: Smith Lindsey P. , Ng Shu Wen , Popkin Barry M.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We examined the effects of state-level unemployment rates during the recession of 2008 on patterns of home food preparation and away-from-home (AFH) eating among low-income and minority populations.

Methods. We analyzed pooled cross-sectional data on 118 635 adults aged 18 years or older who took part in the American Time Use Study. Multinomial logistic regression models stratified by gender were used to evaluate the associations between state-level unemployment, poverty, race/ethnicity, and time spent cooking, and log binomial regression was used to assess respondents’ AFH consumption patterns.

Results. High state-level unemployment was associated with only trivial increases in respondents’ cooking patterns and virtually no change in their AFH eating patterns. Low-income and racial/ethnic minority groups were not disproportionately affected by the recession.

Conclusions. Even during a major economic downturn, US adults are resistant to food-related behavior change. More work is needed to understand whether this reluctance to change is attributable to time limits, lack of knowledge or skill related to food preparation, or lack of access to fresh produce and raw ingredients.
Impact of a Rewards-Based Incentive Program on Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Purchases
Authors: Phipps Etienne J. , Braitman Leonard E. , Stites Shana D. , Singletary S. Brook , Wallace Samantha L. , Hunt Lacy , Axelrod Saul , Glanz Karen , Uplinger Nadine
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We assessed the impact of a rewards-based incentive program on fruit and vegetable purchases by low-income families.

Methods. We conducted a 4-phase prospective cohort study with randomized intervention and wait-listed control groups in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in December 2010 through October 2011. The intervention provided a rebate of 50% of the dollar amount spent on fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, reduced to 25% during a tapering phase, then eliminated. Primary outcome measures were number of servings of fruit and of vegetables purchased per week.

Results. Households assigned to the intervention purchased an average of 8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5, 16.9) more servings of vegetables and 2.5 (95% CI = 0.3, 9.5) more servings of fruit per week than did control households. In longitudinal price-adjusted analyses, when the incentive was reduced and then discontinued, the amounts purchased were similar to baseline.

Conclusions. Investigation of the financial costs and potential benefits of incentive programs to supermarkets, government agencies, and other stakeholders is needed to identify sustainable interventions.
Early Life Conditions, Adverse Life Events, and Chewing Ability at Middle and Later Adulthood
Authors: Listl Stefan , Watt Richard G. , Tsakos Georgios
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We sought to determine the extent to which early life conditions and adverse life events impact chewing ability in middle and later adulthood.

Methods. Secondary analyses were conducted based on data from waves 2 and 3 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), collected in the years 2006 to 2009 and encompassing information on current chewing ability and the life history of persons aged 50 years or older from 13 European countries. Logistic regression models were estimated with sequential inclusion of explanatory variables representing living conditions in childhood and adverse life events.

Results. After controlling for current determinants of chewing ability at age 50 years or older, certain childhood and later life course socioeconomic, behavioral, and cognitive factors became evident as correlates of chewing ability at age 50 years or older. Specifically, childhood financial hardship was identified as an early life predictor of chewing ability at age 50 years or older (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% confidence interval = 1.22, 2.06).

Conclusions. Findings suggest a potential enduring impact of early life conditions and adverse life events on oral health in middle and later adulthood and are relevant for public health decision-makers who design strategies for optimal oral health.
Integrated fixed-film activated sludge ANITA™Mox process – a new perspective for advanced nitrogen removal
Authors: Veuillet F. , Lacroix S. , Bausseron A. , Gonidec E. , Ochoa J. , Christensson M. , Lemaire R.
Published: March 2014

ANITA™Mox is a Veolia process using moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) technology tested and validated in full-scale for energy- and cost-effective autotrophic N-removal from sidestream effluent using anammox (ANaerobic AMMonium OXidation) bacteria. In order to increase the ANITA™Mox process performances under different operating conditions (e.g. mainstream and sidestream application), substrate transport and accessibility inside the biofilm must be enhanced. In this work, (i) two laboratory scale biofilm ANITA™Mox reactors were operated using different configurations (IFAS – integrated fixed-film activated sludge – and MBBR) and (ii) the distribution of the anammox (AnAOB) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the suspended sludge and the biofilm was characterized using molecular tools (qPCR). This study showed that in IFAS configuration, the ANITA™Mox process achieved very high N-removal rate (up to 8 gN/m².d), which was three to four times higher than that achieved in the pure MBBR mode. The high concentration of suspended solids (mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)) in the bulk obtained within the IFAS mode induces a very efficient bacterial distribution between the AOB and AnAOB population. AnAOB activity mainly occurs in the biofilm (96% of total AnAOB in the reactor), whereas nitritation by AOB mostly takes place in the suspended phase (93% of total AOB). This spatial distribution observed in the IFAS reactor results from a natural selection due to more easily substrate accessibility for AOB in the bulk (NH4+, O2) creating higher nitrite concentration in the bulk liquid compare to pure MBBR mode. The efficient control of MLSS level in the IFAS reactor is a key parameter to enhance the nitrite production by AOB and increase the substrate availability in the AnAOB-enriched biofilm leading to higher N-removal rate. These promising results obtained at laboratory scale have been further confirmed in on-going full-scale IFAS ANITA™Mox trials opening new roads for the widespread application of a very compact and robust ANITA™Mox process for sidestream but also mainstream cost-effective N-removal.
Assessment of the Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria as Dried Starter Culture for Cereal Fermentation
Authors: Soro-Yao Amenan A. , Aka Solange , Thonart Philippe , Djè Koffi M.
Published: March 2014

The kinetic growth parameters [maximal specific growth rate μm (h-1), and generation time g (h)] and viability after stress treatments (dehydration with glycerol solution of increasing concentration, freezing or heating stress) of four lactic acid bacteria [Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), L. fermentum (LF), Leuconostoc spp. (M1) and Lactococcus spp. (M2)] were determined. The maximal specific growth rate (μm) and generation time g ranged between 0.51 h-1 to 0.14 h-1 and 0.61 h to 1.33 h, respectively. We observed that the strains were sensitive to a change in water activity (aw 0.32 final), storage and incubation temperatures. The Strain LF obtained a higher cell concentration and viability, as well as a lower g compared to those obtained by the other strains. The kinetic growth parameters (μm, g) together with viability after stress treatments could be used for the screening of dried lactic acid starter cultures.
Non-Diversifiable Volatility Risk and Risk Premiums at Earnings Announcements
Authors: Barth Mary E. , So Eric C.
Published: March 2014

This study seeks to determine whether earnings announcements pose non-diversifiable volatility risk that commands a risk premium. We find that investors anticipate some earnings announcements to convey news that increases market return volatility and pay a premium to hedge this non-diversifiable risk. In particular, we find evidence of risk premiums embedded in prices of firms' traded options that are significantly positively associated with the extent to which the firms' earnings announcements pose non-diversifiable volatility risk. In addition, we find that volatility risk premiums are concentrated among bellwether firms and result in predictable variation in option straddle returns around earnings announcements. Taken together, our findings show that some earnings announcements pose non-diversifiable volatility risk that commands a risk premium.

JEL Classifications: M41; G12; G13; G14
Infant Body Composition and Adipokine Concentrations in Relation to Maternal Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Estampador Angela C. , Pomeroy Jeremy , Renström Frida , Nelson Scott M. , Mogren Ingrid , Persson Margareta , Sattar Naveed , Domellöf Magnus , Franks Paul W.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations of maternal gestational weight gain and body composition and their impact on offspring body composition and adipocytokine, glucose, and insulin concentrations at age 4 months.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective study including 31 mother-infant pairs (N = 62). Maternal body composition was assessed using doubly labeled water. Infant body composition was assessed at 4 months using air displacement plethysmography, and venous blood was assayed for glucose, insulin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leptin concentrations.

RESULTS

Rate of gestational weight gain in midpregnancy was significantly associated with infant fat mass (r = 0.41, P = 0.03); rate of gestational weight in late pregnancy was significantly associated with infant fat-free mass (r = 0.37, P = 0.04). Infant birth weight was also strongly correlated with infant fat-free mass at 4 months (r = 0.63, P = 0.0002). Maternal BMI and maternal fat mass were strongly inversely associated with infant IL-6 concentrations (r = −0.60, P = 0.002 and r = −0.52, P = 0.01, respectively). Infant fat-free mass was inversely related to infant adiponectin concentrations (r = −0.48, P = 0.008) and positively correlated with infant blood glucose adjusted for insulin concentrations (r = 0.42, P = 0.04). No significant associations for leptin were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Timing of maternal weight gain differentially impacts body composition of the 4-month-old infant, which in turn appears to affect the infant’s glucose and adipokine concentrations.
3D loss and heat analysis at the end region of 4-poles 1150 MW nuclear power turbine generator
Authors: Zhou Guang-Hou , Han Li , Fan Zhen-Nan , Liao Yong , Huang Song
Published: March 2014

To study the principle of loss and heat at the end region of large 4-poles nuclear power turbine generator, 3D transient electromagnetic field and 3D steady temperature field finite element (FE) models of the end region are established respectively. Considering the factors such as rotor motion, core non-linearity and time-varying of electromagnetic field, the anisotropic heat conductivity and different heat dissipation conditions of stator end region, a 50 Hz, 1150 MW, 4-poles nuclear power turbine generator is investigated. The loss and heat at the generator end region are calculated respectively at no-load and rated-load, and the calculation results are compared with the test data. The result shows that the calculation model is accurate and the generator design is suitable. The method is valuable for the research of loss and heat at the end region of large 4-poles nuclear power turbine generator and the improvement of the generator’s operation stability. The method has been applied successfully for the design of the larger nuclear power turbine generators
‘Love Does Not Delight in Evil, but Rejoices With the Truth.’ A Theological and Pastoral Reflection On My Journey Away From A Homosexual Identity
Authors: Doherty Sean
Published: March 2014

This article offers theological reflection on the author’s experience, initially as a celibate gay person and subsequently as someone who has chosen not to be defined as gay and who has married. It argues that faithfulness to the classic Christian teaching about sex and marriage is liberating rather than homophobic, and that the contemporary cultural tendency to conflate sexual desire with identity bears at least some of the blame for the gay experience of marginalisation. This conflation must be questioned. The article concludes by relating this to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s critique of anthropocentric construals of ‘love’.
The Center Of A Generalized Effect Algebra
Authors: Foulis D. J. , Pulmannová S.
Published: March 2014

In this article, we study the center of a generalized effect algebra (GEA), relate it to the exocenter, and in case the GEA is centrally orthocomplete (a COGEA), relate it to the exocentral cover system. Our main results are that the center of a COGEA is a complete boolean algebra and that a COGEA decomposes uniquely as the direct sum of an effect algebra (EA) that contains the center of the COGEA and a complementary direct summand in which no nonzero direct summand is an EA.
Cocentralizing Generalized Derivations On Multilinear Polynomial On Right Ideals Of Prime Rings
Authors: Filippis Vincenzo De , Dhara Basudeb
Published: March 2014

Let R be a prime ring with Utumi quotient ring U and with extended centroid C, I a non-zero right ideal of R ƒ (x1… xn) a multilinear polynomial over C which is not central valued on R and G, H two generalized derivations of R. Suppose that G(ƒ (r)) ƒ (r)- ƒ (r)H(ƒ (r)) ∈ C, for all r =(r

1. there exist a; b; p ∈ U and α C such that G(x)= ax + [p, x] and H(x) = bx, for all x ∈ R, and (a-b)I=(0)=(a + p- α)I;

2. R satisfies s

3. R satisfies s

4. R satisfies s

5. there exists e

(a) [ƒ (x

(b) char (R) = 2 and s

(c) [ƒ (x
On Totally Contact Umbilical Contact CR-Lightlike Submanifolds Of Indefinite Sasakian Manifolds
Authors: Gogna Manish , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaich R. K.
Published: March 2014

After brief introduction, we prove that a totally contact umbilical CR- lightlike submanifold is totally contact geodesic. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a CR-lightlike submanifold to be an anti-invariant submanifold. Finally, we characterize a contact CR-lightlike submanifold of indefinite Sasakian manifold to be a contact CR-lightlike product
Effect of slip condition on viscoelastic mhd oscillatory forced convection flow in a vertical channel with heat radiation
Authors: Singh K.D.
Published: March 2014

In this paper an oscillatory flow of a viscoelastic, incompressible and electrically conducting fluid through a porous medium bounded by two infinite vertical parallel plates is discussed. One of these plates is subjected to a slip-flow condition and the other to a no-slip condition. The pressure gradient in the channel oscillates with time. A magnetic field of uniform strength is applied in the direction perpendicular to the plates. The induced magnetic field is neglected due to the assumption of a small magnetic Reynolds number. The temperature difference of the two plates is also assumed high enough to induce heat transfer due to radiation. A closed form analytical solution to the problem is obtained. The analytical results are evaluated numerically and then presented graphically to discuss in detail the effects of different parameters entering into the problem. A number of particular cases have been shown by dotted curves in the figures. During the analysis it is found that the physical and the mathematical formulations of the problems by Makinde and Mhone (2005), Mehmood and Ali (2007), Kumar et al. (2010) and Choudhury and Das (2012) are not correct. The correct solutions to all these important oscillatory flow problems are deduced.
Change and Its Repercussions for the Banking Industry
Authors: Adizes Ichak Kalderon
Published: March 2014

Changes have always existed but their speed and frequency have become rather apparent. Changes are present in all areas of life, but here we focus on those happening in the banking industry. Banks are undergoing revolutionary changes and they must change or perish in their present form. The article explains why banks must change and what are the threats to both asset and liability sides they would face otherwise. Changes result in modifications of strategies, organizations and management. The article concludes that banks that are the most flexible and able to adapt will win the day.
A note on the multiplication of sparse matrices
Authors: Borna Keivan , Fard Sohrab
Published: March 2014

We present a practical algorithm for multiplication of two sparse matrices. In fact if A and B are two matrices of size n with m 1 and m 2 non-zero elements respectively, then our algorithm performs O(min{m 1 n, m 2 n, m 1 m 2}) multiplications and O(k) additions where k is the number of non-zero elements in the tiny matrices that are obtained by the columns times rows matrix multiplication method. Note that in the useful case, k ≤ m 2 n. However, in Proposition 3.3 and Proposition 3.4 we obtain tight upper bounds for the complexity of additions. We also study the complexity of multiplication in a practical case where non-zero elements of A (resp. B) are distributed independently with uniform distribution among columns (resp. rows) of them and show that the expected number of multiplications is O(m 1 m 2/n). Finally a comparison of number of required multiplications in the naïve matrix multiplication, Strassen’s method and our algorithm is given.
What is nature tourism? Case study: university students
Authors: Graja-Zwolińska Sylwia , Spychała Aleksandra
Published: March 2014

On the one hand in recent years nature tourism (turystyka przyrodnicza) has constituted a significant part of the tourism industry, on the other it has caused many problems for researchers attempting to define the phenomenon. Should the tourism destination or its primary motivation determine its categorisation? Is there indeed a need when considering practice as well as theory? The authors of the article have attempted a discourse with both foreign and domestic literature and subsequently sought to find the perceived meaning of turystyka przyrodnicza (nature tourism) amongst students of Poznań University particularly those associated with the natural environment on their degree courses. The present article should be considered as a contribution to further work in this field theoretically as well as practically.
Spatial aspects of european airports’ partial factor productivity
Authors: Pavlyuk Dmitry
Published: March 2014

This research is devoted to discovering of spatial effects in European airports’ partial factor productivity (PFP). A set of study PFP indicators includes infrastructural (air transport movements per runway), labour (workload units per employee), and financial (revenue and profit per workload unit) ratios. We utilised a number of appropriate statistical tests (Moran’s I., Geary’s C., Mantel test, and spatial auto-regression) for revelation of spatial relationships between PFP indicator’s values. The tests were separately applied to samples of Spanish (2009-2010) and UK airports (2011-2012) and provided evidences of significant spatial effects in data.
Experimental results of elevation change analysis in the Antarctic ice sheet using DEMs from ERS and ICESat data
Authors: Gu Zhenxiong , Feng Tiantian , Scaioni Marco , Wu Hangbin , Liu Jun , Tong Xiaohua , Li Rongxing
Published: March 2014

The aim of this research is to investigate elevation changes in the Antarctic ice sheet by comparing two digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from satellite altimetry data covering the period 1994–2004. Data collected by ERS-1/2 satellite radar altimetry and by NASA GLAS/ICESat laser altimetry were used. After preprocessing and resampling at the same spatial resolution, both DEMs were compared in a pointwise fashion and elevation differences computed, which consisted of three main components: (1) actual elevation change, (2) errors in the original data sources and (3) interpolation errors that arose during generation of the DEMs. The objectives of the research were to analyze errors, attempt to mitigate systematic effects when possible, and draw some conclusions about the limitations of using DEM products for computing ice-sheet elevation change at local and continental scales. A linear correlation between errors in elevation differences and surface slope was found in the slope range [0°, 0.4°]. This trend was interpreted as residual slope-induced systematic error and compensated for. Finally, an elevation difference map of the Antarctic ice sheet was generated. Analysis of the derived elevation changes at the drainage basin was also made. Results are compared with the results of previous studies.
Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) - cum - fish culture: An integrated management for better yield
Authors: Pramanik BR , Puste AM , Jana K , Banerjee K , Das DK , Dasgupta M
Published: March 2014

Integration of makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.)-cum-fish culture including sole system as sub-plot on the nutritional quality under wetland ecosystem reveal that seed yield as well as nutritional value of makhana seeds (starch, sugar, protein and minerals) vary significantly by different integrated nutrient management (INM) packages applied on the crop and fishes. The result exhibited highest value (75.04, 2.37, 9.45 and 0.52%) with N4 treatment (plants and fishes both received a well-balanced organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients along with fish-feed including zinc spray). The combined effect of different farming system and INM on the nutritional status of makhana seeds was not significant. These important food ingredients as fresh as well as its different value-added products have great importance for small and cottage industries, particularly poor and marginal section of rural people as well. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.11501 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 281-286, 2013
Pollens in bee-breads as an indicator of honey sources
Authors: AbdulRahaman AA , Liadi MT , Musa AK , Kolawole OS , Oladele FA
Published: March 2014

Adulteration of honey and bee-breads in the markets are becoming a matter of deep corncern. The aim of this study, therefore, is to authenticate the natural sources of the honey and bee breads produced by the University of Ilorin Apiary Farm and Jatropha Plantation. A microscopic survey of some pollen breads collected from the Apiary Farm of 6 colonies and Jatropha Plantation of one colony at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria revealed the presence of 9 types of pollens in honey-breads or bee-breads produced by the bees in the area under study. These pollen types include monoporate, salcate, triporate, tricolpate, pericolpate, panporate, biporate, salcate and vesculate. Monorate, colpate, triporate and panporate pollen types are the most frequent occuring in all colonies, followed by salcate, biporate and tricolpate. The least frequent types are pericolpate and vesculate pollens occuring only in the colony A. Density of each of these pollens were also determined in each colony. Some impurities were detected in colonies B, C and E. Panporate pollen of Jatropha curcas is of high frequency in the colony of Jatropha indicating that honeybees visit the Jatropha plants more frequently. So, the honey from the plantation might contain high percentage of panporate pollens. The honey produced at the Apiary and Jatropha Plantation at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria is based on this study. A polyfloral or multifloral type rather than unifloral or monofloral because it contains many types of pollen indicating its source from more than one plant sources or more than one nectars of different entomophilous plants exhibiting the presence of some anemophilous pollens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.16966 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 247-252, 2013
Studies on Coriandrum sativum linn seed of different origin of Bangladesh for its essential oil, fatty oil and micronutrients
Authors: Asif IM , Mahmood MA , Alam MS , Khan M , Eti SA , Hossain F , Moniruzzaman M , Islam MS
Published: March 2014

Four varieties of Coriandrum sativum Linn seed from different origin of Bangladesh such as Brahmanbaria, Faridpur, Keranigonj, Sirajgonj and one variety of Coriandrum sativum Linn seed powder of widely used brand "Radhuni" was collected from the local market. Comparative study of the collected samples and derived oils for proximate analysis, physico-chemical characteristics, essential oils, fatty oils compositions and micronutrient analysis were performed. In proximate analysis carbohydrate, protein, fiber, fat, ash and energy contents were calculated for the five varieties. The samples were extracted by hydro-distillation and it was found that the coriander seed contained 0.15% to 0.25% of essential oils. The chemical constituents of the derived essential oils were determined by FTIR and GC-MS. The fatty oils from the sample were extracted by successive solvent extraction method and the physico-chemical characteristics were determined by usual standard procedure. The chemical compounds of the fatty oil were identified and quantified by FTIR, GC-MS and the micronutrient analysis was conducted using ED-XRF analyzer. The major elements were found to be K, Ca, Cl and percent yield were in the range of 41.74-45.77, 38.77-44.24, 4.30-6.19 respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18272 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 221-228, 2013
Quality study of hand made brick-DK using neutron radiography technique
Authors: Alam MK , Islam MR , Saha S , Islam MN , Islam SM Azaharul
Published: March 2014

Neutron radiography is a powerful non-destructive testing (NDT) technique for internal evaluation of materials, such as voids/cavity, cracks, homogeneity, water absorption behavior, etc. It involves attenuation of a neutron beam by an object to be radiographed and thus to make the registration of the attenuation process (as an image) on a film or video. In the present investigation neutron radiography (NR) imaging technique has been adopted to study the quality like homogeneity, porosity, water penetrating height, behavior of incremental intrusion area, initial rapid absorption (IRA) of the brick-DK sample. Thermal neutron radiography facility installed at the tangential beam port of 3MW TRIGA MARK-II reactor is used in this study. In this cases optical density or gray values of the neutron radiographic images of the sample is measured. From this measurement it is found that the contents of the sample is not uniformly distributed all over the sample which indicates the presence of large number of internal porosity, at the two edges water uptake is slightly poorer than the middle part and initial rapid absorption is very high. Water penetrating inside the sample is faster. The results obtained and conclusion made in this study can only be compared to the properties of bricks produced under similar conditions with similar raw materials. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18273 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 237-246, 2013
Effect of mutagenic agents on seed germination and vegetative growth of mustard (Brassica rapa)
Authors: Khan NE , Hassan N , Islam MR , Biswas SK
Published: March 2014

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of mutagens (physical and chemical) on seed germination along with root and shoot lengths of two locally collected varieties of Brassica rapa denoted as variety-1 and variety-2 in in vitro condition. Seeds were treated with various concentrations of mutagenic agents; physical (gamma radiation), chemical (sodium azide) and combined (gamma radiation + sodium azide). The doses of gamma radiation were 100Gy and 200Gy, sodium azide concentrations were 100, 300 and 500ppm and for combination, 100Gy and 200Gy gamma irradiated seeds were further treated with 100, 300 and 500ppm sodium azide solution. After 7 days observation, 100% seed germination obtained from 100Gy gamma irradiated seeds of variety-1 and 500ppm sodium azide treated seeds of variety- 2. 100% seed germination was also found in 7 days in physical and chemical mutagen combinedly treated seeds of variety-1 from 100Gy gamma radiation + 100ppm sodium azide, 100Gy gamma radiation + 300ppm sodium azide and 200Gy gamma radiation + 100ppm sodium azide and in variety-2, from 100Gy gamma radiation + 500ppm sodium azide and 200Gy gamma radiation + 500ppm sodium azide. Maximum increased root length (avg. 3.8cm) was obtained from variety-1 combined treated (200Gy gamma radiation + 300ppm sodium azide) seeds and minimum decreased root length (avg. 1.0cm) was from variety-2 combined treated (100Gy gamma radiation + 100ppm sodium azide) seeds. Maximum increased shoot length (avg. 4.7cm) was obtained from variety-1 combined treated (200Gy gamma radiation + 100ppm sodium azide) seeds and minimum decreased shoot length (avg. 1.4cm) was obtained from variety-2 combined treated (100Gy gamma radiation + 100ppm sodium azide) seeds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18274 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 253-256, 2013
Vertical distribution and sources of perylene in miocene mudstones from the northeastern Bengal Basin of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain HMZ
Published: March 2014

The distributions and sources of perylene (Pery) and penta-aromatic hydrocarbons were investigated in 10 Miocene mudstones from the NE Bengal Basin, Bangladesh using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Pery concentrations were high in most of the samples, and highest levels were found in samples of strong terrigenous influence of organic matter deposited under reducing environmental conditions. Mudstones in the Bokabil Formation (upper Surma Group) contain relatively high abundances of benzofluoranthenes (Bflas), benzo[e]pyrene (BePy) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaPy) attributed to their combustion origin. Pery to pentacyclic aromatic isomers (PAIs) ratios implies an influence of diagenetic sources, whereas low BaPy/BePy ratios indicate that these compounds were originated from combustion sources. Wood degrading fungi in arid to humid and seasonal climatic conditions was also the possible source of Pery in the studied succession. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18275 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 257-264, 2013
Screening of drought tolerant foxtail millet (Setaria italica beauv) germplasm
Authors: Begum F , Sultana R , Nessa A
Published: March 2014

A field experiment on foxtail millet was laid out under irrigated and rainfed condition to screen semi drought tolerant lines. Parameters studied, like plant height, total dry matter accumulation and yield decrease under rainfed condition as compared to that under irrigated conditioned. It is observed that out of 19 lines, considering plant height stress index, seventeen lines showed tolerance above the test crop (Titas). The lines HYM 11/BSi 427, HYM 12/BSi 467, EM 15/BSi 467 and BSi I showed better tolerance than the test crop when dry matter stress index was considered. Nine lines out of 19 showed better yield stability ratio as compared to test crop (Titas). It is observed that greater the tolerance index, larger is the yield gap between normal and stress condition. Considering all the parameters like PHSI, DMSI , TOL, YS ratio, drought susceptibility index and also the visual observation, the lines BSi-1, EM 15/ BSi 467 and EM 8 /BSi 467 showed better performance than the test crop. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18276 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 265-270, 2013
Study on the preparation of polymer-grafted coir fibre based adsorbent and its application to remove a reactive dye from aqueous solution
Authors: Ray SK , Saha P , Nur HP , Saha D , Hoque AI , Saha S
Published: March 2014

Holocellulose was separated from Coir fibre by Sodium chlorite bleaching procedure. The adsorbent was synthesized by graft-copolymerization of acrylamide onto separated cellulose using potassium persulfate as a free radical initiator. Grafting percentage and grafting efficiency were measured and found to be 74.5 and 58% respectively. Prepared adsorbent was characterized by applying Fourier Transform- Infrared Spectrophotometer, Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analyzer and Scanning Electron Microscope. Adsorbent prepared from holocellulose was successfully used at different adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration and temperature to remove "Reactive Orange-16", a reactive dye from aqueous solution. Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometric measurement of the dye in untreated and treated solutions showed that 0.2 g Holocellulose and Polyacrylamide-grafted holocellulose can remove 42% and 72% of Reactive Orange-16 dye from its 10 ppm aqueous solution within 1 hrs respectively. It may be proposed that Polyacrylamide-grafted holocellulose can be used in a traditional Textile Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) as a cost effective adsorbent/alternative for decreasing the concentration of the reactive dye in the effluent. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i4.18277 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(4), 271-280, 2013