bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Set, Meaning, Range and Frequency of Lodging the Reasons for Judicial Protection Request
Authors: Jurič Tine
Published: May 2015

The right to a legal remedy is one of the fundamental rights, which must be provided to every party involved in the proceedings (criminal, administrative, civil) which decide on the party’s rights, obligations or legal benefits. In the field of misdemeanour law with regard to the fast track misdemeanour proceedings, the legislature refers to this remedy as the request for judicial protection. Its effectiveness at the level of the set of reasons and their frequency at lodging the request, with the aim of providing the best possible legal protection of offenders, is unexplored, and so an in-depth empirical, historical and normative research of the challenge against its lodging has been made, in particular of the range, meaning, scope and the frequency of the filing of the reasons challenging the lodging. The research established that the range of the challenging grounds for filing a request for judicial protection extends with the amendments to the Minor Offences Act and in this way provides a greater legal protection for offenders, and that most of them are filed due to a challenge on the grounds of erroneous and incomplete factual findings. This suggests that in this part of the fast track misdemeanour proceedings, most irregularities by misdemeanours authority are claimed. The results of empirical research utilizing the model of challenging the Police decisions regarding misdemeanours present the conduct of research, the methods used, as well as the baseline for a model of judicial protectionagainst the decisions of the Police regarding the Minor Offences Act de lege ferenda.
Drawing Lessons When Objectives Differ? Assessing Renewable Energy Policy Transfer from Germany to Morocco
Authors: Steinbacher Karoline
Published: May 2015

Given the tremendous energy challenges Morocco faces, and its potential role as an exporter of green electricity to Europe, the country has been particularly targeted by Germany’s efforts to promote the uptake of renewable energies abroad. This paper explores whether ideas and policies in the field of renewable energy effectively traveled through transfer channels established between Germany and Morocco. In particular, the question of how Morocco’s policy objectives shaped the result of transfer processes is discussed, shedding light on a currently under-researched determinant for policy transfer. Drawing upon forty-five semi-structured interviews with Moroccan, German, and international stakeholders, as well as card-ranking exercises, the article provides first-hand insights into the dynamics and drivers of Morocco’s “energy transition”. Findings presented in the article show that differing policy objectives did not preclude the transfer of ideas between Germany and Morocco, but shaped its outcome with regard to policy instrument selection. While basic policy orientations in favour of renewable energies were facilitated by transferred knowledge, a perceived incompatibility between domestic policy objectives and the policy instruments used in the foreign model led to selective lesson-drawing from the German example. This finding underlines the importance for “senders” who wish to actively promote sustainable energy policies abroad to adapt outreach strategies to the policy objectives of potential followers.
Câmera e câmara: un caso di variazione lessicale in portoghese
Authors: Cavaliere Ricardo
Published: May 2015

Questo articolo tratta dell’origine etimologica della doppia câmara e câmera nel lessico del portoghese, con uno studio delle loro varianti semantiche e del loro uso nel testo scritto in prospettiva diacronica. I paronimi in questione sono casi di allotropia, arrivati dall’importazione del lessico delle lingue moderne, oltre a dalle forme ereditarie della tradizione latina. L’articolo riporta, inoltre, un breve studio comparativo con l’obiettivo di analizzare gli aspetti semantici che i termini godono in altre lingue romanze.This paper studies the etymological origin of the pair câmara and câmera in the lexicon of Portuguese language, with a study of their semantic variants and their use in written texts in diachronic perspective. The paronyms at issue are examples of doublets that have arrived from the vocabulary of modern languages  , in addition to hereditary forms of the Latin tradition. The article also offers a short comparative study with the objective of analyzing the semantic aspects that these particular words have in other romance languages.
Varying predator personalities generates contrasting prey communities in an agroecosystem
Authors: Royauté Raphaël , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: May 2015

Most taxa show consistent individual differences in behavior, a phenomenon often referred to as animal “personalities.” While the links between individual personality and fitness have received considerable attention, little information is available on how animal personality impacts higher‐order ecological processes, such as community dynamics. Using a mesocosm experiment, we subjected a representative community of alfalfa pests to different compositions of personality types of the wolf spiderPardosa milvina. We show that subtle variation in the personality composition ofP. milvinapopulations generate wildly different prey communities, where a mixture of both active and sedentary individuals performs best at suppressing prey abundance. Our results provide the first experimental evidence that predator personality types can generate contrasting prey communities. Moreover, our results suggest that manipulating the representation of predator personality types may be a profitable avenue by which one can maximize the biocontrol potential of predator populations.
Biotreatment of Hydrate-Inhibitor-Containing Produced Waters at Low pH
Authors: Janson Arnold , Santos Ana , Hussain Altaf , Judd Simon , Soares Ana , Adham Samer
Published: May 2015

With proper treatment to remove organics and inorganics, one can use the produced water (PW) generated during oil-and-gas extraction as process water. Biotreatment is generally regarded as the most cost-effective method for organics removal, and although widely used in industrial wastewater treatment, PW biotreatment installations are limited.

This paper follows up to an earlier paper published in the SPE Journal (Janson et al. 2014). Although the earlier paper assessed the biotreatability of PW from a Qatari gas field from the summer season, this paper focuses on assessing the biotreatability of PW during the winter season [i.e., containing the thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor monoethylene glycol (MEG) and a kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI)]. Tests were conducted in batch and continuous reactors under aerobic mixed-culture conditions without pH control during 31 weeks.

The results indicated that one could remove >80% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) through biological treatment of PW with 1.5% MEG added. In contrast, biotreatment can remove only ≈43% of COD and TOC present in PW when 1.5% KHI was added as a hydrate inhibitor; 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent in KHI, is extremely biodegradable; it was reduced in concentration from >5000 to <10 mg/L by biotreatment; the KHI polymer though was only partially biodegradable. Cloudpoint tests conducted on PW with 1.5% KHI added showed only an 8°C increase in cloudpoint temperature (from 35 to 43°C). The target cloudpoint temperature of >60°C was not achieved.

Although the feed to the reactors (PW with either KHI or MEG) was at pH 4.5, the reactors stabilized at a pH of 2.6, considered extremely acidic for aerobic bioactivity. The successful operation of an aerobic biological process for an extended period of time at a pH of 2.6 was unexpected, and published reports of bioactivity at that pH are limited. After extensive analytical tests, it was concluded that the pH decrease was caused by the production of an inorganic acid. A mechanism by which hydrochloric acid could be produced biologically was proposed; however, further research in this area by the academic community is recommended.
Synergistic effects of Salvia officinalis L. essential oils and antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Milenkovic Marina , Bozic Dragana , Slavkovska Violeta , Lakusic Branislava
Published: May 2015

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due
to the acquisition of resistance to current antimicrobials pose a serious
challenge for therapy, and new measures to treat and prevent this infectious
pathogen are of crucial importance. Plant essential oils (EOs) and their
constituents are promising agents with antimicrobial properties. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the antistaphylococcal effect of essential oils
from Salvia officinalis using the broth-microdilution method. Essential oils
of S. officinalis were isolated from the same individual, but at different
life stages - young and old leaves. The effects of combinations of
sub-inhibitory concentrations of oil and different antibiotics were evaluated
by the checkerboard method. The results, expressed as the fractional
inhibitory concentration (FIC) and index (FICI), indicate that the essential
oil isolated from young leaves potentiated the inhibitory effect of
antibiotics against tested MRSA strains.
The study of acceptance and the transmission efficiency of separated sector cyclotron
Authors: Li Xiaoni , Toprek Dragan , Yuan Youjin , He Yuan
Published: May 2015

In this paper we present the study of the transversal and longitudinal
acceptance and the transmission efficiency in the injection, acceleration,
and extraction systems in the separated sector cyclotron of the heavy ion
research facility in Lanzhou, China. The study of cyclotron acceptance is
done for 238U36+ with energy of 97 MeV/u and for 70Zn10+ with energy of 5.62
MeV/u under the theoretical isochronous and real magnetic field distribution.
From the simulation results it can be seen that the transmission efficiency
and the acceptances of separated sector cyclotron can be improved by redesign
the curvature of MSI3 deflector or by introducing the magnet shim in MSI3
deflector region to change the distribution of the inner magnetic field.
X-ray diagnostics of most common periodontal diseases in dogs and cats
Authors: Krstic Nikola , Lazarevic-Macanovic Mirjana , Mitrovic Branislava , Mitrovic Marko
Published: May 2015

Dental diseases in dogs and cats are of increasing importance in veterinary
practice. If not diagnosed and treated on time, they can significantly affect
the quality of life and pet health as well. Roentgenography of orofacial
system, as a part of veterinary dentistry, is an important diagnostic tool
that provides insight into diseases and irregularities of the teeth, shows
macrostructure of bone parts, and also may indicate the etiology and genesis
of various pathological conditions of the teeth. The objective of this paper
is to point out to most common pathologies which small animal veterinary
dentistry daily meets, as well as to foster the systematic development in
this area in order to find more quality to both diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures.
The application of biotechnology in animal nutrition
Authors: Sefer Dragan , Markovic Radmila , Nedeljkovic-Trailovic Jelena , Petrujkic Branko , Radulovic Stamen , Grdovic Svetlana
Published: May 2015

Animal food has to incorporate multiple objectives, ie. it should provide
good animal health, good production and reproductive performance, reduce
pollution of the environment as well as have the impact on food of animal
origin, by supplying it, in addition to basic nutrients, with certain useful
substances that can act preventively on the occurrence of various diseases in
humans in modern living conditions. This complex task implies the application
of scientific knowledge concerning biotechnology in the field of animal feed
production, and also includes the use of specific nutrients that are the
result of the latest developments in specific disciplines such as molecular
biology and genetic engineering. As a result of researches in these areas
there were created some varieties of cereals and legumes with improved
nutritional properties. On the other hand, obtaining a safe food of animal
origin product imposes the use of substances of natural origin (such as
probiotics, prebiotics, phytobiotics, enzymes, chelating forms ..), which
provide better digestibility and more complete utilization of certain
nutrients from the feedstuff. In this way, the quantity of undigested
substances are significantly reduced as well as soil and the atmosphere
pollution. The use of specific additives in animal nutrition resulting from
biotechnological research is most frequent when a problem concerning certain
level of production or animal health has to be overcome. This implies a group
of non-nutritional ingredients which are aimed to regulate the digestive
tract microflora, pH, weight gain, as well as to modify metabolic processes
etc.
Adherence in orthodontic settings: Understanding practitioner views in a UK sample
Authors: Shammary Nawaf Hamad Al , Newton Tim , McDonald Fraser , Scambler Sasha , Asimakopoulou Koula
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To explore predictors of adherence in adult orthodontic patients as reported by orthodontists in the UK.

Materials and Methods: 

Twenty-three orthodontists (47% female and 53% male) from the UK with approximately 15 years of experience each (M  =  14.7; SD  =  1.73) completed a questionnaire regarding the importance they give to a number of factors signaled in the literature as adequate predictors of adherence. This cross-sectional quantitative and exploratory survey consisted of four parts, requesting orthodontists to rate a list of predictors of adherence on (1) evaluation—how important they thought the predictor was to assess patient adherence, (2) application—the extent to which they used each predictor to assess adherence in their daily practice, (3) open-ended questions to collect any other perceived predictors of adherence, and (4) demographics.

Results: 

All participating orthodontists agreed that patients' regularity in attending appointments, maintenance of good oral hygiene, and utilization of dental appliances are the most important factors for predicting adherence. In the open-ended portion of the questionnaire, orthodontists also highlighted perceived cost of treatment as an important factor. The remaining factors included in the questionnaire were also rated as important or utilized, though they yielded a more varied pattern of response.

Conclusions: 

Appointment keeping, cooperating in the use of removable appliances, and oral hygiene were rated as the most important factors by orthodontists when assessing adherence in adult patients. The perceived cost of treatment was also highlighted by orthodontists as an important factor for adherence.
Effect of question design on dietary information solicited during veterinarian-client interactions in companion animal practice in Ontario, Canada
Authors: MacMartin Clare , Wheat Hannah C. , Coe Jason B. , Adams Cindy L.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To establish the types of initial questions used by veterinarians in companion animal practice to solicit nutritional history information from owners of dogs and cats, the dietary information elicited, and the relationship between initial question-answer sequences and later nutrition-related questions.

Design—Cross-sectional qualitative conversation analytic study.

Sample—98 appointments featuring 15 veterinarians drawn from an observational study of 284 videotaped veterinarian-client-patient visits involving 17 veterinarians in companion animal practices in eastern Ontario, Canada.

Procedures—Veterinarian and client talk related to patient nutrition was identified and transcribed; conversation analysis was then used to examine the orderly design and details of talk within and across turns. Nutrition-related discussions occurred in 172 visits, 98 of which contained veterinarian-initiated question-answer sequences about patient nutritional history (99 sequences in total, with 2 sequences in 1 visit).

Results—The predominant question format used by veterinarians was a what-prefaced question asking about the current content of the patient's diet (75/99). Overall, 63 appointments involved a single what-prefaced question in the first turn of nutrition talk by the veterinarian (64 sequences in total). Dietary information in client responses was typically restricted to the brand name, the subtype (eg, kitten), or the brand name and subtype of a single food item. When additional diet questions were subsequently posed, they typically sought only clarification about the food item previously mentioned by the client.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that question design can influence the accuracy and completeness of a nutritional history. These findings can potentially provide important evidence-based guidance for communication training in nutritional assessment techniques.
Influence of leash side and handlers on pressure mat analysis of gait characteristics in small-breed dogs
Authors: Keebaugh Audrey E. , Redman-Bentley Donna , Griffon Dominique J.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To characterize the gait of small-breed dogs walked on a pressure walkway by handlers moving at a metronome-set tempo and to determine the influence of handler and leash side on gait characteristics.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—5 healthy adult small-breed dogs weighing < 11.4 kg (25 lb).

Procedures—Dogs were walked by each of 5 handlers moving at a metronome-set tempo (100 beats/min). Velocity, cadence, stance time, number of activated sensors, total pressure index (TPI), left or right hind reach, and symmetry indices were obtained with the leash on the left and right sides of each dog for each handler.

Results—Coefficients of variation for TPI and stance time approximated 30%, whereas coefficients of variation for symmetry indices remained < 20%. Changing handlers and leash side did not influence hind limb variables. Changing handlers influenced the TPI of the forelimbs, inducing changes of up to 8%. Leash side accounted for 12% and 14% of the variation in symmetry indices of TPI and number of sensors activated between forelimbs, respectively (mean alterations for recorded variables, 9%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Symmetry indices appeared to vary less than variables obtained for individual dog limbs, and it may therefore be advantageous to determine those indices during large trials. Handlers or leash side may be changed in studies focusing on dogs’ hind limbs without affecting results. Use of symmetry indices is recommended in forelimb studies requiring multiple handlers. Pressure walkway analyses of the forelimbs should include equal distribution of left- and right-sided leash-led trials, given that small-breed dogs tended to shift weight toward the forelimb opposite the leash.
Clinical effects of vinorelbine administration in the management of various malignant tumor types in dogs: 58 cases (1997–2012)
Authors: Wouda Raelene M. , Miller Mairin E. , Chon Esther , Stein Timothy J.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To evaluate the effectiveness of vinorelbine in the management of various malignant tumor types in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—58 dogs with malignant tumors, including pulmonary carcinoma (n = 31), histiocytic sarcoma (9), mast cell tumor (5), lymphoma (4), melanoma (2), and 7 other tumor types (1 each).

Procedures—Medical records of dogs treated with vinorelbine from December 1997 to December 2012 were reviewed for data regarding signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic test results, diagnostic imaging results, vinorelbine doses and dose frequency, surgery and radiotherapy details when applicable, other chemotherapeutics administered, and outcomes. Descriptive, comparative, and survival statistics were computed for all dogs and for dogs by histologic subgroup of tumors.

Results—Vinorelbine was administered palliatively to 44 (76%) dogs. One (2%) dog had a complete response for 162 days, 5 (11%) dogs had a partial response for a median duration of 91 days, 19 (43%) dogs had stable disease for a median duration of 68 days, and 19 (43%) dogs developed progressive disease after a median duration of 21 days. Clinical benefit was more difficult to assess in the remaining 14 (24%) dogs that received vinorelbine as an adjuvant treatment. Overall median time to tumor progression was 103 days (range, 5 to 1,533 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Vinorelbine appeared to be effective in the treatment of several tumor types in dogs. Follow-up prospective studies of the clinical benefit of the drug in specific clinical scenarios will be necessary to support this conclusion.
Retinopathy associated with ivermectin toxicosis in five cats
Authors: Meekins Jessica M. , Guess Sarah C. , Rankin Amy J.
Published: May 2015

Case Description—5 cats from the same household were examined because of a sudden onset of tremors, obtundation, blindness, and dilated pupils. Approximately 12 hours prior to evaluation, the owner had attempted to treat the cats for suspected ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestation by aural administration of a dose of an ivermectin paste intended for oral administration to horses (approx 22 mg/cat; half of the dose was administered into each ear canal).

Clinical Findings—None of the cats had a menace response; all cats had dilated pupils and decreased pupillary light reflexes. Findings of fundic examination were unremarkable. Electroretinography was performed for 4 cats, and b-wave responses were identified as diminished. Toxicological assay results for serum samples from 2 cats confirmed the presence of ivermectin (450 and 610 μg/L).

Treatment and Outcome—All 5 cats made a complete recovery. Neurologic abnormalities resolved, electroretinographic responses improved, and vision was restored with no residual pathological changes detected during fundic examination.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors’ knowledge, the information reported here provided the first description of ophthalmic and electroretinographic findings in cats with ivermectin toxicosis resulting from transdermal administration. Clinical signs, including blindness, resolved with time, without additional medical intervention.
Usability of Thermal Cameras in Monitoring People in a Smoked Environment
Authors: Jánošík Ladislav , Bernatíková Šárka
Published: May 2015

The article presents results from the use of a thermal camera in experimental monitoring people in a smoked environment during exercise tests under heavy conditions in gas-tight chemical protective clothing. Experiments were carried out on the ground of former barracks, at present the training ground of Fire and Rescue Service of the Vysočina Region in Jihlava. The article describes the place and the procedure of the experiment, gas-tight chemical protective clothing and a range of usage of the thermal camera. Measured values of temperature field are stated and discussed. In the conclusion, recommendations for measurements using the thermal camera in further experiments, aimed at acquiring more accurate knowledge of external manifestations of strain on firefighters when using gas-tight clothing, are presented.
Comparation of Effects Generated by Shock Waves of Selected Explosives
Authors: Boc Kamil , Jangl Štefan , Vidriková Dagmar , Vysocký Martin
Published: May 2015

Article deals with assessment of exactly acquired values of shock wave effects generated in the course of explosion of an explosive device and with comparation of the current options for determination of magnitude of their effect by the means of mathematic models using experimentally measured values.
Hearing loss in the aged
Authors: Ji Fei , Chen Ai-Ting , Wang Qiu-Ju
Published: May 2015

Hearing loss is now one of the chronic diseases with the most impact on quality of life of aged Chinese people. According to the second China National Sample Survey on Disability there are 15,400,000 people over 60 years of age suffering from a hearing disorder. Among these, 2,788,600 have more than a severe hearing loss. The main causes of hearing loss in Chinese elderly people are presbycusis, long-term exposure to noise, otitis media and systematic diseases. Hearing thresholds increase approximately 10dB per decade for subjects aged 60 years and above, and remain stable from 50 to 70 years of age. A dramatic increase occurs after 70 years of age. Speech recognition showed a poor correlation with pure tone thresholds in patients older than 80 years, suggesting that the age factor should be taken into account when considering hearing amplification. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) and mismatch negativity (MMN) response have demonstrated both peripheral and central deterioration of hearing pathways in elderly people. Use of a hearing aid is the main approach for helping elderly people overcome difficulties in communication. In the past 10 years, digital hearing aids have gradually replaced analogue ones in China and have been shown to have a better effect. However, compared with the proportion of aged people with hearing loss in China, the number of those who use hearing aids is very small. This may be related to the following factors: 1) a traditional attitude towards hearing loss in the elderly; 2) financial reasons; 3) some worries due to the unfamiliarity of hearing aids; and 4) inability to manipulate hearing aids. The main complaints in elderly hearing aid users include self-hearing being too loud, a muffled feeling, excessive gain in the higher frequencies and poor speech recognition. Cochlear implants have also been used in pre-elderly and elderly patients in China. At present there is a long way to go in developing hearing healthcare services for elderly people in China. It is necessary to provide more hearing training and rehabilitation for elderly people with hearing loss using various means.
Larger Washing Machines and Smaller Household Size – How Can They Fit Together? Simulation of a Sustainable Use of Washing Machines
Authors: Lasic Emir , Stamminger Rainer
Published: May 2015

In order to simulate the usage of washing machines by the consumer, a concept of a “virtual washing household” is developed that, to some extent, behaves as a real life household. As essential part of this virtual household is the virtual washing machine in which washing cycles are conducted in dependence of the washing parameters, household size and behavioral parameters. The concept stipulates that a washing cycle is conducted only when the household has enough laundry collected, so that the loading capacity of the washing machine is used, otherwise the houshold waits. Houshold, however, washes the laundry despite the loading capacity restrictions when a certain, waiting time (defined by the houshold) is elapsed. The consequences of all washing cycles during one year are calculated in terms of CO2 equivalent emissions caused by the energy, water and detergent consumed for reaching a well-defined level of washing performance. This model offers a high range of possibilities to simulate some of the consumer's behavioral patterns and so helps to identify an optimal washing behavior for different sizes of washing machines.
Books Available for Review
Authors: Craith Máiréad Nic
Published: May 2015

Books Available for Review
Endoparasitic helminths of Tenualosa ilisha in Bangladesh in relation to sex, seasons and habitat type
Authors: Bhuiyan Aminu Islam
Published: May 2015

Seasonal and sex wise occurrence of endoparasitic helminths were observed from sample collected round the year between January 2005 and December 2007. Some 2667 hilsa (male  288 and female  2379) were sampled from freshwater, brackish water and marine habitats. Fourteen species/genera of endohelminth parasites detected from hilsa were Faustula brevichrus, F. ilishii, F. gangeticus, Aphanurus stossichi, Lecithaster indicus, Ilisha parthenogenetica (plercercoid), Otobothrium ilisha (plercercoid), Acanthosentis indica, A hilsai, Goezia bangladeshi, Capillaria sp., Hysterothylacium sp., Camallanus sp. and Porroceacum sp. Out of these 14 helminths, 6 (Faustula spp. Aphanurus stossichi, Lecithaster indicus, Ilisha parthenogenetica, Acanthosentis spp., and Goezia bangladeshi,) had the status of component parasite (prevalence above 10%). Each species of component parasite has shown its own pattern of distribution over seasons and seasonal distribution of component parasites was found to be different between habitats of the hilsa. In freshwater, the spring and winter samples were found not significantly different from each other. But in summer and autumn, there was a significant difference among each other and between spring or winter. In brackish water mean parasite burden in spring was significantly different from other seasons. In marine hilsa the intensity of parasites in all the four seasons were different from each other. The female fishes were found to be more vulnerable to infection irrespective of the habitats of the host fish, though the differences were little.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 153-163, 2013
Butterfly abundance in relation to abiotic-biotic factors of forest ecosystem of the butterfly research park, Gazipur, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MA , Parven N , Islam MS , Bashar MA
Published: May 2015

The pattern of butterfly abundance, their diversity with abiotic (temperature, humidity, rainfall, photoperiod) and biotic (plants) factors were studied in the Butterfly Research Park (BRP) at Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Total 2393 individuals per day comprising 44 species under 32 genera belonging to the families Danaidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae and Satyridae were recorded from January to December, 2012. The butterflies were more abundant in the months of May, November, December; and least abundant in August and September respectively. Danaidae showed a highest abundance over the other families. Hesperiidae and Pieridae were very common; Nymphalidae and Papilionidae were common; and Lycaenidae and Satyridae were few in number respectively. Papilionids, Pierids and Nymphalids were found highest in May and June. Danaids, Satyrids and Hesperiids were peak in November and Lycaenids in April. Danaids and Papilionids were lowest in August; Hesperiids and Satyrids in March; Nymphalids, Pierids and Lycaenids were in September, October and December respectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 247-255, 2013
Nesting colonies of little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) in different study areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Naher Habibon
Published: May 2015

A study was done on nesting colonies of Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) in different study areas of Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. The study sites were Eidgah in Coxs Bazar, Bhuyapur in Tangail, Bhairab and Tarail Upazilla in Kishorganj, Dimla in Nilfamari, Singair Upazilla in Manikganj and Matlab in Chandpur district. These sites were visited at regular interval to know about the characteristics of different nesting colonies and causes of their decline and threats for the Little Cormorant. The village markets and school areas were visited to know about the location of nests, different threats against them and information about the present situation of Little Cormorant and also for creation of awareness for their conservation. The nesting habitats of the Little Cormorant were situated in the homestead areas in all the cases. The highly preferred sites for nesting were near a pond (75%). Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) was the highly preferred nesting trees (25%). The nesting height varied from 8.84 m to 10.66 m. Association of the Little Cormorant in the colony was found with Ardeaola grayii (30%), Egretta garzetta (30%), Mesophoyx intermedia (30%), Casmerodius albus (5%) and Pteropus giganteus (5%). The nesting colonies of the Little Cormorant were destroyed by human (92.9%) and river erosion (7.1%). It was observed that awareness campaign will help for the conservation of the bird.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 35-44, 2014
Seasonal prevalence of arthropoda and helminth parasites in sheep (Ovis aries
Authors: Yeasmin Tania , Khanum Hamida , Zaman Rimi Farhana
Published: May 2015

The present investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence of arthropoda and helminth parasites in sheep at Azimpur, Dhaka during February, 2012 to January, 2013. A Total of 60 hosts were examined and about 71.67% sheep were found to be infested with arthropod parasites. In sheep two species of arthropod parasites, Linognathus vituli (61.67%) and Damalinia caprae (68.33%) were identified as ecto-parasites. The prevalence of ectoparasites was higher during summer (85%), followed by winter (75%) and rainy (55%). The higher intensity was also recorded in summer (325.17±1.92). Lambs were found more susceptible (85.71%) than adult (80.95%) and young (56%) sheep and higher in female (77.27%) than in male (68.42%). Twelve species of helminth parasites were identified, of them, 3 trematodes, 3 cestodes and 6 nematodes, highest prevalence was shown by Strongyloides sp (71.67%) and lowest by Dictyocaulus sp. (3.33%); found comparatively higher in adults (85.71%) than in young (80%) and 28% in lambs. The male sheeps were more susceptible (81.58%) to helminth infection than female (72.73%). Prevalence of helminthes was found higher in winter (95%) season. The value of co-efficient of correlation between the prevalence and intensity of infestation of ectoparasites and helminth parasites in sheep were 0.95 and 0.978 respectively. In both cases these two variables differed significantly (P<0.01).Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 45-55, 2014
Morphometry of Bengal eyed turtle Morenia peters (Anderson 1879)
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Sarker Shorab Uddin , Sarker Noor Jahan
Published: May 2015

The study on the morphology of Bengal eyed turtle, Morenia petersi (Anderson, 1879) was made between January 1997 and December 2000 in Narayanganj, Chandpur, Manikganj, Dhaka and Madaripur Districts of Bangladesh. The mean weight of adult male was 640.6 ± 165.4 g and of female 794.5 ± 194.89 g. The length and width of carapace as well as those of the plastron and the height of the shell varied with the body weight of the turtle. The percentage of hard parts of the body weight of M. petersi was 35.9 ± 1.3% and soft parts was 64.3 ± 1.2%, respectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 57-66, 2014
Breeding and seed production of green back mullet, Chelon subviridis (val. 1836)
Authors: Saha SB , Kabir MF
Published: May 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 129-132, 2014
Statehood and lordship in ‘Scotland’ before the mid-twelfth century
Authors: Broun Dauvit
Published: May 2015

Discussions of medieval statehood are guided (explicitly or implicitly) by the work of social scientists. The exiguous sources for studying Scotland in the central middle ages offers an opportunity to approach the question of statehood in a new way that depends more on the creative potential of arts and humanities. Social sciences remain crucial for understanding statehood. Instead of being guided by them during the research, however, the medieval material can itself become the basis for a dialogue with formulations of statehood by social scientists, or by historians drawing on social science. The focus is on ‘Scotland’ (the country between the Forth and the Spey), examining the basis of secular authority in local lordship, and how this underpinned the mobilisation of society for the sake of safeguarding its peace and security. This includes a consideration of the power of lordly kindreds, the lands assigned to the offices of mormaer and king, and the changing relationship of lords to individual settlements, and how this could underlie the transition from pett to baile in place names c.1100. As a result, a fresh view is taken on the antecedents of earldoms and the nature of shires, and on the role of the mormaer.
Problems Associated with the Microchip Data of Stray Dogs and Cats Entering RSPCA Queensland Shelters
Authors: Lancaster Emily , Rand Jacquie , Collecott Sheila , Paterson Mandy
Published: May 2015

A lack of published information documenting problems with the microchip data for the reclaiming of stray animals entering Australian shelters limits improvement of the current microchipping system. A retrospective study analysing admission data for stray, adult dogs (n = 7258) and cats (n = 6950) entering the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland between January 2012 and December 2013 was undertaken to determine the character and frequency of microchip data problems and their impact on outcome for the animal. Only 28% of dogs and 9% of cats were microchipped, and a substantial proportion (37%) had problems with their data, including being registered to a previous owner or organisation (47%), all phone numbers incorrect/disconnected (29%), and the microchip not registered (14%). A higher proportion of owners could be contacted when the microchip had no problems, compared to those with problems (dogs, 93% vs. 70%; cats, 75% vs. 41%). The proportion of animals reclaimed declined significantly between microchipped animals with no data problems, microchipped animals with data problems and non-microchipped animals—87%, 69%, and 37%, respectively, for dogs and 61%, 33%, and 5%, respectively, for cats. Strategies are needed to increase the accuracy of microchip data to facilitate the reclaiming of stray dogs and cats.
RNA-Binding Proteins: Splicing Factors and Disease
Authors: Fredericks Alger , Cygan Kamil , Brown Brian , Fairbrother William
Published: May 2015

Pre-mRNA splicing is mediated by interactions of the Core Spliceosome and an array of accessory RNA binding proteins with cis-sequence elements. Splicing is a major regulatory component in higher eukaryotes. Disruptions in splicing are a major contributor to human disease. One in three hereditary disease alleles are believed to cause aberrant splicing. Hereditary disease alleles can alter splicing by disrupting a splicing element, creating a toxic RNA, or affecting splicing factors. One of the challenges of medical genetics is identifying causal variants from the thousands of possibilities discovered in a clinical sequencing experiment. Here we review the basic biochemistry of splicing, the mechanisms of splicing mutations, the methods for identifying splicing mutants, and the potential of therapeutic interventions.
Hedgehog Signaling Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Agents in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kumar Ram , Fuchs Bruno
Published: May 2015

Osteosarcoma is a rare type of cancer associated with a poor clinical outcome. Even though the pathologic characteristics of OS are well established, much remains to be understood, particularly at the molecular signaling level. The molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma progression and metastases have not yet been fully elucidated and several evolutionary signaling pathways have been found to be linked with osteosarcoma pathogenesis, especially the hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway. The present review will outline the importance and targeting the hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway in osteosarcoma tumor biology. Available data also suggest that aberrant Hh signaling has pro-migratory effects and leads to the development of osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Activation of Hh signaling has been observed in osteosarcoma cell lines and also in primary human osteosarcoma specimens. Emerging data suggests that interference with Hh signal transduction by inhibitors may reduce osteosarcoma cell proliferation and tumor growth thereby preventing osteosarcomagenesis. From this perspective, we outline the current state of Hh pathway inhibitors in osteosarcoma. In summary, targeting Hh signaling by inhibitors promise to increase the efficacy of osteosarcoma treatment and improve patient outcome.
Stimulation of the Fibrillar Collagen and Heat Shock Proteins by Nicotinamide or Its Derivatives in Non-Irradiated or UVA Radiated Fibroblasts, and Direct Anti-Oxidant Activity of Nicotinamide Derivatives
Authors: Philips Neena , Chalensouk-Khaosaat Jovinna , Gonzalez Salvador
Published: May 2015

In skin aging, from intrinsic factors or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, there is loss of structural fibrillar collagen and regulatory heat shock proteins. Phenolic compounds, with hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic ring, have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Nicotinamide is an amide derivative of niacin or vitamin B3, with an amide linked to an aromatic ring, with UV absorptive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cell death/apoptosis properties. The goal of this research was to investigate the anti-skin aging mechanism of nicotinamide and its derivatives, 2,6-dihydroxynicotinamide, 2,4,5,6-tetrahydroxynicotinamide, and 3-hydroxypicolinamide (collectively niacin derivatives), through the stimulation of fibrillar collagens (type I, III and V, at protein and/or promoter levels) and the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP)-27, 47, 70, and 90 in non-irradiated or UVA radiated dermal fibroblasts; and from its direct antioxidant activity. UVA radiation inhibited the expression of types I and III collagen, and HSP-47 in dermal fibroblasts. The niacin derivatives significantly and similarly stimulated the expression of types I (transcriptionally), III and V collagens in non-irradiated, and UVA radiated fibroblasts indicating predominant effects. The 2,6-dihydroxynicotinamide had greater stimulatory effect on types I and III collagen in the non-irradiated, and UVA radiated fibroblasts, as well as greater direct antioxidant activity than the other niacin derivatives. The niacin derivatives, with a few exceptions, stimulated the expression of HSP-27, 47, 70 and 90 in non-irradiated, and UVA radiated fibroblasts. However, they had varied effects on the expression of the different HSPs in non-irradiated, and UVA radiated fibroblasts indicating non-predominant, albeit stimulatory, effect. Overall, nicotinamide and its derivatives have anti skin aging potential through the stimulation of fibrillar collagen and HSPs.
Existence of Ulam Stability for Iterative Fractional Differential Equations Based on Fractional Entropy
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha , Jalab Hamid
Published: May 2015

In this study, we introduce conditions for the existence of solutions for an iterative functional differential equation of fractional order. We prove that the solutions of the above class of fractional differential equations are bounded by Tsallis entropy. The method depends on the concept of Hyers-Ulam stability. The arbitrary order is suggested in the sense of Riemann-Liouville calculus.
Generalized Stochastic Fokker-Planck Equations
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: May 2015

We consider a system of Brownian particles with long-range interactions. We go beyond the mean field approximation and take fluctuations into account. We introduce a new class of stochastic Fokker-Planck equations associated with a generalized thermodynamical formalism. Generalized thermodynamics arises in the case of complex systems experiencing small-scale constraints. In the limit of short-range interactions, we obtain a generalized class of stochastic Cahn-Hilliard equations. Our formalism has application for several systems of physical interest including self-gravitating Brownian particles, colloid particles at a fluid interface, superconductors of type II, nucleation, the chemotaxis of bacterial populations, and two-dimensional turbulence. We also introduce a new type of generalized entropy taking into account anomalous diffusion and exclusion or inclusion constraints.
Modeling and Simulation of DC Microgrids for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Locment Fabrice , Sechilariu Manuela
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on the evaluation of theoretical and numerical aspects related to an original DC microgrid power architecture for efficient charging of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The proposed DC microgrid is based on photovoltaic array (PVA) generation, electrochemical storage, and grid connection; it is assumed that PEVs have a direct access to their DC charger input. As opposed to conventional power architecture designs, the PVA is coupled directly on the DC link without a static converter, which implies no DC voltage stabilization, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing control complexity. Based on a real-time rule-based algorithm, the proposed power management allows self-consumption according to PVA power production and storage constraints, and the public grid is seen only as back-up. The first phase of modeling aims to evaluate the main energy flows within the proposed DC microgrid architecture and to identify the control structure and the power management strategies. For this, an original model is obtained by applying the Energetic Macroscopic Representation formalism, which allows deducing the control design using Maximum Control Structure. The second phase of simulation is based on the numerical characterization of the DC microgrid components and the energy management strategies, which consider the power source requirements, charging times of different PEVs, electrochemical storage ageing, and grid power limitations for injection mode. The simulation results show the validity of the model and the feasibility of the proposed DC microgrid power architecture which presents good performance in terms of total efficiency and simplified control.
A New Collaborative Methodology for Assessment and Management of Ecosystem Services
Authors: Segura Marina , Maroto Concepción , Belton Valerie , Ginestar Concepción
Published: May 2015

Collaborative management is a new framework to help implement programmes in protected areas. Within this context, the aim of this work is twofold. First, to propose a robust methodology to implement collaborative management focused on ecosystem services. Second, to develop indicators for the main functions of ecosystem services. Decision makers, technical staff and other stakeholders are included in the process from the beginning, by identifying ecosystem services and eliciting preferences using the AHP method. Qualitative and quantitative data are then integrated into a PROMETHEE based method in order to obtain indicators for provisioning, maintenance and direct to citizens services. This methodology, which has been applied in a forest area, provides a tool for exploiting available technical and social data in a continuous process, as well as providing easy to understand graphical results. This approach also overcomes the difficulties found in prioritizing management objectives in a multiple criteria context with limited resources and facilitates consensus between all of the people involved. The new indicators define an innovative approach to assessing the ecosystem services from the supply perspective and provide basic information to help establish payment systems for environmental services and compensation for natural disasters.
Identification, Characterization and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacterial Isolates Obtained from Waterpipe Device Hoses
Authors: Masadeh Majed , Hussein Emad , Alzoubi Karem , Khabour Omar , Shakhatreh Muhamad , Gharaibeh Mahmoud
Published: May 2015

The general lack of knowledge about the health effects of waterpipe smoking is among the reasons for its global spread. In this study, bacterial contamination of waterpipe hoses was investigated. Twenty hoses were collected from waterpipe cafés and screened for bacterial pathogens using standard culture and isolation techniques. Additionally, resistance of isolated bacteria to common antibiotics was determined by identifying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each isolate. Forty eight bacterial isolates were detected. Isolates included both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens from species that included Micrococcus (12), Corynebacterium (13) and Bacillus (9). In addition, some of the detected pathogens were found to be resistant to aztreonam (79%), cefixime (79%), norfloxacin, amoxicillin (47%), clarithromycin (46%) and enrofloxacin (38%). In conclusion, the hose of the waterpipe device is a good environment for the growth of bacterial pathogens, which can then be transmitted to users.