bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tools for assessing sea level rise vulnerability
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , Romah Thomas
Published: June 2015

Increasing sea level has the potential to place important infrastructure we rely on every day at risk, yet we lack good data to make decisions on what to do, when, and with what priority. The objectives of the research were to develop a method for estimating the time scales for various increments of sea level rise (SLR) throughout the 21st century, develop an accurate methodology for predicting impacts of SLR at the local level, and develop recommendations as to how existing data sources can be utilized to identify infrastructure vulnerable to SLR. The methodology was applied to southeast Florida using data from the Florida Department of Transportation, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources, integrated with low resolution light detection and ranging data, topographic data, and aerial photographic maps to identify potentially vulnerable infrastructure. Overlaying high resolution light detection and ranging data onto a base map enabled creation of mapping tools to evaluate potentially vulnerable infrastructure. Using these recommendations, a protocol was developed to use groundwater adjusted models in southeast Florida which indicated potential underestimation of the risk of damage to public infrastructure and private and public buildings.
Assessing potential climate change impacts on the seasonality of runoff in an Alpine watershed
Authors: Schneeberger Klaus , Dobler Christian , Huttenlau Matthias , Stötter Johann
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate potential impacts of climate change on the seasonality of runoff in a mountainous watershed, located in the Austrian Alps. In order to consider the full range of possible climate variation, hypothetical climate change scenarios were used to force a hydrological model to simulate runoff time series for potential future climate conditions. The variation of runoff seasonality is illustrated with a three-dimensional representation of daily discharge data, directional statistics of annual flood peaks and the analysis of seasonal occurrence of runoff peaks. The results show that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could have considerable effects on seasonal runoff variability in the investigated watershed. Generally, a possible increase in temperature may cause an increase in seasonal variability of runoff. Further, annual flood peaks are projected to occur throughout the entire year in the investigated Alpine watershed, whereas moderate high flows may increase in winter (December–February).
Influences of land use and climate changes on hydrologic system in the northeastern river basin of Thailand
Authors: Singkran Nuanchan , Tosang Jaruporn , Waijaroen Doungjai , Intharawichian Naree , Vannarart Ornanong , Anantawong Pitchaya , Kunta Karika , Wisetsopa Poonsak , Tipvong Tanomkwan , Janjirawuttikul Naruekamon , Masthawee Fatah , Amornpatanawat Sanguanpran , Kirtsaeng Sukrit
Published: June 2015

This study was a first attempt to portray the effects of land use and climate changes (CCs) on the hydrologic system in the Lamtakhong Basin in northeastern Thailand, which has been disturbed by various human activities, making it difficult to determine these impacts on hydrologic conditions. The hydrologic Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was set up with land use and soil data of 2002 and observed flow and weather data during 1999–2000. After the model was calibrated and validated against observed flow data during 2001–2009, its land use change scenario with input land use data of 2011 and its CC scenario with input weather data during 2010–2065 were simulated. The results showed that changing land use over the 10-year period had trivial influences on the hydrologic system, whereas changing climate over the 56-year period appeared to affect both water yields and flows. Water scarcity will tend to take place across the Lamtakhong Basin in the near future. Longer periods of severe droughts and floods might occasionally occur, particularly downstream. These findings will be useful for land and water resources managers and policy-makers to manage land and water resources in the river basin.
Climate change impact on legumes' water production function in the northeast of Iran
Authors: Sayari N. , Bannayan M. , Alizadeh A. , Farid A. , Hessami Kermani M. R. , Eyshi Rezaei E.
Published: June 2015

Enhanced understanding of the climate impact on crops' production is necessary to cope with expected climate variability and change. This study was conducted to find any robust association between crop yield and evapotranspiration using historical data (1986–2005) and subsequently employ the acquired relationship to project crop yield under future climate conditions for two agricultural centers in northeast Iran. Three legume crops of chickpea, lentil, and bean were selected in this study. The future precipitation and temperature data were projected by downscaling outputs of global climate model HadCM3 (A2 scenario) by LARS-WG stochastic weather generator. The data were downscaled for the baseline (1961–1990) and two time periods (2011–2030 and 2080–2099) as near and far future conditions. Projected temperature under A2 scenario showed increasing trend changed from 4 to 26% during the legumes' growth period compared to baseline. In addition, projected annual precipitation change was between −14 and 10% range under different time periods in contrast to baseline. There was a nonlinear relationship between crop yields and the seasonal values of crop evapotranspiration for all crops. The results showed that seasonal evapotranspiration would increase under climate change conditions across study locations. Crop yield would also increase for chickpea but not for lentil and bean for the far future in Sabzevar location compared to baseline. In conclusion, increasing the temperature and decreasing the precipitation may have a negative effect on legumes' yield in northeast Iran, especially for far future conditions. Therefore, planning effective adaptation and mitigation strategies would be necessary for northeast Iran.
UV-visible digital imaging of split injection in a Gasoline Direct Injection engine
Authors: Merola Simona , Irimescu Adrian , Tornatore Cinzia , Valentini Stefano , Kruczek Gregor , Szlęk Andrzej , Adamczyk Wojciech
Published: June 2015

Ever tighter limits on pollutant emissions and the need to improve energy
conversion efficiency have made the application of gasoline direct injection
(GDI) feasible for a much wider scale of spark ignition engines. Changing the
way fuel is delivered to the engine has thus provided increased flexibility
but also challenges, such as higher particulate emissions. Therefore,
alternative injection control strategies need to be investigated in order to
obtain optimum performance and reduced environmental impact. In this study,
experiments were carried out on a single-cylinder GDI optical engine fuelled
with commercial gasoline in lean-burn conditions. The single-cylinder was
equipped with the head of a commercial turbocharged engine with similar
geometrical specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio) and wall guided
fuel injection. Optical accessibility was ensured through a conventional
elongated hollow Bowditch piston and an optical crown, accommodating a
fused-silica window. Experimental tests were performed at fixed engine speed
and injection pressure, whereas the injection timing and the number of
injections were adjusted to investigate their influence on combustion and
emissions. UV-visible digital imaging was applied in order to follow the
combustion process, from ignition to the late combustion phase. All the
optical data were correlated with thermodynamic analysis and measurements of
exhaust emissions. Split injection strategies (i.e. two injections per cycle)
with respect to single injection increased combustion efficiency and
stability thanks to an improvement of fuel air mixing. As a consequence,
significant reduction in soot formation and exhaust emission with acceptable
penalty in terms of HC and NOx were measured.
Numerical investigation of a three-dimensional disc-pad model with and without thermal effects
Authors: Belhocine Ali
Published: June 2015

This study aims to identify thermal effects in the structure and the contact
behavior of a disc-pad assembly using a finite element approach. The first
analysis is performed on the disc-pad model in the absence of thermal
effects. The structural performance of the disc-pad model is predicted in
terms of factors such as the deformation and Von Mises stress. Next,
thermomechanical analysis is performed on the same disc-pad model with the
inclusion of convection, adiabatic, and heat flux elements. The predicted
temperature distribution, deformation, stress, and contact pressure are
presented. The structural performance between the two analyses (mechanical
and thermomechanical) is compared. This study can assist brake engineers in
choosing a suitable analysis method to critically evaluate the structural and
contact behavior of the disc brake assembly.
Seeing Is Believing: Using Skype to Improve Diabetes Outcomes in Youth
Authors: Harris Michael A. , Freeman Kurt A. , Duke Danny C.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of two modes of delivering Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes (BFST-D) to improve adherence and glycemic control among adolescents with type 1 diabetes with suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9.0% [≥74.9 mmol/mol]): face to face in clinic (Clinic) and Internet videoconferencing (Skype) conditions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and at least one adult caregiver were randomized to receive BFST-D via the Clinic or Skype condition. Participants completed up to 10 therapy sessions within a 12-week period. Changes in youth- and parent-reported adherence and glycemic control were compared before and after the intervention and at follow-up assessment.

RESULTS

Using an intent-to-treat analytic approach, no significant between-group differences were identified between the before, after, and follow-up assessments. Groups were collapsed to examine the overall effects of BFST-D on adherence and glycemic control. Results identified that statistically significant improvements in adherence and glycemic control occurred from before to after the intervention; improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of BFST-D via Internet-based videoconferencing is viable for addressing nonadherence and suboptimal glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, potentially reducing important barriers to care for youth and families.
Study on biochemical functions in two mosses Physcomitrium pyriforme (Hedw) Hampe. and Octoblepharum albidum (Hedw) and estimation of some heavy metals
Authors: Misra Manjul , Tandon PK
Published: June 2015

Some outskirts and highway areas of Lucknow were surveyed and two Moss Physcomitrium pyriforme and Octoblepharum albidum (Hedw.) samples were collected from some selected areas. Samples were collected from soils and moist brick walls and heavy metals Pb, Cu, and Co analyzed for the main cause of variation in biochemical functions such as chlorophyll content, Protein and catalase. Samples collected from Garden and Monument areas were treated as Control. Samples collected from outskirts and highways areas showed higher level of heavy metals in comparison to the samples collected from Garden and Monument sites. However variable results were obtained with regard to variation in biochemical functions such as chlorophyll content, protein and catalase. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12627 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 76-86
Use of displacement method with STFT wavelet transformation for groundwater recharges prediction
Authors: Maharjan Rajib
Published: June 2015

The main aspiration behind this study was to calculate groundwater recession parameter using recently developed method and to apply calculated parameter for calculation of groundwater recharge. The equation for the hydrograph recession curve can be utilized to predict groundwater recharge during each recession period. The steps involved during recession curve analysis include selection of analytical expression, derivation of recession characteristic and optimization of the parameters. Each segment shows the outflow process which creates short-term or seasonal influence. The variations recession rate causes problems for derivation of recession characteristics. To avoid variations in recession parameters Short Time Fourier Transformation (STFT) was used. While applying STFT in real runoff data recession segments were chosen by user. The selected segments were further used for calculation of groundwater recharge assuming a linear hydrological model. The runoff hydrograph represents consist of three components: surface flow, intermediate flow and base flow. The applications of wavelet transformation can differential those flow components into were short, intermediate and long wavelet periods. The displacement method was used to obtain further information from wavelet transformation and to verify its practical application in groundwater studies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12632 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 128-135
Physico-chemical characteristics of ground water samples from different areas of Thrissur District, Kerala State, India
Authors: Thambi Mity , Cherian Tom , Jose Anju Therese , Jamal Sunaina
Published: June 2015

The analysis of groundwater quality of important town areas of Thrissur district was carried out during the pre-monsoon period of 2014. The Physicochemical and biological parameters such as temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, pH, alkalinity, chloride, salinity, total harness, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphate, sulphate, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total coliform count and E. coli were determined. Most of the physicochemical parameters were observed above the desirable limit but below the permissible limit of drinking water standards of World Health Organization (WHO). Total coliform bacteria count values of different samples are within the permissible limit. The studies reveal that samples from Thrissur town (T), Guruvayoor (G) and Laloor (L) shows the presence of E.coli bacteria. All other samples were negative for E.coli bacteria. Dumping of wastes near road sides, flood due to heavy rains, improper waste management in hospitals, markets, flats etc increases the pollution of ground water. The results were compared with WHO guidelines, 2006 and Bureau of Indian Standards (IS: 10500, 1991) desirable limits for drinking water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12636 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 182-192
Estimation of genetic parameters of yield and yield traits in wheat genotypes under rainfed conditions
Authors: Khan Imran , Mohammad Fida , Khan Fahim Ullah
Published: June 2015

Development of superior crop varieties is the prime objectives of all plant breeding programs. To determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance, 24 elite bread wheat lines were planted in randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar under rainfed conditions. Data were recorded on days to heading, days to maturity, plant height (cm), flag leaf area (cm-2), spike length (cm), grain yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), 1000 grain weight (g), grains spike-1, grain weight spike-1(g), and harvest index (%). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studied. Broad sense heritability was high for days to heading (0.89), grain weight spike-1(0.61g), spike length (0.70 cm), 1000-grain weight (0.62g), grain yield (0.78 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.62%); and was moderate for days to maturity (0.52), plant height (0.38 cm), and grains spike-1 (0.49), while low heritability was estimated for spike weight (0.25g), flag leaf area (0.28 cm-2) and biological yield (0.25 kg ha-1). The values of genetic advance for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, grains spike-1, grain weight spike-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, flag leaf area, and harvest index were; 5.47, 1.88, 4.01, 6.42, 0.16, 5.02, 0.71, 418.83, 379.64, 2.89 and 3.92, respectively. Genotype PR 105 surpassed all other genotypes in grain yield (3144.33 kg ha-1) and hence it can be recommended for rainfed area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12637 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 193-205
Efficacy of organic matter and some bio-inoculants for the management of root-knot nematode infesting tomato
Authors: Khan Neha , Safiuddin Dr , Rizvi Rose , Ansari Rizwan Ali , Mahmood Irshad , Sumbul Aisha , Tiyagi Sartaj A
Published: June 2015

Efficiency of an organic matter like Tagetes erecta and bioinoculants Azotobacter chroococcum and Glomus fasciculatum was investigated in tomato cultivar ‘Pusa Ruby’ when inoculated individually as well as concomitantly for the management of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in terms of growth parameters such as plant length, fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll content, per cent pollen fertility and mycorrhization. Greatest reduction in the numbers of second-stage juveniles in soil, number of root-galls, egg-masses and nematode multiplication was recorded with combined application of T. erecta and bio-inoculants A. chroococcum and G. fasciculatum as compared to untreated control and other treatments. Similarly, the greatest improvement in the plant growth and biomass of tomato was noted in the same treatments. However, individual inoculation of these bio-inoculants and organic fertilizers also showed significant enhancement but was less as compared to combined treatment. A. chroococcum was found most effective against disease incidence followed by G. fasciculatum and T. erecta. Parameters like NP and K contents were significantly enhanced in those plants which received combined treatments of organic matter and bio-inoculants. Azotobacter was found more efficacious against nematodes than Glomus fasciculatum. Organic matter also influenced the activity of bio-inoculants, more with the Azotobacter than G. fasciculatum. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12643 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 206-220
Household solid waste generation rate and physical composition analysis: case of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the western region, Ghana
Authors: Nyankson Eugene Atta , Fei-Baffoe Bernard , Gorkeh-Miah John
Published: June 2015

Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, one of the rapidly expanding cities of Ghana has been facing serious problems with solid waste management. This is mainly due to the lack of available information about the types and quantity of solid waste generation in the area. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the rate of household solid waste generation and its composition in the aforesaid city. The methodology and procedures for this study were derived from the Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed MSW (ASTM D 5231-92). All samples were hand sorted into 6 waste categories (paper, plastic, organics, metals, glass, and other waste). The study revealed that by weight, organic wastes constitutes the largest proportion of household solid waste (38%) followed by 19% plastics, 7% papers, 4% metals, 4% glass and 28% other wastes (comprising of sand, stones, ash, inert substances). The rate of daily waste generation per capita in the low, middle and high income households were 0.27±0.19, 0.4±0.19 and 0.58±0.24 kg/cap/day, respectively. The study revealed that there is no waste treatment or recovery facility established within the metropolis hence no significant waste recovery and reuse activities exist. The study showed that more than 38 % of the waste generated in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis is decomposable organic matter that can be re-used through composting as well as 34% of the waste having recycling potential thereby considerably mitigating the solid waste problem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12644 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 221-235
Impact of Lantana camara in the Indian society
Authors: Chatterjee Reshmi
Published: June 2015

Lantana camara, an introduced species by the British has turned itself in to a noxious weed, which has expanded itself in almost all the possible habitats of India. It is a major threat to the ecosystem, including plants and animals. Attempt to combat the further spread of this nuisance species has been of little help. Therefore, in the present discussion an attempt on its impact, toxicity, uses and therapeutic properties have been discussed. A carefully knitted plan should be framed emphasizing on exploiting this species economically as well as on taming the present threat so that the Indian society can be benefitted by properly utilizing the plant and thereby also conserve the ecosystem with its bio resources. The present review paper focuses on the various benefitting sides of the Lantana that would create better livelihood opportunities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12663 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 348-354
Tourism and climate change: socioeconomic implications, mitigation and adaptation measures
Authors: Bhattarai Utsab
Published: June 2015

The relationship between tourism and changing climate has been discussed and studied for a relatively long time in tourism research. Over the past 15 years, more focused studies have begun to appear, and especially recently, the issue of adaptation and mitigation has been emphasized as an urgent research need in tourism and climate change studies. This paper is based on the review of selected articles which discuss the several forms of tourism and climate change and provide recommendations for mitigation and adaptation measures. This review paper assesses the impacts of climate change on the popular forms of tourism such as; mountain tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, sun/sand tourism; last chance tourism, and describes the extent of tourism vulnerabilities and their implications. The paper concludes that the appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures have to be followed to minimize the risk of climate change while trying to save all forms of tourism. The initiative of this article is to present an overview of the existing literature on the relationship between tourism and climate change in order to establish the current state of corporate and institutional responses within the tourism industry and to set out an agenda for future research. The currency of the review is evident given the recent surge in popular discussion on climate change and its effects on tourism, and the appearance of a broad and disparate array of studies on this topic. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12664 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 355-373
Mineral analysis of phosphate rock as Iraqi raw fertilizer
Authors: Owaid Mustafa N , Abed Idham A
Published: June 2015

This paper was assessed the mineral elements level (Co, Pb, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn) in raw phosphate rock (PRock) that obtained from State Company For Phosphate in Anbar province. This work was achieved to add new data of microelements toward this raw local fertilizer. PRock become important as natural fertilizer to plant and mushroom due to many trace minerals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i2.12667 International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 413-415
Has Germany “Fallen Out of Love” with Europe? The Eurozone Crisis and the “Normalization” of Germany's European Identity
Authors: Galpin Charlotte
Published: June 2015

The European Union has been in its biggest ever crisis since the onset of the Greek sovereign debt crisis in 2010. Beyond the political and economic dimensions, the crisis has also sparked discussions about Germany's European identity. Some scholars have argued that Germany's behavior in the crisis signals a continuation of the process of “normalization” of its European identity toward a stronger articulation of national identity and interests, that it has “fallen out of love” with Europe. This article will seek to reassess these claims, drawing on detailed analysis of political and media discourse in Germany—from political speeches through to both broadsheet and tabloid newspapers. It will argue that the crisis is understood broadly as a European crisis in Germany, where the original values of European integration are at stake. Furthermore, the crisis is debated through the lens of European solidarity, albeit with a particular German flavor of solidarity that draws on the economic tradition of ordoliberalism. Rather than strengthening expressions of national identity, this has resulted in the emergence of a new northern European identity in contrast to Greece or “southern Europe.”
“Migrant” Writing and the Re-Imagined Community: Discourses of Inclusion/Exclusion
Authors: Craith Máiréad Nic
Published: June 2015

This article examines changing discourses of exclusion/inclusion between writers of a non-German background and those whose families have traditionally lived in Germany. Referring to the Adelbert von Chamisso Prize, it critiques discourses of difference used in recent decades to describe “migrant” writers in Germany and evaluates some reactions to their writings by the German reading public. With reference to the concept of print-capitalism, the article explores the “new semantic vistas” opened up by migrant writers and the implications of their writing styles for both linguistic and national boundaries. Drawing on original ethnographic interviews with migrant authors, it queries the relevance of binary logic at the beginning of the twenty-first century and argues for greater recognition of the contribution of these writers to the literary landscape in Germany and beyond.
Picturing the New Berlin: Filmic Representations of the Postunification Capital
Authors: Burns Rob
Published: June 2015

Just as Berlin as a political, social, ethnic, and material entity has undergone considerable change since 1989, so too the cinematic representations of the new capital over the last twenty years or so have projected a diverse set of images of the city. This article considers a selection of fiction films that can be grouped together under three broad thematic category headings: those dealing with Berlin's past, those addressing the city's multicultural identity and, most substantially, those films in which the capital of the new "Berlin Republic" can be read as a metaphor for postunification Germany. What all three categories have in common, it is argued, is that the image of Berlin that emerges from most of these films remains an overwhelmingly negative one, with the city portrayed predominantly as a site of either conflict or disorientation.
Violence in the Age of Digital Reproducibility: Political Form in Valeska Grisebach's Longing (2006)
Authors: Mukhida Leila
Published: June 2015

While public discussions about media and violence tend to be defined by the negative psychological effects attributed to exposure to mediated depictions of violence, this article argues that the mediated violence in Valeska Grisebach's 2006 film, Longing, (Sehnsucht) instead seeks to heighten viewers' sensitivity towards violent acts in moving images. Grisebach rejects the so-called MTV aesthetic and instead employs formal and narrative devices that may be read in political terms. To illuminate the connection between film aesthetics, violence, and mass (dis)engagement with politics, this article draws upon the argument rehearsed in Walter Benjamin's oft-cited essay, “The Work of Art in the Age of its Technological Reproducibility” (1936). Given that we are witnessing changes in the ways that we experience and re-present our reality now that are arguably as significant as the birth of the moving image itself, it is pertinent to look to early twentieth-century cultural theory in order to gain a better understanding of the significance of these transformations in a historical context. By reading the violent incidents in Longing through a Benjaminian lens, this article suggests that the film is a political act by Grisebach, as well as a key political work in the field of contemporary German-language cinema.
The Profile of Long-term Parkinson’s Disease Survivors with 20 Years of Disease Duration and Beyond
Authors: Hassan Anhar , Wu Samuel S. , Schmidt Peter , Simuni Tanya , Giladi Nir , Miyasaki Janis M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Malaty Irene A. , Okun Michael S. ,   on behalf of the NPF QII Investigators
Published: June 2015

Background:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with 20 years or more survival (PD-20) are not well characterized.

Objective:

To evaluate PD-20 patient characteristics and identify areas for improvement of their health care.

Methods:

The international, multicenter National Parkinson’s Foundation Quality Improvement Initiative (NPF-QII) study database was queried to identify PD-20 subjects. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed.

Results:

We identified 187 PD-20 subjects (55% men) representing 4% (187/4,619) of all NPF-QII participants. Subjects were mean age 69.5 years; mean age at PD onset was 44.0 years. The majority (75%) had 20-25 years of PD duration, the longest duration being 49 years. They were median Hoehn and Yahr stage 3, and 75% had motor fluctuations. Half (54%) reported exercising. The majority (89%) were living at home and required a caregiver (88%). They were mildly cognitively impaired for age (Montreal Cognitive Assessment estimate 22.6±3.7), with most deficits in verbal fluency and delayed recall. Quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire index 36±15%) was mild to moderately impaired, with most impairment in mobility and activities of daily living. Caregiver strain measured by the Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index (27±16%), recorded highest subscores in social constraint. PD-20 subjects aged <70 years versus ≥70 only differed significantly by worse cognition ( P <  0.0001).

Conclusions:

PD-20 subjects reflect an elite group of PD survivors with early-onset disease and relatively mild cognitive disability despite long disease duration. Interventions for caregivers, mobility, and activities of daily living are areas that could improve caregiver burden and patient quality of life.
Neuroimaging of Freezing of Gait
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Herman Talia , Tessitore Alessandro , Strafella Antonio P. , Bohnen Nicolaas I.
Published: June 2015

Functional brain imaging techniques appear ideally suited to explore the pathophysiology of freezing of gait (FOG). In the last two decades, techniques based on magnetic resonance or nuclear medicine imaging have found a number of structural changes and functional disconnections between subcortical and cortical regions of the locomotor network in patients with FOG. FOG seems to be related in part to disruptions in the “executive-attention” network along with regional tissue loss including the premotor area, inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, the parietal and occipital areas involved in visuospatial functions of the right hemisphere. Several subcortical structures have been also involved in the etiology of FOG, principally the caudate nucleus and the locomotor centers in the brainstem. Maladaptive neural compensation may present transiently in the presence of acute conflicting motor, cognitive or emotional stimulus processing, thus causing acute network overload and resulting in episodic impairment of stepping.

In this review we will summarize the state of the art of neuroimaging research for FOG. We will also discuss the limitations of current approaches and delineate the next steps of neuroimaging research to unravel the pathophysiology of this mysterious motor phenomenon.
Prescribing pattern and prescription errors: a study at a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Farzana , Rahman Ajijur , Paul Tripti Rani , Sarwar Md Shahid , Islam Md Anwar Ul , Rashid Mamunur
Published: June 2015

Irrational prescribing of drugs is a major health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh. A study was therefore undertaken in a hospital, situated in Rajshahi region of Bangladesh, to find the prescribing pattern and to detect the prescription errors to the admitted patients. Prescriptions of 200 patients were collected from various departments of the hospital over a period of three months. Prescription pattern was analyzed using general indicators suggested by WHO and prescribing errors were determined by comparing the prescribed drugs with national standard treatment guidelines, textbooks and authentic online resources. The average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 4.89 and 76.5% prescriptions contained complex regimen. In this study, we found no prescription with generic name. The percentage of prescription with antibiotics was 78% that was 15.95% of total drugs. The injectable preparations used were 17.18% of total 978 drugs. About 769 (3.85 per prescription) prescription errors were identified from 978 prescribed drugs. The name of 35 prescribed drugs was not clear due to illegible hand writing. The dose strength was missing for 279 drugs and 31 drugs had improper abbreviation. The study also identified 409 drug interactions. About 6.5% prescription orders were identified for the patients with kidney and urinary problems and there was no dose adjustment. Frequency of occurrence of prescription errors found during the study can be rated high. The prescription pattern and the prescription errors have indicated the need to establish proper system of recording and analyzing therapy before writing a prescription in order to promote rational drug therapy.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 20-24, 2015
Bioactivities of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) and Adina cordifolia (Roxb.)
Authors: Tahia Faiza , Sikder Md Al Amin , Sayeed Mohammad A , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: June 2015

The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing and antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts and different organic soluble partitionates of leaves of Murraya koenigii and bark of Adina cordifolia. In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the chloroform soluble fraction of methanol extracts of M. koenigii and A. cordifolia revealed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 6.9 ± 0.78 ?g/ml and 6.83 ± 0.29 ?g/ml, while the methanolic crude extract of M. koenigii and A. cordifolia displayed the highest cytotoxic potential having LC50 values of 1.94 ± 0.36 ?g/ml and 0.88 ± 0.64 ?g/ml, respectively as compared to standard vincristine sulphate (LC50 value of 0.45 ?g/ml). During assay for thrombolytic activity, the crude extracts of M. koenigii and A. cordifolia showed 8.6 ± 0.48 % and 9.25 ± 0.84% clot lysis, respectively. In the membrane stabilizing assay, the methanol extract of M. koenigii inhibited 62.80 ± 0.81 % and 21.23 ± 0.84 % hypotonic solution- and heat-induced haemolysis of RBCs as compared to 72.2 % and 42.2 % inhibition by acetyl salicylic acid (0.10 mg/ml), respectively. On the other hand, the methanol extract of A. cordifolia demonstrated 42.04 ± 0.57 % and 21.57 ± 0.22 % inhibition of hypotonic solution- and heat-induced hemolysis, respectively. The extractives of A. cordifolia exhibited antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 8.0 to 26.0 mm against the test microorganisms with the highest zone of inhibition (26.0 mm) against Salmonella Typhi. Although the methanol extract of leaf of M. koenigii as well as its pet ether and aqueous soluble fractions demonstrated no antimicrobial activity, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction (CTC) revealed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (16.0 mm).Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 25-29, 2015
Modulation of antibacterial activity of actinomycetes by co-culture with pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Haque Md Uzzal , Rahman Md Ajijur , Haque Md Anwarul , Sarker Ashish Kumar , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: June 2015

In this study, we investigated the effect of pathogenic bacteria on the production of antibiotics by actinomycetes. We used four strains of actinomycetes-ANAM-5, ANAM-39, AIAH-10 and ANTS-1, which were isolated from the soils of Sundrabans, Bangladesh. All the strains were cultured in absence or presence of either alive or heatkilled human pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli). The antibacterial activity of cultured cell-free supernatant fluid was analyzed by disc diffusion assay against the inducer strains. Three out of the four marine actinomycetes tested showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. ANAM-5 and AIAH-10 showed enhanced antibacterial activity when co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus whereas ANAM-5 and ANAM-39 showed enhanced antibacterial activity when co-cultured with E. coli. The highest enhancement of antibacterial activity was exhibited by the strain ANAM-5 against Staphylococcus aureus (from 9 mm to 18 mm inhibition zone). The study has important ecological and biotechnological implications in case of microbial competition in the natural environment and may become helpful to discover novel classes of antibiotics with high specificity and huge production.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 61-65, 2015
Efficient in vitro culture protocols for propagating Phalaenopsis Cool Breeze
Authors: Balilashaki Kh , Naderi R , Kalantari S , Vahedi M
Published: June 2015

Phalaenopsis orchids have high economic value in the floriculture industry as cut flowers and potted plants throughout the world. Plant tissue culture technology is being widely used for large scale plant multiplication of Phalaenopsis to feed into this industry. In order to increase the efficiency of this technology, four experiments were undertaken: Plantlet regeneration from seeds, nodes or leaves, and hardening of the regenerated plants. In the first experiment, seed germination was examined in three media (half MS, Chen and Vacin?Went) of which the Chen medium had the best result (83.4%) in comparison to the other two media. In the second experiment, nodes on the flower stalk were studied for their shoot formation potential to different concentrations of BA and NAA, The highest frequency of shoot regeneration was achieved on MS containing 4 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l NAA while in vitro derived leaves formed clusters of somatic embryos directly when cultured on MS containing TDZ at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg/l). The embryos turned green and developed into protocorm?like bodies after 7 weeks of culture followed by plantlet regeneration. The highest plantlet regeneration from the leaf?derived embryos was obtained from MS supplemented with 3 mg/l TDZ. Finally, regenerated plants from (seeds, nodal explants and leaves) were compared in two medium for hardening, regenerated plant from nodal explants showed the highest survival rate (100%) on the medium containing cocopeat, coal, industrial cartridge and the bites of yonolit (1 : 1 : 2 : 4).Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 191-203, 2014 (December)
Assessment of intraspecific genetic variation between three morphotypes of Cissus quadrangularis using CCMP markers
Authors: Kaur Ritesh , Malik CP
Published: June 2015

The objective of the current study was to assess and establish intraspecific variation between three morphotypes of Cissus quadrangularis using ten Consensus Chloroplast Microsatellite Primers. Significant level of genetic variation was detected between the three morphotypes. Sequence analysis of the CCMP PCR fragment showed the high degree of similarity to the chloroplast genome sequences of other Vitaceae members indicating that these regions are highly conserved.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 205-212, 2014 (December)
In vitro regeneration and somatic embryogenesis in citrus
Authors: Mohamed El Sawy A , Gomaa Amina , Danial Nancy
Published: June 2015

Better results were obtained when stigma explants of variegated lemon and citron were used. After ten months, somatic embryos developed into plantlets at a frequency ranged from 13.3 for lime to 66.7% for lemon. Virus presence was tested by ELISA and RT?PCR. The results indicated that the plantlets regenerated through somatic embryogenesis are CTV?free. RAPD analysis was used to asses the genetic stability of plantlets as compared to the mother plants. The results indicated that most plantlets belong to the respective mother plants and the polymorphism percentage was genotype and explant?dependant.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 247-262, 2014 (December
Handheld Device Adapted to Smartphone Cameras for the Measurement of Sodium Ion Concentrations at Saliva-Relevant Levels via Fluorescence
Authors: Lipowicz Michelle , Garcia Antonio
Published: June 2015

The use of saliva sampling as a minimally-invasive means for drug testing and monitoring physiology is a subject of great interest to researchers and clinicians. This study describes a new optical method based on non-axially symmetric focusing of light using an oblate spheroid sample chamber. The device is simple, lightweight, low cost and is easily attached to several different brands/models of smartphones (Apple, Samsung, HTC and Nokia) for the measurement of sodium ion levels at physiologically-relevant saliva concentrations. The sample and fluorescent reagent solutions are placed in a specially-designed, lightweight device that excludes ambient light and concentrates 470-nm excitation light, from a low-power photodiode, within the sample through non-axially-symmetric refraction. The study found that smartphone cameras and post-image processing quantitated sodium ion concentration in water over the range of 0.5–10 mM, yielding best-fit regressions of the data that agree well with a data regression of microplate luminometer results. The data suggest that fluorescence can be used for the measurement of salivary sodium ion concentrations in low-resource or point-of-care settings. With further fluorescent assay testing, the device may find application in a variety of enzymatic or chemical assays.
Estimating PV Module Performance over Large Geographical Regions: The Role of Irradiance, Air Temperature, Wind Speed and Solar Spectrum
Authors: Huld Thomas , Amillo Ana
Published: June 2015

We present a study of how photovoltaic (PV) module performance varies on continental scale. Mathematical models have been used to take into account shallow-angle reflectivity, spectral sensitivity, dependence of module efficiency on irradiance and module temperature as well as how the module temperature depends on irradiance, ambient temperature and wind speed. Spectrally resolved irradiance data retrieved from satellite images are combined with temperature and wind speed data from global computational weather forecast data to produce maps of PV performance for Eurasia and Africa. Results show that module reflectivity causes a fairly small drop of 2\%–4\% in PV performance. Spectral effects may modify the performance by up to \(\pm 6\)\%, depending on location and module type. The strongest effect is seen in the dependence on irradiance and module temperature, which may range from \(-\)20\% to +5\% at different locations.
Output from Statistical Predictive Models as Input to eLearning Dashboards
Authors: Smith Marlene
Published: June 2015

We describe how statistical predictive models might play an expanded role in educational analytics by giving students automated, real-time information about what their current performance means for eventual success in eLearning environments. We discuss how an online messaging system might tailor information to individual students using predictive analytics. The proposed system would be data-driven and quantitative; e.g., a message might furnish the probability that a student will successfully complete the certificate requirements of a massive open online course. Repeated messages would prod underperforming students and alert instructors to those in need of intervention. Administrators responsible for accreditation or outcomes assessment would have ready documentation of learning outcomes and actions taken to address unsatisfactory student performance. The article’s brief introduction to statistical predictive models sets the stage for a description of the messaging system. Resources and methods needed to develop and implement the system are discussed.
Toxic Releases and Risk Disparity: A Spatiotemporal Model of Industrial Ecology and Social Empowerment
Authors: Aoyagi Hannah , Ogunseitan Oladele
Published: June 2015

Information-based regulations (IBRs) are founded on the theoretical premise that public participation in accomplishing policy goals is empowered by open access to information. Since its inception in 1988, the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) has provided the framework and regulatory impetus for the compilation and distribution of data on toxic releases associated with industrial development, following the tenets of IBR. As TRI emissions are reputed to disproportionately affect low-income communities, we investigated how demographic characteristics are related to change in TRI emissions and toxicity risks between 1989 and 2002, and we sought to identify factors that predict these changes. We used local indicators of spatial association (LISA) maps and spatial regression techniques to study risk disparity in the Los Angeles urban area. We also surveyed 203 individuals in eight communities in the same region to measure the levels of awareness of TRI, attitudes towards air pollution, and general environmental risk. We discovered, through spatial lag models, that changes in gross and toxic emissions are related to community ethnic composition, poverty level, home ownership, and base 1989 emissions (R-square = 0.034–0.083). We generated a structural equation model to explain the determinants of social empowerment to act on the basis of environmental information. Hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis (HCFA) supports the theoretical model that individual empowerment is predicted by risk perception, worry, and awareness (Chi-square = 63.315, p = 0.022, df = 42). This study provides strong evidence that spatiotemporal changes in regional-scale environmental risks are influenced by individual-scale empowerment mediated by IBRs.
Circulating Levels of sFlt1 Splice Variants as Predictive Markers for the Development of Preeclampsia
Authors: Souders Colby , Maynard Sharon , Yan Jing , Wang Yang , Boatright Naomi , Sedan Jessica , Balyozian David , Cheslock Peter , Molrine Deborah , Simas Tiffany
Published: June 2015

Angiogenic biomarkers, including soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), are thought to be predictors of preeclampsia onset; however, improvement is needed before a widespread diagnostic test can be utilized. Here we describe the development and use of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies specific to the two main splice variants of sFlt1, sFlt1-1 and sFlt1-14. These antibodies were selected for their sensitivity and specificity to their respective sFlt1 isoform in a capture ELISA format. Data from this pilot study suggest that sFlt1-1 may be more predictive of preeclampsia than total sFlt1. It may be possible to improve current diagnostic platforms if more specific antibodies are utilized.