bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the change of firing temperature on microstructure and physical properties of clay bricks from Beruas (Malaysia)
Authors: Johari I. , Said S. , Hisham B. , Bakar A. , Ahmad Z.A.
Published: October 2010

This study is focused on the behaviour of fired-clay brick from the area
around Beruas (Malaysia) that is known for it brick industries. The firing
temperatures were set from 800?C to 1250?C and soaking time was fixed for an
hour. The effects of firing temperature on the phase changes, microstructure,
compressive strength, water absorption and porosity of the bricks were
investigated. Test results indicate that the optimum firing temperature was
found to be 1200?C. The percentage of porosity significantly reduces from
39.33% to 5.87% when sintered from 1000?C to 1250?C. Bricks sintered at
1200?C exhibited the highest strength of 89.5 N/mm2. The effect of firing
temperature significantly improved the microstructure in terms of porosity
and the quality of physical properties of fired-clay bricks.
Effect of side walls on the motion of a viscous fluid induced by an infinite plate that applies an oscillating shear stress to the fluid
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Vieru Dumitru , Fetecau Corina
Published: October 2010

The velocity field corresponding to the unsteady motion of a viscous fluid between two side walls perpendicular to a plate is determined by means of the Fourier transforms. The motion of the fluid is produced by the plate which after the time t = 0, applies an oscillating shear stress to the fluid. The solutions that have been obtained, presented as a sum of the steady-state and transient solutions satisfy the governing equation and all imposed initial and boundary conditions. In the absence of the side walls they are reduced to the similar solutions corresponding to the motion over an infinite plate. Finally, the influence of the side walls on the fluid motion, the required time to reach the steady-state, as well as the distance between the walls for which the velocity of the fluid in the middle of the channel is unaffected by their presence, are established by means of graphical illustrations.
Nematode parasites of the two limbless lizards: Turkish worm lizard, Blanus strauchi (Bedriaga, 1884) (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae), and slow worm, Anguis fragilis Linnaeus 1758 (Squamata: Anguidae), from Turkey
Authors: Düşen S. , Uğurtaş İ. , Aydoğdu A.
Published: October 2010

In this investigation, seventeen Turkish worm lizards, Blanus strauchi, and eighteen slow worms, Anguis fragilis, collected from Turkey, were examined for helminths. Blanus strauchi harbored 2 species of Nematoda: Pharyngodon spinicauda and Aplectana sp. (larvae); Anguis fragilis harbored 5 species of Nematoda:, Rhabdias bufonis, Entomelas entomelas, Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata and Oxysomatium brevicaudatum. Blanus strauchi represents a new host record for Pharyngodon spinicauda and Aplectana sp. Anguis fragilis, represents a new host record for Cosmocerca ornata. Turkey is a new locality record for Pharyngodon spinicauda.
Effect of sand-dune slope orientation on soil free-living nematode abundance and diversity
Authors: Pen-Mouratov S. , Hu C. , Hindin E. , Steinberger Y.
Published: October 2010

The spatial and temporal dynamics and composition of a soil free-living nematode community were studied in order to determine the impact of slope orientation on the community on the xeric south- and the mesic north-facing sand-dune slopes.

A significant effect of sampling location on organic matter, total number of free-living nematodes, and trophic diversity was found. Although soil moisture had a significant effect on separate nematode trophic groups and on most of the applied ecological indices, no differences in soil moisture were observed between slopes. Organic matter was found to have a significant effect on the fungivore nematodes. The obtained results indicate that the south-facing slope is more favorable for the observed free-living nematodes than the other sampling sites. Twenty-four of the 77 nematode species that were found in the observed area showed dependence on dune slope orientation. The fungibacteria ratio, Simpson’s dominance index, and basal index were useful tools for determining slope differences.
Description of Paratrichodorus pachydermus (Nematoda: Trichodoridae) from the Czech Republic
Authors: Kumari S.
Published: October 2010

A survey has been carried out to study the occurrence and distribution of Paratrichodorus pachydermus nematodes in the Czech Republic in a range of habitats (orchards, forests, vineyards, strawberry and river bank). A total 208 sites were surveyed and 19 sites were found positive for P. pachydermus. This species is a new record for Czech nematofauna.
Conceptual model development for landscape management in the mountains of the Indian Himalayan region: an approach for sustainable socio-ecological development
Authors: Nautiyal Sunil , Rado Kottapalli S. , Kaechele Harald , Zander Peter M.
Published: October 2010

This study aims at presenting a conceptual model for landscape management in the Himalayan region of India, using quantitative/mathematical approach. Keeping in view the requirement, (based on fifteen years empirical field work in the Himalayan region and as well as literature survey) the MODAM (Multiple Objectives Decision Support Tools for Landscape Management) model along with linear programming approach was adopted with a view to presenting additional methodological perspectives on interdisciplinary landscape research. The work has stemmed out from the original research contribution, which tries to integrate interdisciplinary research planning with landscape management related research in the Himalayan region. This biodiversity hotspot has relatively high complexity in terms of sustainable socioeconomic development vis a vis conservation and management of the resources. The concepts and insights presented in this article will provide the basis for a discussion, on decision-making issues among multidisciplinary experts with regard to sustainable socioecological development within complex environments.
A New Symmetrical Far Infrared Nebula at -33° Declination
Authors: Aryal B , Simkhada K , Rajbahak C , Weinberger R
Published: October 2010

A systematic search at far infrared wavelength in IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) survey using Groningen Server is performed and investigated a new symmetrical far-infrared (~3° x 2°) filamentary emission at R.A. (J2000) = 21h28m51s and Dec. (J2000) = -33°53'23''. The softwares ALADIN2.5 and ASTROLINUX5.0 are used for the data reduction. We have performed multiwavelength study in the region of interest. The physical properties, flux density, temperature and mass of the nebula are estimated and discussed. In the multiwavelength study, the optical and ultraviolet emission is found to be negligible. A significant far infrared emission is noticed. The radio and X-ray emission is observed to be moderate. It is found that there is a maxima in each filaments, that can clearly seen in 60 μm and 100 μm wavelengths. This indicates that the structure is nearby and a strong external force is influencing its shape. No star is forming in our region of interest. Our symmetrical far infrared nebula belongs to category II type cloud, appearing as diffuse emission of nearly faint optical surface brightness but showing a clumpy structure with no star forming. Total mass of the gas of our nebula is found to lie in the range 1.275 - 3.000 x 103 Msun. This estimation is based on the results of flux density study assuming a distance 150±50 pc and dust color temperature 25±5 K. Key Words: Interstellar Medium; Stars; Nebula; Infrared Emission. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3815 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.3-9
Thermal Activation of Crystalline Silicon Ions in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Lamichhane Shobha Kanta
Published: October 2010

Anisotropic wet chemical etching of silicon in alkaline solutions (KOH) is one of the key techniques for the manufacture of microstructure. Fabrication of Micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) part demand smooth surface finish and angular dependent etch rate. The absolute values of orientation dependent etch rate is found to vary with thermal agitation. In this work, experimental results of etch rate is found with their unusual values of activation energy along different planes. The various sites that an atom can occupy are not equivalent of their energy; some are more favorable to removal than others. In this paper attention is being given to demonstrate thermal activation is the prime factor that influences the behavior of etching mechanism as well as surface morphology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to analyze the morphology of the etched silicon surface at relevant elevated temperature. A systematic variation in morphological growth leads to stabilized surface structure under the influence of associated activation energy. Keywords: Activation energy; Etching; Anisotropy; Etch rate; MEMS; LPCVD; SOI. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3817 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.15-18
Status of Arsenic Contamination and Assessment of other Probable Heavy Metal Contaminants in Ground Water of Dang District in Nepal
Authors: Mahat RK , Kharel RP
Published: October 2010

Issue of arsenic contamination in drinking water in Terai belt has been a prevalent phenomenon in Nepal. So, this study has been conducted to visualize the status of arsenic contamination in ground water in Dang district located at central west Terai in Nepal. A total of 26,878 Tubewells and Dugwells were tested in 36 Village Development Committees (VDCs) using HACH arsenic testing field kit and 811 samples were re-tested employing Wagtech Digital Arsenator. 540 samples were analysed for confirmation by continuous flow Hydride Generation Technique using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in the DWSS laboratory. Of the total samples, 0.83% was found to contain Arsenic above WHO drinking water Qualty guidelines value of 0.01 mg/l (10 ppb) and 0.2% was found to contain arsenic above National Drinking Water Quality Guidelines value of 50 ppb. Gobardiha and Gangaparaspur are the two most affected VDCs with 1.75 and 1.16 percents of Tubewells being affected by arsenic of concentration above 50 ppb. The highest Arsenic concentration of 150 ppb was found in Bela and Gobardiha VDCs and a severe case of Arsenicosis was identified in Bela VDC. 20 samples were randomly chosen and analyzed for other heavy and trace metal contaminants like Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cd using flame AAS method. Ground water in this area seems to be affected by high concentration of Iron upto 11.01 mg/l and of Manganese upto 0.51 mg/l. Statistical tools were employed to assess the probable association among them but no significant correlation among arsenic and other metals could be retrieved. Keywords: Atomic Absorption; Spectrophotometry; Standard Reduction Potential; Arsenicosis; Heavy and Trace metals. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3821  Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.33-36
Status of Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) in Humla District, Western Nepal
Authors: Khatiwada JR , Ghimirey Y
Published: October 2010

This study was carried out in the Humla District, West Nepal during April - May 2007. The Snow Leopard Information Management System, SLIMS (second order survey technique) developed by International Snow Leopard Trust was used to determine the status of snow leopard in the area. Altogether, 13 transects (total length of 6.76 km) were laid down in the major two blocks of Humla. A total of 45 snow leopard's Signs (32 scrapes, 11 feces, 1 urine mark and 1 pugmark) were recorded. Fixed-point count from method was used for blue sheep survey from appropriate vantage points. Interviews were conducted to find out relevant information on livestock depredation patterns and locals perception towards snow leopard. Out of 12 households surveyed in the area, 60% of herders lost livestock due to snow leopards. A total of 16 animals were reportedly lost due to snow leopards in 2007. High retaliatory killing and poaching are the major threat to the species in the area. Therefore, long-run survival of the species seems uncertain in the area. Habitat disturbance and over grazing have disturbed the prey species and ultimate impact on snow leopard. More awareness and income generation programs are needed to make the locals aware about the role of predator in the ecosystem. Key words: Snow leopard; Prey species; Status; Humla; Conflict. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3825 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.49-52
Comparison of the Volatile Constituents of Thymus serpylum from the Altitude of Far Western Nepal & North India
Authors: Thakuri BC , Padalia RC , Mathela CS
Published: October 2010

The composition of aerial parts of the Thymus Serpylum family Labiatae, collected from two localities in Uttarakhand of India viz., Martoli village (3600 m), Jageshwar (1500 m) and one locality from Dadeldhura district of far western Nepal (1900 m) are reported. The steam-distilled essential oils have been investigated for its flavor constituents by GC and GC-MS. Seventeen compounds representing (88.16%), twenty compounds representing (97.03%) & seventeen compounds (96.13%) respectively from Martoli village, Jageshwar and Dadeldhura have been identified. The collection from Martoli village contained thymol (68.32%) along with carvacrol (7.19%) as major constituents and the sample collected from Dadeldhura is also rich in thymol (74.92%) and carvacrol (5.09%). However, the sample from Jageshwar had reduced amount of thymol (46.24%) along with significant quantities of ã-terpinene (12.21%), thymoquinone (9.43%), p-cymene (7.30%) and considerably reduced amount of carvacrol (4.62%). The Nepali (Dadeldhura) sample is good source of thymol. Key words: Thymus serpylum; Labiatae; Composition of volatile constituents; Dadeldhura; Thymol; Carvacrol; Thymoquinone; P-cymene. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3834 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.92-93
Rousseau's Crusoe: Or, On Learning to Read as Not Myself
Authors: McGrath Brian
Published: October 2010

A philosophical reading of Émile, ou de l'éducation privileges Jean-Jacques Rousseau's pedagogic advice, while a literary reading privileges the narrative aspects: either Émile is a treatise on education that relies on fiction in order to clearly assert its position, or it is a novel with Émile as its title character that happens to offer practical advice on education. To read it as both would be to reconcile the literary and philosophical aspects of Rousseau's thought; however, as the “or” that divides its title suggests, this work confronts readers with the potential irreconcilability of literary and philosophical discourses. The difficulty of reconciling these competing discourses, and consequently the challenge of reading Émile, is most notable at the moment when Émile, himself, must come to read the only book he will ever need to read, Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. This one book, suggests Rousseau, will teach him to read all others, but within Émile the reader discovers the possibility that one only ever learns to read as someone other than oneself.
A Forgotten Enchantment: The Silenced Princess, the Andalusian Warlord, and the Rescued Conclusion of “Sir Bertrand”
Authors: Maynard Luke R.J.
Published: October 2010

This essay addresses the authorship and complicated history of “Sir Bertrand: A Fragment,” the seminal Gothic short story often attributed to Anna Laetitia Barbauld. I acknowledge the existence of a completed “B-Text” of that fragment, which survives in an obscure anthology titled Gothic Stories (1797). The existence of a cohesive conclusion to this text, a work normally discussed only as “a fragment” and correspondingly tied to theoretical discussions of the Gothic as a genre of fragmentation, underscores the need for a critical re-evaluation of “Sir Bertrand” as both fragment and completed tale, and a new understanding of its role in the development of Gothic and supernatural fiction. I confront the problem of authorship and analyze the literary descent of both texts, and then I interrogate the “lost” conclusion not only to determine its impact on the tale's narrative style and genre, but also to retrace its newly revealed historical roots in order to uncover a potential historical source for the rediscovered B-text.
Deformation mechanisms in yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia single crystals
Authors: Gallardo-López Ángela , Gómez-García Diego , Domínguez-Rodríguez Arturo
Published: October 2010

This work attempts to give a unified picture of the microscopic mechanisms which control the plastic deformation in yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia single crystals, particularly for the soft orientation (uniaxial compression along the crystallographic axis) at low, intermediate and high temperatures while also reviewing and updating the existing data for different yttria contents (9.4 – 32 mol.%). The controlling deformation mechanisms are: internal friction within the crystal lattice (Peierls mechanism at low temperatures), pinning of dislocations by localized obstacles and long-range interaction between dislocations (intermediate temperatures) and dislocation viscous glide and climb (recovery creep) at higher temperatures. New aspects of the Portevin–le Chatelier phenomenon during viscous glide, due to the pinning and unpinning of dislocations from their defect clouds (yttrium substitutional atoms), are included.
Texture, structure and properties of Ni-based binary alloy tapes for HTS substrates
Authors: Gervasyeva Irina , Rodionov Dmitrii , Khlebnikova Yuliya
Published: October 2010

Depending on the contents of alloying elements (Nb, up to 5.4 at.%; W, up to 7.4 at.%; Re, up to 4.1 at.%; Mo, up to 9.5 at.%; V, up to 10.1 at.%; Mn, up to 22.1 at.%; Al, 12.0 at.%; and Cr, up to 22.0 at.%) texture, structure, and physical and mechanical properties are studied in thin tapes that serve as substrates for epitaxial deposition of a high-temperature superconductor on the nickel-based binary alloys. The upper limit of alloying element content is established at which sharp cube texture of primary recrystallization is feasible to be formed. It is shown that such boundary concentration of alloying elements is associated with a certain quantitative ratio between the deformation texture components and with a certain magnitude of the concentration expansion of lattice parameter. Some mechanical and physical properties of alloys with cube texture are determined.
Controlled synthesis of prussian blue nanoparticles based on polymyxin B/sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate/water/isooctane reverse microemulsion for glucose biosensors
Authors: Qiu Jingxia , Liu Jiwei , Chen Jianrong , Miao Yuqing , Zhang Shanqing
Published: October 2010

Prussian blue nanoparticles were synthesized by employing polymyxin B/sodium bis(2-efhylexyl) sulfosuccinate/water/isooctane reverse microemulsion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical methods were used to characterize the resultant nanoparticles, that were subsequently used to fabricate prussian blue-based glucose biosensors. Prussian blue nanoparticles were assembled onto a cysteine-modified Au electrode surface and then glutaraldehyde was used to cross-link glucose oxidase on the Prussian blue modified electrode. Both the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue and biocatalytical performance of glucose oxidase were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. After the biosensors were optimized, the glucose biosensors had a linear range from 6.7 μM to 2.0 mM and a relative standard deviation of 4.38%.
Assessment of niobium segregation energy in migrating ferrite/austenite phase interfaces
Authors: Okamoto Riki , Ågren John
Published: October 2010

The effects of physical parameters on the total dissipation of Gibbs energy inside migrating ferrite/austenite interfaces have been re-investigated using Odqvist's solute drag model. It is shown that the mobility of the ferrite/austenite phase interface and the diffusivity of niobium in the interface have a strong effect on the Gibbs energy dissipation. As the phase interface mobility was recently reassessed, it is clear that the Gibbs energy of niobium segregation and the diffusivity of niobium in the interface must also be reassessed. In this paper both parameters are reassessed in the Fe–C–Nb system using new physical parameters and experimental results from ultra-low carbon steels.
The Legal Guideline for Organ Transplantation and Therapeutic Tissue Removal
Authors: Rahman KGM , Osman MK , Mahmud S , Rahman MM
Published: October 2010

Organ transplantations have caused profound changes in saving the life in current days. Also raised several questions in the legal and ethical ground.In this paper we discussed legal considerations, donation procedures, death determination, diagnosis of brain death and organ transplantation act of Bangladesh. Key words: Legal guideline; organ transplantation; therapeutic tissue removal. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v18i2.6282 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2009; 18(2) : 174-177
Rasmussens Encephalitis: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Saha NC , Yeasin M , Rahman ME , Rahman MM , Mollah MAH
Published: October 2010

Two boys, one was 7 years and the other was 3 years 7 months old, were admitted into Dhaka Medical College Hospital one year apart with almost similar complaints of intractable partial seizure, progressive hemiparesis and cognitive deterioration following an episode of encephalitis. Developmental milestones was age appropriate till occurrence of encephalitis, thereafter started deteriorating with progressive deterioration of cognition, behavior, learning, memory and speech. Different anticonvulsants were tried in optimal doses, yet seizure remained uncontrolled. After admission CSF study, EEG and brain imaging was done. EEG showed unilateral slow waves and MRI revealed unilateral cortical atrophy with hyper intense signals in T2 and FLAIR. According to European consensus statement both cases were diagnosed as Rasmussen's Encephalitis (RE). Key words: Rasmussen's Encephalitis; hemispheric atrophy; seizure. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v18i2.6283 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2009; 18(2) :178- 182
An Unusual Orbitocranial through and through Penetrating Injury by in Situ Teta: Can we do Better for this type of Unfortunate Patient?
Authors: Chowdhury FH , Haque MR , Islam MS , Kawsar KA , Alam MK
Published: October 2010

Through and through orbitocranial penetrating injury by in situ teta is extremely rare. We managed such a case in Dhaka Medical college hospital with many limitations. In spite of all possible supports that were available in our set up, patient did not survive. Presentation, investigations, surgical and other supportive management will be highlighted in this case report. Key Words: Orbitocranial injury; penetrating injury; teta. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v18i2.6285 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2009; 18(2) : 185-187
Responses of Bats to Forest Fragmentation in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, Arkansas, USA
Authors: Medlin Rex E. , Connior Matthew B. , Gaines Karen F. , Risch Thomas S.
Published: October 2010

Intense conversion of bottomland hardwood forests to rice and soybeans in the Mississippi River Valley of Arkansas has restricted the remaining forest to isolated fragments. Habitat fragmentation has proven to be detrimental to population sustainability of several species, and is the subject of intense study with often species and latitude specific responses. We compared both coarse land area classes and landscape fragmentation metrics from six 30 km × 30 km subsets centered on publicly owned management areas to bat captures obtained from a 2005 population study. Patch density was the strongest predictor of total captures (R2 = 0.801, p = 0.016) and of Myotis austroriparius captures (R2 = 0.856, p = 0.008). Our findings indicate that patch density and area are important predictors of bottomland bat captures.
Deficit Round Robin with Fragmentation Scheduling to Achieve Generalized Weighted Fairness for Resource Allocation in IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX Networks
Authors: So-In Chakchai , Jain Raj , Tamimi Abdel-Karim Al
Published: October 2010

Deficit Round Robin (DRR) is a fair packet-based scheduling discipline commonly used in wired networks where link capacities do not change with time. However, in wireless networks, especially wireless broadband networks, i.e., IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX, there are two main considerations violate the packet-based service concept for DRR. First, the resources are allocated per Mobile WiMAX frame. To achieve full frame utilization, Mobile WiMAX allows packets to be fragmented. Second, due to a high variation in wireless channel conditions, the link/channel capacity can change over time and location. Therefore, we introduce a Deficit Round Robin with Fragmentation (DRRF) to allocate resources per Mobile WiMAX frame in a fair manner by allowing for varying link capacity and for transmitting fragmented packets. Similar to DRR and Generalized Processor Sharing (GPS), DRRF achieves perfect fairness. DRRF results in a higher throughput than DRR (80% improvement) while causing less overhead than GPS (8 times less than GPS). In addition, in Mobile WiMAX, the quality of service (QoS) offered by service providers is associated with the price paid. This is similar to a cellular phone system; the users may be required to pay air-time charges. Hence, we have also formalized a Generalized Weighted Fairness (GWF) criterion which equalizes a weighted sum of service time units or slots, called temporal fairness, and transmitted bytes, called throughput fairness, for customers who are located in a poor channel condition or at a further distance versus for those who are near the base stations, or have a good channel condition. We use DRRF to demonstrate the application of GWF. These fairness criteria are used to satisfy basic requirements for resource allocation, especially for non real-time traffic. Therefore, we also extend DRRF to support other QoS requirements, such as minimum reserved traffic rate, maximum sustained traffic rate, and traffic priority. For real-time traffic, i.e., video traffic, we compare the performance of DRRF with deadline enforcement to that of Earliest Deadline First (EDF). The results show that DRRF outperforms EDF (higher achievable throughput under the promised delay latency) and maintains fairness under an overload scenario.
A Survey on Security in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Architectures—Overlay-Based vs. Underlay-Based Approaches
Authors: Gottron Christian , König André , Steinmetz Ralf
Published: October 2010

Mobile Ad hoc networks (MANET) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks share central characteristics such as their distributed and decentralized nature. Combining both networking paradigms results in a Mobile Peer-to-Peer (MP2P) system that operates independently from a preexisting infrastructure. Securing MP2P networks in terms of availability and robustness as basic demands in envisioned application scenarios like first responder operations is a challenging task. In this article, we present a survey of selected threats and of state of the art countermeasures for MANETs and P2P networks. Further, we discuss the efficiency of MANET and P2P security mechanisms when applied in MP2P networks.
Modelling Social Dynamics (of Obesity) and Thresholds
Authors: Wirl Franz , Feichtinger Gustav
Published: October 2010

This paper focuses on the dynamic aspects of individual behavior affected by its social embedding, either at large (society-wide norms or averages) or at a local neighborhood. The emphasis is on how initial conditions can affect the long run outcome and to derive, discuss and apply the conditions for such thresholds. For this purpose, intertemporal social pressure (from peers, from norms, or from fashions) is modelled in two different ways: (i) individual benefit is influenced by the possession of a stock (in the application: weight) and the society wide average, and (ii) individual benefits depend on a norm that follows its own motion, of course driven by agents’ behavior. The topical issue of obesity serves as motivation and corresponding models and examples are presented and analyzed.
Current Status and Regulatory Aspects of Pesticides Considered to be Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: October 2010

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are capable of persisting in the environment, transporting between phase media and accumulating to high levels, implying that they could pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. Consequently, most OCPs are designated as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and even as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The objective of this paper was to review the current status of pesticide POPs in Taiwan, including aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, α/β-hexachlorocyclohexanes, lindane, mirex, pentachloro-benzene, and toxaphene. The information about their environmental properties, banned use, carcinogenic toxicity and environmental levels, can be connected with the regulatory infrastructure, which has been established by the joint-venture of the central competent authorities (i.e., Environmental Protection Administration, Department of Health, Council of Agriculture, and Council of Labor Affairs). The significant progress to be reported is that the residual levels of these pesticide-POPs, ranging from trace amounts to a few ppb, have declined notably in recent years.
Effect of Different Light Intensities on Total Phenolics and Flavonoids Synthesis and Anti-oxidant Activities in Young Ginger Varieties (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Jaafar Hawa Z. E. , Rahmat Asmah , Wahab Puteri Edaroyati Megat , Halim Mohd Ridzwan Abd
Published: October 2010

Nowadays, phytochemicals and antioxidants in plants are raising interest in consumers for their roles in the maintenance of human health. Phenolics and flavonoids are known for their health-promoting properties due to protective effects against cardiovascular disease, cancers and other disease. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the traditional folk medicinal plants and it is widely used in cooking in Malaysia. In this study, four levels of glasshouse light intensities (310, 460, 630 and 790 μmol m−2s−1) were used in order to consider the effect of light intensity on the production, accumulation and partitioning of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant activities in two varieties of Malaysian young ginger (Zingiber officinale). TF biosynthesis was highest in the Halia Bara variety under 310 μmol m−2s−1 and TP was high in this variety under a light intensity of 790 μmol m−2s−1. The highest amount of these components accumulated in the leaves and after that in the rhizomes. Also, antioxidant activities determined by the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay in both of varieties, increased significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with increasing TF concentration, and high antioxidant activity was observed in the leaves of Halia Bara grown under 310 μmol m−2s−1. The ferric reducing (FRAP) activity of the rhizomes was higher than that of the leaves in 310 μmol m−2s−1 of sun light. This study indicates the ability of different light intensities to enhance the medicinal components and antioxidant activities of the leaves and young rhizomes of Zingiber officinale varieties. Additionally, this study also validated their medicinal potential based on TF and TP contents.
New Biocompatible Polyesters Derived from α-Amino Acids: Hydrolytic Degradation Behavior
Authors: Cohen-Arazi Naomi , Domb Abraham J. , Katzhendler Jeoshua
Published: October 2010

New polymers were synthesized from α-hydroxy acids derived from the natural amino acids Ile, Leu, Phe, and Val, combined with lactic acid, glycolic acid and 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid by direct condensation. The toxicity was determined and the degradation process of these polyesters was investigated under physiological conditions by analyzing the composition of the degraded polymers and the oligomers cleaved in the buffer medium. The polymers were found to be non toxic to two cell lines. Polymers displayed a biphasic degradation behavior. In most cases, a linear relationship was found between the weight loss constant and the hydrophobicity of the polymers, Log P. Regarding the second stage of weight loss, it is apparent that polymers derived from α-hydroxy(L)isoleucine ((L)HOIle) and α-hydroxy(L)Valine ((L)HOVal) degraded much faster than those derived from α-hydroxy(L)leucine ((L)HOLeu) and α-hydroxy(L)phenylalanine ((L)HOPhe), probably due to different spatial orientation of the side chains. Copolymers of 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid displayed slow degradation rates as expected, whereas the degradation profile of copolymers of lactic acid was similar to the other homopolymers. These new polyesters may serve as potential biocompatible materials for medical applications.
Characterization of a Photodiode Coupled with a Si Nanowire-FET on a Plastic Substrate
Authors: Kwak Kiyeol , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: October 2010

In this study, a laterally coupled device composed of a photodiode and a Si nanowires-field-effect transistor (NWs-FET) is constructed on a plastic substrate and the coupled device is characterized. The photodiode is made of p-type Si NWs and an n-type ZnO film. The Si NWs-FET is connected electrically to the photodiode in order to enhance the latter’s photocurrent efficiency by adjusting the gate voltage of the FET. When the FET is switched on by biasing a gate voltage of −9 V, the photocurrent efficiency of the photodiode is three times higher than that when the FET is switched off by biasing a gate voltage of 0 V.
Towards Viral Genome Annotation Standards, Report from the 2010 NCBI Annotation Workshop
Authors: Brister James Rodney , Bao Yiming , Kuiken Carla , Lefkowitz Elliot J. , Mercier Philippe Le , Leplae Raphael , Madupu Ramana , Scheuermann Richard H. , Schobel Seth , Seto Donald , Shrivastava Susmita , Sterk Peter , Zeng Qiandong , Klimke William , Tatusova Tatiana
Published: October 2010

Improvements in DNA sequencing technologies portend a new era in virology and could possibly lead to a giant leap in our understanding of viral evolution and ecology. Yet, as viral genome sequences begin to fill the world’s biological databases, it is critically important to recognize that the scientific promise of this era is dependent on consistent and comprehensive genome annotation. With this in mind, the NCBI Genome Annotation Workshop recently hosted a study group tasked with developing sequence, function, and metadata annotation standards for viral genomes. This report describes the issues involved in viral genome annotation and reviews policy recommendations presented at the NCBI Annotation Workshop.
Tropism-Modification Strategies for Targeted Gene Delivery Using Adenoviral Vectors
Authors: Coughlan Lynda , Alba Raul , Parker Alan L. , Bradshaw Angela C. , McNeish Iain A. , Nicklin Stuart A. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: October 2010

Achieving high efficiency, targeted gene delivery with adenoviral vectors is a long-standing goal in the field of clinical gene therapy. To achieve this, platform vectors must combine efficient retargeting strategies with detargeting modifications to ablate native receptor binding (i.e. CAR/integrins/heparan sulfate proteoglycans) and “bridging” interactions. “Bridging” interactions refer to coagulation factor binding, namely coagulation factor X (FX), which bridges hepatocyte transduction in vivo through engagement with surface expressed heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). These interactions can contribute to the off-target sequestration of Ad5 in the liver and its characteristic dose-limiting hepatotoxicity, thereby significantly limiting the in vivo targeting efficiency and clinical potential of Ad5-based therapeutics. To date, various approaches to retargeting adenoviruses (Ad) have been described. These include genetic modification strategies to incorporate peptide ligands (within fiber knob domain, fiber shaft, penton base, pIX or hexon), pseudotyping of capsid proteins to include whole fiber substitutions or fiber knob chimeras, pseudotyping with non-human Ad species or with capsid proteins derived from other viral families, hexon hypervariable region (HVR) substitutions and adapter-based conjugation/crosslinking of scFv, growth factors or monoclonal antibodies directed against surface-expressed target antigens. In order to maximize retargeting, strategies which permit detargeting from undesirable interactions between the Ad capsid and components of the circulatory system (e.g. coagulation factors, erythrocytes, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies), can be employed simultaneously. Detargeting can be achieved by genetic ablation of native receptor-binding determinants, ablation of “bridging interactions” such as those which occur between the hexon of Ad5 and coagulation factor X (FX), or alternatively, through the use of polymer-coated “stealth” vectors which avoid these interactions. Simultaneous retargeting and detargeting can be achieved by combining multiple genetic and/or chemical modifications.
La construction sociale du champ de la prévention.
Authors: Gottraux Martial
Published: October 2010

Martial Gottraux : La construction sociale du champ de la prévention.

L'idéologie préventive fixe comme objectifs à la médecine préventive la réduction de la morbidité de la population et la lutte contre l'augmentation des coûts des soins médicaux. Ses effets sociaux semblent cependant se situer ailleurs.

Après une présentation des relations entre les pratiques de prévention et l'idéologie qui prétend en fonder la rationalité, l'auteur émet un certain nombre d'hypothèses relatives aux effets sociaux de ces pratiques, à partir de la notion de stratégies informatives. Deux options principales concernant l'organisation de la prévention sont analysées : celle qui fait de la prévention une organisation professionnalisée et autonome par rapport aux autres pratiques sociales, et celle qui replace la rationalité préventive dans son cadre plus général, au sein de mouvements et d'organisations qui poursuivent également d'autres objectifs.
La loi et le corps
Authors: Chauvenet Antoinette
Published: October 2010

Antoinette Chauvenet: Law and body.

The concept of illness considered in a historical entity in relation to a certain socio-cultural context is undergoing important changes because of the penetration, in the field defined by illness, of social sciences and human sciences. Antoinette Chauvenet thinks that the division of this concept underlines the cultural perspective of the body, of the individual, of the social relationships. Although we witness the decline of law and of liberal and impersonal juridiction for the benefit of an extension of the special rights (hence the statutory law), we can note concurrently an increasing involvement of social sciences and human sciences in the dfinition of the law. What is the aim of such an evolution? What social philosophy, what idea of ethics and of justice are at the basis of this position? How important are reason and knowledge in such a case? What connotations of History and of signification do they convey?
Le concept de solidarité et le Dilemme du Prisonnier : l'exemple du mode de financement du National Health Service
Authors: Naveau Pierre
Published: October 2010

Pierre Naveau : Le concept de solidarité et le Dilemme du Prisonnier : l'exemple du mode de financement du National Health Service.

Le financement collectif du système de santé britannique a-t-il une justification économique ? Culyer, invoquant la théorie des jeux et la structure logique du dilemme du prisonnier, répond positivement à cette question. En analysant son argumentation, on peut expliciter la nature de l'approche néo-classique de la solidarité. En même temps on se retrouve au cœur de certains débats sur la crise du Welfare-State, où l'on s'interroge sur la rationalité des électeurs, les intérêts des agents économiques et le rôle de l'Etat.
Cancer serpit. Recherches sur la représentation du cancer dans les biographies spirituelles féminines du XVIIe siècle
Authors: Le Brun Jacques
Published: October 2010

Jacques Le Brun: The social représentation of cancer in XVIIth century women spiritual biographies.

Analysing an extensive corpus of biographies of nuns in XVIIth century France, Jacques Le Brun applies himself to showing the situations associated with the recognizing of, and dealing with pathologies which may be identified as tumours of a malignant character. The article shows how the illness, even in a very specific context, permits access to values and mentalities that prevail among social equals, in relationship with those which make up the society of an era.
Contagion et santé publique, une représentation du lien social en Angleterre au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Marcovich Anne
Published: October 2010

Anne Marcovich : Contagion et santé publique, une représentation du lien social en Angleterre au XVIIIe siècle.

Anne Marcovich montre, à partir des écrits d'un médecin anglais du XVIIIe siècle, Lettsom, comment s'articulent ses idées sur l'hygiène, la maladie et la société de son temps. En arrière-plan de cette analyse se situent les conceptions qui prévalaient en Angleterre et en Europe occidentale au siècle des Lumières, où l'homme est conçu comme matière vivante et réactive, et son environnement immédiat comme un microcosme où s'effectuent des processus spécifiques, où s'élaborent des échanges, où s'aménagent des politiques.
Les logiques sociales des actions en Éducation pour la Santé
Authors: Bouchayer Françoise
Published: October 2010

Françoise Bouchayer : Les logiques sociales des actions en éducation pour la santé.

De par la variété et le nombre des actions entreprises et de par l'importance des moyens dont il dispose, le Comité Français d'Éducation pour la Santé se présente actuellement en France comme la principale institution spécialisée dans le domaine de l'éducation sanitaire. L'étude de la logistique institutionnelle sous-tendant les interventions assurées par ce comité, ainsi que l'analyse du matériel éducatif diffusé dans le cadre de diverses campagnes, permettent d'approcher les logiques sociales propres à cette discipline que cherche à être l'éducation pour la santé. La rationalisation de ses stratégies et objectifs sert la recherche d'une maîtrise, par la connaissance et par l'action, des attitudes relatives au corps et à la santé ; elle sert également la recherche d'une légitimité institutionnelle dans le champ de la santé et dans celui de la communication sociale. Parallèlement, l'analyse des discours éducatifs tenus montre que l'éducation pour la santé ne saurait être considérée comme un dérivé direct (simplement reformulé dans un but pédagogique) des savoirs et acquis bio-médicaux et épidémiologiques existant sur une question donnée ; elle doit être étudiée comme une construction sociale inédite, une occasion de gestion de connaissances scientifiques et de pratiques et valeurs sociales.
Les premiers vaccinophobes
Authors: Darmon Pierre
Published: October 2010

Pierre Darmon: The first vaccinophobes.

In the early 19th century, the practice of vaccinating against smallpox spread to a number of regions in the world. In every country where the practice became successfully established, death from smallpox decreased by impressive proportions. The «vaccinators», however, had to overcome certain obstacles, primarily that of preserving the vaccines and of obtaining them. Compared to these major problems, the dogmatic opposition to vaccine was insignificant. It did exist, however, amongst handful of doctors who never ceased crying doom, prophesysing the degeneration of mankind due to the effects of infecting bovine humors with unknown properties. Jenner's vaccination was thus said to be the vehicle of ail evil and in the long run would represent a greater danger to humanity than that of smallpox itself. But confronted with the effectiveness of the new method, the doctrine of the vaccinophobes of the early days was not to last a long time. Of their militancy, history has preserved but the memory of a fruitless ferment and a mythology rich in lessons to be learned.
"Majeur et vacciné": idéologie et prévention
Authors: Marenco Claudine
Published: October 2010

Claudine Marenco : «Majeur et vacciné » : idéologie et prévention.

La diffusion de la vaccination à l'échelle nationale s'est longtemps heurtée à de fortes résistances. Tout au long du XIXeme siècle, les efforts, sur ce terrain, des « militants de base » de la vaccination, des tenants de l'hygiénisme et de leurs représentants dans les instances scientifiques et les milieux politiques, ont certainement contribué à combattre les préjugés à l'encontre de la vaccination et à obtenir une intervention législative la rendant obligatoire. Mais il semble que le rôle décisif en ce domaine a été joué par l'École laïque de la IIIème République, à travers les multiples modalités de l'intervention des maîtres d'école et, surtout, à travers un conditionnement idéologique privilégiant bien davantage les discours sur le Progrès, le Bien, la Civilisation, etc., que l'information scientifique. Obligation et conditionnement idéologique rendent compte de la place qu'occupe la vaccination des enfants dans les représentations et les pratiques sociales aujourd'hui.
La construction pratique des conditions de travail : préservation de la santé et vie quotidienne des ouvriers dans les ateliers.
Authors: Dodier Nicolas
Published: October 2010

Nicolas Dodier: Practical construction of work conditions. Safeguarding of health and daily life of workers in workshops.

The management by workers of their own health, preventively or during illness, is fundamentally related to the structuring and interpretation of the links between health and work. In managing their health, they construct the reality of their work conditions. This article studies first and foremost the common activities of workers, and is limited to the least externalized ways in which work conditions are determined by day-to-day activities. In other words, this is a study of informal interactions among individuals in the workplace, focussing on two themes: job rotation, and toxic risks.
L'eau et l'expertise sanitaire dans la France du XIXe siècle : le rôle de l'Académie de médecine et des congrès internationaux d'hygiène
Authors: Goubert Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2010

Jean-Pierre Goubert: Water and public hygiène in 19 th century France. The role of the Academy of Medicine and international conférences on hygiene.

Unlike what most people think, the medical profession did not play in 19th century France a striking part in the improvement of the general sanitary conditions. Even after 1890, doctors only «got on the moving train», when those in government using Pasteurian works and other techniques that were achieved in the fîrst half of the 19th century decided to carry out a coherent policy for public hygiene and in the same time made up their mind to get the whole social body interested in public water, its conveyance and draining. Engineers, technicians and scientists - most of them not doctors - acted out for the State the role of experts in public health and helped to build the «hygienic master work» of the Third Republic. So in a country that was totally changing and where an organisation between experts in public health was sorely lacking, the French medical profession - apart from a few exceptions - lost the opportunity to deal with - unlike in other nearly countries- «the upstream of diseases».
Mariages en ville et malnutritions aiguës.
Authors: Gruénais Marc-Éric
Published: October 2010

Marc-Eric Gruénais : Mariages en ville et malnutritions aiguës.

Quels peuvent être les processus sociaux à l'origine des malnutritions graves ? Une étude conduite à Brazzaville et portant sur quelques enfants hospitalisés nous a permis d'établir une relation entre le statut matrimonial des jeunes mères et l'état nutritionnel de leur enfant. En ville, les conditions du fonctionnement de l'alliance peuvent aller à l'encontre des stratégies familiales. Des familles s'opposent parfois à la reconnaissance de l'union entre des jeunes parents, les isolent alors progressivement au point qu'ils ne sont plus en mesure de subvenir aux besoins de leur enfant. L'hospitalisation, en dernière alternative, est loin d'être perçue comme une solution, surtout en raison de ce que représente sa fréquentation pour les Brazzavillois.