Effects of Bridge Functions on Radial Distribution Functions of Liquid Water

In this report the radial distribution functions (RDFs) of liquid water are calculated on the basis of the classical density functional theory combined with the reference interaction site model for molecular liquids. The bridge functions, which are neglected in the hypernetted-chain (HNC) approximation, are taken into account through the density expansion for the Helmholtz free energy functional up to the third order. A factorization approximation to the ternary direct correlation functions in terms of the site-site pair correlation functions is then employed in the expression of the bridge functions, thus leading to a closed set of integral equations for the determination of the RDFs. It is confirmed through numerical calculations that incorporation of the oxygen-oxygen bridge function substantially improves the poor descriptions by the HNC approximation at room temperature, e.g., for the second peak of the oxygen-oxygen RDF.Comment: 2 figures, Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences (2014

Comparing reverse complementary genomic words based on their distance distributions and frequencies

In this work we study reverse complementary genomic word pairs in the human DNA, by comparing both the distance distribution and the frequency of a word to those of its reverse complement. Several measures of dissimilarity between distance distributions are considered, and it is found that the peak dissimilarity works best in this setting. We report the existence of reverse complementary word pairs with very dissimilar distance distributions, as well as word pairs with very similar distance distributions even when both distributions are irregular and contain strong peaks. The association between distribution dissimilarity and frequency discrepancy is explored also, and it is speculated that symmetric pairs combining low and high values of each measure may uncover features of interest. Taken together, our results suggest that some asymmetries in the human genome go far beyond Chargaff's rules. This study uses both the complete human genome and its repeat-masked version.Comment: Post-print of a paper accepted to publication in "Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences" (ISSN: 1913-2751, ESSN: 1867-1462

Ante Šiljeg, PhD in Interdisciplinary Sciences

Ante Šiljeg obranio je 20. lipnja 2013. na Prirodoslovno-matematičkom fakultetu Sveučilišta u Zagrebu doktorsku disertaciju Digitalni model reljefa u analizi geomorfometrijskih parametara - primjer PP Vransko jezero (mentorica doc. dr. sc. Sanja Lozić) i time stekao akademski stupanj doktora znanosti, u području interdisciplinarnih znanosti, polje geografija, grana primijenjena geografija. Doktorska disertacija obranjena je pred povjerenstvom u sastavu dr. sc. Mladen Pahernik, naslovni docent, dr. sc. Danijel Orešić, izv. prof. i dr. sc. Aleksandar Toskić, izv. prof. Povjerenstvo za ocjenu doktorske disertacije bilo je u istom sastavu.Ante Šiljeg defended his doctoral thesis The Digital Relief Model in Analysis of Geomorphometric Parameters – Example of PP Vrana Lake at Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb on June 20th, 2013 (supervisor Sanja Lozić, PhD, assistant professor) and received a PhD degree in the field of interdisciplinary science, field of geography, branch of applied geography. Doctoral thesis was defended in front of committee composed of Mladen Pahernik, PhD, assistant professor, Danijel Orešić, PhD, associate professor and Aleksandar Toskić, PhD, associate professor. Commitee for disertation review was in the same composition

Data Descriptors: Providing the necessary information to make data open, discoverable and reusable.

Data need to be more than just available, they need to be discoverable and understandable. Iain Hrynaszkiewicz introduces Nature’s new published data paper format, a Data Descriptor. Peer-review and curation of these data papers will facilitate open access to knowledge and interdisciplinary research, pushing the boundaries of discovery. Some of the most tangible benefits of open data stem from social and interdisciplinary sciences as these fields require effective cross-disciplinary communication

Education for sustainable development and meat consumption among inhabitants of two Maltese districts - a qualitative study

Malta and Gozo, two small islands forming part of the Maltese archipelago, are so near yet so distinct. As the two islands possess differing geographical features, two districts were selected – the predominantly urban Northern Harbour District (NHD) in Malta and the fertile rural district of Gozo – the main aim being to determine whether there is a relation between the inhabitants’ geographical location, the extent of meat consumption and the possible links of education for sustainable development to a sustainable diet. In fact, global patterns of meat consumption differ between and within countries. In view of this, the role played by the geographical location together with other motivating factors affecting meat consumption were explored, as also the level of awareness related to the environmental impact of meat production. Awareness on how our dietary choices impact our health and the environment is vital and the key vehicle required for citizens to be informed is Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The qualitative data was collected through four focus groups – two for each district – with the data collected being mainly analysed through thematic analysis. Based on the results emerging from the transcribed focus group texts, this study reveals that the absolute majority of participants in both districts are meat eaters although their meat consumption patterns differ. Gozitans are still more inclined to adhere to the traditional way of life, conforming to religious practices by including a variety of non-meat local produce in their menus. While taste and health are the two most determining factors for consuming meat, chicken is the preferred meat of both districts. The absolute majority are unaware of the negative environmental impact of meat production and consumption, although Gozitans are more knowledgeable about current farming systems. This study therefore reveals that geographical location does have an influential role in the dietary patterns of its inhabitants and that environmental attitudes are not a strong deciding factor. This study continues to uphold the vision that culture should be considered as one of the main pillars of ESD.peer-reviewe

Book Review: Crossing the Borders: Essays in Honour of Francis X. D\u27Sa on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday

A review of Crossing the Borders: Essays in Honour of Francis X. D\u27Sa on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday edited by Anand Amaladass and Rosario Rocha