Showing papers by "University of Malaya published in 1968"

Defining the Rural-Urban Fringe

Abstract: This study is concerned with the rural-urban fringe as a complex transition zone on the periphery of growing urban areas in Western countries. Case studies of the fringe and related areas are reviewed, and a definition of the rural-urban fringe is suggested. Further, the urban fringe is differentiated from the rural fringe, the former constituting the subzone of most rapid exurban invasion. Hypotheses are postulated regarding the residents, accessibility, and land and dwellings in the fringe, and suggestions for future studies are outlined in the conclusion. T L. Smith's discussion of the "urbanl fringe" around Louisiana in 1937 marked the first use of this term signifying "the built-up area just outside the corporate limits of the city."' As a landscape phenomenon, the fringe varies from city to city, and from one time to another. Around several cities in the Netherlands a fringe is barely recognizable; Paris is somewhat similar to the U.S.A. in the intermingling and scatter of land use, but there is a closer dependence on public transport; London is different again, because of its Green Belt, * The financial assistance and research supervision provided in the Department of Geography, University of Melbourne, are gratefully acknowledged by the author. 1 T. L. Smith, "The Population of Louisiana: Its Composition and Changes," Loulisiana Butlletini, 293 (November 1937). This content downloaded from 157.55.39.10 on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 05:31:49 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms THE RURAL-URBAN FRINGE 203 although there is some scattering of land use, and some villages are located within this belt. In general, Dickinson concludes that the modern European city "exhibits the same tendency to extend and explode" as the North American metropolis, "but not nearly to the same degree."2 Conversely, some American writers now question whether the urban fringe problern is disappearing, because "laws permit more cities to supervise zoning within a certain distance of their borders."3 Two features characterize the literature on urban fringe over the past 30 years: 1. The general absence of explicit references to the subject outside North America, although there have been studies, for example, in Sydney,4 Adelaide,5 Melbourne,6 and in London7 and Johannesburg.8 The relatively integral urban nature (rather than nonoccurrence) of the fringe around European cities emerges from Wissink's comparison of that continent with the American urban scene.9 2. The confusion of terminiology and lack of clear delineation in case studies. The problem of evaluating and comparing cases is increased by (1) their range in time, as prevailing economic conditions influence the rate of growth and internal characteristics of the fringe; (2) the range in size of the urban center, from a small village to a metropolis or Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, each with inherent differences in its fringe, according to the rate of growth, functions, and hierarchical relationship of the central place; (3) the variation in type and degree of zoning control of urban invasion beyond a city's corporate limits, so that London's modified Green Belt results in a very different form of guided "overspill" to Eugene-Springfield's "uncontrolled population expansion" ;10 (4) the differing social, economic and political contexts of the studies from different countries; ancd (5) the differing aims and interests of various research \vorkers. A REVIEW OF RELATED TERMS Because of this diversity, a number of attempts have been made to clarify concepts, and to differentiate between commonly used terms. After reviewing some ten definitions, Kurtz and Eicher1 differentiate between "fringe" and "suburb"; Wissink12 defines 'fringe," "suburbs," "pseudo-suburbs," "satellites" and "pseudo-satellites"; Schnore13 distinguishes between "satellites" and "suburbs"; and a number of writers have described different types of suburbs, some of which could be synonomous with the "fringe" of anotlher research worker. Martin discusses satellite rural areas.14 Areal differentiations have also been made, clualitatively, within the fringe: the "urban 2 R. E. Dickinson, The City Region in Western Etrope (London: Routledge Paperback, 1967). 3 E.g., R. E. Murphy, The Amterican City: An Urban Geography (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1966). 4 N. R. Wills, "The Rural-Urban Fringe: Some Agricultural Characteristics with Specific Reference to Sydney," Australian Geographer, 5 (1945), pp. 29-35; and R. Golledge, "Sydney's Metropolitan Fringe: A Study in Urban-Rural Relations," Australian Geographer, 7 (1959), p. 243 ff. 5 D. L. Smith, "Market Gardening at Adelaide's Urban Fringe," Economtic Geography, 42 (1966), p. 19 ff. 6 R. J. Johnston, "The Population Characteristics of the Urban Fringe: A Review and Example," Atustralian and New Zealand Journal of Sociology, 2 (1966), pp. 79-93. 7 R. E. Pahl, Urbs in Rure: The Mlfetropolitan Frintge in Hertfordshire (London: London School of Economics and Political Science, Geographical Papers No. 2, 1965). 8 G. H. T. Hart and T. C. Partridge, "Factors in the Development of the Urban Fringe North-West of Johannesburg," South African Geographical Journal, 48 (1966), pp. 32-44. 9 G. A. Wissink, Anmerican Cities in Perspective: With Special Reference to the Development of Their Fringe Areas, Sociaal Geografische Studies, Hoogleraar aan de Rijksuniversiteit te Utrecht, Nr. 5 (Assen, Netherlands: Royal Van Gorcum, 1962). 10 W. T. Martin, The Rural-Urban Fringe: A Study of Adjustmnent to Residence Location (Eugene: University of Oregon Studies in Sociology, No. 1, 1953). 11 R. A. Kurtz and J. B. Eicher, "Fringe and Suburbs: A Confusion of Concepts," Social Forces, 37 (October 1958), pp. 32-37. 12Wissink, op. cit. 13 Leo F. Schnore, "Satellites and Suburbs," Social Forces, 36 (December 1957), pp. 121-127. 14 W. T. Martin, "Ecological Change in Satellite Rural Areas," American Sociological Reviezo, 22 (April 1957), pp. 173-183. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.10 on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 05:31:49 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

RNA and protein metabolism in the particulate fractions of the gametophytes of bracken fern during growth in red and blue light.

Abstract: The metabolism of RNA and protein in the gametophytes of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is affected by the quality of light in which they are grown. When sporelings were grown as two-dimensional gametophytes in blue light, particulate fractions separated from the sporelings exhibited greater incorporation of uridine-3H and leucine-3H into RNA and protein, respectively, than those from sporelings grown as one-dimensional protonema in red light. After various periods of exposure of gametophytes to red or blue light in the presence of uridine-3H, the nuclei-rich fraction showed the highest specific activity in RNA, and irrespective of incubation time, blue light was more effective than red light. The possibility that enhanced synthesis of RNA in the nucleus in response to blue light is significantly related to the morphological growth pattern of the gametophytes, is discussed.

Karyotype of Four Malayan Rats (Muridae, Genus Rattus Fischer)

Abstract: A great deal of information concerning the Malayan rats (Muridae, genus Rattus Fischer) exists in the literature. However there is no report on the karyotype of these rats. Karyotype information of wild rats in other parts of the world exists, but is scanty. Makino (1942, 1943, 1949b, 1952c) studied six species of Rattus found in Japan. Most other studies have been confined to Rattus norvegicus albino (Tanaka 1953, Makino and Hsu 1954). The techniques employed in the earlier studies were not sufficiently refined to permit critical analysis. A more recent paper is that of Tanaka and Kano (1957) on R. norvegicus albino. The present paper deals with four species of Malayan rats. They are Rattus bowersii Anderson, R. muelleri Jentink, R. edwardsi Thomas, and R. sabanus Thomas. According to Chasen (1940) as modified by Ellerman and Morrison-Scott (1956), the Malayan mainland forms for these species are R. b. ferreocanus Miller, R. m. validus Miller, R. e. ciliatus Bonhote, and R. s. vociferans Miller.

Ribonucleic Acid and Protein Changes in the Subcellular Components of the Gametophytes of Pteridium aquilinum during Growth in Red and Blue Light

Abstract: The distribution of RNA and protein in the gametophytes of bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum is affected by the quality of light in which they are grown. Two-dimensional gametophytes growing in blue light have a greater amount of RNA and protein than one-dimensional protonema growing in red light. Fractions rich in nuclei, chloroplasts, mitochondria, ribosomes and soluble supernatants obtained from blue-light grown gametophytes by differential centrifugation contain greater amounts of RNA and protein than corresponding fractions of red-light grown plants. Differences in RNA and protein content are detected in some of the fractions within 24 hours after start of the treatment.

Ergodic and ratio limit theorems for α-recurrent semi-Markov processes

Abstract: This paper applies renewal theoretic arguments and an elementary lemma on the transforms of convolutions to prove solidarity and limit theorems for semi-Markov processes.

Stream Net Ratios in West Malaysia

Abstract: Stream net ratios for a sample of third- and fourth-order West Malaysian drainage basins are determined by stereoscopic methods. Bifurcation ratio is shown to take values similar to those published for a wide range of natural environments. Departures from the laws of drainage composition as defined by Horton and Schumm are studied by means of the within-basin ratio values. The standard deviation of the within-basin ratio values is taken as an index of the magnitude of departure, while the relationship of the within-basin ratios to order gives an indication of the type of departure. Two physical causes, stream rejuvenation and approach to cyclic old age, are advanced to explain some of the observed ratio variability. Stream rejuvenation causes systematic changes in bifurcation ratio as related to order. Within-basin standard deviations for cumulative length, area, and cumulative slope ratios increase significantly when basin relief is reduced below about 200 feet. The increasing influence of base level as basin relief approaches zero thus causes departures from the laws of stream length, slope, and basin area.

Generalization of Hölder's and Minkowski's inequalities

Abstract: In a recent paper (1) the authors considered some generalizations of Cauchy's inequality. The method of approach was by the construction of certain convex functions (where by a convex function we mean a function f(x) satisfyingfor every pair of unequal values x1 and x2). For example, it was shown that if (a), (b) are the sets of non-negative real numbers a1, …,an; bl, …, bn, the functionwhich had been used earlier by Callebaut(2), is a convex function with minimum at x = 0, except if the sets (a) and (b) are proportional, in which case the function is a constant. This function takes the value (σab)2 when x = 0 and (σa2) (Σb2) when x = 1, and the property of convexity gives Cauchy's inequality.

A new phytochemical survey of Malaya. II. Chemical screening.

Abstract: Reported here (Table II) are the results of screening of Malayan plants from 82 families, representing 169 genera and 226 species, for presence of alkaloids, saponins, and steroids and triterpenes. Results of ensuing detailed chemical investigations on some plants are summarized (Table I), and the potentials of others discussed.

Dating Tectonism in the Indosinian–Thai–Malayan Orogen by Thermoluminescence

Abstract: The thermoluminescence “ages” of a large and representative selection of limestone specimens from the Thai-Malayan geosyncline, ranging in stratigraphic age from Ordovician to Triassic, are related, not to stratigraphic age, but to tectonic and magmatic events in the Mesozoic Indosinian-Thai-Malayan orogeny. It is deduced that the revolutionary phase of the orogeny extended from early Triassic to early Cretaceous; folding of the geosynclinal sediments and accompanying recrystallization of the limestones terminated in late Jurassic, but granitic activity extended to early Cretaceous. A post-orogenic phase of granitic intrusion, accompanied by secondary calcite veining of the limestones, occurred in early Tertiary and appears to be confined to a narrow zone along the western margins of the Main Range batholith. The thermoluminescence “ages” indicate that the revolutionary phase of the orogeny extended over a period of approximately 150 million years, which is in agreement with the radiometric ages of Malayan orogenic granites.

Fluctuations in the reproductive condition of Cassidula auris‐felis, a Malayan mangrove ellobiid snail (Pulmonata: Gastropoda)

Abstract: Cassidula auris-felis Brug, occurs abundantly on flat, mangrove mud on the west coast of Malaya at a level within three feet of the highest spring tides. Ovotestesof only very few snails lacked developing male gametes but oocytes were often very uncommon, becoming abundant at irregular intervals. Abundant oocytes were found in large proportions of the population after periods of more than eight days without tidal wetting. Abundant oocytes were not found after periods when the mud was left exposed for periods of seven days or less. Statistically, proportions of “predominantly female” snails are shown to be correlated with the number of days without tidal wetting in a complete period of continuous exposure prior to collection. In addition, rather more snails bore abundant oocytes in the lunar “weeks” following new and full moon than in “weeks” following half moons. Conditions leading to abundant oocytes also appear to promote copulation in adults and commencement of gametogenesis in young snails.

Note on radiometric age determination of samples of peat and wood from tin-bearing Quaternary deposits at Sungei Besi tin mines, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Carbon-14 dating, probable Pleistocene age of tin-bearing alluvium, evidence consistent with formation of deposits during stream rejuvenation associated with lowered sea level in glacial periods

Cytological studies of plasma albumin in the rat liver.

Abstract: The presence of albumin in the parenchymal cells of the rat liver is demonstrated using the fluorescent antibody method. It is evident that there is no immunological difference between liver and blood albumin. The liver section is not uniformly stained by the fluorescent antibody and this may be due to the uneven distribution of albumin in the liver. A small percentage of the parenchymal cells presumably containing albumin are markedly fluorescent. The nuclei of these cells are not fluorescent implying the absence of albumin and this is consistent with the fact that nuclei are not involved in synthesis of albumin. The scattered distribution of brightly fluorescent cells confirms earlier observations that all parenchymal cells are not functionally alike, although they appear homogenous histologically.

Isolation from the Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland of a Protein Specifically but Loosely Binding Oxytocin and Vasopressin

Abstract: It is indeed a pleasure to write, in response to the invitation of Dr Blaschko, a brief background account of early work on the protein which is an important constituent of the posterior lobe of the pituitary. My special interest in this complex gland is a debt, contracted more than 40 years ago, to Paul Trendelenburg, in whose active laboratory in Freiburg i. B. I investigated the distribution of oxytocic, vasopressor and antidiuretic activities in the neurohypophysis of the ox (van Dyke 1926). Subsequent research dealt with various aspects of the biochemistry and physiology of the principal divisions of the pituitary: the pars glandularis, the pars intermedia and the pars neuralis while I worked as a pharmacologist in the University of Chicago, in the Peking Union Medical College, in the Squibb Institute for Medical Research and in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.

The bionomics and control of Argyrostagma niobe (Weym.) and Dasychira georgiana Fawc. (Lep., Lymantriidae) On black wattle in kenya

Abstract: Argyrostagma niobe (Weym.) suddently appeared as a defoliator of wattle in 1955 in the Turbo area of Eldoret District, Kenya, and spread in this area and outbreaks also developed in two other isolated areas, at Sotik and on the Mimosa-Nandi Border. Study of the life-cycle, of which the various stages are described, revealed a number of causes of mortality of which the initially most promising for control were parasites and a predatory Pentatomid, Glypsus conspicuus (Westw.). None of these, however, increased greatly above their first recorded level of incidence and the population of A. niobe was eventually controlled by a naturally-occurring nuclear polyhedrosis. This disease was found to be transmissible in the laboratory by allowing larvae to feed on foliage sprayed with suspensions of polyhedŕa whilst an indication that this could also be done in the field was obtained in one experiment. Chamical control presented a number of difficulties, the chief arising from insufficient dispersion of the spray through the canopy of tall trees and the failure of small droplets finally adopted consisted of an application of endrin applied at a rate of 2–4 oz. active ingredient per acre in 2 gall. diesolene. This was satisfactory when applied to yonug trees through a Micron sprayer, and to trees of all heights by aerial boom sprayers. This mathod of control is only suitable where complete elimination of a population is necessary, such as in a new outbreak area, as the costs are too high to permit frequent applications. Dasychira georgiana Fawc. was recorded in small numbers at about the same time that A. niobe was first recorded, but the population did not build up to serious proportions. Its life cycle, of which the various stages are described, was broadly similar to that of A. niobe but natural agents of control, chiefly the pupal parasite Compsophorus fumosus (Morl.) (Ichneumonidae), were usually effective in keeping the population in check. The reason for the success of this parasite, as compared with those of A. niobe , is not known. The larvae were successfully controlled with the same endrin spray as was used for A. niobe .

Materials for a monograph of Freycinetia (Pandanaceae) III. Freycinetia corneri, a new species from Malaya

Abstract: Freycinetia corneri, of Singapore and the SE part of Johore, Malaysia (Malayan Peninsula), is proposed as new.