bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAMARA FACTORY-KITCHEN by ARCHITECT E.N.MAXIMOVA
Authors: ISAKOV A. S
Published: April 2015

In the article social transformation of soviet familys everysay life in 1920-30s and history of buildings projecting with typology factory-kitchen are considered. It says about the restoration and the search of biographic materials about the author of the factory-kitchen project in Samara E.N. Maximova. The article is writing aboutMaximova biography and the features of architecture planning organization.
CITY AS AN OBJECT OF ARCHITECTURAL pHOTORGApHY IN THE ХХth CENTURY
Authors: ISLEEVA S. Ya
Published: April 2015

In the article the progression of architectural photographys development in urban environments genre context as a commerce-free art creating friendly conditions for aesthetic value of architecture and space in the city in XXth century is viewed.
Invasive plant distributions recapitulate patterns found in native plant assemblages in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Mavrodiev Evgeny V. , Gomez Juan Pablo , Laktionov Alexey P. , Robinson Scott K.
Published: April 2015

Diverse alien and native floras of the same region provide a good opportunity to test the influence of environmental variables in structuring of plant assemblages because both can be considered as a replicates of the assembly process under identical conditions but with different dispersal capabilities. We performed this test within 11 floristically diverse areas forming the strictly defined Valley of River Volga (SE Russia), for the first time treating native and non‐native floras as independent replicates of the assembly process. We used a popular biogeographical method, parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) to estimate both non‐random components and the relationships of plant assemblages. We compared patterns of relationships obtained among plant assemblages based on (1) over 1000 presumably native, and (2) over 250 presumably non‐native species of the same assemblage and found that the PAE cladograms based on (1) presumably native and (2) presumably non‐native species of the same assemblage were topologically identical. The obtained patterns of relationships among plant assemblages were almost fully congruent with the climatic variables. The assembly processes of native and alien assemblages occurred in strikingly similar ways and therefore are not random. Climate and soil, but not dispersal limitation explained better the relationships among plant assemblages.
Osteocytic Sclerostin Expression in Alveolar Bone in Rats With Diabetes Mellitus and Ligature‐Induced Periodontitis
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hye , Lee Dong‐Eun , Woo Gye‐Hyeong , Cha Jeong‐Heon , Bak Eun‐Jung , Yoo Yun‐Jung
Published: April 2015

Background: Osteocytic sclerostin inhibits bone formation, and its expression is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. This study investigates sclerostin and TNF‐α expression in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis.

Methods: Rats were divided into control (C), periodontitis (P), and DM + periodontitis (DP) groups. After induction of DM by streptozotocin, periodontitis was induced by ligature. At day 0 (control) and at days 3 and 20 after induction of periodontitis, alveolar bone, osteoclasts, osteoid area, and TNF‐α and sclerostin expression were evaluated.

Results: The distance between the cemento‐enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest of the DP group was longer than that of the P group at day 20 after induction of periodontitis, but the number of osteoclasts was not different. Osteoid area decreased in both the P and DP groups by day 3, but whereas sustained osteoid suppression was observed in the DP group at day 20, osteoid formation was increased in the P group. The number of sclerostin‐positive osteocytes increased in both groups at day 3, but the increased number of sclerostin‐positive osteocytes was maintained only in the DP group through day 20. The number of TNF‐α–positive cells increased more in the DP group than in the P group.

Conclusions: Enhanced alveolar bone loss, suppressed bone formation, and prevalent TNF‐α expression were characteristic of the DP group compared with the P group. Suppressed bone formation in the DP group was observed simultaneously with increased sclerostin and TNF‐α expression. These results suggest that upregulated osteocytic sclerostin expression in periodontitis accompanied by DM may play a role in suppressed bone formation.
Electrochemical Degradation of Rhodamine B over Ti/SnO2‐Sb Electrode
Authors: Maharana Dusmant , Niu Junfeng , Gao Ding , Xu Zesheng , Shi Jianghong
Published: April 2015

Electrochemical degradation of rhodamine B (C28H31ClN2O3) over Ti/SnO2‐Sb anode was investigated in a rectangular cell. The degradation reaction follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The degradation efficiency of rhodamine B attained >90.0% after 20 minutes of electrolysis at initial concentrations of 5 to 200 mg/L at a constant current density of 20 mA/cm2 with a 10 mmol/L Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte solution. Rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) removal ratio achieved 99.9 and 86.7%, respectively, at the optimal conditions after 30 minutes of electrolysis. The results showed that the energy efficiency of rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation at the optimal current densities from 2 to 30 mA/cm2 were 23.2 to 84.6 Wh/L, whereas the electrolysis time for 90% degradation of rhodamine B with Ti/SnO2‐Sb anode was 36.6 and 7.3 minutes, respectively. The electrochemical method can be an advisable option for the treatment of dyes such as rhodamine B in wastewater.
On the variation of the Randic index with given girth and leaves
Authors: Liu Jianxi
Published: April 2015

The variation of Randic index R'(G) of a graph G is defined by R'(G) = ?uv 1/
max{du,dv}, where du is the degree of a vertex u in G and the summation
extends over all edges uv of G. In this work, we characterize the extremal
trees achieving the minimum value of R0 for trees with given number of
vertices and leaves. Furthermore, we characterize the extremal graphs
achieving the minimum value of R' for connected graphs with given number of
vertices and girth.
On modified α-Φ-asymmetric Meir-Keeler contractive mappings
Authors: Salimi P. , Hussain N. , Roldan A. , Karapınar E.
Published: April 2015

Samet et al. [Nonlinear Anal. 75:2154-2165, 2012] introduced and studied
?-?-contractive mappings. More recently Salimi, et al. [Fixed Point Theory
Appl., 2013:151] modified the notion of ?-?-contractive mappings and improved
the fixed point theorems in [20, 32]. Here we utilize these notions to
establish fixed point results for modified ?-?-asymmetric Meir-Keeler
contractions and triangular ?-admissible mappings defined on G-metric and
cone G-metric spaces. Several interesting consequences of our theorems are
also provided here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.
On certain class of meromorphically multivalent reciprocal starlike functions associated with the Liu-Srivastava operator defined by subordination
Authors: Ma Li-Na , Li Shu-Hai
Published: April 2015

In the paper, we introduce the class of meromorphically p-valent reciprocal
starlike functions associated with the Liu-Srivastava operator defined by
subordination. Some sufficient conditions for functions belonging to this
class are derived. The results presented here improve and generalize some
known results.
Optimization of activation temperature on the preparation of sliced porous activated carbon from date fronds by physical activation
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Al-Swaidan Hassan
Published: April 2015

Saudi Arabia is the major date producer in the world. In order to get the
maximum production from date tree there is a need to prune the trees on
annual basis and is considered as a serious environmental threat. The single
step procedure for the synthesis of porous activated carbon (AC) from Saudi
date tree fronds using mixture of gases (N2 and CO2) was carried out at
different carbonization/activation temperatures staring from 700?C to 1000?C
at a ramp rate of 10 degree per minute. Alloy 330 horizontal reactor was used
in tube furnace. Flow rate of N2 and CO2 gases were kept at 150 and 50ml/min
respectively. Results reveal that at 850oC larger surface area was achieved
and can offer higher potential to produce activated carbon of greater
adsorption capacity from date fronds waste. The BET surface areas of the
activated carbons prepared at 850?C after 30 minutes activation time are 1094
m2/g.
MicroRNAs are central to osteogenesis: a review with a focus on cardiovascular calcification
Authors: Coffey Sean , Jones Gregory T
Published: April 2015

Cardiovascular calcification, manifested by coronary artery calcification and aortic valve stenosis, is a widespread condition that is becoming more common with the aging of the general population. No disease-modifying therapies currently exist for any forms of cardiovascular calcification. A number of similarities exist between pathological calcification in cardiovascular tissue and physiological calcification in bone, termed osteogenesis. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that have been shown to have multiple effects throughout the cardiovascular system. In this review, we discuss the pre-clinical evidence supporting a role for microRNAs in osteogenesis, with a focus on cardiovascular calcification. The microRNAs with most evidence implicating them in the disease process are the miR-17~92 cluster, miR-23a/27a/24-2 family, miR-26a, miR-29b, the miR-30 family, miR-31, miR-125b, miR-133a, miR-143/145, miR-155, and miR-221/222. We also highlight the limitations of current evidence in this field, such as the lack of studies using high-throughput technologies.
Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching, Standards-Based Mathematics Teaching Practices, and Student Achievement in the Context of the Responsive Classroom Approach
Authors: Ottmar Erin R. , Rimm-Kaufman Sara E. , Larsen Ross A. , Berry Robert Q.
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Responsive Classroom ( RC) approach, a social and emotional learning intervention, on changing the relations between mathematics teacher and classroom inputs (mathematical knowledge for teaching [MKT] and standards-based mathematics teaching practices) and student mathematics achievement. Work was conducted in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Participants were 88 third-grade teachers and their 1,533 students. A multigroup path analysis accounting for fidelity of implementation revealed no direct or indirect effects linking MKT to student achievement in the RC or control condition. The same analysis revealed different findings for the RC versus control teachers. In the RC group only: (a) Teachers trained in RC who used more RC practices showed higher use of standards-based mathematics teaching practices, and (b) higher use of standards-based mathematics teaching practices related to greater improvements in math achievement. No comparable findings were evident in the control condition. Results demonstrate the importance of building social and emotional capacity in teachers by helping create a supportive classroom that helps teachers provide stronger mathematics teaching practices that lead to improved student learning.
Experimental investigation of the phase equilibria in the Co–Fe–Ti ternary system
Authors: Yuan Chaohui , Chen Chong , Peng Yingbiao , Lu Xingxu , Du Yong , Li Kun
Published: April 2015

Phase equilibria in the Co–Fe–Ti ternary system were investigated by means of the equilibrated alloy method with X-ray powder diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. No ternary compounds were found. The experimental results indicated the existence of seven two-phase and one three-phase regions at 600°C, five two-phase and two three-phase regions at 800°C, and six two-phase and two three-phase regions at 950°C. The solubility of Co in TiFe2 was determined to be larger than 54 at.% at all investigated temperatures, and the solubilities of Fe in TiCo3 and Ti2Co showed an appreciable increase with increasing temperature. The three-phase equilibrium in the Ti-rich corner at 800°C was revealed to be ((β-Ti) + Ti(Fe, Co) + Ti2Co) rather than ((α-Ti) + Ti(Fe, Co) + Ti2Co) reported in previous investigations. Based on the experimental data obtained in the present work, three isothermal sections at 600, 800 and 950°C were established.
Response of systemic PUVA in vitiligo - experience with 25 cases in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka
Authors: Karim ATM Rezaul , Khan Md Abdul Latif , Hasan Md Sayeed , Ahmed Moyassaque , Khan Shirajul Islam , Al Azad Md Abdus Samad , Sadeque Shayesta Parvin
Published: April 2015

Introduction: It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear in the skin in different parts of the body. Objective: The objective of this study is to see the efficacy of systemic PUVA in the treatment of vitiligo patient. Methods: This is an prospective longitudinal interventional study, carried out in the depigmented area was assessed according to the department of Dermatology and Venereology, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka in between the duration of April 2010 to March 2011. Total 25 vitiligo patients based on inclusion criteria like patient with vitiligo affecting more than 5% body surface area, patient having ivory- white fluorescence on Woods lamp, patient who was above 15 years of age, patient who had given written consent, patient was not taken any previous treatment etc. Results: This study showed the therapeutic response of study group after 04 weeks of therapy, 05 (20%) patients responsed Fair, 15 (60%) patients responsed Poor and no responsed by 05 (20%) patients. Therapeutic response of study group after 08 weeks of therapy showed that 15 (60%) patients responsed Fair and 10 (40%) patients responsed Poor. It was observed after 12 weeks of therapy that 13 (52%) patients responsed Poor followed by 10 (40%) patients responsed Fair and 02 (08%) patients responsed well. 29 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 Therapeutic response of study group after 16 weeks of therapy was 15 (60%) patients responsed Fair, followed by 06 (24%) patients responsed Poor and 04 (16%) patients responsed Good. It was showed that after 20 weeks of therapy 13 (52%) patients responsed Fair, followed by 08 (32%) patients responsed Good, 03 (12%) patients responsed Poor and 01 (04%) patients responsed Excellent. It was observed that after 24 weeks of therapy 12 (48%) patients responsed Good, followed by 08 (32%) patients responsed Fair, 03 (12%) patients responsed Poor and 02 (08%) patients responsed Excellent. Conclusion: Systemic PUVA for the repigmentation of vitiligo seems to be effective. Study needs large number of patients for longer period of duration for confirmation of results. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22900 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Maternal and perinatal outcome in postdated pregnancy: a study of 100 cases in Bangladesh armed forces
Authors: Akhter Salina
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Any pregnancy which has passed beyond the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) is called postdated pregnancy or prolonged pregnancy. But when pregnancy has prolonged beyond 42 weeks are called postmaturity or post term pregnancy. Incidence of prolonged pregnancy is 3-14 % of all gestations. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the foetal and maternal outcome and complications in patients presenting with postdated pregnancy in Combined Military Hospital of Bangladesh Armed Forces. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for one year at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. During this period total 100 cases were studied. Cases were selected randomly. Here postdatism was applied to any pregnancy which exceeded the EDD and it also included postmaturity which is pregnancy extending beyond 42 completed weeks. A preformed proforma was used to collect data which were analyzed later on. Results: Amongst 1853 cases of labour patients, 273 cases were postdated pregnancy and 169 cases postmaturity. The incidence of postdated pregnancy in this series was 15% and postmaturity was 9.14%. 93% patients had regular antenatal checkup. 82% patients were presented not in labour situation. 60% cases were NVD and 40% cases LUCS was done. No craniotomy or forceps was required. There was no maternal death. But there were two Intra Uterine Deaths (IUD) and one neonatal death due to umbilical sepsis. 39 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 Conclusion: Any pregnancy that goes beyond 41 weeks of confirmed gestational age foetal well-being must be assessed. Proper management is a pre-requisite to reduce the rate of perinatal mortality and morbidity in this group of patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22903 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Comparison of efficacy and safety between Tacrolimus and Hydrocortisone acetate in 2-5 years old children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yazdi Quazi Salim , Huda Md Shamsul , Khan Abdul Latif , Hasan Md Sayeed , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rosie Tawhida Nawazesh
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus as its hallmark symptom. It often follows a chronic, relapsing course. Objectives: This comparative study was done with an aim to find out the efficacy of Tacrolimus and Hydrocortisone acetate in 2-5 year old children with Atopic dermatitis. Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on two equal groups of 60 patients. Group A was treated with topical tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) and group B with hydrocortisone acetate ointment (1%). Follow up was done at week 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 of treatment for assessment of improvement and adverse event, which was measured by overall clinical improvement in the physician's global evaluation of clinical response. Data was collected in a predesigned data collection sheet, and analysis was performed by SPSS program (Version 12). Results: Excellent, marked and moderate improvement were observed in 19 (63.3%), 9 (30.0%), and 2(6.7%) patients of tacrolimus group and 1(3.3%), 2(6.7%) and 27(90.0%) patients of hydrocortisone group respectively. Tacrolimus group had significantly better improvement than hydrocortisone group (p<0.001). Skins burning at application site were observed significantly more in tacrolimus group 8(26.7%) than in hydrocortisone group 2 (6.7%). 53 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 Conclusion: The study showed tacrolimus ointment is more effective than hydrocortisone acetate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in paediatric patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22924 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Pattern of fatal injury in fall from height cases- a medicolegal study
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Farial Naima , Al-Azad Md Abdus Samad , Majumder Md Rakib Uddin , Chowdhury Md Habibuzzaman
Published: April 2015

Introduction: In occupational settings, the most common type of fatal accident is fall from a height. The skull, brain, spinal cord and extremities are the most commonly injured systems. Falls from more than 20 feet have historically been triaged to trauma centers but even low-level falls can cause serious head injuries and death. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out the pattern of injuries and related medico-legal issues among the victims of fall from height. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among the victims of fall from height at Dhaka Medical College morgue during the period of January to December 2008.Various data were collected from inquest reports submitted by the investigating officers. Specific points regarding injuries were noted during autopsy examinations. Results: A total 2714 autopsies were performed during the study period out of which 93(3.43%) were cases of fall from height. Among them 66(70.97%) were male and 27(29.03%) victims were female. Most of the victims 23(24.73%) were day labourer/ construction workers. Minimum level of height of fall was from 2nd floor 7(7.52%) and maximum number of victim have fallen from 5th to 10th floor 47(50.53%). Considering timing, highest incidents occurred during day time 57(61.29%). Ages of maximum victims were between 21-30 years 34(36.56%). All the victims had multiple abrasions and bruises in their body, followed by laceration 74(79.56%), fracture of skull 57(61.29%) 80 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 intra cranial haemorrrhage 85(91.40%), injury to long bones of lower limbs 47(50.54%), injury to long bones of upper limbs 31(33.33%), injury to abdominal organs like liver, spleen, kidney 51(54.84%), fracture of pelvis 37(39.78%). In skull, linear fracture was the commonest one 48(51.61%), Temporal bone was the commonest bone to fracture 57(61.29%) and most of the victims 57(61.29%) had sub dural haemorrhage. Conclusion: Death due to fall from height is an unforeseen and unfortunate occurrence. Installation of window guard, modification of physical environment, maintenance of safety as per building construction code, parental counseling to children can reduce this economical burden and protect vulnerable groups of people of our country from this type of incidents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22930 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Antimicrobial potency assay of common antibiotics collected from different drug stores in Dhaka Metropolis
Authors: Modak Biswajit , Rahman Md Shahinur , Gazi Mohammad Shahid , Uddin Md Aftab , Rahman Tasmina
Published: April 2015

Antibiotic, known as the magic bullet, was developed to control the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Efficacy of an antibiotic depends on its target site on bacteria. The current public health issue is the emergence of resistant bacterial strains against these drugs. The present study was undertaken to perform the routine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of eight laboratory isolates (Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp.) against eleven different categories of antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Cephradine, Metronidazole, Cefuroxime, Cefixime, Levofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin and Flucloxacillin) available in local markets of Dhaka metropolis. Among these antibiotics, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Cefuroxime, Levofloxacin and Doxycycline showed the highest potency against these bacteria. On the contrary, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole showed almost no potency. Erythromycin, Cephradine and Flucloxacillin gave variable effectivity against the tested isolates. These findings reveal that measures for prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance are necessary in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22749 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 26-29
Detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from TB suspected diabetic patients by GeneXpert MTB/RIF method
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Dhar Tushar Kanti , Munshi Saurab Kishore
Published: April 2015

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become one of the major public health menace in the developing countries which have destructive consequences in immunocompromised patients. Rapid detection of such cases is indispensable to initiate the early and proper treatment of the infected individuals. Present study was conducted to determine the frequency of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the TB suspected diabetic patients employing GeneXpert MTB/RIF method. A total of 1311 sputum specimens were tested among which 154 (11.7%), 109 (8.3%) and 92 (7%) were found to carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneXpert, auramine O staining and Zeihl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining methods, consecutively. The relative positivity of the GeneXpert method was 40.3% and 29.2% higher than that of Z-N and auramine O staining methods. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of GeneXpert method were found to be higher when compared to these microscopic techniques. An estimation of 12.9% (n=132) of the positive cases was found among the diabetic patients (n=1027), whereas 7.7% (n=22) of the non-diabetic patients (n=284) showed positivity by GeneXpert method. Four (2.6%) among the MTB positive cases exhibited rifampicin resistance of which 3 were diabetic patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22754 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 9-12
Incidence of antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria in vegetable items sold by local and super shops in Dhaka city
Authors: Kabir Ahmed , Das Ashish Kumar , Kabir Md Shahidul
Published: April 2015

The present study was carried out to investigate the microbiological quality and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogenic bacteria isolated from vegetable samples. A total of 14 vegetable samples, 7 from local and 7 from super shops, were randomly collected from different locations of Dhaka city. Concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, faecal coliform, Pseudomonas spp., Listeria spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were enumerated from each sample by serial dilution and spread plate technique. Presence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Vibrio spp. were determined by enrichment and selective plating methods. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated bacteria were determined using Imipenem (10 ?g), Ceftriaxone (30 ?g), Sulphamethoxazole (25 ?g), Ampicillin (10 ?g), Gentamicin (10 ?g), Aztreonam (30 ?g), Cefuroxime (30 ?g) and Oxacillin (5 ?g) antibiotic discs. The local market vegetables showed higher proportions of E. coli (4/7, 57.14%) but the super shop vegetables showed higher proportions of Pseudomonas spp. (5/7, 71.42%) and Listeria spp. (5/7, 71.42%). Pathogenic bacteria isolated form the super shops showed increased resistance against (5/8, 62.5%) antibiotics tested against the pathogenic bacteria. Contamination of vegetables by a range of pathogenic bacteria in local and super market vegetables is a serious threat to public health if they are consumed raw or unprocessed. Higher antibiotic resistance in pathogens isolated form supermarket vegetables needs to be investigated in order to monitor and control spread of infections with drug resistant bacteria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22755 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 13-18
Assessment of microbiological quality of municipal supplied water within Dhaka Metropolis
Authors: Islam Rabeya , Majumder Ahmad Kamruzzaman , Sarker Md Monzer Hossain
Published: April 2015

Microbiological health risks related to water quality are persisting issues especially in the developing countries. Present study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological quality of municipal supply water of a defined region within Dhaka metropolis, Bangladesh. A total of 20 water samples were collected from 10 selected pump stations and 10 different consuming points to examine the burden of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Citrobactor spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. The study also included the evaluation of impacts due to the consumption of municipal water. The results revealed that the quality of municipal supplied water was not microbiologically safe for the consumers and also demonstrated the possible commencement of various diseases including diarrhoea, typhoid, dysentery and others. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22758 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 28-30
A model for prediction of microbial disease burden of water supply options in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed M Feroze
Published: April 2015

Infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens are most common and widespread health risks are associated with drinking water. This paper presents a model for prediction of disease burden for ingestion of microbial pathogens through drinking water in rural Bangladesh. The concentration of indicator organisms (Thermotolerant coliform or Escherichia coli) in cfu/100ml were taken as input in the model and estimated disease burden in ?DALYs with some relevant statistical parameters are obtained as output. The model has been found useful in quantifying relative disease burden of microbial pathogens, comparing safety of different water supply options and delineating the interventions needed to reduce disease burden from drinking water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22759 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 31-36
In Vitro Cultivars of Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae) are a Source of Antioxidant Phenolics
Authors: Contreras Rodrigo , Köhler Hans , Pizarro Marisol , Zúiga Gustavo
Published: April 2015

The antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of six in vitro cultured blueberry seedlings were determined. Extracts were prepared in 85% ethanol from 30 days old in vitro cultured plants and used to evaluate the antioxidant capacities that included Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazin (DPPH•) scavenging ability, total polyphenols (TP) and the partial phenolic composition performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS (ESI-QqQ)). All ethanolic extracts from in vitro blueberry cultivars displayed antioxidant activity, with Legacy, Elliott and Bluegold cultivars being the most active. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that the antioxidant activity of the extracts is related to the content of chlorogenic acid myricetin, syringic acid and rutin, and tissue culture of blueberry seedlings is a good tool to obtain antioxidant extracts with reproducible profile of compounds.
Image Encryption Using Chebyshev Map and Rotation Equation
Authors: Stoyanov Borislav , Kordov Krasimir
Published: April 2015

We propose a novel image encryption algorithm based on two pseudorandom bit generators: Chebyshev map based and rotation equation based. The first is used for permutation, and the second one for substitution operations. Detailed security analysis has been provided on the novel image encryption algorithm using visual testing, key space evaluation, histogram analysis, information entropy calculation, correlation coefficient analysis, differential analysis, key sensitivity test, and computational and complexity analysis. Based on the theoretical and empirical results the novel image encryption scheme demonstrates an excellent level of security.
Promotion of Ni2+ Removal by Masking Toxicity to Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria: Addition of Citrate
Authors: Qian Junwei , Zhu Xiaoyu , Tao Yong , Zhou Yan , He Xiaohong , Li Daping
Published: April 2015

The sulfate-reducing bioprocess is a promising technology for the treatment of heavy metal-containing wastewater. This work was conducted to investigate the possibility of promoting heavy metal removal by the addition of citrate to mask Ni2+ toxicity to sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in batch reactors. SRB growth was completely inhibited in Ni2+-containing medium (1 mM) when lactate served as the sole carbon resource, leading to no sulfate reduction and Ni2+ removal. However, after the addition of citrate, SRB grew well, and sulfate was quickly reduced to sulfide. Simultaneously, the Ni-citrate complex was biodegraded to Ni2+ and acetate. The NiS precipitate was then formed, and Ni2+ was completely removed from the solution. It was suggested that the addition of citrate greatly alleviates Ni2+ toxicity to SRB and improves the removal of Ni2+, which was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR targeting dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) genes. Analysis of the carbon metabolism indicated that lactate instead of acetate served as the electron donor for sulfate reduction. This study offers a potential approach to increase the removal of heavy metals from wastewater in the single stage SRB-based bioprocess.
Development of a Microbial-Based Integrated Pest Management Program for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Beneficial Insects on Conventional Cotton Crops in Australia
Authors: Mensah Robert , Young Alison , Rood-England Leah
Published: April 2015

Entomopathogenic fungi, when used as a microbial control agent against cotton pests, such as Helicoverpa spp., may have the potential to establish and spread in the environment and to have an impact on both pests and beneficial insects. Information on the effect of entomopathogenic fungi on pests and beneficial insects is crucial for a product to be registered as a biopesticide. The effect of the entomopathogenic fungus BC 639 (Aspergillus sp.) against Helicoverpa spp. and beneficial insects (mostly predatory insects) was studied in the laboratory and in cotton field trials. The results show that when Helicoverpa spp. second instar larvae were exposed to increasing concentrations (from 102 to 109) of the entomopathogenic fungus BC 639, the optimum dose required to kill over 50% of the insects was 1.0 ´ 107 spores/mL. In the field trials, the number of Helicoverpa spp. per metre on plots treated with 1.0 or 0.50 L/ha of BC 639 was the same as on plots treated with the recommended rate of the commercial insecticide, Indoxacarb. However, when plots were treated with 0.25 L/ha of BC 639, this was not as effective at controlling Helicoverpa spp. as 1.0 or 0.5 L/ha BC 639 or Indoxacarb. BC 639 had less effect on predatory insects when applied at lower rates (0.50 and 0.25 L/ha) than at higher rates (1.0 L/ha). Thus, BC 639 was more selective against predators when applied at lower rates than at the higher rate, but was also more selective than Indoxacarb. Thus, the ability of BC 639 to control Helicoverpa spp. effectively with a minimal effect on predatory insects indicates its potential for enhancing integrated pest management programs and to sustain cotton production.
Development of Thermosensitive Hydrogels of Chitosan, Sodium and Magnesium Glycerophosphate for Bone Regeneration Applications
Authors: Lisková Jana , Bačaková Lucie , Skwarczyńska Agata , Musial Olga , Bliznuk Vitaliy , De Schamphelaere Karel , Modrzejewska Zofia , Douglas Timothy
Published: April 2015

Thermosensitive injectable hydrogels based on chitosan neutralized with sodium beta-glycerophosphate (Na-β-GP) have been studied as biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Magnesium (Mg) has been reported to stimulate adhesion and proliferation of bone forming cells. With the aim of improving the suitability of the aforementioned chitosan hydrogels as materials for bone regeneration, Mg was incorporated by partial substitution of Na-β-GP with magnesium glycerophosphate (Mg-GP). Chitosan/Na-β-GP and chitosan/Na-β-GP/Mg-GP hydrogels were also loaded with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) which induces hydrogel mineralization. Hydrogels were characterized physicochemically with respect to mineralizability and gelation kinetics, and biologically with respect to cytocompatibility and cell adhesion. Substitution of Na-β-GP with Mg-GP did not negatively influence mineralizability. Cell biological testing showed that both chitosan/Na-β-GP and chitosan/Na-β-GP/Mg-GP hydrogels were cytocompatible towards MG63 osteoblast-like cells. Hence, chitosan/Na-β-GP/Mg-GP hydrogels can be used as an alternative to chitosan/Na-β-GP hydrogels for bone regeneration applications. However the incorporation of Mg in the hydrogels during hydrogel formation did not bring any appreciable physicochemical or biological benefit.
Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Effects of Flavonoids and Extracts from Jatropha gossypifolia L.
Authors: Granados Sergio , Balcázar Norman , Guillén Alis , Echeverri Fernando
Published: April 2015

Jatropha gossypifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but there are few scientific reports validating its activity in this area. In this work and through a bioguided assay, a crude extract stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes up to 30%, thereby reducing insulin resistance induced by fatty acids compared to the basal control. A chromatographic fraction applied intraperitoneally (IP) in mice reduced glucose by 42% in a mouse model of T2DM, after administration of 10 doses during 20 days. A flavanone was purified from this active fraction and its structure was assigned by 1H- and 13C-NMR (1D and 2D) and MS. This compound retains the previously reported activity, stimulating in vitro the glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. This study indicates that Jatropha gossypifolia L. extracts enhance glucose uptake in cultured myotubes and adipocytes and also improving glucose tolerance in an in vivo model.
Hepatoprotective Triterpene Saponins from the Roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata
Authors: Zheng Yun-Feng , Wei Juan-Hua , Fang Shi-Qi , Tang Yu-Ping , Cheng Hai-Bo , Wang Tian-Lin , Li Cun-Yu , Peng Guo-Ping
Published: April 2015

Two novel oleanane-type triterpene saponins, licorice-saponin P2 (1) and licorice-saponin Q2 (3), together with nine known compounds 2, 4–11, have been isolated from the water extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 2D-NMR experiments (1H–1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY). In in vitro assays, compounds 2–4, 6 and 11 showed significant hepatoprotective activities by lowering the ALT and AST levels in primary rat hepatocytes injured by D-galactosamine (D-GalN). In addition, compounds 2–4, 6, 7 and 11 were found to inhibit the activity of PLA2 with IC50 values of 6.9 μM, 3.6 μM, 16.9 μM, 27.1 μM, 32.2 μM and 9.3 μM, respectively, which might be involved in the regulation of the hepatoprotective activities observed.
Synthesis, Photophysical Characterization, and Photoinduced Antibacterial Activity of Methylene Blue-loaded Amino- and Mannose-Targeted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Planas Oriol , Bresolí-Obach Roger , Nos Jaume , Gallavardin Thibault , Ruiz-González Rubén , Agut Montserrat , Nonell Santi
Published: April 2015

Over the last 20 years, the number of pathogenic multi-resistant microorganisms has grown steadily, which has stimulated the search for new strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), also called photodynamic inactivation, is emerging as a promising alternative to treatments based on conventional antibiotics. We have explored the effectiveness of methylene blue-loaded targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP) in the photodynamic inactivation of two Gram negative bacteria, namely Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For E. coli, nanoparticle association clearly reduced the dark toxicity of MB while preserving its photoinactivation activity. For P. aeruginosa, a remarkable difference was observed between amino- and mannose-decorated nanoparticles. The details of singlet oxygen production in the nanoparticles have been characterized, revealing the presence of two populations of this cytotoxic species. Strong quenching of singlet oxygen within the nanoparticles is observed.
Silver Nanopartical over AuFON Substrate for Enhanced Raman Readout and Their Application in Pesticide Monitoring
Authors: Guo Kun , Xiao Rui , Zhang Xiaoye , Wang Chaoguang , Liu Qiqi , Rong Zhen , Ye Lin , Chen Suhong
Published: April 2015

Surface-enhanced Raman detection of thiram is demonstrated by using Ag-nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on Au film over nanosphere (AuFON) substrate as the hybrid substrate. The SERS signal of the Ag NPs attached to solid supports is studied. The close coupling together of thousands of Ag NPs on AuFON leads to the generation of hot spots for SERS. The Ag NPs on AuFON can be applied to detect rhodamine-6G (R6G) with the detection limitation of 10−11 M and the pesticide thiram in acetone with a detection limit of as low as 0.24 ppm, which is much lower than the maximal residue limit (MRL) of 7 ppm in fruit prescribed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The hybrid substrates are shown to be highly sensitive for the detection of thriam, which produce highly enhanced Raman signals with good uniformity and reproducibility due to having plenty of hot spots on its surface.
Impact of a Sepsis Educational Program on Nurse Competence
Authors: Delaney Margaret M. , Friedman M. Isabel , Dolansky Mary A. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: April 2015

Sepsis is an emerging life-threatening entity and a worldwide epidemic. Nurses are in key positions to identify patients with sepsis, mobilize the medical team, and implement interventions. A study of self-assessed nurse competence was conducted to determine the influence of a specially designed sepsis education program on nurses’ perceived ability to identify early, intervene, and care for patients with sepsis. The program was a multimodal design incorporating online interactive didactic presentations, video vignettes, pre- and postknowledge tests, and high-fidelity medical simulation scenarios. A sample of 82 critical care and emergency department nurses in a 1-year critical care nurse training program was used for this study. Pretest and posttest module knowledge scores and self-assessed competence data were collected and analyzed. No improvement in the overall self-assessed competence scores was found; however, self-perceived frequency of use of competence behaviors improved. Participants felt more competent on three sepsis-targeted statements, and posttest knowledge scores showed significant improvement.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(4):179–186.
Professional Development—Not Just for Our Learners
Authors: Dickerson Pamela , Umphres Kathleen , DeSilets Lyn , Bernard Amy
Published: April 2015

Professional development is important for nurse educators. This article describes the experiences of three professional development nurses as they engaged in their own learning over the past year.

J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2015;46(4):149–151.
Identifying Volition-Driven Leaders
Authors: Bleich Michael R.
Published: April 2015

Professional development educators have access to health care practitioners at the onset of and throughout their employment. The educator–learner relationship presents an opportunity for educators to distinguish highly motivated individuals from those with the attribute known as
volition
. Motivation and volition are differentiated in this article.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(4):155–156.
Assisting Clients With Disenfranchised Grief: The Role of a Mental Health Nurse
Authors: Mortell Susan
Published: April 2015

Every society has norms that frame the way individuals grieve. These norms also help define significant and insignificant losses. Losses exist within cultures that are not discussed or acknowledged because of social stigma. When the ways individuals grieve, or the losses they endure, go beyond accepted social norms, their grief may be seen as disenfranchised. The current article explores the topic of disenfranchised grief and presents methods that could be used by mental health nurses to help clients who are experiencing disenfranchised grief. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(4), 52–57.]
Understanding Employee Attitudes to SNS Implementation in the Australian Banking Sector
Authors: Sari Tanti Kartika
Published: April 2015

The Australian banking sector has utilised Social Networking Sites (SNS) to support companies' sustainability through customer engagement. Numerous studies have been conducted on issues associated with SNS, including teamwork, communication, trust, and security. These studies have usually been concerned with the perspectives and attitudes of customers and organizations, and sometimes, employers. This chapter is based on a Master's degree dissertation research aimed at filling the gap by investigating the opinions of the Australian banking sector employees, in particular those who use the SNS application as a work tool. The Honeycomb framework is used as the theoretical basis with six underlying factors being ascertained as a result of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings are discussed, and recommendations are proposed which are intended to increase the benefits to be gained from SNS adoption. The analysis results make a significant theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution.
A Web-Based Method for Ontology Population
Authors: Oliveira Hilário , Lima Rinaldo , Gomes João , Freitas Fred , Lins Rafael Dueire , Simske Steven J. , Riss Marcelo
Published: April 2015

The Semantic Web, proposed by Berners-Lee, aims to make explicit the meaning of the data available on the Internet, making it possible for Web data to be processed both by people and intelligent agents. The Semantic Web requires Web data to be semantically classified and annotated with some structured representation of knowledge, such as ontologies. This chapter proposes an unsupervised, domain-independent method for extracting instances of ontological classes from unstructured data sources available on the World Wide Web. Starting with an initial set of linguistic patterns, a confidence-weighted score measure is presented integrating distinct measures and heuristics to rank candidate instances extracted from the Web. The results of several experiments are discussed achieving very encouraging results, which demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for automatic ontology population.
Influence of Perceived Quality of Official University Websites to Perceived Quality of University Education and Enrollment Intention
Authors: Hidayanto Achmad Nizar , Rofalina Fanny , Handayani Putu Wuri
Published: April 2015

This chapter aims to analyze the impact of a university's website quality to the intentions of prospective students to enroll at the university. The proposed model was tested by distributing questionnaires to third-year senior high school students around Jakarta. Respondents were asked to follow a series of instructions to access the websites of two universities, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and the Indonesian Islamic University. After completing the task, respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate website quality. Based on the analysis of 117 valid questionnaires, it is concluded that website quality influences the perception by prospective university students of quality university education, which subsequently affects the intention of prospective students to enroll at the university. The finding confirms that the quality of official websites can be used as an extrinsic attribute to signal the quality of education at the university; thus, its optimal maintenance must be endeavoured.
Processing Routes, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of Light Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Jayalakshmi S. , Singh R. Arvind
Published: April 2015

The chapter highlights the various processing/synthesizing routes of Light Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (LMMNCs), their microstructural characteristics, mechanical behaviour, and tribological properties. LMMNCs are advanced materials, in which nano-sized ceramic particles are reinforced into Al/Mg matrices. In conventional Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), the incorporation of micron sized reinforcements in the matrix usually results in a considerable improvement in hardness and ultimate strength when compared to the unreinforced base material. However, most of these composites do not show plastic deformation (little or no yield) and exhibit drastic reduction in ductility. This poses a major limitation for MMCs to be used in real-time applications. In order to overcome this drawback, Al/Mg composites with nano-scale reinforcements have been developed. Based on numerous research works, it has been established that LMMNCs are better materials that possess superior properties, wherein both strength and ductility improvements along with excellent wear resistance can be achieved.