bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Rapid Dipstick Test for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Asymptomatic Pregnant Female
Authors: Khanna Ashish , Khanna Menka
Published: December 2015

Background:Bacteriuria during pregnancy has been known to cause many complications like low birth weight and premature delivery.
Objective: This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rapid dipstick test to predict urinary tract infection in pregnancy against the gold standard urine culture.

Material&Methods: A total of 200 mid stream urine samples were collected from asymptomatic pregnant females. These specimens were cultured in blood agar and MacConkey's agar by using the standard loop technique and incubated aerobically at 37°C overnight. The criterion for clinically significant bacteriuria was either a pure or predominant culture of >105 colony forming units (CFU)/ml. All the specimens were also examined microscopically for pyuria and bacteriuria.

Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was 15 % in our study. The sensitivity and the specificity for leucocyte esterase were 85.7% and 74.4% and for nitrites, they were 64.2% and 72%.

Conclusion: The study revealed that use of either leukocyte esterase or nitrite for screening of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was associated with many false positive and negative results when compared with the gold standard urine culture method. By using their combination maximum negative predictive value of .98 was achieved.
Clinical Profile and Response to First-Line Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients in Manipur
Authors: Rao Akshay , Singh N. Biplab , Ninsheng Robinson , Singh Th. Bhimo
Published: December 2015

Background:Knowledge of demographic profiles and baseline characteristics of HIV infected patients is essential for devising prevention strategies. Analysis of factors influencing improvement in CD4 cell count will help to determine prognosis and better implementation of ART.
Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted on HIV patients in Manipur, to assess clinical profile and factors influencing baseline immunological status and response to ART.

Methodology: 1231 patients were enrolled. Baseline demographic and laboratory parameters were recorded. CD4 cell counts were recorded at baseline and 6 months after ART initiation.

Results: 66.3% patients were male, 74.6% aged 21-40 years, 65.6% were Hindus and 52.9% of urban residence. 17.5% patients had Haemoglobin ≤9 grams/dl. Prevalence of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV coinfection was 3.4% and 20.5% respectively. Male sex (141.51±96.21 vs. 169.92±111.2 cells/mm3; p=0.001), age >20 years and Haemoglobin ≤9 g/dl (127.5±99.5 vs. 153.8±99.1cells/mm3; p=0.001) were associated with lower baseline CD4 count. Females (219.01±187.2 vs. 161.79±153.35cells/mm3; p=0.001), age group 1-20 years and those without HIV-HCV coinfections (188.72±170.81 vs. 154.20±155.88 cells/mm3; p=0.004) had significant improvement in CD4 count at 6 months-post ART initiation. CD4 response in HIV-HBV coinfected patients was lower (188.59±170.65 vs. 162.39±139.8 cells/mm3; p=0.324) but not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Majority of HIV patients in Manipur were - Males, Hindus, aged 21-40 years and of urban residence. Males, age >20 years and haemoglobin ≤9 g/dl were associated with lower baseline CD4 count. HIVHBV/ HIV-HCV coinfection wasn't associated with lower baseline CD4 count. Females, age <20 years and absence of HIV-HBV/HIV-HCV coinfections were associated with superior immunological response to ART.
A Clinical Study on Role of Different Types of Plates in Surgical Management of Middle one Third Clavicle Fracture in Adults
Authors: Garg Vipin , Agarwal Anjul
Published: December 2015

Background:Fractures of the clavicle is one of the most common injures of human skeleton. It has been traditionally treated nonoperatively.
Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of different types of plates in surgical management of middle one third clavicle fracture in adults.

Methods: Thirty two adult patients with middle one third clavicular fractures treated surgically between July2011 to May 2013 were included for this study. 22 middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with reconstruction plate and screws and six middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with semitubular plate and screws and 4 middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with dynamic compression plate and screws. The functional outcome compared.

Result: Among 32 patients with middle third clavicle fracture treated with plate and screws 30 fractures united at an average of 11.13 weeks.

Conclusion: Clavicle fractures are usually treated conservatively but there are specific indications for which operative treatment is needed like comminuted, displaced middle third clavicle fractures. In this study reconstruction plates were used as it can be contoured to the shape of the clavicle. Semitubular plates were used in 6 patients and it had no complications but it was difficult to contour. Dynamic compression plate is strong but it gives excessive prominence through the skin and it is difficult to contour.
Neonatal Sepsis-Early detection comparing Procalcitonin and CRP as Markers and Newer Tools
Authors: Bhat Altaf Ahmad , Shamim Anjum , Gul Sabeeha , Akther Rukaya , Bhat Iqra
Published: December 2015

Background:Neonatal sepsis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in India, but is treatable if diagnosis is made in time.
Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and highlight the importance of procalcitonin v\s CRP in early detection of neonatal sepsis.

Materials and Methods: The prospective study enrolled 150 neonates who had maternal risk factors and clinically suspected of infection (study group). Abnormal total leukocyte count, abnormal total polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) count, elevated immature PMN count, elevated immature: Total (I:T) PMN ratio, platelet count ≤150,000/mm3, and pronounced degenerative or toxic changes in PMN were noted by the pathologist who were blind for the clinical status of the baby in NICU. Blood culture was taken as a gold standard for septicemia. The perinatal history, clinical profile and laboratory data were recorded and correlated in each case. Each hematological parameter was assessed for its individual performance and also with the culture-proven sepsis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated for each parameter and for different gestational ages. P value was also calculated for different parameters.

Results: Among 150 babies evaluated for sepsis in NICU over a period of one year, Procalcitonin is observed as better early marker of neonatal sepsis over and CRP:- Procalcitonin in comparison with CRP: - Sensitivity was 97% Specificity was 59% PPV was 70% and NPV was 99.9%. With area under ROC curve being 0.915(p-value of 0.02) CRP in comparison with Procalcitonin: - Sensitivity was 75% Specificity was 75% PPV was 86% and NPV was 99%. With area under ROC curve being 0.769 (p- value 0.61).

Conclusion: The sensitivities of the screening test namely C-reactive protein and Procalcitonin were found to be satisfactory in identifying neonatal sepsis. Comparing to Other test procalcitonin appears to be simple and feasible diagnostic tool although costly.
An Indirect Sinus Lift with Ridge Splitting Procedure for Implant Placement: a Case Report
Authors: Shetty Manoj , Thulasidas Nikhila , Hegde Rakshith , Hegde Chethan
Published: December 2015

Implant placement becomes complicated when the height and width of the bone is compromised especially in the posterior maxillary region due to the presence of sinus. This case report presents the rehabilitation of the left maxillary premolar region by using indirect sinus lift and ridge splitting followed by immediate implant placement where the bone height and bone width was compromised. It helps in reducing the treatment time and increases the patient comfort.
Effect of Promotional Literature on the Prescribing Habits of Practitioners
Authors: Farooq Majid , Goel Ridhima Goel , Goyal Manoj
Published: December 2015

Pharmaceutical companies are the manufacturing units of drugs, with established conformity for dispersal into the public. To increase their sales and hence, their shareholder value, these corporations need to make their product have earmarks of a better formulation than those already available and stand out from their adversaries. This is achieved with the help of rigorous promotion of the drug to the prescribers. Medical Representatives (MRs) or Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (PSRs) advertise to the doctors with the help of eye catching visual presentation, citing various benefits and advantages. These presentations are accompanied by leave-behind brochures, pamphlets, drug guides, drug samples etc. for the doctor to read, and are consistently full of points featuring the promoted drug as an advancement with better effectiveness, supported with various research works, colorful pictures, graphs and diagrams that make a physician take notice of the advertised drug. This raises the question of the ability of a GP to critically appraise the information presented to him/her and segregate the fact from fraud. Too often aid is tied to the trade, and any practicing physician should be aware of the tricks being played on him/her and be able to wring the quality of the information presented from the vast quantity of information and assess it for its accuracy.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production of the CdS/TiO2-WO3 ternary hybrid under visible light irradiation
Authors: Chen Yi-Lin , Lo Shang-Lien , Chang Hsiang-Ling , Yeh Hsiao-Mei , Sun Liping , Oiu Chunsheng
Published: December 2015

An attractive and effective method for converting solar energy into clean and renewable hydrogen energy is photocatalytic water splitting over semiconductors. The study aimed at utilizing organic sacrificial agents in water, modeled by formic acid, in combination with visible light driven photocatalysts to produce hydrogen with high efficiencies. The photocatalytic hydrogen production of cadmium sulfide (CdS)/titanate nanotubes (TNTs) binary hybrid with specific CdS content was investigated. After visible light irradiation for 3 h, the hydrogen production rate of 25 wt% CdS/TNT achieved 179.35 μmol·h−1. Thanks to the two-step process, CdS/TNTs-WO3 ternary hybrid can better promote the efficiency of water splitting compared with CdS/TNTs binary hybrid. The hydrogen production of 25 wt% CdS/TNTs-WO3 achieved 212.68 μmol·h−1, under the same condition. Coating of platinum metal onto the WO3 could further promote the reaction. Results showed that 0.2 g 0.1 wt% Pt/WO3 + 0.2 g 25 wt% CdS/TNTs had the best hydrogen production rate of 428.43 μmol·h−1. The resultant materials were well characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectra.
Optimization and modelling using the response surface methodology (RSM) for ciprofloxacin removal by electrocoagulation
Authors: Barışçı Sibel , Turkay Ozge
Published: December 2015

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of different operating conditions on the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by the electrocoagulation (EC) with pure iron electrodes. Box-Behnken design was used for the optimization of the EC process and to evaluate the effects and interactions of process variables such as applied current density, process time, initial CIP concentration and pH on the removal of CIP by the EC process. The optimum conditions for maximum CIP removal (86.6%) were found as pH = 4; Co = 5 mg.L1−; Id = 4.325 mA.cm2−; tprocess = 10 min. The model adequacy and the validity of the optimization step were confirmed with additional experiments which were performed under the proposed optimum conditions. The predicted CIP removal as 86.6% was achieved at each experiment by using the optimum conditions. These results specify that the RSM is a useful tool for optimizing the operational conditions for CIP removal by the EC process.
Electrochemical decomposition of fluorinated wetting agents in plating industry waste water
Authors: Fath Andreas , Sacher Frank , McCaskie John E.
Published: December 2015

Electrochemical decomposition of fluorinated surfactants (PFAS, perfluorinated alkyl substances) used in the plating industry was analyzed and the decomposition process parameters optimized at the laboratory scale and production scale of a 500-liter reactor using lead electrodes. The method and system was successfully demonstrated under production conditions to treat PFAS) with up to 99% efficiency in the concentration range of 1,000–20,000 μg/l (1 ppm–20 ppm). The treatment also reduced hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) ions to trivalent chromium (Cr3+) ions in the wastewater. If the PFAS-containing wastewater is mixed with other wastewater streams, specifically from nickel plating drag out solution or when pH values >5, the treatment process is ineffective. For the short chain PFAS, (perfluorobutylsulfonate) the process was less efficient than C6–C8 PFAS. The process is automated and has safety procedures and controls to prevent hazards. The PFAS were decomposed to hydrogen fluoride (HF) under the strong acid electrochemical operating conditions. Analytical tests showed no evidence of organic waste products remaining from the process. Conventional alternative PFAS removal systems were tested on the waste streams and compared with each other and with the-E-destruct (electrochemical oxidation) process. For example, ion exchange resin (IX resin) treatment of wastewater to complex and remove PFAS was found to be seven times more efficient when compared to the conventional activated carbon absorption (C-treat) process. However, the E-destruct process is higher in capacity, exhibits longer service life and lower operating costs than either IX or C-treat methods for elimination of PFAS from these electroplating waste streams.
Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment
Authors: Archontogeorgis Kostas , Nena Evangelia , Papanas Nikolaos , Xanthoudaki Maria , Hatzizisi Olga , Kyriazis Georgios , Tsara Venetia , Maltezos Efstratios , Froudarakis Marios , Steiropoulos Paschalis
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

Hypoxia, a major feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), modifies Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels, which contribute to atherogenesis and occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) events. We assessed and compared serum levels of VEGF and IGFBP-3 in newly diagnosed OSA patients and controls, to explore associations with anthropometric and sleep parameters and to study the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on these levels.

Materials and Methods:

Serum levels of VEGF and IGFBP-3 were measured in 65 OSA patients and 31 age- and body mass index- matched controls. In OSA patients, measurements were repeated after 6 months of CPAP therapy. All participants were non-smokers, without any comorbidities or systemic medication use.

Results:

At baseline, serum VEGF levels in OSA patients were higher compared with controls (p<0.001), while IGFBP-3 levels were lower (1.41±0.56 vs. 1.61±0.38 μg/ml, p=0.039). VEGF levels correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (r=0.336, p=0.001) and oxygen desaturation index (r=0.282, p=0.007). After 6 months on CPAP treatment, VEGF levels decreased in OSA patients (p<0.001), while IGFBP-3 levels increased (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

In newly diagnosed OSA patients, serum levels of VEGF are elevated, while IGFBP-3 levels are low. After 6 months of CPAP treatment these levels change. These results may reflect an increased CV risk in untreated OSA patients, which is ameliorated after CPAP therapy.
Dead or Alive: Deoxyribonuclease I Sensitive Bacteria and Implications for the Sinus Microbiome
Authors: Willis Amanda L. , Calton Joshua B. , Carr Tara F. , Chiu Alexander G. , Chang Eugene H.
Published: December 2015

Background

Recently, there has been tremendous interest in the sinus microbiome and how it relates to disease. However, a lack of a standardized sample collection and DNA extraction methods makes comparison of results across studies nearly impossible. Furthermore, current techniques fail to identify which components of the microbiome are actually alive within the host at the time of sampling.

Objective

To develop and optimize a method to differentiate which bacterial species in the human sinus microbiome are live versus dead.

Methods

Duplicate samples from the middle meatus of patients with healthy sinus tissue and those patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were collected by using brushes (n = 12), swabs (n = 27), and tissue biopsy (n = 8) methods. One sample from each pair was either deoxyribonuclease I- or control-treated before DNA extraction. The relative bacterial versus human composition of each sample was determined. A 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis was performed on a six-paired sample from patients with healthy sinus tissue.

Results

We found that swabs and brushes collected a higher percentage of bacterial DNA than did tissue biopsy. We also determined that as much as 50% of the bacteria collected in these samples was already dead at the time of collection. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis found significant changes in the relative abundance of taxa identified in the live versus dead bacterial communities of healthy human sinuses.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that swabs provided the best quality microbiome samples and that a large portion of the bacteria identified in the sinus were deoxyribonuclease I sensitive. These results highlighted the need for improved techniques such as those presented here, which can differentiate between living and dead bacteria in a sample, a potentially critical distinction when examining changes in sinus innate immune function because both components play important, but distinct, functions. Further studies will determine how these living and dead bacterial populations shift in different disease states and after clinical intervention.
Distinct Patterns of Cognitive Aging Modified by Education Level and Gender among Adults with Limited or No Formal Education: A Normative Study of the Mini-Mental State Examination
Authors: Xie Haiqun , Zhang Chengguo , Wang Yukai , Huang Shuyun , Cui Wei , Yang Wenbin , Koski Lisa , Xu Xiping , Li Youbao , Zheng Meili , He Mingli , Fu Jia , Shi Xiuli , Wang Kai , Tang Genfu , Wang Binyan , Huo Yong
Published: December 2015

Background: Dementia is increasingly prevalent due to rapid aging of the population, but under-recognized among people with low education levels. This is partly due to a lack of appropriate and precise normative data, which underestimates cognitive aging in the use of screening tools for dementia. Objective: We aimed to improve the precision of screening for cognitive impairment, by characterizing the patterns of cognitive aging and derived normative data of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for illiterate and low-educated populations. Methods: This community-based study included data from 2,280 individuals aged 40 years or older from two rural areas. Multiple linear modeling examined the effect of aging on cognition reflected by the MMSE, stratified by education level and gender. Threshold effect of age on cognition was performed using a smoothing function. Results: The majority of participants (60.4%) were illiterate or had attended only primary school (24.6%). The effect of aging on cognition varied by gender and education. Primary-school educated females and males remained cognitively stable up to 62 and 71 years of age, respectively, with MMSE score declining 0.4 and 0.8 points/year in females and males thereafter. Illiterates females scored 2.3 points lower than illiterate males, and scores for both declined 0.2 points/year. According to these results, normative data stratified by age, education and gender was generated. Conclusion: This study suggests gender and educational differences exist in cognitive aging among adults with limited or no formal education. To improve screening precision for cognitive impairment with the use of MMSE in low-educated population, age, gender, and education level should be considered.
Impaired Parahippocampus Connectivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Jieqiong , Zhang Xinqing , Yu Chunshui , Duan Yunyun , Zhuo Junjie , Cui Yue , Liu Bing , Li Kuncheng , Jiang Tianzi , Liu Yong
Published: December 2015

Background: The parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) is an important region of the limbic system that plays an important role in episodic memory. Elucidation of the PHG connectivity pattern will aid in the understanding of memory deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: To investigate if disease severity associated altered PHG connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exists. Methods: We evaluated resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 18 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 35 patients with AD, and 21 controls. The PHG connectivity pattern was examined by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the bilateral PHG and whole brain. Group comparisons were performed after controlling for the effects of age and gender. The functional connectivity strength in each identified region was correlated with the MMSE score to evaluate the relationship between connectivity and cognitive ability. Results: Several brain regions of the default mode network showed reduced PHG connectivity in the AD patients, and PHG connectivity was associated with disease severity in the MCI and AD subjects. More importantly, correlation analyses showed that there were positive correlations between the connectivity strengths of the left PHG-PCC/Pcu and left PHG-left MTG and the Mini-Mental State Examination, indicating that with disease progression from MCI to severe AD, damage to the functional connectivity of the PHG becomes increasingly severe. Conclusions: These results indicate that disease severity is associated with altered PHG connectivity, contributing to knowledge about the reduction in cognitive ability and impaired brain activity that occur in AD/MCI. These early changes in the functional connectivity of the PHG might provide some potential clues for identification of imaging markers for the early detection of MCI and AD.
Matrix Metalloproteinase in Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Dementia
Authors: Weekman Erica M. , Wilcock Donna M.
Published: December 2015

The neurovascular unit, which consists of astrocytic end-feet, neurons, pericytes, and endothelial cells, plays a key role in maintaining brain homeostasis by forming the blood-brain barrier and carefully controlling local cerebral blood flow. When the blood-brain barrier is disrupted, blood components can leak into the brain, damage the surrounding tissue and lead to cognitive impairment. This disruption in the blood-brain barrier and subsequent impairment in cognition are common after stroke and during cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease. Matrix metalloproteinases are proteases that degrade the extracellular matrix as well as tight junctions between endothelial cells and have been implicated in blood-brain barrier breakdown in neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the roles of MMP2 and MMP9 in dementia, primarily post-stroke events that lead to dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Platelet Membrane β-Secretase Activity in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Conversion to Dementia: a Longitudinal Study
Authors: McGuinness Bernadette , Fuchs Marc , Barrett Suzanne L. , Passmore A. Peter , Johnston Janet A.
Published: December 2015

A blood-based biomarker to complement the clinical and neuropsychological assessments used to evaluate the risk of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) would be invaluable. Previous pilot studies by our group identified elevated platelet membrane β-secretase activity in patients with AD and MCI, as compared to controls, and this activity was influenced by membrane cholesterol levels. The present study investigated baseline platelet membrane β-secretase activity and cholesterol levels in 97 MCI participants and 85 controls and explored whether these parameters differed in individuals with stable MCI, as compared to those who subsequently developed AD. To evaluate signal specificity, β-secretase activity assays were conducted in the presence and absence of beta-site amyloid-β protein precursor-cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitors. Baseline platelet membrane β-secretase activity did not differ significantly in MCI participants, as compared to controls, and platelet membrane cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the MCI group. The longitudinal study indicated that the activities inhibited by two different BACE inhibitors did not predict conversion to AD; however, the activity that was not affected by BACE inhibitors was significantly (40%) higher in individuals with stable MCI, as compared with those who subsequently developed AD. These findings indicated that further research into the source of this activity could contribute to a measure facilitating prediction of the risk of conversion from MCI to AD.
No referee bias in the NBA: New evidence with leagues’ assessment data
Authors: Deutscher Christian
Published: December 2015

Beginning March 2015, the National Basketball Association (NBA) started the public assessment of officiated events in close game situations, where teams are within five points with two or less minutes to play. This ex-post league evaluation of officials’ actions allows for a much improved analysis of referee biases like the home bias, preferential treatment of superstars, race and favoritism towards losing teams. Instead of relying on statistical frequency of calls and devoting it to biased decision making, in-game decision making is matched with reviewed broadcasting video in this paper. The empirical analysis for 113 games and 1229 total calls finds no support of referee bias in foul calling.
Genetic diversity and interspecific relationships of some Allium species using inter simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Samiei Leila , Kiani Mahnaz , Zarghami Homa , Memariani Farshid , Joharchi Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2015

In this study genetic diversity and interspecific relationships of 11 Allium L. species from Khorassan province of Iran including 32 accessions were investigated by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Nine ISSR primers produced a total of 80 polymorphic markers and revealed high polymorphism among the studied species. The average gene diversity, effective number of alleles and Shannons information index were 0.2, 1.28 and 0.3, respectively. Allium kuhsorkhense exhibited the greatest level of variation (He: 0.18), whereas A. stipitatum demonstrated the lowest level of variability (He: 0.05). UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean) analysis showed that Allium accessions have a similarity range of 0.60 to 0.95. Allium scapriscapum composed the most distant group in the dendrogram. The clustered groups of Allium species clearly reflect the recent taxonomic concept of the genus at the subgenus and section levels. The present study showed that the ISSR technique is an effective molecular approach for analyzing genetic diversity and relationship in Allium species.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 67-75, 2015 (December)
Systematic implications of achene characteristics in genera Centaurea L., Cyanus Mill., Psephellus Cass. and Rhaponticoides Vaill. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Bona Mehmet
Published: December 2015

This study examines the exomorphic achene characteristics of 23 taxa belonging to Centaurea, Cyanus, Psephellus and Rhaponticoides in Asteraceae using light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The exomorphic characteristics studied are shape, size, colour and surface pattern of achene, and hair, length and colour of pappus. The results of the present investigation showed that achene size of the studied taxa is 37 × 14 mm. Pappus length is 114 mm, deciduous for three taxa and inner row is differentiated from the outer, 13 mm long, for 10 taxa. SEM studies showed eight different types of achene surface patterns for the studied taxa: Glebulate, glebulate-ruminate, reticulate, ribbed, ruminate, smooth, smooth-glebulate and undulate. Achene characteristics are useful for both intrageneric and intraspecific classification of the studied taxa.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 125-136, 2015 (December)
Allium phanerantherum subsp. involucratum (Amaryllidaceae), a new subspecies from Turkey
Authors: Ek?i Gülnur , Koyuncu Mehmet , Bona Mehmet
Published: December 2015

Not available.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 143-146, 2015 (December)
Monitoring artisanal hilsa fishery for economic efficient fisheries policy
Authors: Mome Masud Ara , Arnason Ragnar
Published: December 2015

The hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery contributes to the largest single species fishery in Bangladesh. In this paper, a simple bio-economic year-class based model was developed from 1987 & 2007 fishing data to describe the fishery and examine its properties. With the help of this model, the optimum sustainable yield of the fishery was calculated and compared to the existing situation. The model was further used to locate socially and economically reasonable dynamic paths from the current situation to the optimal state. The results indicate that the fishing effort (measured in standardized boat units) required maintaining a maximum sustainable economic benefit is about one-third of the current fishing effort. At this sustainable fishing effort level, annual net economic benefits from the fishery amounted for closed to US$ 260 million compared to virtually nothing at present. The present value of the fishery along a moderate effort adjustment path to this long term equilibrium position was US$ 3,650 million at 6% rate of discount. The dynamic path that maximized the present value of the fishery involved quite dramatic effort reductions for the first two years. Such a path would probably increase the present value of the fishery by perhaps 8-10%.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 37-53, 2015
Breeding performance, spawning and nursing of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
Authors: Hosain Md Eilious , Alam Md Nazmul , Hossain Mohammed Zakir
Published: December 2015

Successful induced breeding of black carp was performed by using Pituitary Gland (PG) extract and synthetic hormone FlashTM. For PG, the female received two doses at the rate of 2 mg/Kg and 8 mg/Kg body weight respectively; where male received only single dose at the amount of 2 mg/Kg body weight. For Flash, the male and female was received only one dose at the amount of 0.3 ml/Kg body weight for male and 0.25 ml/Kg body weight for female respectively. The ovulation period was 12 hours for PG and 11 hours for Flash after lost injection. In total 6.1 Kg of hatchling was obtained from 23 kg of female black carp under the two treatments. While, the ratio of hatchling and female fish body weight was 1 : 4.28 for PG and 1 : 3.34 for Flash. The study also indicates that the spawn Production of black carp and nursery operation ware profitable. In the spawn production, the profit rate was 872.76% ware observed and the cost benefit ratio recorded as 1: 8.72. In cases of profit from spawn production and nursery operation combined of black carp, the return was 247.95%. While, cost benefit ratio was 1 : 2.47. For income generation through hatchery and nursery operation for sustainable aquaculture extensive study is needed in this regards.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 73-83, 2015
Fatty acid composition of three small indigenous fishes of Bangladesh
Authors: Mustafa Tonima , Naser M Niamul , Murshed Sabrina , Farhana Zeba , Akter Mushfida , Ali Liaquat
Published: December 2015

The total fat and fatty acid composition of three commonly consumed small indigenous fish species of Bangladesh, Mola, Amblypharyngodon mola, Jat puti, Puntius sophore and Shar puti, Systomus sarana. Twenty-one types of fatty acids were identified from the extracted oil of these fishes. C16:0 and C18:0 were the predominant saturated fatty acids (SFA), C16:1 ?7 and C18:1 ?9 the main monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while C22:6:4 ?3 (DHA), C20:5 ?3 (EPA) were the main PUFAs. The total ?3 was between 4.28% to17.86% and the total ?6 was between 4.08% to 23.12%. The ?3/ ?6 ratio was between to 0.35% to 1.50%. It is evident from this study that A. mola, P. sophore and S. Sarana are good source of ?3 and ?6 PUFA and their regular consumption will contribute to better health.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 85-93, 2015
Household pesticides and their practices in Dhaka City
Authors: Sultana Afroza , Raheman Magfur , Hossain Mosharraf
Published: December 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 137-139, 2015
Analysis of stomach contents in green back mullet, Chelon subviridis from Merbok Estuary, Malaysia
Authors: Fatema Kaniz , Omar Wan Maznah Wan , Isa Mansor Mat
Published: December 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 153-156, 2015
Effect of different doses of Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) (LAM.) de wit. tree green leaf biomass on rice yield and soil chemical properties
Authors: Paul Niloy , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Khan Md Nasir Uddin
Published: December 2015

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different doses of ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala ) (Lam.) de Wit. tree green leaf biomass on rice yield and soil chemical properties. Four different treatments such as T0: Recommended fertilizer dose (Urea 195 kg/ha, TSP 50 kg/ha, MOP 142 kg/ha, Gypsum 75 kg/ha and Zinc Sulphate 4 kg/ha), T1: 5 t/ha, T2: 7.5 t/ha, and T3: 10 t/ha ipil-ipil tree green leaf was used in this study in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the treatment T3 was performed better than recommended fertilizer dose in case all yield contributing characters of rice except grain yield. The highest (5.29 t/ha) rice grain yield was obtained in recommended fertilizer dose followed by 10 t/ha, 7.5 t/ha and 5 t/ha ipil-ipil tree green leaf biomass amendment having 4.80, 3.16 and 2.36 t/ha respectively. The highest grain yield that was obtained from recommended fertilizer dose was 10.21% higher compared to the highest dose (10 t/ha) of ipil-ipil tree green leaf biomass. It was mentioned that among the different doses of ipil-ipil tree green leaf biomass 10 t/ha performed the best over others. The ipil-ipil tree green leaf biomass was also significantly influenced on some essential nutrient status which is very important for rice production. The highest amount of total N, available P, exchangeable K and available S were found in the treatment T3 and the lowest in the treatment T1. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ipil-ipil tree leaf has beneficial effects and could be combined with inorganic fertilizer for sustainable crop yield and maintaining soil fertility.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 385-394, December 2015
Comparative effects on storage period of varieties Pineapple fruits
Authors: Ali Shah Md Yusuf , Ahiduzzaman Md , Akhter Sharmin , Biswas M Abdul Matin , Iqbal Nafis , Onik Jakaria Chowdhury , Rahman M Hafizur
Published: December 2015

Pineapple is considered as one of the most wanted tropical fruits and it is widely taken for fresh consumption as well as their flesh and juice are used for preparation of different product in Agro-processing industries. For such industrial processes, it is important to know the information of characteristics changes of pineapple during day after storage. Four varieties of pineapple were collected from different areas of Bangladesh named Honey Queen (H.Q), Giant Kew (G.K), Asshini and Ghorasal. Some Physico-chemical properties (weight loss, moisture content, ash and edible portion, pH, TSS, titrable acidity (TA), total sugar, reducing sugar) biochemical properties (ascorbic acid) and sensorial attributes (color, odor, firmness, appearances, sweetness and overall acceptability) of pineapple juice were studied during day after storage. This study examined the Comparison of different varieties of pineapple fruit characteristics and sensory quality of the pineapple fruits during storage. It was shown that there was a significant changes between the storage periods in relation to different varieties of fruits. The firmness of pineapple fruits were in outside and inside to be 0.21 to 0.27 N/m2 and 0.06 to 0.10 N/m2, respectively. The pH values of different varieties were found to be in the range of 4.30 to 4.36. The highest and lowest sweetness index were estimated to be 36.30 and 22.15 for Honey Queen and Asshini respectively. The highest and lowest magnitude of sugar contents of four pineapple varieties were found to be in the range of 14.16 to 15.8 mg/100g.The average TSS values were found to be 15.12%, 12.33%, 13.14% and 12.95% for H.Q., G.K., Asshini and Ghorashal, respectively. The comparative study indicated the characteristics of different varieties of pineapple changes during after storage.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 395-410, December 2015
Impact of drug addiction on social environment focused in Mymensingh district
Authors: Islam Md Azharul , Hossen Md Towfael , Hossain Md Khaled , Fatima Kaniz , Khatun Marzia
Published: December 2015

The study was carried out to assess the impact of drug addiction on social environments in 6 wards of Mymensingh town. Information were collected on age, education level, reason of drug use, sources of drug, occupation, types of drugs, time and place of drug use, marital status and side effect of drug use. The findings revealed that about half of the drug addicted were aged more than 30 years, two-fourth people was aged between 25-30 years following less than 25 years aged people. Among the drug addicted respondents 10% were illiterate, 31, 26, 13 and 18% respondents were educated up to primary, SSC, HSC and Graduate level respectively. Most of the drug addicted respondents took drugs at day time (55%), 34% at night, among them 55% preferred alcohol, 26% preferred Yaba, 13% Gaza, and 5% preferred yrap. About 36% drug addicts suffered from vomiting, 28%, 15% suffered from vertigo, headache and gastric respectively. Most of them (80%) faced different abnormalities in their working life. Among local people who were affected by drug addiction 45% were grocery shopkeeper, 36%, 18% were confectionary worker and tea stall owner respectively. The reasons determined through research, 63% affected people informed that drug addicts were involved with drugs from depression. The study revealed that drug addiction was worsening social environment of the study area. Several ways have been recommended to remove the curse of drug addiction from our country and Mymensingh district in particular. It will also assist responsible authority to take necessary measures against drug addiction.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 411-417, December 2015
Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study on the Ternary Interaction System of the Fluorinated Ethylene Carbonate, Li+ and Graphene Model
Authors: Mutoh Mami , Abe Shigeaki , Kusaka Teruo , Nakamura Mariko , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Iida Junichiro , Tachikawa Hiroto
Published: December 2015

The ternary interaction system composed of fluorinated ethylene carbonate, denoted by EC(F), lithium ion (Li+) and a model of nano-structured graphene has been investigated by means of the density functional theory (DFT) method. For comparison, fluorinated vinylene carbonate, denoted by VC(F), was also used. The model of graphene consisting of 14 benzene rings was examined as a nano-structured graphene. The effects of fluorine substitution on the electronic state and binding energy were investigated from a theoretical point of view. It was found that both EC(F) and VC(F) bind to a hexagonal site corresponding to the central benzene ring of the model of the graphene surface. The binding energies of Li+EC(F) and Li+VC(F) to the model of graphene decreased with increasing number of fluorine atoms (n).
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of High Explosive Materials
Authors: Sabatini Jesse , Oyler Karl
Published: December 2015

This review discusses the recent advances in the syntheses of high explosive energetic materials. Syntheses of some relevant modern primary explosives and secondary high explosives, and the sensitivities and properties of these molecules are provided. In addition to the synthesis of such materials, processing improvement and formulating aspects using these ingredients, where applicable, are discussed in detail.
Effect of Magnetic Field on Entropy Generation in a Microchannel Heat Sink with Offset Fan Shaped
Authors: Nasiri Mohammad , Rashidi Mohammad , Lorenzini Giulio
Published: December 2015

In this study, convection flow in microchannel heat sink with offset fan-shaped reentrant cavities in sidewall filled with Fe3O4-water is numerically investigated. The effects of changing some parameters such as Reynolds number and magnetic field are considered. The nanofluid flow is laminar, steady and incompressible, while the thermo-physical properties of nanoparticles were assumed constant. A finite volume method and two phase mixture models were used to simulate the flow. The obtained results show that the frictional entropy generation increases as Reynolds number increases, while a reverse trend is observed for thermal entropy generation. By applying a non-uniform magnetic field, the entropy generation due to heat transfer decreases at first and then increases. When using the uniform magnetic field, the frictional entropy generation and thermal entropy generation is negligible. For all studied cases, the total entropy generation decreases using non-uniform magnetic fields. The results indicate that by increasing the magnetic field power, the total entropy generation decreases.
Wide Range Multiscale Entropy Changes through Development
Authors: Polizzotto Nicola , Takahashi Tetsuya , Walker Christopher , Cho Raymond
Published: December 2015

How variability in the brain’s neurophysiologic signals evolves during development is important for a global, system-level understanding of brain maturation and its disturbance in neurodevelopmental disorders. In the current study, we use multiscale entropy (MSE), a measure that has been related to signal complexity, to investigate how this variability evolves during development across a broad range of temporal scales. We computed MSE, standard deviation (STD) and standard spectral analyses on resting EEG from 188 healthy individuals aged 8–22 years old. We found age-related increases in entropy at lower scales (<~20 ms) and decreases in entropy at higher scales (~60–80 ms). Decreases in the overall signal STD were anticorrelated with entropy, especially in the lower scales, where regression analyses showed substantial covariation of observed changes. Our findings document for the first time the scale dependency of developmental changes from childhood to early adulthood, challenging a parsimonious MSE-based account of brain maturation along a unidimensional, complexity measure. At the level of analysis permitted by electroencephalography (EEG), MSE could capture critical spatiotemporal variations in the role of noise in the brain. However, interpretations critically rely on defining how signal STD affects MSE properties.
Cloud Entropy Management System Involving a Fractional Power
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha , Jalab Hamid , Gani Abdullah
Published: December 2015

Cloud computing (CC) capacities deliver high quality, connected with demand services and service-oriented construction. Nevertheless, a cloud service (CS) is normally derived from numerous stages of facilities and concert features, which determine the value of the cloud service. Therefore, it is problematic for the users to estimate these cloud services and select them to appropriate their requirements. In this study, a new algorithm is carried out for a multi-agent system (MAS) based on fractional power. The study depends on a fractional difference equation of type two point boundary value problem (BVP) based on the fractional entropy. We discuss the existence of solutions for the system as well as the stability, utilizing the Hadamard well-posed problem. Experimental results show that the proposed method demonstrates stability and performance.
Noise Emission of a 200 kW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Möllerström Erik , Ottermo Fredric , Hylander Jonny , Bernhoff Hans
Published: December 2015

The noise emission from a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) has been investigated. A noise measurement campaign on a 200 kW straight-bladed VAWT has been conducted, and the result has been compared to a semi-empirical model for turbulent-boundary-layer trailing edge (TBL-TE) noise. The noise emission from the wind turbine was measured, at wind speed 8 m/s, 10 m above ground, to 96.2 dBA. At this wind speed, the turbine was stalling as it was run at a tip speed lower than optimal due to constructional constraints. The noise emission at a wind speed of 6 m/s, 10 m above ground was measured while operating at optimum tip speed and was found to be 94.1 dBA. A comparison with similar size horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) indicates a noise emission at the absolute bottom of the range. Furthermore, it is clear from the analysis that the turbulent-boundary-layer trailing-edge noise, as modeled here, is much lower than the measured levels, which suggests that other mechanisms are likely to be important, such as inflow turbulence.
Occupational Heat Stress Profiles in Selected Workplaces in India
Authors: Venugopal Vidhya , Chinnadurai Jeremiah , Lucas Rebekah , Kjellstrom Tord
Published: December 2015

Health and productivity impacts from occupational heat stress have significant ramifications for the large workforce of India. This study profiled occupational heat stress impacts on the health and productivity of workers in select organized and unorganized Indian work sectors. During hotter and cooler seasons, Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) were used to quantify the risk of heat stress, according to International workplace guidelines. Questionnaires assessed workers’ perceived health and productivity impacts from heat stress. A total of 442 workers from 18 Indian workplaces participated (22% and 78% from the organized and unorganized sector, respectively). Overall 82% and 42% of workers were exposed to higher than recommended WBGT during hotter and cooler periods, respectively. Workers with heavy workloads reported more heat-related health issues (chi square = 23.67, p ≤ 0.001) and reduced productivity (chi square = 15.82, p ≤ 0.001), especially the outdoor workers. Heat-rashes, dehydration, heat-syncope and urinogenital symptoms were self-reported health issues. Cited reasons for productivity losses were: extended-work hours due to fatigue/exhaustion, sickness/hospitalization and wages lost. Reducing workplace heat stress will benefit industries and workers via improving worker health and productivity. Adaptation and mitigation measures to tackle heat stress are imperative to protect the present and future workforce as climate change progresses.