bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Teknik Send a Problem Terhadap Kemampuan Menulis Daftar Pustaka Siswa Kelas Xi SMA Negeri 4 Lubuklinggau
Authors: Noermanzah Noermanzah , Abid Syaiful , Aprika Epa
Published: July 2018

The objective of this research was to determine whether there is influence of the send a problem technique to the ability to write a bibliography. Influence was shown from the completeness of the results of student learning class XI SMA Negeri 4 Lubuklinggau in writing a list of libraries after applied the send a problem technique. Quantitative methods of quasi experiments are used in answering the purposes of this study. Techniques in collecting data in the form of a form of a description test technique. The research population was all students in class XI amounted to 138 students consisting of 4 classes. The sample in this research was class XI. MIA 4 which amounted to 34 students. Data analysis technique begins with the normality test, and continued with t test by looking at the difference between the KKM value which was hypothesised is 74 with the mean postes. Based on the result of test analysis with t test formula, to greater than ttable at 5 percnet significance level that is 2.60 bigger than 2.04. Thus, the results of student learning class XI SMA Negeri 4 Lubuklinggau in writing the list of libraries after applied the send a problem technique significantly completed.

Keywords: Influence, Send a Problem Technique, Write Bibliography.
Analisis High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Taksonomi Menganalisis Permasalahan Fisika
Authors: Rochman Syaiful , Hartoyo Zainal
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this research is to get the measurement result as a description of higher order thinking skill in taxonomy to analyze physics problem in SMA XI class. This study is descriptive qualitative through three stages, namely: initial development of the instrument, content validation and empirical, and measurement. The research has been conducted in the region of Central Bengkulu Regency. The instrument used has been validated by the expert. An empirical valiadation test was conducted by 95 students. A valid instrument is used to measure student's higher order thinking skills. The number of learners measured using a total sampling of 148 learners. The measurement result shows very high analyze ability 1 student or 0,5 percent, ability analyze high 59 student or 40 percent, ability analyze analyze 62 student or 42 percent, ability analyze low 25 student or 17 percent, ability analyze very low 1 student or 0, 5 percent. On the average it can be concluded that higher order thinking skills on taxonomy analyze students in Bengkulu Tengah included in medium criterion.

Keyword: HOTS, Analyze, Physics
The Many Meanings of Rewilding: An Introduction and the Case for a Broad Conceptualisation
Authors: Gammon Andrea R.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I (1) offer a general introduction of rewilding and (2) situate the concept in environmental philosophy. In the first part of the paper, I work from definitions and typologies of rewilding that have been put forth in the academic literature. To these, I add secondary notions of rewilding from outside the scientific literature that are pertinent to the meanings and motivations of rewilding beyond its use in a scientific context. I defend the continued use of rewilding as a single term, despite its seemingly disparate usages, and I advance a clustered concept of eight overlapping characteristics as a way to conceptualise these. I argue that this breadth helps in understanding the wider interest in rewilding as an emerging environmental phenomenon. In the paper's second part, I turn to three key issues in environmental philosophy in order to connect rewilding with the historic themes of: (1) the exclusion of humans from wild or wilderness places, (2) the ontological purity of wilderness areas through their non-human origins and history, and (3) cultural landscapes and notions of place. I suggest that rewilding carries on some of the main themes of the wilderness debate, but considering rewilding broadly allows tensions and novel questions to manifest that are important to how rewilding should be discussed and understood going forward.
New Nature in Old Landscapes: Some Dutch Examples of the Relation between History, Heritage and Ecological Restoration
Authors: Renes Hans
Published: July 2018

For most of the twentieth century, nature conservation activities were connected to the protection of agrarian landscapes. During the late 1980s, the introduction of the concept of ‘new wilderness’ offered new opportunities for ecologists, but at the same time produced conflicts with traditional nature and landscape conservation. At the heart of the conflict were different visions of the relation between nature and society, sometimes resulting in a polarised debate, with opposing Arcadian and wilderness visions. In this paper, the new wilderness will be described from a landscape perspective, envisioning these wildernesses as a phase in the long history of human influences on landscapes and as part of a landscape that is complex and multi-layered. Some examples will show how a sectoral approach to nature leads to projects in which opportunities to integrate the new wilderness into a wider context of landscape and society are missed. In the final part, a prospect will be shown in which (new) wilderness is seen as part of a layered landscape.
Abandoning or Reimagining a Cultural Heartland? Understanding and Responding to Rewilding Conflicts in Wales – the Case of the Cambrian Wildwood
Authors: Wynne-Jones Sophie , Strouts Graham , Holmes George
Published: July 2018

This paper is about rewilding and the tensions it involves. Rewilding is a relatively novel approach to nature conservation, which seeks to be proactive and ambitious in the face of continuing environmental decline. Whilst definitions of rewilding place a strong emphasis on non-human agency, it is an inescapably human aspiration resulting in a range of social conflicts. The paper focuses on the case study of the Cambrian Wildwood project in Mid Wales (UK), evaluating the ways in which debate and strategic action to advance rewilding is proceeding, assessing the extent to which compromise and learning has occurred amongst advocates. As such, we provide an important addition to the field, by detailing how conflicts play out over time and how actors’ positioning and approach shifts, and why. In this case, tempers have flared around the threat that rewilding is seen to pose to resident farming communities. Tensions discussed include the differing social constructions of landscape and nature involved; the distribution of impacts on different stakeholders; and the relative power of different actors to make decisions and gain representation. Responding to these, the paper outlines how rewilding advocates have sought to advance a more peopled and culturally responsive vision, which seeks to champion sustainable livelihood strategies. The changes in approach detailed demonstrate a reflexive stance from rewilders, which suggests that learning and adaptation can occur. Nonetheless, caution is expressed regarding the extent to which rewilding can truly advance inclusive opportunities for rural change, given a continued return amongst stakeholders to exclusionary narratives of belonging and authenticity, suggesting substantive difficulty in moving beyond longstanding concerns over identity and the re-imagination of place. Rewilding, it would seem, is about who we think we are and how we co-constitute our sense of self. We, therefore, close by arguing that tactics and politicking can only have so much bearing, tensions over rewilding are unavoidably emotional.
Rewilding in Layered Landscapes as a Challenge to Place Identity
Authors: Drenthen Martin
Published: July 2018

Rewilding is an increasingly popular strategy in landscape management, yet it is also controversial, especially when applied in culturally ‘layered’ landscapes. In this paper I examine what is morally at stake in debates between proponents of rewilding and those that see traditional cultural landscapes as worthy of protection. I will argue that rewilding should not only be understood as a conservation practice, but that we also need to understand its hermeneutic aspect. Rewilding implies a radical non-anthropocentric normative reinterpretation of landscape and human history that calls for a critical re-examination of the cultural identities that are based on that history.
Restoring or Re-storying the Lake District: Applying Responsive Cohesion to a Current Problem Situation
Authors: Brook Isis
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the role of ethics in addressing aspects of ecological restoration in culturally-saturated landscapes. Do we have the ethical tools to respond to the complex questions that restoration poses? We can see valued landscapes, such as the English Lake District, as culturally rich or as ecologically denuded. This paper will juxtapose the demands of retaining rich cultural narratives and those of rewilding (which would allow for greater self-sustaining biological diversity and space for unrestrained nature). Using the ethical theory of responsive cohesion, this paper will explore the cultural narrative vs wildness question in the context of the English Lake District.
CaO&CaSO4 and CaO&Al2(SO4)3 as Pectin Precipitants–Model of Overlapping Diffuse Layers
Authors: Kuljanin Tatjana A. , Filipović Vladimir S. , Nićetin Milica R. , Lončar Biljana Lj. , Filipčev Bojana V. , Pezo Lato L.
Published: July 2018

This work is concerned with the theoretical basis of novel sugar beet juice purification method using binary systems CaO&CaSO4 and CaO&Al2(SO4)3. The Gouy–Chapman–Stern (GCS) model of overlapping of diffuse layers of EDLs on pectin surface and that on Ca2+ and Al3+ ions, theoretically explains this method. The change of the zeta potential was used to quantitatively indicate overlapping of diffuse layers. For the experiment two model solutions of pectin (0.1 % w/w) were prepared, while the concentrations of CaO&CaSO4 and CaO&Al2(SO4)3 in the range of 50–500 g dm-3 were used. The greater decrease in the absolute value of zeta potential indicated greater overlapping of diffuse layers between pectin particles and Ca2+ and Al3+ ions and faster coagulation of pectin. The overlapping degree increased with increased concentration of these binary systems. Pectin with a greater surface charge and multivalent Al3+ from CaO&Al2(SO4), exerted a greater impact on the zeta potential. Optimal quantities of the applied binary mixtures were as follows: 256–640 mg g-1 pectin. This is much lower than CaO commonly used in the conventional process of sugar beet juice purification (about 9 g g-1 pectin).
Characterization, identification and antibiogram studies of endophytic bacteria from cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]
Authors: Marzan LW , Alam R , Hossain MA
Published: July 2018

This study included isolation, characterization and identification of endophytic bacteria from cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] roots from Hathazari upazilla, Chittagong, Bangladesh and three specis of bacteria, Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus caprae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were finally identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics according to established protocol. Results of antibiotic sensitivity pattern of those endophytic bacteria suggested that they can be utilized as a cost-effective biological control agent in future applications, such as delivery of enzymes for controlling certain plant diseases against various pathogens. The findings of this study may help to determine the potential application of those endophytic bacteria in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 175-186, June 2018
Socio-economic performance of Bt eggplant cultivation in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid MA , Hasan MK , Matin MA
Published: July 2018

A study was conducted in 35 districts of Bangladesh during 2016-17 winter season for assessing the farm level performance of Bt eggplant in reducing pesticide use, cultivation cost and increase farm income. Five hundred five Bt eggplant farmers were selected purposively and 350 non-Bt eggplant farmers were selected randomly for the study. Net returns per hectare were Tk. 179,602/ha for Bt eggplant as compared to Tk. 29,841/ha for non-Bt eggplant. Pesticides were applied 11 times to Bt eggplant where as it was 41 times to non-Bt eggplant for controlling sucking pests. The Bt eggplant farmers saved 61 percent of the pesticide cost compared to non-Bt eggplant farmers, experienced no losses due to fruit and shoot borer, and received higher net returns. The experience with Bt eggplant technology was good for most of the locations and up to the mark and off course this technology will be significantly improved to their socio-economic conditions in future as reported by the Bt respondents. All Bt and 86% non-Bt farmers wanted to cultivate Bt eggplant in the next year if they can obtain the seeds/seedlings from the research station. For getting higher yield and economic benefits, in the course of technology dissemination, the importance of good production practices must be emphasized.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 187-203, June 2018
Nutrient management on the growth and yield of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.)
Authors: Yousuf MN , Karim AJMS , Solaiman ARM , Islam MS , Zakaria M
Published: July 2018

A field experiment was carried out at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, during rabi (winter) season of 2016-17 to evaluate the effects of fertilizer treatments on black cumin (BARI Kalozira-1). The field belongs to Shallow red-brown terrace soil of Salna series under AEZ-28 (Madhupur Tract). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the application of nutrient elements had positive effect on plant height, branches per plant, capsule setting, umbels per plant, capsules per plant, capsule size, seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight and seed yield of black cumin. The highest seed yield (1277 kg ha-1) was obtained from 75% RDCF + 25% cowdung-N treatment followed by 100% RDCF (N80P45K50S20Zn5B2 kg ha-1) and the lowest seed yield (420 kg ha-1) was recorded with 50% RDCF. Thus, the IPNS treatment 75% RDCF + 25% cowdung-N appeared to be the best suitable package for black cumin cultivation in this location.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 205-210, June 2018
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of rice co-planted with a novel phytoremediator, Marsilea minuta L.
Authors: Hassi U , Hossain MT , Huq SMI
Published: July 2018

A pot experiment was carried out to assess the effects of arsenic and aquatic fern (Marsilea minuta L.), when applied as a phytoremediator, on the nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) of rice. Two sets of pot experiments were conducted in the net house on rice (Oryza sativa L.) together with aquatic fern (M. minuta) and on aquatic fern (M. minuta) alone where soils were treated with 1 mg/L As-solution at 80% arsenite and 20% arsenate. No significant difference was found in the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations of rice, in the absence of arsenic, whether grown in the presence of M. minuta or not. The uptake of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was found to be 36%, 23%, and 22% more, respectively in rice plants treated with M. minuta and arsenic over the control treatment, although the results were statistically insignificant. However, a significant negative relationship was found between arsenic and root nitrogen (P-value of 0.0017) when grown together with arsenic and M. minuta. A significant positive relationship was found between arsenic and shoot phosphorus (P-value of 0.0025) as well as arsenic and shoot and root potassium (P-values were 0.0045 and 0.0115, respectively). The results indicate that Marsilea minuta might be used as a phytoremediator of As together with rice plants.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 211-218, June 2018
Profitability of winter maize cultivation in drought prone areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Khandoker S , Miah MA Monayem , Rashid MA , Khatun M , Talukder MZA
Published: July 2018

The study was conducted in four districts namely Rajshahi, Chuadanga, Comilla and Rangpur during 2015-2016 to estimate the effect of drought in maize production, technical efficiency and adaptation strategy of maize farmers, and explore related problems of maize cultivation in the study areas.Rajshahi and Chuadanga were selected as drought prone areas whereas Rangpur and Comilla were selected as favorable environment. A total of 200 farmers taking 50 from each district were selected randomly for the study. Per hectare total cost of maize cultivation in drought prone areas was found Tk. 92,582, whereas in normal environment it was Tk. 79,594. Per hectare average yield in drought prone and normal areas were 7576 kg and 8729kg, respectively. Per hectare net return of maize in drought prone and normal areas were Tk. 28,062 and Tk. 59, 871, respectively.On full cost basis benefit cost ratio (BCR) in drought prone and normal areas were 1.31 and 1.75, respectively. Result of semi-logarithmic regression model indicated that maize production was decreased by 22.4 percent in drought prone areas than normal environment. Loss of yield (70%), loss of plant growth (55%) and problem in flowering stage (43%) were reported to be the major effects of drought.The major adaptation strategies in the drought prone areas were increase number of irrigation (77%), increase amount of fertilizer (42%) and seed (31%) and change of planting date (30%). Higher price of irrigation (70%), lack of drought tolerant variety (48%) and lack of quality seed (31%) were the major problem in drought prone areas. Again,disease infestation (64%), lack of quality seed (41%) and high price of seed (36%) were the major problem in normal environment. Scientists should take attempt to develop drought tolerant maize variety.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 219-234, June 2018
Adoption of BARI mango varieties in selected sites of Chittagong district
Authors: Uddin MJ , Begum MEA , Chowdhury SMKH , Rahman KS
Published: July 2018

The study was carried out in 28 villages covering131 mango growers of three Upazilas in Chittagong District with view to examine the adoption status of BARI mango varieties at farmer’s level. The adoption status of improved mango varieties was unknown to the region. Results revealed that out of 11 varieties of BARI mango, the highest 77% farmers adopted BARI Aam-3 followed by BARI Aam- 4 (22.1%) and BARI Aam-8 15.9%. But the rate of adoption of other varieties of BARI Aam was found to be lower irrespective of all locations due to unavailability of sapling and unknown to the variety. The rate of adoption of individual production technologies of BARI mango varieties was found unsatisfactory. Majority of the farmers did not adopt recommended practices as stated in BARI Krishi Projokti Hathboi such as pit size, planting distance, application of manure and fertilizers, plant growth regulator, insects and diseases management. Farmers maintained pit size for mango sapling (1.4 ft × 1.4 ft× 1.3 ft) compared to recommended size of (3ft×3ft×3ft). Similarly, planting distance was 12.0 x11.7ft as against the recommended distance of 25ft×30ft. About 67.7% farmers adopted the improved practice such as breaking inflorescence of mango trees and 65.0% of farmers used mulching. But majority (52%) of farmers did not receive training and practice pruning for mango trees. Probit regression analysis revealed that yield of mango variety, training, extension contact, risk taking behavior and willingness to take loan has indeed helped in contributing to adopt BARI mango varieties significantly. Therefore, promoting training on BARI mango production technologies; ensuring the availability of BARI mango saplings, and campaigning about the varieties in mass media could help to increase the rate of adoption of BARI mango varieties in the region.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 235-252, June 2018
Genetic Diversity in Aus rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter N , Begum H , Islam MZ , Siddique MA , Khalequzzaman M
Published: July 2018

Genetic diversity in 31 traditional Bangladeshi Aus rice genotypes were studied under transplanted condition through Mahalanobis D2 statistic for grain yield and yield contributing characters. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The inter-cluster distances were higher than intra-cluster distances indicating wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different clusters. The intra-cluster distances were lower in all the cases reflecting homogeneity of the genotypes within the clusters. The cluster II contained the highest number of genotypes (08) and the cluster I and III contained the lowest (05). The highest intra-cluster distance was noticed for the cluster II and the lowest for cluster IV. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V followed by cluster III and V, cluster I and V and the lowest between cluster I and III. Regarding inter-cluster distance, the genotypes of cluster V showed high genetic distance from all other clusters. The genotypes from cluster V could be hybridized with the genotypes of other characters of other clusters for producing transgressive segregants. The highest cluster means for yield, effective tiller number and grain length, were obtained from cluster I; whereas the lowest mean value for yield, culm length, plant height and grain breadth were found in cluster II. Therefore, genotypes under cluster I, cluster II and cluster V might be selected for future breeding program as parents for crossing to produce new recombinants with desired traits.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 253-266, June 2018
Growth analysis and yield performance of four potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties
Authors: Howlader O , Hoque MA
Published: July 2018

An experiment with four potato varieties, namely Asterix, Cardinal, Diamant and Granola was conducted at the Horticulture Research Field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during November 2013 to February 2014 to observe the behaviour of growth parameters and yield potentiality of potato. Final harvest of tuber was done at 90 DAP. LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR were not significantly influenced by the varieties. Irrespective of varieties, LAI increased progressively with time reaching a peak at 60 DAP and thereafter declined. Granola maintained the lower LAI throughout all growth stages. Numerically, the maximum CGR (19.99 g m-2 day-1) was found in Asterix at 50-60 DAP and the highest RGR (107.33 mg g-1 day-1) as well as NAR (9.54 g m-2 day-1) was recorded in Cardinal at 30-40 DAP. At 60-70 DAP, Cardinal recorded the highest TBR (84.35 g m-2 day-1) while Asterix, the highest TGR (18.54 g m-2 day-1) but Granola gave the lowest values of TBR (65.21 g m-2 day-1) and TGR (14.92 g m-2 day-1) at this growth stage. At all growth stages except 30 and 40 DAP, Diamant showed the best performance in SLA while Granola showed the lowest. The maximum yield was produced by Asterix (31.46 t/ha) closely followed by Diamant (29.91 t/ha) and Cardinal (27.27 t/ha) while the lowest yield was produced by Granola (24.82 t/ha). Granola showed the capacity of producing 95% or more of its final yield within 60 to 70 DAP. Therefore, Granola can be used as an early variety for potato cultivation.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 267-280, June 2018
Response of hybrid maize to boron application
Authors: Rahman MS , Islam MT , Ishtiaque S , Sarker MJU , Khan AS MMR
Published: July 2018

An experiment was carried out at farmer’s field of Kushtia district under High Ganges River Floodplain Soil (AEZ-11) during Rabi seasons of 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of boron on the yield of hybrid maize (cv. BARI Hybrid Bhutta-9) and to find out the optimum dose of boron for higher yield and economic return. There were 6 treatments comprising 6 levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg B ha-1) of boron along with a blanket dose of N256 P65 K45 S27 Zn3 kg ha-1 and cowdung 5 tha-1. Boron fertility of the initial soil was in medium level (0.33 μg g-1). The experiment was conducted in RCB design with three compact replications. Results of three years study revealed that hybrid maize responded significantly to added boron for the first two years but for the third year the effect was statistically non significant. The highest grain yield was obtained with 2.5 kg B ha-1, which was marginally significant with boron control but statistically identical to rest of the boron levels. Although, the yield increased linearly up to 2.5 kg ha-1 but the effect was relatively better fitted with quadratic response function (R2 = 0.943). The mean highest grain yield found to be 8.55 t ha-1 for 2.5 kg B ha-1 against 8.20 t ha-1 from 0.5 kg B ha-1 and 7.84 t ha-1 from boron control. Considering the boron fertilty of soil, response of maize to boron and economic return, the optimum dose of boron may be 0.5 kg ha-1 for the cultivation of hybrid maize for medium level boron fertile soil under AEZ-11 of Kushtia district or alike.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 281-288, June 2018
Yield loss assessment and management of foot rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) of bush bean
Authors: Alam KM , Alam MM , Islam R , Khan MAA , Islam MN
Published: July 2018

The released three varieties of bush bean (BARI Jhar Shim-1, 2 and 3) were grown in both Sclerotium rolfsii inoculated and un-inoculated plots to assess the yield loss in the field of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur during 2013. Sclerotium rolfsii infected the bush bean plant in every growth stage and reduced the germination capacity and lessened plant vigor. The yield loss ranged from 55.43 to 64.94%. A screening study was conducted to observe the resistant level of released varieties and local lines collected from On Farm Research Division (OFRD), BARI, Sylhet during 2013. B0124 and BARI Jhar Shim-3 showed susceptible and the others showed highly susceptible reaction. The antagonistic potential of the local isolates of Trichoderma harzianum against the phytopathogenic S. rolfsii was investigated in dual culture and bioassay on bean plants. Isolated T. harzianum showed antagonism effect against S. rolfsii and restricted around 80% mycelial growth in-vitro. A field experiment was carried out in Plant Pathology Division, BARI, Gazipur during 2014 to observe the efficacy of T. harzianum in controlling foot rot disease induced by S.rolfsii of bush bean in the field. Soil treated with T. harzianum mass plus seed treated with Provax 200 WP showed the lowest disease incidence (28.47%) and the highest germination (98.61%) and yield (873.33 kg/ha) in compared to other treatments with pathogen inoculated soil.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 289-299, June 2018
Adoption and profitability of BARI released potato varieties in northern region of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam QMS , Matin MA , Siddiquee MSH , Islam MT
Published: July 2018

The study was conducted in three potato growing areas in nothern districts of Bangladesh namely Rajshahi, Rangpur and Thakurgaon. Data were collected during 2016-17 to assess the level of adoption, profitability, farmers attitude towards the cultivation of BARI released potato varieties and to explore the constraints to potato cultivation. The study revealed that 59% potato areas were covered by BARI Alu-7 variety. The varieties BARI Alu-13, BARI Alu-25 and BARI Alu-8 covered 14%, 14% and 12% of the potato areas respectively. The adoption level of seed rate, gypsum and boron were found high which adoption score were 95, 72 and 71. The level adoption of urea, TSP and MoP were over used which adoption score were 103,138 and 110. The adoption levels of cowdung and zinc sulphate were found medium which adoption score were 50 and 61. Only 37% farmers used potato seeds from their own source. Per hectare total cost of BARI released potato cultivation was Tk. 204003 and variable cost was Tk. 161033. The major share of cost was seed (31%) followed by fertilizer (13%) and land use (11%). Per hectare average yield of potato was 28 ton with gross return Tk. 249819 and gross margin Tk. 88786. The net return of potato cultivation was Tk. 45816 per hectare. The benefit cost ratio was 1.22. Infestation of insect and diseases, non-availability of quality seed, high price of seed and inadequate storage facilities were the major constraints to potato cultivation.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 309-322, June 2018
Bio-rational management packages of jassid and shoot and fruit borer of okra
Authors: Mohammad A , Alam SN , Miah MRU , Amin MR , Saif HB
Published: July 2018

The study was conducted for bio-rational management of jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), and shoot and fruit borer of okra (Earias vittella) at experimental field of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during April to July 2016. Management Packages used in this study were package 1: Hand picking+ pheromone mass trapping for Earias vittella + spraying of bio-neem plus 1 EC @ 1ml l-1 of water, package 2: Hand picking + pheromone mass trapping for Earias vittella + spraying of emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 1g l-1 of water, package 3: Hand picking + pheromone mass trapping for Earias vittella + spraying of spinosad 45 SC @ 0.4ml l-1 of water, package 4: Farmers practice: Spraying of cypermethrin 10 EC@ 1ml l-1 of water at seven days interval, and an untreated control. Among the packages bio-neem based one (Package 1) was the best to control jassid population, emamectin benzoate based package (Package 2) was the best to control okra shoot and fruit borer infestation on shoot and spinosad based package (Package 3) was the best to control okra shoot and fruit borer infestation on fruit. Statistically similar yields were obtained from bio-rational package treated plots and their yields were significantly higher than farmer’s practice (Package 4) and untreated control plot. Higher benefit cost ratio (4.57-9.18) was obtained from bio-rational management package treated plots compare to that of farmer’s practice plot (4.50).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 323-332, June 2018
Increasing cropping intensity and productivity through mungbean inclusion in wheat-fallow-T. Aman rice cropping pattern
Authors: Khan MAH , Sultana N , Akter N , Zaman MS , Choudhury AK
Published: July 2018

The experiment was conducted at the farmers’ field of Bhaluka Upazilla under On-Farm Research division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Mymensingh during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the performance of Wheat-Mungbean-T.aman rice improved cropping pattern against a farmers cropping pattern of Wheat-Fallow-T.aman rice. The findings of the study indicated that three crops could be grown successfully in sequence in the tested site. The higher rice equivalent yield (15.33 t hd-1 yr.-1), production efficiency (34.74 kg ha-1 day-1) and land utilization index (70.69 %) were obtained from the improved cropping pattern than the farmer’s one. Average gross return (Tk. 262750 ha-1), gross margin (Tk 126204 ha-1) and marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) 2.23 of the improved pattern indicate it’s superiority over farmers’ existing pattern. The fertility status of soil i.e. pH, organic matter, total N, available P, S, Zn and B content in soil were increased over the initial soil due to addition of mungbean biomass.Thus, inclusion of mungbean in the existing farmer’s cropping pattern will improve soil health and the system productivity as a whole.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 333-343, June 2018
Impacts of wheat seed storage at poor household level in Bangladesh
Authors: Miah MA Monayem , Islam QMS , Baksh ME , Rossi FJ , Tiwari TP
Published: July 2018

Small and marginal farmers have little access to improved seed from institutional sources and are thus largely excluded from the benefits of new varieties. The production and storage of improved varieties seeds at the household (HH) level can successfully overcome this problem. With this aim CSISA-CIMMYT (Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia) project in Bangladesh have been working since 2012. Therefore, the study assessed the impacts of wheat seed storage systems at HH level, with a particular emphasis on how the poor farmers are benefited by doing the seed storage business. The study analyzed data and information collected at random from 210 supported and 60 non-supported farmers spread over three wheat growing districts namely Mymensingh, Faridpur and Rangpur. Wheat farmers used different storage containers and showed the highest level of satisfaction towards plastic sac along with poly bags and plastic/metal drum due to cost effectiveness and seed quality maintenance. On an average, supported and non-supported farmers retained respectively 103 kg and 100 kg of seed at household level, and sold most of their seeds to neighbouring farmers, local markets, and dealers. Wheat seed storage at household level was a profitable business to most of the respondent farmers. They could earn a reasonable net income (Tk.1127-Tk.1210) from seed storage. The farmers who stored seed in plastic/metal drum received the highest net income due to higher storage capacity, less storage cost, and higher seed price. The wheat storage program has created significant impacts in the study areas. A substantial increase was recorded in wheat area, wheat productivity, and financial benefit of the wheat farmers as a whole. Nevertheless, improved wheat seed is now available at farm level and most farmers become enthusiastic towards improved wheat cultivation because of this program. Respondent farmers did not face any critical problem during seed storage.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 345-360, June 2018
Influence of morphological and reproductive characters on the yield of mustard/rapeseed
Authors: Mondal MMA , Malek MA
Published: July 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 361-368, June 2018
Proteomics and Toxicity Analysis of Spinal-Cord Primary Cultures upon Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment
Authors: Greco Viviana , Spalloni Alida , Corasolla Carregari Victor , Pieroni Luisa , Persichilli Silvia , Mercuri Nicola B. , Urbani Andrea , Longone Patrizia
Published: July 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter recognized as an essential body product with a dual, biphasic action. It can function as an antioxidant and a cytoprotective, but also as a poison with a high probability of causing brain damage when present at noxious levels. In a previous study, we measured toxic liquoral levels of H2S in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and in the familial ALS (fALS) mouse model, SOD1G93A. In addition, we experimentally demonstrated that H2S is extremely and selectively toxic to motor neurons, and that it is released by glial cells and increases Ca2+ concentration in motor neurons due to a lack of ATP. The presented study further examines the effect of toxic concentrations of H2S on embryonic mouse spinal-cord cultures. We performed a proteomic analysis that revealed a significant H2S-mediated activation of pathways related to oxidative stress and cell death, particularly the Nrf-2-mediated oxidative stress response and peroxiredoxins. Furthermore, we report that Na2S (a stable precursor of H2S) toxicity is, at least in part, reverted by the Bax inhibitor V5 and by necrostatin, a potent necroptosis inhibitor.
Top-of-Atmosphere Shortwave Anisotropy over Liquid Clouds: Sensitivity to Clouds’ Microphysical Structure and Cloud-Topped Moisture
Authors: Tornow Florian , Preusker René , Domenech Carlos , Carbajal Henken Cintia K. , Testorp Sören , Fischer Jürgen
Published: July 2018

We investigated whether Top-of-Atmosphere Shortwave (TOA SW) anisotropy—essential to convert satellite-based instantaneous TOA SW radiance measurements into TOA SW fluxes—is sensitive to cloud-top effective radii and cloud-topped water vapor. Using several years of CERES SSF Edition 4 data—filtered for overcast, horizontally homogeneous, low-level and single-layer clouds of cloud optical thickness 10—as well as broadband radiative transfer simulations, we built refined empirical Angular Distribution Models (ADMs). The ADMs showed that anisotropy fluctuated particularly around the cloud bow and cloud glory (up to 2.9–8.0%) for various effective radii and at highest and lowest viewing zenith angles under varying amounts of cloud-topped moisture (up to 1.3–6.4%). As a result, flux estimates from refined ADMs differed from CERES estimates by up to 20 W m−2 at particular combinations of viewing and illumination geometry. Applied to CERES cross-track observation of January and July 2007—utilized to generate global radiation budget climatologies for benchmark comparisons with global climate models—we found that such differences between refined and CERES ADMs introduced large-scale biases of 1–2 W m−2 and on regional levels of up to 10 W m−2. Such biases could be attributed in part to low cloud-top effective radii (about 8 μm) and low cloud-topped water vapor (1.7 kg m−2) and in part to an inopportune correlation of viewing and illumination conditions with temporally varying effective radii and cloud-topped moisture, which failed to compensate towards vanishing flux bias. This work may help avoid sampling biases due to discrepancies between individual samples and the median cloud-top effective radii and cloud-top moisture conditions represented in current ADMs.
Hydrogel Actuators and Sensors for Biomedical Soft Robots: Brief Overview with Impending Challenges
Authors: Banerjee Hritwick , Suhail Mohamed , Ren Hongliang
Published: July 2018

There are numerous developments taking place in the field of biorobotics, and one such recent breakthrough is the implementation of soft robots—a pathway to mimic nature’s organic parts for research purposes and in minimally invasive surgeries as a result of their shape-morphing and adaptable features. Hydrogels (biocompatible, biodegradable materials that are used in designing soft robots and sensor integration), have come into demand because of their beneficial properties, such as high water content, flexibility, and multi-faceted advantages particularly in targeted drug delivery, surgery and biorobotics. We illustrate in this review article the different types of biomedical sensors and actuators for which a hydrogel acts as an active primary material, and we elucidate their limitations and the future scope of this material in the nexus of similar biomedical avenues.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Particulate Reinforced NbMoCrTiAl High Entropy Based Composite
Authors: Li Tianchen , Liu Bin , Liu Yong , Guo Wenmin , Fu Ao , Li Liangsheng , Yan Nie , Fang Qihong
Published: July 2018

A novel metal matrix composite based on the NbMoCrTiAl high entropy alloy (HEA) was designed by the in-situ formation method. The microstructure, phase evolution, and compression mechanical properties at room temperature of the composite are investigated in detail. The results confirmed that the composite was primarily composed of body-centered cubic solid solution with a small amount of titanium carbides and alumina. With the presence of approximately 7.0 vol. % Al2O3 and 32.2 vol. % TiC reinforced particles, the compressive fracture strength of the composite (1542 MPa) was increased by approximately 50% compared with that of the as-cast NbMoCrTiAl HEA. In consideration of the superior oxidation resistance, the P/M NbMoCrTiAl high entropy alloy composite could be considered as a promising high temperature structural material.
Aurel Stein and the Kiplings: Silk Road Pathways of Converging and Reciprocal Inspiration
Authors: Kain Geoffrey
Published: July 2018

Biographies of the renowned linguistic scholar and archaeological explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943) inevitably yet briefly refer to the role played by John Lockwood Kipling (1837–1911), as curator of the Lahore Museum—with its extensive collection of ancient Gandharan Greco-Buddhist sculpture—in exciting Stein’s interests in and theories of what likely lay buried under the sands of the Taklamakan Desert. A more insistent focus on the coalescing influences in the Stein-Kipling relationship, including a subsequent line of evident inspiration from Stein to the internationally famed author and Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling (Lockwood’s son; 1865–1936), helps to synthesize some of the highlights of Stein’s first expedition into the remote Tarim Basin of Chinese Turkestan, including and involving the forgeries manufactured by the Uyghur treasure-seeker Islam Akhun.
Incorporation of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to Enhance the Bioactivity of Fibrin-Based Hydrogels for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration
Authors: Gansau Jennifer , Buckley Conor Timothy
Published: July 2018

Hydrogels, such as fibrin, offer a promising delivery vehicle to introduce cells into the intervertebral disc (IVD) to regenerate damaged disc tissue as a potential treatment for low back pain. However, fibrin lacks key extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen (Col) and hyaluronan (HA), normally found in native nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue. The overall aim of this work was to create a fibrin-based hydrogel, by incorporating Col and HA into the matrix to enhance NP-like matrix accumulation using articular chondrocytes (CC). Firstly, we assessed the effect of fibrin concentrations on hydrogel stability, and the viability and proliferation kinetics of articular chondrocytes. Secondly, we investigated the effect of incorporating Col and HA to enhance NP-like matrix accumulation, and finally, examined the influence of various HA concentrations. Results showed that increasing fibrin concentration enhanced cell viability and proliferation. Interestingly, incorporation of HA promoted sGAG accumulation and tended to suppress collagen formation at higher concentrations. Taken together, these results suggest that incorporation of ECM components can enhance the bioactivity of fibrin-based hydrogels, which may help advance the clinical potential of commercial cell and biomaterial ventures in the treatment of IVD regeneration.
A Simple, Quick and Eco-Friendly Strategy of Synthesis Nanosized α-LiFeO2 Cathode with Excellent Electrochemical Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Youzuo , Zhao Hongyuan , Liu Xingquan
Published: July 2018

Nanosized α-LiFeO2 samples were successfully synthesized via a simple, quick and eco-friendly strategy at ambient temperature followed by a low temperature calcined process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements revealed that the optimal α-LiFeO2 sample was composed of extremely small nanoparticles. The electrochemical properties were tested at 0.1 C in the cut-off voltage of 1.5–4.8 V. The sample obtained at 150 °C for 6 h exhibited the best cycling stability with high initial discharge capacity of 223.2 mAh/g, which was extremely high for pristine α-LiFeO2 without any modification process. After 50 cycles, the discharge capacity could still maintain 194.5 mAh/g with good capacity retention. When the charge–discharge rate increased to 0.2 C and 0.5 C, the initial discharge capacities were 216.6 mAh/g and 171.5 mAh/g, respectively. Furthermore, the optimal sample showed low charge transfer resistance and high lithium-ion diffusion coefficients, which facilitated the excellent electrochemical performance.
Simultaneous Evaluation of Creep Deformation and Recovery of Bulk-Fill Dental Composites Immersed in Food-Simulating Liquids
Authors: Alrahlah Ali , Khan Rawaiz , Alotaibi Khalid , Almutawa Ziad , Fouad H. , Elsharawy Mohamed , Silikas Nikolaos
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to compare the creep/recovery behavior of bulk-fill dental composites after storage in various food simulating organic solvents. For this purpose, five different resin-composites (four bulk-fills and one conventional) were used. A total of 20 rectangular specimens (14 mm × 3 mm × 0.7 mm) were prepared by filling the resin-composites in Teflon mold. All of the specimens for each material (n = 5) were divided into four groups namely dry (control), distilled water (DW), artificial saliva, and absolute ethanol. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending creep test during immersion directly. A constant load of 2 N was used for each specimen with loading and unloading time 2 h each. Results: SF2 and XF showed a lower creep strain % after immersion, ranging from 0.44 (dry) to 0.75 (saliva) and 0.43 (dry) to 0.80 (ethanol), respectively. TNC BF depicts the maximum creep strain % ranging from 1.24% (dry) to 2.87% (ethanol) followed by FBF ranging from 1.17 (dry) to 2.59 (ethanol). However, the conventional material (GR) showed lower creep strain after immersion ranging from 0.28 to 0.54. Moreover, SF2 resulted in the highest creep recovery in all of the composites groups, as well as conventional material. The other composite groups showed lower creep recovery as compared to the conventional material (GR). The creep strain % for all the bulk-fill composites materials were increased during immersion in the liquids. However, for the conventional material, the creep deformation is decreased after immersion. SF2 showed the highest percentage of creep recovery among the bulk-fill composites, followed by XF.
Facile Preparation and Characterization of Short-Fiber and Talc Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) Hybrid Composite with In Situ Reactive Compatibilizers
Authors: Nanthananon Phornwalan , Seadan Manus , Pivsa-Art Sommai , Hamada Hiroyuki , Suttiruengwong Supakij
Published: July 2018

Hybrid composites of fillers and/or fibers reinforced polymer was generally produced by masterbatch dilution technique. In this work, the simplified preparation was introduced for the large volume production of 30 wt % short-fiber and talcum reinforced polymer hybrid composite by direct feeding into twin-screw extruder. Multifunctional epoxide-based terpolymer and/or maleic anhydride were selected as in situ reactive compatibilizers. The influence of fiber and talcum ratios and in situ reactive compatibilizers on mechanical, dynamic mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of hybrid composites were investigated. The morphological results showed the strong interfacial adhesion between fiber or talcum and Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix due to a better compatibility by reaction of in situ compatibilizer. The reactive PLA hybrid composite showed the higher tensile strength and the elongation at break than non-compatibilized hybrid composite without sacrificing the tensile modulus. Upon increasing the talcum contents, the modulus and storage modulus of hybrid composites were also increased while the tensile strength and elongation at break were slightly decreased compared to PLA/fiber composite. Talcum was able to induce the crystallization of PLA hybrid composites.
Cold Rolling of Steel Strips with Metal-Working Coolants
Authors: Avdeenko Anatoly P. , Fedorynov Vladimir A. , Dašić Predrag V. , Turmanidze Raul , Fedorynov Mykhailo V. , Konovalova Svetlana A. , Burmistrov Konstantin S. , Toropin Nikolay V.
Published: July 2018

The efficiency of cold rolling of steel strip in the main depends on the quality of technological lubricant and its cost. In this regard, it is important to develop new compositions of effective metalworking coolants that are low cost and provide maximum reduction in the friction coefficient. We developed and tested the new compositions of metalworking coolants on the basis of vegetable oil and chicken fat. The metalworking coolants were tested in Donbas State Engineering Academy (DSEA) on a laboratory rolling mill, 100 × 100, in cold rolling of 08Kp steel. The efficiency of the coolants was determined by the stretch ratio λ and the friction coefficient μ in the deformation zone, which was found by the forward slip method. We found the metalworking coolant with 100% concentration of boric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides is the most effective in the rolling of thin steel strips. Thus, the new metalworking coolants (MWC) on the basis of boric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, synthesized on the basis of sunflower oil, can be recommended for use in the rolling of structural steels on account of its availability, high efficiency and low cost.