bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Moringa oleifera LAM, Leguminous Plants and NPK Fertilizer Comparatively on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Alley Cropping System
Authors: Abdullahi IN , Anyaegbu PO , Aliagbor D
Published: September 2014

The research work conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of University of Abuja was aimed at assessing the effect of Moringa oleifera, selected leguminous plants and inorganic fertilizer on the performance of orange fleshed sweet potato in Alley Cropping System. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using five treatments with three replications was applied. Data collected include: percentage survival of sweet potato, length per vine (cm), number of leaves per vine, leaf area of sweet potato, weed dry matter (g/m2), yield of sweet potato roots. Highest number of leaves (28) per plant was recorded in the control plot while the plots with NPK fertilizer had the highest length per vine (94.55cm) though not significantly (p>0.05) different from others. Higher percent survival (88%) of sweet potato was recorded from control plots. Stands grown in Arachis hypogeae plots produced the highest leaf area (0.202m2) while plots in which NPK fertilizer was applied experienced highest weed dry matter (4.083g/m2) although highest root yield (1.2t/ha) was recorded from the plots with NPK fertilizer. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11061 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 24-35
Energy Audit of Sardar Patel College, Chandrapur, Central India
Authors: Kamble Prashik P , Kamble Rahul K
Published: September 2014

Energy audit of Sardar Patel College was carried out in 2012-2013. Energy audit of the college revealed that annual electricity consumption was 93,984 units at a total cost of Rs 8,28,248/- (US$ 15059) with an average of Rs 8.66 (US$ 0.15) per unit. The per capita energy expenditure on a student comes out to be Rs 127.42/- (US$ 2.31) per annum, while including teaching and non-teaching faculty members it was Rs 121.80/- (US$ 2.21) per annum. To reduce the electricity consumption in the college various measures were suggested such as use of energy efficient appliances, task lighting, peak shaving and good housekeeping measures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11062 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 36-49
Computational Mining of Microsatellites in the Chloroplast Genome of Ptilidium pulcherrimum, a Liverwort
Authors: Shanker Asheesh
Published: September 2014

Microsatellites also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are found in DNA sequences. These repeats consist of short motifs of 1-6 bp and play important role in population genetics, phylogenetics and also in the development of molecular markers. In this study chloroplastic SSRs (cpSSRs) in the chloroplast genome of Ptilidium pulcherrimum, downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), were detected. The chloroplast genome sequence of P. pulcherrimum was mined with the help of a Perl script named MISA. A total of 23 perfect cpSSRs were detected in 119.007 kb sequence mined showing density of 1 SSR/5.17 kb. Depending on the repeat units, the length of SSRs found to be 12 bp for mono and tri, 12 to “22 bp for di, 12 to 16 bp for tetra nucleotide repeats. Penta and hexanucleotide repeats were completely absent in chloroplast genome of P. pulcherrimum. Dinucleotide repeats were the most frequent repeat type (47.83%) followed by tri (21.74%) and tetranucleotide (21.74%) repeats. Out of 23 SSRs detected, PCR primers were successfully designed for 22 (95.65%) cpSSRs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11063 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 50-58
The Reality of Economic Growth towards Green Environment: A Study of Selected OECD Countries 1990-2010
Authors: Gupta Shilpi
Published: September 2014

Economic growth and green environment has a direct relation with health, habitat and well being of our society which depends largely on the natural environment. But on the other side the society is neglecting and often ignoring the benefits that nature provides for economic prosperity. This paper studies the role of environment in economic growth, the role of environmental policy in achieving improved environmental results, closely examine the evidence of decoupling production from environmental damages and discuss decoupling in the context of global economy. In order to study these aspects, we explored our comparative research with special reference to selected eight OECD nations namely-France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Turkey, UK and USA with coverage period of 1990-2010. The selection of the countries is based on their prominence in industrialised world and their close economic bounding with each other over a considerable period. The coverage period in the study is 20 years because some of the emission data are available till 2013 and some only up to 2010. In order to do a comparative research on various dimensions we take in to our study period between1990-2010. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11065 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 78-88
Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Surgical Site and Wound Infection among Patients Admitted in some selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad UK , Adamu TM , Binji Z , Isa MA
Published: September 2014

Surgical and open wounds are commonly encountered in clinical practice. This study was aim to determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in surgical and open wound infection among patients admitted in some selected hospitals in Sokoto metropolis. A total of one hundred and fifty one (151) isolates were obtained from two hundred (200) surgical site and wound samples collected from patients in this study. The result showed that Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto (UDUTH) had the highest number of clinical isolates with 64 gram positive and gram negative bacteria followed by Specialist Hospital Sokoto (S.H.S) with 57 gram positive and gram negative bacteria and then Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital (MAWCH) with 30 gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Gram positive cocci 108 (71.5%) were more predominant pathogen isolated in the hospitals than gram negative bacilli 43 (28.5%). Staphylococcus aureus had the highest number of occurrence with 54(35.76%) followed by Coagulate negative Staphylococci with 47(31.1%) while Citrobacter freundii had the lowest number of occurrence with 2(1.32%) isolates. Also, the susceptibility of the isolates to antimicrobial agents were carried out using Amoxacillin, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol, Ampiclox, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Tetracycline, Pefloxacin and Cotrimoxazole. The mean zone of inhibition recorded against Staphlococcus aureus by using Amoxacillin antibiotic is 2.20mm while with Citrobacter freundii is 1.00. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11066 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 89-103
Prevalence of β-Lactamase Production among Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Surgical Site and Wound Infection amoung Patients Admitted in some selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad UK , Adamu TM , Binji Z , Isa MA
Published: September 2014

Antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria is increasing worldwide especially against ß-lactam drugs, due to the production of ß-lactamase enzymes which destroy the ß-lactam ring of these antibiotics, thus preventing the action of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). The prevalence of β-lactamase producing bacteria among patients admitted in three different hospitals were carried out in this study. The results of this study shows that out of one hundred and fifty one isolates obtained in three different hospitals in Sokoto metropolis, only 82 (54.0%) were resistant to the antibiotics tested. These include 42 (51.2%) were isolated in Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital (UDUT), 26 (31.7%) were isolated from Specialist Hospital Sokoto (S.H.S) and 14 (17.1%) were isolated from Maryam Abatcha Women and Children Hospital (MAWCH) which has the least number of occurrence of the resistant isolates. β-lactamase test was carried out on the resistant isolates show s that out of the 82 isolates found resistant to the antibiotics tested, about 60 (73.2%) were β- lactamase positive and the remaining 22 (26.8%) were β-lactamase negative. Staphylococcus aureus has the highest resistant bacteria producing β-lactamase enzyme with 22 isolates, followed by Proteus mirabilis with 10 isolates. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11067 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 89-112
The Effect of Seed Priming and Soaking Durations with Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) on Seedling Emergence and Morphological Traits in Okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.)
Authors: Shafi Gohar , Ara Neelam , Khan Fahim Ullah
Published: September 2014

The experiment was conducted at Ornamental Horticulture Nursery of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar in July 2008 to study the effect of okra seed priming with different phosphorus concentrations (DAP) at various durations on seedling emergence and some related traits. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in split plot arrangement, with three replications. Four DAP concentrations i.e. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%with difference soaking durations from 0 to 48 hours with 4 hours interval. Germination percentage (%), survival percentage (%), number of days to emergence, number of days to first flowering, plant height (cm), were significantly affected by concentrations and soaking durations. Mean values showed that maximum germination percentage (70.49 %), maximum plant height (150.33 cm) was observed in plot in which seeds were soaked in 0.5% phosphate solution. It is concluded that phosphorus concentration of 0.5 % and soaking for 32hour are recommended for seed priming in okra. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11068 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 113-125
Response of Maize Crop to Spatial Arrangement and Staggered Interseeding of Haricot Bean
Authors: Hirpa Tamiru
Published: September 2014

Field studies conducted to determine the effects of intercrop row arrangements and staggered intercropping of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on the performances of maize (Zea mays L.) crop at Hallaba and Taba areas in 2013 cropping season, southern Ethiopia, revealed that there were significant effects of cropping patterns and staggered interseeding of the legume component on growth and yield components of maize crop. Significant interaction of row arrangement × intercropping time of haricot bean was observed with respect to leaf area index (LAI) of the maize crop. Increasing trends of LAI of maize crop were observed as interseeding of haricot bean was delayed for 3 weeks after maize (WAM) that stabilized during the 6 WAM interseeding time. Maize stover production was significantly high at 1:2 row ratio and delaying of the undersowing haricot bean in the already established maize crop for 6 weeks, 10.94 tha-1 and 11.39 t ha-1, respectively. Maize grain yield showed a significant variation with respect to the staggered sowing of haricot bean, whereby the highest (3.99 t ha-1) being recorded when haricot bean intercropping was delayed for 21 days after maize planting. The data of this study revealed that the larger maize plant canopy providing larger photosynthetic area, attained when haricot bean interseeding was delayed, probably resulted in higher grain yield of maize. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11072 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 126-138
Coliform and Vibrio cholerae Analysis of Drinking Water Collected from Cholera Outbreak Region of Bhaktapur Municipality
Authors: Shrestha Upendra Thapa , Sujakhu Hishila
Published: September 2014

Water borne infections in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu valley is one the major public health problems, causing thousands of deaths every year. Among three cities in the valley, the water borne infection including cholera is most predominant in Bhaktapur district. So the study was carried out to know the microbial drinking water quality in the city and to determine the prevalence of water borne infections in the specified region of the district in 2012. Altogether eighty (two samples from a single site at different interval-2/3 days) water samples were collected from Bhaktapur Municipality, one of the most vulnerable regions for water borne diseases, following standard methods as described by APHA, 2010. All samples were transferred to Microbiology laboratory of Khwopa College, Dekocha, Bhaktapur and preceded immediately for Microbial analysis. The coliform density in the water samples were determined by Most Probable Number (MPN) method followed by microscopy, colonial morphology and biochemical characterization. Subsequently, the presence of Vibrio cholerae, a causative agent of Cholera was analyzed in the same samples by enrichment in alkaline peptone water followed by culture on Thiosulphate citrate bile-salt sucrose (TCBS) agar, a selective media for Vibrio spp. The biochemical tests were then performed to identify V. cholerae. Among eighty water samples, 87.5 percent water samples contained coliforms and half of which (45%) contained feacal coliforms, Escherichia coli and remaining 12.5 percent water samples contained no coliforms. Vibrio cholerae were isolated from four water samples (5%). The drinking water quality in the region was found to be very poor. Therefore, the people in the region were suggested to treat the drinking water by using any of physical or chemical disinfection methods prior to drinking. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11073 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 139-145
Improvised Media for In Vitro Pollen Germination of some Species of Apocynaceae
Authors: Chatterjee Reshmi , Sarkar Satadip , Rao GM Narasimha
Published: September 2014

Pollen germination forms one of the most important stage post pollination prior to fertilization. This is essential for proper seed setting and seed development. In vitro pollen germination test is the most reliable way of assessing the pollen viability. In the present study pollen grains of seven genera under Apocynaceae family namely, Allamanda, Alstonia, Catharanthus, Nerium, Plumeria, Thevetia and Tabernaemontana were tested in some basic cultural media, such as Brewbaker’s media, 6% Glucose solution, 4% Calcium Nitrate solution and 3% Boron solution. Alstonia pollen grains exhibited highest percentage of germination rate in all the cultural media. Glucose and Brewbaker’s media is found to be highly suitable for efficient pollen germination in all the genera. Boron solution is effective for germination of pollen grains of tree species. In vitro pollen germination can be easily carried out in laboratories. These results can be utilised in plant breeding programmes to improve cultivar and varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11074 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 146-153
Performance of Different Pearl Millet Genotypes under Irrigated Conditions
Authors: Ishaq Jamal , Meseka Silvestro
Published: September 2014

Thirty four genotypes of pearl millet( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) were evaluated at Sudan. Including two released varieties, Ugandi and Ashana at Gezira Research Farm (GRF) and Rahad Research Farm(RRS) in the autumn of 2009. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Grain yield and some yield components including number of productive tillers and panicle length, varied significantly among the thirty four genotypes. Mean of grain yield for all genotypes across sites was 1.3 t/ ha-1. Sadag Togo had the highest grain yield (1.7 ha-1) followed by Okashana-3 (1.6 t/ha-1), while IP 19745 had lowest grain yield (0.8 t/ha-1) across tow site.Okashana-3 out yielded the best than check (Ashana). The combined Result for Genotypic coefficient of variability and broad sense heritability estimates grain yield and head weight varied significantly among the thirty four genotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11075 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 154-163
Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Water of Sahastradhara Hill Stream at Dehradun, India
Authors: Bharti Pawan Kumar , Tyagi Pawan Kumar , Singh Vijender
Published: September 2014

A study on heavy metals assessment in the water of Sahastradhara hill-stream was conducted with different five sites at significant differences. The present paper deals with the water quality status of Sahastradhara stream by the assessment of heavy metals. Heavy Metals were found in fluctuated trend from first upstream to last downstream. The values of almost all Heavy Metals were found in increasing manner especially after the fourth sampling site. After the third sampling station, a solid waste dumping site was found. So, there may be a relation between heavy metals in stream water and solid waste dumping site. Concentrations of all Heavy Metals at fourth and fifth sampling site were found very high. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11076 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 164-172
In Vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity and Datura Innoxia Extracts
Authors: Shama Adam IY , Abd-Kreem YM , Fadowa AA , Samar RM , Sabahelkhier MK
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was evaluated the Antimicrobial Activity of extraction of Datura innoxia (Seeds, leaves and roots). Datura innoxia Seeds, leaves and roots were collected to examine their antimicrobial activity. Extracts of different parts of the plant were tested against standard microorganisms by using the agar- well diffusion method. Extracts of methanol, and aqueous of seeds, leaves and roots were prepared and tested against four types of bacteria namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris and two types of fungi namely: Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves showed high activities against fungi (A. niger) and less effect on the all bacteria. The methanolic extracts of seeds showed high activities against all organisms except fungi (C. albicanas), while the aqueous extracts of seeds showed no activity on the bacteria. All organisms were examined against known standard antibiotics and then compare the results of plant extracts with standard antibiotics. The results indicated that the antibacterial drug is less active than the plant extracts, while the antifungal drugs are more active than the plant extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11077 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 173-185
Impact of Livestock Grazing on the Floristic Composition: A Case Study of the Mount of Tessala, Western Algeria
Authors: Kouider Cherifi , Mehdadi Zoheir , Latreche Ali , Hazem Zouaoui , El Zerey Wael
Published: September 2014

The present work focuses on evaluating the impact of livestock grazing on the floristic composition in the mount of Tessala (Western Algeria). Phytoecological surveys were carried out at seven stations around north and south slopes of the mount. The obtained results through Principal Components Analysis (PCA) indicated the impact of man and herd on the floristic composition of sampling stations. Indeed, stations where grazing is low, have greater species richness marked by the strong presence of palatable species, unlike stations under permanent grazing, characterized in particular by the appearance of non-palatable species. Moreover, we note the dominance of therophytes at all stations not only due to grazing pressures but also to drought in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11078 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 186-200
Assessment of Pesticide Use, Practice and Risk in Gedeo and Borena Zones; Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Beniam , Hussen Ahmed
Published: September 2014

This research attempts to assess pesticide use, practice and risk in Gedeo and Borena Zones. Three sample districts have been selected purposively from these zones and four sub districts from each district. Primary data was collected through in depth interview and group discussion. Results show that people in the sample area use pesticides for crop production and ectoparasites. Malathion, DDT, Karate and 2-4D are chemicals frequently used to control pests. Majority of the respondents used these pesticides by their own decision for the intended purpose and purchase pesticides from private shops, local market and government offices. Farmers mostly spray by themselves; however all of them spray pesticides without proper protection. Pesticide containers are usually thrown anywhere after use and in some cases used for home consumption. All of the respondents took no training about pesticide use, many do not read labels including expiry date when they buy or use pesticides and doesn’t know recommended dose for application. There were pesticide poisoning incidents recorded such as poisoned-recovered, illness/injury and death incidents; mainly due to poor storage, careless disposal, unsafe application and suicidal behaviour. It can be concluded that there is a wrong pesticide use and practice in the sample area and risk is observed to be high. Universally prohibited pesticides like DDT were found in use for crop production and household pests. Therefore, proper training and awareness has to be created to the community. Moreover, government bodies should regularly educate as well as monitor, control and regulate pesticide trade, use and practice in the area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11079 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 201-209
Conflict betwen Bankariya and other Stakeholders for the use of Forest Product
Authors: Gautam Ramesh , Karki Ram Bahadur
Published: September 2014

Socio-culturally and economically every rural community of Nepal are associated with forest for their livelihood and identity but simultaneously governmental policy for the protection of forest is not in the favor of people, which has been creating conflict between people and other stakeholder including governmental organization. This research tries to know the causes and consequences of conflict between Bankariya and other stakeholders. This research was carried out between the period May to December 2013. According to nature of the problem descriptive research design has been applied. Handikhola VDC of Makwanpur district has been selected as an universe purposively. Both primary and secondary sources of data were applied in this study. Case study, key informant interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods were applied for primary data collection. The findings shows that the living condition of Bankariya has changed after the government has provided them 6 hectors land for 40 years at Mushedhap. Still date forest based products are extremely beneficial for the enhancement of their livelihoods. The major problems faced by Bankariya community regarding to use of forest based resources are; not having their own permanent land for settlement and agriculture purpose, provision of present rules and regulation, and attitude of other elite persons/groups for dominating them. Forest resource based conflicts of Bankariya is mainly related with local people and other forest user group committee members as compared to Parsa Wild Life Reserve and District Forest Office of Makawanpur. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11080 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 210-221
Analysis of Irrigation Water Quality at Kadawa Irrigation Project for Improved Productivity
Authors: Sanda AR , Dibal Jibrin
Published: September 2014

In the face of water scarcity and the several negative consequences, such as water wastage, flooding, water logging, soil losses and production losses, conserving the finite amount of fresh water is a must. The quality of irrigation water must therefore be ascertained. The chemical quality of three sources of irrigation water from canal and drainage water, namely drainage water, fresh irrigation water from canal, and drainage/irrigation water mixture, were analyzed from Kadawa irrigation Project for year 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons, with the view to evaluating the potential risks associated with their use in irrigation and hence their suitability or otherwise for irrigation purposes. The analysis revealed that the use of drainage water alone for irrigation may result in problems associated with salinity, while a blend of drainage/irrigation water in the ratio of 1:1 is a viable means of water conservation and a good means of crop production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11082 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 235-240
Is Environmental Training Critical to Environmental Sustainability Behaviour
Authors: Aladesanmi OT , Ogundari IO , Oladipo OG , Ilevbare OE , Ali GA
Published: September 2014

In the past few decades, concern for the environment has increased significantly with evidences of change in perception of people's values and attitudes towards the environment. This study presents the results of a survey carried out among postgraduate students undergoing training in environmental and non-environmental fields with the aim of comparing their environmental sustainable behaviour. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of environmental training on the postgraduate students? awareness, perceptions and behaviours with focus on the attitudes of the respondents towards environmental sustainability, and how these attitudes affect their behaviour. A purposive sampling method was used to obtain data using a semi-structured questionnaire. The respondents comprised of 50 and 47 postgraduate students undergoing training in environmental and non-environmental respectively. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS. The results of the study revealed that most of the students in environmental fields readily transferred the knowledge acquired in their training to a sustainable behaviour. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11083 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 241-251
Status of Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater of Makar VDC of Nawalparasi District, Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Shreejana , Paudyal Kabiraj
Published: September 2014

Arsenic is one of the 92 natural elements found in Earth crust which is referred as" King of Poison". Arsenic contamination in groundwater has been recognized as a great threat to water supply and public health in many countries in the world (WHO 1993). Therefore this research work was done with the objectives to assess the concentration of arsenic in groundwater at Makar VDC of Nawalparasi district by both field kit test and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) test methods and assess the possible natural sources of arsenic mobilization in groundwater and further identify the safe and contaminated aquifers and their distribution below the ground. Based on the field and laboratory analysis it is concluded that the aquifer lying in between 30-70 feet is contaminated with arsenic in toxic level (>50 ppb) while the horizons of aquifers shallower or deeper than this depth are found safe. Present study also showed about 38%, 23%, 19% and 20 % of aquifers as safe tolerable, toxic and very toxic respectively. Study on the mineralogical composition of the soil and sediment showed that it is rich in arsenic bearing minerals like pyrite, biotitic, iron-coatings and opaque minerals. These minerals are considered potential sources of release of arsenic in groundwater under reducing environment. No adverse health effects are seen on people although the concentration is found in toxic level. This might be either due to hesitation of people to expose their infected organ in front of the research students or the researcher's inability to identify the symptoms, as it has no normal symptoms and need the experts from the medical field. Present study is able to pinpoint the depth of contaminated aquifer, which is useful for the safe drinking water development strategy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11087 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 275-285
The Effect of Plant Spacing on Some Quality Traits of Fodder Beet (Betavulgaris var. Crassa) Varieties
Authors: Al-Jbawi Entessar , Bagdadr Mohammad , Nemr Yousef
Published: September 2014

A field experiment was conducted in the (2011/12) season to study the effect plant spacing on yields and its components of four fodder beet cultivars. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plots arrangement with three replicates, plant spacing (25X60, 20X60 and 25X50 cm) were assigned to the main plots and fodder beet cultivars (Jamon, Splendids, Starmon and Vermon) were allotted to the sub plots. Spacing had a significant effect on all the quality traits except protein content of shoot. Spacing and varieties exhibited highly significant (p<0.01) differences in all of the studied characteristics. Varieties affected dry matter content of root, and protein content of shoot and root significantly (p<0.05). Dry matter content of shoot, Ash content of shoot and root, and organic content of shoot and root were not significantly affected by varieties. Vermon sown at 25 cm apart and 60 cm between rows significantly (p<0.05) attained the highest quality traits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11089 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 286-293
The Use of Multi Sources Data for Mapping of Sensitive Areas to Hydrous Erosion in the Mountains of Tessala (Northern Algeria)
Authors: Bouiadjra Salah Eddine Bachir , El Zerey Wael
Published: September 2014

The Tessala mountains constitute a fragile ecosystem, they are confronted with several problems with knowing loss of the farmed lands, bad distribution and occupation of the soil, low organic matter, rough and unstable soil (the slope exceeds in some places the 25%). To understand the problem of hydrous erosion in the Tessala mountains, a model of approach using geographic information system was proposed. Geographic data were processed by mapping using specialized software. After treatment, we identified the areas where the susceptibility to erosion is significant. Over 80% of the land of our study area is susceptible to hydrous erosion at different degrees highly sensitive (32.5%), moderately sensitive (44%) insensitive (15%) and stability (7.5%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11092 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 321-331
Rangelands Vegetation under Different Management Systems and Growth Stages in North Darfur State, Sudan (Range Attributes)
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed AAMA , El Hag Faisal Mohamed Ahmed , Elnour Ibrahim Ali
Published: September 2014

This study was conducted at Um Kaddada, North Darfur State, Sudan, at two sites (closed and open) for two consecutive seasons 2008 and 2009 during flowering and seed setting stages to evaluate range attributes at the locality. A split plot design was used to study vegetation attributes. Factors studied were management systems (closed and open) and growth stages (flowering and seed setting). Vegetation cover, plant density, carrying capacity, and biomass production were assessed. Chemical analyses were done for selected plants to determine their nutritive values. The results showed high significant differences in vegetation attributes (density, cover and biomass production) between closed and open areas. Closed areas had higher carrying capacity compared to open rangelands. Crude protein (CP) and ash contents of range vegetation were found to decrease while Crude fiber (CF) and Dry matter yield (DM) had increased with growth. The study concluded that closed rangelands are better than open rangelands because it fenced and protected. Erosion index and vegetation degradation rate were very high. Future research work is needed to assess rangelands characteristics and habitat condition across different ecological zones in North Darfur State, Sudan.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11093 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 332-343
Clinton Woolsey: functional brain mapping pioneer
Authors: Lyon Will , Mehta Tej I. , Pointer Kelli B. , Walden Daniel , Elmayan Ardem , Swanson Kyle I. , Kuo John S.
Published: September 2014

Dr. Clinton Woolsey was a leading 20th-century neuroscientist for almost 4 decades. His most significant achievements were the novel use and refinement of evoked potential techniques to functionally map mammalian brains, the discovery of secondary cortical areas, and a wide repertoire of comparative neurofunctional studies across many species. The authors discuss his life and work through a historical context with contemporaries, highlight the primitive state of brain mapping before Woolsey, and review his involvement in advancing its rapid development through work at both Johns Hopkins University and University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. Woolsey's lasting impact on basic and clinical neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neurology and his important roles as a scientific mentor and leader are also described.
Is the absolute value of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene messenger RNA a prognostic factor, and does it predict the results of treatment of glioblastoma with temozolomide?
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Akimoto Jiro , Narita Yoshitaka , Oka Hidehiro , Tashiro Takashi
Published: September 2014

Object

Methylation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) has been reported to be a good prognostic factor for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To determine whether the absolute value of MGMT messenger RNA (mRNA) might be a prognostic factor and useful for predicting the therapeutic effectiveness of temozolomide, especially with regard to GBMs, the authors measured the absolute value of MGMT mRNA in gliomas by using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Methods

MGMT mRNA was measured in 140 newly diagnosed gliomas by real-time RT-PCR using the Taq-Man probe. Among 73 GBMs, 45 had been initially treated with temozolomide and radiation.

Results

The mean MGMT mRNA value was significantly lower in oligodendroglial tumors than in other tumors. In the 73 GBMs, a significant prognostic factor for progression-free survival was fewer than 1000 copies/ μgRNA of MGMT mRNA (p = 0.0150). Of 45 patients with GBMs that had been treated with temozolomide and radiation, progression-free survival was significantly longer for those whose GMB had fewer than 1000 copies/μgRNA of MGMT mRNA than for those whose GBM had more than 1000 copies/μgRNA (p = 0.0090). In 32 patients with GBMs treated by temozolomide and radiation whose age was younger than 75 years and whose Karnofsky Performance Scale score was more than 70, progression-free and overall survival times were longer for those with GBMs of fewer than 5000 copies/μgRNA of MGMT mRNA than for those with GBMs of more than 5000 copies/μgRNA (p = 0.0365 and p = 0.0312).

Conclusions

MGMT mRNA might be useful as a prognostic factor and for predicting the results of therapy for GBMs treated by temozolomide. New individual adjuvant therapy based on the results of MGMT mRNA quantitation has been proposed.
Supporting Decision-Making in the Building Life-Cycle Using Linked Building Data
Authors: Pauwels Pieter
Published: September 2014

The interoperability challenge is a long-standing challenge in the domain of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Diverse approaches have already been presented for addressing this challenge. This article will look into the possibility of addressing the interoperability challenge in the building life-cycle with a linked data approach. An outline is given of how linked data technologies tend to be deployed, thereby working towards a “more holistic” perspective on the building, or towards a large-scale web of “linked building data”. From this overview, and the associated use case scenarios, we conclude that the interoperability challenge cannot be “solved” using linked data technologies, but that it can be addressed. In other words, information exchange and management can be improved, but a pragmatic usage of technologies is still required in practice. Finally, we give an initial outline of some anticipated use cases in the building life-cycle in which the usage of linked data technologies may generate advantages over existing technologies and methods.
Right Ventricular Geometry and Function in Pulmonary Hypertension: Non-Invasive Evaluation
Authors: Peluso Diletta , Tona Francesco , Muraru Denisa , Romeo Gabriella , Cucchini Umberto , Marra Martina , Iliceto Sabino , Badano Luigi
Published: September 2014

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease, which still carries a poor prognosis. PH is characterized by a pressure overload on the right ventricle (RV), which develops hypertrophy, followed by a progressive failure. Accordingly, recent evidence showed that RV function has an important prognostic role in patients with PH. Echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), computed tomography, and nuclear imaging allow a non-invasive evaluation of the RV size and function, but only the first two are routinely used in the clinical arena. Some conventional echocardiographic parameters, such as TAPSE (tricuspid anular plane systolic excursion), have demonstrated prognostic value in patients with PH. Moreover, there are some new advanced echo techniques, which can provide a more detailed assessment of RV function. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography allows measurement of RV volumes and ejection fraction, and two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking (STE), allows assessment of RV myocardial mechanics. CMR provides accurate measurement of RV volumes, ejection fraction, and mass and allows the characterization of the RV wall composition by identifying the presence of fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement. Although CMR seems to hold promise for both initial assessment and follow-up of patients with PH, its main role has been restricted to diagnostic work-up only.
Structure Elucidation and Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Polyacetylenes from a Marine Sponge Petrosia sp.
Authors: Juan Yung-Shun , Lee Chien-Chih , Tsao Chia-Wei , Lu Mei-Chin , El-Shazly Mohamed , Shih Huei-Chuan , Chen Yu-Cheng , Wu Yang-Chang , Su Jui-Hsin
Published: September 2014

The sponge Petrosia sp. yielded five polyacetylenic compounds (1–5), including two new polyacetylenes, petrosianynes A (1) and B (2). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with the physical and spectral data of related known analogues. Compounds 1–5 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against a limited panel of cancer cell lines.
A Model for Information
Authors: Walton Paul
Published: September 2014

This paper uses an approach drawn from the ideas of computer systems modelling to produce a model for information itself. The model integrates evolutionary, static and dynamic views of information and highlights the relationship between symbolic content and the physical world. The model includes what information technology practitioners call “non-functional” attributes, which, for information, include information quality and information friction. The concepts developed in the model enable a richer understanding of Floridi’s questions “what is information?” and “the informational circle: how can information be assessed?” (which he numbers P1 and P12).
Experimental Studies of the Molecular Pathways Regulated by Exercise and Resveratrol in Heart, Skeletal Muscle and the Vasculature
Authors: Dolinsky Vernon , Dyck Jason
Published: September 2014

Regular exercise contributes to healthy aging and the prevention of chronic disease. Recent research has focused on the development of molecules, such as resveratrol, that activate similar metabolic and stress response pathways as exercise training. In this review, we describe the effects of exercise training and resveratrol on some of the organs and tissues that act in concert to transport oxygen throughout the body. In particular, we focus on animal studies that investigate the molecular signaling pathways induced by these interventions. We also compare and contrast the effects of exercise and resveratrol in diseased states.
Combined GPS/GLONASS Precise Point Positioning with Fixed GPS Ambiguities
Authors: Pan Lin , Cai Changsheng , Santerre Rock , Zhu Jianjun
Published: September 2014

Precise point positioning (PPP) technology is mostly implemented with an ambiguity-float solution. Its performance may be further improved by performing ambiguity-fixed resolution. Currently, the PPP integer ambiguity resolutions (IARs) are mainly based on GPS-only measurements. The integration of GPS and GLONASS can speed up the convergence and increase the accuracy of float ambiguity estimates, which contributes to enhancing the success rate and reliability of fixing ambiguities. This paper presents an approach of combined GPS/GLONASS PPP with fixed GPS ambiguities (GGPPP-FGA) in which GPS ambiguities are fixed into integers, while all GLONASS ambiguities are kept as float values. An improved minimum constellation method (MCM) is proposed to enhance the efficiency of GPS ambiguity fixing. Datasets from 20 globally distributed stations on two consecutive days are employed to investigate the performance of the GGPPP-FGA, including the positioning accuracy, convergence time and the time to first fix (TTFF). All datasets are processed for a time span of three hours in three scenarios, i.e., the GPS ambiguity-float solution, the GPS ambiguity-fixed resolution and the GGPPP-FGA resolution. The results indicate that the performance of the GPS ambiguity-fixed resolutions is significantly better than that of the GPS ambiguity-float solutions. In addition, the GGPPP-FGA improves the positioning accuracy by 38%, 25% and 44% and reduces the convergence time by 36%, 36% and 29% in the east, north and up coordinate components over the GPS-only ambiguity-fixed resolutions, respectively. Moreover, the TTFF is reduced by 27% after adding GLONASS observations. Wilcoxon rank sum tests and chi-square two-sample tests are made to examine the significance of the improvement on the positioning accuracy, convergence time and TTFF.
Consequences of Parenting on Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Hoskins Donna
Published: September 2014

In recent years, substantial gains have been made in our understanding of the influence of parenting behaviors and styles on adolescent emotional and behavioral outcomes. Empirical work focusing on the associations between parenting and adolescent outcomes is important because the influence of parenting during adolescence continues to affect behaviors into adulthood. Additionally, there has been considerable attention paid to the mechanisms that shape parenting that then influence adolescent outcomes. For instance, researchers have found that neighborhood conditions moderated the association between parenting and adolescent development. In this paper, several covariates and contextual effects associated with parenting and adolescent outcomes will be discussed. Also, parental behaviors, parental styles and adolescent outcomes are discussed in this literature review. This review provides an assessment of the literature on parenting and adolescent outcomes from the past decade and includes advancements in parenting research. The review concludes with a summary of major research findings, as well as a consideration of future directions and implications for practice and policy.
Transection of the Adult Rat Spinal Cord Upregulates EphB3 Receptor and Ligand Expression
Authors: Willson Christopher A. , Miranda Jorge D. , Foster Roy D. , Onifer Stephen M. , Whittemore Scott R.
Published: September 2014

Eph receptors and ligands represent two families of proteins that control axonal guidance during development. Recent work has shown that several Eph receptors are expressed postnatally. Because the Eph molecules represent a class of axon guidance molecules that are mainly inhibitory to axonal growth, we investigated whether EphB3 expression was upregulated in both spinal cord and four supraspinal nuclei (locus coeruleus, vestibular, raphe pallidus, and red) 1 week after a complete spinal cord thoracic transection. Injured rats had a significant increase in EphB3 mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord. The increased EphB3 expression was colocalized with GFAP staining and indicated that astrocytes play a role in EphB3 expression after spinal cord injury. No change in EphB3 expression was seen in supraspinal brain nuclei, which further demonstrated that changes in expression were due to changes in the local microenvironment at the injury site. The expression of EphB3 was colocalized to regions of the CNS that had a high level of EphB3 binding ligands. These data indicate upregulation of EphB3 expression after injury may also contribute to an environment in the spinal cord that is inhibitory to axonal regeneration.
Stem Cell Therapies in Reparative Medicine
Authors: Domínguez-Bendala Juan , Ricordi Camillo
Published: September 2014

The future implementation of stem cell therapies to treat conditions thus far considered incurable has been envisioned as logical consequence of the fast-paced progress in stem cell research over the last few years. Still, many practical obstacles stand in the way to the routine application of these novel technologies in medicine. The conference “Stem Cell Therapies in Reparative Medicine,” held aboard the cruise vessel Majesty of the Seas (Miami, USA- Nassau, Bahamas, April 19–22, 2002), focused on the analysis of these problems from different perspectives, including developmental biology (cell proliferation, fate determination, and enrichment), immunology (allorejection and prevention of autoimmunity recurrence), and clinical therapy, emphasizing the impact of stem cell technologies on the emerging field of tissue engineering and the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Effect of Adhesion or Collagen Molecules on Cell Attachment, Insulin Secretion, and Glucose Responsiveness in the Cultured Adult Porcine Endocrine Pancreas: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Edamura Kazuya , Nasu Koko , Iwami Yukiko , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Sasaki Nobuo , Ohgawara Hisako
Published: September 2014

The effect of either adhesion or collagen molecules on cell attachment, insulin secretion, and glucose responsiveness was investigated in adult porcine pancreatic endocrine (PE) cells that were cultured for a longer term in vitro. Six different types of molecules—laminin, fibronectin, poly-L-lysine (PLL), type I collagen, gelatin, and Matrigel—were used. Approximately 2.0 × 105 cells per dish of each molecule type were cultured for 4 weeks. In the laminin group, the insulin accumulation was maintained at a significantly higher level than in the control group at 4 weeks of culture, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the insulin-positive rate were also higher than in the control group. In the Matrigel group, islet-like cell clusters were formed, but insulin accumulation rapidly decreased at 3–4 weeks of culture. A large number of PE cells attached tightly and spread in the fibronectin group until the fourth week of culture, but their function was not better than those in the control group. In the PLL and gelatin groups, the PE cell function was not significantly different from that of the control group. In the type I collagen group, insulin secretion was inferior to that of the other groups. The results of this study suggest that laminin is the most suitable extracellular matrix for the long-term culture preservation of PE cells.