bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural policy and rural development
Authors: Lazányi János
Published: June 2016

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a cornerstone of EU policy relating to rural areas. Initially, it aimed to provide a harmonised framework for maintaining adequate supplies, increasing productivity and ensuring that both consumers and producers received a fair deal in the market. These priorities have shifted to environmental and animal welfare concerns, as well as food safety and security aspects. As a consequence, the CAP has gradually moved from a production-based structure of subsidies to a market-oriented system, integrating standards for food, environment and biodiversity, as well as animal welfare. In 2010, the EU launched an extensive debate on the future of the CAP, as the European Union needs a better tailored, reformed Common Agricultural Policy to answer the challenges of food, growth and jobs in rural areas. The European agriculture must address the expectations of rural society and demands of the market concerning public goods, the environment and climate change. This raises questions of whether the CAP payments in the past have been effective in achieving their objectives and whether direct payments should be continued for supporting agricultural environmental issues.
Measuring efficiency of intellectual capital in agriculture sector of Vojvodina
Authors: Komnenic Biserka , Tomic Danilo , Tomic Gordana
Published: June 2016

During three-hundred-year history of the market economy, the main sources of wealth creation have changed from the natural resources (mainly land and relatively unskilled labor with the exception of the master craftsman), tangible material assets (buildings, machinery and equipment, funds) to intangible assets (knowledge and information of all types) that may be contained in the people, organizations, or physical resources. In the later period of the twentieth century, science has acquired the features of direct production force. The term direct implies that unlike the relationship which existed between science and production in the IXX century, where scientific advances was incorporated through the physical labor in the tools, which, in turn, created new value through the physical labor, the relationship between science and production has become all direct, immediate, because the scientific advances allowed the funds to be produced with less labor and allowed funds itself to become "smarter" and as such to require less human intervention and human physical labor in the final production process.As a result, the need for physical labor continuously declined with time, and the application of labor is moved from direct production to processes of preparing and organizing production. Also, a large part of today's knowledge that is used in production is not embodied in machinery, and the effects of this are immense.
The importance of organic agriculture in tourism rural
Authors: Privitera Donatella
Published: June 2016

Many farmers, in addition to normal farming activity, have already turned to agritourism as a source of additional farm income and opportunities. There are numerous benefits from the development of agritourism: it may strengthen local economy, create job opportunities and new businesses; develop and promote training and certification programs to introduce young people to agriculture and environment. Agritourism helps preserve rural lifestyles and landscape and also offers the opportunity to provide "sustainable" or "green" tourism. Organic agriculture is a cultural evolution that finds its origins in a environmentalist culture. Furthermore the focus on these products is due to demand on healthy foods with high quality standard limiting chemical substances usage. It’s clear the link of the organic agriculture with agritourism and tourism services. They have a considerable role in the future development of rural areas. The purpose of this paper was to identify and examine those factors that have helped rural communities successfully develop agritourism, in particular organic agritourism and its entrepreneurship opportunities. Several focus groups were conducted with local business persons and leaders about a applicative case of South Italy area.
Adjustment of poland’s agriculture and food sector to challenges of agricultural policy of the European Union
Authors: Kowalski A. , Wigier M. , Chmieliński P.
Published: June 2016

Paper is aimed in assessment of first period of Poland’s membership in EU and covering agriculture and rural areas with the support under the Common Agricultural Policy in the context of future challenges faced by the agricultural policy.Analysis shows that accession to EU became a strong impulse for growth of the Polish food economy, however the main challenge for the Common Agricultural Policy in future, from Poland’s perspective, will be strengthening the multifunctional agriculture, i.e. territorial cohesion and positive effects of agricultural activity on natural environment.
Incidence of vine sprayings with downy mildew fungicides, without parasitic fungi, on Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wines composition
Authors: Darriet Philippe , Poupot Christian , Armand Jean-Marc , Dubourdieu Denis , Clerjeau Michel , Glories Yves , Bordeu Edmundo , Pszczólkowski Philippo , Bugaret Yvon
Published: June 2016

Vine sprayings with fungicides is necessary in most vineyards of the world since the second half of the 19th century in order to control parasitic fungi particulary downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Uncinula necator). During more than 50 years, copper and sulphur fungicides have been the only agents active against these deseases. Since the 50th, losts of organic products have been developed to control parasitic fungi. Meanwhile, the viti-vinicultural sector has progressively taken in consideration indirect consequences of vine sprayings on toxicological, environmental and oenological aspects. About oenological aspects, numerous publications concern the consequences of vine sprayings on fungicide residues in must and wines as on development of fermentations, volatile sulphur defaults in wines as on grape maturation and wine quality. However, studies concerning the consequences of fungicide sprayings, against downy mildew, on grapes and wines composition have been realized using reference vines sprayed with organic fungicides. Most part of Chilean vineyard is not concerned by the downy mildew. So, it is possible in this vineyard to keep a reference vine without any spraying against this fungus and to compare grapes and wines composition obtained from vines sprayed with fungicides or not. Close to Santiago de Chile, cabernet sauvignon vines were sprayed during all vegetative period with different fungicides (only folpet, folpet then copper, folpet and fosetyl-Al mixture) following a random-block scheme (Fischer blocks) with three repetitions for each fungicide spray. Grapes and wines composition were compared with those from a reference plot without any spraying against mildew. Fungicide sprayings didn’t significantly modify sugar composition, nor titratable acidity and pH during cabernet sauvignon grapes maturation unless it should be noted that the percentage of veraison was significantly higher in the initiation of grapes maturation. Some significant variations in 3-mercaptohexanol content, a varietal thiol of cabernet sauvignon wines, after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation were noted with copper sprayings. This result from copper reactivity with thiols. Variations in anthocyanin concentrations in grapes and wines were also observed but vine sprayings didn’t give anthocyanin concentrations at harvesting in grapes or in wines after vinifications at lower level than in reference grapes and wines. Globally, in this experimentation, fungicide sprayings didn’t lead to a significant modification of wines composition.
Changes in composition and sensory quality of red wine aged in american and french oak barrels
Authors: Pomar M. , González-Mendoza Luis Antonio
Published: June 2016

Red wine produced from Listán Negro and Negramoll grapes from the Canary Islands (Spain) was firstly aged in new American and French (Allier) oak barrels in order to measure composition and sensory changes during 21 months. Aging resulted in an increase in titratable and volatile acidity and a decrease in ethanol concentration with a greater evaporation in the American oak samples. Initially, there was also an increase in color density due to the polymerization of anthocyanins. Extraction of total phenols was greater in the French barrels.
Prediction of coagulation and flocculation processes using ANN models and fuzzy regression
Authors: Zangooei Hossein , Delnavaz Mohammad , Asadollahfardi Gholamreza
Published: June 2016

Coagulation and flocculation are two main processes used to integrate colloidal particles into larger particles and are two main stages of primary water treatment. Coagulation and flocculation processes are only needed when colloidal particles are a significant part of the total suspended solid fraction. Our objective was to predict turbidity of water after the coagulation and flocculation process while other parameters such as types and concentrations of coagulants, pH, and influent turbidity of raw water were known. We used a multilayer perceptron (MLP), a radial basis function (RBF) of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and various kinds of fuzzy regression analysis to predict turbidity after the coagulation and flocculation processes. The coagulant used in the pilot plant, which was located in water treatment plant, was poly aluminum chloride. We used existing data, including the type and concentrations of coagulant, pH and influent turbidity, of the raw water because these types of data were available from the pilot plant for simulation and data was collected by the Tehran water authority. The results indicated that ANNs had more ability in simulating the coagulation and flocculation process and predicting turbidity removal with different experimental data than did the fuzzy regression analysis, and may have the ability to reduce the number of jar tests, which are time-consuming and expensive. The MLP neural network proved to be the best network compared to the RBF neural network and fuzzy regression analysis in this study. The MLP neural network can predict the effluent turbidity of the coagulation and the flocculation process with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96 and root mean square error of 0.0106.
A Critical Review of Dietary Laws in Judaism
Authors: Hewamanage Wimal
Published: June 2016

In this article, the author has already discussed about laws in Judaism, that are the key dietary laws in Judaism, commentary of dietary laws, vegetarianism and Judaism, the slaughter house, and why there are especial laws in Judaism. As a religion, contained; a great history, literature, culture and ritualistic customs it shows its identity among other world religions. Having vegetarian food has been appreciated in Judaism in its early history like other world religions. As the second step it has been allowed for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food introducing some ethical instruction on the subject of kosher food, laws of ritual slaughter, slaughterer, torn apart for eating living beings. This can be considered as a norm in Judaism.
A Study on Occupational Stress of The Women Teachers Belonging To Joint And Nuclear Family
Authors: Sharma Neeta , Student Km. Anu, m.ed.
Published: June 2016

Work is a central part of human life. It is the expression of the basic need to accomplish, to create, to feel satisfaction, and to feel meaningful. The rapidly changing nature of work has resulted in new and far-reaching mechanisms for management control in the form of monitoring, layoffs, and change in work rules, all of which contribute to increased levels of occupational stress. Although office work has always been stressful, several scientific studies and surveys have helped focus attention on the issue of job stress. Among the major negative effects of job stress are its impact on a person’s self-image and self-esteem, which in turn, affects one’s relationship with family, friends, and co-workers. The problems last far longer than the time we spend at work and are not easily left behind at the end of the day.
Word Processor and Word Processing Role for Online Business
Authors: Juliana Tri Sukardi
Published: June 2016

This article was intended to describe the role of word processor and word processing for business. Word processor is software specifically designed to process the data. With the word processor, it's very easy for people to do the work or making important documents. Word processor to function in the world of education, government, medicine and others. The human need for data generation is so important. This is evident from the number of people using Microsoft Word or a word processor to create documents. Even these days almost all people in desperate need of data processing applications, because with this application everybody can be facilitated in making important documents or create a story, papers, letters and others.
Performance Analysis of Cellular Radio System Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Gupta Kriti Priya
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we exploit one of the fastest growing techniques of Soft Computing, i.e.  Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for obtaining various performance measures of a cellular radio system. A prioritized channel scheme with subrating is considered in which a fixed number of channels are reserved for handoff calls and in case of heavy traffic, these reserved channels are subrated into two channels of equal frequency to deal with more handoff calls. Two models dealing with infinite and finite number of subscribers are considered and the blocking probabilities of new and handoff calls are computed analytically as well as by using ANNs. A feedforward two-layer ANN is considered for obtaining the blocking probabilities. The backpropagation algorithm is used for training the ANN. The analytical and ANN results are compared by taking the numerical illustrations.
Allelopathic Effect of Leaves of Invasive tree Broussonetia papyrifera against some crop plants
Authors: Negi Anjana , Batish Daizy R. , Singh Harminder Pal , Kohli R. K.
Published: June 2016

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. was studied on germination and seedling growth of Triticum aestivum L. and Oryza sativa L. under laboratory conditions. The seed germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and total chlorophyll content were reduced with the increasing treatment of concentration (0.5, 1, 2 and 4%) of B. papyrifera leaf extract as compared to the control. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced on the root length than on coleoptile length. The extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, which are the ubiquitous allelochemicals and often implicated in allelopathy. The study concludes that B. papyrifera exhibits allelopathy through the release of phenolics from its leaves.
Value of floral diversity of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
Authors: Joshi* Ambika , Kalgutkar Anudnya , Joshi Nitesh
Published: June 2016

SGNP embraces floral species possessing medicinal, food and commercial values. Owing to over–collection, they have been listed as either being endemic, rare or endangered in Red Data Book. For complete representation of floristic components, seasonal floristic surveys were conducted every fortnight and to understand their value as medicine, food and commercial, information was gained from the local communities and resources from Nature Information Center of the SGNP. The survey identified 84 tree species from 28 families, 17 species of Shrubs from 8 families, 37 species of Herbs from 19 families, 20 species of Climbers from 11 families, 3 species of Bamboos from 1 family, 1 species each of Epiphyte and Parasite and 4 species of Palms. Of 84 species of trees, 81 were known to have an intrinsic value as food, commercial, medicinal, religious or all. 66 of 79 species of plants recorded showed a high inherent value and used by local communities to generate natural income. Having known of the values of trees, 6 of the 84 species of trees were recorded as endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic to the region. Similarly, atleast 6 species of wild plants belonged to one of the categories of the Red Data List. It is quite evident that the species of plants in SGNP provide mankind with large number of goods and services. Recognizing their exquisite properties as medicinal, commercial and food, the forests can be considered as a source worth millions to enhance human wellbeing.
Analysis of Soil Mycoprofile of Botanical Garden of Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Authors: Singh Navtej , Kaur* Ramandeep
Published: June 2016

The samples used for this study were obtained from different rhizosphere garden soil source. The fungi isolates were Aspergillus spp., Curvularia sp, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sp, Fusarium solani, Mucor mucedo, Myrothecium sp., Paecilomyces sp., Phoma sorghina, Rhizopus stolonifer, Sterile mycelium Yeast sp.. and Verticillum spp.  Some physiological studies show the range of pH from pH 4.92 in CSSS to pH 8.01 in PLRS sample sources. The soil pH values obtained in this study were near neutral ranges, which favour microbial growth. Various species of fungi were encountered in soil sources including the harmful ones. Hence, fungicides can be applied occasionally on these soils to reduce the fungi load in these areas when necessary.Data obtained in this study is valuable to monitor and protect the environment including agriculture products for sustainable economic development.
Resistance pattern of enterococcus for high level aminoglycosides and vancomycin in blood culture of admitted patients
Authors: Yaqoob Shadma
Published: June 2016

Enterococci have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens from a variety of clinical conditions and the major reason for this is the trend of increasing antimicrobial resistance and enterococcal bacteraemia results in a high mortality. The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, species prevalence, antibacterial resistance, with a special reference to vancomycin and high level aminoglycoside resistance. Material and methods: The study was conducted on blood culture isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility of isolates by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was done according to the CLSI guidelines. Screening tests for high level aminoglycosides and vancomycin and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests for vancomycin was done. The blood specimens were cultured and suspected growths were identified to species level and found to consist mostly of E. fecalis (70%). VRE accounted for 2 (91%) isolates and high level aminoglycoside resistance was seen in 47.82 and 60.86 isolates. The E. faecium isolates were more drug resistant than the E. faecalis isolates. Linezolid and Teicoplanin showed good anti-enterococcal activity. This study shows an emergence of Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) along with increased rate of multidrug-resistant enterococci. Regular surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibilities and treatment of enterococcal infections should be done effectively to limit the spread of multidrug resistance.
Molecular markers and their potentials
Authors: Khatoon Arifa , Verma Sumeet , Wadiye Gayatri , Zore Anuprita
Published: June 2016

The use of molecular markers, revealing polymorphism at the DNA level, has been playing an increasing part in plant molecular biotechnology and their genetic studies. There are three different types of markers viz. morphological, biochemical and DNA based molecular markers. These DNA based markers are differentiating in two types 1. Non PCR based (RFLP) and 2. PCR based markers (RAPD, AFLP, SSR, SNP etc.). Amongst others, the microsatellite DNA marker is one of the most widely used marker due to its easy use by simple PCR, followed by a denaturing gel electrophoresis. SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) is nowadays is the one which is used mainly. In this review, we are going to discuss about the biochemical and molecular markers which are recently developed, the important characteristics of molecular markers their advantages, disadvantages and the applications of these markers in comparison with other markers types.
3D Printing & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: G.* Bhusnure O. , S. Gholve V. , K. Sugave B. , C. Dongre R. , A. Gore S. , S. Giram P.
Published: June 2016

Many researchers have attempted to use computer-aided design (C.A.D) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to realize a scaffold that provides a three-dimensional (3D) environment for regeneration of tissues and organs. As a result, several 3D printing technologies, including stereolithography, deposition modeling, inkjet-based printing and selective laser sintering have been developed. Because these 3D printing technologies use computers for design and fabrication, and they can fabricate 3D scaffolds as designed; as a consequence, they can be standardized. Growth of target tissues and organs requires the presence of appropriate growth factors, so fabrication of 3Dscaffold systems that release these biomolecules has been explored. A drug delivery system (D.D.S) that administrates a pharmaceutical compound to achieve a therapeutic effect in cells, animals and humans is a key technology that delivers biomolecules without side effects caused by excessive doses. 3D printing technologies and D. D. Ss have been assembled successfully, so new possibilities for improved tissue regeneration have been suggested. If the interaction between cells and scaffold system with biomolecules can be understood and controlled, and if an optimal 3D tissue regenerating environment is realized, 3D printing technologies will become an important aspect of tissue engineering research in the near future. 3D Printing promises to produce complex biomedical devices according to computer design using patient-specific anatomical data. Since its initial use as pre-surgical visualization models and tooling molds, 3D Printing has slowly evolved to create one-of-a-kind devices, implants, scaffolds for tissue engineering, diagnostic platforms, and drug delivery systems. Fuelled by the recent explosion in public interest and access to affordable printers, there is renewed interest to combine stem cells with custom 3D scaffolds for personalized regenerative medicine. Before 3D Printing can be used routinely for the regeneration of complex tissues (e.g. bone, cartilage, muscles, vessels, nerves in the craniomaxillofacial complex), and complex organs with intricate 3D microarchitecture (e.g. liver, lymphoid organs), several technological limitations must be addressed. Until recently, tablet designs had been restricted to the relatively small number of shapes that are easily achievable using traditional manufacturing methods. As 3D printing capabilities develop further, safety and regulatory concerns are addressed and the cost of the technology falls, contract manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that experiment with these 3D printing innovations are likely to gain a competitive edge. This review compose the basics, types & techniques used, advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing
Efficacy of some indigenous plants and a synthetic insecticide for the control of Tribolium castaneum (herbst.) (coleoptera: tenebrionidae)
Authors: Akhtar Mumtaz , Akhtar* Naheed , Arshad Muhammad , Iram Naima , Iqbal Muhammad , Azeem Waqas
Published: June 2016

Research studies were carried out to evaluate insecticidal action of two plant products and a synthetic insecticide on a major stored-product insect, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The plant species studied were, Piper nigrum and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, whereas methoprene used as synthetic insecticide. Two formulations viz., powder and ethanol extract of each plant and four concentrations (5ppm, 10ppm, 15ppm and 20 ppm) of methoprene were tested. Repellency was tested using the filter paper test whereas mortality, weight loss protection and anti-feedant potential of all treatments was evaluated by using whole maize grains. Our results were highly significant as compared to control however; P. nigrum was more effective as compared to E. camaldulensis. The investigation of cumulative effects of botanical and synthetic insecticide and isolation of active ingredients of botanicals are further issues to be investigated for their inclusion in. I. P. M programs.
Ethnomedicinal studies of medicinal plants in Eastern ghats of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Authors: T.* Parijatham R. , B. Sujatha , B. Seetha Lakshmi
Published: June 2016

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in tribal communities of Eastern Ghats of Vizianagaram district with an aim to document the information regarding indigenous medicinal plant species used in the treatment of various diseases. The study area is inhabited by several tribal groups: Jatapus, Kondadoras, Mukadoras, Mannedoras, Yerukulas, Goudus, Gadabas and Savara, and their population is 2.14 lakhs as per 2011 census. The present paper deals with about 336 medicinal plant species of 269 genera belonging to 99 families. These have been recorded and are used by the 8 tribal groups to cure over 250 ailments. Plant species like Chrysanthemum indicum, Jasminum angustifolium, Nerium odorum and Tagetes erecta were used not only for ornamental purposes but also as ethnomedicinal plants to cure Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Skin diseases like Ringworm (Fungal disease), Leprosy (Bacterial disease) and Rheumatism. Catharanthus roseus flowers paste has good control over insect and scorpion bites. This survey provides some information to biochemists and pharmacologists in screening of ethnomedicinal plants and in rapidly assessing of phytoconstituents for the treatment of various diseases.
Toxicity of chlorpyrifos on protease and glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme activities in albino rats
Authors: Y* Savithri , P Sekhar , C Narasimha Rao , U Srineetha
Published: June 2016

Present study was aimed to elucidate the pesticide toxicity in rats involves induced abnormalities of the intracellular protein catabolic process by the effect of one of the commonly used organophosphate compound chlorpyrifos on the activities of representative protein catabolising proteases and Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a one of the regulatory enzyme known to check the deamination process to minimize the ammonia level and plays a significant role in the catabolism of amino acids. The sub lethal stress of chlorpyrifos on important metabolites and enzymes of protein metabolism was investigated in most important tissues like liver, kidney, heart and intestine of albino rats. Sub lethal concentration (1/10th LD50 i.e., 20mg/kg body weight) of chlorpyrifos (Organophosphate) on the enzyme parameters of albino rats were analysed after single, double and multiple dose of exposure. The increased protease activities in the different tissues of rat indicate the damage caused due to impairment of energy supply and proteases activity indicates higher protein degradation. Therefore, the proteins are denatured leading to more activation of proteases. The elevated GDH activity levels indicate its contribution to ammonia production and glutamate oxidation during chlorpyrifos toxicity.
A study on copepod parasites of marine fish Johnius aneus (Bloch, 1793) from Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Authors: K.* Vijaya Lakshmi , P. Sowjanya , K. Sreeramulu
Published: June 2016

Dumping of industrial wastes into the sea is a common factor in and near by coastal cities where by there are mass mortalities of fishes as well as health deterioration of fish health.  These fishes are prone to secondary infections by microbial and eukaryotic parasitic species.  In the present study a survey has been made on Johnius aneus for copepod parasites infection.  The study has been conducted+ for 10 months.  3 species of parasites were recorded-Lernanthropus Otolith, Pillai, 1963 Caligus annualaris Yamaguti, 1954 and Brachiella albida Ranganekar, 1956.  To know the host parasite interaction, prevalence and Mean Intensity of overall parasites and individual parasite species have been studied.  It is found that over all prevalence is high being 44%, whereas Mean intensity is less being 1.6.  This gives an overall view of parasitization of copepods on the fish Johnius.  It indicates that infection with copepod parasites is common but not heavy.
The comparison between nuclear ribosomal DNA and chloroplast DNA in molecular systematic study of four sections of genus Dendrobium sw. (orchidaceae)
Authors: Moudi* Maryam , Go Rusea
Published: June 2016

Phylogenetic study of the four sections (Aporum, Crumenata, Strongyle, and Bolbidium) of genus Dendrobium (family Orchidaceae) was conducted using molecular data. Classifications based on morphological characters have not being able to clearly divide these four sections neither do they supported their monophyly origin. Therefore, deeper and detailed analysis especially using molecular data is required to ascertain their status. Molecular evidences were used to clarify their relations either to lump them into one section or reduce them into two. The study has been carried out for the 34 species of Dendrobium using Maximum Parsimony (MP). Three nucleotide sequences data sets from two distinct genomes chloroplast DNA genes (rbcL and matK) and nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) were used to construct cladograms. The results that obtained from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene showed that the nuclear genes are reliable marker for the phylogenetic study of Dendrobium compared to chloroplast DNA with low resolution level among sections.
Plasmodium sp. infection among the people of Suleja, Niger State, Nigeria.
Authors: O. Mogba Emmanuel , A.* Olanrewaju Comfort , D. Malann Yoila
Published: June 2016

Malaria infection is a major public health problem in the sub-Sahara Africa. A study on the status of malaria parasite infection was carried out on patients visiting the Government General Hospital and Citizen Hospital (a private hospital) in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria from the month of January to April, 2014. A total of 500 persons were examined, 250 persons from each of the two hospitals and grouped according to their ages, zones, occupation and sexes. The private hospital recorded the highest infection rate of 75.2% while the government hospital recorded a lower rate (41.6%) and the overall prevalence of the study was 58.4%. Madalla zone which is nearer to the centre of the town recorded the highest rate (97.5%), age group 0-10 years had the highest infection rate of 66.9%. Among the different occupations examined in this study, students had the highest prevalence of 79.7%. However, there were no significant differences in the rate of infections in these categories (P>0.05). In relation to sex, females were more infected (62.8%) than the males (53.1%) with a significant difference (P< 0.05). It is suggested that health education on the transmission, prevention and control of Plasmodium infection in schools, market and public places should be intensified.
Seed germination in Prunus cerasoides D. Don influenced by natural seed desiccation and varying temperature in Central Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India.
Authors: Tewari* Bhawna , Tewari Ashish
Published: June 2016

Prunus cerasoides D. Don the Himalayan wild cherry is one lesser known multipurpose tree species of Himalaya. The tree prefers to grow on sloping grounds between the altitudes of 1200-2400 m, on all types of soils and rocks. The tree is used as a medicinal plant in Himalayan region. The fruit is edible and the pulp is used to make a cherry brandy. The species has poor germination and seedling establishment in natural habitat. The over exploitation of seeds of the species coupled with relatively hard seed coat has adversely affects the germination of seeds in their natural habitat. The information about the seed maturity and technique of germination enhancement is scanty. The present study was conducted to assess the exact maturity time and optimum temperature for enhancement of germination in seed of P. cerasoides.  The fruit/seeds were collected from six sites covering the altitudinal range of 1350 – 1810 m during the period (2003-2004). The colour change of fruit from dark green to red was a useful indicator of seed maturity. Maximum germination coincided with 50.24 ± 0.19 % fruit and 30.11 ± 0.57 % seed moisture content. Negative correlation existed between germination and seed moisture content (r = 0.294; P< 0.01). Significantly higher germination occurred when seeds were placed above the paper at 25º C.
In vitro anti-fungal activity of few medicinal plants of Visakhapatnam region against clinically isolated dermatophytes
Authors: Uddandapu* Phani Kumari , Naidu K. Chandrasekhara , Rao Y. Venkateswar
Published: June 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of methanol extracts of twenty plant species used in traditional Indian medicine against the clinically isolated fungi. The plants were selected on the basis of their reported ethnobotanical uses. The studies on plants of South Indian medicinal plants collected from regions of Visakhapatnam and were investigated against three clinical fungal isolates viz., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion method. The plant extracts were prepared using the solvent methanol. It is clear from the results that, the extract of twenty plants used in this study acts as a good source of antibiotics against various fungal pathogens tested and exhibited a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. The results of this study support the use of all the selected twenty medicinal plants to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs.
A review on induced breeding in fishes
Authors: Panda Sasmita
Published: June 2016

Endocrine system acts as a regulatory link between the environmental events and maturation and release of gametes in vertebrates. appearance of secondary sexual characteristics during the breeding season, breeding behavior during courtship and timing of reproduction are some of the activities controlled by pituitary hormones. The important pituitary hormones in this regard are LH and FSH.
Variation in Patients’ Awareness of CKD according to How They Are Asked
Authors: Tuot Delphine S. , Zhu Yunnuo , Velasquez Alexandra , Espinoza Juan , Mendez C. Damaris , Banerjee Tanushree , Hsu Chi-yuan , Powe Neil R.
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

Awareness of CKD is necessary for patient engagement and adherence to medical regimens. Having an accurate tool to assess awareness is important. Use of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) CKD awareness question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had weak or failing kidneys (excluding kidney stones, bladder infections, or incontinence)?” produces surprisingly low measures of CKD awareness. We sought to compare the sensitivity and specificity of different questions ascertaining awareness of CKD and other health conditions.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between August of 2011 and August of 2014, an in-person questionnaire was administered to 220 adults with CKD, diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia who received primary care in a public health care delivery system to ascertain awareness of each condition. CKD awareness was measured using the NHANES question, and other questions, asking if patients knew about their “kidney disease”, “protein in the urine”, “kidney problem”, or “kidney damage.” Demographic data were self-reported; health literacy was measured. The sensitivity and specificity of each question was calculated using the medical record as the gold standard.

Results

In this diverse population (9.6% white, 40.6% black, 36.5% Hispanic, 12.3% Asian), the mean age was 58 years, 30% had a non-English language preference, and 45% had low health literacy. Eighty percent of participants had CKD, with a mean eGFR of 47.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The sensitivities of each CKD awareness question were: 26.4% for “kidney damage”, 27.7% for “kidney disease”, 33.2% for “weak or failing kidneys”, 39.8% for “protein in the urine”, and 40.1% for “kidney problem.” Specificities ranged from 82.2% to 97.6%. The best two-question combination yielded a sensitivity of 53.1% and a specificity of 83.3%. This was lower than awareness of hypertension (90.1%) or diabetes (91.8%).

Conclusions

CKD awareness is low compared with other chronic diseases regardless of how it is ascertained. Nevertheless, more sensitive questions to ascertain CKD awareness suggest current under-ascertainment.
Conical microspike morphology formation and control on various metal surfaces using femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Kam Dong Hyuck , Mazumder Jyoti , Kim Jedo
Published: June 2016

Formation of conical microspikes on various metal surfaces (316L stainless steel, Ti-6Al-4V, and Al5754) under femtosecond irradiation at high repetition rate is reported. Two types of microcone morphologies formed at these high repetition rates under high and low-fluence conditions were clearly distinguished. At low fluence (near the ablation thresholds), conical spikes with high aspect ratio and nonuniform distribution forms through random evolution. At high fluence, semiuniform conical spikes are formed through a simultaneous progressive evolution procedure with increasing the number of scans. Experimental results are presented showing the progression of random microspike formation to uniform microspikes as fluence increases and show how scan-speed affects the size of the spikes. Also, extraordinary absorption coefficient is measured for nonuniform conical spike covered 316L stainless steel formed under near threshold condition.
Effect of Sodium Tungstate as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor on the Passivation Behavior of Mild Steel Sheet in Aggressive Media
Authors: V.K. Deepak , Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: June 2016

The effect of sodium tungstate on the passivation behavior of grille sheet made by mild steel was studied using corrosion tests and electrochemical measurements in 1 M HCl, 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions, open to air at 25 °C. The grille sheet showed the highest corrosion resistance properties in 1 M NaOH solution as compared with 1 M HCl and 0.5 M NaCl solutions. The corrosion resistance properties of the steel sheet was decreased with increasing the concentration of sodium tungstate up to 800 ppm and its corrosion inhibition efficiency was increased with increasing the concentration. The open circuit potential of the mild steel sheet was more negative value in 0.5 M NaCl than that in 1 M HCl, whereas more positive potential value was observed in 1 M NaOH than in 0.5 M NaCl solution. It was found that the mild steel sheet used in the study was found to be more passive in 1 M NaOH than in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M NaCl solutions. Hence, a more stable anodic passive film was formed on the surface of the steel sheet in 1 M NaOH than those in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M NaCl solutions from electrochemical measurements.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 183-190
Evaluation of Different Nutrient Management Practices in Yield of Different Rice Cultivars in Lamjung District of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat S. , Amgain L.P.
Published: June 2016

A field experiment was conducted on farmer’s field at two sites of Lamjung district of Nepal viz. Bhotewodar and Sundarbazaar to evaluate the performance of two commonly grown rice varieties viz US-382(hybrid) and Ramdhan (improved) under two nutrient management practices [Nutrient Expert®(NE) rice model recommendation, and government recommendation(GR)].Four replicates of four treatments were arranged in randomized completely block design. Rice varieties responded differently under the different nutrient management practices in terms of plant height, grains per panicle, sterility%, panicle weight, grain yield at 15% moisture, straw yield and harvesting index. The highest grain yield was obtained from NE field of US-382 variety which was followed by GR for US-382, NE for Ramdhan and GR for Ramdhan variety. NE based practices for US-382 variety produced higher biological yield as compared to GR. NE estimated attainable rice yield provided by the software compared with actual rice yield from the trials in farmer’s field and NE-based fertilizer recommendations proved the validity in reaching the yield targets estimated by the software. The observed rice yields recorded in the trials were higher than the NE estimated attainable yields, so NE recommendation for US-382 variety was found better over GR.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 223-227
PCR-SSCP and Sequencing of CXCR1 (IL8RA) Gene in Indian Water Buffalo
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Ramneek - , Mukhopadhyay C.S. , Arora Jaspreet Singh
Published: June 2016

Genetic markers associated with inflammatory responses could help in selecting the animals susceptible/tolerant to mastitis. The selective breeding assisted by these markers could help to reduce the huge economic losses that are posed by various forms of mastitis. Onepossible marker is CXCR1, a chemokine receptor that is required for neutrophil migration to infection site. Therefore the present study was planned to identify genetic polymorphism (if any)in CXCR1 gene and associate it with subclinical mastitis in Riverine buffalo of Northern India. For this,two hundred healthy lactating water buffalo were randomly chosenfrom the herds maintained by various farmers in Kapurthala District of Punjab, India.Blood and milk samples of selected buffaloes werecollected. Screening of the animals for sub clinical mastitis was done by SCC and CMT assays of milk samples.Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples by phenol chloroform method. The DNA of good quality was used for further analysis. PCR-SSCP was used to explore the polymorphism in 311 bp fragment of partial exon2 of CXCR1 gene. The 311 bp fragment of CXCR1 gene was found to be monomorphic in all the DNA samples screened of Indian water buffalo.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 228-232
Comparative Effects of mEOC on the Structures and Properties of PP/SGF and PP/EOC/SGF Composite Foams
Authors: Yang J.-N.
Published: June 2016

To improve the impact toughness of short glass fiber (SGF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite foams, maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-α-octene copolymer (mEOC) was employed as impact modifier and interfacial compatibilizer. And for comparison, mEOC was also introduced into PP/EOC/SGF composite foams. Then, the foaming qualities, interfacial structures and mechanical properties of samples against varying mEOC contents were examined and compared in detail. Results showed that adequate mEOC significantly improved the foamabilities of the composites, while the optimized mass fraction was 8% for PP/SGF composite foams and 3% for PP/EOC/SGF system. Increased mEOC facilitated the higher impact toughness, which was increased by 77% for PP/SGF composite foams, whereas only 5% for PP/EOC/SGF foams. However, the flexural strengths were just improved slightly, while compressive strengths decreased monotonically with mEOC for the investigated composite foams.
Development of Styrenic Copolymers for Improving Heat Resistance of Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Nishino K. , Shindo Y. , Kurokawa Y. , Takayama T. , Ito H.
Published: June 2016

Styrenic copolymers comprising styrene, methyl methacrylate, and maleic anhydride were developed to improve the heat-resistance property of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The optical, thermal, and mechanical properties were examined for the blend specimens prepared by an injection-molding machine using melt-mixed samples. It was found that the copolymers, which were miscible with PMMA, increase the glass transition temperature and therefore the Vicat Softening temperature. Furthermore, the blends were completely transparent as similar to PMMA.
Investigation of Surface Roughness and MRR for Engineering Polymers with the Abrasive Water Jet Turning Process
Authors: Kartal F. , Yerlikaya Z.
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the abrasive water jet turning (AWJT) process of commonly used plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), castamide, and polyamide (PA), in engineering. Machining parameters were used as follows: nozzle feed rate (10, 30, and 50 mm min−1), abrasive flow rate (50, 250, and 450 g min−1), and spindle speed (1 000, 2 000, and 3 000 min−1). The effects of the machining parameters on the average surface roughness and material removal rate were investigated. According to results, average surface roughness and material removal rate were affected by the nozzle feed rate by 87.15 % and 82.48 %, abrasive flow rate by 9.84 % and 13.49 %, and spindle speed by 1.09 % and 0.08 %, respectively. Optimization results that the nozzle feed rate should be 10 mm min−1, while the abrasive flow rate is 450 g/min and spindle speed is 3 000 min−1 in order to obtain the minimum surface roughness and maximum material removal rate.
Stent deployment protocol for optimized real-time visualization during endovascular neurosurgery
Authors: Silva Michael A. , See Alfred P. , Dasenbrock Hormuzdiyar H. , Ashour Ramsey , Khandelwal Priyank , Patel Nirav J. , Frerichs Kai U. , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad A.
Published: June 2016

Successful application of endovascular neurosurgery depends on high-quality imaging to define the pathology and the devices as they are being deployed. This is especially challenging in the treatment of complex cases, particularly in proximity to the skull base or in patients who have undergone prior endovascular treatment. The authors sought to optimize real-time image guidance using a simple algorithm that can be applied to any existing fluoroscopy system. Exposure management (exposure level, pulse management) and image post-processing parameters (edge enhancement) were modified from traditional fluoroscopy to improve visualization of device position and material density during deployment. Examples include the deployment of coils in small aneurysms, coils in giant aneurysms, the Pipeline embolization device (PED), the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device, and carotid artery stents. The authors report on the development of the protocol and their experience using representative cases.

The stent deployment protocol is an image capture and post-processing algorithm that can be applied to existing fluoroscopy systems to improve real-time visualization of device deployment without hardware modifications. Improved image guidance facilitates aneurysm coil packing and proper positioning and deployment of carotid artery stents, flow diverters, and the WEB device, especially in the context of complex anatomy and an obscured field of view.
Brachystelma seshachalamense (Apocynaceae), a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Prasad K. , Prasanna P. V.
Published: June 2016

Brachystelma seshachalamense, a new species belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is described from the Seshachalam hills of Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The new species is  closely allied to Brachystelma beddomei Hook. f., but differs in usually solitary flowers, corolla tube large with a ring of hairs around the corona, corolla lobes spreading with white hairy along the margins and pubescent inside, coronal cup lemon yellow, interstaminal corona shallowly lobed with hairs.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 23(1): 53-57, 2016 (June)
Lectotypification of Dioscorea zingiberensis (Dioscoreaceae), an endemic species from China
Authors: Pagare Ravikiran S. , Wilson Arisdason , Janarthanam Malapati K.
Published: June 2016

Not available.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 23(1): 87-89, 2016 (June)