bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propuesta de una nueva promesa bioética para los científicos que emplean animales en sus investigaciones (Parte II)
Authors: Garcés Giraldo Luis Fernando , Silvera Sarmiento Astelio , Murillo Bocanegra Eduardo , Sepúlveda Aguirre Jovany
Published: April 2017

Se presenta una propuesta de promesa para los profesionales de las ciencias animales en Colombia y el mundo. El juramento que plantea el artículo 9 de la ley 576 de 2000 no es suficiente y no cumple con las condiciones bioéticas que debe tener un profesional del siglo actual. Se describe la metodología utilizada para la nueva promesa y se desarrolla esta promesa teniendo en cuenta la virtud aristotélica y las relaciones que debe tener el hombre, como ser racional, con todos los seres vivos y el cuidado que debe prodigar a estos. Se describe uno a uno los postulados que se incluyen dentro de la propuesta y el por qué fueron considerados.
Study of MgO transformation into MgF2 in the presence of CF2Cl2•
Authors: Vedyagin Aleksey , Bedilo Alexander , Mishakov Ilya , Shuvarakova Ekaterina
Published: April 2017

Alkaline-earth metal oxide aerogels prepared by sol?gel method followed by autoclave drying are nanocrystalline mesoporous materials with high reactivity. Bulk solid-state reaction of MgO aerogels with CF2Cl2 takes place after a long induction period, during which the active sites are accumulated on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was found that vanadium addition has a promoting effect on this reaction accelerating the process of the active sites formation. A method for characterization of electron-acceptor sites by electron spin resonance spectroscopy using perylene as the spin probe was developed. A good correlation was observed between the rate of the CF2Cl2 destructive sorption and the concentration of weak electron-acceptor sites. Simplified models of such sites were suggested. The acid sites on the modified MgO surface were supposed to be originated from separation of the charged fragments resulting in the surface polarization. Uncompensated oxygen substitution for chlorine and/or fluorine ions leads to appearance of Lewis acid sites while HCl/HF chemisorption results in Bronsted acid sites formation.
Blowing the Whistle: Individual Persuasion under Perceived Threat of Retaliation
Authors: Young Randall F.
Published: April 2017

The effectiveness of the whistleblower as a control against misconduct and fraud is dependent on the willingness of the employee to report wrongdoings to the appropriate party. However, there is concern that a perceived threat of retaliation negatively affects one's attitude toward whistleblowing. The objective of this study is to examine whether the employee, even under threat of retaliation, can be persuaded to change his or her attitude toward blowing the whistle. The Elaboration Likelihood Model is used as the theoretical lens to investigate whether attitude change toward whistleblowing can occur and how perceived threat of retaliation impacts the persuasion process. This experimental study provides evidence that persuasive messages can change employee attitude toward whistleblowing but this change is most pronounced when persuasive messages are presented to employees who perceive a high threat of retaliation and are familiar with misconduct within the organization.
DAYA PATOGENESITAS Helicoverpa armigera Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus HaNPV SETELAH TERKENA RADIASI SINAR ULTRAVIOLET
Authors: Asri Mahanani Tri , Isnawati Isnawati
Published: April 2017

This research is about pathogen capacity of the Helicoverpa armigera nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (HaNPV) after irradiation by ultra violet (UV) light. The HaNPV is the one kind of the virus which attack the insect Helicoverpa armigera-attacker the some species of the crop life tobacco, cotton, potato, tomato. Because of that the HaNPV can be used as the biological control of the pest. Some researcher stated that the pathogen capacity of the HaNPV is decrease if the virus was expose in the ultra violet (UV) light. Because of the fact the virus in not useful as the biological control of the pest in the land corp. This research to test the statement. Laboratory experimental was done to tested the pathogen capacity of the HaNPV after irradiation treatment by the ultra violet light. The intensity of the UV light in this experiment were 28.7 lux, 97.3 lux, and 127.4 lux with the lighting period were 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15. The result of the research stated that the pathogen capacity of the HaNPV was not influenced by ultra violet light. So the virus is still useful as the biological control of the pest in the land crop.
ОБЩЕЕ И ОСОБЕННОЕ В ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛЬНОМ РАЗВИТИИ БАНКОВСКОГО СЕКТОРА РОССИИ И КИТАЯ
Authors: Сиденова Людмила Владимировна , Вотинцева Людмила Ивановна
Published: April 2017

Цель настоящего исследования состояла в раскрытии тенденций и характерных отличительных факторов в развитии моделей банковского сектора Росси и КНР
Some Extended Results on the Design of Punctured Serially Concatenated Convolutional Codes
Authors: Laddomada Massimiliano , Scanavino Bartolo
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is twofold. On one hand, it presents the results of the search for good punctured systematicrecursive convolutional encoders suitable for application in serially concatenated convolutional codes (SCCCs) operating in two different target regions: at low-to moderate signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), i.e., in the so called waterfall region, and at high SNRs. On the other hand, it provides some useful design guidelines for choosing the constituent encoders in an SCCC. The results of the search for good SCCCs operating in the waterfall region rely upon an effective algorithm, based on density evolution technique, first proposed in a companion paper. Good punctured SCCCs were obtained through considerationsdeduced by the behaviour of the bit error probability of an SCCC for high values of both SNR and interleaver length, i.e., through asymptotic considerations. The mother codes in the serial concatenation are rate 1/2 recursive convolutional encoders (RCC) found by an exhaustive search for encoders tailored to SCCC schemes, using two different selection criteria. Extensive tables of optimized puncturing patterns for various mother codes and SCCCs are presented along with sample simulation results.
On the Error Performance of Coding and Equalization in Low-Complexity Ultra-Wideband Communication Systems
Authors: Morelos-Zaragoza Robert H.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the performance of various channel coding schemes is investigated in pulse-based ultra-wideband(UWB) communication systems for applications in short-range indoor environments. Pulse-based binary (BPSK) modulation and decision-feedback equalization (DFE) is considered. Concatenated adaptive equalization and coding is explored as an alternative to the more complex and often impractical joint coding and equalization. A block length of approximately 1000 bits is considered in this paper as it results in a static channel with minimal latency while still yielding relatively good error performance. The error performance of a previously proposed turbo product code (TPC), based on two identical Hamming (31,26) codes, is simulated and compared with that of otherchannel coding schemes of similar rate and code length. These include a regular LDPC (1057,813) code, a memory-6 rate-3/4 punctured convolutional code, a Reed-Solomon (127,89) code and a concatenated (off-the-shelf) code with a Reed-Solomon (255,239) outer code and a memory-6 rate-3/4 punctured convolutional inner code. The inclusion of the concatenated Reed-Solomon scheme serves as a reference, as this is an off-the-shelf classical and still popular solution. The simulation results show that, among the coding schemes considered, the LDPC code offers the best error performance.
On the Queue Length Distribution in BMAP Systems
Authors: Chydzinski Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Batch Markovian Arrival Process – BMAP – is a teletraffic model which combines high ability to imitate complexstatistical behaviour of network traces with relative simplicity in analysis and simulation. It is also a generalization of a wide class of Markovian processes, a class which in particular include the Poisson process, the compound Poisson process, the Markovmodulated Poisson process, the phase-type renewal process and others. In this paper we study the main queueing performance characteristic of a finite-buffer queue fed by the BMAP, namely the queue length distribution. In particular, we show a formula for the Laplace transform of the queue length distribution. The main benefit of this formula is that it may be used to obtain both transient and stationary characteristics. To demonstrate this, several numerical results are presented.
A New Distributed Slot Assignment Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Under Convergecast Data Traffic
Authors: Bekmezci Ilker , Alagoz Fatih
Published: April 2017

The scarcest resource for most of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is energy and one of the major factors inenergy consumption for WSNs is due to communication. Notonly transmission but also reception is the source of energyconsumption. The lore to decrease energy consumption is toturn off radio circuit when it is not needed. This is why TDMA has advantages over contention based methods. Time slot assignment algorithm is an essential part of TDMA based systems. Although centralized time slot assignment protocols are preferred in many WSNs, centralized approach is not scalable. In this paper, a new energy efficient and delay sensitive distributed time slot assignment algorithm (DTSM) is proposed for sensor networks under convergecast traffic pattern. DTSM which is developed as part of the military monitory (MILMON) system introduced in [27], aims to operate with low delay and low energy. Instead of collision based periods, it assigns slots by the help of tiny request slots. While traditional slot assignment algorithms do not allow assigning the same slot within two hop neighbors, because of the hidden node problem, DTSM can assign, if assignment is suitable for convergecast traffic. Simulation results have shown that delay and energy consumption performance of DTSM is superior to FPRP, DRAND, and TRAMA which are the most known distributed slot assignment protocols for WSNs or ad hoc networks. Although DTSM has somewhat long execution time, itsscalability characteristic may provide application specific time durations.
Dangerous Voltages due to Direct Lightning Strike into the Communication Tower
Authors: Vujević Slavko , Sarajčev Petar
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a novel technique for computing dangerous voltages due to direct lightning strike into the communication tower and associated earthing system, which is based on the use of the well-known ATP-EMTP software package. The earthing grid and the communication tower structure are approximated by the circular cross section conductors. In numerical model, conductors are subdivided into segments (1D finite elements) and Clark's model with distributed constant parameters is then applied. Because of the limitations of ATP-EMTP software package, the leakage resistance of buried segments is modelled as additional lumped parameter. Analytical expressions for distributed and lumped segment parameters are derived using the average potential method. Mutual electromagnetic coupling between segments is neglected due to the limitations imposed by the ATP-EMTP software package, which is based on transmission line approach. Separate computer program is developed for obtaining the earth surface transient potential distribution, from which step and touch voltages are then computed.
Identifikasi Airtanah Daerah Ciemas, Kabupaten Sukabumi Berdasarkan Citra Satelit, Geologi Dan Hidrogeologi
Authors: Muhammad Fathurrizal , Barkah Mochammad Nursiyam , Hadian Mohamad Sapari Dwi
Published: April 2017

Air merupakan sumber kehidupan. Eksplorasi sumber daya air perlu terus dilakukan demi memenuhi kebutuhan hidup masyarakat. Daerah penelitian secara administratif terletak pada daerah Ciemas, Kabupaten Sukabumi Provinsi Jawa Barat. Keterdapatan airtanah di daerah ini masih belum banyak diketahui dan perlu dicari melalui beberapa interpretasi yang dilakukan. Untuk mengindentifikasi potensi airtanah dilakukan berdasarkan beberapa analisis diantaranya, analisis Citra satelit, Geologi dan Hidrogeologi.Dalam analisis citra satelit, di bagian Utara dan Selatan daerah Ciemas terlihat adanya perbedaan tekstur yang menunjukkan adanya perbedaan litologi batuan. Daerah penelitian memiliki tiga satuan batuan yaitu satuan batupasir kuarsa (Tebpk), satuan batupasir kuarsa (Tmbp), dan Endapan Alluvial (Qa). Selain itu terlihat pola kelurusan dan beberapa indikasi sesar yang menunjukkan 7 sesar oblique yang mengontrol daerah penelitian. Hal tersebut berpengaruh pada kondisi hidrogeologi daerah penelitian, dengan terdapat tiga jenis akuifer yang berbeda, yaitu akuifer dengan aliran melalui ruang antar butir dengan produktivitas sedang, akuifer bercelah/bersarang dengan produktivitas kecil, dan akuifer bercelah/bersarang dengan produktivitas langka. Berdasarkan hasil analisa tersebut mempengaruhi besar kecilnya potensi airtanah dan teridentifikasi berada di kawasan dataran tinggi pada akuifer produktif yang terpotong oleh patahan-patahan geologi.Kata kunci : Airtanah, Ciemas, Citra satelit
Pendugaan Temperatur Bawah Permukaan Berdasarkan Kehadiran Mineral Alterasi Pada Sumur Llk-1 Lapangan Panasbumi Lilli, Kabupaten Polewali Mandar, Provinsi Sulawesi Barat
Authors: Adzka Fazillah , Patonah Aton , Robertus Simarmata S. L.
Published: April 2017

Lapangan Panasbumi Lilli secara adminstratif  termasuk ke dalam wilayah Kecamatan Matanga, Kabupaten Polewali Mandar, Provinsi Sulawesi Barat. Hasil penyelidikan terdahulu diketahui memiliki daerah prospek seluas 18 km2 yang masih membuka ke arah utara. Fokus penelitian ini adalah memperkirakan temperatur bawah permukaan dari sumur  LLK-1 untuk menentukan zona reservoir dan zona penudungnya. Metode yang digunakan adalah petrografi dan alat SpecTerra untuk mengetahui jenis mineral lempung. Berdasarkan deskripsi dan analisis komposisi mineral primer dan alterasi pada batuan dari sumur tersebut diketahui bahwa batuan pada sumur LLK-1 dari bawah ke permukaan adalah porfiri andesit terubah dan andesit terubah. Mineral alterasi yang hadir adalah saponite, monmorilonite, smectite, chlorite, mineral oksida dan pirit. Berdasarkan asosiasi mineral alterasi tersebut, zona alterasi terbagi ke dalam 2 zona, yaitu zona smectite dan zona smcetite-chlorite yang merupakan sebanding dengan tipe argilik dan subprofilitik, terbentuk pada temperatur 50oC – 230oC.  Hasil data tersebut, maka sumur LLK-1 masih  termasuk ke dalam zona penudung. Kata Kunci : Alterasi, Paleotemperatur, Panasbumi Lilli Lilli Geothermal Field administratively located in Matanga, Polewali Mandar Districts, West Sulawesi. Result from latest investigation shows that this area have a prospect about 18 km2 with distribution spreading probabilility to the North. Focus of this research is to estimate temperature below the surface from well LLK-1 (Lilli Geothermal field) to understand the reservoir and caps rock zone using petrography and SpecTerra measurement.  Based on description and primary mineral composition, also from mineral alteration, well LLK-1 has altered andecite porfiri to altered andecite. Alteration mineral that can be found are saponite, montmorilonite, smectite, chlorite, oxide mineral and pyrite. From the alteration mineral association, alteration zone can be divided into two zone, there are smectite and smectite-chlorite zone that comparable with argilic and subpropilitic type that can be formed at 50°C - 230°C. It is conclude that LLK-1 well still include in the caps rock zone so the reservoir zone cannot be determined.  Keywords: Alteration, Paleotemperature, Lilli Geothermal Field
PENGGUNAAN NAMA KOTA SEBAGAI NAMA DOMAIN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Amirulloh Muhamad
Published: April 2017

Penggunaan nama kota sebagai nama domain oleh pihak lain tanpa ijin semakin banyak terjadi. UDRP mensyaratkan adanya persamaan atau kemiripan dengan merek apabila nama domain dikategorikan sebagai cybersquatting. UU Merek Amerika dan Inggris menerima perlindungan nama kota sebagai merek yang tidak terdaftar apabila nama kota tersebut memiliki “secondary meaning”. UU ITE dalam Pasal 23 ayat (2) telah memberikan hak kepada pemerintah kota untuk memperoleh nama domain serta hak untuk menuntut ganti rugi berdasarkan Pasal 38. Pengaturan dalam Pasal 6 ayat (3) UU Merek belum harmonis dengan UU ITE.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan nama pemerintah kota sebagai nama domain tanpa ijin merupakan pelanggaran terhadap Pasal 23 ayat (2) UU ITE dan Pasal 6 ayat (3) huruf b dan c UU Merek yang ditafsirkan. Hakim sebagai penegak hukum di pengadilan harus menerima dan mengadili perkara cybersquatting terhadap nama kota di Indonesia berdasarkan ketentuan UU ITE dan melakukan penafsiran terhadap ketentuan Pasal 6 ayat (3) huruf b dan huruf c UU Merek.
Dunas costeras en Veracruz, México: Conservación y uso para la cohesión social desde la percepción local
Authors: Piñar-Álvarez María Ángeles , Wojtarowski-Leal Astrid , Martínez-Vázquez María Luisa
Published: April 2017

[full article is in Spanish]

English

In this article we studied the environmental perception of inhabitants of Chachalacas Beach, a coastal village in the central Gulf of Mexico. The views of residents on coastal dunes are described in terms of its specific importance for locals and also the transformation they have sensed over time in this ecosystem. Practical and symbolic significance of these dunes for the population, as well as how they have established roots on this space through its recreational and economic use, is highlighted. Local stakeholders do not recognize themselves as participants or co-responsible for the transformation. This makes the promotion of environmental education programs necessary to drive the involvement and social cohesion of Touristic Service Providers, fishermen, municipal authorities and visitors in the preservation of coastal dunes.

Spanish

El artículo presenta parte de los resultados de un estudio de
percepción sobre el entorno natural en Playa de Chachalacas, localidad
costera de la zona central del Golfo de México. Se describen las opiniones
de un grupo de pobladores sobre las dunas costeras, en cuanto a la
relevancia que éstas revisten para los habitantes de la localidad y a la
transformación que ellos han percibido en este ecosistema a lo largo del
tiempo. Se destaca la importancia práctica y simbólica que tienen las dunas
para esta población y cómo han establecido el arraigo a este espacio
a través de su uso recreativo y económico. Los actores locales no se reconocen
a sí mismos como partícipes ni corresponsables de la transformación.
Ello hace necesario promover programas de educación ambiental
que impulsen el involucramiento y cohesión social de los prestadores de
servicios turísticos, pescadores, autoridades municipales y visitantes en
la conservación de las dunas costeras.

French

Cet article présente une partie des résultats d’une étude de perception
du milieu naturel à Playa de Chacalas, localité côtière de la zone
centrale du Golfe du Mexique. Il décrit les opinions d’un groupe d’habitants
sur des dunes côtières, en particulier l’importance qu’elles revêtent
pour ceux qui y vivent et la transformation qu’ils perçoivent de cet écosystème
au fil du temps. L’importance pratique et symbolique des dunes
pour cett e population est mise en évidence ainsi que leur enracinement à
cet espace à travers leur usage récréatif et économique. Les acteurs locaux
ne se reconnaissent pas comme des participants et des co-responsables
de la transformation observée. Ceci rend nécessaire la promotion de programmes
d’éducation environnementale qui impulsent la participation et
la cohésion sociale des prestataires de services touristiques, des pêcheurs,
des autorités municipales et des visiteurs en matière de conservation des
dunes côtières.
Egg Viability as a Determinant of Clutch Size in Birds: A Basic Analysis
Authors: Lee Jong Koo , Lima Steven L.
Published: April 2017

Many hypotheses address the determinants of clutch size in birds. One of the more recent is the egg viability hypothesis, which holds that a drop in egg viability with days left unincubated acts to limit clutch size, especially in tropical birds. We provide a basic theoretical analysis of this hypothesis in the form of a simulation model that considers different types of reproductive mortality and the role of multiple breeding attempts per season. We consider both biologically plausible and implausible scenarios to illustrate key points. In its simplest form, assuming a limit to seasonal egg production and the absence of predation on parent or nest, a drop in egg viability favours the allocation of eggs into the smallest clutches that allow eggs to be laid over multiple nesting attempts. This allocation maximises overall egg viability (or minimises egg mortality). Drops in egg viability also lead to smaller clutches when no egg limitation is assumed, as long as multiple nesting attempts are possible. A drop in egg viability alone does not favour small clutches when only a single nesting attempt is possible. The possibility of nest predation renders clutch sizes sensitive to egg viability decreases over time, and generally acts to limit clutch sizes still further. However, steep drops in the viability of unincubated eggs can render clutch size insensitive to changes in the risk of predation to parent or nest. Similarly, a high risk of nest predation renders clutch size insensitive to changes in egg viability.
Haemodynamically Unstable Acute Kidney Injury Patients Treated with Sustained Low Efficiency Dialysis: Outcome in an ICU of Bangladesh
Authors: Fatema Kaniz , Faruq Mohammad Omar
Published: April 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor for increased mortality in critically ill patients. Sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) is a new approach in renal replacement therapy (RRT) and it combines the advantages of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and intermittent haemodialysis (HD). The study was aimed to evaluate the outcome of the hae-modynamically unstable patients with AKI in Bangladesh who were treated with SLED. So far this is the first reported study on SLED in intensive care unit (ICU) in Bangladesh. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 10-bed adult ICU of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from June 2012 to May 2013. A total of 153 sessions of SLED were performed on 43 AKI patients. Mean age of the patients was 60.12 ± 15.57 years with male preponder-ance (67.4% were male). Mean APACHE II score was 26.88 ± 6.25. Fourteen patients (32.55%) had de novo AKI. Twenty nine patients (67.4%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) with baseline mean serum creatinine 2.56 mg/dl, but did not require any RRT before admis-sion in ICU. After giving SLED, AKI of the study patients were completely resolved in 27.9%. Some forty two percent patients became dialysis dependant and 30.23% patients died. Patients who had AKI on CKD became dialysis dependant more often than the patients with de novo AKI (p <0.01). Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who were on inotrope support (p= 0.017). Otherwise, there was no relation of 28 day mortality with age, prior renal function and mechanical ventilator requirement (p>0.05). Thus, SLED is an excellent renal replacement therapy for the haemodynamically unstable AKI patients of ICU. It is also cost-effective compared to CRRT.
Efficacy and Safety of Thalidomide as Adjunct Therapy in Refractory Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients
Authors: Islam Mohammed Mahbubul , Islam Mohammad Imnul , Talukdar Manik Kumar , Haque Mujammel , Rahman Shahana A
Published: April 2017

About 50% of systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) patients run a recalcitrant disease course and resistant to the conventional disease modifying anti inflammatoy drugs (DMARDs), ultimately resulting in permanent disability from joint destructions. Thalidomide has been reported as an effective and safe drug in the management of systemic JIA due to its immunomodulatory properties. This was an interventional study, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of thalidomide in refractory JIA patients. Twenty five systemic JIA patients who were refractory to conventional DMARDs were included in this study. These patients were prescribed thalidomide at a dose of 2-3mg/kg/day for 12 months. Efficacy of thalidomide was assessed by using Wallace criteria at 6th month and 12th month of thalidomide treatment. Active arthritis was improved in 55% and 73% of the patients at 6th and 12th month of thalidomide treatment respectively. Fever and rash subsided in 72.8% and 81.2% of patients respectively at 12th month of follow up. Hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy regressed in 100% of patients at 12th month follow up. ESR was also improved in 50% and 68.2% cases at 6th and 12th months respectively. Few minor side effects were observed like transient elevation of liver enzyme and somnolence in this study. It may be concluded that thalidomide is safe and effective in refractory JIA patients.
Efficacy of Tamsulosin in the Medical Management of Juxtavesical Ureteral Stones: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Mustafa Abu Sayeed Md. Feroz , Islam Md. Saiful , Mamun Abdullah Al , Khalid Muhammad Syeef
Published: April 2017

Urolithiasis is the third most common disease of the urinary tract. Among all urinary tract stones, majorities are ureteral stones located in the distal part of the ureters. At present, multimodalities of treatment are available to the urologists. The purpose of the present study was to observe the efficacy of Tamsulosin in conventional treatment of juxtavesical ureteric stone having size up to 8 mm. This was a single centered, parallel randomized control trial carried out in the outpatient department of Urology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from July 2007 to June 2008. The patients with unilateral, juxtavesical ureteral stone with normal functioning kidney and absence of clinical and laboratory signs of urinary tract infection and stone size up to 8 mm were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the computer generated simple random sampling. Patients of Group-A  were given conventional hydrotherapy treatment and patients of Group-B were given Tamsulosin 0.4mg/day along with the conventional hydrotherapy. Each patient was followed-up weekly until stone expulsion for 4 weeks. In Group-A and Group-B, the mean age with SD was 38.55±10.05 and 37.7±9.33 years. Expulsion occurred in 32 (53.33%) of 60 patients in Group-A and 51 (85%) of 60 patients in Group-B (p <0.05). The number of pain episodes in this study was statistically significantly lower in Group-B patients compared to Group-A (p <0.05). Urinary tract infection was encountered in 12 (20%) patients of Group-A and 2 (3.33%) patients of Group-B (p <0.05) during four weeks therapy which was treated by appropriate antibiotics. No side effects of Tamsulosin were encountered in any patients of Group-B which could require the cessation of the medication or might need for dose titration. Findings of the study revealed that the Tamsulosin supplemented conventional therapy is more effective than conventional hydrotherapy alone in management of juxtavesical ureteral stones.
Rubella Antibody Prevalence and Immunogenicity of Single Dose Rubella Vaccine Among 16  25 Years Girls from Bangladesh
Authors: Nessa Afzalun , Tabassum Shahina , Akther Tahmina , Sultana Nahida , Selim Shahjada
Published: April 2017

Rubella virus infection during pregnancy is an important cause of blindness, deafness, congenital heart disease, and mental retardation of the foetus. Multiple sero-surveys of rubella antibody among reproductive aged females of Bangladesh showed that 20-30% of them remain susceptible to rubella as rubella vaccination is yet not included in our national immunization program for adolescent and adult girls. The present study was designed to conduct a sero-survey among unmarried girls of 16 to 25 years to assess their serological status in terms of natural rubella infection and vaccinate the rubella susceptible individuals with a single dose of rubella vaccine to evaluate the immunogenicity of the vaccine. A total of 344 randomly selected unmarried, apparently healthy college students were enrolled and investigated for rubella IgG and IgM antibodies at the Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Girls who were found to be negative for both rubella IgG and IgM were vaccinated with a single dose of rubella vaccine and tested for rubella antibody after four to six weeks of vaccination. Quantitative analysis of rubella IgG showed that a total of 68.87% study population had protective rubella antibody, 29.36% were susceptible to rubella and 1.74% experienced recent rubella infection. After vaccination, rubella antibody positivity was found to be 100% among 99 (98.02%) of 101 vaccinated girls who were tested for anti rubella IgG. There was statistically significant increase (p <0.001, Paired t Test) in anti-Rubella IgG titres among pre-vaccination and post-vaccination sera. The findings of the study showed that it is mandatory to include young girls in the national immunization programme and immunize them with a single dose of rubella vaccine which was found to be 100% effective.
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Lactobacillus species from Yogurt and Cheese samples in Dhaka Metropolitan Area
Authors: Mannan Sultana Juhara , Rezwan Refaya , Rahman Md Shajidur , Begum Kohinur
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore Lactobacillus species from yogurt and cheese that can be used as potential probiotics. In this study, a total of twenty five samples, fifteen from cheese and ten from yogurt were collected from local markets, Dhaka city during May-July, 2016. Single colonies were isolated by enriching in MRS broth and subsequent streaking on MRS agar plate. Total twenty five isolated bacteria were identified as Lactobacillus species by morphological, gram staining and short biochemical tests. All isolated strains were characterized for probiotic properties including acid and salt tolerance, phenol tolerance, sugar fermentation, lactose fermentation and proteolytic activity. Acid tolerance test was performed at pH 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in MRS broth. Results showed all isolates survived in highly acidic pH, however most of the strains also survived in alkaline media (pH 8). Salt tolerance test was performed at 2%, 4% and 8% NaCl in MRS broth. All isolates survived in 2% and 4% NaCl concentrations. Phenol tolerance test was performed in MRS broth with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% phenol concentration. All strains survived in 0.1% and 0.2% phenol concentrations. Sugars such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose and lactose were used for fermentation tests. Results of fermentation test showed that most isolates fermented all sugars. All strains digested casein by producing protease enzyme in skim milk agar plate. This study indicated that Lactobacillus species from yogurt and cheese samples have potential probiotic properties. Further study is needed to find specific probiotics with specific benefit from yogurt and cheese.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 27-33, 2017
In vivo CNS Depressant and Antinociceptive Studies of Microcos paniculata Stem Extracts on Animal Model
Authors: Haque Md Anamul , Haque Md Anwarul , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: April 2017

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the possible central nervous system (CNS) depressant and antinociceptive effects of methanol (MMPS), petroleum ether (PMPS), chloroform (CMPS), dichloromethane (DMPS) and aqueous (AMPS) extracts of the Microcos paniculata (M. paniculata). The CNS-depressant effect of different extracts of M. paniculata stem on Swiss albino mice was assessed by using open field, hole cross and head deep tests at 100 and 200 mg/kg dose. Analgesic effect was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate methods at 100 and 200 mg/kg dose. All the extracts had exhibited significant (Pb < 0.01, Pa < 0.001) CNS depressant and analgesic effects in a dose dependant manner. MMPS had shown highest CNSdepressant effect with 93.39% inhibition of mice movement (open field), 78.92% inhibition of hole cross and 86.90% inhibition of head deeping at 200 mg/kg dose. Besides, DMPS extracts showed maximum analgesic effect with 75.52% inhibition of abdominal writhing and 65.55% elongation of paw licking time at 200mg/kg dose. Among the five extracts, MMPS possesses potent CNS depressant effect while DMPS possesses potent analgesic effect. These findings may expose effectiveness of the extracts on anxiety and pain that may help to formulate a herbal medicine or to search a lead compound.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 39-45, 2017
In Silico Virulence and Resistance Profile Analysis of Staphylococcus species
Authors: Nahar Nusrat , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Kabir ANM Hamidul , Rahman Mohammad Sharifur
Published: April 2017

In silico studies of the genes of Staphylococcus spp. might establish some correlations with multiple pathological factors. Sixty isolates of Staphylococcus spp. have been studied here targeting virulence and antibiotic resistance genes through in silico tools. Here, in silico PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification detected both virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Study revealed that most of the isolates harboured either cap5 (40%) or cap8 (31.67%) locus gene. Staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected in 63.33% of the isolates. The sea gene, responsible for food poisoning, was detected in 26.67% of the isolates. The tst positive isolates (5%), responsible for toxic shock syndrome, were present in only genotype 8. No exfoliative toxin was detected. The icaA gene, responsible for intracellular adherence, appeared in 80% of the isolates. Alpha hemolysin gene, hla, was detected in 63.33% of the isolates. Sixty-five percent of the isolates harboured the mecA genes. Both ?-lactamase (blaZ) and erythromycin resistance, ermA genes were available in 38.33% of the isolates. In silico pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) digestion was able to divide isolates into 23 genotypes. Genotype 8 and 11 harboured tetracycline resistance genes, tetM and tetK. The tetM gene (18.33%) was more prevalent than tetK gene (11.67%). Genotype 1 and 11 were considered more virulent than others. Genotype 11 also carried six antibiotic resistance genes but did not carry the genes msrA, msrB, ermB and ermC. The data generated here might aid in the prediction of the virulence and resistance profile based on genotyping as well as contribute in vaccine development.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 71-84, 2017
Pharmacological Investigation on Ethanol Extract of Scindapsus hederaceus Miq.
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Ibrahim Mohammed , Adib Mohiminul , Tareq Syed Mohammed , Haque Mohammad Rashedul , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: April 2017

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizing, antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-diarrheal activities of Scindapsu shederaceus belonging to the Araceae family. In antipyretic test, temperature reduced from 101.53°F to 99.86°F (p<0.05), 99.20°F (p<0.05) and 99.06°F (p<0.05) in 1st, 2nd and 3rd hour, respectively and caused maximum reduction of temperature in 1st hour. In the hot plate method, the extract increased the reaction time of heat sensation significantly to 14.32 seconds. In in vitro anti-inflammatory test, the extract significantly inhibited protein denaturation by 85.17% at 500 ?g/ml, 71.72% at 250 ?g/ml and by 66.55% at 125 ?g/ml. It also inhibited the hypotonic solution-induced haemolysis by 73.19%, 49.69% and 29.15% at same concentration in membrane stabilizing assay. In DPPH inhibition assay the extract showed maximum % inhibition of 65.5% at 100 ?g/ml. In the assay of thrombolytic activity, the extract showed thrombolytic activity of 14.39%. Amylase inhibitory activity was found to be 22.38% at a concentration 100 ?g/ml. In case of antidiarrheal investigation, the extract reveled total inhibition of defection by 35.30%.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 85-89, 2017
Recent Health Issues Vol 20(1)
Authors: Hossain Md Akbar
Published: April 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 115, 2017
4D Flow Assessment of Vorticity in Right Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Browning James , Hertzberg Jean , Schroeder Joyce , Fenster Brett
Published: April 2017

Diastolic dysfunction, a leading cause of heart failure in the US, is a complex pathology which manifests morphological and hemodynamic changes in the heart and circulatory system. Recent advances in time-resolved phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (4D Flow) have allowed for characterization of blood flow in the right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA), including calculation of vorticity and qualitative visual assessment of coherent flow patterns. We hypothesize that right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (RVDD) is associated with changes in vorticity and right heart blood flow. This paper presents background on RVDD, and 4D Flow tools and techniques used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of cardiac flows in the normal and disease states. In this study, 20 patients with RVDD and 14 controls underwent cardiac 4D Flow and echocardiography. A method for determining the time-step for peak early diastole using 4D Flow data is described. Spatially integrated early diastolic vorticity was extracted from the RV, RA, and combined RV/RA regions of each subject using a range of vorticity thresholding and scaling methods. Statistically significant differences in vorticity were found in the RA and combined RA/RV in RVDD subjects compared to controls when vorticity vectors were both thresholded and scaled by cardiac index.
Biotinylated N-Acetyllactosamine- and N,N-Diacetyllactosamine-Based Oligosaccharides as Novel Ligands for Human Galectin-3
Authors: Böcker Sophia , Elling Lothar
Published: April 2017

Galectin inhibitor design is an emerging research field due to the involvement of galectins in cancer. Galectin-3, in particular, plays an important role in tumor progression. To generate inhibitors, modifications of the glycan structure can be introduced. Conjugation of hydrophobic compounds to saccharides has proven to be promising as increased binding of galectin-3 can be observed. In the present study, we report on neo-glycans carrying hydrophobic biotin as novel ligands for human galectin-3. We modified N-acetyllactosamine- and N,N-diacetyllactosamine-based tetrasaccharides at the C6-position of the terminal saccharide unit using selective enzymatic oxidation and subsequent chemical conjugation of biotinamidohexanoic acid hydrazide. These neo-glycans were much better bound by galectin-3 than the unmodified counterparts. High selectivity for galectin-3 over galectin-1 was also proven. We generated multivalent neo-glycoproteins by conjugation of neo-glycans to bovine serum albumin showing high affinity for galectin-3. Compared to non-biotinylated neo-glycoproteins, we achieved high binding levels of galectin-3 with a lesser amount of conjugated neo-glycans. Multivalent ligand presentation of neo-glycoproteins significantly increased the inhibitory potency towards galectin-3 binding to asialofetuin when compared to free monovalent glycans. Our findings show the positive impact of 6-biotinylation of tetrasaccharides on galectin-3 binding, which broadens the recent design approaches for producing high-affinity ligands.
Cosmetic Ingredients as Emerging Pollutants of Environmental and Health Concern. A Mini-Review
Authors: Juliano Claudia , Magrini Giovanni
Published: April 2017

Cosmetic and personal care products are used in huge quantities throughout the world; as a result of their regular use, they are continuously released into the environment in very large amounts. Many of these products are biologically active and are characterized by persistence and bioaccumulation potential, posing a threat to ecosystem and human health. On the basis of the most recent scientific literature available on this subject, this paper provides an overview of some cosmetic ingredients that are considered environmental emerging pollutants of particular concern such as UV filters, some preservatives (parabens, triclosan), and microplastics.
Experimental Investigations of Physical and Chemical Properties for Microalgae HTL Bio-Crude Using a Large Batch Reactor
Authors: Hossain Farhad , Kosinkova Jana , Brown Richard , Ristovski Zoran , Hankamer Ben , Stephens Evan , Rainey Thomas
Published: April 2017

As a biofuel feedstock, microalgae has good scalability and potential to supply a significant proportion of world energy compared to most types of biofuel feedstock. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is well-suited to wet biomass (such as microalgae) as it greatly reduces the energy requirements associated with dewatering and drying. This article presents experimental analyses of chemical and physical properties of bio-crude oil produced via HTL using a high growth-rate microalga Scenedesmus sp. in a large batch reactor. The overarching goal was to investigate the suitability of microalgae HTL bio-crude produced in a large batch reactor for direct application in marine diesel engines. To this end we characterized the chemical and physical properties of the bio-crudes produced. HTL literature mostly reports work using very small batch reactors which are preferred by researchers, so there are few experimental and parametric measurements for bio-crude physical properties, such as viscosity and density. In the course of this study, a difference between traditionally calculated values and measured values was noted. In the parametric study, the bio-crude viscosity was significantly closer to regular diesel and biodiesel standards than transesterified (FAME) microalgae biodiesel. Under optimised conditions, HTL bio-crude’s high density (0.97–1.04 kg·L−1) and its high viscosity (70.77–73.89 mm2·s−1) had enough similarity to marine heavy fuels. although the measured higher heating value, HHV, was lower (29.8 MJ·kg−1). The reaction temperature was explored in the range 280–350 °C and bio-crude oil yield and HHV reached their maxima at the highest temperature. Slurry concentration was explored between 15% and 30% at this temperature and the best HHV, O:C, and N:C were found to occur at 25%. Two solvents (dichloromethane and n-hexane) were used to recover the bio-crude oil, affecting the yield and chemical composition of the bio-crude.
Optimal Charging Schedule Planning and Economic Analysis for Electric Bus Charging Stations
Authors: Leou Rong-Ceng , Hung Jeng-Jiun
Published: April 2017

The battery capacity of electric buses (EB) used for public transportation is greater than that of electric cars, and the charging power is also several times greater than that used in electric cars; this can result in high energy consumption and negatively impact power distribution networks. This paper proposes a framework to determine the optimal contracted power capacity and charging schedule of an EB charging station in such a way that energy costs can be reduced. A mathematical model of controlled charging, which includes the capacity and energy charges of the station, was developed to minimize costs. The constraints of the model include the charging characteristics of an EB and the operational guidelines of the bus company. A practical EB charging station was used to verify the proposed model. The financial viability of this EB charging station is also studied in this paper. The economic analysis model for this charging station considers investment and operational costs, and the operational revenue. Sensitivity analyses with respect to some key parameters are also performed in this paper. Based on actual operational routes and EB charging schemes, test results indicate that the EB charging station investment is feasible, and the planning model proposed can be used to determine optimal station power capacity and minimize energy costs.
Improvement of Transient Stability in a Hybrid Power Multi-System Using a Designed NIDC (Novel Intelligent Damping Controller)
Authors: Ou Ting-Chia , Lu Kai-Hung , Huang Chiou-Jye
Published: April 2017

This paper endeavors to apply a novel intelligent damping controller (NIDC) for the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to reduce the power fluctuations, voltage support and damping in a hybrid power multi-system. In this paper, we discuss the integration of an offshore wind farm (OWF) and a seashore wave power farm (SWPF) via a high-voltage, alternating current (HVAC) electric power transmission line that connects the STATCOM and the 12-bus hybrid power multi-system. The hybrid multi-system consists of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and a micro-turbine generation (MTG). The proposed NIDC consists of a designed proportional–integral–derivative (PID) linear controller, an adaptive critic network and a proposed functional link-based novel recurrent fuzzy neural network (FLNRFNN). Test results show that the proposed controller can achieve better damping characteristics and effectively stabilize the network under unstable conditions.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenolic Antioxidants from Olive (Olea europaea) Leaves Using a Novel Glycerol/Sodium-Potassium Tartrate Low-Transition Temperature Mixture (LTTM)
Authors: Dedousi Marianna , Mamoudaki Valentina , Grigorakis Spyros , Makris Dimitris
Published: April 2017

Olive leaves (OLL) represent a major waste generated during the production of olive oil, but there is a great potential for their valorization, because they provide important content in polyphenolic phytochemicals, which possess several bioactivities. In spite of the high number of studies dealing with polyphenol recovery from olive leaves, green processes involving environmentally benign solvents are scarce. In this study, a novel renewable natural low-transition temperature mixture (LTTM), composed of glycerol and sodium-potassium tartrate, was tested for its efficient ability to extract polyphenolic substances from OLL. The extraction process was optimised by using response surface methodology and the maximum yield in total polyphenols was 26.75 ± 3.22 mg caffeic acid equivalents per g dry weight, achieved with 50% (v/v) aqueous LTTM, liquid-to-solid ratio of 45 mL g−1 and at 73 °C. The LTTM was proven to be equally effective with 60% aqueous methanol, but it displayed inferior antioxidant properties. Liquid chromatography-diode array-mass spectrometry analyses revealed no significant qualitative differences between the LTTM and the aqueous methanolic extract.
Healthcare Engagement as a Potential Source of Psychological Distress among People without Religious Beliefs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Weber Samuel , Lomax James , Pargament Kenneth
Published: April 2017

Research into religion and mental health is increasing, but nonbelievers in terms of religion are often overlooked. Research has shown that nonbelievers experience various forms of psychological distress and that the negative perception of nonbelievers by others is a potential source of distress. This review builds on that research by identifying another potential source of psychological distress for nonbelievers: engagement with the healthcare system. Poor understanding of nonbelievers by healthcare professionals may lead to impaired communication in the healthcare setting, resulting in distress. Attempts by nonbelievers to avoid distress may result in different patterns of healthcare utilization. Awareness of these concerns may help healthcare providers to minimize distress among their nonbelieving patients.