bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-fracture response of blast-loaded monolithic glass
Authors: Johns Robert V. , Clubley Simon K.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the transient dynamic loading and response of blast-loaded monolithic glazing. Blast damage to glazing is a complex phenomenon that is dependent on material properties, structural arrangement and proximity to the explosive source. Accurate models of glazing breakage and post-fracture performance can be challenging. Maximum principal stress exceedence at randomly distributed micro-flaws determines the initial fracture time and location. Many utilise simplified single-degree-of-freedom models to characterise break/no-break with limited capability to model fragment trajectories. Two full-scale blast trials conducted at MOD Shoeburyness investigated the monolithic glazing response as a function of panel thickness and blast stand-off. Bespoke instrumentation and high-speed photography captured the panel response, fragment velocity and blast overpressure, enabling a comparative study against computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, conducted with Air3D. Domain and mesh refinement produced reasonably accurate blast flow replication, permitting overpressure solution remaps. Applied glazing loads were thus configured in an applied element method (AEM) model. Triangulated spatial discretisation permitted fragmentation patterns indicative of monolithic glazing. Synthesising CFD and AEM, this paper outlines accurate representations of the experimental results, demonstrating that the transient dynamic glazing response, including the post-fracture performance, can be modelled with this methodology.
Attenuation of ambient vibrations induced in urban buildings
Authors: Varela Wendell D. , Battista Ronaldo C. , Carvalho Eliane M. L.
Published: March 2015

A numerical study of a control system to attenuate the vibrations induced by traffic in buildings is presented herein. Three-dimensional finite-element method numerical models of the structures were built, including the influence of masonry walls and soil–foundation interaction, in order to estimate their dynamic characteristics, as well as time history responses to vibrations induced by the traffic of heavy vehicles. The models were calibrated through correlation with the experimental data obtained with the uncontrolled structure. The description, results and analysis of the extensive experimental measurements constitute a fundamental part of the work and are summarised herein. The responses obtained with the models were used to present alternative solutions to the problem. One of these solutions is composed of prestressed slender steel pipe columns with rubber pads at their tops to be installed in between the floor slabs of the building. The good effectiveness of this solution is demonstrated through numerical simulations.
Composição tecidual e atributos qualitativos da carne de cordeiro terminados com dietas contendo grão de soja tratado termicamente
Authors: Nubiato Keni Eduardo Zanoni , Fernandes Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes , Alves Luis Gustavo , Osório José Carlos da Silveira , Farias Romildo Marques de , Ricardo Hélio de Almeida
Published: March 2015

O objetivo foi avaliar a utilização do grão de soja tratado termicamente (processado) em dietas para a terminação de cordeiros, com dois níveis de concentrado, sobre a composição tecidual e características qualitativas da carne de cordeiro. Vinte cordeiros sem raça definida (SRD) não castrados, com 22,6 ± 2,06 kg de peso corporal inicial foram alojados, durante a fase de terminação, em baias individuais e distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado num arranjo fatorial 2x2 (grão de soja in natura ou processado x 50% ou 80% de concentrado). Os animais foram abatidos ao atingirem a condição corporal 3,0, sendo o peso médio de abate 32,51 ± 3,08 kg. Após o abate e refrigeração das carcaças, amostras do lombo foram coletadas para realização das dissecações e separação dos tecidos componentes do corte comercial. Posteriormente, a porção muscular foi submetida às análises qualitativas. Não houve efeito de interação (P>0,05) entre processamento do grão de soja e nível de concentrado na dieta. O lombo dos animais alimentados com maior nível de concentrado foi mais pesado (0,80 kg). Os animais alimentados com maior proporção de concentrado e com dietas contendo grão de soja processado também apresentaram maior quantidade de músculo (0,56 e 0,54 kg). Os tratamentos com grão de soja processado proporcionaram maior relação músculo:osso (5,62) e maior percentual de músculo (68,13%). Os tratamentos não influenciaram (P>0,05) as características qualitativas da carne. O processamento térmico do grão de soja proporciona melhora na porção comestível, sem alterar as características qualitativas da carne de cordeiros.
Efeito da adubação nitrogenada na produção de forragem, teor de proteína bruta e taxa de lotação em pastagens de azevém
Authors: Quatrin Mauricio Pase , Olivo Clair Jorge , Agnolin Carlos Alberto , Machado Paulo Roberto , Nunes Jéssica Soares , Correa Marcos da Rosa , Rodrigues Patrícia Fernandes , Bratz Vinicius Felipe , Simonetti Gabriela Descovi
Published: March 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a produção e o teor de proteína bruta da forragem de três pastagens de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam) cv. Comum, adubadas com 50, 100 e 150 kg de N/ha, na forma de ureia, de maio a outubro de 2012, onde foram conduzidos cinco ciclos de pastejo. Na avaliação da pastagem de azevém foram usadas vacas da raça Holandesa (530 kg PC) que receberam diariamente suplementação alimentar de 4,5 kg de concentrado. Avaliou-se a massa de forragem no pré e no pós-pastejo, a composição botânica e estrutural do azevém, e a taxa de lotação. Foram coletadas amostras de forragem pelo método de simulação de pastejo para análise de proteína bruta. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (níveis de N) e três repetições (piquetes). Os valores médios para produção de forragem, teor de proteína bruta e taxa de lotação foram: 4827; 6344 e 6123 kg/ha; 20,17; 21,51 e 22,82%; 2,3; 2,95 e 3,32 UA/ha para os tratamentos de 50, 100 e 150 kg de N/ha, respectivamente. O nível máximo de nitrogênio recomendado é de 100 kg de N/ha.
Efeito da suplementação com fontes de ácido graxos poliinsaturados em doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore durante o pré e pós-parto sobre número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e produção in vitro de embriões
Authors: Rossi Guilherme Fazan , Monteiro Fábio Morato , Lima Marina Ragagnin de , Vantini Roberta , Ribeiro Enilson Geraldo , Mercadante Maria Eugênia Zerlotti , Garcia Joaquim Mansano
Published: March 2015

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos das suplementações ricas em ácidos linoleico (n-6) e linolênico (n-3) protegidos ou não, no pré e pós-parto de fêmeas primíparas da raça Nelore sobre número de folículos, número total de complexos cúmulos oócitos (CCO) aspirados (OPU) e de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo (graus I, II e III) e a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). As doadoras foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos: Controle (n=7), Megalac-E® (n=8; 100 g/doadora/dia) e Linhaça (n=7; 1,0 kg/doadora/dia). As dietas foram fornecidas pelo menos 30 dias pré-parto e 75 dias pós-parto. Estes animais foram submetidos à OPU nos dias 30, 45, 60 e 75 do pós-parto. Os oócitos recuperados foram selecionados e os considerados susceptíveis ao cultivo submetidos aos procedimentos da PIVE. Os dados foram analisados em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado com medidas repetidas no tempo. Não foi detectado efeito das suplementações no número de folículos, no número de CCO recuperados e susceptíveis ao cultivo e na PIVE. No entanto, houve um aumento na taxa de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo recuperado pela OPU nos dias 60 e 75 do pós-parto em comparação aos dias 30 e 45. Além disso, a taxa de embriões produzidos in vitro foi maior a partir do dia 45 pós-parto. Em conclusão, a suplementação pré e pós-parto com 100 g/dia de Megalac-E® ou 1,0 kg/dia de torta de linhaça não altera o número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e a PIVE de doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore lactantes. No entanto, a PIVE melhora quando os programas são realizados após 45 dias pós-parto.
Efeito da idade de aquisição de fêmeas de reposição na rentabilidade da atividade leiteira
Authors: Teixeira Júnior Fernando Etiene Pinheiro , Lopes Marcos Aurélio , Ruas José Reinaldo Mendes
Published: March 2015

Analisou-se, por meio de simulação, o efeito da idade de aquisição de fêmeas para reposição na rentabilidade de um sistema de produção de leite com vacas F1 Holandês x Gir, no período de 01 de maio de 2011 a 30 de abril de 2012. Durante o período chuvoso, na época do verão, as vacas foram mantidas em pastos e, durante o período da seca, foram confinadas com o uso da cana-de-açúcar in natura enriquecida com ureia e sulfato de amônio. A referência zootécnica foi do rebanho da Fazenda Experimental de Felixlândia (FEFX) da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), localizada no município de Felixlândia, MG. O inventário, bem como as despesas, as receitas e os demais dados, foram cadastrados no software CUSTO BOVINO LEITE 1.0, visando obter a análise de rentabilidade. Tal software contempla as metodologias de custo total de produção (clásssica), que envolve o custo fixo e variável, e custo operacional. A aquisição da fêmea de reposição, aos 10 ou aos 30 meses de idade, é rentável para o sistema de produção de leite analisado. Como alternativa mercadológica, a aquisição da fêmea de reposição com 10 meses de idade foi a pior opção, devido ao alto valor de aquisição e devido a necessidade da aquisição de maior quantidade de fêmeas, em função da taxa de mortalidade.
Uso de duas fontes de ureia na dieta de cordeiros mestiços terminados em sistema semi-intensivo
Authors: Gallo Sarita Bongurio , Pereira Eduardo Crespi Alves , Reis Vivane Aparecida Amin
Published: March 2015

O estudo comparou o efeito de grupo genético e dieta com duas fontes de ureia sobre características de desempenho, carcaça e carne de cordeiros. O experimento foi realizado na FAZU, Uberaba, MG. Utilizaram-se 12 cordeiros mestiços Dorper e 12 mestiços Texel, oriundos de cruzamento de matrizes Santa Inês com reprodutores puros de origem de cada raça. Os cordeiros foram divididos em dois grupos e mantidos em piquetes de capim Ãries (Panicum maximum cv. Ãries), recebendo concentrado contendo ureia pecuária ou ureia encapsulada, à vontade. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial onde se avaliou as duas fontes de nitrogênio não proteico e dois grupos genéticos (mestiços Dorper ou Texel). As médias foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os tratamentos não influenciaram o ganho de peso diário (0,256 kg/dia). O uso da ureia encapsulada proporcionou maior rendimento de carcaça quente e fria quando comparada a dieta com ureia pecuária. As perdas por resfriamento foram menores para os mestiços Texel (3,87%) em comparação aos mestiços Dorper (6,88%). A espessura de gordura (1,81 mm), conformação (2,98), valores de L (36,77), teor de a* (6,04), teor de b* (6,73) e força de cisalhamento (5,68 kgf) não foram alterados pelos tratamentos empregados. A ureia encapsulada proporcionou maior rendimento de carcaça e menor perda no resfriamento.
Contrasting movements and connectivity of reef‐associated sharks using acoustic telemetry: implications for management
Authors: Espinoza Mario , Lédée Elodie J. I. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Tobin Andrew J. , Heupel Michelle R.
Published: March 2015

Understanding the efficacy of marine protected areas (MPAs) for wide‐ranging predators is essential to designing effective management and conservation approaches. The use of acoustic monitoring and network analysis can improve our understanding of the spatial ecology and functional connectivity of reef‐associated species, providing a useful approach for reef‐based conservation planning. This study compared and contrasted the movement and connectivity of sharks with different degrees of reef association. We examined the residency, dispersal, degree of reef connectivity, and MPA use of grey reef (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), silvertip (C. albimarginatus), and bull (C. leucas) sharks monitored in the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR). An array of 56 acoustic receivers was used to monitor shark movements on 17 semi‐isolated reefs. Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos and C. albimarginatus were detected most days at or near their tagging reef. However, while C. amblyrhynchos spent 80% of monitoring days in the array, C. albimarginatus was only detected 50% of the time. Despite both species moving similar distances (<50 km), a large portion of the population of C. albimarginatus (71%) was detected on multiple reefs and moved more frequently between reefs and management zones than C. amblyrhynchos. Carcharhinus leucas was detected less than 20% of the time within the tagging array, and 42% of the population undertook long‐range migrations to other arrays in the GBR. Networks derived for C. leucas were larger and more complex than those for C. amblyrhynchos and C. albimarginatus. Our findings suggest that protecting specific reefs based on prior knowledge (e.g., healthier reefs with high fish biomass) and increasing the level of protection to include nearby, closely spaced reef habitats (<20 km) may perform better for species like C. albimarginatus than having either a single or a network of isolated MPAs. This design would also provide protection for larger male C. amblyrhynchos, which tend to disperse more and use larger areas than females. For wide‐ranging sharks like C. leucas, a combination of spatial planning and other alternative measures is critical. Our findings demonstrate that acoustic monitoring can serve as a useful platform for designing more effective MPA networks for reef predators displaying a range of movement patterns.
Therapeutic Effects of Melatonin on Alveolar Bone Resorption After Experimental Periodontitis in Rats: A Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Arabacı Taner , Kermen Eda , Özkanlar Seçkin , Köse Oğuz , Kara Adem , Kızıldağ Alper , Duman Şuayip Burak , Ibişoğlu Ebru
Published: March 2015

Background: The present study aims to investigate the effects of systemic melatonin administration on alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats.

Methods: Twenty‐four male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups (control, experimental periodontitis [Ped], and experimental periodontitis treated with melatonin [Mel‐Ped]). For periodontitis induction, first molars were ligatured submarginally for 4 weeks. After ligature removal, rats in the Mel‐Ped group were treated with a daily single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight melatonin for 15 consecutive days. At the end of the study, intracardiac blood samples and mandible tissues were obtained for histologic, biochemical, and radiographic analysis. Serum markers related to bone turnover, calcium, phosphorus, bone alkaline phosphatase (b‐ALP), and terminal C telopeptide of collagen Type I (CTX) were analyzed. Myeloperoxidase levels were determined in gingival tissue homogenates, and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) activation was analyzed in the mandible samples stereologically. Alveolar bone loss was also evaluated radiographically in the mandible samples of each group.

Results: Melatonin treatment decreased serum CTX levels and increased b‐ALP levels. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were not statistically different among groups (P >0.05). Alveolar bone resorption and myeloperoxidase activity were statistically higher in the Ped group compared to the Mel‐Ped group (P <0.05). Immunohistochemical staining of RANKL and osteoclast activity were significantly lower in the Mel‐Ped group compared to the Ped group (P <0.05).

Conclusion: This study reveals that melatonin treatment significantly inhibits regional alveolar bone resorption and contributes to periodontal healing in an experimental periodontitis rat model.
Performance Aggregation and Decentralized Contracting
Authors: Feltham Gerald A. , Hofmann Christian , Indjejikian Raffi J.
Published: March 2015

We examine how accounting practices that aggregate or disaggregate the contributions of different economic agents influence the choice of organizational form. We consider a principal/multi-agent model where the principal either contracts with all parties directly or delegates part of the contracting authority to one of the agents. Delegated contracts improve risk sharing and generate implicit incentives for the agent entrusted with contracting authority. However, delegated contracts also entail a loss of control in motivating lower-level agents. In addition, when performance is aggregated, delegated contracts render agents' incentives more interdependent and create spillovers up and down the hierarchy. We demonstrate that accounting practices that aggregate the performance of multiple agents can complement organizational forms characterized by greater decentralization. In contrast, accounting practices that capture agents' performance contributions separately favor more centralized organizational forms. Our findings suggest that in settings where performance measurement systems are more aggregate, decentralization is more prevalent.

JEL Classifications: L22; M12; M4.
Management Team Incentive: Dispersion and Firm Performance
Authors: Bushman Robert M. , Dai Zhonglan , Zhang Weining
Published: March 2015

Recent theory suggests that firms incorporate synergistic interrelationships among executives into optimal incentive design (Edmans, Goldstein, and Zhu 2013). We focus on Pay Performance Sensitivities (PPS) and use dispersion in PPS across top executives as a proxy for the incentive design component shaped by an executive team's synergy profile. We model optimal PPS dispersion and use residuals from this model to measure deviations from optimal. We find that firm performance is increasing (decreasing) in the residual when PPS dispersion is too low (too high). We conjecture that deviations from optimal are sustained by adjustment costs, finding that firms only close around 60 percent of the gap between target and actual PPS dispersion over the subsequent year. Viewing a team's equity grants as a vector, we provide evidence that firms use subsequent equity grants to actively manage PPS dispersion toward optimality. Cross-sectional analysis reveals that the deleterious effect of deviations from optimal is decreasing in the duration of a team's tenure together, and increasing in the importance of effort coordination across team members for firm performance.

JEL Classifications: M41.
Do Clients Avoid “Contaminated” Offices? The Economic Consequences of Low-Quality Audits
Authors: Swanquist Quinn T. , Whited Robert L.
Published: March 2015

This study investigates whether the market for audit clients penalizes auditors following association with low-quality audits. Specifically, we examine whether audit offices experience a loss in local market share following client restatements. We document that the frequency of restatement announcements within an office-year (“contamination”) is inversely related to subsequent year-over-year change in local market share. Further analysis indicates that restatements impair the office's ability to both attract and retain audit clients. We find that this effect is strongest in high competition markets and diminished in low competition markets. We also examine auditor retention decisions at the client level and find that the likelihood of auditor dismissal increases with contamination, even for non-restating clients. We also find that, on average, clients dismissing their auditor select less contaminated audit offices. Taken together, our results suggest that market forces penalize auditors for association with audit failures, thereby providing an incentive to maintain high-quality audits and protect reputational capital.
Earnings Announcements, Information Asymmetry, and Timing of Debt Offerings
Authors: Kerr Jon N. , Ozel N. Bugra
Published: March 2015

We empirically examine the joint predictions of the pecking order theory and the theory of time-varying asymmetric information regarding the timing of security offerings around information disclosures. We analyze loan originations and bond offerings around earnings announcements and compare them against equity offerings. In support of the theories' predictions, we find a positive association between the information sensitivity of securities and the likelihood of their issuance after earnings announcements. In particular, we find that clustering after earnings announcements is weakest in loan originations, stronger in bond offerings, and strongest in equity offerings. Also consistent with the theories, we find that the size of news in earnings announcements matters in the timing decision. We find weak evidence regarding the theories' implication that the direction of news in the announcement plays a role in the timing decision. We test and find that this latter result is partly attributable to potential costs associated with the omission of material negative information, such as litigation risk.

JEL Classifications: D82; G14; G39; M41.
Using CSR Disclosure Quality to Develop Social Resilience to Exogenous Shocks: A Test of Investor Perceptions
Authors: Zahller Kimberly A. , Arnold Vicky , Roberts Robin W.
Published: March 2015

Our overarching purpose is to propose and test a theory of social resilience to exogenous shocks. The theory posits that high-quality corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure promotes the perception of organizational legitimacy, creating social resilience to exogenous shocks (external events outside management control). Using a path model and data from 100 experienced, nonprofessional investors, we examine whether the quality of a corporation's voluntary CSR disclosure increases its perceived organizational legitimacy and if increases in perceived legitimacy help insulate that organization from negative investor reactions following an exogenous shock. The results provide strong support for the model and show that when CSR disclosures are higher quality, investors perceive organizational legitimacy to be higher, inferring that organizations should emphasize quantifiable, consistent, and comparable reporting. Further, the results indicate that higher levels of perceived organizational legitimacy are associated with greater levels of organizational resilience to an intra-industry exogenous shock.
Auditor Fees and Going-Concern Reporting Decisions on Bankrupt Companies: Additional Evidence
Authors: Read William J.
Published: March 2015

The recent growth in non-audit services (NAS) at the major audit firms has the attention of auditing regulators. On several occasions recently, board members of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) have indicated that the rise in NAS may place auditor independence at risk (Harris 2014; Tysiac 2014). Impaired independence can result in audit failure, which includes situations when auditors fail to issue going-concern (GC) audit opinions to soon-to-be bankrupt companies. In this paper, I examine the association between the propensity of auditors to issue GC opinions and NAS fees (and audit fees) to 203 bankrupt companies during 2002–2013. In analysis, I find no significant relation between GC decisions and NAS fees and audit fees. My results may interest U.S. regulators, who recently expressed concerns about the threat to auditor independence from the spike in NAS at the major firms.

Data Availability: Publicly available from sources identified in the paper.
Small Firm Audit Partner Hiring Crisis: A Role Play for Critical Thinking and Negotiation Skills
Authors: Aldhizer George R.
Published: March 2015

This role play requires students to consider the complexities of a small CPA firm urgently attempting to replace the unique industry knowledge and experience possessed by a terminally ill audit partner. In this role play, students assume the position of either an existing partner or a former partner who is considering rejoining the firm. This role play includes two sections. First, in the planning stage, students brainstorm mutually equivalent options that satisfy their critical financial and nonfinancial interests to address the problem of replacing the terminally ill partner in their respective existing partner and former partner teams. Second, students engage in a “table” negotiation with their assigned counterpart to reach an amicable agreement to this firm crisis and participate in a debriefing session and prepare a debriefing document. The small firm context provides a unique opportunity to make contributions to the existing accounting and auditing literature related to enhancing students' critical thinking and negotiation skills. Distinctive small firm role play elements that should enhance critical thinking and negotiation skills include considering contingent agreements that dovetail differences in future legal liability forecasts, and dovetailing differences to take advantage of complementary skill sets to mitigate industry-specific auditor detection risks and related business risks.1 Critical thinking skills also should be strengthened through negotiating a package of interests and related options including the impact of various tradeoffs that are not fully known until the table negotiation commences so that the final agreement does not exceed the firm's non-negotiable budgetary constraints.
Managing Processes in the REA Framework
Authors: Hunka Frantisek
Published: March 2015

The resources, events, agents (REA) ontology provides rules and guidelines for business process modeling utilizing the value-modeling approach. The core element of this approach is an REA model at the business process level. The REA model is usually governed by an information entity, such as a contract or a schedule. Although the REA model provides all necessary entities and relationships for value modeling, its support for information entity value creation, and its flow to the related process that it will govern, deserves deeper elaboration. The aim of this paper is to examine and propose a solution to information entity value creation within the REA model and its transfer to a related business process in compliance with the REA value chain concept. In order to distinguish standard REA business processes from those in which the information entities are created, these processes are called managing processes.
Some Clarification to the Evolution of the Electronic Spreadsheet
Authors: Galassi Giuseppe , Mattessich Richard V.
Published: March 2015

As early as 1961 Mattessich suggested (in an article in The Accounting Review) to use budget simulation in form of a computerized spreadsheet. This was followed up by him in a mathematical model, outlined in his book Accounting and Analytical Methods (Mattessich 1964a) with a corresponding computer program (in FORTRAN IV on mainframe computers), including illustrations in a companion volume (Simulation of the Firm through a Budget Computer Program, Mattessich 1964b). Five years later (in 1969) Rene Pardo and Remy Landau co-presented “LANPAR” (LANguage for Programming Arrays at Random) at Random Corporation. This electronic spreadsheet type was also used on mainframe computers for budgeting at Bell Canada, AT&T, Bell operating companies, and General Motors. In 1978, Dan Bricklin and Robert Frankston introduced VisiCalc, the first commercialized spreadsheet program for personal desktop (Apple) computers. This program became the trailblazer for future developments of electronic spreadsheets.
Effect of dantrolene premedication on various cardiovascular and biochemical variables and the recovery in healthy isoflurane-anesthetized horses
Authors: McKenzie Erica C. , Di Concetto Stefano , Payton Mark E. , Mandsager Ronald E. , Arko Matevz
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of dantrolene premedication on various cardiovascular and biochemical variables and recovery in isoflurane-anesthetized horses.

ANIMALS 6 healthy horses.

PROCEDURES Each horse was anesthetized twice with a 21- to 28-day washout period between anesthetic sessions. Food was not withheld from horses before either session. During each session, dantrolene (6 mg/kg in 2 L of water) or water (2 L) was administered via a nasogastric tube 1 hour before anesthesia was induced. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane for 90 minutes, during which blood gas analyses and lithium-dilution cardiac output (CO) measurements were obtained every 10 minutes. Serum creatine kinase activity was measured before and at 4, 8, and 12 hours after anesthesia.

RESULTS When horses were premedicated with dantrolene, CO at 25, 35, and 45 minutes after induction of anesthesia was significantly lower than that when horses were premedicated with water after which time difficulty in obtaining valid measurements suggested a continued decrease in CO; plasma potassium concentration progressively increased during anesthesia, whereas serum creatine kinase activity remained fairly stable and within reference limits through 12 hours after anesthesia; and 2 of 6 horses developed cardiac arrhythmias that required medical intervention. The quality of anesthetic recovery was slightly better when horses were premedicated with dantrolene versus water, although the time required for recovery did not differ significantly between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that dantrolene premedication prevented muscle damage without affecting anesthetic recovery but impaired CO and precipitated hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias in healthy isoflurane-anesthetized horses.
Performance of Garlic (Allium sativum L) Genotypes after Transplant Aman Rice Harvest under Zero Tillage Mulched Condition
Authors: Islam M. R. , Uddin M. K. , Mian M. A. K. , Zaman R. , Hossain J.
Published: March 2015

The selected garlic varieties/lines viz., BARI Roshun-1, BARI Roshun-2, GC0018, GC0024, GC0027, GC0034 and one local cultivar wereevaluated under zero tillage mulched condition to find out the suitable varieties/lines. There were significant differences among genotypes forall studied characters except number of leaves per plant. The advanced lines GC0018, GC0027 and GC0034 were graded as the highest bulbyield and it was more than 10 t/ha. But numerically the highest bulb yield (10.89 t/ha) was produced in GC0034 line while the local varietyproduced only 6.82 t/ha. GC0027 genotype was produce the longest plant (60.53 cm) and largest bulb diameter (3.94 cm), while local cultivarwas the minimum. Simple correlation analysis showed that there were positive and significant correlation among bulb yields with all theparameters except plant height and leaves per plant. Highest water use efficiency 44.63 kg ha-1 mm-1 was obtained from GC0034 line. In respectof monetary return GC0034 produced the maximum gross return (Tk. 653400/ha), gross margin (Tk. 515125/ha) and benefit cost ratio (4.73).The finding of this study could be useful for improving garlic production after transplant aman rice harvest under zero tillage mulched condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11216 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 26-30
Physico Chemical Analysis of Sapota (Manilkara zapota) Coated by Edible Aloe Vera Gel
Authors: Padmaja N. , Don Bosco S. John , Rao J. Sudhakara
Published: March 2015

The physical and chemical characteristics of the fruit have immense significance as they ultimately affect the quality of processed productsprepared from them. Over ripening of Sapota (Manilkara zapota) fruits at the post-harvest stage usually results in dramatic decline in quality.In the present study, physico chemical analysis (which includes Weight loss, Colour, Texture, TSS, pH, TA and Ascorbic acid content) ofedible Aloe vera gel coated Sapota fruits packed in LDPE and stored at 15 ± 2? were studied at regular intervals of 5 days i.e., 0th,5th, 10th,15thand 20th days. The dip treatment of Aloe vera gel coating 1:2, 7 minutes had best retained the physico chemical characteristics than the othertreatments performed and was found to be the most effective treatment in maintaining the fruit quality attributes along with the shelf lifeextension of about 20 days.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11703 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 20-25
Weather Impact on Nursery Diseases of Mango Saplings in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan M. A. H. , Hossain I. , Chowdhury M. S. M. , Ahmad M. U.
Published: March 2015

The study was carried out during the period of July 2010 to April 2012 to find out the effect of weather prevalence of seedling diseases ofmango in different areas of Bangladesh. The locations were Mymensingh Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Khagrachari. Altogether 12 nurseries in fourdistricts of Bangladesh were surveyed and mango seedling diseases were recorded. Incidence and severity of important seedling diseases ofhas been studied under different geographical locations (viz. Mymensingh, Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Khagrachari) of Bangladesh. The effects oftemperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on the incidence and severity of noted diseases were observed the aforesaid locations of Bangladesh.The studied diseases were anthracnose, leaf spot, red rust, powdery mildew, scab, bacterial leaf blight and malformation of mango seedlings.The graphs of weather parameters and incidence and severity of diseases were performed to determine the relationship between differentcomponents of climatic factor and seedling diseases of mango.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11846   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 42-49
Effect of Planting Dates on the Yield and Quality of True Seeds of Onion
Authors: Mollah M. R. A. , Ali M. A. , Ahmad M. , Hassan M. K. , Alam M. J.
Published: March 2015

The present study was stimulated by the problem of onion seed production where seed production is possibly only winter period after whichrapid increase in temperature as well as early shower adversely affect the quality of seed. To overcome this situation a field experiment wasundertaken to find out the optimum planting time for maximizing quality true seeds of onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomizedcomplete block design with four replications. The treatments were five planting dates viz. 1 October, 15 October, 30 October, 15 Novemberand 30 November to achieve the objective. The research work was done at On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Bogra during September, 2010to June, 2011. The results revealed that the growth parameters, seed yield components, health and quality of harvested seeds were significantlyinfluenced by the different treatments. Results showed that among different planting dates, 15th November was the best for seed and quality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11847     Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 67-72
Effect of Integration of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kafle Sagar , Sharma P. K.
Published: March 2015

A field study was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Punjab Agricultural University during kharif 2013 to evaluate the effect of organicand inorganic sources of nitrogen on maize. Experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications comprising three farmyardmanure levels (0, 15 and 20 t/ha) in main-plots and five nitrogen levels 0, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of recommended dose (125 kg/ha) throughinorganic fertilizer in sub-plots. Plant growth and yield characters and nutrient content as well as uptake were recorded. Number of leaves, leafarea index, chlorophyll content and leaf nitrogen content at periodic intervals increased significantly with the application of farmyard manureand nitrogen. Increase in nutrient uptake viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake along with micronutrient uptake by grain was alsoobserved with incremental farmyard manure and nitrogen levels. Growth variables were correlated positively with each other and with grainyield. A fairly negative correlation was observed between micronutrient content and growth and yield variables.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11849 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 31-37
Influence of Pseudomonas fluorescens as Biofertilizer in Secondary Hardening of Tissue Cultured Banana Var. Poovan
Authors: Ramesh Y. , Ramassamy V.
Published: March 2015

The present study brings out the effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens in secondary hardening of tissue cultured banana var.Poovan. Two concentrations (1% & 2%) of liquid medium grown Pseudomonas fluorescens (3×109 cells/ml) were used in borewell water and the growth performance of the banana plantlets was assessed. Seven different growth parameters were studiedviz. shoot weight, height and girth, leaf length, leaf width, no. of leaves and chlorophyll content. Best results were obtained in1%Pseudomonas fluorescens (T2) treatment with average of 10.79gm for weight, 10.25cm for height, 5.3 for no. of leaves, 1.3mmfor girth, 14.96cm for leaf length and 36.6 spad units of chlorophyll content per plantlet compared to treatment (T3) with 2%liquid Pseudomonas fluorescens.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11878   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 38-41
Screening of Rice Varieties against Brown Leaf Spot Disease at Jyotinagar, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Magar P. B.
Published: March 2015

A field experiment was conducted on fourteen rice varieties to determine the level of resistance against brown leaf spot (Bipolaris oryzae)disease at Karma Research and Development Center, Jyotinagar, Chitwan during summer in 2013. Design used was randomized completeblock design with three replications. Disease severity, total AUDPC value, thousand grain weight and grain yield were highly significant amongthe rice varieties. Disease severity and total AUDPC value ranged from 21.73% to 58.07% and 614.8 to 1827 respectively. None of thesevarieties were found either resistant or highly resistant to disease. Only HJ-G1 and HJ-G2 were moderately resistant with grain yield of 5.10t/ha and 4.25 t/ha respectively. HJ-G1 variety had the highest grain yield 5.10 t/ha and lowest disease severity (21.73%) as well as total AUDPCvalue (6148). From this experiment, it can be concluded that HJ-G1 variety can be used for higher grain yield purpose under similar fieldcondition because it has highest yield and also tolerant to disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12014   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 56-60
Some Socio-Religious Flora of Rupandehi District, Western Nepal
Authors: Thapa Chandra Bahadur
Published: March 2015

The present study was carried out to document the indigenous knowledge of local people regarding the use of plant species on socio-religiousactivities during the year of 2012-2013. The indigenous knowledge was documented by using semi-structured interview, focus group discussionand informal discussion with the local people, religious persons and aged people. Altogether 32 plant species belonging to 23 family and 30genera have been documented in Rupandehi district. Among them, 13 species were herbs, 5 species shrubs, 13 species trees and 1 speciesclimber. Use of these plant species in socio-religious activities has helped people to conserve the faith of deities as well as to conservebiodiversity in the area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12217     Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 123-126
Effect of Drought Stress in Various Enzymes of Pennisetum glaucum
Authors: Choudhary Minakshi , Manjhi Jayanand , Sinha Anvesha
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important cereal of traditional farming systems that has the natural ability to withstandvarious abiotic stresses such as drought, which is one of the most important manifestations of abiotic stress in plants. These plants havehowever evolved mechanisms that allow them to adapt and survive prolonged periods of water deficit at some level or form of plant structure,if not at the whole plant level. The hostile conditions augment the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during physiological stresses inplants which are combated by various enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. The present study aims at examining the role of fourimportant enzymes namely Ascorbic peroxidase (APX), Peroxidase (POX), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) expressed duringdrought stress in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Method: 12 and 22 days old seedlings of Pennisetum cultivar HHB-68 were subjectedto drought stress by treatment of 30% Polyethylene glycol for different time periods 30min (T1), 2hr (T2), 4hr (T3), 8hr (T4), 16hr (T5), 24hr(T6) and 48hr (T7) respectively, monitored by examining RWC of seedlings. The treatment seedlings were then used for investigating thelevels of enzymes activity in response to prolonged dehydration periods of 22 days. The enzyme activity of POX, APX, CAT and SOD wereassayed. Result: Enzymes expression was assayed for each treatment sets at both time intervals. Drought stress was observed to causeremarkable increase in POX, APX and SOD activity while incidence of CAT enzyme decreased with the increasing period of water deficit.Conclusion: Prolonged periods of water deficiency causes significant variations in expression of various enzymes in Pennisetum glaucum,known to be involved in ROS scavenging and drought stress management. The study provides a sturdy validation of the role of these enzymesas potent mechanisms undertaken by drought resistant plants for successful management of drought stress, which can be used for thedevelopment of more efficient and economic drought resistant cultivars.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12278       Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 134-138
Zeolite Catalyzed Aldol Condensation Reactions
Authors: Inegbenebor Adedayo I. , Mordi Raphael C. , Ogunwole Oluwakayode M.
Published: March 2015

The review is based on the description of zeolite structure, uses, synthesis, and catalytic aldol reaction in aldol condensation. An internal aldolcondensation reaction has been achieved over ZSM-5 zeolite with high silica-alumina ratio at 350oC. It therefore follows that zeolite canfunction as a catalyst in aldol type condensation reactions and that weak acid sites as well as a small number of active sites favor the aldolcondensation reaction of carbonyl compounds. However, the mixed condensation product was found to be favored at temperatures above 300oCand the self-condensation of ethanal to crotonaldehyde was favored at temperatures below 300oC. It has also been suggested that both Brønstedand Lewis acids are involved in aldol reactions with Lewis acid sites the most probable catalytic sites. The zeolite group of minerals has founduse in many chemical and allied industries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12291  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 1-8
Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bhattarai Radha , Sayganov Sergey Anatolevich
Published: March 2015

Background and Aim: New-onset atrial fibrillationfrequently complicates acute myocardial infarction.The incidence ranges from 6 - 21% “1”.We aim todetermine the incidence of atrial fibrillation in thesetting of acute myocardial infarction.Methods: This was a single center prospective study,conducted in the coronary care unit of Saint-PetersburgPokrovskaya city hospital, Russia, during the period,June 2013 to June 2014. Sixty consecutive patientsof acute myocardial infarction with atrial fibrillationwere included in this study. Onset, duration, and modeof termination of atrial fibrillation, clinical factorsassociated with its presentation and its relation withpatient outcome were evaluated.Results: Among the 60 patients 33 (55%) had inferiorwall myocardial infarction and 27 (45%) patientshad anterior wall myocardial infarction. In patientswith inferior wall myocardial infarction the onsetof atrial fibrillation occurred within 24 hours in 30(91%) patients, after 24 hour in 3 (9%) patients. Theepisode lasted for less than 24 hours in 12 (36%), andmore than 24 hours in 21 (64%) patients. In anteriorwall myocardial infarction atrial fibrillation occurredwithin 24 hours in 2 (7%) patients, on the second dayin 25 (93%). The episode lasted less than 24 hoursin 3 (11%), 48 hours in (85%), 72 hours in 1 (4%)patients. There was a significant difference in theonset and duration of atrial fibrillation in relation tothe location of infarction (P < 0.0001). Anterior wallmyocardial infarction was associated with late onsetof atrial fibrillation, increased frequency of heartfailure and higher CCU mortality.Conclusion: The onset of atrial fibrillation in anteriorwall myocardial infarction occurred later and lastedlonger in comparison to inferior wall myocardialinfarction. Increased incidence of heart failure andhigher CCU mortality was associated with anteriorwall myocardial infarction.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12327 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 15-20
Pulmonary Embolism presenting as Syncope
Authors: Mall Dipak , Shaning Yang
Published: March 2015

The diagnosis of Pulmonary embolism can easily be missed if it is not considered as one of the major differential diagnosis in a case of syncope without chest pain. We describe a case of a 74years old female with pulmonary embolism induced syncope, which highlights one of the difficulties in diagnosing pulmonary embolism. In a patient presenting in syncope without chest pain but raised troponin, the possibility of pulmonary embolism should also be considered if it does not fit with myocardial infarction. Otherwise, the diagnosis can be easily missed and patients may not receive appropriate treatment resulting in increased mortality. Pulmonary embolism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every syncopal event in Emergency department and Cardiac care units. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12343 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 37-41
Effects of ginger juice on blood glucose in alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats
Authors: Sultana Selima , Khan Md Ismail , Rahman Hasanur , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Afroz Rokhsana Dil
Published: March 2015

Objective: To find out the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) juice blood glucose in alloxan induced-diabetes mellitus in rats. Methods: This experimental study was done in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, in collaboration with the Departments of Pathology, Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka between January and December 2009. This experimental animal study was divided into two parts, which were Experiment-1 and Experiment-2. Experiment 1 comprises of 12 rats and divided into 2 groups each group having 6 rats. Rats of group-A was non-diabetic normal control group and group-B was fed with ginger (Zingiber officinale) in a dose of 4ml/kg body weight orally through Ryles tube. Experiment-2 comprised of 12 rats divided into 2 groups each containing 6 rats labeled as group C, group D. Rats of groups C administered alloxan 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally on the 2nd day of the study. Rats of group D were administered alloxan 150mg /kg intraperitoneally and ginger (4ml/kg of body weight orally) on the 2nd day of the study. Results: The fasting blood glucose level at day 12 in the rats treated with ginger (Zingiber officinale) 4 ml /kg body weight orally daily for 12 days showed reduction in fasting blood glucose level as compared to control group, but not significant, which indicates that ginger has no effect in lowering blood glucose of normal rats. The fasting blood glucose levels at day 12 in the rats of group D (treated with ginger and alloxan) showed highly significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level as compared to diabetic control group (p<0.002). Conclusion: Consumption of ginger produced a significant antihyperglycemic effect in experimentally induced diabetic rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22687 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 14-17