bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between body mass index and osteoporosis
Authors: Matijevic Radmila , Harhaji Vladimir , Ninkovic Srdjan , Gojkovic Zoran , Rasovic Predrag , Bojat Veselin , Lalic Ivica
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Osteoporosis is a metabolic skeletal disease characterized by
bone mineral density reduction, which may lead to an increased risk of bone
fractures. Obesity is a condition of excessive body fat that causes or
aggravates many public health problems. As it is easy to be measured, body
mass index is widely used as an index of the degree of obesity. Material and
Methods. The study included 1.372 female orthopedic patients between the
ages of 30 to 79 years who visited the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina in Novi
Sad to have a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) examination in the
period from March, 2010 to June, 2013. The following anthropometric data
were collected: body mass index, body weight, height, dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry T-score and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as some other
data. Results. The mean age was 62.08 years, the mean weight was 73.59 kg
and the mean height was 1.6 m. There were 392 participants in the group of
normal body mass index, 14 participants were underweight, and 966 were
overweight and obese. In the overweight and obese group, 25.25% participants
had osteoporosis, 35.4% had osteopenia and 39.33% had the normal T-score. In
the normal body mass index group, 42.34% of the participants had
osteoporosis, 29.3% had osteopenia and 28.31 had the normal T-score. In the
underweight group, 57.14% of the participants had osteoporosis, 21.42% had
osteopenia and 21.42% had the normal T-score. Conclusion. No strong
correlation between body mass index and bone mineral density was found in
our study, but it is obvious that there was a stronger correlation between
body mass index and bone mineral density of the total hip than between body
mass index and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine.
The effect of recasting on biological properties of Ni-Cr dental alloy
Authors: Cairovic Aleksandra , Maksimovic Vesna , Radovic Katarina , Djurisic Slobodan
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Increases in market prices of gold over the last 20 years have
led to expansion of basic dental alloys, which, primarily due to their good
mechanical properties and acceptable prices, have found their place in
everyday dental practice. However, within the procedure of making dental
prosthetic restorations, the alloys are melted and cast, which leads to
changes in their physical, mechanical and biological properties. Objective.
The objective of the study was to test biocompatibility of a Ni-Cr dental
alloy (WIRON 99) depending on the number of melting and casting processes.
Methods. The working method included the testing of cytotoxicity of the alloy
obtained by casting after one, after four, and after eight successive
processes of melting. Cytotoxicity of samples was tested by means of a
24-hour and a three-day cytotoxicity test, done on L929 fibroblasts. Results.
A repeatedly melted and cast alloy shows a reduced biocompatibility and
causes specific responses of the tissues in the surrounding area. Since the
cytotoxic effect is more significant in the extended contact with the culture
cells, a three-day cytotoxicity test showed discrete changes which were the
indicator of cell growth inhibition in the cell culture. Conclusion. The
obtained results confirm the working hypothesis that repeated alloy melting
and casting will decrease biocompatibility of dental alloys and will lead to
specific responses of the tissue in the surrounding area.
The effects of implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy on relief of angina in patients with stable coronary artery disease in Serbia
Authors: Ilic Ivan , Stankovic Ivan , Janicijevic Aleksandra , Kusic Jovana , Vidakovic Radosav , Otasevic Petar , Andric Vesna , Poznanovic Snezana , Petrovic Ivana , Burazor Ivana , Ristic Arsen , Ilic Stevan , Benc Dragan , Davidovic Goran , Stojkovic Gabrijela , Putnikovic Biljana , Neskovic Aleksandar
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Adherence to proposed lifestyle changes and prescribed
medication in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) is poor.
Objective. We sought to investigate the influence of adjusting guideline
proposed medications on relief of angina in a large group of patients with
SCAD in Serbia. Methods. The study included a total of 3,490 patients from 15
cardiology clinics with symptoms of stable angina and at least one of the
following criteria: abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), history of myocardial
infarction (MI), positive stress test, significant coronary artery disease on
coronary angiogram or previous revascularization. All the patients underwent
comprehensive evaluation at initial visit and after two months. The relief of
angina was study end-point defined as any reduction in Canadian Cardiology
Society (CCS) class, number of angina attacks per week and/or number of
tablets of short-acting nitrates per week. Results. Most patients were
included based on abnormal ECG (48.4%). At Visit 1, the average number of
prescribed classes of medications to a single patient increased from 4.16 ?
1.29 to 4.63 ? 1.57 (p < 0.001). At the follow-up, the patients had
significantly lower blood pressure (141 ? 19 / 85 ? 11 vs. 130 ? 12 / 80 ? 8
mmHg; p < 0.001) and most of them reported CCS class I (63.3%). The average
weekly number of angina attacks was reduced from 2.82 ? 2.50 at Visit 1 to
1.72 0 ? 1.66 at Visit 2, as well as average weekly use of short-acting
nitrates to treat these attacks (2.69 ? 2.53 to 1.74 ? 1.47 tablets; p <
0.001 for all). Conclusion. Adjustment of prescribed medications to guideline
recommendations in a large Serbian patient population with prevalent risk
factors led to significant relief of angina.
The role of the color doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography in estimation of portal hypertension
Authors: Niciforovic Dijana , Till Viktor , Vucaj-Cirilovic Viktorija , Petrovic Kosta , Jukovic Mirela , Hadnadjev-Simonji Darka , Savic Zeljka , Stokic Edita , Sarcev Katarina
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Liver diseases with disturbances of hepatic and splanchnic
circulation lead to the portal hypertension, with or without a portal vein
thrombosis. Objective. This study was based on the testing of hypothesis that
more data and more precise diagnosis in patients with disorders of portal
circulation can be obtained by using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) and
computed tomography (CT) with contrast. Methods. The study was conducted from
February 2011 to May 2014 and it comprised 120 patients who were suspected to
have portal hypertension or already had clinical confirmation of the portal
hypertension, patients with hepatitis, and some patients with hematological
diseases. The first group of 40 patients was examined by conventional
ultrasonography and CDU, the second group by contrast CT, and the third group
of patients was examined by both methods (CDU and contrast CT). After six
months of adequate therapy, the patients had control examinations with the
same diagnostic technique used during their first examination. Results.
Retrospective analysis showed that CDU is more sensitive than CT in the
assessment of presence and age of thrombi (CDU 93.9%; CT 86.1%). CT gives
precise data in detection of portosystemic collaterals. Sensitivity of CT is
100% and its specificity is 67%. Cumulative sensitivity and specificity for
most parameters were increased in patients with portal hypertension when both
methods were applied. Conclusion. This study emphasizes the possibility of
early and more accurate diagnosis achieved when combining two radiological
techniques (CDU and contrast CT scan), which is not the case when these
methods are used separately.
Negative-pressure wound therapy for deep groin vascular infections
Authors: Matic Predrag , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Zivic Rastko , Jocic Dario , Gajin Predrag , Babic Srdjan , Soldatovic Ivan , Vucurevic Goran , Nenezic Dragoslav , Radak Djordje
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Infection of synthetic graft in the groin is a rare but
devastating complication. When it occurs, several possibilities of treatment
are available. Extra-anatomic reconstruction and in-situ implantation of new,
infection resistant grafts are associated with high mortality and morbidity.
Therefore, more conservative approach is needed in some cases.
Negative-pressure wound therapy is one of the options in treating such
patients. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome for deep
groin vascular graft infection treated with negative-pressure wound therapy.
Methods. Seventeen patients (19 wounds), treated for Szilagyi grade III groin
infections between October 2011 and June 2014, were enrolled into this
observational study. Results. Majority of the wounds (11/19) were healed by
secondary intention, and the rest of the wounds (8/19) were healed by primary
intention after initial negative-pressure wound therapy and graft
substitution with silver-coated prostheses or autologous artery/vein
implantation. No early mortality was observed. Minor bleeding was observed in
one patient. Reinfection was noted in three wounds. Only one graft occlusion
was noted. Late mortality was observed in three patients. Conclusion.
Negative-pressure wound therapy seems to be safe for groin vascular graft
infections and comfortable for both patient and surgeon. However, the rate of
persistent infection is high. This technique, in our opinion, can be used as
a ?bridge? from initial wound debridement to definitive wound management,
when good local conditions are achieved for graft substitution, either with
new synthetic graft with antimicrobial properties or autologous artery/vein.
In selected cases of deep groin infections it can be used as the only
therapeutic approach in wound treatment.
Atypical, polyarticular lipoma arborescens in a child
Authors: Semnic Robert , Simic Radoje , Djuricic Slavisa , Adjic Oto , Vanhoenacker Filip
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Lipoma arborescens is a rare, tumor-like lesion commonly
involving synovial joints and less commonly bursae and synovial tendon
sheaths. Case Outline. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy with symmetric
involvement of the bicipitoradial bursae, synovial sheaths of extensor
compartments of both hands and medial ankles. The diagnosis of polyarticular
lipoma arborescens was proposed on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and this
diagnosis was histologically proven after biopsy of the bursae and later by
open surgery of the synovial sheath of the right ankle tendons. Literature
search was performed and twelve cases with polyarticular involvement were
analyzed. Lipoma arborescens commonly involves suprapatellar recess of the
knee and very rarely other joints or bursae. Histological analysis revealed
an accompanying non-necrotizing granulomatous synovial inflammation.
Conclusion. Polyarticular lipoma arborescens is a rare entity and symmetrical
involvement of the joints other than the knees is exceedingly rare. MR
imaging plays a significant role in the diagnostic protocol, and the
characteristic fatty signal on MR imaging is highly suggestive of lipoma
arborescens.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Peco-Antic Amira
Published: January 2017

The hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by microangiopathic
hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The major
cause of HUS in childhood (>90%) is infection with verocytotoxin (Shiga-like
toxin - ?Stx?)-producing bacteria, usually enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
(VTEC/STEC). The infection may be transmitted by the consumption of
undercooked meat, pasteurized dairy products, contaminated vegetables, fruits
and water, or by contact with STEC diarrhea. After an incubation period of
three to eight days, patients commonly develop bloody diarrhea followed in
5-22% by HUS that may be complicated by central nervous system, pancreatic,
skeletal, and myocardial involvement. HUS is one of the main causes of AKI in
children in Europe. The management of HUS includes the usual treatment of
children with AKI. Transfusion with packed red blood cells is needed in case
of a severe anemia, while platelet transfusions are limited to the need for a
surgical procedure or in active bleeding. Currently, there is no consensus on
the use of antibiotic therapy. Treatment with plasma and/or plasma exchange
has not been proven beneficial in STEC-HUS. Eculizumab has been used for the
treatment of STEC-HUS, but the value of this treatment remains to be
determined. The mortality of HUS is reported to be 3-5%. About 12% of
patients will progress to end-stage renal failure within four years and about
25% will have long-term complications, including hypertension, proteinuria,
renal insufficiency, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Transplantation
can be performed without increased risk for the recurrence of the disease.
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution in Vojvodina before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines into the National Immunization Program: Erratum
Authors: Editorial E
Published: January 2017

In the article that appeared on pages 521-526 of the September-October 2016
issue of the Serbian Archives of Medicine (Srpski arhiv za celokupno
lekarstvo), an incorrect figure - an MRI scan unrelated to the article in
question - was published on page 523 instead of Graph 1. The publisher
regrets this error. Below is the correct graph, as it should have appeared in
the original publication of the article. REFERENCE Petrovic V, Seguljev Z,
Ristic M, Djekic-Malbasa J, Radosavljevic B, Medic D, Mihajlovic-Ukropina M,
Hadnadjev M, Gajic I, Opavski N. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype
distribution in Vojvodina before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate
vaccines into the National Immunization Program. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2016
Sep-Oct; 144(9-10):521-526. (doi: 10.2298/SARH1610521P)

 Link to the corrected article 10.2298/SARH1610521P
Notes on the Dolichenian monument from Pincum/Veliko Gradiste
Authors: Timoc Cãlin , Boda Imola
Published: January 2017

A small inscribed statuette base, found in Pincum (Veliko Gradiste), and
belonging to the antiquities collector Imre Pongr?cz, was rediscovered
recently in the deposits of the Banat Museum. This fact put in a new light
all that we have known so far about this object, which was thought to be
lost. The inscription is dedicated to Dulcenus, a form of the name of the
deity Iuppiter Dolichenus, by two standard-bearers of the legio VII Claudia.
In the upper part of the stone can be seen traces of the four hooves of an ox
and the central quadrangular support by which the animal?s body was
sustained. The ex voto can be determined chronologically, by the style of the
letters and the form of the message, to the 3rd century AD.
Patterned perforation of polyester films by excimer laser ablation
Authors: Li Wenqi , Sancaktar Erol
Published: January 2017

The effects of 248 nm KrF excimer laser irradiation on combinations of different thickness polyethylene terephtalate (PET) films and different stainless steel mask mesh opening sizes were considered as a possible method to achieve different size perforation patterns on different thickness PET films. The findings of this work will provide an effective and controllable perforation technology. Therefore, ablation behavior of PET films was investigated for different laser energy fluence and number of laser pulses. The morphology of irradiated samples was observed by optical microscopy, and atomic forced microscopy was employed to study the topography and microstructures after laser ablation. An attempt has been made to correlate these findings with the orientation, strength, and mechanical properties of the polymer. The experimental results reveal that the percentage of perforation and the average perforated area increase with increasing number of pulses for all film thicknesses. The affected area, defined as the perforated area plus the heat affected zone (a black-char-region around the perforated area), decreases with increasing number of pulses at higher fluence values as the polymer chains tend to curl and shrink by absorbing energy. High laser fluence seems to lead to surface depressions due to thermal shock and surface stress waves along the process directions confirmed by tensile testing, x-ray analyses, and atomic force microscopy.
Spatial Pattern of Bathymetry in Wangi-Wangi Island and Its Surrounding Based on GEBCO Data and Nautical Map
Authors: Yulius Yulius , Salim H L , Ramdhan M
Published: January 2017

The study aims is to define bathymetry based on General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) and Nautical Map using GIS technique. The methods used in this study are the kriging method which combines the spatial correlation among the data using GIS and Remote Sensing software. The result shows that bathymetry at research area can be divided into five classes, these are: (1) 0-2 meter with area of 1.797,61 hectare, (2) 2-5 meter with area of 2.059,06 hectare, (3) 5-10 meter with area of 1.184,02 hectare, (4) 10-25 meter with area of 3.025.00 hectare, (5) 25-200 meter with area of 5.648.62 hectare.The spatial pattern of bathymetry dispersed from the shallow water at the edge of beach and more deep at the offshore, except at the eastern side of Wangi-Wangi island which has barrier reef and created basin between them.
Influence of Geographical Conditions on the Spatial Structure of Jayapura City
Authors: Baharuddin Alfini , Wibisono B Hari , Prayitno Budi , Roychansyah M Sani
Published: January 2017

Jayapura City is situated in the eastern tip of Indonesia and borders the neighboring country Papua New Guinea (PNG).  Its geographical conditions are very diverse dominated by hills leading to the formation of separated urban areas. Currently, there are two major urban areas, Jayapura and Abepura. Historically, Jayapura and Abepura were two old towns established in the Dutch rule, namely Hollandia Haven and Hollandia Binnen. They are detached by Skyline hills that hinder their complete physical merger.  The presence of two separated urban areas in Jayapura City is also reinforced by the image perceived by the residents regarding with the powerful visual image of those cities. It however forms unique and distinctive properties in the spatial structure of Jayapura City. This study examines how the influence of geographical conditions on the spatial structre of Jayapura City. Data collection was done through direct observation and interviews with respondents of Jayapura and Abepura. Direct observation was conducted to obtain data on the use of land that form patterns in Jayapura City area. While collecting data through questionnaires conducted to determine the image of residents of Jayapura City on the spatial structure of the city. The results showed that the geographical conditions in Jayapura City affect the formation of two separate parts of the city.  The geographical condition is also an element forming a strong spatial structure as a characteristic reinforces the visual impression of the existence of two cities in a “single city”.
Impacts of Climate Change (El Nino, La Nina, and Sea Level) on the Coastal Area of Cilacap Regency
Authors: Supriatin Lilik S. , Martono Martono
Published: January 2017

This research was conducted to determine the impact of El Nino and La Nina on rainfall as well as the impact of El Nino, La Nina, and sea level on coastal flooding in Cilacap Regency. The methods used in this study were statistical analysis and simulation. The results of this study were El Nino caused diminished rainfall in Cilacap regency between 295 to 1665 mm. Meanwhile, La Nina caused surplus rainfall between 189 - 691 mm/year in compared with annual climatological rainfall. When ENSO phenomenon (El Nino) occurred, it caused sea level anomaly to fall, including in 1994, 1997, and 2002 of -11.63 cm, -11.5 cm, and -4.95 cm, respectively. Meanwhile, in La Nina years in 1999 and 2000, the  sea level anomaly enhanced by  2.55 cm and 5.03 cm, respectively. The result of sea level projection by employing simulation model in this study was compared with the simulation results of the IPCC that obtained a correlation coefficient r of 0.99. Based on the simulation results, the 8 (eight) sub-districts in Cilacap Regency located in the coastal area potentially endure flood due to the impacts of global warming and La Nina with a diverse predicted year of occurrence depending on the altitude of each sub-district.
System Dynamic Approach to Support Decision in Maintaining Water Availability (Case Study in Aek Silang Sub-Watershed, the Lake of Toba)
Authors: Sihotang Irwan Valentinus , Sudarmadji S , Purnama Ig.L. Setyawan , Baiquni Muhammad
Published: January 2017

Water availability is immensely affected by the correlation among land use change, rainfall change, and population growth. One of analysis tools to discover how the correlation goes on in a hydrological process is by dynamic modelling approaching. The dynamic modelling result can be used for a substructure in decisions making as supports to maintain water availability for fulfilling domestic needs, agriculture, and Micro-Hydro Power (MHP). The aims of this study are to evaluate water availability as a long-term impact on land use change, rainfall change, and population growth with dynamic modelling and as a scenario which is required as basic information to make decisions in maintaining water availability. Analysis method which is applied in this study is dynamic modelling to long term evaluate water availability and validate using Mean Average Percentage Error method (MAPE). The analysis showed that the combination of rainfall of 2312.09 mm/yr, rainfall intensity of 0.340 mm/h, population growth rate of 7.23%, declined forest area of 1.513 ha/yr, declined shrub/unproductive land of 318.113 ha/yr, increased agricultural land of 7.627 ha/yr, and increased settlement area of 0.473 ha/yr, yielded the estimation of the fail in sustaining water sources in 2090 or the next 79 years from 2011 since the water deficit has reached approximately 3,249,881.02 m3. The value of validation modelling with MAPE method is 8.90, it is a dynamic modelling which is managed nearly the same with actual condition.
Texture and index properties of rocks from Malekhu-Thopal Khola area, Central Nepal Lesser Himalaya
Authors: Maharjan Prayag
Published: January 2017

Infrastructures such as road, building, cannals, dam, bridges and so on lie on geological bases. Durability of the structures demands detail study of rocks in microscopic level. Such study helps to give knowledge about strength and physical properties of rocks, and their usefulness as construction materials. Index properties are the basic parameters to be found out before the developent of engineering structures, and are governed by the texture of the rock such as grain interlocking, crystallinity, shape factor, grain size homogeneity, grain orientation, micro fractures, etc.Textural study of the samples gave the micropetrographic quality index ranging from 0.05 to 49, grain size homogeneity from 0.06 to 0.74, interlocking index ranging from 7 to 92% and texture coefficient ranging from 1.08-1.97. Micropetrographic index has great influence on porosity and point load strength index. Siliceous rocks having high texture coefficient are mechanically sound. When homogeneity in grain size, shape and orientation increases, texture coefficient tends to diminish. Therefore, texture coefficient is an important variable.Dry density of samples ranges from 2309 to 3224 kg/m3, porosity from 0.08 to 8.91% and point load index from 0.26 to 13.13 MPa. Water Absorption Value (WAV) is entirely below 2% except for the slates indicating that most of the rocks have low effective porosity. Strength of rocks varies from very low to very high. Considering the texture and index properties, the rock types suggested for the construction aggregates are quartzites of the Nourpul Formation, the Fagfog Quartzite, and the Chisapani Quartzite, and psammitic schist of the Robang Formation. The quartzite samples from the Fagfog and the Norpul Formations are useful for silica sources. Siliceous dolomite ‘Np3’ of the Nourpul Formation and dolomite ‘Ml1’ of the Malekhu Limestone also show good interlocking, high density and high strength.Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 1–14
Evaluation of strength and durability of rocks from Malekhu-Thopal Khola area, Central Nepal Lesser Himalaya for construction aggregates
Authors: Bista Krishna , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: January 2017

Aggregate, the inert materials used in almost every field of modern development structures have great influence. Aggregates may look similar in appearance but they may carry different physical, mechanical and chemical properties and they may perform accordingly. End uses of aggregates are also determined by their performance. The Lesser Himalaya of the Malekhu- Thopal area comprises more than 14 formations having great potential of rock aggregates. The present study was carried out in order to reveal the toughness and soundness of each rock type of the Lesser Himalaya so that durability can be determined. Altogether 25 representative samples were tested to find porosity, specific gravity, dry density, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Los Angeles abrasion value (LAAV), aggregates impact value (AIV), sodium sulphate soundness Value (SSSV), ethylene glycol soaking value and water absorption value (WAV). Results were compared with standards of different specifications and recommended for wide range end uses.Rock mass rating of each formation was carried out and the value ranges from 36 to 82. Specific gravity ranges from 2.08 to 3.08 and the dry density ranges from 2.3 to 3.22 g/cm3. All the samples have porosity less than 2% except the samples of the Benighat Slate. UCS value ranges from 5.9 to 301.9 MPa. The LAAV of the sample lies between 19.6% and 47.5%. AIV is between 8.54% and 34.28%. The SSSV ranges from 2.35 to 26.06%. Ethylene glycol soak index is 2 of all samples signifying that proportion of swelling clays or low accessibility of ethylene glycol through the samples due to low porosity. WAV of all the samples is below 2% except the Benighat Slates which indicates that the aggregates have low effective porosity. The entire test shows that most of the sample meets different national and international standards and can be recommended for wide range of end uses.Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 15–34
Alluvial mining and its impact on deterioration of physical health of Malekhu Khola, Central Nepal
Authors: Khanal Jharana
Published: January 2017

The Malekhu Khola is accessible and potential for the construction materials in today’s developing phase. The study mainly concerns with mining of construction aggregate and effect of indiscriminate mining from river and its basin area which may impose many harmful effects on environment. The objective of the study is to identify the condition of river using morphological and physical parameters, and to investigate the factors which are directly responsible for the environmental degradation. Such study of rivers in present context is essential as it provides insights of strength of the river. To examine the circumstance of river, the study was proceed by selecting the area into three reaches of each 500 m, and further each reaches are divided into six transects. Both reach-scale and transect-scale attributes were assessed. The scoring was done by adding all the attributes of the standard survey sheet. A cross-sectional study was carried out along 3 different stations, Reach 1 to Reach 3 from upstream to downstream. Various fluvial parameters and data from pebble count were used to calculate morphological parameter and grain size distribution. The channel sediments were found to be extremely poorly sorted, the distribution of grain size is varied from transect to transect, which might be the result of unplanned mining. All the result acquired from field study and satellite image confirms that the river is worsening day by day. The formation of pools and deposition of organic matter show that the river is not flowing in its natural way. After all the examination, it indicates that the Malekhu Khola is being violated by the human and mining activities, thus the river reclamation measure is required at abandoned mining sites to maintain the Malekhu Khola channel morphology and habitat of the river.Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 59-66
Water quality of springs in Badigad Catchment, Western Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Jivan , Gyawali Prakash
Published: January 2017

Population growth and intense agricultural activities in Nepal has caused substantial increase in demand for fresh water. As there is limited access to surface water in most parts of the country, groundwater and springs are the principal water sources for irrigation and drinking purposes in the Terai and hilly region, respectively. The present study carries out the water quality analysis of 30 spring samples in the Badigad Catchment from Gulmi and Baglung Districts. The study was made to analyse suitability of spring waters of the Badigad Catchment for irrigation and drinking purposes. The physiochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods in the site and laboratory. Average value for pH of the sample was 7.8 with conductivity value ranging from 630 to 1500 micro Siemens/cm. The bicarbonate alkalinity ranges from 140 to 350 mg/L, indicating a medium salinity hazard in the catchment. The water in the catchment was found to be moderately hard with an average of 75mg/L CaCO3 hardness. Nitrate, sulphate, ammonia, chloride, fluoride and sodium absorption ratio were found to be <0.1mg/L, <1mg/L, <1.5mg/L, 3mg/L, 1mg/L and <2, respectively in all samples. Iron content in the water was also below the permissible limits in some samples and not available in some samples. Thus, the spring water in Badigad Catchment is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 67-74
Positive Impact of Extracurricular Activities on University Students in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Rafiullah . , Zaman Fakhar , Khan Jehan zaib
Published: January 2017

Extracurricular activities refer to the activities that take place outside of the regular (compulsory) school curriculum. These activities are voluntary, and students do not receive extra grades while participating in it, and have many positive impacts on students. These activities are sports, clubs, administration, music, arts and dramatization. Thus, this study aims to examine the positive impact of extracurricular activities on University students in Lahore, Pakistan. Cross sectional survey technique was used in the current study. The self-administered questionnaire distributed to the 200 students through convenient random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data while regression analysis has performed to test the research hypotheses. The findings of the current study showed that the university students of Lahore, who had participated in the extracurricular activities, had been improved their academic performance and self-concept. The study also suggested that there is a minor alteration in the behaviour of the students who had participated in extracurricular activities.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-1: 22-31
Early winter avifaunal diversity from Buxa Tiger Reserve and Rasikbeel Wetland Complex of northern part of West Bengal, India
Authors: Adhurya Sagar , Banerjee Moitreyee , Pal Achintya Kumar , Roy Utpal Singha
Published: January 2017

The present study was carried out to record the avifaunal diversity and abundance in and around Buxa Tiger Reserve (Raja Bhat Khawa, Buxa Fort, Raimatang and Jayanti) and Rasikbeel Wetland Complex, situated at the northern part of West Bengal, India during 19th – 22nd November, 2013. A total of 60 bird species belonging to 31 families were identified during four days of study period of which 8 were winter migrants, one was summer migrant and rest were resident. Anthropogenic interventions have altered much of the natural habitat of the present study location; however, a healthy avifaunal diversity was recorded during the present study. More intensive investigations will certainly enrich our knowledge of avian diversity and distribution pattern from the present study location leading to the proper conservation of this important bird area. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Note on taxonomy of Chlorogloeopsis fritschii (Mitra) Mitra et Pandey with soil analysis, collected from a rice field in West Bengal, India
Authors: Halder Nilu
Published: January 2017

While studying on paddy field blue green algae, author for the first time recorded a blue green algal species Chlorogloeopsis fritschii (Mitra) Mitra et Pandey from rice field soil in summer during 2013 in Hooghly, West Bengal, India. In the present paper, taxonomical description with microphotographs of the species has been provided. In addition to that, soil which was collected from the algal occurrence site has been analyzed. The different physico-chemical parameters of soil were as followed: pH: 7.1; EC: 0.142 dSm-1; OC: 6.6 mgkg-1; Ca2+: 4.6 cmol+kg-1; Na+: 0.71 cmol+kg-1; K+: 0.15 cmol+kg-1; CEC: 12.6 cmol+kg-1; WHC: 45%. Soil textures were as: sand: 36.2%, slit: 28.1% and clay: 35.7%. This study of soil showed its nature and present nutrient content. As the alga contains heterocyst and can fix atmospheric nitrogen to soil so, it can apply in rice fields as biofertilizer to enhance the yield of rice and increase of soil fertility. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Railway Human Factors and Operational Issues
Authors: Rudin-Brown Christina M. , Roosenboom Darlene , Finch-Field Clayton
Published: January 2017

The widespread availability and affordability of voice and video recording systems allows researchers in all modes of transportation to observe, document, and study operator behavior. For example, naturalistic driving studies use technology to record discreetly everyday vehicle operations and driver behavior to understand the risk factors that contribute to unsafe situations. It has been proposed that similar technology could be used in locomotives to observe and evaluate the crew's use of controls and human factor issues. The joint (government–industry) Locomotive Voice and Video Recording (LVVR) project was convened to assess LVVR technology, document safety benefits, and identify best practices. An evaluation of safety-relevant human factors and operational issues was conducted to determine the adequacy of three types of recording systems (voice only, video only, and voice and video) to record and document locomotive crew behavior. All the LVVR systems that were evaluated, regardless of mode, allowed the identification of crews’ responses to train control signals. Although it was often possible to identify operators’ roles in the cab and their use of locomotive controls, evaluation of human factor issues—such as crew resource management, stress, fatigue, workload, situation awareness, and distraction—was less reliable. Recording modality and system-specific issues that limit the use of LVVR were identified. Collectively, the results indicate that LVVR systems that collect voice and video data and that are of sufficient technical quality to provide clear, unambiguous recordings are the most conducive to the assessment of crew operational and human factor issues.
Spectroscopic analysis of heavy metal in frozen shrimp from different seafood processing plants of Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Mohammad Shaokat , Saha Suvanker , Ahmed Shamima , Uddin Md Forhad , Yeasmin Nilufa
Published: January 2017

This study is carried out to determine the level of three common heavy metals i.e. mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from different branded frozen shrimp samples from different processing plants in Chittagong Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh. The level of heavy metals is investigated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in twenty different frozen shrimp samples from four different processing plants. The range of mean level of concentration (mg/kg) of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are 0.011-0.042 mg/kg, 0.065-0.087 mg/kg and 0.024-0.081 mg/kg respectively. Lead (Pb) has the highest mean concentration of 0.087 mg/kg while mercury has the lowest mean of 0.011 mg/kg. The mean concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in shrimps was observed within the range of BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) standards for aquatic foods.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 513-517
Morphological characterization and assessment of genetic parameters of NERICA mutant rice lines under rainfed condition
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md , Hassan Lutful , Begum Shamsun Nahar , Huda Md Monjurul
Published: January 2017

An experiment was conducted to evaluate thirty one NERICA mutant rice genotypes (twenty eight NERICA mutant lines along with three parental lines) of advanced (M4 and M5)generations for morphological characters and genetic parameters assessment in aus season, 2014 at the experimental field of Biotechnology division, BINA, BAU Campus, Mymensingh-2202 following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The genotypes differed significantly for all the traits viz., days to flowering (1st, 50%, 80%), days to maturity, plant height, total tillers and effective tillers hill-1, filled and unfilled grains panicle-1, 100-seed weight (g) and yield plant-1(g).N1/300/P-9-5 had maximum yield plant-1 and N4 parent had minimum yield plant-1. All the parental lines showed less yield compared to other mutant lines. The phenotypic coefficient of variations (PCV) were higher than genotypic co-efficient of variations (GCV) for all the traits studied indicating that they all interacted with the environment to some extent. All the traits studied expressed moderate to high heritability estimates ranging from 43.68 to 92.87%. High heritability along with high genetic advance was noticed for the traits, number of filled grains panicle-1, number of unfilled grains panicle-1 and plant height.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 532-540
Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice up-regulated extracellular matrix tenascin-C
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Hori Masatoshi , Ozaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Tenascin-C, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, expresses high level during embryogenesis and almost absent during the normal postnatal life. However, it is re-appeared in a diverse condition such as tissue injury and in the stroma of various carcinomas. In this study, we investigated the appearance of tenascin-C in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. DSS induced colitis mice demonstrated severe mucosal damage, with distortion and loss of crypts, depletion of goblet cells and infiltration of macrophages particularly F4/80 positive macrophages, granulocytes and lymphocytes in the colon tissues. These DSS inflamed colon expressed a high and dense level of tenascin-C in the severe damaged areas, whereas, moderate staining was observed in the moderate inflamed areas. DSS-induced colitis mice significantly increased macrophages infiltration in the colon tissues. These results suggested that tenascin-C extracellular matrix re-appeared in the colon tissues during inflammation.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 582-586
Residual effects of different green manures on the growth and yield of wheat
Authors: Hoque Tahsina Sharmin , Akter Farhana , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: January 2017

Green manures can enrich soils with organic matter and nitrogen. An experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh to evaluate the residual effects of different green manures on the growth and yield of wheat (BARI Gom-26). The experiment containing nine treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were T1 [No green manure + 100% Recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)], T2 (Sesbania aculeata + 75% RDN), T3 (Sesbania aculeata + 50% RDN), T4 (Sesbania rostrata + 75% RDN), T5 (Sesbania rostrata + 50% RDN), T6 (Vigna radiata + 75% RDN), T7 (Vigna radiata + 50% RDN), T8 (Vigna mungo + 75% RDN), and T9 (Vigna mungo + 50% RDN). Residual effects of green manures with RDN significantly increased the yield attributes as well as grain and straw yields of wheat. Further, green manures exerted significant residual effects on grain, straw and total N uptake of wheat. Among various treatments with green manures, the performance of T4 (Sesbania rostrata + 75% RDN) was the best as it produced the highest grain yield (4.28 t ha-1), straw yield (4.74 t ha-1) and total N uptake (108.02 kg ha-1). The use of green manures slightly increased the organic matter content, total N and available P, K, and S contents of the post-harvest soils. As regards to the contribution of various green manures on yield contributing characters and yield of wheat, performances of two Sesbania species viz., S. aculeata and S. rostrata in association with 75% N fertilizer were effective.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 624-630
Nutritional and microbiological quality assessment of salt-smoke-dried product prepared from tengra (Mystus tengara) kept at ambient (26-28°C) and refrigeration temperature (4°C)
Authors: Rana Md Masud , Chakraborty Subhash Chandra
Published: January 2017

Study was conducted to identify the changes in nutritional and microbiological aspects of fresh, smoked, salt-smoke-dried (SSD: treated with salt, smoke and sunlight), Control dried (CD: treated only with sunlight) tengra (Mystus tengara) during storage at ambient temperature (26-28oC) and refrigeration temperature (40C). The study was done to investigate the effect of natural preservatives salt and smoke on the shelf life of the product over the storage period. The moisture content of fresh tengra was 76.06% whereas 18.80 and 18.36% for SSD and CD respectively. Fresh tengra had 13.45% protein, 7.46% lipid and 2.80% ash. The initial value of protein, fat and ash content of SSD tengra was 63.40, 19.95 and 16.55% respectively on dry matter basis. During 60 days storage period moisture increased whereas protein, fat, and ash content decreased considerably. After two month storage at ambient temperature the protein, lipid and ash content for SSD tengra were 62.75, 19.07 and 15.99% respectively whereas the values of the same parameters stored at refrigeration temperature were 62.54, 19.54 and 16.12% respectively on dry matter basis. The initial TVB-N and SPC value for SSD tengra was 5.86 mg/100g and 1.02×104 CFU/g respectively. During storage period the TVB-N and SPC value slowly increased and the values reached to 18.21 mg/100g and 3.32×104 CFU/g respectively for salt-smokedried tengra stored at ambient condition whereas 11.81mg/100g and 2.14×104 CFU/g respectively for the products stored at refrigeration temperature. The overall quality of salt-smoke-dried product was better than control dried product on the basis of organoleptic, nutritional and microbial aspects. Information obtained from this study it is cleared that, combination of salting, smoking and drying is efficient method of fish processing which could be useful to consumers, processors, and nutritionist at national and global basis.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 678-684
A case study of the gears and craft used for artisanal fishing in Chittagong Patharghata Fishery Ghat, Bangladesh and socio-economic condition of the fishermen
Authors: Rashed Mohammad , Hossain Md Abul , Rahman Mohammad Matiur
Published: January 2017

The Patharghata Fishery Ghat in Chittagong is one of the largest fish landing centers in Bangladesh. The study aimed to explore different types of gears and crafts used from the landing center, fish species caught by the gears, and certain degree of socio-economic condition of the fishermen. Data were collected from local fishermen through on the spot inspections, Personal Interview (PI), and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The gears used from the landing center were classified as Large Mesh Drift Gill Nets (DGNs), Marine Set Bag Nets (MSBNs), and Trammel Nets. Mainly 7 types of DGNs having the mesh sizes ranging from 2.5 to 16 inches had been used by the fishermen of which Lakkha Jal, Lal jal and Char Shuta Jal were the most commonly used DGNs to catch Hilsha, Lakhua, Pomfret etc. Hilsha Shad (Tenualosa ilisha) was the most dominant species and about 60% of different nets were used to catch this species. Only single type of artisanal fishing craft (trawlers) was found in the landing center and is propelled by inboard engine. The capacity of the trawlers varied from 8 to 22 metric tons. In case of socio-economic condition, most of the fishermen belonged to the age groups of 21-30 and 31-40 years; each represented 31% of the total fishermen. About 91% of fishermen were found to be Muslim and rest 9% were Hindu. The average members of the nuclear and joint families were 3.78 and 7.83 per household, respectively; however, these groups of people were being deprived in their society. The study also revealed that about 67% of fishermen had no formal education and 27% had primary and rest 6% had secondary level of education. The annual income of the fishermen ranged from BDT 50,000 to 100,000 and the main expenditure of their earnings were for food (80%), followed by physical treatment (10%) of their family members. They had hardly any savings. Lack of knowledge and government support, and illiteracy were the major problems of the fishermen in the landing center.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 712-726
Scopes and opportunities of buffalo farming in Bangladesh: A review
Authors: Hamid MA , Siddiky MNA , Rahman MA , Hossain KM
Published: January 2017

The present study attempts to examine the scenario of buffalo production in Bangladesh. The buffalo plays a very important role in the South Asian region which constitutes 77.5% of world buffalo population. This region has a great biodiversity in buffalo germplasm, including the world famous source promising buffaloes Murrah and Nili-Ravi - renowned for high milk production potential. It is estimated that about 96.05 % of Asia and 93.19 % of world buffalo milk are produced in South Asian countries. Besides, buffalo milk in South Asian countries is around 54.95 % of the total milk production. The India and Pakistan share 67.99% and 23.96%, of world buffalo milk production respectively. About 71.4% of world buffalo meat is produced in South Asian countries. Although buffalo is an integral part of livestock production system in South Asian countries, it has never been addressed in Bangladesh and always neglected despite their important role in the national economy. In Bangladesh, the total buffalo population are 1.464 million heads that are managed in household subsistence farming as well as extensive free range (Bathan) farming in saline coastal region that are used as a draught animal and partially for milk and meat production. The contribution of buffalo in total milk and meat production in Bangladesh is only 2.0% and 0.94%, respectively. This review has tried to unearth the present scenario of buffalo production in Bangladesh, describing the benefits and values of buffalo milk and meat, advantages of buffalo husbandry over cattle, constraints in buffalo production and recommendations for buffalo development in Bangladesh.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 63-77 (2016)