bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counting with Colours? Effect of Colours on the Numerical Abilities of House Crows (Corvus splendens) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Authors: Nor Amira Abdul Rahman  , Zalila Ali  , Wan Fatma Zuharah  , Nik Fadzly
Published: August 2016

We conducted several aviary experiments to investigate the influence of colours in quantity judgments of two species of birds; house crow (Corvus splendens) and common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Different quantity (in seven different food proportions) of mealworms were presented nonsequentially to all birds using artificially coloured red mealworms, for experiment 1, and using artificially coloured green mealworms, for 2 experiment 2. Both red and green coloured mealworms have no significant effect on house crow’s quantity judgments (red: ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.748, p = 0.144; and green: ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.085, p = 0.394). Common myna, however, showed a strong influence of red colour in their quantity judgment (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 2.922, p = 0.023) as they succeeded in choosing the largest amount of food between two cups, but not when offered food using green coloured mealworms (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.183, p = 0.342). In the next experiment, we hypothesised that both house crow and common myna will prefer red coloured food items over green coloured food items, when factors such as the amount of food is equal. We chose to test red and green colours because both colours play an important role in most avian food selections. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the selection of red or green coloured mealworms for both house crows (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 2.310, p = 0.06) and common myna (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 0.823, p = 0.561).

 

Kami menjalankan beberapa eksperimen aviari untuk mengenal pasti kesan warna ke atas pemilihan kuantiti oleh dua jenis burung, burung gagak (Corvus splendens) dan burung tiung (Acridotheres tristis). Cacing dalam kuantiti berbeza (tujuh pembahagian berlainan) diberikan kepada burung dalam turutan rawak menggunakan cacing dicat dengan warna merah bagi eksperimen 1 dan menggunakan cacing dicat warna hijau bagi eksperimen 2. Kedua-dua warna cacing merah dan hijau tidak memberi kesan kepada pemilihan kuantiti gagak (merah: ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.748, p = 0.144; dan hijau: ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.085, p = 0.394). Namun demikian, burung tiung menunjukkan kesan pengaruh kuat bagi warna merah ke atas pemilihan kuantiti (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 2.922, p = 0.023), dengan burung berjaya memilih jumlah makanan yang lebih besar antara dua cawan, tetapi tidak apabila cacing berwarna hijau ditawarkan (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 1.183, p = 0.342). Dalam eksperimen seterusnya, hipotesis kami ialah kedua-dua burung gagak dan burung tiung akan memilih makanan berwarna merah berbanding warna hijau apabila faktor jumlah makanan adalah sama. Kami memilih untuk menguji warna merah dan warna hijau kerana kedua-dua warna memainkan peranan penting dalam pemilihan makanan burung. Keputusan menunjukkan tiada perbezaan signifikan bagi pemilihan cacing merah dan hijau bagi kedua-dua burung gagak (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 2.310, p = 0.06) dan burung tiung (ANOVA: F?‚?? = 0.823, p = 0.561).
Five New Records of Terrestrial and Lithophytic Orchids (Orchidaceae) from Penang Hill, Malaysia
Authors: Nga Shi Yeu  , Farah Alia Nordin  , Ahmad Sofiman Othman
Published: August 2016

Five new records of terrestrial and lithophytic orchid species were gathered from Penang Hill, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia namely Bulbophyllum depressum, Goodyera pusilla, Peristylus monticola, Podochilus microphyllus, and Zeuxine gracilis. Checklist of each species is provided and their distribution in Penang Hill is discussed.

 

Lima rekod baru spesies anggerik tanah dan litofitik telah diperoleh dari Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia iaitu Bulbophyllum depressum, Goodyera pusilla, Peristylus monticola, Podochilus microphyllus, dan Zeuxine gracilis. Satu senarai semak untuk setiap spesies dan taburannya di Bukit Bendera dibincangkan.
Rapid and Noninvasive Assessment of Atterberg Limits Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Gupta Abhinav , Das Bhabani Sankar , Kumar Ashish , Chakraborty Poulamee , Mohanty Biswajita
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has potential for the estimation of Atterberg limits.

Visible, near‐, and mid‐infrared regions of electromagnetic spectra were utilized.

Atterberg limits were estimated by correlation with other spectrally active soil properties.

In this study, Atterberg limits were estimated using pedotransfer functions (PTFs), spectral‐transfer functions (STFs), and spectral PTFs (SPTFs). In the PTF approach, basic soil properties were used to calibrate PTFs using stepwise multiple linear regression and support‐vector regression (SVR) approaches. In the STF approach, spectral reflectance values across the visible to near‐infrared (VNIR) and mid‐infrared (MIR) regions were used to estimate Atterberg limits using the SVR and partial least squares regression (PLSR) approaches along with bootstrapping. Also, two locally weighted PLSR models were developed using covariance and correlation as weighting schemes. Finally, feature selection was combined with the PLSR (PLSRFS) to identify the optimum set of spectral features to use in the estimations. In the SPTF approach, both basic properties and geometrical shape factors of spectral absorption were used for the prediction of Atterberg limits. Comparison of the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared residual values for the validation data sets across different modeling approaches suggested that the PLSRFSmodel along with pooled VNIR + MIR data yielded the highestR2of 0.77 for the liquid limit. The PLSRFSmodel along with VNIR data alone yielded the highestR2of 0.70 for the plastic limit. A maximumR2value of 0.65 was obtained for the plasticity index using both the PLSR and SVR models on MIR data and the PLSRFSmodel on pooled VNIR + MIR data. This study shows that the STF approach may be adopted as an alternate to PTFs to estimate the Atterberg limits because it can account for up to 77% of the variance in the data.
Net and Gross Nitrogen Turnover in Soil Amended with Acidified and Differently Dried Solids from Biogas Digestate
Authors: Pantelopoulos A. , Magid J. , Jensen L.S.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Acidification decreased the degradability of digestate solids.

Acidification stabilized the gross N mineralization pattern with time.

Dried acidified solids showed the highest potential N fertilizing value.

Low drying temperature promoted net N mineralization from unacidified solids.

The use of dried digestate solids from biogas plants as organic fertilizers may be disadvantaged by considerable N losses during thermal treatment. Acidification can decrease NH3 emissions during drying, but little is known about the degradability and N release pattern of acidified and dried digestate solids. In a laboratory incubation, C mineralization and gross and net N mineralization from digestate solids subjected to acidification (to pH 5.5) and drying (70 or 160°C) were monitored for 160 d at 15°C. Gross N mineralization rates were determined using the 15N isotopic pool dilution technique, and gross N transformation rates were calculated with the FLUAZ model. Irrespective of further treatment, acidified solids showed up to 50% reduced cumulative CO2–C respiration throughout the incubation and consequently decreased gross N mineralization rates compared with unacidified solids. Moreover, acidification of digestate solids delayed the nitrification dynamics during the first 3 wk of incubation. Throughout the experimental period, the acidified dried digestate solids had the highest inorganic N contents among all treatments. It was evident that acidification increased the stability of the organic matter and enhanced the availability of N on application to soil.
Persistent detection of Zika virus RNA in semen for six months after symptom onset in a traveller returning from Haiti to Italy, February 2016
Authors: Nicastri Emanuele , Castilletti Concetta , Liuzzi Giuseppina , Iannetta Marco , Capobianchi Maria R , Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

A man in his early 30s reported in January 2016 a history of fever, asthenia and erythematous rash during a stay in Haiti. On his return to Italy, ZIKV RNA was detected in his urine and saliva 91 days after symptom onset, and in his semen on day 188, six months after symptom onset. Our findings support the possibility of sexual transmission of ZIKV and highlight the importance of continuing to investigate non-vector-borne ZIKV infection.
Travel-associated and autochthonous Zika virus infection in mainland France, 1 January to 15 July 2016
Authors: Septfons A , Leparc-Goffart I , Couturier E , Franke F , Deniau J , Balestier A , Guinard A , Heuzé G , Liebert A H , Mailles A , Ndong JR , Poujol I , Raguet S , Rousseau C , Saidouni-Oulebsir A , Six C , Subiros M , Servas V , Terrien E , Tillaut H , Viriot D , Watrin M , Wyndels K ,   the Zika Surveillance Working Group in French departments and collectivities of the Americas
Published: August 2016

During summer 2016, all the conditions for local mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) are met in mainland France: a competent vector, Aedes albopictus, a large number of travellers returning from ZIKV-affected areas, and an immunologically naive population. From 1 January to 15 July 2016, 625 persons with evidence of recent ZIKV infection were reported in mainland France. We describe the surveillance system in place and control measures implemented to reduce the risk of infection.
A Long Road Behind Us, a Long Road Ahead: Towards an Indigenous Feminist National Inquiry
Authors: Smiley Cherry
Published: August 2016

Since the invasion of North America by white male colonizers, Indigenous women and girls have been constructed as homogenized and dehumanized “Indian princesses” and “savage squaws.” These constructions, albeit false, have real consequences, resulting in disproportionate rates of male violence against Indigenous women and girls in the context of a contemporary for-profit rape culture. In 2015, the Canadian federal government announced a long-awaited inquiry into violence against Indigenous women and girls. This article recommends an expressly Indigenous feminist framework in order to comprehensively address the issue of male violence against Indigenous women and girls in a national inquiry.
The Berger Inquiry in Retrospect: Its Legacy
Authors: Goudge Stephen
Published: August 2016

The following article was originally presented as the inaugural lecture of the Willms and Shier Speaker Series in Environmental Law, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa on 29 September 2015 by the Honourable Justice Stephen T. Goudge. Reflecting on the lessons and impacts of the McKenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry, chaired by then Justice Thomas Berger, the article considers the lasting impact of the Berger Inquiry forty years later, including the successful recommendation to abandon plans to develop the north slope of the Yukon, in favour of conservation. The Berger Inquiry has had lasting social impacts by contributing to the rise of a collective northern voice and highlighting the fundamental importance of Indigenous interests in charting the future. In his postscript, Justice Goudge adds his hope that the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry will emulate the Berger Inquiry in three fundamental ways: by developing inquiry processes that build trust among those most affected; by proposing expeditious and timely recommendations; and, most importantly, by doing what is right.
L'enquête nationale sur les meurtres et disparitions de femmes et de filles autochtones
Authors:   Feminist Alliance for International Action,   Native Women's Association of Canada
Published: August 2016

Recommandations consolidées

L'Association des femmes autochtones du Canada, l'Alliance canadienne féministe pour l'action internationale et la Revue Femmes et droit ont organisé à Ottawa, les 30 et 31 janvier 2016, un symposium en vue d'entamer un dialogue au sujet de l'enquête nationale à venir sur les meurtres et disparitions de femmes et de filles autochtones. Quarante leaders féminines autochtones, des membres des familles des femmes et des filles disparues et assassinées, des universitaires et des alliés ont été rejoints par cinq expertes en droits de la personne des Nations Unies et un expert de la Commission interaméricaine des droits de l'homme. Le présent document est issu des présentations et des dialogues qui ont eu lieu pendant le Symposium.

Ce rapport constitue un document consensuel. Le groupe a généralement accepté les principes qui y sont mis de l'avant. Cependant, quelques participantes ont exprimé leur désaccord avec certaines de ses recommandations. Nous avons tenté de tenir compte de leurs préoccupations dans le présent document. Ce rapport n'a pas la prétention de couvrir tous les aspects de l'enquête. D'autres thèmes à prendre en considération comprennent notamment : comment incorporer de façon efficace dans l'enquête les voix et les expériences des femmes autochtones qui sont très jeunes ou s'identifient comme LGBTQ.

Le but de ce rapport est de fournir à ceux et celles qui développent le mandat de l'enquête une direction claire enracinée dans les délibérations des femmes autochtones du Canada et de leurs alliés. On y retrouve des thèmes qui décrivent les préoccupations et les questions soulevées par les participants et les participantes, avec une recommandation concrète par thème. Les recommandations sont consolidées à la fin du rapport à des fins de référence. Nous espérons sincèrement que les responsables politiques qui développent le mandat de l'enquête tiendront effectivement compte de ces recommandations à la lumière des droits de la personne.
Deadly falls: operative versus nonoperative management of Type II odontoid process fracture in octogenarians
Authors: Graffeo Christopher S. , Perry Avital , Puffer Ross C. , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Chang Wendy , Mallory Grant W. , Clarke Michelle J.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Type II odontoid fracture is a common injury among elderly patients, particularly given their predisposition toward low-energy falls. Previous studies have demonstrated a survival advantage following early surgery among patients older than 65 years, yet octogenarians represent a medically distinct and rapidly growing population. The authors compared operative and nonoperative management in patients older than 79 years.

METHODS

A single-center prospectively maintained trauma database was reviewed using ICD-9 codes to identify octogenarians with C-2 cervical fractures between 1998 and 2014. Cervical CT images were independently reviewed by blinded neurosurgeons to confirm a Type II fracture pattern. Prospectively recorded outcomes included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), additional cervical fracture, and cord injury. Primary end points were mortality at 30 days and at 1 year. Statistical tests included the Student t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kaplan-Meier test, and Cox proportional hazard.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients met inclusion criteria (94 nonoperative and 17 operative [15 posterior and 2 anterior]). Mortality data were available for 100% of patients. The mean age was 87 years (range 80–104 years). Additional cervical fracture, spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS were not associated with either management strategy at the time of presentation. The mean time to death or last follow-up was 22 months (range 0–129 months) and was nonsignificant between operative and nonoperative groups (p = 0.3). Overall mortality was 13% in-hospital, 26% at 30 days, and 41% at 1 year. Nonoperative and operative mortality rates were not significant at any time point (12% vs 18%, p = 0.5 [in-hospital]; 27% vs 24%, p = 0.8 [30-day]; and 41% vs 41%, p = 1.0 [1-year]). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not demonstrate a survival advantage for either management strategy. Spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS were significantly associated with 30-day and 1-year mortality; however, Cox modeling was not significant for any variable. Additional cervical fracture was not associated with increased mortality. The rate of nonhome disposition was not significant between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Type II odontoid fracture is associated with high morbidity among octogenarians, with 41% 1-year mortality independent of intervention—a dramatic decrease from actuarial survival rates for all 80-, 90-, and 100-year-old Americans. Poor outcome is associated with spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS.
Age of language acquisition and cortical language organization in multilingual patients undergoing awake brain mapping
Authors: Fernández-Coello Alejandro , Havas Viktória , Juncadella Montserrat , Sierpowska Joanna , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni , Gabarrós Andreu
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Most knowledge regarding the anatomical organization of multilingualism is based on aphasiology and functional imaging studies. However, the results have still to be validated by the gold standard approach, namely electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) during awake neurosurgical procedures. In this ESM study the authors describe language representation in a highly specific group of 13 multilingual individuals, focusing on how age of acquisition may influence the cortical organization of language.

METHODS

Thirteen patients who had a high degree of proficiency in multiple languages and were harboring lesions within the dominant, left hemisphere underwent ESM while being operated on under awake conditions. Demographic and language data were recorded in relation to age of language acquisition (for native languages and early- and late-acquired languages), neuropsychological pre- and postoperative language testing, the number and location of language sites, and overlapping distribution in terms of language acquisition time. Lesion growth patterns and histopathological characteristics, location, and size were also recorded. The distribution of language sites was analyzed with respect to age of acquisition and overlap.

RESULTS

The functional language-related sites were distributed in the frontal (55%), temporal (29%), and parietal lobes (16%). The total number of native language sites was 47. Early-acquired languages (including native languages) were represented in 97 sites (55 overlapped) and late-acquired languages in 70 sites (45 overlapped). The overlapping distribution was 20% for early-early, 71% for early-late, and 9% for late-late. The average lesion size (maximum diameter) was 3.3 cm. There were 5 fast-growing and 7 slow-growing lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Cortical language distribution in multilingual patients is not homogeneous, and it is influenced by age of acquisition. Early-acquired languages have a greater cortical representation than languages acquired later. The prevalent native and early-acquired languages are largely represented within the perisylvian left hemisphere frontoparietotemporal areas, and the less prevalent late-acquired languages are mostly overlapped with them.
First reported case of intraventricular tigecycline for meningitis from extremely drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Lauretti Liverana , D'Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Fantoni Massimo , D'Inzeo Tiziana , Fernandez Eduardo , Pallini Roberto , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo
Published: August 2016

The authors report on the first case of the intraventricular administration of tigecycline described in the Western literature. A 22-year-old man developed cerebrospinal fluid infection from an extremely drug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii as a complication of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for the removal of a giant pituitary adenoma. The patient was safely and successfully treated with the prolonged intraventricular administration of tigecycline. Here, the authors provide the schedule details that can be invaluable in treating meningitis from extremely drug-resistant bacterial strains. Intraventricular tigecycline can be a valuable tool against multidrug-resistant central nervous system infections.
A prospective randomized trial of the optimal dose of mannitol for intraoperative brain relaxation in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor resection
Authors: Seo Hyungseok , Kim Eugene , Jung Haesun , Lim Young-Jin , Kim Jin Wook , Park Chul-Kee , Se Young-Bem , Jeon Young-Tae , Hwang Jung-Won , Park Hee-Pyoung
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Mannitol is used intraoperatively to induce brain relaxation in patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor resection. The authors sought to determine the dose of mannitol that provides adequate brain relaxation with the fewest adverse effects.

METHODS

A total of 124 patients were randomized to receive mannitol at 0.25 g/kg (Group A), 0.5 g/kg (Group B), 1.0 g/kg (Group C), and 1.5 g/kg (Group D). The degree of brain relaxation was classified according to a 4-point scale (1, bulging; 2, firm; 3, adequate; and 4, perfectly relaxed) by neurosurgeons; Classes 3 and 4 were considered to indicate satisfactory brain relaxation. The osmolality gap (OG) and serum electrolytes were measured before and after mannitol administration.

RESULTS

The brain relaxation score showed an increasing trend in patients receiving higher doses of mannitol (p = 0.005). The incidence of satisfactory brain relaxation was higher in Groups C and D than in Group A (67.7% and 64.5% vs 32.2%, p = 0.011 and 0.022, respectively). The incidence of OG greater than 10 mOsm/kg was also higher in Groups C and D than in Group A (100.0% in both groups vs 77.4%, p = 0.011 for both). The incidence of moderate hyponatremia (125 mmol/L ≤ Na+ < 130 mmol/L) was significantly higher in Group D than in other groups (38.7% vs 0.0%, 9.7%, and 12.9% in Groups A, B, and C; p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.020, respectively). Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0 mmol/L) was observed in 12.9% of patients in Group D only.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher doses of mannitol provided better brain relaxation but were associated with more adverse effects. Considering the balance between the benefits and risks of mannitol, the authors suggest the use of 1.0 g/kg of intraoperative mannitol for satisfactory brain relaxation with the fewest adverse effects.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02168075 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Probabilistic and Fuzzy Process Classifiers for Operating Systems Scheduler
Authors: Bagchi Susmit
Published: August 2016

The schedulers residing in kernel of Operating Systems employ patterns of resource affinities of concurrent processes in order to make scheduling decisions. The scheduling decisions affect overall resource utilization in a system. Moreover, the resource affinity patterns of a process may not be possible to profile statically in all cases. This paper proposes a novel probabilistic estimation model and a classifier algorithm to queuing processes based on respective resource affinities. The proposed model follows probabilistic estimation using execution traces, which can be either online or statically profiled. The algorithm tracks the resource affinities of processes based on periodic estimation and classifies the processes accordingly for scheduling. The effects of variations of estimation periods are investigated and fuzzy refinements are introduced. Experimental results indicate that the classifier algorithm successfully determines resource affinities of a set of processes online. However, the algorithm can determine inherent affinity pattern of a process in the presence of uniform distribution having enhanced IO frequency.
A Formal and Unified Description of XML Manipulation Languages
Authors: Hidders Jan , Paredaens Jan
Published: August 2016

We discuss three well-known languages for querying and manipulating XML documents: XQuery, XPath and XSLT. They are considered to be the standard languages for processing XML documents. However, specifying their complete semantics in a formal way seems almost impossible. Indeed, an attempt by the W3C XML Query Working Group to do so for XQuery was ultimately abandoned. We introduce three sublanguages, called MiXPath, MiXQuery and MiXSLT, and describe their syntax and formal semantics. The syntax and semantics of these languages are chosen such that they are consistent with the ones given in the related W3C recommendations. As such this provides a practical foundation for research and teaching of XML languages. For this purpose the sublanguages are chosen such that they contain the most crucial features, constructs and expressions of each of these three languages.
On the Complexity of L-reachability
Authors: Komarath Balagopal , Sarma Jayalal , Sunil K.S.
Published: August 2016

We initiate a complexity theoretic study of the language based graph reachability problem (L–REACH) : Fix a language L. Given a graph whose edges are labelled with alphabet symbols of the language L and two special vertices s and t, test if there is path P from s to t in the graph such that the concatenation of the symbols seen from s to t in the path P forms a string in the language L. We study variants of this problem with different graph classes and different language classes and obtain complexity theoretic characterizations for all of them. Our main results are the following:

Restricting the language using formal language theory we show that the complexity of L–REACH increases with the power of the formal language class. We show that there is a regular language for which the L–REACH is NL-complete even for undirected graphs. In the case of linear languages, the complexity of L–REACH does not go beyond the complexity of L itself. Further, there is a deterministic context-free language L for which L–DAGREACH is LogCFL-complete. We use L–REACH as a lens to study structural complexity. In this direction we show that there is a language A in TC0 for which A–DAGREACH is NP-complete. Using this we show that P vs NP question is equivalent to P vs DAGREACH−1(P) 1 question. This leads to the intriguing possibility that by proving DAGREACH−1(P) is contained in some subclass of P, we can prove an upward translation of separation of complexity classes. Note that we do not know a way to upward translate the separation of complexity classes.
On String Languages Generated by Sequential Numerical P Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Wu Tingfang , Pan Linqiang
Published: August 2016

Numerical P systems are a class of P systems inspired both from the structure of living cells and from economics. In this work, we further investigate the generative capacity of numerical P systems as language generators. The families of languages generated by non-enzymatic, by enzymatic, and by purely enzymatic (all programs are enzymatic) numerical P systems working in the sequential mode are compared with the language families in the Chomsky hierarchy. Especially, a characterization of recursively enumerable languages is obtained by using purely enzymatic numerical P systems working in the sequential mode.
Surgical Treatment of Dorsolumbar Spine Tuberculosis by Posterior Decompression, Stabilization with Transpedicular Screws and Rods and Fusion
Authors: Saha Apel Chandra , Kabiraj Snriti Kona , Rahman Md Rezwanur , Shermin Shahana , Masud Md Hasan , Hossain Muhammad Awlad
Published: August 2016

Background: Spinal tuberculosis is a medical disease and antitubercular drugs play the main role in the recovery of patients. However, with proper indication, surgical procedures are superior in the prevention of neurological deterioration, maintenance of stability, early recovery and early mobilization. Modern method of surgical intervention of dorsolumbar tuberculosis is posterior decompression, stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods and fusion.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of posterior decompression, stabilization by transpedicular screws and rods and fusion in patients with spinal TB in thoracic and lumbar region.Materials and method: This is a prospective interventional study carried out at National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh and different private hospitals in Dhaka from October, 2012 to December, 2014. Total number of patients was 12; among them 7 were male and 5 were female, age ranged from 21-60 years with a follow up period of 12 months to 18 months.Results: More common site of tubercular lesion was at dorsal spines (58.73%). In this study the patients were preoperatively classified according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale and among the patients 1 was ASIA- A, 2 were ASIA-B, 5 were ASIA-C, 3 were ASIA-D, and 1 was ASIA-E. In postoperative state 1 patient was ASIA-B, 3 patients were ASIA-D and 8 were ASIA-E. Maximum patients (75%) had bony fusion grade 1. More than 80% subjects had good outcome.Conclusion: Posterior decompression, stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods and fusion is a satisfactory surgical modality of treatment of dorsolumbar spinal tuberculosis.Delta Med Col J. Jul 2016 4(2): 71-76
Patients Satisfaction with Services Obtained from a Health Care Centre in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Mahejabin Farzana , Khan Rezaul Farid , Parveen Shamima
Published: August 2016

Background: Patients satisfaction is one of the established yard sticks to measure success of the services being provided in the hospitals. Human satisfaction is a complex concept. A satisfied patient is more likely to develop a deeper and longer lasting relationship with their medical providers, leading to improved compliance, continuity of care, and ultimately better outcomes.Objective: To assess patient satisfaction with services provided in a primary health care centre in rural Bangladesh.Materials and method: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among the patients who attended the outpatient department at Upazilla Health Complex, Dhamrai from November 2015 to January 2016. Study subjects were selected by convenient type of non-probability sampling. Semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used and face to face interview was conducted. A Total of 328 respondents, age more than 18 years,irrespective of sex, were included in this study.Results: Majority of the patients stated that the general basic facilities, in terms of lighting facilities, signboards, canteen services and toilet facilities at the hospital were adequate. Majority respondents reported that the hospital was clean, ventilation facilities were found adequate, sitting arrangements and drinking water was available in waiting rooms. Most of the patients were satisfied with the behaviour of health personnel and quality of professional services provided by doctors. Regarding overall satisfaction, 44.2% patients were satisfied with health services and only 3.0% patients were dissatisfied. A high statistically significant relation was found between educational level and occupation with satisfaction level of the respondents.Conclusion: The health care delivered at this centre can be improved further by monitoring the delivery ofquality care by ongoing basis and continually making small changes as per need so as to improve the individual processes.Delta Med Col J. Jul 2016 4(2): 77-82
Climate change and crop production challenges: An overview
Authors: Chowhan Sushan , Ghosh Shapla Rani , Chowhan Tushar , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Roni Md Shyduzzaman
Published: August 2016

Correction: 25th August 2016 - p.260 paragraph 1 line 8 'Table 2' was changed to 'Table 8'Climate change has heterogeneous effect on crop production. Potential yield of some crops were found to be decreasing in different simulation models. High temperature, drought, salinity, excessive rain fall are the major stresses faced by crops in a changing climatic condition. Coastal areas of Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to climate change. It was found that a total of 1,405.57 MT yield are lost in different crops. Data shows the production trends of many crops remaining in a steady state or their increase is very slow compared to elapse of time. Some possible adaptation measures such as sorjan system, floating bed agriculture, growing crops in raised beds, harvesting rain water, cultivation of salt and flood tolerant crop varieties etc. were suggested to reduce possible climate change risk and to cope up with the current situation.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(2): 251-269, August 2016
Screening of potato genotypes based on glucose and Asparagines content to minimize Acrylamide formation in potato chips and French fries
Authors: Zahan Fatema , Karim Md Masudul , Akter Tahmina , Hossain Md Alamgir
Published: August 2016

Seven potato genotypes that are available in Bangladesh, were grown at the field laboratory under the Crop Botany Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University in 2014. Reducing sugars and free asparagine were determined at freshly harvested potato tubers and those after storing at 80C for 8 months. There was no significant variation of asparagine content in all genotypes of freshly harvested tubers. But a significant difference was found in reducing sugar content. The lowest was in the samples of the genotypes Cardinal and Rumanapakri, and the highest in Hagrai. The variety Diamant appeared to contain the lowest amount of reducing sugars after 8 months storage. The results showed that freshly harvested Cardinal, Rumanapakri and Diamant after storage produced less amount of acrylamide after frying as potato chips or French fries. It may be concluded that screening potato genotypes primarily on their reducing sugar contents could be useful tool to minimize acrylamide formation in potato chips and French fries. Further investigation is needed to find out the factors affecting reducing sugar and asparagine content in potato tubers.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(2): 295-304, August 2016
Fish farming status at Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Baadruzzoha , Ali Muhammad Forhad
Published: August 2016

The potential and prospect of fish farming of Sreemangal, Moulvibazar was carried out from January to December 2015 by interviewing of 90 fish farmers with a well-structured questionnaire. The survey revealed that 40% of the ponds were seasonal and 60% perennial, of which 85% with single ownership and 15% accompanied by multiple ownership. The average pond size was 0.13 ha and depth 2.6 m. The ponds were prepared using of lime, cow dung, urea and TSP at the rate of 250, 250, 40 and 20 kg/ha, respectively. Nearly all of the farmers practiced polyculture with Indian major carps and exotic carps. Fish was stocked from March to June and average stocking density was 15,500 fingerlings/ha. To sustain natural food production, farmers generally used cow dung, urea and TSP at the rate of 2,600, 300 and 150 kg/ha/yr, respectively. Healthy environmental condition was maintained by applying lime and salt at 600 and 60 kg/ha/yr, respectively. The fish were fed by supplementary feed (45% farm) e.g., rice bran and mustard oil-cake with an average quantity of 2,200 and 550 kg/ha/yr, respectively and artificial pellet feed (55% farm). The average fish production, production cost and profit were found 2,945 kg/ha/yr, 1,25,940 and 94,935 Tk./ha/yr, respectively. The major constraints for sustainable pond fish farming were non-availability of fish fingerlings during stocking period, insufficient water in dry season, high production cost, poor technical knowledge, lack of money etc. By establishing more hatcheries, arranging training at farm level, providing interest free or at lower interest loan to the farmers the existing fish production could be increased.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(2): 361-368, August 2016
Atomic Layer Deposition TiO2 Films and TiO2/SiNx Stacks Applied for Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Zu-Po , Cheng Hsyi-En , Chang I-Hsuan , Yu Ing-Song
Published: August 2016

Titanium oxide (TiO2) films and TiO2/SiNx stacks have potential in surface passivation, anti-reflection coatings and carrier-selective contact layers for crystalline Si solar cells. A Si wafer, deposited with 8-nm-thick TiO2 film by atomic layer deposition, has a surface recombination velocity as low as 14.93 cm/s at the injection level of 1.0 × 1015 cm−3. However, the performance of silicon surface passivation of the deposited TiO2 film declines as its thickness increases, probably because of the stress effects, phase transformation, atomic hydrogen and thermal stability of amorphous TiO2 films. For the characterization of 66-nm-thick TiO2 film, the results of transmission electron microscopy show that the anatase TiO2 crystallinity forms close to the surface of the Si. Secondary ion mass spectrometry shows the atomic hydrogen at the interface of TiO2 and Si which serves for chemical passivation. The crystal size of anatase TiO2 and the homogeneity of TiO2 film can be deduced by the measurements of Raman spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry, respectively. For the passivating contacts of solar cells, in addition, a stack composed of 8-nm-thick TiO2 film and a plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited 72-nm-thick SiNx layer has been investigated. From the results of the measurement of the reflectivity and effective carrier lifetime, TiO2/SiNx stacks on Si wafers perform with low reflectivity and some degree of surface passivation for the Si wafer.
Studies on MgNi-Based Metal Hydride Electrode with Aqueous Electrolytes Composed of Various Hydroxides
Authors: Nei Jean , Young Kwo-Hsiung , Rotarov Damian
Published: August 2016

Compositions of MgNi-based amorphous-monocrystalline thin films produced by radio frequency (RF) sputtering with a varying composition target have been optimized. The composition Mg52Ni39Co3Mn6 is identified to possess the highest initial discharge capacity of 640 mAh·g−1 with a 50 mA·g−1 discharge current density. Reproduction in bulk form of Mg52Ni39Co3Mn6 alloy composition was prepared through a combination of melt spinning (MS) and mechanical alloying (MA), shows a sponge-like microstructure with >95% amorphous content, and is chosen as the metal hydride (MH) alloy for a sequence of electrolyte experiments with various hydroxides including LiOH, NaOH, KOH, RbOH, CsOH, and (C2H5)4N(OH). The electrolyte conductivity is found to be closely related to cation size in the hydroxide compound used as 1 M additive to the 4 M KOH aqueous solution. The degradation performance of Mg52Ni39Co3Mn6 alloy through cycling demonstrates a strong correlation with the redox potential of the cation in the alkali hydroxide compound used as 1 M additive to the 5 M KOH aqueous solution. NaOH, CsOH, and (C2H5)4N(OH) additions are found to achieve a good balance between corrosion and conductivity performances.
Internalization of the Extracellular Full-Length Tau Inside Neuro2A and Cortical Cells Is Enhanced by Phosphorylation
Authors: Wauters Mathilde , Wattiez Ruddy , Ris Laurence
Published: August 2016

Tau protein is mainly intracellular. However, several studies have demonstrated that full-length Tau can be released into the interstitial fluid of the brain. The physiological or pathological function of this extracellular Tau remains unknown. Moreover, as evidence suggests, extracellular Tau aggregates can be internalized by neurons, seeding Tau aggregation. However, much less is known about small species of Tau. In this study, we hypothesized that the status of phosphorylation could alter the internalization of recombinant Tau in Neuro2A and cortical cells. Our preliminary results revealed that the highly phosphorylated form of Tau entered the cells ten times more easily than a low phosphorylated one. This suggests that hyperphosphorylated Tau protein could spread between neurons in pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Validation of a Miniaturized Spectrometer for Trace Detection of Explosives by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Almaviva Salvatore , Palucci Antonio , Botti Sabina , Puiu Adriana , Rufoloni Alessandro
Published: August 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements of some common military explosives were performed with a table-top micro-Raman system integrated with a Serstech R785 miniaturized device, comprising a spectrometer and detector for near-infrared (NIR) laser excitation (785 nm). R785 was tested as the main component of a miniaturized SERS detector, designed for in situ and stand-alone sensing of molecules released at low concentrations, as could happen in the case of traces of explosives found in an illegal bomb factory, where solid microparticles of explosives could be released in the air and then collected on the sensor’s surface, if placed near the factory, as a consequence of bomb preparation. SERS spectra were obtained, exciting samples in picogram quantities on specific substrates, starting from standard commercial solutions. The main vibrational features of each substance were clearly identified also in low quantities. The amount of the sampled substance was determined through the analysis of scanning electron microscope images, while the spectral resolution and the detector sensitivity were sufficiently high to clearly distinguish spectra belonging to different samples with an exposure time of 10 s. A principal component analysis procedure was applied to the experimental data to understand which are the main factors affecting spectra variation across different samples. The score plots for the first three principal components show that the examined explosive materials can be clearly classified on the basis of their SERS spectra.
Land Suitability Analysis for Solar Farms Exploitation Using GIS and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP)—A Case Study of Iran
Authors: Noorollahi Ehsan , Fadai Dawud , Akbarpour Shirazi Mohsen , Ghodsipour Seyed
Published: August 2016

Considering the geographical location and climatic conditions of Iran, solar energy can provide a considerable portion of the energy demand for the country. This study develops a two-step framework. In the first step, the map of unsuitable regions is extracted based on the defined constraints. In the next step, in order to identify the suitability of different regions, 11 defined criteria, including solar radiation, average annual temperatures, distance from power transmission lines, distance from major roads, distance from residential area, elevation, slope, land use, average annual cloudy days, average annual humidity and average annual dusty days, are identified. The relative weights of defined criteria and sub-criteria are also determined applying fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) technique. Next, by overlaying these criteria layers, the final map of prioritization of different regions of Iran for exploiting solar photovoltaic (PV) plants is developed. Based on Iran’s political divisions, investigation and analysis of the results have been presented for a total of 1057 districts of the country, where each district stands in one of the five defined classes of excellent, good, fair, low, and poor level. The obtained data indicate that 14.7% (237,920 km2), 17.2% (278,270 km2), 19.2% (311,767 km2), 11.3% (183,057 km2), 1.8% (30,549 km2) and 35.8% (580,264 km2) of Iran’s area are positioned as excellent, good, fair, low, poor and unsuitable areas, respectively. Moreover, Kerman, Yazd, Fars, Sisitan and Baluchestan, Southern Khorasan and Isfahan are included in the regions as the most excellent suitable provinces for exploiting solar PV plants.
Analysis and Modelling of Taste and Odour Events in a Shallow Subtropical Reservoir
Authors: Bertone Edoardo , O’Halloran Kelvin
Published: August 2016

Understanding and predicting Taste and Odour events is as difficult as critical for drinking water treatment plants. Following a number of events in recent years, a comprehensive statistical analysis of data from Lake Tingalpa (Queensland, Australia) was conducted. Historical manual sampling data, as well as data remotely collected by a vertical profiler, were collected; regression analysis and self-organising maps were the used to determine correlations between Taste and Odour compounds and potential input variables. Results showed that the predominant Taste and Odour compound was geosmin. Although one of the main predictors was the occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms, it was noticed that the cyanobacteria species was also critical. Additionally, water temperature, reservoir volume and oxidised nitrogen availability, were key inputs determining the occurrence and magnitude of the geosmin peak events. Based on the results of the statistical analysis, a predictive regression model was developed to provide indications on the potential occurrence, and magnitude, of peaks in geosmin concentration. Additionally, it was found that the blue green algae probe of the lake’s vertical profiler has the potential to be used as one of the inputs for an automated geosmin early warning system.
The Relationship between Pain Beliefs and Physical and Mental Health Outcome Measures in Chronic Low Back Pain: Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Baird Andrew , Sheffield David
Published: August 2016

Low back pain remains a major health problem with huge societal cost. Biomedical models fail to explain the disability seen in response to reported back pain and therefore patients’ beliefs, cognitions and related behaviours have become a focus for both research and practice. This study used the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire and had two aims: To examine the extent to which pain beliefs are related to disability, anxiety and depression; and to assess whether those relationships are mediated by pain self-efficacy and locus of control. In a sample of 341 chronic low back pain patients, organic and psychological pain beliefs were related to disability, anxiety and depression. However, organic pain beliefs were more strongly related to disability and depression than psychological pain beliefs. Regression analyses revealed that these relationships were in part independent of pain self-efficacy and locus of control. Further, mediation analyses revealed indirect pathways involving self-efficacy and, to a lesser extent chance locus of control, between organic pain beliefs, on the one hand, and disability, anxiety and depression, on the other. In contrast, psychological pain beliefs were only directly related to disability, anxiety and depression. Although longitudinal data are needed to corroborate our findings, this study illustrates the importance of beliefs about the nature of pain and beliefs in one’s ability to cope with pain in determining both physical and mental health outcomes in chronic low back pain patients.