bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Flexural Properties of Reinforced Spontaneous Combustion Gangue Concrete Beams
Authors: Li Gaonian , Wang Baomin , Zhou Mei
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the flexural properties of three kinds of reinforced spontaneous combustion gangue concrete (RSCG) beams and one group of reinforced normal concrete (RNC) beam are investigated experimentally by comparison. Three kinds of RSCG beams are constructed with 100% spontaneous combustion gangue fine aggregate, coarse aggregate or both of them and one group conventional concrete beam is constructed with natural aggregates. Effects of different combinations of aggregates on flexural properties of reinforced concrete structural elements are studied under the same conditions, including longitudinal reinforcement ratio, concrete strength grade and section size of member. The experimental cracking moment, ultimate moment and deflection under normal service state of the beams are analyzed according to theories and methods of the present code to evaluate the applicability of present code for RSCG beams. In addition, through ANSYS finite element simulation, flexural properties of the RSCG beams are analyzed. And comparing experimental results with calculated and simulated results, respectively. The results show that flexural features of RSCG beams are similar with RNC beams, and flexural property formulas for conventional concrete beams are also suitable for RSCG beams. Furthermore, simulating results also agree well with test results. It is feasible to use spontaneous combustion gangue aggregate in reinforced concrete structures under the proper design as well as within the proper limit of application.
Impact of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for developing severe health complications in Bangladeshi population
Authors: Ahmed Shabbir , Ahmed Tasnim , Sharmin Tarana , Quddus Sharif Mohammad Ruhul
Published: August 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the deadliest disease in Bangladesh as its complications are enormous and life threatening. This study demonstrates the prevalence of the complications of type 2 diabetes among the population of Bangladesh. Data of 1000 subjects admitted into BIRDEM General Hospital from May 2015 to April 2016 were taken into consideration. Significantly, it was found that 89% patients had fasting blood glucose (FBG) level greater than 7 mmol/l and 70.8% patients had glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level greater than 8%. As a consequence, the total population were affected by diverse health complications including lung, liver, cardiovascular, kidney, brain, oral, eye, thyroid, hearing, skin, and so on. Males and females were suffered from these complications without biasedness.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 152-157
Characterization of bacterial pathogens from egg shell, egg yolk, feed and air samples of poultry houses
Authors: Parveen Arufa , Rahman Md Mostafizer , Fakhruzzaman Md , Akter Mir Rowshan , Islam Md Shofiqul
Published: August 2017

This study was selected to find out the bacterial pathogens in egg yolk, egg shell, feed and air samples of poultry houses at Dinajpur district in Bangladesh with isolation, identification and characterization of bacterial pathogens present in those samples. For this study, a total of 147 samples comprising egg shell (36), egg yolk (36), feed (45) and air (30) were collected during the period from January to May, 2012 and the collected samples were then examined for the bacteriological study by using cultural, morphological and biochemical techniques. On the basis of their cultural, morphological and biochemical properties the isolated organisms were identified as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella serovars and Bacillus spp. In this study it was observed that out of 147 samples a total of 51 were identified as bacterial pathogens in which egg shell containing 10 (27.78%), egg yolk 11 (30.56%), feed 20 (44.44%) and air 10 (33.33%) respectively. In this study it was also observed that the highest prevalence of bacterial pathogens in feed samples (44.44%) in comparison with egg shell (27.78%), egg yolk (30.56%) and air samples (33.33%). In this study it was demonstrated that out of four (04) pathogens Escherichia coli was more abundant (39.21%) in the layer house and its environment in comparison with Staphylococcus spp. (25.49%), Salmonella (23.52%) and Bacillus spp. (11.76%) respectively.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 168-174
Effect of different soil types on growth and production of Napier-4 at the Regional Station of BLRI
Authors: Islam Mohammed Sirajul , Sarker Nathu Ram , Habib MA , Ali Md Yousuf , Yeasmin Tahera
Published: August 2017

A comparative agronomical trial was conducted to know the effect of two different soil types on growth and production performance of BLRI Napier-4 fodder production at BLRI regional station, Baghabari, Shahzadpur, Sirajganj. Soil components are the determinant factors for growing any crops or fodders. Soil samples from sandy soil and normal soil (loamy) were analazed for soil pH, nitrogen, organic matter, salinity, Ca, K, S, Zn, Pb, Co, Mg, Fe etc. at the Central Laboratory of Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Dhaka. Data were recorded on plant height, stem length, leaf length, number of leaf per stem, number of till per hill, yield per hill and total biomass yield per plot. Plant height, stem length and leaf length produced in normal soil were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those produced in sandy soil. Irrespective of soil type, the plant height, stem length, leaf length, yield per hill and biomass yield per plot produced in second harvest were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those produced in first harvest. But, number of leaf per stem and number of till per hill did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between two cuttings. It can be concluded from the present findings that BLRI Napier-4 cultivar may be produced in the sandy soil.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 182-185
Identification of possible causes of repeat breeding in dairy cows at Baghabari milk shed areas, Sirajgonj, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammed Sirajul , Deb GK , Nurunnahar Talukder , Ershaduzzaman Md , Habib MA , Ali Md Yousuf , Kabir Md Humayun , Yousuf Md Abu , Afroz Most Farhana , Yeasmin Tahera
Published: August 2017

The present study was conducted at milk pocket areas Sahjadpur Upazila under Sirajgonj district and Shathia and Bera Upazila under the Pabna district, respectively. A total number of one hundred ninety (190) dairy farmers were surveyed randomly selecting twenty farmers from each village. All data collected were statistically analyzed using Univariate General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SPSS computer program. Lack of balanced feed was the highest cause of repeat breeding claimed by about sixty (60%) percent farmers in this study. The highest incidence of RB was obtained in Local´Holstein Friesian crosses (69%) and lowest in Local´Sahiwal crosses (8%). From the study of present findings; it can be concluded that genotype, nutrient of feed, quality of semen, frequency of insemination and reproductive problems are the main possible causes for RB in the studied areas.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 186-190
Effect of dietary supplementation of ginger extract on growth, carcass characteristics and haematological parameters in broilers
Authors: Talukder Sudipta , Hasan Md Mehedi , Noman Zakaria Al , Sarker Yousuf Ali , Paul Torun Kumar , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan
Published: August 2017

This study evaluated the effect of ginger on the growth performance, carcass quality of broiler chickens. 20 broiler chickens were randomly selected into two treatment groups identified as T1 and T2 with a positive control and a negative control group. Each treatment contained with five birds. Birds on T1 were treated with 1% ginger extract and T2 was treated with 2% ginger extract via drinking water. Significant variations (p<0.05) existed between the control and other treatments in mean final body weight, dressed weight, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. At the end of experiment (35th day) for 1% ginger extraction treatment the live body weight is 1746gm (p<0.05), dressing weight 1106.4 (p<0.05) and FCR is 1.67(p<0.05). The usage of the test ingredients had a significant effect (p<0.05) on dressing percentage. Supplementation of ginger improves the performance of broilers when added at the rate of 1% of broiler ration and can be a possible alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in the feeding of broiler chicken.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 211-215
Evaluation of Topicure® Plus spray on sheep infested with Myiasis
Authors: Selvam Ramasamy , Suresh Subramaniyam , Prashanth DSouza
Published: August 2017

The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of polyherbal aerosol spray - Topicure® Plus against maggot infested wounds in sheep. Two sheep presented at Vellore Veterinary Dispensary with a history of maggot infested wound were selected. Based on the severity of wound, antibiotics (Ampicillin - 10 mg/kg body weight) and NSAIDs (Meloxicam - 0.5 mg/kg body weight on 1st day) were administered. The site of wound was clipped off the hair and cleaned with sterile saline solution and wiped with dry sterile cotton on first day of the treatment. Then Topicure® Plus was sprayed in sufficient quantities to cover the entire wound twice daily till complete healing of wound occurs. When Topicure® Plus spray was administered concurrent local treatment with other fly repellents/maggoticidal agents was not followed. Wound was observed for the changes in swelling, discharge, granulation tissue and wound healing process following the treatment till complete recovery. Similarly, fly repellent activity and duration, maggot repellent property, activity level and product satisfaction score were also recorded. The results indicate that Topicure® Plus had ensured faster wound healing (within 8 days) which is evident through reduction in pain, swelling, discharge and granulation tissue score along with superior fly repellent activity and duration, maggot repellent property. Therefore, it appears from the present study that treatment of myiasis wound with Topicure® Plus spray along with antibiotic regime was the most effective in field conditions as it avoids the day to day manual removal of maggots and induces the faster wound healing.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 216-220
Monitoring vaginal electrical impedance in crossbred cows during post-partum period
Authors: Malakar Subrota , Juyena Nasrin Sultana , Paul Sattwikesh , Hasan Mohammad Mahmudul , Bhattacharjee Jayonta , Mollah Habibur Rahman , Islam Mohammad Rashedul
Published: August 2017

Efficient and accurate detection of estrus and correct time of artificial insemination are essential for sustainable dairy farms. Therefore, this study was carried out to monitor oestrus by observing vaginal electrical impedance (VEI) in post-partum cows. Eighteen cows with 19-139 post-partum days were included for this study. Daily VEI values were measured with heat detector®. Lower vaginal electrical resistance (VER) values were recorded during oestrus. VER of 210-240 ? might be indicative for oestrus in cows. The day difference between two successive lower values or higher values in VER waves ranged from 18 to 22 days in cows which might indicates the oestrous cycle length. Marked variation existed between VER values of two successive peaks in pregnant and non-pregnant cows, and increased (P < 0.05) VER values were observed in 2nd peak in pregnant cows. VER of 320-370 ? at 19-22 days after AI could be considered for early pregnancy. The study suggests that the measurement of vaginal impedance could serve as an indicator of the oestrus in cows and daily impedance measurements are necessary to confirm the stages of the estrous cycle, correct time of AI and early pregnancy.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 221-225
A Comparison of Orally Administered Misoprostol With Vaginally Administered Misoprostol For Cervical Ripening And Labour Induction
Authors: Siddique Sohana , Howlader Muhammad Jahangir , Saha Joysree , Begum Kazi Shahnaz
Published: August 2017

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol over vaginal misoprostol for labour induction.Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional interventional hospital based comparative study which was carried in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in DMCH from 01.07.2008 to 31.12.2008.Results: Almost equal number of patients delivered vaginally spontaneously in both group, there is no association between route of administration and mode of delivery. Nausea,vomiting occurred more in oral group and uterine hypertonicity more in vaginal group.Conclusion: In this study, 50 patients were randomly selected for oral group and 50 patients for vaginal group. There were no significant differences regarding age, duration of pregnancy, Bishop's score and indication of induction of labour.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 668-672
Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus In Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah Akhtar , Hossain Shakhaowat , Aktar Babul , Juyee Nusrat Akhtar , Hasan SM Ali
Published: August 2017

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. To combat the challenge of life threatening MRSA remains a primary focus of most hospital infection control programs6. This study is undertaken in Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College Hospital to identify the MRSA for determination of its prevalence and is considered a component of an infection control program in many countries5.Methods: Three hundred seventy hospitalized patients of surgery and medicine departments were studied during 2015. Clinical information of the patients and their pus, wound swab, sputum, throat swab and CSF were cultured.Results: Out of 370 patients, pus and wound swab of 217 (59%) had wound infection, sputum and throat swab of 141 had respiratory tract infection (38%) and CSF of 12 (3.2%) had meningitis were aseptically collected and cultured. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in 51% cases and out of them MRSA was identified in 72 (73%) cases. MRSA isolated in 50% cases of meningitis, 49% cases of respiratory tract infection and 29% cases of wound infection.Conclusion: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus appeared as a common cause of major illness and death and impose serious economic costs on patients and hospitals of our area like other developing countries. Detection of MRSA was associated with more severe clinical presentation.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 673-677
Food Consumption And Energy Intake In Rural Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Ansari Md Mostaque Hossain , Biswas Sailendra Nath , Ali Md Zulfikar
Published: August 2017

Background: Food supply at national level is satisfactory in Bangladesh though per capita energy intake and diversity of food are important concerns with food security in rural areas. Objectives: This nutritional survey was carried out to observe the food diversity at household level and to estimate per capita energy intake in rural areas for assessing the existing situation.Methodology: A total 648 households were surveyed in three villages selected by cluster sampling technique. Informations were collected on the basis of 24 hours' recall of respondents about the food items and the amount consumed at the household on the previous day and eating occasions by structured partially close ended questionnaire.Results: Food diversity was on the 'Border line' (3-6 score) at 65.28% of the household. Rice and oil were consumed at every house but per capita intake of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables were 64.67, 62.07, 20.11 and 57.78 gram respectively where those were consumed. Per capita food energy intake per day was 2695 kcal from 150.45 gram (616.85 k cal) of protein, 397.50 gram (1590.01 k cal) of carbohydrate and 52.49 gram (488.13 k cal) of fat from all sources giving 22.89%, 59.00 % and 18.11% of the dietary energy respectively.Interpretation & Conclusion: Diversity of foods and consumption of animal protein, vegetables and fruits intake were lower in amount.Recommendation: Recommendation was made to initiate health education program for inclusion of varieties of food and increase daily consumption of animal protein, fruits and vegetables.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 687-690
Analysis of Prescription Pattern Among Private Practitioners of Rajshahi Metropolitan City
Authors: Jahan Begum Rudaba , Habib Md Anwar , Ahmed Nazimuddin
Published: August 2017

Background: Now a days our country has improved remarkably in all sectors of health care facilities. But still patients compliance is poor. Though the private practitioners claim higher fees, their practice in writing prescription is controversial. Therefore the present study was designed to evaluate the traditional prescriptions done by registered medical practitioners with that of standard prescription models.Methodology: A cross sectional type of descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the prescribing pattern of the different category of private practitioners practicing within Rajshahi Metropolitan area from 1st November, 2014 to 1st April, 2015. The study was conducted by focusing on the practitioners' prescription layout or mechanics of prescription order writing and the prescribing indicator part of the WHO core drug use indicators. After completion of collection, all the data were coded as well as analyzed by SPSS version 17.Results: Data were collected from 300 patients, 3 patients from each practitioner. Within the superscription part, gender and weight of patients were mentioned only in 1% and 12% of the prescriptions, subscription or direction to the pharmacists was not present even in a single prescription. Follow up advices were found only in 30% of prescriptions and registration numbers of the physicians were mentioned only in 15% of the prescriptions. According to the prescribing indicator, the average number of drugs per encounter was 4.38 and 0% drugs were prescribed by generic name. 13.3% of encounters were with an injection prescribed, only 29.05% drugs were prescribed from EDL (Essential Drug List) of Bangladesh.Conclusion: Standard prescription prescribed by the practitioners was not satisfactory. So the private practitioners should be more aware about the writing of prescriptions in a proper way.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 691-696
Glycemic Status During Acute Coronary Syndrome of Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Rahman Md Zillur , Nahar Nazmun , Hoque Md Azizul , Rahman Md Moksedur , Islam Md Daharul , Khatun Monowara , Ekram ARM Saifuddin
Published: August 2017

The risk of diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease is high among South-Asian population. In this study, our objective was to measure blood glucose level during acute coronary syndrome of previously known nondiabetic patients that will give the information about the frequency of acute hyperglycemia in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among Bangladeshi population. It is an observational cross sectional study performed in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). A total of 248 non-diabetic subjects with ACS got admitted into hospital. Fasting blood glucose (FBS) and standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT ) within 3 days of ACS were done. This study was done to find out glucose abnormalities among ACS patients. Out of 248 study population, 135 (54.44%) had glucose abnormalities. Male was 87.10% (216). Among male, IGT (prediabetic) was 31.94% (69) and diabetic 24.54% (53). Mean age (±SD) of our study population was 51.71±11.84 years. Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) was found in 45.6% (113) cases, IGT (prediabetic) and diabetic were detected among 30.6% (76) and 23.8% (59) cases respectively. Non-diabetic Bangladeshi patients showed a high prevalence of hyperglycemia in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We should create awareness about a new risk factor- acute hyperglycemia during acute coronary syndrome and take appropriate and effective measures to reduce morbidity as well as mortality as a consequence of acute hyperglycemia during ACS with or without diabetes.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 697-699
Frequency and Pattern of Malignant Lesions of Skin
Authors: Razzaque Md Abdur , Bhattacharjee Avisak , Bhattacharjee Urmi , Bhuiyan Mohammad Asif Ekram , Hasan Rashidul , Ahmed Reza , Russell Md , Shakil Md Toha
Published: August 2017

Malignant skin lesions can be widely categorized as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer represents approximately two to four percent of all cancers in Asians. One in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer and one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of different malignant skin lesions in our situation.Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study that was conducted in Surgery, Dermatology, Oncology & Plastic Surgery department of KYAMCH, Sirajgonj from January 2015 to June 2015. Total 60 patients were selected by purposive sampling as a diagnosed case of malignant skin lesion. The data were collected by the active participation of the patients' interviewed by the preformed proforma of data collection sheet and then data were gathered, decorated, tabulated after data cleaning and edition. Then the results were found and they were tested by chi-square test (qualitative data) to see their level of significance i,e p-value which was set as the cut off level at <0.05. So if p-value is >0.05 the results are not significant.Results: The data analysis of 60 patients yielded the following results. Malignant skin lesions were commonly found in the elderly age group (>60yrs) 38.33%. Majority of them had non-melanocytic cancer (56.67%). Mean age of the male respondent was 58.79±6.54 and female respondent was 55.20 6.29 years. Maximum patients were male 66.67%. The male to female ratio was 2:1. According to anatomical site head-neck (52.94%) is the commonest site for non-melanocytic carcinoma whereas lower limb is the commonest site for malignant melanoma (69.23%).Conclusion: Malignant skin lesions were commonly present as melanoma and non-melanocytic carcinoma where man were more affected due to sunlight exposure and non-melanocytic lesions were more than malignant melanoma. Elderly age group are commonly affected. Head-neck is the commonest site for non-melanocytic lesions and lower limb is the commonest site for malignant melanoma. All cases seek initial medical attention commonly in advanced stage.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 700-706
Zika Virus: A Clinical Review
Authors: Islam Md Daharul , Rahman SM Tajdit , Akhter Khaleda , Hoque Md Azizul , Roy Anannya , Tarannum Adiba
Published: August 2017

Zika virus is a flavivirus related to Dengue virus, yellow fever virus and West Nile virus. It is considered an emerging arbovirus transmitted by mosquito of the genus Aedes. Its first description took place in 1947 in the Zika Forest in Uganda, isolated on Rhesus monkey used as bait to study the yellow fever virus. Clinical picture is characterized as a 'dengue-like' syndrome, with abrupt onset of fever; and an early onset of evanescent rash, often pruritic. Occasionally the disease has been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The diagnosis can be performed by PCR or by IgG and IgM antibodies detection. No specific treatment or vaccine is available for Zika virus disease. Treatment is generally supportive. Control measures are same for dengue and chikungunya based mostly on health education and vector control.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 719-725
Struma Ovarii - A Case Report
Authors: Sarker Md Mahbur Rashid , Farooq Md Shamim
Published: August 2017

Struma ovarii (literally: goitre of the ovary) is a rare form of monodermal teratoma that contains mostly thyroid tissue. The vast majority are benign tumours; however, malignant tumours of this type is found in a small percentage of cases. It is most common between the ages of 40 and 60 years and accounts for approximately 5 percent of all ovarian teratomas. Here we present a case of left sided struma ovarii. This patient is a 39 years' woman from Bhobanipur, Rajbari, Bangladesh. She noticed bleeding per vagina, abdominal swelling and left pelvic region mass for few months. Clinical & imaging examination revealed ascites and left ovarian neoplastic lesion. After excision biopsy, histopathological examination was performed. Microscopically, it shows ovarian tissue but predominantly composed of mature thyroid tissue which are diagnostic key feature of struma ovarii.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-1, Jul 2016, Page 734-735
Daniel Albright and Panaestheticism: The Counterpointed, the CounterTextual, and the Contrapuntal in Olivier Messiaen and T. S. Eliot
Authors: Frendo Maria
Published: August 2017

This article looks at Daniel Albright's ideas on the integration, or otherwise, of the arts, specifically as presented in his book Panaesthetics (2014). Articulating a response to Jean-Luc Nancy's resonant question in The Muses, ‘Why are there several arts and not just one?’, Albright questions whether it is actually possible speak about ‘unity’ across the arts or whether ‘diversity’ remains what defines them. With that in view, the article looks at Olivier Messiaen's Harawi and T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets to discuss the countertextual and the contrapuntal, and how the poetic can there be observed in the musical and vice versa. In doing so, it also offers reflections on some implications for critical practice.
A Genealogy of the Prose Poem
Authors: Mengham Rod
Published: August 2017

This article looks at aspects of the genealogy of the prose poem. It does so by tracing correspondences, across a range of texts, in the ways by which characters and writers record themselves ‘profoundly sensible’ of an ‘awful parenthesis that had suspended them’, as De Quincey put it, in a place and in a moment of time. The experience of insulation, sequestration, and deep recesses, and then the looping together of ideas of suspension, trance, and syncope are witnessed at work in texts by Dickens, De Quincey, Baudelaire, Henry Mayhew, and Tim Dee, with patterns of influence or similarity discerned therein that are all suggestive of the prose poem's dynamics of containment and extension. Reference is made to representations of this involving both city and field, and to the poetic styles, including parallelism, that work to evoke encroaching and receding horizons.
Tabularity: Poetic Structure in Shelley, Agamben, Badiou, and Husserl
Authors: Watkin William
Published: August 2017

The recent history of the intense relationship between philosophy and poetry has concentrated on the poiesis of poetic language. Poiesis is the truth-revealing nature of poetic materiality and linguistic singularity. The ‘truth’ it reveals is that truth itself, as expressed by philosophy, is under erasure in a manner that cannot be expressed philosophically, and so must instead be performed poetically. At the same time, however, what has been neglected is the manner by which material poiesis, for example lineation, is located within a wider poetic structure. If a poem disrupts what Badiou calls dianoia, at the local or linear level, it constructs meanings at the ‘global’ level in the form of its structure. So that while poems may be gifted with truth-revealing poiesis, they are also dominated by truth-developing structures. So far a philosophical interaction with these structures is lacking. This article will consider the philosophical nature of a poem's structure as a means of generating local and global poetic meanings through a development of what will be called poetry's tabularity. Using Shelley's ‘Ode to the West Wind’, it will consider the work of Agamben, Badiou, and Husserl in relation to how meaning is generated across the poetic, two-dimensional, or tabular field.
Reduction of Bias and Light Instability of Mixed Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Mativenga Mallory , Um Jae , Jang Jin
Published: August 2017

Despite their potential use as pixel-switching elements in displays, the bias and light instability of mixed oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors (TFTs) still limit their application to commercial products. Lack of reproducible results due to the sensitivity of the mixed oxides to air exposure and chemical contamination during or after fabrication hinders any progress towards the achievement of stable performance. Consequently, one finds in literature several theories and mechanisms, all justified, but most of them conflict despite being on the same subject matter. In this study, we show that under an optimized fabrication process, which involves the in situ passivation of a mixed oxide semiconductor, we can reduce the bias and light instability of the mixed-oxide semiconductor TFTs by decreasing the semiconductor thickness. We achieve a negligible threshold voltage shift under negative bias combined with light illumination stress when the mixed oxide semiconductor thickness is around three nanometers. The improvement of stability in the thin mixed-oxide semiconductor TFTs is due to a reduced number of oxygen-vacancy defects in the bulk of the semiconductor, as their total number decreases with decreasing thickness. Under the optimized fabrication process, bulk, rather than interfacial defects, thus seem to be the main source of the bias and light instability in mixed oxide TFTs.
Does Growing up in Urban Compared to Rural Areas Shape Primary Emotional Traits?
Authors: Sindermann Cornelia , Kendrick Keith , Becker Benjamin , Li Mei , Li Shijia , Montag Christian
Published: August 2017

Growing up in urban areas represents a possible risk factor in the genesis of psychopathologies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the link between urbanicity variables and indicators for psychiatric disorders. We investigated a potential association between primary emotional traits and urbanicity variables in 324 individuals from Germany and 713 individuals from China. Higher scores in the urbanicity index in childhood were inversely associated with FEAR and SADNESS only in adult Chinese females. These effects seemed to be driven by living in Chinese mega-cities, because a parallel sample from Germany and China (contrasting upbringing in cities with the categories <10,000 inhabitants, ≥10,000 inhabitants (but <100,000), and ≥100,000 inhabitants) resulted in weaker, but more similar effects in females in both countries. Additional associations could be observed with higher PLAY and urban upbringing in Chinese males. The results seem surprising, given an expectation of adverse emotional effects from growing up in todays’ mega-cities compared to rural areas. Although we do not want to over-interpret our findings (given rather small correlations and multiple testing issues), they should encourage researchers to consider including urbanicity variables in personality neuroscience and personality oriented clinical psychiatric research.
Sleep Disorders in a Sample of Adopted Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rajaprakash Meghna , Kerr Elizabeth , Friedlander Benita , Weiss Shelly
Published: August 2017

Sleep disorders occur in up to 25% of children and are more prevalent in children who have attention problems and attachment issues. Research shows that foster children display sleep problems, but limited knowledge exists on sleep problems in adopted children. This pilot study aimed to identify the types of sleep disorders in adopted children and associated psychosocial factors. Parents of adopted children in Ontario, Canada, ages 2–10 years were asked to complete questionnaires evaluating demographic measures, sleep history, and the presence of behavioral problems. Insomnias and parasomnias were reported in adopted children and were associated with attention problems. This pilot study emphasizes the need for further research on the underlying factors governing the relationship between poor sleep and behavioral problems in adopted children.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for Numerical Modeling of the Nucleating Flow in Laval Nozzle and Transonic Steam Turbine Blades
Authors: Yousefi Rad Edris , Mahpeykar Mohammad
Published: August 2017

In the present research, considering the importance of desirable steam turbine design, improvement of numerical modeling of steam two-phase flows in convergent and divergent channels and the blades of transonic steam turbines has been targeted. The first novelty of this research is the innovative use of combined Convective Upstream Pressure Splitting (CUSP) and scalar methods to update the flow properties at each calculation point. In other words, each property (density, temperature, pressure and velocity) at each calculation point can be computed from either the CUSP or scalar method, depending on the least deviation criterion. For this reason this innovative method is named “hybrid method”. The next novelty of this research is the use of an inverse method alongside the proposed hybrid method to find the amount of the important parameter z in the CUSP method, which is herein referred to as “CUSP’s convergence parameter”. Using a relatively simple computational grid, firstly, five cases with similar conditions to those of the main cases under study in this research with available experimental data were used to obtain the value of z by the Levenberg-Marquardt inverse method. With this innovation, first, an optimum value of z = 2.667 was obtained using the inverse method and then directly used for the main cases considered in the research. Given that the aim is to investigate the two-dimensional, steady state, inviscid and adiabatic modeling of steam nucleating flows in three different nozzle and turbine blade geometries, flow simulation was performed using a relatively simple mesh and the innovative proposed hybrid method (scalar + CUSP, with the desired value of z = 2.667 ). A comparison between the results of the hybrid modeling of the three main cases with experimental data showed a very good agreement, even within shock zones, including the condensation shock region, revealing the efficiency of this numerical modeling method innovation. The main factor in improving the aforementioned results was found to be a reduction of the numerical errors by up to 70% in comparison to conventional methods (scalar, Jameson original), so that the mass flow rate is well conserved, thereby proving better satisfaction of the conservation laws. It should be noted that by using this innovative hybrid method, one can take advantages of both central difference scheme and upstream scheme (scalar and CUSP, respectively) at the same time in simulating complex flows in any other finite volume scheme.
A Real-Time SOSM Super-Twisting Technique for a Compound DC Motor Velocity Controller
Authors: Morfin Onofre , Castañeda Carlos , Valderrabano-Gonzalez Antonio , Hernandez-Gonzalez Miguel , Valenzuela Fredy
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a real-time robust closed-loop control scheme for controlling the velocity of a Direct Current (DC) motor in a compound connection is proposed. This scheme is based on the state-feedback linearization technique combined with a second-order sliding mode algorithm, named super-twisting, for stabilizing the system and achieving control goals. The control law is designed to track a periodic square reference signal, being one of the most severe tests applied to closed-loop systems. The DC motor drives a squirrel-cage induction generator which represents the load; this generator must work above the synchronous velocity to deliver the generated power towards the grid. A classical proportional-integral (PI) controller is designed for comparison purposes of the time-domain responses with the proposed second-order sliding mode (SOSM) super-twisting controller. This robust controller uses only a velocity sensor, as is the case of the PI controller, as the time derivative of the velocity tracking variable is estimated via a robust differentiator. Therefore, the measurements of field current and stator current, the signal from a load torque observer, and machine parameters are not necessary for the controller design. The validation and robustness test of the proposed controller is carried out experimentally in a laboratory, where the closed-loop system is subject to an external disturbance and a time-varying tracking signal. This test is performed in real time using a workbench consisting of a DC motor—Alternating Current (AC) generator group, a DC/AC electronic drive, and a dSPACE 1103 controller board.
Optimal Energy Management for Microgrids with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Generation, Energy Storages, and Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Zhang Guanglin , Cao Yu , Cao Yongsheng , Li Demin , Wang Lin
Published: August 2017

This paper studies an energy management problem for a typical grid-connected microgrid system that consists of renewable energy sources, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) co-generation, and energy storages to satisfy electricity and heat demand simultaneously. We formulate this problem into a stochastic non-convex optimization programming to achieve the minimum microgrid’s operating cost, which is difficult to solve due to its non-convexity and coupling feature of constraints. Existing approaches such as dynamic programming (DP) assume that all the system dynamics are known, which results in a high computational complexity and thus are not feasible in practice. The focus of this paper is on the design of a real-time energy management strategy for the optimal operation of microgrids with low computational complexity. Specifically, derived from a modified Lyapunov optimization technique, an online algorithm with random inputs (e.g., the charging/discharging of energy storage devices, power from the CHP system, the electricity from external power grid, and the renewables generation, etc.), which requires no statistic system information, is proposed. We provide an implementation of the proposed energy management algorithm and prove its optimality theoretically. Based on real-world data traces, extensive empirical evaluations are presented to verify the performance of our algorithm.
Forest Structure and Composition Affect Bats in a Tropical Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Authors: Willcox Emma , Giuliano William , Watine Lauren , Mills Daniel , Andreu Michael
Published: August 2017

The lack of knowledge regarding many aerial insectivorous bats and their relationships with forest characteristics limits conservation decision-making for tropical rainforests and for this important bat group. Therefore, our objective was to understand the effects of forest structure and composition on these bats in the Neotropical evergreen broadleaf forest of Belize, Central America. We conducted bat monitoring and quantified 51 forest characteristics at 24 locations in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve (CFR) from May–July 2014. Simple linear and backward stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between bat richness and activity and forest characteristics. Bat genus richness and total activity were directly related to overstory canopy depth and inversely related to ≤4 structural characteristics. Lasiurus, Myotis, Promops, and Pteronotus spp. were affected by ≤7 forest characteristics; the responses were explained by preferences for less-cluttered, open space for flying and foraging and species-specific food and cover requirements. However, bat richness and activity were often unaffected by forest structure and composition in the CFR, suggesting that at this taxonomic level, bats may not be very sensitive to variation in forest characteristics, may not be very useful indicators of alteration, and may have some tolerance for disturbance and change.
Natural Killer Cells: Angels and Devils for Immunotherapy
Authors: Martín-Antonio Beatriz , Suñe Guillermo , Perez-Amill Lorena , Castella Maria , Urbano-Ispizua Alvaro
Published: August 2017

In recent years, the relevance of the immune system to fight cancer has led to the development of immunotherapy, including the adoptive cell transfer of immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-modified T cells. The discovery of donor NK cells’ anti-tumor activity in acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) was the trigger to conduct many clinical trials infusing NK cells. Surprisingly, many of these studies did not obtain optimal results, suggesting that many different NK cell parameters combined with the best clinical protocol need to be optimized. Various parameters including the high array of activating receptors that NK cells have, the source of NK cells selected to treat patients, different cytotoxic mechanisms that NK cells activate depending on the target cell and tumor cell survival mechanisms need to be considered before choosing the best immunotherapeutic strategy using NK cells. In this review, we will discuss these parameters to help improve current strategies using NK cells in cancer therapy. Moreover, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, which has revolutionized the concept of immunotherapy, will be discussed in the context of NK cells. Lastly, the dark side of NK cells and their involvement in inflammation will also be discussed.
A Novel Application of Photogrammetry for Retaining Wall Assessment
Authors: Oats Renee , Escobar-Wolf Rudiger , Oommen Thomas
Published: August 2017

Retaining walls are critical geotechnical assets and their performance needs to be monitored in accordance to transportation asset management principles. Current practices for retaining wall monitoring consist mostly of qualitative approaches that provide limited engineering information or the methods include traditional geodetic surveying, which may provide high accuracy and reliability, but is costly and time-consuming. This study focuses on evaluating failure modes of a 2.43 m × 2.43 m retaining wall model using three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry as a cost-effective quantitative alternative for retaining wall monitoring. As a remote sensing technique, photogrammetry integrates images collected from a camera and creates a 3D model from the measured data points commonly referred to as a point cloud. The results from this photogrammetric approach were compared to ground control points surveyed with a total station. The analysis indicates that the accuracy of the displacement measurements between the traditional total station survey and photogrammetry were within 1–3 cm. The results are encouraging for the adoption of photogrammetry as a cost-effective monitoring tool for the observation of spatial changes and failure modes for retaining wall condition assessment.
Applying Principles of Uncertainty within Coastal Hazard Assessments to Better Support Coastal Adaptation
Authors: Stephens Scott , Bell Robert , Lawrence Judy
Published: August 2017

Coastal hazards result from erosion of the shore, or flooding of low-elevation land when storm surges combine with high tides and/or large waves. Future sea-level rise will greatly increase the frequency and depth of coastal flooding and will exacerbate erosion and raise groundwater levels, forcing vulnerable communities to adapt. Communities, local councils and infrastructure operators will need to decide when and how to adapt. The process of decision making using adaptive pathways approaches, is now being applied internationally to plan for adaptation over time by anticipating tipping points in the future when planning objectives are no longer being met. This process requires risk and uncertainty considerations to be transparent in the scenarios used in adaptive planning. We outline a framework for uncertainty identification and management within coastal hazard assessments. The framework provides a logical flow from the land use situation, to the related level of uncertainty as determined by the situation, to which hazard scenarios to model, to the complexity level of hazard modeling required, and to the possible decision type. Traditionally, coastal flood hazard maps show inundated areas only. We present enhanced maps of flooding depth and frequency which clearly show the degree of hazard exposure, where that exposure occurs, and how the exposure changes with sea-level rise, to better inform adaptive planning processes. The new uncertainty framework and mapping techniques can better inform identification of trigger points for adaptation pathways planning and their expected time range, compared to traditional coastal flooding hazard assessments.
Formation Mechanism of Spherical TiC in Ni-Ti-C System during Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Zhu Guoliang , Wang Wei , Wang Rui , Zhao Chuanbao , Pan Weitao , Huang Haijun , Du Dafan , Wang Donghong , Shu Da , Dong Anping , Sun Baode , Jiang Sheng , Pu Yilong
Published: August 2017

The formation mechanism of TiC particles in a Ni-Ti-C system were revealed by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), XRD, and SEM to identify the reaction products in different temperature ranges. The results indicated that the synthesis mechanism of TiC in Ni-Ti-C system was complex; several reactions were involved in the combustion synthesis of TiC-Ni composite. The Ni-Ti intermediate phases play important roles during the formation of TiC. Moreover, the influence of heating rate on the size range of TiC was also discussed.
Topics of Measure Theory on Infinite Dimensional Spaces
Authors: Velhinho José
Published: August 2017

This short review is devoted to measures on infinite dimensional spaces. We start by discussing product measures and projective techniques. Special attention is paid to measures on linear spaces, and in particular to Gaussian measures. Transformation properties of measures are considered, as well as fundamental results concerning the support of the measure.
The Effect of Pressure and Solvent on the Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Separation of Tocol Analogs in Palm Oil
Authors: Ng Mei , Kushairi Ahmad
Published: August 2017

There are six tocol analogs present in palm oil, namely α-tocopherol (α-T), α-tocomonoenol (α-T1), α-tocotrienol (α-T3), γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3), β-tocotrioenol (β-T3) and δ-tocotrienol (δ-T3). These analogs were difficult to separate chromatographically due to their similar structures, physical and chemical properties. This paper reports on the effect of pressure and injection solvent on the separation of the tocol analogs in palm oil. Supercritical CO2 modified with ethanol was used as the mobile phase. Both total elution time and resolution of the tocol analogs decreased with increased pressure. Ethanol as an injection solvent resulted in peak broadening of the analogs within the entire pressure range studied. Solvents with an eluent strength of 3.4 or less were more suitable for use as injecting solvents.
NO-Donor Iron Nitrosyl Complex with N-Ethylthiourea Ligand Exhibits Selective Toxicity to Glioma A172 Cells
Authors: Sanina Nataliya , Shmatko Natal’ya , Stupina Tatiyana , Balakina Anastasiya , Terent’ev Alexei
Published: August 2017

We studied effects of NO-donor iron nitrosyl complex with N-ethylthiourea ligand (ETM) on normal or tumor-derived cell lines. ETM was mildly toxic to most cell lines studied except the human glioma cell line A172 that proved to be highly sensitive to the complex and underwent cell death after ETM exposure. The high susceptibility of A172 cells to ETM was attributed to its NO-donor properties since no toxicity was detected for the N-ethylthiourea ligand.