bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poultry Manure with Inorganic Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Mia MA Baset , Akter Sanjida , Molla AH , Rahman GKM Mustafizur
Published: March 2016

An experiment was conducted at the research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in 2004 to investigate the effect of poultry manure along with inorganic N-fertilizer on the nutrient uptake, growth and yield of onion. The onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Taherpuri was grown under six treatments viz. recommended dose of inorganic N (115 kg ha-1, 100% N), 75% of inorganic N + 5 t ha-1 poultry manure, 50% inorganic N + 10 t ha-1 poultry manure, 25% inorganic N + 15 t ha-1 poultry manure, 15 t ha-1 poultry manure and absolute control (without poultry manure and inorganic N). Plant height, total dry matter, single bulb weight, yield and nutrients uptake at different growth stages of onion varied significantly due to application of poultry manure and inorganic- N fertilizer. Among the treatments, the highest yield (10.1t ha-1) and yield attributes of onion were recorded under the application of 50% inorganic N with 10 t ha-1 of poultry manure, which was 14% higher compared to 100% inorganic-N fertilizer. The higher nutrient uptake viz. N, P and K was noted in plot where poultry manure was applied at 10 t ha-1 along with 50% inorganic-N. It is concluded that application of 10 t ha-1 poultry manure was enough to reduce 50% inorganic-N in onion cultivation.
Effect of Nitrogen and Molybdenum on Post Harvest Soil Characteristics and Economic Yield of Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
Authors: Hossain MK , Islam MS
Published: March 2016

A field experiment was carried out at the research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during December 2006 to February 2007 to study the effect of nitrogen and molybdenum on post harvest soil characteristics and economic yield of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The treatments consisted of 5 levels of N (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) designated and 3 levels of Mo (0, 0.5 and 1.0 kg ha-1). Urea and ammonium molybdate were used as the sources of nitrogen and molybdenum, respectively. The characteristics of the post harvest soils showed a marked variation in relation to soil pH, soil organic carbon, N, P, K and S content in the post harvest soil due to application of N and Mo. The highest organic carbon (0.60%) and total N (0.072%) was obtained from N120. The highest organic carbon (0.60%) and total N (0.068%) was obtained from Mo0.5. The maximum organic carbon was obtained (0.63%) from N120Mo0.5 treatment combination. The maximum total N was obtained (0.075%) from N160Mo0.5 treatment combination. The results of economic analysis showed that the highest net benefit of Tk.1,68,722.00 ha-1 was obtained in N120Mo0.5 treatment and the lowest net benefit of Tk.16,559.00 ha-1 was found in control.
Effect of Boron and Sowing Dates on the Nutrients Concentration and Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Islam MS , Jahiruddin J
Published: March 2016

The effect of boron and different dates of sowing on some wheat cultivars was studied at BAU farm during winter season of 2006-07. There were two boron treatments (0 and 1 kg B ha-1), three wheat cultivars (Prodip, Shatabdi and Sourav) and four sowing dates (18 November, 28 November, 08 December and 18 December, 2006). The experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design in the three replications. The grain samples were analyzed for N, P, K and B, while the straw samples were analyzed for P, K and B contents and uptake. Both N and B concentrations of grain were significantly increased by boron application.
Studies on the Absorption of Radiocalcium from Seawater in Three-line Grant (Parapristipoma trilineatum) in Relation to Dietary Calcium
Authors: Hossain M Amzad
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted to know the absorption of 45Ca from seawater in three-line grant in presence of dietary Ca. Juveniles of three-line grant were fed diets with calcium (Ca) supplement from Ca-lactate or without Ca supplement for 2 weeks, then exposed to seawater containing 45CaCl2. Overall 45Ca absorption from seawater was higher in this species. Absorption rate was rapid initially and become slow with the increase in exposure time. After 23 hours exposure, absorption of 45Ca was higher in fish fed a diet without Ca supplement compared those fed with Ca supplement. It was found that in threeline grant Ca absorption from seawater increased in cases where dietary Ca supplement was lacking. Therefore, dietary Ca supplementation may be dispensable for this species.
Effect of Potassium Permanganate on Physico-Chemical Changes and Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Azad M Ittefaqul , Mortuza M Golam , Nahar N Ahktar , Huq Shamina , Alam M Ashraful
Published: March 2016

Mango fruits (cv. Fazli and Khirsapat) were treated with 3 dosages (5, 10 and 20g) of Potassium permanganate (PP) and kept in sealed polythene bags at normal room temperature (28-33 °C). It was observed that PP had little effect on colour development in both the cultivars. All the treated fruits remained green upto 6 days of storage. All the treatments delayed ripening of mango fruits from 2.37 to 4.84 days as compared with untreated control. Fruits treated with 5g PP required longer time for ripening followed by 10 and 20g. The results indicated that PP had no effect on weight loss and was not able to improve appearance or eating quality of the fruits. Mango fruits stored in polyethylene bag showed lower TSS and sugar contents and subsequently possessed lower ratings for eating quality which cause less sweet and slightly bitter taste. The longest shelf life was noted in fruits treated with 20g followed by 10g and 5g PP although there were no significant differences among the treatments.
Infection Pattern of PVY and PLRV in Potato Tubers Obtained from Potato Plants Infected with Both the Viruses
Authors: Rahman MS , Akanda AM
Published: March 2016

Experiments were conducted to study the plant growth and tuber yield of the seed potato collected from PVY and PLRV infected plants. The seed potatoes were graded as under size (<28 mm), A grade ( 28-40 mm), B grade (41-55 mm) and over size (>55 mm) which were planted following RCBD in the field. Third generation seed potatoes of Diamant variety were used. The incidence of viruses was confirmed by DAS-ELISA. The incidence of PVY and PLRV was 100% in the plants raised from under size tubers. The lowest plant height, stem number/hill, tuber weight /hill was recorded in plants raised from under size tuber. It was observed that some of the plants raised from tubers A grade, B grade and oversize tubers remained virus free even when the tubers were collected from virus infected plants.
Effect of Planting Date and Gibberellic Acid on the Growth and Yield of Garlic
Authors: Islam MA , Reza MH , Kamal SMAHM , Wazed MA , Islam KM
Published: March 2016

An experiment was conducted with a local cultivar of garlic to study the effects of planting date and gibberellic acid on the growth and yield of garlic at the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2001 to April 2002. Early planting influenced the plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter and total dry matter. With the delay in planting time starting from November 7, the yield was chronologically reduced in later plantings. Significantly the highest bulb yield (2.67 t/ha) was recorded when planting was done on November 7 and lowest yield (0.92 t/ha) was obtained from December 22 planted crop. Bulb yield was higher in control plants than those of GA3 treated plants. The interaction effects of planting date and different concentrations of GA3 differed significantly in respect of plant height, number of leaves, bulb diameter and dry weight of roots, leaves and bulbs and yield of garlic.
Qualitative Analysis of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruits at Different Maturity Stages
Authors: Ittafaqul M , Mortuza M Golam , Al-Amin M , Naher MNA , Alam SM Khorshed
Published: March 2016

Some chemical compositions of mango harvested at 24, 18, 12, 6 days before optimum maturity and at optimum maturity were analyzed. The amount of ascorbic acid, ?-carotene and sugars of the harvested mangoes were significantly influenced by the stages of harvest and period of storage. Amount of ascorbic acid of the harvested mango fruits was the highest just after harvest. It was sharply declined with the elapse of time in storage. Fruits harvested before optimum maturity showed the highest amount of ascorbic acid, which decreased in delay of harvest. ?-carotene was quite low at harvest but rapidly increased in storage. Fruits harvested before optimum maturity showed minimum ?-carotene and it rapidly increased in late harvested fruits. Total sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were sharply increased at optimum ripe stage, while slightly declined at last edible stage. All the sugars were the lowest at earliest harvests, which increased gradually with delay in harvest.
Brinjal (Solanum melongena) Fruit Yield in Response to Urea Super Granule Application
Authors: Hussain MJ , Ali MY , Rahman MM , Quayyum MA , Choudhury DA
Published: March 2016

Experiments were conducted to assess the effects of USG on the number of branch and fruit production, fruit length, weight and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena: cv Shingnath), compared to prilled urea as N source. The study was conducted at farming systems research and development site, Palima, Tangail district under AEZ 8 of Bangladesh during 2000, 2001 and 2002 using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments replicated 6 times. The treatments were T1= N78P36K66S17CD3t (Recommended dose for high yield goal (HYG), N as prilled urea), T2= N78P36K66S17CD3t (Recommended dose for HYG, N as USG), T3= N65P36K66S17CD3t (N 10%< Recommended dose as USG), T4= N52P36K66S17CD3t (N 20%<Recommended dose as USG) and T5 = N60P35K60S0CD5t (Farmers dose, N as Prilled urea). USG had significant (P?0.05) effect on the brinjal fruit yield giving higher profits. Thus USG as N78P36K66S17CD3t was beneficial for brinjal cultivation in terms of yield and economics.
Job Satisfaction of the SAAOs Working in Coastal Area of Bangladesh: A Case Study of Patuakhali District
Authors: Uddin ME
Published: March 2016

The study assessed different motivating and hygiene factors and determined the level of job satisfaction of the Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officers (SAAOs) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). Among 172 SAAOs in Patuakhali district, 58 per cent (90) were selected randomly as sample of the study. The findings show that scope of self growth, achievements in job and chance of promotion or advancement were rated the most three important motivators for bringing job satisfaction of the SAAOs. At the same time, salary, job status and job facilities were also identified as the most three important hygiene factors. Majority (81.1%) of the SAAOs had moderate satisfaction in performing their job, while 8.9 per cent of them had poor satisfaction and only 10 per cent SAAOs had high level satisfaction to their job. Out of eight selected characteristics of the SAAOs, education and problem confrontation had negative significant relationship with job satisfaction, while job facilities and job authority of the SAAOs had a positive significant relationship with their job satisfaction.
Attitude of Coastal Rural Youths Towards Some Selected Modern Livestock Technologies
Authors: Rashid MU , Uddin ME
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted to determine the attitude of the coastal rural youth towards some selected modern livestock technologies. Data were collected from randomly selected 91 youths of Patuakhali district using a structured interview schedule during 15 May to 31 May 2007. Coastal rural youths attitude towards some selected livestock technologies was the dependent variable of the study. Ten selected individual characteristics of the respondents namely, age, education, family size, family farm size, family annual income, aspiration, innovativeness, extension media contact, agricultural knowledge and time spent in agricultural activities were considered as the independent variables of the study. Majority of the coastal rural youth (49.4 percent) had moderately favourable attitude, while 28.6 per cent had less favourable and 22 per cent had highly favourable attitude to modern livestock technologies. Among the ten selected independent variables aspiration, extension medial contact and agricultural knowledge had positive significant relationship with coastal youths attitude towards some selected livestock technologies.
Maize Production and Soil Properties Change in Alley Cropping System at Different Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Rahman Md Abiar , Miah Md Giashuddin , Yahata Hisashi
Published: March 2016

Productivity of maize and soil properties change under alley cropping system consisting of four woody species (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Cajanus cajan and Senna siamea) at different nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended rate) were studied in the floodplain ecosystem of Bangladesh. Comparative growth performance of four woody species after pruning showed that L. leucocephala attained the highest height, while C. cajan produced the maximum number of branches. Higher and almost similar amount of pruned materials (PM) were obtained from S. siamea, G. sepium and C. cajan species. In general, maize yield increased with the increase in N level irrespective of added PM. However, 100% N plus PM, 75% N plus PM and 100% N without PM (control) produced similar yields. The grain yield of maize obtained from G. sepium alley was 2.82, 4.13 and 5.81% higher over those of L. leucocephala, C. cajan and S. siamea, respectively. Across the alley, only one row of maize in the vicinity of the woody species was affected significantly. There was an increasing trend in soil properties in terms of organic C, total N and CEC in alley cropping treatments especially in G. sepium and L. leucocephala alleys compared to the initial and control soils. Therefore, one fourth chemical N fertilizer can be saved without significant yield loss in maize production in alley cropping system.
Identification, Prevalence and Use of Medicinal Plants in Fulbaria Upazila of Mymensingh District
Authors: Rashid MU , Eakram MS
Published: March 2016

A study was carried out in Fulbaria Upazila under Mymensingh district covering 70 homesteads from three unions namely, Kaladaha, Enayetpur and Achim-patuli. Data were collected using interview schedule during 23 February to 10 April 2004. To identify the medicinal plants and their uses, a total of 30 medicinal plant species were recorded from the study area. The most prevalent species were Bashok (Adhatoda vasica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Nishinda (Vitex negundo), Akonda (Calotropic gigantea) Pitraj (Amoora rohituka), Shialmutra (Blumea lacera), Apang (Achyranthes aspera) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). The highest proportion (48.57%) of the respondents reported about moderate use while 31.43 and 20.0% opined high and low use of medicinal plants, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that among the selected characteristics of the farmers such as age, education, farm size, organizational participation, benefits received from medicinal plants, environmental awareness and knowledge about medicinal plants had significant relationship with the use of medicinal plants.
INVESTIGATION OF AVERAGE DAILY WATER CONSUMPTIONAND ITS IMPACT ON WEIGHT GAIN IN CAPTIVE COMMON BUZZARDS (BUTEO BUTEO)
Authors: Okoli CP , Aiyedun JO , Oludairo OO
Published: March 2016

This investigation was to find out whether captive common buzzards need additional drinking water to complement the water they obtain from their pre-slaughtered meat meals and to investigate their average daily water requirements. Twenty five (25) common buzzards were studied at the wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre Aegina, Greece with weight ranging between 498.4g and 911g. Large quantity of potable water was measured equally into same size ceramic bowls and served each bird under study in separate individual paper boxes. At the end of 24 hours, the left over water was carefully brought out and re-measured to determine the quantity the birds have consumed. A control was set with a ceramic bowl with same quantity of water put in a paper box without a bird to determine the quantity of water lost to the atmosphere through evaporation on each day of the experiment. The water lost from the control on a daily basis was corrected in order to determine the quantity the common buzzards consumed daily. The weight of the studied buzzards were carefully taken and recorded 6 times each during the study period with W1 and W6 as entry and exit weights respectively. The mean of W1-W6 was used for the computation of the average percentage live body weight of the buzzards. The investigation revealed that captive common buzzards took water every day and the average daily water consumption of 724.9g buzzard was 31.4cc or 4.3% of its live body weight. The investigation further shows that the average water lost by evaporation daily (10.7cc) and that consumed by each buzzard daily (31.4cc) add up to 5.8%, equivalent of the average live body weight of the studied captive common buzzards which was 724.9g. The regression coefficient indicated that wt.gain / loss = 0.942 + 1.795 H2O. This implies that a unit increase in the average quantity of water consumed resulted in a corresponding increase of 1.795 body weight gain by the captive common buzzards.
OCCURRENCE OF PIGEON DISEASES AT KHULNA SADAR, BANGLADESH
Authors: Paul TK , Amin MR , Alam MA , Rahman MK , Sarker YA , Rizon MK
Published: March 2016

A study on pigeon diseases at Khulna sadar and surrounding private farms was done to determine the occurrence of the common pigeon diseases. A total of 502 diseased pigeon were examined. According to age, they were classified into three categories squab (1-2 weeks), young (30-90 days) and adult (>90days). Those diseases were identified clinically by postmortem examination and laboratory testing, were carried out in veterinary hospital at Khulna from March 2013 to February 2014. Out of 502, 20.32% were salmonellosis, 18. 92% were pigeon pox, 11.95% were canker. Pigeon pox found high level in June-July. Among other diseases parasitic infestation (31.67%) was more prevalent. Disease varies significantly (P<0.01) with season, where summer (57.37%) is more prevalent. Rate of diseases (salmonellosis and pigeon pox) affection significantly (P<0.01) varies with age. Young are more susceptible with salmonellosis and pigeon pox. This study was done first time at Khulna and right time to take necessary steps saving pigeon farming.
DEATH OF NON-DESCRIPTIVE MALE CALF DUE TO UROLITHIASIS FOLLOWED BY RUPTURE OF URINARY BLADDER
Authors: Biswas D , Saifuddin AKM
Published: March 2016

The objective of the present study was to report a typical case of obstructive urolithiasis and subsequent rupture of the urinary bladder, causing the death of a non-descriptive male calf. The calves were brought to a teaching veterinary hospital with the symptoms of abdominal pain, the absence of urination manifested by discomfort, straining, kicking at the belly, twisting of the penis and frequent but unsuccessful urination. The clinical examination revealed that the calves were dull, depressed and distension of the abdomen. Post scrotal urethrotomy was performed aseptically and a large calculus was removed from the position of sigmoid flexure of the penis. Another two calves were not subjected to surgery due to their ill health and all were died after 2-3 days. A postmortem examination revealed that the urinary bladder was ruptured and subsequently urine was mixed with peritoneal fluid. A haemorrhagic condition was present at the point of rupture and peritoneum and bladder was adhesion at the point of rupture.
Clinical features and cytogenetic pattern of Down syndrome
Authors: Habib Saequa , Rahman A.J.E. Nahar , Choudhury Tamanna , Kabir A.K.M. Nurul
Published: March 2016

DOI = 10.3329/bmrcb.v33i3.1154Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2007; 33: 108-110
Postoperative Perfluro-N-Octane tamponade for complex retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Ali T Reza
Published: March 2016

Aim: To study outcomes after using perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) as a short-term postoperative vitreous substitute in eyes undergoing primary vitrectomy with or without sclera buckling for complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior/multiple breaks or giant retinal tears (GRTs) or retinal detachment with extensive proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: A prospective study was carried out where in 43 patients (Group 1) PFO was exchanged with silicon oil in the same surgical procedure and in 22 patients (Group 2) PFO was kept for 3 days and then exchanged with silicon oil by a separate surgical procedure. The respective surgeon took the decision whether to exchange PFO on the same day or after 3 days. The patients were followed up for 6 months to analyze the anatomical attachment rates, visual acuity gain, and postoperative complications in both the groups. Results: There were 33 male and 10 female patients in group 1 and 18 male and 4 female patients in group 2. Mean age distribution in group 1 was 38.88 years (SD±21.45) and in group 2 was 38.09 years (SD±16.36). Mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity in group 1 was 2.02±0.58 and in group 2 was 2.01±0.53 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR). The LogMAR Visual acuity in group 1 improved to 1.76±0.43 after 1 month (P=0.01, paired t test) and to 1.62±0.62 after 6 months (P=0.01, paired T test). This visual acuity in group 2 improved to 1.85±0.42 after 1 month (P=0.24, paired T test) and 1.90±0.72 after 6 months (P=0.49, paired T test). There was no difference regarding visual improvement in between two groups after 1 month and 6 months of follow-up (P=0.125, independent sample T test). The retina was detached in 6 patients (14%) in group 1 and in 7 patients (31%) in group 2 after 6 months of follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in between two groups regarding final attachment of retina (P= 0.109, Fisher exact test). There was also no significant complication like increased posterior capsular opacification or glaucoma found after retaining PFO for 3 days. Conclusion: Perfluoro-n-octane is efficacious and safe as a short-term vitreous substitute in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair cases with inferior/multiple breaks or GRTs or with extensive PVR. But keeping perfluoro-n-octane for 3 days does not significantly reduce the risk of re-detachment with complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment cases.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 63-69
Reference values of 6 minutes walk test (6 MWT) in Bangladeshi healthy subjects aged 25-55 years
Authors: Hossain AKM Mosharraf , Chakrabortty R
Published: March 2016

Introduction: The six minute walk test (6MWT) is increasingly accepted worldwide to assess functional exercise capacity of cardiac and pulmonary diseases for its simplicity.Aims and objectives: The aim of the present study was to provide reference values for 6 Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) and other primary variables such as oxygen saturation (SaO2), pulse rate (PR) and breathlessness perception done in 6MWT.Methods: We studied a sample of 190 healthy subjects (53 females) of age between 25-55 years (37.9±8.5 years). Baseline lung functions including forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio were measured by a flow sensing spirometer. All subjects performed 6MWT according to standard protocol provided by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. The fatigue and dyspnoea was measured before and after 6MWT by modified Borg scale. The SaO2 and PR were measured also by a light weight pulse oxymeter. Results: The mean 6MWD was 466.7±69.4 meter, ranging from 213 to 659 meter and the mean Distance Work (DW) was 28732±7024 kg-m. Dyspnoea status and oxygen saturation remained unaltered throughout the walk. Mean resting and walking SaO2 values were, respectively, 97.1±1.3% and 96.8±1.5%. The mean change in SaO2 was 3±1.5%. PR was significantly affected by the walk. Mean resting and maximum PR after walking were respectively, 80±7 and 103±12 bpm (p<.01). Gender significantly affected the 6MWD (p<.01). In all subjects, the 6MWD was inversely and directly related, respectively, to age (r=-.15; P<.05) and height (r=.41; P<.01).Conclusion: This study showed reference values for the 6MWT variables of subjects in Bangladeshi population.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 70-73
Study on oxidative stress and antioxidant level in patients of acute myocardial infarction before and after regular treatment
Authors: Bashar T , Akhter N
Published: March 2016

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), lack of oxygen delivery to myocardium leads to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which play an important role in the pathogenesis of AMI. Endogenous anti-oxidants protect the myocardial tissues from the deleterious effect of free radical mediate injury. The study evaluates the extent of oxidative stress and antioxidant status against ROS in AMI patients and amelioration of oxidative stress after regular treatment and also assesses the association between oxidative stress and risk factors for atherosclerosis like dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus (DM).The study was conducted on 72 AMI patients and age and sex matched 18 healthy controls. Patients were assigned to four groups, AMI without dyslipidemia or DM, with dyslipidemia, with DM and with both dyslipidemia and DM. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and GSH content and vitamin E levels were determined on admission into hospital and on the 5th day of treatment. Plasma MDA level increased significantly (p<0.001) and erythrocyte GSH and plasma vitamin E levels were decreased (p<0.001) in all the groups of patients as compared to control. On the 5th day of regular treatment MDA level reduced (p<0.001) and GSH and vitamin E levels increased (p<0.001) in patients. The plasma MDA level was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients with both dyslipidemia and DM or with only DM in comparison to patients without dyslipidemia and DM. The difference in the GSH level between patients with risk factors and without risk factors was not significant. It may be conclude that an imbalance exists between oxidant and antioxidant molecules in AMI patients which shift towards oxidative side and regular treatment restores this balance. There may be some association between oxidative stress in AMI and risk factors like dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 79-84
Fingerprints: A simple method for Screening Hemophilic Patients
Authors: Jamalian M , Mesri M , Vishteh HRK , Solhi H , Salehpour R
Published: March 2016

Background: The present study aims to compare hemophilic patients fingerprint types with the normal people to help diagnose the disease, particularly new occurrences of the disease. Method: This casecontrol study was conducted in 2012. Sixty two patients with hemophilia type A and 62 normal healthy people were selected. The type of fingerprint was determined by a forensic specialist who was kept unaware of the participants group. Using advanced Henry method, the main types of fingerprints were classified as arch, loop, whorl, as well as other types. Results: In the control group, loop type (65%) and in the case group the whorl type (34%) were the most frequent fingerprint type (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference of fingerprint in each finger between two groups. In addition, the average number of whorl type in the patients with mild disease was significantly higher and the average number of arch and other types of fingerprints was significantly lower than patients with moderate or severe disease. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that not only are the fingerprints of normal and hemophilic people different, but also a difference was observed between hemophilic patients with the mild factor level and patients with moderate or severe one.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 85-88
Hey Prestos and Humilities: Two of Beckett's Christs
Authors: Wimbush Andy
Published: March 2016

As well as its oft-noted concern with mysticism and negative theology, Samuel Beckett's work frequently returns to the figure of the incarnate Christ. This article explores two perspectives on Christ that can be found both in Beckett's work and in religious writing from the European middle ages: the triumphant Jesus known as the Christus Victor, and the suffering Jesus, or Ecce Homo. Building on Mary Bryden's work in this area, the article shows that just as medieval writers such as Julian of Norwich, Ludolf of Saxony, and Margery Kempe reject the contemplation of a transcendent or triumphant Jesus in favour of a vision of him on the cross, Beckett's characters seem to prefer to think about Jesus's suffering rather than contemplate his divinity, his miracles, or his resurrection. Although seemingly irreconcilable, the distinction between the kenotic Christ and the victorious Christ is, theologically speaking, a false one, and so both Beckett and his characters have to interpret the crucifixion in a peculiar way: the article reads Beckett's poem ‘Ooftish’ as heretical complaint that the whole thing was a slight-of-hand on God's part, an act of suffering that was staged rather than authentic. The article goes on to propose that the preference for the suffering Jesus on the part of Watt, Molloy, Malone and others is closely linked with Beckett's own aesthetic allegiances. Taking a cue from comments made about Jesus by Murphy and by the Polar Bear in Dream of Fair to Middling Women, the essay argues that the wonder-working, triumphant Jesus was seen by Beckett as analogous to an author who interferes with the natural disorder of his novel, smoothing over its moments of failure and contradiction just as Jesus righted the vicissitudes of death and disease through miracles. The resigned, suffering Jesus, on the other hand, comes closer to the quietist aesthetic – and religious perspective – of André Gide and Fyodor Dostoevsky, writers that Beckett admired and wished to emulate. The article concludes with an analysis of notes made about the crucifixion and aesthetics in Beckett's Watt notebooks, noting this razor's edge in Christological thinking – one which was particularly alive to Christians of the middle ages.
Samuel Beckett and the Physical Continuum
Authors: Ackerley Chris
Published: March 2016

The word ‘continuum’ invokes a controversy that endured for more than two millennia. Aristotle contended in his Physics that a continuum (such as length, time or movement) cannot be constituted by indivisibles nor be resolved into them. Though Augustine decreed the thought of Epicurus long dead, interest in Atomism persisted into the late medieval period, long before its ‘rediscovery’ in the Renaissance. Given Beckett's marked empathy for Atomism, and the wide assumption that Atomism anticipated the radical paradigm shifts of the new physics of his day, a scrutiny of this School and of ‘the incoherent continuum’ is warranted. Beckett found in Leibniz a compelling image of how the ‘soul’ (the self conceived as an atomist monad) might reify its relation to the contingent world; and in Windelband a sense of the petites perceptions as unconscious mental states that translated his aesthetic from an attractive but unsatisfactory Atomism to a monadic awareness in which indivisibles are simultaneously limited (indivisibilities of substantial form) and unlimited (a continuum infinitely divisible). The advantage of the Monad over the Atom, with respect to medieval disputes over the nature of the physical continuum or its existence as discrete or continuous, was that he did not need to commit himself to either the physical or the metaphysical, as the continuum could be simultaneously ‘both’ and/or ‘neither’.
Development and Characterization of New Species Cross-Reactive Anti-Sialoadhesin Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: De Schryver Marjorie , Van Gorp Hanne , Hoebeke Inge , De Maeyer Bauke , Ooms Karen , Pintelon Isabel , Maes Louis , Cos Paul , Nauwynck Hans , Delputte Peter
Published: March 2016

Sialoadhesin (Sn) is a surface receptor expressed on a subset of macrophages in steady state conditions. During inflammation and diseases, Sn is highly upregulated on macrophages and blood monocytes. Therefore, therapies using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to target Sn-positive (Sn+) cells are a potential strategy for targeted treatment. It has been shown that Sn internalizes after binding with a mAb, though it is not clear whether this is species-specific. In this study, new Sn-specific mAbs were developed and analyzed for cross-reactivity between species. In addition, the newly developed mAbs were compared to mAbs used in previous research for their epitope recognition and other Sn-specific characteristics. Both species-specific and cross-reactive antibodies could be identified. Furthermore, sialic acid-binding of red blood cells (RBC) could be inhibited with mAbs recognizing different epitopes and all mAb showed internalization of Sn. The newly developed mAbs can be used as novel tools for Sn research and further analysis of Sn internalization in different species.
ZnO Quasi-1D Nanostructures: Synthesis, Modeling, and Properties for Applications in Conductometric Chemical Sensors
Authors: Galstyan Vardan , Comini Elisabetta , Ponzoni Andrea , Sberveglieri Veronica , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: March 2016

One-dimensional metal oxide nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, and nanobelts gained great attention for applications in sensing devices. ZnO is one of the most studied oxides for sensing applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties. In this paper, we provide a review of the recent research activities focused on the synthesis and sensing properties of pure, doped, and functionalized ZnO quasi-one dimensional nanostructures. We describe the development prospects in the preparation methods and modifications of the surface structure of ZnO, and discuss its sensing mechanism. Next, we analyze the sensing properties of ZnO quasi-one dimensional nanostructures, and summarize perspectives concerning future research on their synthesis and applications in conductometric sensing devices.
Assessing Climate Impacts on Hydropower Production: The Case of the Toce River Basin
Authors: Ravazzani Giovanni , Dalla Valle Francesco , Gaudard Ludovic , Mendlik Thomas , Gobiet Andreas , Mancini Marco
Published: March 2016

The aim of the presented study is to assess the impacts of climate change on hydropower production of the Toce Alpine river basin in Italy. For the meteorological forcing of future scenarios, time series were generated by applying a quantile-based error-correction approach to downscale simulations from two regional climate models to point scale. Beside a general temperature increase, climate models simulate an increase of mean annual precipitation distributed over spring, autumn and winter, and a significant decrease in summer. A model of the hydropower system was driven by discharge time series for future scenarios, simulated with a spatially distributed hydrological model, with the simulation goal of defining the reservoirs management rule that maximizes the economic value of the hydropower production. The assessment of hydropower production for future climate till 2050 respect to current climate (2001–2010) showed an increase of production in autumn, winter and spring, and a reduction in June and July. Significant change in the reservoir management policy is expected due to anticipation of the date when the maximum volume of stored water has to be reached and an increase of the reservoir drawdown during August and September to prepare storage capacity for autumn inflows.
Thermo-Economic Analysis of Zeotropic Mixtures and Pure Working Fluids in Organic Rankine Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Heberle Florian , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: March 2016

We present a thermo-economic analysis of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for waste heat recovery. A case study for a heat source temperature of 150 °C and a subcritical, saturated cycle is performed. As working fluids R245fa, isobutane, isopentane, and the mixture of isobutane and isopentane are considered. The minimal temperature difference in the evaporator and the condenser, as well as the mixture composition are chosen as variables in order to identify the most suitable working fluid in combination with optimal process parameters under thermo-economic criteria. In general, the results show that cost-effective systems have a high minimal temperature difference ΔTPP,C at the pinch-point of the condenser and a low minimal temperature difference ΔTPP,E at the pinch-point of the evaporator. Choosing isobutane as the working fluid leads to the lowest costs per unit exergy with 52.0 €/GJ (ΔTPP,E = 1.2 K; ΔTPP,C = 14 K). Considering the major components of the ORC, specific costs range between 1150 €/kW and 2250 €/kW. For the zeotropic mixture, a mole fraction of 90% isobutane leads to the lowest specific costs per unit exergy. A further analysis of the ORC system using isobutane shows high sensitivity of the costs per unit exergy for the selected cost estimation methods and for the isentropic efficiency of the turbine.
Gas-Phase Mass-Transfer Resistances at Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Electrodes: Theoretical Analysis on the Effectiveness of Interdigitated and Serpentine Flow Arrangements
Authors: Arato Elisabetta , Pinna Marzia , Mazzoccoli Michela , Bosio Barbara
Published: March 2016

Mass transfer phenomena in polymeric electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) electrodes has already been analyzed in terms of the interactions between diffusive and forced flows. It was demonstrated that the whole phenomenon could be summarized by expressing the Sherwood number as a function of the Peclet number. The dependence of Sherwood number on Peclet one Sh(Pe) function, which was initially deduced by determining three different flow regimes, has now been given a more accurate description. A comparison between the approximate and the accurate results for a reference condition of diluted reactant and limit current has shown that the former are useful for rapid, preliminary calculations. However, a more precise and reliable estimation of the Sherwood number is worth attention, as it provides a detailed description of the electrochemical kinetics and allows a reliable comparison of the various geometrical arrangements used for the distribution of the reactants.
Data Management in Collaborative Interdisciplinary Research Projects—Conclusions from the Digitalization of Research in Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Wang Wei , Göpfert Tobias , Stark Rainer
Published: March 2016

As research topics become increasingly complex, large scale interdisciplinary research projects are commonly established to foster cross-disciplinary cooperation and to utilize potential synergies. In the case of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1026, 19 individual projects from different disciplines are brought together to investigate perspectives and solutions for sustainable manufacturing. Beside overheads regarding the coordination of activities and communication, such interdisciplinary projects are also facing challengs regarding data management. For exchange and combination of research results, data from individual projects have to be stored systematically, categorized, and linked according to the logical interrelations of the involved disciplinary knowledge domains. In the CRC 1026, the project for information infrastructure observed and analysed collaboration practices and developed IT-supported solutions to facilitate and foster research collaboration. Data management measures in this period were mainly focused on building a shared conceptual framework, and the organization of task related data. For the former aspect, an ontology basesd apporach was developed and prototypically implemented. For the latter aspect, a message board integrated task management system was developed and applied.
A Big Network Traffic Data Fusion Approach Based on Fisher and Deep Auto-Encoder
Authors: Tao Xiaoling , Kong Deyan , Wei Yi , Wang Yong
Published: March 2016

Data fusion is usually performed prior to classification in order to reduce the input space. These dimensionality reduction techniques help to decline the complexity of the classification model and thus improve the classification performance. The traditional supervised methods demand labeled samples, and the current network traffic data mostly is not labeled. Thereby, better learners will be built by using both labeled and unlabeled data, than using each one alone. In this paper, a novel network traffic data fusion approach based on Fisher and deep auto-encoder (DFA-F-DAE) is proposed to reduce the data dimensions and the complexity of computation. The experimental results show that the DFA-F-DAE improves the generalization ability of the three classification algorithms (J48, back propagation neural network (BPNN), and support vector machine (SVM)) by data dimensionality reduction. We found that the DFA-F-DAE remarkably improves the efficiency of big network traffic classification.
Osteopontin—A Master Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Kothari Anai , Arffa Matthew , Chang Victor , Blackwell Robert , Syn Wing-Kin , Zhang Jiwang , Mi Zhiyong , Kuo Paul
Published: March 2016

Osteopontin (OPN) plays an important functional role in both physiologic and pathologic states. OPN is implicated in the progression of fibrosis, cancer, and metastatic disease in several organ systems. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), first described in embryology, is increasingly being recognized as a significant contributor to fibrotic phenotypes and tumor progression. Several well-established transcription factors regulate EMT and are conserved across tissue types and organ systems, including TWIST, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB), and SNAIL-family members. Recent literature points to an important relationship between OPN and EMT, implicating OPN as a key regulatory component of EMT programs. In this review, OPN’s interplay with traditional EMT activators, both directly and indirectly, will be discussed. Also, OPN’s ability to restructure the tissue and tumor microenvironment to indirectly modify EMT will be reviewed. Together, these diverse pathways demonstrate that OPN is able to modulate EMT and provide new targets for directing therapeutics.
Mixed Verbs in Contact Spanish: Patterns of Use among Emergent and Dynamic Bi/Multilinguals
Authors: Balam Osmer
Published: March 2016

The present study provides a quantitative analysis of mixed verbs in the naturalistic speech of 20 Northern Belize bi/multilinguals of two different age groups (ages 14–20 and ages 21–40). I examined the relative frequency of Spanish/English mixed verbs vis-à-vis syntactic verb type and phrasal verbs in mixed verbs. Results showed that the token frequency of mixed verbs was a predictive measure of the relative frequency of ‘hacer + V’ in code-switched speech. In relation to syntactic verb type, it was found that the least productivity in terms of argument structures was attested among the youngest group of emergent bi/multilinguals. For the incorporation of phrasal verbs in mixed verbs, no marked differences were attested in the relative frequency of phrasal verbs across emergent and dynamic bi/multilinguals, but differences did emerge in the semantic nature of phrasal verbs. Findings highlight the fundamental role that adult code-switchers with higher levels of bi/multilingual proficiency play in the creation and propagation of morphosyntactic innovations.
Collagen Type I Conduits for the Regeneration of Nerve Defects
Authors: Klein Silvan , Vykoukal Jody , Felthaus Oliver , Dienstknecht Thomas , Prantl Lukas
Published: March 2016

To date, reliable data to support the general use of biodegradable materials for bridging nerve defects are still scarce. We present the outcome of nerve regeneration following type I collagen conduit nerve repair in patients with large-diameter nerve gaps. Ten patients underwent nerve repair using a type I collagen nerve conduit. Patients were re-examined at a minimal follow-up of 14.0 months and a mean follow-up of 19.9 months. Regeneration of nerve tissue within the conduits was assessed by nerve conduction velocity (NCV), a static two-point discrimination (S2PD) test, and as disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure scoring. Quality of life measures including patients’ perceived satisfaction and residual pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). No implant-related complications were observed. Seven out of 10 patients reported being free of pain, and the mean VAS was 1.1. The mean DASH score was 17.0. The S2PD was below 6 mm in 40%, between 6 and 10 mm in another 40% and above 10 mm in 20% of the patients. Eight out of 10 patients were satisfied with the procedure and would undergo surgery again. Early treatment correlated with lower DASH score levels. The use of type I collagen in large-diameter gaps in young patients and early treatment presented superior functional outcomes.
Optimizing Thermal-Elastic Properties of C/C–SiC Composites Using a Hybrid Approach and PSO Algorithm
Authors: Xu Yingjie , Gao Tian
Published: March 2016

Carbon fiber-reinforced multi-layered pyrocarbon–silicon carbide matrix (C/C–SiC) composites are widely used in aerospace structures. The complicated spatial architecture and material heterogeneity of C/C–SiC composites constitute the challenge for tailoring their properties. Thus, discovering the intrinsic relations between the properties and the microstructures and sequentially optimizing the microstructures to obtain composites with the best performances becomes the key for practical applications. The objective of this work is to optimize the thermal-elastic properties of unidirectional C/C–SiC composites by controlling the multi-layered matrix thicknesses. A hybrid approach based on micromechanical modeling and back propagation (BP) neural network is proposed to predict the thermal-elastic properties of composites. Then, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is interfaced with this hybrid model to achieve the optimal design for minimizing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites with the constraint of elastic modulus. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid model and optimization method.
Structural Origin of the Enhanced Glass-Forming Ability Induced by Microalloying Y in the ZrCuAl Alloy
Authors: Guo Gu-Qing , Wu Shi-Yang , Yang Liang
Published: March 2016

In this work, the structural origin of the enhanced glass-forming ability induced by microalloying Y in a ZrCuAl multicomponent system is studied by performing synchrotron radiation experiments combined with simulations. It is revealed that the addition of Y leads to the optimization of local structures, including: (1) more Zr-centered and Y-centered icosahedral-like clusters occur in the microstructure; (2) the atomic packing efficiency inside clusters and the regularity of clusters are both enhanced. These structural optimizations help to stabilize the amorphous structure in the ZrCuAlY system, and lead to a high glass-forming ability (GFA). The present work provides an understanding of GFAs in multicomponent alloys and will shed light on the development of more metallic glasses with high GFAs.