bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis de los Indicadores de Emisiones de Gases de Efecto Invernadero para Valorar Proyectos de Energía Renovable en Sistemas Eléctricos, Caso de Colombia
Authors: Berrío-Monsalve Marco Alejandro , Botero-Botero Sergio , Arango-Arango Mónica
Published: August 2016

La contribución técnica presenta una discusión acerca los indicadores definidos por la UNFCCC y apropiados para aplicar en proyectos de generación eléctrica en Latinoamérica. Se hace énfasis en el posible uso de indicadores para incentivar el uso de tecnologías de generación renovables y mitigar la emisión de gases con efecto invernadero a la atmósfera, en proyectos que se encuentren en fase operativa. Adicionalmente, se presenta un nuevo indicador (El del Costo Social del Carbono- SCC-) diferente a los definidos por la UNFCCC. Finalmente se centra la discusión en la aplicación de los indicadores en el caso Colombiano y cómo la correcta valoración de las emisiones de CO2 permite una mayor penetración a las tecnologías de generación renovables como la eólica.
Simulación de un Robot Hexápodo Bioinspirado en el Tenebrio
Authors: Rodríguez-Calderón Juan Pablo , Ramos-Parra María Fernanda , Peña-Giraldo Mauricio Vladimir
Published: August 2016

Los insectos son base fundamental en el estudio de la robótica reactiva ya que estos poseen características biológicas y motrices que son de interés para ser implementadas en robots bioinspirados, teniendo en cuenta el desempeño de éstos en diferentes áreas. Por otra parte los animales hexápodos poseen omnidireccionalidad y estabilidad, debido a la formación del trípode de apoyo, el cual se crea en sus patas al dar un paso, lo cual les permite sobrepasar diferentes obstáculos con facilidad y velocidad constante.En este proyecto se implementa el sistema locomotor del insecto Tenebrio debido a la facilidad con que se pueden apreciar sus movimientos. Se analiza el desplazamiento de las patas del insecto en diferentes trayectorias, vistas y terreno plano, posteriormente se encontraron los parámetros, ecuaciones y restricciones que limitan los diferentes eslabones de cada una de las patas del Tenebrio, esto se realizó por medio de un análisis de imágenes. Finalmente la información recogida se implementa en la plataforma MATLAB para determinar las características de movimiento, estabilidad y desplazamiento.
Sistema Experto para la Gestión de Daños en Vías Pavimentadas y en Afirmado
Authors: Gil-Vera Víctor Daniel
Published: August 2016

Conocer las diferentes clases de afectaciones que se pueden generar en vías pavimentadas o en afirmado, y las acciones que se pueden tomar para solucionarlas, es una tarea de gran importancia para los agentes encargados del mantenimiento vial. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el sistema experto ROAD Expert System, diseñado como apoyo a la gestión y prevención de daños que se pueden presentar en las condiciones físicas de la red vial nacional. El trabajo se divide en tres partes; en la primera se presenta el marco teórico donde se contextualizan las nociones básicas de sistemas expertos y los fundamentos de la revisión sistemática de literatura (RSL), en la segunda, la metodología utilizada para la construcción del sistema experto y en la tercera se presenta el sistema experto ROAD Expert system. Con la realización de este trabajo, se concluye que los sistemas expertos (SE) facilitan la gestión del mantenimiento vial y permiten reducir los altos costos asociados con asesorías especializadas.
Low cost Fenton's oxidative degradation of 4-nitroaniline using iron from laterite
Authors: Amritha A. S. , Manu B.
Published: August 2016

The present study aims to establish the use of iron (Fe) from larerite in the case of Fenton's oxidation process which is a simple and cost-effective method for degradation of nitro compounds in effluents and in surface or ground water. 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) degradation by Fenton's oxidation method is the subject of the present study so as to optimize pH, hydrogen peroxide/iron (H/F) ratio at different initial concentrations of 4-NA. The optimum pH obtained was 3. The present study has also established optimum H/F ratio for the different initial concentrations of 4-NA for both conventional and use of Fe from laterite. The maximum removal efficiency of 99.84% was obtained for an H/F ratio of 100 for 0.5 mM initial concentration of 4-NA. The study establishes the use of Fe extracted from locally available laterite soil (LS) as a replacement of Fe salts so as to reduce the cost of the process.
Some applications of the first-order differential subordinations
Authors: Cho Nak , Lee Hyo , Park Ji , Srivastava Rekha
Published: August 2016

The object of the present paper is to give some applications of the
first-order differential subordinations. We also extend and improve several
previously known results.
Extensions of symmetric singular second-order dynamic operators on time scales
Authors: Allakhverdiev Bilender
Published: August 2016

A space of boundary values is constructed for minimal symmetric singular
second-order dynamic operators on semi-infinite and infinite time scales in
limit-point and limit-circle cases. A description of all maximal dissipative,
maximal accumulative, selfadjoint, and other extensions of such symmetric
operators is given in terms of boundary conditions.
Effects of rates of nitrogen on yield and yield components of winter triticale
Authors: Lalevic Dragana , Biberdzic Milan
Published: August 2016

Due to the high genetic potential for yield and favourable nutritional value,
triticale is a promising plant species. For achieving high and stable yields,
it is necessary to have favorable agroclimatic conditions of the locality,
variety and advanced agricultural techniques, with special emphasis on
fertilizing. This study examines the effect of increasing rates of nitrogen
on yield and yield components of five cultivars of winter triticale: Odisej,
Kg-20, Triumph, Rtanj and Tango. The three-year trial (2009-2012), which was
set up in a randomized block system with three replications, included control
and three different doses of nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg
ha-1). In all variants of fertilization, 80 kg ha-1 P2O5 and K2O were added
beside nitrogen. The obtained results showed that the use of nitrogen had a
positive effect on yield and yield components in all variants and in all
cultivars. The variety Tango had the highest average grain yield, while the
variety Kg-20 had the lowest. Also, Tango had the highest value of the 1000
grain mass and the number of grains per spike, while Triumph had the highest
value of hectoliter weight. The application of fertilizers led to a very
large and significant increase of yield compared with the control.
Accordingly, all studied cultivars had the highest yield with the highest
quantities of nitrogen (120 kg ha-1). Considering that triticale is intended
mainly for feeding livestock, the results of these studies would be valuable
in terms of its growing as a forage crop as well as in terms of its breeding
for grain quality and productivity.
Response of maize to foliar application of zinc and azotobacter inoculation under different levels of urea fertilizer
Authors: Esmaeili Mohammadali , Heidarzade Ayoub , Gholipour Mounes
Published: August 2016

In order to investigate the effects of zinc and Azotobacter on maize
production properties under different regime of urea as mineral fertilizer,
an experiment was conducted at research field of Sari Agricultural Sciences
and Natural Resources University during the cropping season of 2014. The
nitrogen mineral fertilizer in 100, 200 and 300 amounts of kg urea ha-1,
Azotobacter (inoculation and non-inoculation) and foliar application of zinc
(Zn1 = 1000 mg l-1 zinc sulfate, Zn2 = 500 mg l-1 zinc sulfate and Zn3 = 0 mg
l-1) were considered as the applied treatments. Grain yield, biological yield
(dry matter), and total protein content of each treatment were assessed.
Results indicated that foliar applications of Zn had a significant effect on
all studied traits. The highest grain yield was related to Zn1 treatment in
each urea application and also between biological fertilizer treatments the
highest yield was observed in inoculation treatment. Between all studied
treatments the maximum grain yield (with 10.23 ton ha-1) was obtained through
non-inoculation treatment ? Zn1 for 300 kg urea ha-1. The highest biological
yield was observed in Zn1 + inoculation treatment. There were no significant
differences between Azotobacter inoculation and non-inoculation for each
level of zinc applications in 300 kg urea ha-1 treatment. Finally, it might
be concluded that using of mineral fertilizer could be reduced by combining
some management strategies in maize production.
Transfer of metals from crude oil impacted soils to some native wetland species, the Niger-delta, Nigeria: Implications for phytoremediation potentials
Authors: Ogunkunle Clement , Folarin Olamide , Olorunmaiye Stephen , Varun Mayank , Fatoba Paul
Published: August 2016

In this study, wetland species growing naturally in the surrounding of two
crude oil facilities were sampled and screened for their phytoremediation
potentials for zinc, lead, nickel, chromium and cadmium in soil.
Concentrations of metals in the root and shoot samples of the wetland species
alongside the rhizosphere soil were determined. Metal accumulation in wetland
species exceeded the permissible limits, but it was still within phytotoxic
thresholds except for chromium. The use of a bioconcentration factor and a
transfer factor to screen the wetland species for phytoremediation potentials
identified six out of the eight studied species as multi-elemental
phytostabilizers of metals in soil. In addition, five of the eight wetland
species displayed potentials for phytoextraction of metal, though there was
no multi-elemental phytoextractor among the wetland species. Paspalum
vaginatum, Andropogon tectorum and Kyllinga squamata portend potential
abilities to phytoextract nickel. In addition, Setaria longiseta and
Pteridium aquilinum also showed strong potential to phytoextract lead and
cadmium respectively from soil. This screening assessment is hoped to be
useful in the applications of a cost-effective green technology to remediate
heavy metals in contaminated soil.
Influence of harvester type and harvesting time on quality of harvested chamomile
Authors: Pajic Milos , Pajic Vesna , Ivanovic Sanjin , Oljaca Mico , Gligorevic Kosta , Radojicic Dusan , Drazic Milan , Zlatanovic Ivan
Published: August 2016

This paper is the result of studying effects of mechanical chamomile
harvesting on yield and quality of harvested chamomile. Chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita (L) Rausch.) was harvested at three time intervals (T1 - 240 days,
T2 - 250 days and T3 - 260 days after sowing) by three conceptually different
harvesters. The results achieved indicate that the harvester type
significantly influences quality of harvested chamomile, whereas it is not
influenced by chamomile harvesting time. Quality of harvested chamomile was
classified into four categories, and it was observed that the greater number
of rotations of a picking device increased the content of the first category
of quality. The harvester A achieved 54.79% of the first category of quality
in respect to the harvester B achieving 50.26% and the harvester C with
42.93%.
Effect of exogenous porcine somatotropin administration on nitrogen and energy metabolism in three genotypes of pigs
Authors: Verstegen M. W. , van der Hel W. , Henken A. M. , Huisman J. , Kanis E. , van der Wal P. , van Weerden E. J.
Published: August 2016

Effects of exogenous administration of porcine recombinant somatotropin (rpST) on protein gain and metabolic rate were measured in three genotypes (castrated males) of pigs (Pietrain, Duroc and a crossbreed between Dutch Yorkshire and Dutch Landrace). Six pigs of each genotype were assigned at approximately 60 kg to receive pST doses of either 0 (C) or 14 mg (T) administered i.m. twice weekly over 10 wk. Pigs were housed in individual metabolism cages at a room temperature of 20 to 22 ° C and received feed at 2.6 times maintenance. Protein gain (N × 6.25) was measured over the final 6 wk of the 10-wk test period. For 2 wk in the test period (wk 2 and wk 5), six pigs of each treatment × genotype group were placed in a large respiration chamber and energy balances (in protein and fat) and metabolic rate were measured. Rate of weight gain measured over the final 6 wk of the experimental period increased by 105 g/d (13%) with rpST administration (P < .01). Daily protein gain over 6 wk was increased by 48 g/animal with application of rpST (P < .001). There was a genotype × treatment interaction (P < .01) for protein gain. Daily protein gain in Durocs with pST treatment was increased (39%) more than in crossbreds (31%). Daily fat gain was decreased by 42 g/animal (P< .001) by T. Daily heat production with rpST was increased by 12 kcal/kg.75, which is comparable to a 12% increase in the maintenance energy requirement.
THE ILLINOIS SPRING BARROW SHOW: CARCASS TRENDS FROM 1968 TO 1989 AND USE OF CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS TO PREDICT DRESSING PERCENTAGE
Authors: McLaren D. G. , McKeith F. K. , Carr T. R. , Novakofski J.
Published: August 2016

The Illinois Spring Barrow Show, a large annual carcass show of performance-tested pigs, may provide an indication of phenotypic trends in the pork industry over time. Objectives of this study were 1) to investigate time trends in live and carcass weights (LWT, CWT), dressing percentage (DP), length (LEN), loin muscle area (LEA), backfat (BF), muscle color, firmness and marbling (C,F,M) scores, estimated fat-standardized lean yield (FSL), FSL/d of age (LDOA) and FSL/d on test (LDOT) and 2) to assess use of carcass characteristics to predict DP. Data on 5,983 barrows exhibited between 1968 and 1989 were analyzed. Linear regressions expressed as change/yr (1977 to 1989, all P < .001) were .56 kg (LWT), .53 kg (CWT), .11 % (DP), .50 mm (10th rib BF), −49 g (wt-adj. FSL), 2.0 g (wt-adj. LDOA, 1977 to 1983) and −2.2 g (wt-adj. LDOT, 1984 to 1989). There were only small changes in LEN, C, F and M. Between 1968 and 1976, LEA increased .42 cm2/yr, then decreased .23 cm2/yr until 1984, increased .34 cm2/yr to 1988 and fell 1.2 cm2 in 1989 (all P < .001). Models including year, breed and their interaction (YB), ± linear and quadratic regressions on LWT, CWT, 10th rib BF, LEA and LEN, were used to assess the amount of variability in DP that could be accounted for by these carcass measures. R2 values (model effects in parentheses) were .16 (YB ± LWT), .28 (YB + CWT ± BF ± LEA) and .31 (YB + CWT + LEN ± [BF + LEA]). In conclusion, performance tested carcass show barrows have become heavier and fatter over time. Lean growth rate has decreased over the past 5 yr. Tenth rib fat and loin muscle area had no value as predictors of dressing percentage. Dressing percentage was not useful as a predictor of lean growth rate or lean yield.
Physiological relationships between microbiological status and dietary copper levels in the pig
Authors: Shurson G. C. , Ku P. K. , Waxler G. L. , Yokoyama M. T. , Miller E. R.
Published: August 2016

Ten germ-free pigs and 10 conventionally reared pigs were fed one of two nutritionally balanced diets containing either 16 ppm Cu (basal) or 283 ppm Cu (high-Cu) to evaluate the physiological relationships between Cu and microbiological environment. Germ-free pigs tended to have higher ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than conventionally reared pigs. Feeding the high-Cu diet tended to reduce ADG and ADFI in germ-free pigs but it increased ADG and ADFI in conventionally reared pigs. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were higher in germ-free pigs than in conventionally reared pigs (P < .001), and hematocrit (P < .01) and erythrocyte count (P < .06) were reduced by feeding the high-Cu diet. Germ-free pigs had lower total leukocyte count (P < .01) and the relative percentages of differentiated leukocytes were altered compared with conventionally reared pigs. Feeding the high-Cu diet increased the percentage of band neutrophils and monocytes in germ-free pigs but reduced the percentage of these cells in conventionally reared pigs (P < .04). Germ-free pigs had higher concentrations of Cu and Zn in liver and plasma (P < .001) and greater plasma ceruloplasmin oxidase activity (P < .001) than conventionally reared pigs did. The high-Cu diet increased liver Cu and Zn (P < .001) and plasma Cu (P < .001) and reduced liver and plasma Fe (P < .05). Organ weights (g/kg BW) differed between germ-free and conventionally reared pigs, and feeding the high-Cu diet reduced thymus weights (P < .002). Intestinal weight and thickness were reduced in germ-free pigs, and feeding the high-Cu diet generally reduced villus height and width and crypt depth in germ-free pigs, whereas it increased these measurements in conventionally reared pigs.
Estradiol feedback inhibition of luteinizing hormone concentrations in the anestrous sow2
Authors: Almond G. W. , Dial G. D.
Published: August 2016

The suppressive effects of exogenous 17 β-estradiol (E2) on LH concentrations in sows that remained anestrus following weaning and in those that returned to estrus were evaluated. Four anestrous and four cyclic sows were treated subcutaneously with silastic implants containing E2 at 13 d after ovariectomy (d 0). Three anestrous and six cyclic sows received silastic implants without E2. Blood was collected at 6-h intervals from d -1 to d 12 and at 15-min intervals for 8 h on d −1, 2, 7 and 12. Sows were treated with 1 µg GnRH/kg BW at the completion of each 8-h frequent sampling period. Blood was collected at intervals of 10 to 30 min for 3 h after GnRH treatment. Concentrations of E2 remained less than 5 pg/ml in sham-treated sows and were between 20 and 25 pg/ml in E2-treated females. Pulsatile LH concentrations was similar between anestrous and cyclic sows prior to implant treatment. Sham-treated anestrous sows had greater (P < .05) pulse frequency and mean LH concentrations than E2-treated anestrous sows on d 2, 7 and 12. Differences in pulsatile LH concentrations between E2-treated and sham-treated cyclic sows were not detected. Pulse frequency was less (P < .05) in E2-treated anestrous sows than in E2-treated cyclic sows on d 7 and 12. Peak LH concentrations were greater (P < .05) in E2-treated cyclic sows than in E2-treated anestrous sows at each GnRH challenge. These results suggest that the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis is more sensitive to the negative feedback effects of E2 in anestrous sows than in cyclic sows. In addition, chronic E2 treatment reduces pituitary responsiveness to GnRH to a greater extent in anestrous than in cyclic sows. Failure to return to estrus in swine may be due, at least in part, to an increased sensitivity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis to the negative feedback effect of estradiol.
Effects of nutrition, sex of calf and breed type on response to zeranol: preweaning growth
Authors: Woods B. L. , Bradley N. W. , Schillo K. K. , Lowry S. R.
Published: August 2016

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of breed, sex and plane of nutrition on the growth response to zeranol in Angus and crossbred calves prior to weaning. Eighty-eight heifers and 118 steers received either a high or low plane of nutrition using a first and last grazing technique. Half of the calves in each nutrition group received a zeranol implant (36 mg) at an average age of 3.4 mo. Both zeranol and the higher level of nutrition increased (P < .001) growth rate prior to weaning (7.4 mo of age). Zeranol did not affect hip height at weaning (P > .1), but calves on the higher plane of nutrition were taller (P < .01) than calves on the lower plane of nutrition. The zeranol × nutrition interaction was not significant (P > .1) for growth rate or hip height. Steers grew faster (P < .01) preweaning and were taller (P < .01) at weaning than heifers. Crossbred calves gained more rapidly (P < .001) preweaning and were taller (P < .001) at weaning than Angus calves were. Neither sex nor breed interacted with zeranol to influence any of the traits examined. Based on these results we conclude that preweaning growth was affected by zeranol and this effect was consistent across sexes, breeds and planes of nutrition tested.
Selection line × diet interactions for two lines of pigs fed 12 or 24% protein diets1
Authors: Bereskin B. , Steele N. C. , Mitchell A. D.
Published: August 2016

An experiment with crossbred swine was conducted over six generations of selection based on an index (Index) of average daily gain in weight (ADG) in a test period from 56 d of age to 91 kg gross weight and average backfat thickness (ABF) measured from ultrasonic scans at 91 kg. Test pigs of the high protein select (HS) and control (HC) lines were fed a 24% crude protein (CP) diet and pigs of the low protein select (LS) and control (LC) lines were fed a 12% CP diet during the test period. The extent of genetic (selection line) × environmental (dietary) interaction effects was determined based on feeding closely related boars and gilts from both the HS and LS lines on both diets. Tests were conducted in 1986 and 1987 with progeny of the fifth and sixth generations of selection. Records for 472 pigs sired by 37 boars and out of 101 dams were analyzed for effects of selection and diets on AGE of pig at 91 kg, ADG, ABF, LMA (longissimus muscle area at the last rib) and Index. Statistically significant interactions effects of line × diet were noted (P < .01) for AGE, ADG and Index, traits with low to moderate heritabilities (h2). For ABF and LMA, body composition traits with moderate or higher h2, interaction effects of line × diet were near zero. These results suggest that for best all-around future performance, traits such as AGE and ADG, selection probably should be practiced under dietary conditions under which future populations will be produced. For body composition traits such as ABF and LMA, selection probably would be more effective if pigs were fed a more enriched protein diet. However, as a practical matter, to more rapidly improve the genetic merit of the swine population, both the central station and on-the-farm testing programs should be conducted under standard commercial production systems.
Analysis of 8/20 μ s lightning current impulse fuse breaking performance
Authors: Li Xiangchao , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2016

In terms of the fuse breaking performance in 8/20 μ s waveform of lightning current, the method that the fuse and surge protective device can work together is proposed. When the lighting current flows through the fuse, the instant temperature of its melt stream rises, and the fuse breaking action time is first analyzed. Meanwhile, when lighting current flows through a conductor, the influence of ponderomotive force on current-carrying conductor is then analyzed. Finally, a lead aluminum alloy fuse is selected, and the impulse test is carried out using 8/20 μ s waveform of lightning current. The test conforms to let-through energy I2t theory when the fuse melting current under power frequency is below 5 A; while it conforms to the theory that the applied force vector sum of the transverse electric field and all directional drift electrons are ponderomotive force, when the fuse melting current under power frequency is above 5 A.
Research on the piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator applied to smart fuze safety system
Authors: Tang Yujuan , Yang Zhong , Wang Xinjie , Wang Jiong
Published: August 2016

A novel linear-type piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator for application in a Smart Fuze Safety System (SFSS) is investigated in this paper. Considering the requirements of SFSS, the structural parameters of the piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator are initially determined. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of the structural parameters to the frequency consistency is conducted using finite element (FEM) software. To validate the results of FEM, the frequency sweep tests of the piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator are performed to determine the stator's actual working mode frequencies with PSV-300-B Doppler laser vibrometer system. Additionally, the results of frequency sweep test are compared with that of the FEM analysis, and further verified by impedance analyzer. To investigate the overall performance of the piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator, vibration modes of actuator's stator, output speed and force of the piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator are tested. The experimental results show that the output speed and force of the actuator can reach 88.2 mm/s and 2.3 N respectively, which can meet the demands of the SFSS.
Therapeutic use of Withania somnifera
Authors: Alam Md Khorshed , Hoq Md Obydul , Uddin Md Shahab
Published: August 2016

Withania somnifera (L) Dunal is commonly called as Ashwagandha/Asgand and it belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is a well known medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of many clinical conditions in Indian subcontinent. It is an important medicinal plant commonly known as Asgand which has been used either single or in combination with other drugs in Unani as well as Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. It has been described by Dioscorides (78 AD) in his book Kitab-ul-Hashaish. Asgand consists of the roots of Withania somnifera which has various therapeutic actions such as anti - inflammatory (Muhallil-e-Warm), sedative (Musakkin), aphrodisiac (Muqawwi-e-Bah), hepatoprotective, immune-modulator activity, anti-oxidant, anti-ageing, anti-tumour activity, adaptogenic activity and has anti-anticonvulsant activity. Keeping in view the medicinal properties of Withania somnifera Dunal (Asgand), an attempt has been made in this paper to explore various dimensions of the drug including phytochemical and pharmacological studies carried out on this herb.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 148-155
Changes in hepatosomatic index and histoarchitecture of liver in common carp exposed to organophosphate insecticide sumithion
Authors: Hossain Sabrina , Miah Md Idris , Islam Md Sadiqul , Shahjahan Md
Published: August 2016

Sumithion is widely used in larval rearing aquaculture ponds to control aquatic insects. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of sumithion on hepatosomatic index and liver morphology in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Acute toxicity of sumithion (96 h LC50 value) was first determined and it was 8.05 ppm for common carp. The fish were exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (0.85 and 1.7ppm) of sumithion for a period of 21 days. A control set was also run for the same time with the same number of fish without sumithion (0 ppm). There was a marked increase in the hepatosomatic index in both concentrations (0.85 and 1.70 ppm) compared to control (0 ppm). Several histological changes of liver, such as necrosis, patchy degeneration, degenerated hepatocytes, vaculation and blood spilling were observed after exposure to sumithion with dose and exposure time dependent manner. The present investigation revealed the toxic potentiality of sumithion on common carp which alters liver morphology that may lead metabolic changes in fish.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 164-170
Deep placement of N fertilizers influences N use efficiency and yield of BRRI dhan29 under flooded condition
Authors: Hasan Samia Lutfa , Islam Md Rafiqul , Sumon Mahmud Hossain , Huda Azmul
Published: August 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during boro season of 2014 to evaluate the effect of deep placement of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on N use efficiency and yield of BRRI dhan29 under flooded condition. The soil was silt loam in texture having pH 6.27, organic matter content 1.95%, total N 0.136%, available P 3.16 ppm, exchangeable K 0.095 me%, available S 10.5 ppm and EC 348 ?S cm-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 [Control], T2 [Prilled urea (130 kg N ha-1)], T3 [USG, 130 kg N ha-1], T4 [USG, 104 kg N ha-1], T5 [USG, 78 kg N ha-1], T6 [NPK briquette, 129 kg N ha-1], T7 [NPK briquette, 102 kg N ha-1] and T8 [NPK briquette, 78 kg N ha-1]. All the treatments except T6, T7 and T8 received 25 kg P and 64 kg K ha-1 as TSP and MoP respectively. In T6, T7 and T8 treatments, P and K were supplied from NPK briquettes. Prilled urea was applied in three equal splits. USG and NPK briquettes were applied at 10 DAT and were placed at 8-10 cm depth within four hills at alternate row. After deep placement of USG and NPK briquette, and each split application of PU, the water samples were collected for 5 consecutive days and analyzed for NH4-N concentration in surface water. After application of N fertilizers, the NH4-N in floodwater reached peak on the 2nd day in PU treated plots and then decreased rapidly over time. In the USG and NPK briquette treated plots, the NH4-N was generated slowly but spontaneously over the entire growth period as compared to PU indicating a beneficial role of USG and NPK briquette. The highest grain yield of 7.16 t ha-1 was recorded for T6 [NPK briquette, 129 kg N ha-1] which was statistically similar to that of T3 [USG, 130 kg N ha-1] and T4 [USG, 104 kg N ha-1]. The highest straw yield of 8.05 t ha-1 was obtained for T3 [USG, 130 kg N ha-1]. The deep placement of USG and NPK briquettes enhanced the recovery of applied N and N use efficiency in comparison with the broadcast application of N fertilizers.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 279-284
The activities of Bangladesh water development board on the social environment of Bhadrabila union, Narail sadar upazila, Bangladesh
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rimi , Hasan Md Amit
Published: August 2016

The study was conducted at Bhadrabila union, Narail sadar upazila, Narail in Bangladesh. The study period was carried out during September to December, 2013. In the selected areas, the study was conducted on 375 persons. The collected information was totally interview and observation based study. In the study area the highest age distribution was 50% in 21-40 years. The second highest was 39% for 41-60 years. The third highest was 7% for the year of 1-20. The lowest age distribution was for the year of 60 and above. This study found that the highest respondents of 39% are the member of 3-4 family member range. 32% respondents are in the member of 5-6 family member range. 12% respondents are in the member of 7-8 family member range. This study represent that 18% houses were kacha, 27% houses were tin shade 29% half building and 26% house were building. Almost 3% respondents were in class 1-3, 31% were in class 4-6, 46% were in between class 7-9, 10% in S.S.C level and left 9% were in above S.S.C level. Almost 79% had sanitary latrine. . It was found that 28% peoples were and poor their monthly income was 3,000-6,000 taka, 40% peoples were middle class their monthly income was 6,000-9,000 taka, about 24% peoples were rich their monthly income was 9,000-12,000 and lest 8% peoples income were 12,000+. 90% tube wells were arsenic free and only 10% tube wells are arsenic contaminated. About 77% were related with the BWDB and rests 13% were not the beneficiary of the BWDB. About 86% respondants were benifited by the activities of the BWDB. About 100% of respondents are fully satisfied by the activities of BWDB in arsenic test. It was shown that the social life of the respondents of Bhadrabila Union Parisad was getting better. The most important thing is almost 100% of the respondents were satisfied by the activities of BWDB.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 297-303
Biosynthesis and Biomedical Applications of Gold Nanoparticles Using Eclipta prostrata Leaf Extract
Authors: Rajakumar Govindasamy , Gomathi Thandapani , Abdul Rahuman Abdul , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Mydhili Govindarasu , Kim Seung-Hyun , Lee Tak-Jun , Chung II-Min
Published: August 2016

This study reports the biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by the reduction of HAuCl4 by using of Eclipta prostrata leaf extract as the reducing and stabilizing agent. AuNPs were characterized using Ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The UV-visible spectrum of the synthesized AuNPs showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) around 534 nm. The face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of the AuNPs was confirmed by XRD peaks at 38.10°, 44.13°, 64.43°, and 77.32°, which correspond to (111), (200), (220), and (311) miller indices, respectively, with clear circular spots in the selected area electron diffraction (SAED). FTIR measurements showed the AuNPs having a coating of phenolic compounds, indicating a possible role of biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the AuNPs. The HRTEM images determined the particles are spherical, hexagonal, and triangular in shape, with an average size of 31 ± 1.6 nm. The synthesized AuNPs show good antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activity. The outcomes of this study indicate that these nanoparticles could be effectively utilized in pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and biomedical applications.
Strategies to Approach Stabilized Plasticity in Metals with Diminutive Volume: A Brief Review
Authors: Hu Tao , Jiang Lin , Mukherjee Amiya , Schoenung Julie , Lavernia Enrique
Published: August 2016

Micrometer- or submicrometer-sized metallic pillars are widely studied by investigators worldwide, not only to provide insights into fundamental phenomena, but also to explore potential applications in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices. While these materials with a diminutive volume exhibit unprecedented properties, e.g., strength values that approach the theoretical strength, their plastic flow is frequently intermittent as manifested by strain bursts, which is mainly attributed to dislocation activity at such length scales. Specifically, the increased ratio of free surface to volume promotes collective dislocation release resulting in dislocation starvation at the submicrometer scale or the formation of single-arm dislocation sources (truncated dislocations) at the micrometer scale. This article reviews and critically assesses recent progress in tailoring the microstructure of pillars, both extrinsically and intrinsically, to suppress plastic instabilities in micrometer or submicrometer-sized metallic pillars using an approach that involves confining the dislocations inside the pillars. Moreover, we identify strategies that can be implemented to fabricate submicrometer-sized metallic pillars that simultaneously exhibit stabilized plasticity and ultrahigh strength.
Establishing the Effect of Brushing and a Day’s Diet on Tooth Tissue Loss in Vitro
Authors: Forbes-Haley Claire , Jones Siân , Davies Maria , West Nicola
Published: August 2016

To develop an in vitro model to mimic the effects of meals equivalent to a day’s diet on tooth tissue loss (TTL). To identify how diet effects tooth wear and to test the efficacy of dental products designed to reduce tooth wear in a more realistic environment. A typical Friday diet was devised comprising: Breakfast then brushing, lunch, dinner then brushing. Groups of enamel samples were exposed to one meal, or all three in series, a control group was exposed to water and brushed. The daily cycle was repeated to represent two days’ consumption; TTL was quantified by non-contact profilometry. This pilot study highlighted adaptions that could be made to the model such as human enamel and saliva to further replicate natural eating habits. The sum of the TTL measured after Breakfast, lunch and dinner (bovine enamel specimens exposed to single meals) was less than that exhibited by the group of samples exposed to the series of meals but this difference was not significant (p = 0.09).In the absence and presence of brushing, TTL caused by breakfast and dinner was similar, but significantly greater than that caused by lunch (p < 0.05). While brushing increased TTL, this increase was not significant. It is possible to model a daily diet in vitro, and the data obtained confirms that the combination of food and drink affects the degree of TTL. This supports the further development of an in vitro model that includes alternative foodstuffs. This would aid understanding of the effects different diets have on TTL and could test new products designed to prevent TTL.
Association between Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors in Drinking Water and Preterm Birth, Taking Neighborhood Deprivation into Account: A Historic Cohort Study
Authors: Albouy-Llaty Marion , Limousi Frédérike , Carles Camille , Dupuis Antoine , Rabouan Sylvie , Migeot Virginie
Published: August 2016

Background: The relationship between preterm birth (PTB) and endocrine disruptor exposure in drinking-water has only occasionally been studied. The objective of this work was to investigate the relation between exposure to atrazine metabolites, or atrazine/nitrate mixtures, in drinking-water during pregnancy and prevalence of PTB neonates, while taking neighborhood deprivation into account. Method: A historic cohort study in Deux-Sèvres, France, between 2005 and 2010 with a multiple imputation model for data of exposure to atrazine metabolites and a logistic regression were carried out. Results: We included 13,654 mother/neonate pairs living in 279 different census districts. The prevalence of PTB was 4%. Average atrazine metabolite concentration was 0.019 ± 0.009 (0.014–0.080) µg/L and 39% of mothers lived in less deprived areas. The individual data were associated with risk of PTB. The risk of PTB when exposed to highest concentration of atrazine metabolite adjusted for confounders, was ORa 1.625 95% CI [0.975; 2.710]. Taking, or not, neighborhood deprivation into account did not change the result. Exposure to atrazine/nitrate mixtures remained non-significant. Conclusions: Even if we took neighborhood deprivation into account, we could not show a significant relationship between exposure to atrazine metabolites, or mixtures, in drinking-water during the second trimester of pregnancy and PTB.
Working with Climate Projections to Estimate Disease Burden: Perspectives from Public Health
Authors: Conlon Kathryn , Kintziger Kristina , Jagger Meredith , Stefanova Lydia , Uejio Christopher , Konrad Charles
Published: August 2016

There is interest among agencies and public health practitioners in the United States (USA) to estimate the future burden of climate-related health outcomes. Calculating disease burden projections can be especially daunting, given the complexities of climate modeling and the multiple pathways by which climate influences public health. Interdisciplinary coordination between public health practitioners and climate scientists is necessary for scientifically derived estimates. We describe a unique partnership of state and regional climate scientists and public health practitioners assembled by the Florida Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) program. We provide a background on climate modeling and projections that has been developed specifically for public health practitioners, describe methodologies for combining climate and health data to project disease burden, and demonstrate three examples of this process used in Florida.
A Novel Simplified Algorithm for Bare Surface Soil Moisture Retrieval Using L-Band Radiometer
Authors: Zhu Bin , Song Xiaoning , Leng Pei , Sun Chuan , Wang Ruixin , Jiang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2016

Soil moisture plays an important role in understanding climate change and hydrology, and L-band passive microwave radiometers have been verified as effective tools for monitoring soil moisture. This paper proposes a novel, simplified algorithm for bare surface soil moisture retrieval using L-band radiometer. The algorithm consists of two sub-algorithms: a surface emission model and a soil moisture retrieval model. In analyses of the advanced integral equation model (AIEM) simulated database, the surface emission model was developed to diminish the effects of surface roughness using dual-polarization surface reflectivity. The soil moisture retrieval model, which was calibrated using the Dobson simulated database, is based on the relationship between the adjusted real refractive index N r and the volumetric soil moisture. Soil moisture can be determined via a numerical solution that uses several freely available input parameters: dual-polarization microwave brightness temperature, surface temperature, and the contents of sand and clay. The results showed good agreement with the input soil moisture values simulated by the AIEM model, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) lower than 3% at all incidence angles. The algorithm was then verified based on data from the four-year L-band experiments conducted at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) test sites, achieving RMSEs of 4.3% and 3.4% at 40° and 50°, respectively. These results indicate that the simplified algorithm proposed in this paper shows a very good accuracy in soil moisture retrieval. Additionally, the algorithm exhibits a better performance for the large incidence angle radiometers in L-band such as those produced by the Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP).
Essential Oil of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle: A Strategy to Combat Fungal Infections Caused by Candida Species
Authors: De Toledo Luciani , Ramos Matheus , Spósito Larissa , Castilho Elza , Pavan Fernando , Lopes Érica , Zocolo Guilherme , Silva Francisca , Soares Tigressa , Dos Santos André , Bauab Taís , De Almeida Margarete
Published: August 2016

Background: The incidence of fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida yeasts, has increased over the last two decades. However, the indicated therapy for fungal control has limitations. Hence, medicinal plants have emerged as an alternative in the search for new antifungal agents as they present compounds, such as essential oils, with important biological effects. Published data demonstrate important pharmacological properties of the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle; these include anti-tumor, anti-nociceptive, and antibacterial activities, and so an investigation of this compound against pathogenic fungi is interesting. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and biological potential of essential oil (EO) obtained from the leaves of C. nardus focusing on its antifungal profile against Candida species. Methods: The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Testing of the antifungal potential against standard and clinical strains was performed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), time-kill, inhibition of Candida albicans hyphae growth, and inhibition of mature biofilms. Additionally, the cytotoxicity was investigated by the IC50 against HepG-2 (hepatic) and MRC-5 (fibroblast) cell lines. Results: According to the chemical analysis, the main compounds of the EO were the oxygen-containing monoterpenes: citronellal, geranial, geraniol, citronellol, and neral. The results showed important antifungal potential for all strains tested with MIC values ranging from 250 to 1000 μg/mL, except for two clinical isolates of C. tropicalis (MIC > 1000 μg/mL). The time-kill assay showed that the EO inhibited the growth of the yeast and inhibited hyphal formation of C. albicans strains at concentrations ranging from 15.8 to 1000 μg/mL. Inhibition of mature biofilms of strains of C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis occurred at a concentration of 10× MIC. The values of the IC50 for the EO were 96.6 μg/mL (HepG-2) and 33.1 μg/mL (MRC-5). Conclusion: As a major virulence mechanism is attributed to these types of infections, the EO is a promising compound to inhibit Candida species, especially considering its action against biofilm.
A Genome-Wide Methylation Approach Identifies a New Hypermethylated Gene Panel in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kang Keunsoo , Bae Jin-Han , Han Kyudong , Kim Eun , Kim Tae-Oh , Yi Joo
Published: August 2016

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unknown, but there is growing evidence that environmental factors such as epigenetic changes can contribute to the disease etiology. The aim of this study was to identify newly hypermethylated genes in ulcerative colitis (UC) using a genome-wide DNA methylation approach. Using an Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, we screened the DNA methylation changes in three normal colon controls and eight UC patients. Using these methylation profiles, 48 probes associated with CpG promoter methylation showed differential hypermethylation between UC patients and normal controls. Technical validations for methylation analyses in a larger series of UC patients (n = 79) were performed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing analysis. We finally found that three genes (FAM217B, KIAA1614 and RIBC2) that were significantly elevating the promoter methylation levels in UC compared to normal controls. Interestingly, we confirmed that three genes were transcriptionally silenced in UC patient samples by qRT-PCR, suggesting that their silencing is correlated with the promoter hypermethylation. Pathway analyses were performed using GO and KEGG databases with differentially hypermethylated genes in UC. Our results highlight that aberrant hypermethylation was identified in UC patients which can be a potential biomarker for detecting UC. Moreover, pathway-enriched hypermethylated genes are possibly implicating important cellular function in the pathogenesis of UC. Overall, this study describes a newly hypermethylated gene panel in UC patients and provides new clinical information that can be used for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of IBD.
Towards Effective Photothermal/Photodynamic Treatment Using Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Bucharskaya Alla , Maslyakova Galina , Terentyuk Georgy , Yakunin Alexander , Avetisyan Yuri , Bibikova Olga , Tuchina Elena , Khlebtsov Boris , Khlebtsov Nikolai , Tuchin Valery
Published: August 2016

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different size and shape are widely used as photosensitizers for cancer diagnostics and plasmonic photothermal (PPT)/photodynamic (PDT) therapy, as nanocarriers for drug delivery and laser-mediated pathogen killing, even the underlying mechanisms of treatment effects remain poorly understood. There is a need in analyzing and improving the ways to increase accumulation of AuNP in tumors and other crucial steps in interaction of AuNPs with laser light and tissues. In this review, we summarize our recent theoretical, experimental, and pre-clinical results on light activated interaction of AuNPs with tissues and cells. Specifically, we discuss a combined PPT/PDT treatment of tumors and killing of pathogen bacteria with gold-based nanocomposites and atomic clusters, cell optoporation, and theoretical simulations of nanoparticle-mediated laser heating of tissues and cells.
How the Proximal Pocket May Influence the Enantiospecificities of Chloroperoxidase-Catalyzed Epoxidations of Olefins
Authors: Morozov Alexander , Chatfield David
Published: August 2016

Chloroperoxidase-catalyzed enantiospecific epoxidations of olefins are of significant biotechnological interest. Typical enantiomeric excesses are in the range of 66%–97% and translate into free energy differences on the order of 1 kcal/mol. These differences are generally attributed to the effect of the distal pocket. In this paper, we show that the influence of the proximal pocket on the electron transfer mechanism in the rate-limiting event may be just as significant for a quantitatively accurate account of the experimentally-measured enantiospecificities.