bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production Enhancement of Prolific, Extended Reach Gas Lift Oil Wells: Case History of Systematic Problem Resolution
Authors: Dunn R. , Yu D. , Tiss M. , Murphy D. , Hahn D.
Published: February 2016

Most oil wells producing from the Glauconite YY Pool of the Lake Newell field in Southern Alberta, Canada have very high flow capacities. Wellbore operations are complicated by the configuration of the slant wells with surface angles of 45° that can reach 75 ° at bottom and horizontal displacements in excess of 2000 m. During the development of this field, it was determined that there was a full cycle economic advantage to utilize gas lift as the primary artificial lift scheme because of the extended reach slant wellbore configurations. In 1996 opportunities to economically enhance production and accelerate recovery were identified in several of these gas lifted wells.

Well bore performance could not be matched to any theoretical tubular flow simulation thus a significant effort was made to understand these differences which, after consultation with various international experts, still did not offer a definitive explanation. Some of the production impairment mechanisms considered were phase separation and stratification of fluids (water, oil, gas) in the tubing, wax/paraffin formation, and unknown fluid rheologies. An attempt to production log one well was unsuccessful because the well ceased to produce with the decreased flow diameter of coiled tubing inside 73 mm (2.875 inch) production tubing. Since some wells are producing at drawdowns as low as 5%, significant production enhancement opportunities still needed to be pursued along with identifying the wellbore production impairment mechanism.

Larger diameter tubing (89 mm - 3.5 inch) was run in a 70% water cut well increasing production from 135 m3/D (850 BPD) to 180 m3/D (1130 BPD) which was still significantly lower than theoretical rates of 500 m3/D (3145 BPD). A demulsifier chemical, that the cross functional property team had previously identified as being effective in reducing high pressure drops in surface piping, was introduced into the injection gas stream. Two days after chemical injection began, the well started to produce at theoretically predicted production rates; however, it was very unstable and would cycle to original rates for long periods of time followed by very high rates again due to changing annular fluid levels. This prompted the installation of a chemical injection capillary tubing to bottom resulting in sustained production o 480 m3/D (3019 BPD) which is a 150% increase and near the theoretically predicted rates.

This paper will sequentially outline the diagnostic and operational methodology used to solve the very difficult problems encountered with unconventional wellbores and fluids. It will emphasize the value of teamwork in problem resolution and how automated monitoring can greatly enhance the analysis of all information and situations. It will briefly address the surface system debottlenecking and optimization. The well improvements outlined in this paper have significantly contributed to enhancing the economic oil recovery of the YY Pool.
Survival of Helicobacter pylori in the wastewater treatment process and the receiving river in Michigan, USA
Authors: Bai Xiaohui , Xi Chuanwu , Wu Jianfeng
Published: February 2016

Contaminated water may play a key role in the transmission of Helicobacter pylori, resulting in gastrointestinal diseases in humans. The wastewater treatment process is an important barrier to control the transmission of H. pylori. However, the presence and viability of H. pylori in the treatment process is not well known. In this paper, the real colony morphology of H. pylori was confirmed by two types of culture media. The survival of H. pylori through the tertiary wastewater treatment process, especially UV disinfection, and in the receiving Huron River in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was investigated by plates cultivation, regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and quantitative real-time PCR from DNA. The results demonstrated that H. pylori was not only present, but also viable in all processed wastewater samples in the Ann Arbor wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). H. pylori can be found in a higher concentration in the receiving Huron River. There are many kinds of antibiotic- and UV-resistant bacteria, including H. pylori, in the final effluent of Ann Arbor WWTP.
Can constructed wetlands treat wastewater for reuse in agriculture? Review of guidelines and examples in South Europe
Authors: Lavrnić Stevo , Mancini Maurizio L.
Published: February 2016

South Europe is one of the areas negatively affected by climate change. Issues with water shortage are already visible, and are likely to increase. Since agriculture is the biggest freshwater consumer, it is important to find new water sources that could mitigate the climate change impact. In order to overcome problems and protect the environment, a better approach towards wastewater management is needed. That includes an increase in the volume of wastewater that is treated and a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable system where wastewater is actually considered as a resource. This study evaluates the potential of constructed wetlands (CWs) to treat domestic wastewater and produce effluent that will be suitable for reuse in agriculture. In South Europe, four countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain) have national standards that regulate wastewater reuse in agriculture. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that are based on CWs in these four countries were analysed and their effluents compared with the quality needed for reuse. In general, it was found that CWs have trouble reaching the strictest standards, especially regarding microbiological parameters. However, their effluents are found to be suitable for reuse in areas that do not require water of the highest quality.
Group refractive index calculation by difference approximation for length measurement
Authors: Wei D. , Xiao M. , Yang P.
Published: February 2016

In this study, the possibility of employing a difference approximation to facilitate calculation of the group refractive index of air (GRA) was investigated. The forward, backward, and central difference methods were used to numerically approximate the first-order derivatives of the phase refractive index based on the Edlè-empirical equations. To confirm the validity of the calculations, the calculated results were compared with the theoretical analysis results and the values in a related paper. It was found that the GRA computation could be easily approximated by the two-point central difference method with a step size of 10 nm.
Science Achievement Gaps Begin Very Early, Persist, and Are Largely Explained by Modifiable Factors
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Farkas George , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Maczuga Steve
Published: February 2016

We examined the age of onset, over-time dynamics, and mechanisms underlying science achievement gaps in U.S. elementary and middle schools. To do so, we estimated multilevel growth models that included as predictors children’s own general knowledge, reading and mathematics achievement, behavioral self-regulation, sociodemographics, other child- and family-level characteristics (e.g., parenting quality), and school-level characteristics (e.g., racial, ethnic, and economic composition; school academic climate). Analyses of a longitudinal sample of 7,757 children indicated large gaps in general knowledge already evident at kindergarten entry. Kindergarten general knowledge was the strongest predictor of first-grade general knowledge, which in turn was the strongest predictor of children’s science achievement from third to eighth grade. Large science achievement gaps were evident when science achievement measures first became available in third grade. These gaps persisted until at least the end of eighth grade. Most or all of the observed science achievement gaps were explained by the study’s many predictors. Efforts to address science achievement gaps in the United States likely require intensified early intervention efforts, particularly those delivered before the primary grades. If unaddressed, science achievement gaps emerge by kindergarten and continue until at least the end of eighth grade.
Cagean Silence and theComunisof Communication
Authors: Spinosa Dani
Published: February 2016

Looking at John Cage’s “62 Mesostics Re Merce Cunningham,” the article argues that the sequence refuses exegesis, invites attentive and engaged readers, and offers meditative koans. In the end, the sequence looks to include the reader in a communal process of meaning making.
Pitiless Adolescents and Young Crusaders: Reimagining Ayn Rand’s Readers
Authors: Brühwiler Claudia Franziska
Published: February 2016

In the United States, Ayn Rand’s (1905–1982) novels still appeal to a large readership, in spite of their age and length. While many attribute Rand’s lasting popularity to her effect on the presumably young and impressionable, few have actually explored why her novels at times prove to be such a transformative reading experience. The article retraces Rand’s impact, through the lens of four writers who have reimagined her readers: Gene H. Bell-Villada, in the novella The Pianist Who Liked Ayn Rand; Tobias Wolff, in Old School; William F. Buckley, in Getting It Right; and Mary Gaitskill, in Two Girls, Fat and Thin. While Bell-Villada, Wolff, and Buckley convey their own attitudes toward Rand through their characters and shy away from creating strong Randian adherents, Gaitskill’s dark satiric novel offers a surprisingly more empathic account of a pseudo-Randian acolyte.
Humanitarian Missions to the Nuba Mountains, Sudan: Delivery of Food to Those in Critical Need
Authors: Totten Samuel
Published: February 2016

The following reports delineate the most recent experiences and insights gleaned by Samuel Totten, a scholar of genocide studies based in the United States, as he traveled up into the war-torn Nuba Mountains in Sudan during December 2014 and April–May 2015. During the course of both trips, accompanied by an interpreter and a driver, both from the Nuba Mountains, he served as a witness to the ongoing aerial attacks by the government of Sudan against Nuba civilians (in their villages, on their farms, in open marketplaces, in their schools, and in places of worship) and delivered food (sorghum, lentils, dried beans, salt, sugar, and cooking oil) to those Nuba in the most dire need. An untold number of Nuba have been forced out of their villages and off their farms due to the aerial bombings, and without access to their farms and stores of food, many, particularly those residing in the remotest regions, are experiencing everything from malnutrition to severe malnutrition to starvation.
When a Utopia Became Reality: Jewish Studies and Jewish Theology Well Established in Germany
Authors: Homolka Walter
Published: February 2016

When the science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums) evolved at the beginning of the nineteenth century, it intended both theological and secular studies to prove the general value of Jewish culture and civilization. Access to the public university system was denied until after the Shoah. Since then, Jewish studies has been established at various German universities and, in 2013, the School of Jewish Theology of the University of Potsdam was opened. With that, what was once a utopia became a reality, and both branches of the science of Judaism, religious and secular, have become an undisputed part of the German academic scene: using similar tools for differing aims.
How to Put Light Rail on a Floating Bridge: Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Approach
Authors: Thonstad Travis , Stanton John F. , Foan Andy , Sleavin John
Published: February 2016

Sound Transit, the agency that owns and operates the light rail transit system in the Seattle, Washington, area, is extending light rail transit service to east King County over the existing Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge. The East Link Extension Project presents unique technical challenges: the movements of the floating structure pose problems for a fixed rail track and, although there are examples of similar projects on cable-stayed and suspension bridges, there is no precedent for light rail on a floating bridge. A novel method—the curved element supported rail concept—has been developed to accommodate the multidimensional movements that exist at the joints between fixed and floating portions of the bridge. This paper presents a discussion of the results of full-scale tests of a portion of the overall system. The purpose of these tests was to assess the efficacy of several key components of the new system in advance of full-scale prototype testing. Overall, the system behaved as it was designed to. The tested components provided the necessary movement capabilities; stresses did not exceed 10% of yield; and deflections, which could cause alignment issues and poor rider comfort, were well within operating requirements. The tests revealed that the design of the guardrail, and in particular the way in which it is fastened to the system, is one of the most important design decisions facing the successful implementation of the system. In addition, the tests helped refine the testing needs and requirements for the follow-on prototype testing program.
Developing Updatable Crash Prediction Model for Network Screening: Case Study of Czech Two-Lane Rural Road Segments
Authors: Ambros Jiří , Valentová Veronika , Sedoník Jiří
Published: February 2016

This paper focuses on application of crash prediction models in network screening. The two main questions were ( a) What variables should be involved in the model? and ( b) What length should the modeled period be? Answers to these questions should provide guidelines for developing an updatable crash prediction model (i.e., a model that is both reliable and simple so that its updating for periodical network screening is not highly demanding). Data on approximately 1,000 km (600 mi) of a two-lane rural-road network from South Moravia, Czech Republic, were used. On the basis of 8 years of annual crash frequencies, together with exposure and geometrical variables, several variants of prediction models were developed. To study the quality of the models, a series of consistency tests was applied relative to comparison of the models themselves as well as to their diagnostic performance. As a result, simple crash prediction models (that included traffic volume, segment length, and curvature change rate) were found sufficient for network screening. If one supposes that length and curvature are unlikely to change often, only traffic volume data need to be periodically updated. Consistency analyses indicate that this period should be 4 years. Under these conditions, models are being applied in the studied region. Further planned activities include extensions to intersections and also to other Czech regions.
Estimation of Calibration Functions for Predicting Crashes on Rural Two-Lane Roads in Arizona
Authors: Srinivasan Raghavan , Colety Michael , Bahar Geni , Crowther Brent , Farmen Matt
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a study that used data from rural two-lane roads in Arizona to illustrate two issues. One issue is the importance of selecting an appropriate sample size for calibrating the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) predictive models based on the desired accuracy of the calibration factor, instead of relying on the guidance from the HSM (the HSM recommends 30 to 50 sites with at least 100 crashes per year but provides no statistical basis for this guidance). The second issue is the usefulness of estimating calibration functions when individual calibration factors do not provide a proper fit of the local data. On the basis of the outcome of the exploration of these two issues, this study recommends a simple calibration function for predicting total crashes on rural two-lane roads in Arizona. This paper also provides a brief overview of a procedure in Microsoft Excel that can be used by practitioners (after appropriate training) to estimate simple calibration functions.
Panic That Spreads Sociobehavioral Contagion in Pedestrian Evacuations
Authors: Elzie Terra , Frydenlund Erika , Collins Andrew J. , Robinson R. Michael
Published: February 2016

Crowds are a part of everyday public life, from stadiums and arenas to school hallways. Occasionally, pushing within the crowd spontaneously escalates to crushing behavior, resulting in injuries and even death. The rarity and unpredictability of these incidents provides few options to collect data for research on the prediction and prevention of hazardous emergent behaviors in crowds. This study takes a close look at the way states of agitation, such as panic, can spread through crowds. Group composition—mainly family groups composed of members with differing mobility levels—plays an important role in the spread of agitation through the crowd, ultimately affecting the exit density and evacuation clearance time of a simulated venue. This study used an agent-based model of pedestrian movement during the egress of a hypothetical room and adopted an emotional, cognitive, and social framework to explore the transference and dissipation of agitation through a crowd. The preliminary results reveal that average group size in a crowd is a primary contributor to the exit density and evacuation clearance time. The study provides the groundwork on which to build more elaborate models that incorporate sociobehavioral aspects to simulate human movement during panic situations and account for the potential for dangerous behavior to emerge in crowds.
The sociology of creativity: PART II: Applications: The socio-cultural contexts and conditions of the production of novelty
Authors: Burns Tom R. , Corte Ugo , Machado Nora
Published: February 2016

This is Part II of a three-part article. The article is predicated on the principle that creativity is a universal activity, essential in an evolutionary perspective, to adaptation and sustainability. This manuscript on the sociology of creativity has three purposes: (1) to develop the argument that key factors in creative activity are socially based and developed; hence, sociology can contribute significantly to understanding and explaining human creativity; (2) to present a systems approach which enables us to link in a systematic and coherent way the disparate social factors and mechanisms that are involved in creative activity and to describe and explain creativity; (3) to illustrate sociological systems theory’s (Actor-Systems-Dynamics) conceptualization of multiple interrelated institutional, cultural, and interaction factors and mechanisms and their role in creativity and innovative developments in diverse empirical instances. The preceding segment of this article, Part I, introduced a general model of innovation and creative development stressing the socio-cultural and political embeddedness of agents, either as individuals or groups, in their creative activities and innovative productions. This second part, Part II, investigates the “context of innovation and discovery” considering applications and illustrations ranging from, for instance: (i) “the independent innovator or entrepreneur” who exercises creativity based on absorbing a field of knowledge, concepts, challenges, problems, solution strategies, creativity production functions or programs (and who is likely to be in contact with libraries, relevant journals and may be directly or indirectly in contact with a network of others); (ii) groups in their particular fields operating greenhouse types of organization driving problem-solving and creative activities – both self-organizing groups as well as groups established by external powers (whether a private company, a government, or a non-government organization or movement); (iii) entire societies undergoing transformations and radical development as in the industrial and later revolutions. Part III of this article investigates and analyzes “the context of receptivity, selection, and institutionalization” of novelty.
IR based Task-Model Learning: Automating the hierarchical structuring of tasks
Authors: Fukazawa Yusuke , Kröll Mark , Strohmaier Markus , Ota Jun
Published: February 2016

Task-models concretize general requests to support users in real-world scenarios. In this paper, we present an IR based algorithm (IRTML) to automate the construction of hierarchically structured task-models. In contrast to other approaches, our algorithm is capable of assigning general tasks closer to the top and specific tasks closer to the bottom. Connections between tasks are established by extending Turney’s PMI-IR measure. To evaluate our algorithm, we manually created a ground truth in the health-care domain consisting of 14 domains. We compared the IRTML algorithm to three state-of-the-art algorithms to generate hierarchical structures, i.e. BiSection K-means, Formal Concept Analysis and Bottom-Up Clustering. Our results show that IRTML achieves a 25.9% taxonomic overlap with the ground truth, a 32.0% improvement over the compared algorithms.
Comparative histomorphological study of non affected and affected liver by fascioliasis in Black Bengal goat
Authors: Islam Md Reazul , Parvez Md Najmul Hassan , Sarder Md Jalal Uddin
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to comparative histomorphological investigation of the non affected and affected liver by fascioliasis in Black Bengal goat. The average weight of affected livers was 511.20±14.10 gm which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than non affected livers (371.70±13.25 gm). The average length and girth of affected liver were 27.50 ±0.63 cm and 34.00±0.71 cm, respectively which were also significantly (p<0.001) higher than the length (21.80±0.61 cm) and girth (26.60±0.80 cm) of non affected liver of Black Bengal goat. The gross changes in acute form, affected livers were enlarged than normal. The livers were slightly swollen with rounded edges and the color became paler than normal. The capsule was more or less thick, opaque and rough than normal smooth thin capsule. The gross changes of the liver in chronic fascioliasis characterized by increase in the size of the organ due to inflammatory changes in the parenchyma and fibrosis of the bile ducts containing adult flukes. In acute cases microscopic changes were found mainly in the portal area. The grossly visible spots or tracks was represented by the presence of numerous eosinophils admixed with few lymphocytes and monocytes in the parenchyma of liver and accompanied by hemorrhage and edema. In chronic fascioliasis the hemorrhagic tracks or tunnels were represented by the areas infiltrated with fibroblasts admixed with neutrophils, lymphocytes and few mononuclear cells in the area previously migrated by young flukes. So it was concluded that liver of Black Bengal goats are mostly affected with fascioliasis which severely change the structure of that organ.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 424-433
Effect of spent mushroom compost on yield and fruit quality of tomato
Authors: Ashrafi Reema , Rajib Md Rashedur Rahman , Sultana Rajia , Rahman M Mazibur , Mian Musharrof Hossain , Shanta Faria Hossain
Published: February 2016

An experiment was conducted to observe the performance of the composted spent mushroom substrate (SMS) along with chemical fertilizers on the yield, fruit quality and nutrient uptake by tomato plant for using the mushroom waste through composting. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with seven replications. Treatments were T1: no fertilizer and compost application (control), T2: recommended dose of fertilizers (RFD), T3: 25% SMC-N+ 75% fertilizer-N, T4: RFD + 2.5 t ha-1 SMC, T5: 50% SMC-N + 50% fertilizer-N, T6: 100% SMC-N and T7: 100% SMC-N + 50% fertilizer-N. Application of SMS compost at 2.5 t ha-1 along with recommended fertilizer dose showed the best performance for number of fruits, fruit yield, fruit quality (total protein, vitamin C, total sugar, reducing sugar) and nutrient uptake by tomato. This treatment showed significantly higher fruit yield, quality and nutrient uptake not only over control but also RFD, SMS compost alone and combination of SMS compost & RFD. Though SMS compost alone proved less effective, however combined application of SMS compost at 2.5 tha-1 with chemical fertilizer of recommended dose had shown to be more effective.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 471-477
Effect of planting time on the growth and yield of chia (Salvia hispanica L.)
Authors: Karim Md Masudul , Ashrafuzzaman Md , Hossain Md Alamgir
Published: February 2016

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) contains the highest level of omega- 3 fatty acid available in any cultivated plant source. The objective of this research was to find out the suitable planting time for chia in Bangladesh and to study the effect of planting time on its growth and yield. An experiment was carried out at the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, during the period from November 2013 to July 2014 to study the growth, morpho-physiological yield contributing characters and yield of chia. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed statistically and the means were adjudged by DMRT using the statistical computer package program, MSTAT_C. The tallest plant (136 cm), highest number of inflorescence plant1 (13.67), highest amount of total dry matter (305 g) and highest root length (7.767 cm) were recorded from November planting at harvest. However, leaf area plant1 (207.2 cm2) and LAI (1.891) had also significantly higher from November planting at 90 days after sowing (DAS) compared to other planting times. November planting further recorded the higher CGR (33.43 g m-2 day-1) at the stage between 7690 DAS and thereafter they decreased. Higher seed yield (1033 Kg ha1), husk yield (888 Kg ha1), seed yield plant-1 (4.773 g), husk yield plant-1 (2.840 g) were also recorded from November planting. In December planting the seed yield, husk yield, seed yield plant-1, husk yield plant-1 were 681 Kg ha1, 340 Kg ha1, 2.350g and 0.9467g, respectively. Lower seed yield (159 Kg ha1), husk yield (166 Kg ha1), seed yield plant-1 (0.6150 g) and husk yield plant-1 (0.5383 g) were recorded from January planting. Except total dry matter, other morpho-physiological characters, yield and yield contributing factors were less effective in January than other planting time. February and March planting did not produce any fertile spike resulting yield less vegetative growth. These results revealed that, November planting was found outstanding superiority for plant growth, yield and morpho-physiological characters of chia in Bangladesh.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 502-507
Comparative study on meristem culture of three potato cultivars diamant, cardinal and granula and their shoot formation
Authors: Khatun Marufa , Hossain Md Shahadat , Khalekuzzan Md , Rownaq Amina
Published: February 2016

The main aim of this study was to analyze the comparative study on meristem culture of three important potato cultivars, diamant, cardinal and granula and their shoot formation using meristem tips. Apical meristems were isolated from shoot tips of 25-35 days old field grown plants. After surface sterilization the meristems (0.3 mm) were isolated from the shoot tips. After isolation the apical meristems were placed quickly on M shaped filter paper bridge in culture tubes containing liquid MS medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of different plant growth regulators. Meristems showed their first growth response by increase in size and became greenish white in colour. They continued their growth and developed shoots with roots. In the present investigation, among the three cultivars of potato, cardinal were the best responsive cultivars for the resuming new growth of cultured meristems on MS medium supplemented with KIN (0.4 mg l-1) + GA3 (0.5 mg l-1). Cultivar diamant showed comparatively better growth response in the primary culture and granula showed better results in shoot length formation in MS0 medium. Cultivar cardinal proved to be best potato cultivar in case of meristem culture than diamant and granula cultivars.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 537-544
Effect of feeding management of broodstock on breeding performance of bata (Labeo bata)
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Rahman Md Anisur , Hossain Md Mer Mosharraf , Yeasmin Syeda Maksuda , Asif Abdulla Al
Published: February 2016

Labeo bata is one of the important minor carps in Bangladesh with great demand as good table fish. The study was conducted to observe the breeding performance at different management practices in Mafatema, Rupali, Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery and disinfection treatments of water, eggs and fry in Jessore, Bangladesh during 10 March 2014 to 15 May 2015. An improvement in broodstock nutrition and feeding has been shown to greatly improve seed production. Protein and lipid percentage of broodstock diet have been identified as major dietary factors. Protein level was 24.77%, 23.47%, 18.08%, 17.78% and lipid level was 11.07%, 9.50%, 7.74%, 8.14% in Mafatema, Rupali, Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery respectively. Three concentrations of four chemical-formalin (10, 20, 30 mg/L), malachite green (1, 3, 5 mg/L), NaCl (1, 2, 3 g/L) and methylene blue ( 1, 3, 5 mg/L) treatment regimes and a control were compared for efficacy in treating L. bata eggs to prevent fungus and bacterial infection and improve hatch and survival rate of fry. Highest correlation value between absolute fecundity and body weight (r=.938, p<.05) and total length (r=.891, p<.05) and gonadosomatic index (26.2%) were found in Mafatema fish hatchery among four experimental hatcheries at 24.77% protein and 11.07% lipid level. Better fertilization rate (84.2±5.17%) and hatching rate (82.0±4.30%) were found in Mafatema and Rupali fish hatchery respectively that has significant difference (P<0.05) from that of Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery at higher protein and lipid level. Lowest deformity rate (6.05+2.65) was observed in Mafatema fish hatchery that was significantly different (P<0.05) from that of Modhumoti fish hatchery. In case of disinfection treatment, methylene blue at 1mg/L bath treatment daily for 4 days showed significantly higher hatching rate (92.33±3.51%) and survival rate (94.33±4.73%).Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 553-568
In vitro regeneration protocol development via callus formation from stem explant of tomato
Authors: Papry Meherunnesa , Ahsan SM , Shahriyar Sayeed
Published: February 2016

The experiment was conducted on in vitro regeneration of tomato at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali. The objective was to develop an efficient regeneration protocol in tomato through callus induction for subsequent plantlet regeneration. Seeds were inoculated on MS medium where germination rate was 78.4%. The stems of in vitrocultured seedlings were used as explants. Different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators were added to MS medium to observe their efficacy on callus induction, shoot initiation and root formation. Stem explants cultured on MS medium fortified with 2 mg/L BAPgave the highest number of shoots (3.0) at 45 DAC. Among the concentrations of PGRs, 0.25 mg/L IAA produced the highest length (4.064 cm) of plantlets, number (5.0) of leaves and fresh weight (0.663 g) of plantlets with the stem explants at 45 DAC. The concentration of 0.5 mg/L IAA produced the highest number (21.00) of roots/plantlet, length (7.676 cm) of roots at 45 DAC, from the same explants. The highest survival rate of in vitro regenerated plantlets in the pot was 70.00 % with the stem explants. The results of the current study showed significant increase in the growth of callus of Solanumlycopersicon Mill. Indicating a good efficiency of the optimized media composition and the experimental model used in comparison to other studies of similar nature.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 589-599
Impact of aqua drugs and chemicals on the recoveries of fish diseases and total fish production in Sherpur region of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Gias Uddin , Alam Mohammad Nurul , Rahman Md Mamunur
Published: February 2016

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of aqua-drugs and chemicals on fish health and total fish production in Sherpur region, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2015. Forty nine different types of aqua-drugs and chemicals were recorded in the study area; among those sixteen types mainly ADDIC drugs and chemicals were widely used by the farmers for treatment of different fish diseases. It was recorded that GR Plus, Active Blue with Copper sulphate, ID Plus, Aqua c vit and H. vit plus were used for the treatment of EUS in Pangus, Shing and Thai koi which had an average recovery of 80-90%. For the treatment of Edwardsiellosis in Pangus and Thai koi, farmers used GR Plus, ID Plus, OTC power, Aqua c vit, H.vit plus and potassium permanganate which had an average recovery of 75-80%, and for the treatment of dropsy in Thai koi and Shing GR Plus, ID Plus, OTC power, Aqua c vit, H.vit plus and potassium permanganate were used which had an average recovery of 75-85%. Histopathology of liver and kidney of fishes were almost normal in control ponds, whereas, in fish organs from drug treated ponds had pathological changes like necrosis, pyknotic cells, hemorrhage, fat droplet, ilets of langerhens, degeneration of kidney tubules and vacuums. Total production of Thai koi, Shing and Pangus was 10,000 kg/acre, 10,000 kg/acre, and 13,000 kg/acre in drugs treated ponds; whereas, such value was 5,000 kg/acre, 4,500 kg/acre and 6,500 kg/acre in non-treaded ponds, respectively in the study areas. In control ponds, mortality rate was comparatively high and production was also low than drugs treated ponds. End of the experiment, it was observed that efficacy of drugs of Aqua Drug and Disease Information Centre (ADDIC) was excellent.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 600-606
Induced breeding of Vietnames koi (Anabas testudineus) using pituitary gland (PG) and ovaprim at Tasty Fish and Feeds Industries Limited, Melandah, Jamalpur
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Rahman Md Mamunur , Aktar Sopna , Alam Md Badrul , Alam Md Ashraful
Published: February 2016

The research work was conducted for induced breeding of Vietnames Koi (Anabas testudineus) using carpPG extract and Ovaprim hormone at Tasty Fish and Feeds Industries Limited, Melandah, Jamalpur during March to May, 2015. Brood fishes were reared for 4-5 months in the brood rearing pond by providing farm-made artificial feed (containing 32% protein) for maturation before onset of breeding season. Two different hormones i.e., PG-PG (both for male and female), and PG-Ovaprim (PG for male and Ovaprim for female) were used as inducing agents for the purpose of induction of breeding A. testudineus. The broods were induced with PG-PG hormone at the doses of 2 mg PG/Kg body weight of male and 7 mg PG/Kg body weight of female and PG-Ovaprim hormone were used at the doses of 2 mg PG/Kg body weight of male and 7 ml Ovaprim/Kg body weight of female and designated as treatments T1 and T2, respectively. Ovulation rates (100%) were similar in both the treatments, whereas, fertilization, hatching, and survival rates were 78.11±3.24%, 70.22±3.40%, and 51.22±3.96% in T1 and 71.00±3.97%, 60.89±4.20%, and 48.89±4.41% in T2, respectively. Although comparatively better breeding performance was found for carp PG extract but these values were not significantly higher compared to Ovaprim. Therefore, comparing the breeding performance and considering the cost-benefit analysis it is suggested that Ovaprim could be used as an alternative of carp PG extract for the induced breeding of Vietnames koi.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 607-611
Livestock and poultry health management in Saint Martins island
Authors: Mohanta Uday Kumar , Munsi Md Nuruzzaman , Talukder Md Azharul Islam , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Islam Md Mafijul
Published: February 2016

The study was performed to find out the existing status of livestock and poultry in the Saint Martins island, to determine the prevalence of parasitic and other infectious and non-infectious diseases of these, and to find out the existence of intermediate hosts of various parasites in the island. Prevalence of endoparasites in cattle, buffalo and goat was higher in winter than that of summer. Prevalence of stomach worm was highest in goat in both winter (50%) and summer (40%). 31.47% cattle harbored stomach worm infection in winter and 15.79% in summer. More than 20% buffaloes suffered from either single infection with Fasciola and Paramphistomum or in combination in both the seasons. Goat suffered from some extra species like Moniezia and Trichuris and the prevalence is just double in winter than that of summer. Morbidity rate of FMD in cattle is high, although mortality is low. But, in case of chicken, both morbidity and mortality rates were high enough to make a massive loss with respect to number and production due to Ranikhet/Newcastle Disease (ND), pox in the island. About 92.11% of total chicken population was lost every year due to outbreak of ND. Incidence of infectious disease in livestock and poultry in the island is very high as because the farmers cannot immunize the animals through routine vaccination. Even some farmers do not know about the immunization of livestock and poultry, and the veterinary service is not available in the island.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 622-627
Organically Grown Soybean Production in the USA: Constraints and Management of Pathogens and Insect Pests
Authors: Hartman Glen , Pawlowski Michelle , Herman Theresa , Eastburn Darin
Published: February 2016

Soybean is the most produced and consumed oil seed crop worldwide. In 2013, 226 million metric tons were produced in over 70 countries. Organically produced soybean represents less than 0.1% of total world production. In the USA, the certified organic soybean crop was grown on 53 thousand ha or 0.17% of the total soybean acreage in the USA (32 million ha) in 2011. A gradual increase in production of organically grown soybean has occurred since the inception of organic labeling due to increased human consumption of soy products and increased demand for organic soybean meal to produce organic animal products. Production constraints caused by pathogens and insect pests are often similar in organic and non-organic soybean production, but management between the two systems often differs. In general, the non-organic, grain-type soybean crop are genetically modified higher-yielding cultivars, often with disease and pest resistance, and are grown with the use of synthetic pesticides. The higher value of organically produced soybean makes production of the crop an attractive option to some farmers. This article reviews production and uses of organically grown soybean in the USA, potential constraints to production caused by pathogens and insect pests, and management practices used to reduce the impact of these constraints.
Enhanced Single-Sided Ventilation with Overhang in Buildings
Authors: Park Jinsoo , Choi Jung-Il , Rhee Gwang
Published: February 2016

Enhancing the ventilation performance of energy-efficient buildings with single-sided openings is important because their ventilation performance is poor and strongly depends on the wind conditions. We considered an overhang as a potential building façade for improving the single-sided ventilation performance. We performed numerical simulations of three-dimensional unsteady turbulent flows over an idealized building with an overhang in order to investigate the effect of the overhang on the ventilation performance. Parametric studies were systematically carried out where the overhang length, wind speed, and wind direction were varied. The numerical results showed that the overhang drastically enhanced the ventilation rate in the windward direction regardless of the wind speed. This is because, for windward cases, the overhang produces a vortex with strong flow separation near the tip of the overhang, which promotes a net airflow exchange at the entrance and increases the ventilation rate. However, the ventilation rates for the leeward and side cases are slightly decreased with the overhang. Using an overhang with single-sided ventilation greatly reduces the local mean age of air (LMA) in the windward direction but increases it in the leeward direction.
Biohydrogenation of Linoleic Acid by Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Production of Functional Cultured Dairy Products: A Review
Authors: Kuhl Gabriela , De Dea Lindner Juliano
Published: February 2016

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have attracted significant attention due to their important physiological properties, which have been observed in humans. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) demonstrate the ability to produce CLA isomers (C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 and C18:2 trans-10, cis-12) from the linoleic acid (LA) present in milk or in synthetic media. CLA isomers can be synthesized in vitro by LAB using vegetable oils rich in LA. The aim of this review is to present an update on the studies that have been conducted on the production of CLA isomers from LA mainly by LAB and of the factors that influence this conversion (source and concentration of LA and fermentation conditions). In addition, this review presents the relationship between the consumption of CLA isomers and their health benefits in humans such as anti-atherosclerosis and anti-carcinogenic effects. There is considerable variation between the studies concerning the beneficial effects of CLA in animal models, which have not been reflected in human studies. This can be attributed to the differences in the doses of CLA isomers used and to the different sources of CLA. Furthermore, the regulatory and scientific information classifying the physiological properties of CLA, which serve as support for the claims of its potential as a functional ingredient, are presented. More research is needed to determine whether CLA production by LAB can be enhanced and to determine the optimal requirements for these microbial cultures. Furthermore, safety and efficacy of CLA consumption have to be investigated in the future.
Endogenous Sulfur Dioxide Inhibits Vascular Calcification in Association with the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Huang Yaqian , Du Junbao , Liu Angie , Tang Chaoshu , Qi Yongfen , Jin Hongfang
Published: February 2016

The study was designed to investigate whether endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2) plays a role in vascular calcification (VC) in rats and its possible mechanisms. In vivo medial vascular calcification was induced in rats by vitamin D3 and nicotine for four weeks. In vitro calcification of cultured A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was induced by calcifying media containing 5 mmol/L CaCl2. Aortic smooth muscle (SM) α-actin, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Smad expression was measured. VC rats showed dispersed calcified nodules among the elastic fibers in calcified aorta with increased aortic calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. SM α-actin was markedly decreased, but the osteochondrogenic marker Runx2 concomitantly increased and TGF-β/Smad signaling was activated, in association with the downregulated SO2/aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) pathway. However, SO2 supplementation successfully ameliorated vascular calcification, and increased SM α-actin expression, but inhibited Runx2 and TGF-β/Smad expression. In calcified A7r5 VSMCs, the endogenous SO2/AAT pathway was significantly downregulated. SO2 treatment reduced the calcium deposits, calcium content, ALP activity and Runx2 expression and downregulated the TGF-β/Smad pathway in A7r5 cells but increased SM α-actin expression. In brief, SO2 significantly ameliorated vascular calcification in association with downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway.
Phase Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of the Semi-Solid SIMA Processed 7075 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Binesh Behzad , Aghaie-Khafri Mehrdad
Published: February 2016

Microstructural and mechanical behaviors of semi-solid 7075 aluminum alloy were investigated during semi-solid processing. The strain induced melt activation (SIMA) process consisted of applying uniaxial compression strain at ambient temperature and subsequent semi-solid treatment at 600–620 °C for 5–35 min. Microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). During the isothermal heating, intermetallic precipitates were gradually dissolved through the phase transformations of α-Al + η (MgZn2) → liquid phase (L) and then α-Al + Al2CuMg (S) + Mg2Si → liquid phase (L). However, Fe-rich precipitates appeared mainly as square particles at the grain boundaries at low heating temperatures. Cu and Si were enriched at the grain boundaries during the isothermal treatment while a significant depletion of Mg was also observed at the grain boundaries. The mechanical behavior of different SIMA processed samples in the semi-solid state were investigated by means of hot compression tests. The results indicated that the SIMA processed sample with near equiaxed microstructure exhibits the highest flow resistance during thixoforming which significantly decreases in the case of samples with globular microstructures. This was justified based on the governing deformation mechanisms for different thixoformed microstructures.
Investigation of the Performance of HEMT-Based NO, NO2 and NH3 Exhaust Gas Sensors for Automotive Antipollution Systems
Authors: Halfaya Yacine , Bishop Chris , Soltani Ali , Sundaram Suresh , Aubry Vincent , Voss Paul , Salvestrini Jean-Paul , Ougazzaden Abdallah
Published: February 2016

We report improved sensitivity to NO, NO2 and NH3 gas with specially-designed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) that are suitable for operation in the harsh environment of diesel exhaust systems. The gate of the HEMT device is functionalized using a Pt catalyst for gas detection. We found that the performance of the sensors is enhanced at a temperature of 600 °C, and the measured sensitivity to 900 ppm-NO, 900 ppm-NO2 and 15 ppm-NH3 is 24%, 38.5% and 33%, respectively, at 600 °C. We also report dynamic response times as fast as 1 s for these three gases. Together, these results indicate that HEMT sensors could be used in a harsh environment with the ability to control an anti-pollution system in real time.