bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological study of oral Carcinoma
Authors: Kamal Md Aktar , Yousuf Md , Haider Md Yusuf , Tarafder Kamrul Hasan
Published: February 2015

Background: Oral carcinoma is the 6th most common carcinoma worldwide. The 5 year survival rate for oral carcinoma is only 50%. Patients of oral carcinoma are at high risk from secondary neoplasm. Over 90% of all primary malignant tumour of the oral cavity is squamous cell carcinoma. Aim: To find out the difference of clinical presentation and pathological aspects of oral cancer. Methods: In this cross sectional study 30 patients with carcinoma oral cavity from the department of otolaryngology and Head neck surgery, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib medical University, Dhaka Medical College hospital and National Institute of cancer research & hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka were included , period from march 2009 to September 2009. The patients were examined after admission into Hospital pre-operatively and in the post-operative period. The surgical specimen were sent for Histopathology. Results: Majority of the patients were at 6th decade where female outnumbered the male with male female ratio is 5:4. Out of 30 patients majority of the patients complains of soreness/ irritation and ulceration in the oral cavity followed by difficulty in mastication, foul breath, pain in the lesion, dysphagia, spitting of blood and excessive salivation. About the site of the lesion maximum patients having the lesion in buccal mucosa(30%) then anterior 2/3rd of tongue (23.33%), retromolar area (13.33%) in decreasing frequency. Conclusion: Oral carcinoma usually a disease of middle age and elderly people. Irritation or soreness is the commonest symptom. Most affected sites are buccal mucosa and anterior 2/ 3rd of tongue. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i1.22012 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2014; 20(1): 15-19
Warthins Tumour in Accessory Parotid Gland
Authors: Atikuzzaman Kazi
Published: February 2015

The accessory parotid gland is salivary tissue separated from the main parotid gland and lying on masseter muscle. The accessory parotid gland is not rare, according to cadaver studies, but neoplasm in the accessory parotid gland is rare. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for the accessory parotid gland tumour. It is important to identify the buccal branch of the facial nerve to avoid injury to the facial nerve. Herein we describe a case of accessory parotid gland tumor in a 30 years old lady. Histopathological diagnosis was Warthins tumour which is very rare in female. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i1.22017 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2014; 20(1): 43-45
Golden age of Tonsillectomy
Authors: Tarafder Kamrul Hassan
Published: February 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i2.22018 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2014; 20(2): 51-53
Frequency of Malignancy in Multinodular Goitre
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mostafizur , Ali Mohammad Idrish , Karim Md Abdul , Arafat Mohammad Shaharior , Hanif Mohammad , Tarafder Kamrul Hasan
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To determine the frequency of thyroid carcinoma in clinically or sonogragraphically multinodular goitre in patients undergoing thyroidectomy Setting: This is a cross sectional study was carried out at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during the period from January 2012 to June 2012. Methods: This study includes all the patients admitted in Otolaryngology and Head-Neck surgery department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University having diagnosis of multinodular goitre & underwent thyroidectomy. All patients with non-toxic multinodular goitre (clinically or sonographically) irrespective of age , sex was be included . Results: Out of 50 patients, 41 patients (82%) were female, and 9 patients (18%) were male with a female to male ratio 4.5: 1. This shows female preponderance of multinodular goitre. Out of 50 patients, 5 patients had histologicaly proven thyroid malignancy (4 females and 1 male). In this study overall incidence of carcinoma in multinodular goitre was 10% and female to male ratio 4:1 with the incidence in female was 9.75% and in male 11.11. The incidence of malignancy under 21 years was 50% and above 21 years was 8.33%. Regarding the types of malignancy in this series, papillary carcinoma was the most common variety (80%) followed by follicular carcinoma (20%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i2.22022 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2014; 20(2): 75-79
Physico-chemical properties and mineral content of selected tropical fruits in Bangladesh
Authors: Ara R , Jahan S , Abdullah ATM , Fakhruddin ANM , Saha BK
Published: February 2015

Physico-chemical properties and mineral contents of tropical fruits available at local market in Dhaka city were evaluated as fruits are the essential part of human diet to supply required micronutrient. Among the analyzed fruits, maximum and minimum amount of moisture was found in java apple (93.26±1.77%) and indian plum (66.86±1.81%) respectively. Mango contains highest amount of total soluble solids (15.20±0.81%) and total sugar (4.71±0.08%). Highest and lowest amount of vitamin C was found in guava (212.82±6.92 mg/100g) and java apple (10±1.77 mg/100g) respectively. Approximate energy value was found highest in indian plum (128.1±5.51kcal/100g) and lowest in green palmyra palm (27.7±2.64 kcal/100g). Indian plum (139.32±9.53mg/100g) and mango (34.03±6.81mg/100g) contain highest and lowest amount of sodium whereas rose apple (75.15±0.02mg/100g) and mango (10.23±1.94mg/100g) contain highest and lowest amount of potassium respectively. Heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) were not detected in analyzed tropical fruits. This study suggests that the tropical fruits are enriched in micronutrients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22126 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 131-136, 2014
Chemical composition of essential oil from leaves of seeded and seedless Citrus reticulata blanco var. kinnow
Authors: Parveen Z , Siddique S , Ali Z
Published: February 2015

The hydro-distilled essential oil of Citrus reticulata Blanco var. kinnow was analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Five constituents out of fifteen constituents were identified from seeded C. reticulata oil representing 74.66% of the oil. The major constituent of the oil was ?- phellandrene (62.00%). ?-pinene(6.53%), ?-myrcene(2.81%), limonene(2.81%) and caryophyllene(0.51%) were present in considerable amount. From the low seeded C. reticulata oil, six components out of seventeen compounds were identified constituting 54.74% of the oil and the main component was ?-phellandrene (37.35%). ?-pinene(2.79%), ?-pinene(3.26%), ?-myrcene(4.16%), limonene(5.77%), caryophyllene(1.41%) were present in considerable amount. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22132 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 181-184, 2014
Synergistic effect on inhibiton efficiency of coconut husk fibre essence in controlling corrosion of mild steel in neutral medium
Authors: Sankar A , Kumar S Ananth , Rameshkumar S
Published: February 2015

The corrosion inhibition nature of coconut husk essence for the corrosion of mild steel in tank water (neutral medium) was investigated using weight loss, electrochemical impedance and Potentiodynamic Polarization methods. The results revealed that coconut husk essence acts as a corrosion inhibitor in well water. The inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in inhibitor concentration. The inhibition is attributed to adsorption of the inhibitor on the steel surface. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22133 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 185-188, 2014
Diurnal Pattern of Energy Fluxes Over Rice Field
Authors: Mahmud AA , Baten MA , Khan MB , Miyata A
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted to investigate the factors responsible for the partitioning of energy balance components over BRRI dhan 28 (Boro season) rice crop at the paddy field of Bangladesh Agricultural University Farmland, Mymensingh during August 2010 to July 2011. The whole measurement period was divided into two seasons such as Boro rice and Post Boro fellow. Energy balance components were measured in this experiment using sophisticated sensors. The cropping season differences in water and energy fluxes were attributed by the availability of sunlight and abundance of water at the site as well as differences in sunshine hours during winter. Irrigation during winter Boro had substantial influence on the seasonal and inter-annually variability of energy partitioning at rice field. Of the papers diurnal variations in energy balance components are shown and variations in the energy balance components are discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22031 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 01-06 2013
Biodiversity Status and its Management at Ramsagar National Park at Dinajpur in Bangladeh
Authors: Rimi RH , Rahman F , Latif MB
Published: February 2015

According to this study a heterogeneous species assemblage of 393 species including 272 plants, 24 waterfowl and birds, 14 miscellaneous fauna and 84 species of fish was found at Ramsagar National Park. Among the entire plant types weed was found to be most abundant (36.76%), followed by the medicinal plants 27.57%, ornamental plants 15.07%, timber plant species 10.29%, fruit plants 8.46%, aquatic plants 6.62%, cultivated crops 6.25%, fodder plant 2.21%, spice plants 2.21%, and palm tree 1.84%. All kinds of plants were very common in the study area. In case of fishes, 13.10% was cultivated and 63.10% was small indigenous but 23.81% of small indigenous fishes were threatened. At the study area, 9 species of bank birds (37.50%), 4 species of prey birds (16.67%), and 11 species of waterfowl (45.83%) were found. Among the bank birds, 3 were very common and 4 were few. Among the 4 prey birds 3 species were very few and 1 species was few. In case of waterfowls, 5 species were few, 4 were common, and 1 species was very few. Seven species of miscellaneous faunal species were common, 1 very common, 3 few, and 3 were threatened. Contribution of biodiversity to the local people was mainly for food, although they used plants for furniture, fuel wood, wood, medicine, domestication etc. There was no management plan in the RNP but they had an annual work plan. Only 8 staffs were found for maintaining the Park which could not be adequate for proper management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22035 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 21-32 2013
Flood Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation Around the Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Shaikh MS , Ullah M Shariot , Ali MA , Adham AKM
Published: February 2015

This study was undertaken to investigate the strategies for flood disaster risk reduction and adaptation around the coastal area of Bangladesh. Education level and environmental awareness, family size, farm size, adaptation tools, loss due to flood disaster, adaptation tools and area of the rivers and canals of the localities were taken as independent variables. On the other hand, pre and post flood activities were considered as dependent variable of the study. Pre flood activities such as miking around the flood disaster areas reduced flood risk 44.2%, radio and TV bulletin 25.0%, enclosure tube-well by polythene bag 16.7% and shifting the people to cyclone center reduced flood risk 14.2%. However, post flood activities such as food and water supply contributed 48.3% and activities of medical rescue team (i.e. provide medicine, vaccination and saline) and agricultural inputs supply (i.e. seed, fertilizer, livestocks, fisheries) contributed the same percentage i.e. 25.8% to adapt flood disaster. These variables were tested to explore the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Education level and environmental awareness, family size, farm size, adaptation tools, loss due to flood disaster were significantly correlated with the pre and post flood activities for flood disaster risk reduction and adaptation around the coastal areas. The findings indicated that the lower the education level and environmental awareness of the coastal area people the lower is the activities (pre and post) during flood disaster in flood disaster risk reduction and adaptation. The findings also indicated that the pre flood preparation is not enough for flood disaster risk reduction and adaptation around the coastal area of Bangladesh and adaptation tools were not sufficient for flood disaster risk reduction and adaptation around the coastal area s of Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22040 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 53-57 2013
Effects of Climate Variables on Kala-azar Prevalence at Major Affected Districts in Bangladesh
Authors: Amin MR , Tareq SM , Rahman SH
Published: February 2015

An attempt was made to explore correlation between climate variables and Kala-azar prevalence at four highly affected districts in Bangladesh: Mymensingh, Tangail, Pabna, and Rajshahi. The climate variables included were temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. With the rise of yearly average humidity in Mymensingh, Tangail and Rajshahi districts Kala-azar prevalence was significantly increased and with the rise of yearly total rainfall positive but not significant correlation was observed in Mymensingh,Tangail and Rajshahi. In Mymensingh negative correlation was found with yearly average maximum and minimum temperature. Positive association with yearly total rainfall in Mymensingh, Pabna & Rajshahi and yearly average minimum temperature in Rajshahi and yearly average maximum temperature in Tangail was observed. The prevalence of the disease was found to have negative correlation with yearly average maximum temperature in both Pabna & Rajshahi, yearly average minimum temperature in both Tangail & Pabna and yearly total rainfall in Tangail.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22045 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 79-87 2013
Short Term Red Amaranth Growth With Urea as N Source
Authors: Miah MY , Das MR , Hassan J
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted at the farm of Banghobondhu Shekh Mogibur Rahman Agriculture University, Gazipur during the period of November to December, 2010 to enhance the production of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor cv: BARI lal shak 1) through the improvement of growth and yield of red amaranth by optimizing the appropriate levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising six treatments with four replication each. The treatment combinations were T0 (0 kg N ha-1), T1 (50 kg N ha-1), T2 (75 kg N ha-1), T3 (100 kg N ha-1), T4 (125 kg N ha-1) and T5 (150 kg N ha-1), respectively. Amounts of N, P, K and S applied from urea, TSP, MOP and gypsum were 68, 23, 17 and 4 kg ha-1, respectively. Data on plant height, leaf number, root-shoot growth and dry weight along with yield and BCR (benefit cost ratio) indicated that urea applied at the rate of 150 kg N ha-1 had a significant (p<0.01) effect on the short term growth and yield of red amaranth.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22047 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 99-102 2013
Effects of Earthquake on Urbanization in Dhaka City
Authors: Islam MS , Sultana N , Bushra N , Banna LN , Tusher TR , Ansary MA
Published: February 2015

Recent earthquakes with low to moderate magnitude very close to Dhaka are certainly indications of its earthquake source and vulnerability. The study was conducted to bring out the present earthquake vulnerability status of 10 wards, out of 91 wards, in Dhaka and to assume the probable loss of lives and property by studying the previous records in the city and getting respondents opinion about it. The ward no. 15 show higher building density with older age of building i.e. more than 30 years of age, and present more unreinforced buildings than other wards which might be the cause of increased vulnerability to earthquake. Among the 10 wards, the ward no. 13 and 17 are more vulnerable to earthquake due to highest soft storey buildings, heavy overhang, presence of short columns and poor physical condition of buildings. The result of the survey found that more than half (64%) of the respondents considered Dhaka city as the highly vulnerable to earthquake because of most of the infrastructures were built without maintaining the building code and also without keeping proper spaces among them. Besides these, 40% respondents stated that the impact would be obvious on life as there would not be enough time to escape people from the high rise buildings to safer places during the earthquake. Almost all the respondents (86%) consider that the southern part of Dhaka city is more vulnerable than other parts of the city due to the increasing urbanization and poorly structured old buildings.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22049 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 107-112 2013
Water Supply and Sanitation Facilities in Primary Schools of Gaibandha District in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Rahaman MH , Sarker MH
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to monitor the present status of water supply and sanitation facilities of primary school in Gaibandha Sadar, Bangladesh. Forty nine (49) primary schools were selected for this purpose. The study revealed that, about 86% school had shallow tube well as a source for their drinking water supply and sanitation. About 18% schools had no sanitation facility or inactive sanitation unit. Separate toilet facility for girls and teachers was found in about 69 and 55% schools respectively but only one school has separate toilet facility for male and female teacher. Availability of water, soap and hand washing facility inside girls and boys latrine is in average amount but in teachers toilet it was satisfactory. Most of the schools (69%) have active drainage system at water point where 41% schools have basket in all classes for dumping of solid wastes. In this regard, the proper management and monitoring of existing facilities are required to improve the present water supply and sanitation situation in primary schools of Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22050 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 113-116 2013
Chemical Quality of Surface Water of Bhola Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh for Irrigation, Aquaculture, Drinking and Livestock Consumption
Authors: Karim MF , Zaman MW , Sultana R , Nizam MU , Kamruzzaman MR
Published: February 2015

A study was carried out with 25 pond water samples of Bhola Sadar Upazila to assess the quality of surface water for irrigation, aquaculture, drinking and livestock consumption. Chemical analyses of different parameters were done to assess the quality of water. All of the water samples showed slightly acidic in nature. Sixteen surface water samples were not suitable for drinking and aquaculture in respect of pH (pH <6.5). Electrical conductivity (EC) categorized the waters as low salinity (C1) to medium salinity (C2) class for irrigation. With respect to total dissolved solids surface waters were within highest desirable limit for drinking and irrigation and suitable for livestock consumption and aquaculture. Calcium and Magnesium content rated the samples as maximum permissible and highest desirable limit for drinking. All the samples were suitable for drinking in case of Na and K, 21 samples were not suitable for aquaculture due to higher (>5.0 mg L-1) K content. Six samples were unsuitable for livestock due to higher (Cl >30mgL- 1) Cl values. SSP rated 9 samples as good, 1 as excellent, 6 as doubtful and 9 as permissible for irrigation. With respect to RSC 21 samples were suitable, 3 were marginal and 1 was unsuitable for irrigation. Hardness classified 14 samples within moderately hard, 10 within soft and only one as hard limit for irrigation and 1 sample (No. 16) was unsuitable for livestock consumption. P, B, Cu and As concentration categorized all the samples suitable for irrigation, aquaculture, drinking and livestock consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22053 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 131-140 2013
Study of Flavoured Dahi Incorporated with Banana Extract
Authors: Islam MS , Mazed MA , Rahman S , Akter MS
Published: February 2015

In Bangladesh, dahi is considered as a yummy nourishing and admired milk product. Dahi is available in the market but it exists in diversified quality in respect of locality. The producers every so often add some ingredients that may reduce or raise the excellence of dahi. This study was intended to evaluate the supremacy and to measure the feasibility of incorporation of banana extract in the manufacture of dahi. Dahi was prepared through boiling of milk, homozinization followed by incorporation of banana juice at different levels and subsequent addition of starter culture. Physical analysis was conducted through organoleptic tests and chemical analysis was done through proximate analysis. The experiment was conducted with 4 treatments (0%, 2%, 4% and 6% banana juice) having 3 replications for each treatment. The differences for body and consistency among various treatments were statistically insignificant in Khulna and Bagerhat coastal regions. Dahi with 2% banana extract was superior in respect of smell and taste in Khulna region. No significant different scores were found for colour and texture among various treatments in Bagerhat region but that of Khulna were highly significant (P<0.01). The differences for colour and texture scores among various treatments were statistically significant in Khulna region (P<0.05) while, that of Bagerhat region were insignificant. Incorporation of banana juice, therefore, improves the organoleptic qualities of dahi. Differences in acidity percentage among the treatments were insignificance in Khulna region but that of the Bagerhat region were statistically significance (p< 0.01). The differences in average fat percentage of plain, 2%, 4% and 6% banana juice made dahi was statistically highly significant (p< 0.01) in Khulna region and significant (P<0.05) in Bagerhat region. The average total solid (TS) , moisture, ash content for plain, 2%, 4% and 6% banana juice made dahi in both regions were insignificant. Incorporation of banana juice might increase organoleptic qualities. Manufacture of maximum volume of dahi from minimum volume of milk incorporating banana extract might definitely profitablize and popularize the milk product business.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22057 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 153-158 2013
Effect of Different Source of Nutrients on the Performance, Growth and Quality of Summer Onion
Authors: Azam MG , Islam M , Gulandaz MA , Mahmud JA
Published: February 2015

The field experiments were conducted for one season rabi 2008-09 at the Multilocation testing site Magura on calcareous soil to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of onion (cv. BARI piaj 2). The experiment was laid out in a RCB design. There were five treatments involving four inorganic levels and organic levels another absolute control (no manure and no NPK). Higher level of inorganic T1 i.e., (120-45-85-40 kg ha-1 NPK S+ 5 t/ha CD) produced significantly higher bulb yield (18.76 t/ha) which was on par with T4 (17.87 t/ha) i.e., 5 t/ha poultry manure + remaining amount from inorganic fertilizer T2. The results also indicated that the same treatments recorded the highest single bulb weight, bulb yield as well as gross returns and MBCR (7.14) as compared to other treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22059 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 159-162 2013
Spatial Variations in Groundwater Quality Around Dumpsite in Igando
Authors: Akoteyon - , Isaiah S
Published: February 2015

Water samples collected from fifteen hand dug wells in November (dry season), 2011 and July (Wet season), 2012 using random sampling technique. In situ parameters were measured for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids using portable meters. Heavy metals were analyzed for; Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study aimed at examining the spatial variations in groundwater quality around dumpsite in Igando using paired sample T-test statistical technique. The result shows that the measured pH values were below the minimum WHO standard for drinking water quality in wet and dry seasons in about73.3% and 26.7% respectively. Also, approximately, 13.3% of EC, and 6.7% exceeded the prescribed standard limit of WHO in dry and wet seasons respectively. Concentration of Fe exceeded drinking water quality in all the sampling locations during wet season and only about 46.7% in dry season. Pb, Zn, and Cu exceeded WHO limit in about 86.7%, 80%, and 26.7% respectively in dry season. Concentration of Pb, Cd , Cu and Cr were under detection limit in all the locations except at locations G2 for Cu in wet season. The paired samples statistics and correlation revealed that the mean values of all the parameters were higher in dry season with the exception of Fe. No significant correlations exist among the paramet er for both seasons at p<0.05. The paired T-test show significant seasonal variations among four heavy metals including Fe, Cd, Pb and Zn.The study concluded that, samples in dry season are of low quality compared to wet. The study recommends public enlightenment on solid waste disposal, controlled anthropogenic activities, and treatment /recycling of waste to prevent heavy metal from leaching unto the sub-surface.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22063 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 179-186 2013
Selection of Drought Tolerant Groundnut Genotypes (Arachis hypogaea L.) Based on Total Sugar and Free Amino acid Content
Authors: Jharna DE , Chowdhury BLD , Rana MAA M , Sharmin S
Published: February 2015

For the selection of drought tolerant genotype, a field trial was conducted to monitor the quantitative changes of biochemical parameters such as total sugar and total free amino acid, due to water deficit condition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed. Plants were grown in irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Mature seeds of forty genotypes and premature seeds of twenty one genotypes were freeze dried, defatted, ground and subjected to analysis. Drought exhibited no definite trend of increase or decrease for total free amino acid and sugar in mature as well as premature seed. Premature seed accumulated higher amount of total free amino acid having mean values 1.01% and 0.88% for control and drought respectively, than did the matured ones (control - 0.41% and drought - 0.43%). In mature seeds, drought augmented total free amino acid in twenty one genotypes and retrenched in the remaining nineteen. The data on immature seed was not much useful for selection purpose. In mature seeds of genotypes BINA-Chinabadam-2, 9267, ICGV-97228, ICGV-96295, and ICGV-95412, drought resulted in maximum elevation of total free amino acid. Accumulation of total sugar was higher in mature than in premature seeds. Drought brought about the increase in total sugar in mature seeds of thirty genotypes and decrease in the remaining ten. On imposing water stress, mature seeds of genotypes ICGV-92120, ICGV-94143, ICGV-96295, ICGV-95399 and ICGV-97228 showed comparatively high increment of total sugar. A particular genotype did not appear drought tolerant when the data on both the mature and premature seed are considered. However, in mature seed of genotype ICGV-97228, water stress induced a desired level of change in accumulation of total free amino acid and total sugar, and hence it may be preliminary considered as drought tolerant.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22077 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 01-05 2013
Farmers Perception of Environmental Degradation Due to Use of Pesticides
Authors: Akter S , Miah MA , Rhaman MZ , Hossen MS , Baten MA
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted mainly to have an understanding about the farmers perception of environmental degradation due to use of pesticides. Data for the study were collected by personal interviewing from 69 randomly selected farmers of Kabaria kanda village of sadar upazila of Mymensingh district during the period of 01 November to 15 November, 2012. Pearsons product moment correlation co-efficient were computed to examine the relationship between the concerned variables. Perception on environmental degradation was reflected more in the young (30.4 percent) to middle age (42 percent) group compared to old age group. Majority (72.5 percent) of the farmers in the study area were found to have no organizational participation. The highest proportion (73.9 percent) of the respondents fell in the moderate knowledge category while none fell in less knowledge and 26.1 percent in the high knowledge category respectively. Only 1.4 percent of the farmers had moderately perception on environmental knowledge as compared to 98.6 percent favorable perception. Out of eight independent variables, five of them, i.e. years of schooling, farm size, annual family income, media exposure and knowledge on the use of agro-chemicals had positive relationships with their perception of environmental degradation due use of pesticides. Only three independent variable i.e. age, household size and organizational participation had no relationship with their perception of environmental degradation due use of pesticides.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22079 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 13-18 2013
Impact of Fish Population Density on Growth and Production of Sarpunti, Mrigal and Tilapia in Polyculture System
Authors: Chowdhury SN , Paul M , Barman AC , Bhadra A , Rahman MS
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted to determine the impacts of fish population density on the growth and production of sarpunti (Barbonemus gonionotus), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in polyculture system for a period of 90 days in six earthen pond .The experiment was carried out under three treatments each with two replications. The stocking density was 50 fish per decimal (sarpunti 20, mrigal 20 and tilapia 10) under treatment-I, 75 fish per decimal (sarpunti 30, mrigal 30 and tilapia 15) under treatment-II and 150 fish per decimal (sarpunti 60, mrigal 60 and tilapia 30) under treatment- III and all the ponds under three treatments supplementary feed was not used. The average initial length and weight of the fingerlings of sarpunti, mrigal and tilapia were 13.29 cm, 12.80 cm, 4.55cm and 22.7g, 23.75g and 3.84 g respectively. The ponds were fertilized fortnightly with cowdung, urea and TSP at the rates of 5 kg, 100 g and 200g per decimal, respectively. Mean survival rates of fish under treatment-I, treatment-II and treatment-III were 87.50%, 88.16% and 81.30% respectively. The specific growth rates (SGR, % per day) of fish under treatment-I, treatment-II and treatment-III were 1.13%, 1.03% and 0.80%. The calculated net fish production of the ponds under treatment-I was 1.61 ton/ha/yr and that of the ponds under treatment-II was 1.97 ton/ha/yr and 2.5 ton/ha/yr in treatment-III.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22095 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 49-53 2013
Impact of Climatic Elements on Winter Crop Productivity in Rangpur Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Azad MAK , Hossain MZ , Karmakar S
Published: February 2015

This study was carried out to identify the impact of climatic elements (temperature and rainfall) on winter crop productivity of HYV-boro, wheat and tomato in Rangpur area of Bangladesh. From regression analysis, an insignificant positive correlation between HYV boro productivity and winter rainfall was found during 1973-1990 and negative correlation during1991- 2008 period. For correlation between wheat productivity and winter rainfall, an insignificant positive relationship during 1973- 1990 and negative relationship during 1991-2008 was observed. The relationship between tomato productivity and winter rainfall was lower positive insignificant during 1973-1990 period and higher positive insignificant during 1991-2008 period. In the case of temperature, an insignificant negative correlation during 1973-1990 and positive correlation during 1991-2008 was found between HYV boro productivity and winter temperature. For wheat productivity, winter temperature showed significant negative correlation during 1973-1990 and insignificant positive correlation during 1991-2008. However, tomato productivity and winter temperature was positively insignificant during 1973-1990 and negatively insignificant during 1991-20008. From this study, it is concluded that the rainfall of recent period (1991-2008) was not suitable for boro and wheat but suitable for tomato. Similarly, temperature of the same period was favorable for boro and wheat but disfavorable for tomato in Rangpur area of Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22111 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 149-155 2013
Rider Haggard: A Triptych of Ambiguities on British Imperialism
Authors: Generani Gustavo
Published: February 2015

Haggard's King Solomon's Mines, Allan Quatermain, and She were very popular fictions in their time and, as such, were powerful channels for the dissemination of certain ideological tenets. They were written in a short historical period from the Berlin Conference – which organised the European exploitation of Africa (1884–85) – to Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee (1887) – that boosted British imperial pride. Some similarities enable us to analyse these Imperial Gothic romances as a unity, bound by a shared ideology. However, this ideology should be read as a unity of tensions. Haggard's fictional works interweave a network of moral, political, racial, and gender issues that, consciously or unconsciously, both support and undermine the British Empire. They are at the heart of an imperial culture that is dialectically destroying itself from within at the peak of its grandeur. Their critical distance from the Other colonised and the coloniser's self-image reveals them as British constructions with paradoxical, self-deconstructive effects. Thus, in the act of creation of the colonised, the colonising culture unveils its terror to itself. This paper is an analysis of these ideological ambiguities from gothic and psychological perspectives.
Listening to the Silence: Huxley, Arnold, and Wells' Scientific Humanity
Authors: Vanvelk Jan
Published: February 2015

H. G. Wells' writings from the first few years of the twentieth century inherit a discourse on literature and science that can be traced back to the Victorian debate between Thomas Henry Huxley and Matthew Arnold. The legacy of this dispute that permeates Wells' texts here under investigation lies in the biological metaphors that are deployed to imagine the human as a partaker of humanity in general. The scientific education propagated by Wells crucially engages with the language of the beautiful, the politics of civilisation projects, and the role of fictional and non-fictional texts as devices of social action. Recognising the strong sense in these texts that they could serve as tools for the formation of humanity as the prime agent of science, this article seeks to examine ‘humanity’ as a term denoting both the audience for and the achievement of the public intellectual's prophetic vision for the future.
Comparative Multi-Donor Study of IFNγ Secretion and Expression by Human PBMCs Using ELISPOT Side-by-Side with ELISA and Flow Cytometry Assays
Authors: Hagen Jodi , Zimmerman Ryan , Goetz Christine , Bonnevier Jody , Houchins Jeffrey , Reagan Kevin , Kalyuzhny Alexander
Published: February 2015

ELISPOT, ELISA and flow cytometry techniques are often used to study the function of immune system cells. It is tempting to speculate that these assays can be used interchangeably, providing similar information about the cytokine secreting activity of cells: the higher the number of cytokine-positive cells measured by flow cytometry, the higher the number of cytokine-secreting cells expected to be detected by ELISPOT and the larger the amount of secreted cytokine expected to be measured by ELISA. We have analyzed the expression level and secretion capacity of IFNγ from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from five healthy donors and stimulated by calcium ionomycin mixed with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in a non-specific manner in side-by-side testing using ELISPOT, ELISA and flow cytometry assays. In our study, we observed a general correlation in donors’ ranking between ELISPOT and flow cytometry; ELISA values did not correlate with either ELISPOT or flow cytometry. However, a detailed donor-to-donor comparison between ELISPOT and flow cytometry revealed significant discrepancies: donors who have similar numbers of IFNγ-positive cells measured by flow cytometry show 2–3-fold differences in the number of spot-forming cells (SFCs) measured by ELISPOT; and donors who have the same number of SFCs measured by ELISPOT show 30% differences in the number of IFNγ-positive cells measured by flow cytometry. Significant discrepancies between donors were also found when comparing ELISA and ELISPOT techniques: donors who secreted the same amount of IFNγ measured by ELISA show six-fold differences in the number of SFCs measured by ELISPOT; and donors who have 5–7-times less secreted IFNγ measured by ELISA show a two-fold increase in the number of SFCs measured by ELISPOT compared to donors who show a more profound secretion of IFNγ measured by ELISA. The results of our study suggest that there can be a lack of correlation between IFNγ values measured by ELISPOT, ELISA and flow cytometry. The higher number of cytokine-positive cells determined by flow cytometry is not necessarily indicative of a higher number of cytokine-secreting cells when they are analyzed by either ELISPOT or ELISA. Our ELISPOT vs. ELISA comparison demonstrates that the higher number of SFCs observed in ELISPOT does not guarantee that these cells secrete larger amounts of cytokines compared to donors with lower SFC numbers. In addition, our data indicate that ELISPOT, ELISA and flow cytometry should be performed as complementary, rather than stand-alone assays: running these assays in parallel on samples from the same donors may help to better understand the mechanisms underlying the physiology of cytokine-secreting cells.
Effect of Porcine Akirin2 on Skeletal Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Expression
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Luo Yanliu , Zhou Bo , Huang Zhiqing , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Zhao Hua , Yang Zhouping , Zhang Ruinan
Published: February 2015

Akirin2 plays an important role in skeletal myogenesis. In this study, we found that porcine Akirin2 (pAkirin2) mRNA level was significantly higher in fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles than in slow soleus (SOL) muscle of pigs. Overexpression of pAkirin2 increased the number of myosin heavy chain (MHC)-positive cells, indicating that pAkirin2 promoted myoblast differentiation. We also found that overexpression of pAkirin2 increased the mRNA expressions of MHCI and MHCIIa and decreased the mRNA expression of MHCIIb. Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) are the major downstream effectors of calcineurin. Here we also observed that the mRNA expressions of MEF2C and NFATc1 were notably elevated by pAkirin2 overexpression. Together, our data indicate that the role of pAkirin2 in modulating MHCI and MHCIIa expressions may be achieved through calcineurin/NFATc1 signaling pathway.
Multiscale Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Spin Crossover FeII Complexes: Examples of [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] and [Fe(PM-BiA)2(NCS)2]
Authors: Matar Samir , Guionneau Philippe , Chastanet Guillaume
Published: February 2015

For spin crossover (SCO) complexes, computation results are reported and confirmed with experiments at multiscale levels of the isolated molecule and extended solid on the one hand and theory on the other hand. The SCO phenomenon which characterizes organometallics based on divalent iron in an octahedral FeN6-like environment with high spin (HS) and low spin (LS) states involves the LS/HS switching at the cost of small energies provided by temperature, pressure or light, the latter connected with Light-Induced Excited Spin-State Trapping (LIESST) process. Characteristic infra red (IR) and Raman vibration frequencies are computed within density functional theory (DFT) framework. In [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] a connection of selected frequencies is established with an ultra-fast light-induced LS → HS photoswitching mechanism. In the extended solid, density of state DOS and electron localization function (ELF) are established for both LS and HS forms, leading to characterizion of the compound as an insulator in both spin states with larger gaps for LS configuration, while keeping molecular features in the solid. In [Fe(PM-BiA)2(NCS)2], by combining DFT and classical molecular dynamics, the properties and the domains of existence of the different phases are obtained by expressing the potential energy surfaces in a short range potential for Fe–N interactions. Applying such Fe–N potentials inserted in a classical force field and carrying out molecular dynamics (MD) in so-called “semi-classical MD” calculations, lead to the relative energies of HS/LS configurations of the crystal and to the assessment of the experimental (P, T) phase diagram.
The Chemically Synthesized Ageladine A-Derivative LysoGlow84 Stains Lysosomes in Viable Mammalian Brain Cells and Specific Structures in the Marine Flatworm Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Mordhorst Thorsten , Awal Sushil , Jordan Sebastian , Petters Charlotte , Sartoris Linda , Dringen Ralf , Bickmeyer Ulf
Published: February 2015

Based on the chemical structure and the known chemical synthesis of the marine sponge alkaloid ageladine A, we synthesized the ageladine A-derivative 4-(naphthalene-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine trifluoroacetate (LysoGlow84). The two-step synthesis started with the Pictet-Spengler reaction of histamine and naphthalene-2-carbaldehyde to a tetrahydropyridine intermediate, which was dehydrogenated with activated manganese (IV) oxide to LysoGlow84. Structure and purity of the synthesized LysoGlow84 were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The fluorescence intensity emitted by LysoGlow84 depended strongly on the pH of the solvent with highest fluorescence intensity recorded at pH 4. The fluorescence maximum (at 315 nm excitation) was observed at 440 nm. Biocompatibility of LysoGlow84 was investigated using cultured rat brain astrocytes and the marine flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Exposure of the astrocytes for up to 6 h to micromolar concentrations of LysoGlow84 did not compromise cell viability, as demonstrated by several viability assays, but revealed a promising property of this compound for staining of cellular vesicles. Conventional fluorescence microscopy as well as confocal scanning microscopy of LysoGlow84-treated astrocytes revealed co-localization of LysoGlow84 fluorescence with that of LysoTracker® Red DND-99. LysoGlow84 stained unclear structures in Macrostomum lignano, which were identified as lysosomes by co-staining with LysoTracker. Strong fluorescence staining by LysoGlow84 was further observed around the worms’ anterior gut and the female genital pore which were not counterstained by LysoTracker Red. Thus, LysoGlow84 is a new promising dye that stains lysosomes and other acidic compartments in cultured cells and in worms.
Theoretical and Computational Studies of Peptides and Receptors of the Insulin Family
Authors: Vashisth Harish
Published: February 2015

Synergistic interactions among peptides and receptors of the insulin family are required for glucose homeostasis, normal cellular growth and development, proliferation, differentiation and other metabolic processes. The peptides of the insulin family are disulfide-linked single or dual-chain proteins, while receptors are ligand-activated transmembrane glycoproteins of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) superfamily. Binding of ligands to the extracellular domains of receptors is known to initiate signaling via activation of intracellular kinase domains. While the structure of insulin has been known since 1969, recent decades have seen remarkable progress on the structural biology of apo and liganded receptor fragments. Here, we review how this useful structural information (on ligands and receptors) has enabled large-scale atomically-resolved simulations to elucidate the conformational dynamics of these biomolecules. Particularly, applications of molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods are discussed in various contexts, including studies of isolated ligands, apo-receptors, ligand/receptor complexes and intracellular kinase domains. The review concludes with a brief overview and future outlook for modeling and computational studies in this family of proteins.
Distribution and Evolution of the Lectin Family in Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Van Holle Sofie , Van Damme Els
Published: February 2015

Lectins are a diverse group of proteins that bind specific carbohydrates and are found throughout all kingdoms. In plants, lectins are involved in a range of important processes such as plant defense and stress signaling. Although the genome sequence of Glycine max (soybean) has been published, little is known about the abundance and expansion patterns of lectin genes in soybean. Using BLAST and hidden Markov models, a total of 359 putative lectin genes have been identified. Furthermore, these sequences could be classified in nine of the twelve plant lectin families identified today. Analysis of the domain organization demonstrated that most of the identified lectin genes encode chimerolectins, consisting of one or multiple lectin domains combined with other known protein domains. Both tandem and segmental duplication events have contributed to the expansion of the lectin gene family. These data provide a detailed understanding of the domain architecture and molecular evolution of the lectin gene family in soybean.
Inhibitory Effects of Neochamaejasmin B on P-Glycoprotein in MDCK-hMDR1 Cells and Molecular Docking of NCB Binding in P-Glycoprotein
Authors: Pan Lanying , Hu Haihong , Wang Xiangjun , Yu Lushan , Jiang Huidi , Chen Jianzhong , Lou Yan , Zeng Su
Published: February 2015

Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae) is widely distributed in Mongolia, Tibet and the northern parts of China. Its roots are commonly used as “Langdu”, which is embodied in the Pharmacopoeia of the P.R. China (2010) as a toxic Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is claimed to have antivirus, antitumor and antibacterial properties in China and other Asian countries. Studies were carried out to characterize the inhibition of neochamaejasmin B (NCB) on P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1, MDR1). Rhodamine-123 (R-123) transport and accumulation studies were performed in MDCK-hMDR1 cells. ABCB1 (MDR1) mRNA gene expression and P-gp protein expression were analyzed. Binding selectivity studies based on molecular docking were explored. R-123 transport and accumulation studies in MDCK-hMDR1 cells indicated that NCB inhibited the P-gp-mediated efflux in a concentration-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blot demonstrated that the P-gp expression was suppressed by NCB. To investigate the inhibition type of NCB on P-gp, Ki and Ki’ values were determined by double-reciprocal plots in R-123 accumulation studies. Since Ki was greater than Ki’, the inhibition of NCB on P-gp was likely a mixed type of competitive and non-competitive inhibition. The results were confirmed by molecular docking in our current work. The docking data indicated that NCB had higher affinity to P-gp than to Lig1 ((S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one).