bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of a laminar premixed LFG/air flame in a slot burner using Mach-Zehnder interferometry
Authors: Najafian Ashrafi , Ashjaee Mehdi
Published: December 2014

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of Reynolds
number and equivalence ratio on flame temperature field and thermal flame
height of laminar premixed LFG fuel. Mach-Zehnder interferometry technique is
used to obtain an insight to the overall temperature field. The slot burner
with large aspect ratio (L/W), length of L=60 mm and width of W=6 mm was used
to eliminate the three- dimensional effect of temperature field. Two kinds of
mixed fuels, LFG70 (70%CH4- 30%CO2 on volume basis) and LFG50 (50%CH4-
50%CO2) were used to investigate flame characteristics under the test
conditions of 100 ? Re ? 600 and 0.7 ? ? ? 1.3. The present measurement
reveals that the variation of maximum flame temperature with increment of
Reynolds number is mainly due to heat transfer effects and is negligible. On
the other hand, the equivalence ratio and fuel composition have a noticeable
effect on flame temperature. In addition, the results show that the LFG
flames compared to the CH4 ones have a lower flame temperature. With
increment of CO2 volume fraction at lean combustion, thermal flame height is
augmented while at stoichiometric and rich combustion, its value reduced.
Thermal flame height augments linearly by Reynolds number increase, while its
increment at rich mixture is higher and the effect of Reynolds number at lean
mixtures is insignificant. For validation of experimental results from
Mach-Zehnder Interferometry, K-type thermocouples are used at peripherally
low and moderate isotherm lines.
Are the classical historical geography of the Byzantine world and Gis technology a contradiction? On the usage of contemporary technologies in the humanities
Authors: Popovic St.
Published: December 2014

The article highlights the latest developments in the field of Digital
Humanities. It indicates in which ways these technologies are already used in
the historical and geographical science throughout the world and how they
could be integrated systematically into Byzantine Studies. In the first part
of the article international projects, which are based on GIS (Geographic
Information Systems), and their links in the World Wide Web are presented. In
the second part the author shows on the basis of his scholarly results on the
historical geography of Byzantine Macedonia, how medieval written sources can
be transferred into digital format in order to achieve a higher level of
spatial data analysis. The neglect of this important and recent scholarly
approach in the 21st century could lead to the marginalisation of Byzantine
Studies in general, and of the historical geography of the Byzantine Empire
in particular.
Una sentenza di Sanctorus magne Regie curie magister iustitiarius (Messina, 1185)
Authors: Falkenhausen Von
Published: December 2014

The article offers the edition of a Latin judgement (together with its
contemporary Greek translation), issued by Sanctorus magne Regie curie
magister iustitiarius in favour of Niphon, archimandrite of the monastery St.
Saviour de Lingua Phari at Messina (1185). The commentary deals with the
people involved in the case and with the institution of the magna Regia
curia.
Provincial Sebastoi from the end of 12th to mid 13th century
Authors: Dzelebdzic Dejan
Published: December 2014

According to the news by Niketas Choniates, at the time of Alexios III
Angelos the sebastos title was sold at a low price to everyone who wanted to
buy it. That news has been connected to the fact that at the end of the 12th
and in the early 13th century there was a noticeable emergence of the local
aristocracy members holding the title of sebastos. The work casts a special
emphasis on the analysis of the sebastoi mentioned in the writings of
Demetrios Chomatenos, the archbishop of Ohrid.
Hatte Stefan I. von Serbien eine tochter namens Komnene? Zur aktue llen diskussion über die Chomatenos-akten zu Stefan Nemanjic und Seinem bruder Sava
Authors: Prinzing Günter
Published: December 2014

This contribution examines the article ?Stefan Nemanjic i njegov brat Sava u
spisima Dimitrija Homatina? by Vlada Stankovic (2012) critically. On the
basis of Chomatenos files (nos. 1, 3, 10, 13 and 86), he tried to obtain new
details about in what way and with what results political and ecclesiastical
communication between Epiros and Serbia took place in the period
1215-1219/20. In the course of this, as this present study shows, he
repeatedly reached rash, questionable or untenable conclusions. Also the
question raised by him - with a critical intention - about the name of Stefan
Nemanjic?s daughter is now once again discussed and finally decided in such a
way as this was already done in the present author?s edition of Chomatenos:
The name Komnene, by which she is designated in the only source on her person
(files nos. 1 and 2), is her family name and thus not her first or baptismal
name. The latter remains unknown.
When was king Stefan the first-crowned included among the saints? A contribution to the study of royal “canonization” in medieval Serbia
Authors: Popovic Danica
Published: December 2014

The surviving sources suggest that St Sava of Serbia was, as part of the
programme of securing sacral legitimacy for the state and dynasty, setting
the scene for the inclusion of his brother Stefan, the first-crowned Serbian
king, among the saints. This part of the programme was not fully realized,
but the focus of the cult was on the incorrupt relics. The cult of Stefan the
First-Crowned was not rounded off until the seventeenth century, when the
Patriarch Paisios wrote a vita and a service. The development of the cult
over the centuries (from the 13th to the 20th century) was a direct
reflection of changing historical circumstances and the prevailing ideology
of rulership.
Theodore II Lascaris as co-emperor: Reality and misapprehensions in Byzantine historiography
Authors: Pavlovic Bojana
Published: December 2014

This article consists of two main parts. The first part quotes, once again,
relevant sources for Theodore II Lascaris? status as co-emperor and discusses
some of Theodore II?s activities as co-ruler. The second part deals with the
testimonies of three Byzantine historians: George Acropolites, George
Pachymeres and Nikephoros Gregoras, who provide us with different information
concerning Theodore II Lascaris as co-emperor. While Acropolites refers to
Theodore II as basileuj even before he actually came to the throne,
Pachymeres and Gregoras claim that Theodore II was never his father?s
coruler. Thus, it is the aim of this study to offer an explanation for the
differences in the testimonies of the mentioned historians.
Avtograf na Teodor Hagiopetrit ot C''rkovnija istoriko-arheologiceski Institut v Sofija, CIAI 949
Authors: Dzurova Aksinija
Published: December 2014

Subject of this article is the copy of Four Gospels preserved at the Church
Institute in Sofia (gr. 949), which was displayed in the Brilliance of
Byzantium Exhibition organized during the 22nd International Congress of
Byzantine Studies (August 22 - 27, 2011) and which we assumed to have been
produced by the hand of one of the most famous scribes at the end of the 13th
and the beginning of the 14th century, i.e. Theodore Hagiopetrites. The type
of the script employed in the Four Gospels at the Church Institute (CHAI gr.
949) is in the so-called by L. Politis unique ?Hagiopetrites Style?. Although
the manuscript does not contain a colophon, comparison to the manuscripts of
Theodore Hagiopetrites known to us and especially to Cod. D. gr. 29 (Olim.
Kos. 35) at the Ivan Dujcev Centre - an autograph of the scribe of 1307, as
well as to another manuscript from Saint Petersburg, Cod. gr. of ASUSSR, No
10/667 of the 14th century, provides good reasons to assume that the Four
Gospels manuscript (CHAI gr. 949) was also produced by Theodore
Hagiopetrites. Our certainty was further substantiated after we had studied
in situ the Four Gospels from Academician N. P. Likhachev?s archive published
by Igor Medvedev in the collection ? In Memoriam Ivan Dujcev? of 1988 which
is currently kept under No 10/667 in the Archive of the Leningrad Section of
the Institute of History at the Russian Academy of Science. Having compared
the illumination and the specifics of motif stylization, as well as the
specific colouring, we could assert that the two manuscripts manifest
pronounced similarities. Thereby, the 27 manuscripts by T. Hagiopetrites
published by R. Nelson should also be supplemented by the Four Gospels at the
Church Institute (CHAI gr. 949) in addition to the Apostle Lectionary of
1307, autograph of Theodore Hagiopetrites at the Dujcev Centre, Cod. D. gr.
29 (Olim. Kos. 35), which R. Nelson briefly mentioned in his preface, and the
Saint Petersburg Four Gospels, published by I. Medvedev.
Were Byzantine monks of the 13th-15th centuries holders of imperial grants?
Authors: Maniati-Kokkini Triantafyllitsa
Published: December 2014

A small number of imperial grants to monks appear in the Byzantine sources
from the late 13th to the 15th centuries, and mainly in the 14th, before the
Serbian expansion in Macedonia. Especially privileged with the right of
bequeathal and dedication, they were given later to the monastery to which
each of the monks belonged, mostly to the Serbian monastery of Chilandar in
Athos. Due to characteristic differences they represent a special category
between the pronoiai of laymen and the oikonomiai of monasteries.
The king’s body in Serbian hagiography: Meaning and function of the corpus invictissimus topos
Authors: Marjanovic-Dusanic Smilja
Published: December 2014

Conceptions of the holy in Serbian hagiography were deeply inspired by the
translations of patristic, byzantine and, partly, chivalric literature.
Whether the corporal is exalted or rejected, in the tradition of Serbian
hagiography it is never an evaluatively neutral notion. Against the
intellectual background, crucial for understanding the manner the Serbian
medieval society conceived of the body, this paper gives an account of the
?invincible body? topos, i.e. considers the rise of the chivalric idea of the
hero, as well as the ideological and symbolic context of its formation.
The Byzantine titles of Jovan Oliver: A contribution to the issues of their origin and chronology
Authors: Pirivatric Srdjan
Published: December 2014

The inscription by the portrait of Jovan Oliver, the founder, in the main
church of monastery Lesnovo, contains the earliest data on high Byzantine
court dignities he held. The founder is portrayed invested as a
sebastokrator, the inscription is written over an older one which it
partially repeats and gives the information on the two Byzantine titles of
Jovan Oliver: in the first part of the inscription there is reference on his
title of sebastokrator ?in Serbs?, while in the second part he is mentioned
with the title of despotes ?of all Serbian and maritime regions and ucestnik
(sc. particeps) of Greeks?. In the inscription both of the dignities are
connected with the king Stefan Dusan. The analysis of the data of the
founder?s inscription, when put into the context of the civil war that lasted
in Byzantium from 1341 to 1347, enables the conclusions on the exact
Byzantine origin of his titles and approximate chronology of his investment.
[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177032: Tradicija,
inovacija i identitet u vizantijskom svetu
Il Postagma di Govanni VI Cantacuzeno del marzo 1347
Authors: Rigo Antonio
Published: December 2014

The article presents the first critical edition of the prostagma of John
Kantakouzenos (March 1347) with an historical introduction on the deposition
of the patriarch John Kalekas and on the Synodal Tome of the end of february
1347 and a study of the manuscripts.
I hear you have a noble horse - Manuel II Palaiologos’ letter no. 43 addressed to Demetrios Chrysoloras
Authors: Nikolic Maja
Published: December 2014

The letter of Manuel II Palaiologos no. 43 addressed to Demetrios
Chrysoloras, as their correspondence in whole, is a vivid testimony, not only
on the friendship between these two great intellectuals, but also on some
social rules and customs of the court of the last Palaiologan emperors and
habits of the Byzantine social and intellectual elite in the first half of
the XV century. Through the paradigm of noble horse, used as a symbol of
public office, in this case the one of mesazon in the service of John VII,
the emperor showed that he was not indifferent and suggested to his friend to
give up something which doesn?t suit him and continue to occupy himself with
intellectual work.
On year of journey of Prince Stefan Lazarevic to Sivas
Authors: Suica Marko
Published: December 2014

This article discusses the issue of historical context and chronological
elements related to the content of Introduction to the Novo Brdo Code issued
by despot Stefan Lazarevic in the year 1412. Special attention has been paid
to determining the date of journey of Stefan Lazarevic, at the time when he
was still prince, to Sivas where he had to subjugate and renew vassalage to
sultan Bayezid I. Until now this event, mentioned in the Introduction to the
Novo Brdo Code, has been placed in different time frames.
Аn architectural workshop from the 2nd decade of the 15th century in the border regions of Bulgaria and Serbia
Authors: Subotic Gojko
Published: December 2014

The Monastery of St. John Theologian near Pirot (Poganovo), best known for
the icon of Miracle of Latomos (now in Sofia) and wall decoration from the
end of the 15th century, was well examined and treated by conservators as a
building complex, but is still insufficiently studied. The time of the
creation of the monument and the identity of its founders, Constantine and
Helena, whose names were engraved on the west facade, were variously
interpreted, and the largest number of scholars were of the opinion that they
were Constantine Dragas (Dejanovic) and his daughter Helena, wife of Emperor
Manuel II (1391-1425). However, the persons in questions were members of the
nobility of despotes Stefan, who got these areas from Sultan Mehmed I, after
the Battle near Sofia in 1413. Architectural drawings and watercolors made by
architects Mihailo Valtrovic and Dragutin Milutinovic, who visited the area
around Trn after its liberation from Turkish rule in 1877-1878, made it
possible to detect relationships with other monuments in the valley of Jerma,
the Monastery of Archangel Michael in Trn and the Monastery of the Virgin in
Mislovstica. Characteristic features of these churches - seven-sided dome and
a manner of construction with stone, brick and mortar in the distinctive
decorative type that cannot be found elsewhere - show that they were built by
the same masters, members of an architectural workshop, in the second decade
of the 15th century.
About the composition and processing of precious metals from the Serbian medieval mines
Authors: Kovacevic-Kojic Desanka
Published: December 2014

Account Books of the Caboga (Kabuzic) Brothers 1426-1433 (Squar?o - Reminder,
Diary and Ledger) from the Historical Archive of Dubrovnik provide new
evidence about the high degree of treatment and composition of precious
metals from the Serbian medieval mines. First of all, that the residue, after
the purification of unprocessed into fine silver, was copper. Even the price
of this process is listed. In the Squar?o, in two items in a receipt from
1430, there is previously unknown data about auriferous silver (argento di
glama), the composition of which, besides gold, also included copper, and the
precisely determined shares of these metals per litre. Apart from the Account
Books of the Caboga (Kabuzic) Brothers, other written sources and hitherto
geological explorations have provided no clues regarding the presence of
copper in the auriferous silver mines.
Byzantine Eden
Authors: Bibikov Mikhail
Published: December 2014

The article deals with Byzantine descriptions of Eden juxtaposed to celestial
Paradise.
Detection of Differential Item Functioning Using the Lasso Approach
Authors: Magis David , Tuerlinckx Francis , De Boeck Paul
Published: December 2014

This article proposes a novel approach to detect differential item functioning (DIF) among dichotomously scored items. Unlike standard DIF methods that perform an item-by-item analysis, we propose the “LR lasso DIF method”: logistic regression (LR) model is formulated for all item responses. The model contains item-specific intercepts, an effect of the sum score, and item-group interaction (i.e., DIF) effects, with a lasso penalty on all DIF parameters. Optimal penalty parameter selection is investigated through several known information criteria (Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and cross validation) as well as through a newly developed alternative. A simulation study was conducted to compare the global performance of the suggested LR lasso DIF method to the LR and Mantel–Haenszel methods (in terms of false alarm and hit rates). It is concluded that for small samples, the LR lasso DIF approach globally outperforms the LR method, and also the Mantel–Haenszel method, especially in the presence of item impact, while it yields similar results with larger samples.
Effect of Medicinal Plants on Haematology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Village Chickens Naturally Infected with Heterakis gallinarum
Authors: Mwale M , Masika PJ , Materechera SA
Published: December 2014

The effects of Aloe ferox, Agave sisalana and Gunnera perpensa on haematological and biochemical parameters of village chickens naturally infected with Heterakis gallinarum were evaluated. One hundred and twelve mature village chickens were randomly allotted into 14 groups of 8 chickens. Group 1 and 2 were orally administered 1 mL distilled water for 4 consecutive days and 1 mL mebendazole (once), respectively. Groups 3-6 received 1 mL orally of aqueous leaf extract of A. ferox for 4 consecutive days, groups 7-10 A. sisalana and 11-14 G. perpensa in graded doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Blood was collected into vacutainers in triplicate, from the wing veins on day 0, 7 and 14. Data was analysed using general linear model of statistical analyses system. Chickens offered A. sisalana (200 mg/kg) had highest alanine transaminase (ALT) value (P < 0.05; 7.50 ± 0.406 U/l) on day 0. On day 7 and 14, there was no difference in ALT values (P >0.05). Significant differences among plants for aspartate transaminase on day 0, 7 and 14 were observed. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume were maintained within the reference range. From day 0 to 14, haematocrit was reduced for chickens on G. perpensa (50, 100 and 400 mg/kg), A. ferox (100 and 400 mg/kg) and A. sisalana (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Haemoglobin was out of range on day 0 and improved to be within the range on day 7 and 14. The medicinal plants enabled normal synthesis and functioning of haematological and biochemical parameters of village chickens and were maintained within the expected reference ranges. These plants are crucial phytomedicines for treating H. gallinarum infestations in village chickens.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21263Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 99-106
Poultry Salmonella Specific Bacteriophage Isolation and Characterization
Authors: Rahaman MT , Rahman M , Rahman MB , Khan MFR , Hossen ML , Parvej MS , Ahmed S
Published: December 2014

Bacteriophage named as SAL-PG (Salmonella bacteriophage), specific to Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum was isolated by an enrichment method directly from waste water near to poultry farm. For the isolation of phage 4.5 ml water sample, 0.5 ml of 10X Nutrient Broth and 0.5 ml of log phage bacteria were mixed well and incubated at 37° C for overnight followed by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The presence of bacteriophage was observed by spot test over the bacterial lawn of and plaque assay. The host range of the isolated bacteriophage was determined by spot test using 12 different bacterial isolates. The phages were found to infect Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella typhimurium and produced clear plaque on these Salmonella serovars. The bacteriophage was able to survive in wide range of pH between 2 to 9 and resistant at 60° C for 1 hour. More than 50% phages were readily adsorbed to the host bacteria. The restriction enzyme analysis showed that the phage DNA possess restriction site for Taq?I, HindIII and BstYI; but no restriction site for XhoI and BstEII as these two enzymes failed to digest the phage DNA. The characterizations of the bacteriophage would be helpful in establishing a basis for adopting the application of the most effective bacteriophage treatment to control these poultry bacteria.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21264 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 107-114
Morphological Analysis of Breast and Thigh Muscles in Different Postnatal Ages of Broiler Chicken and its Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Rahman MS
Published: December 2014

The aim of this experiment was to analyze the morphology of muscles and carcass quality Cobb-500 and Ross broiler chicken at different age, where the weight of live bird, carcass, major cut portions, lean and bone were measured. The average highest live weight at D35 was recorded as 1860.18±6.29g in Cobb-500 and 1640.47±7.57g in Ross broiler chicken. The average carcasses weights at D1, D7, D14, D21, D28 and D35 were recorded as 14.90 ±0.53g, 27.85±0.30g, 85.31±0.82g, 211.94±4.31g, 618.36 ±0.92g and 1289.05±5.39g for Cobb-500 and in case of Ross strains 12.89±0.41g, 25.83±0.38g, 82.09±0.35g, 210.58±2.66g, 565.55±2.41g and 1133.80±3.51g respectively. Highest dressing percentage was recorded at D35 which was 69.29±0.11g in Cobb-500 and 69.12±0.12g in Ross strains. The length, breadth, thickness and weight of pectoralis thoracis, supracoracoideus, iliotibialis lateralis and iliotibialis cranialis skeletal muscles were higher in Cobb-500 at every studied ages. Finally the experiment focused that Cobb-500 chicken is superior in terms of meat production for its unique skeletal muscle growth and carcass yield.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21265 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 115-120
Ginsenoside Rb1, A Component of Panax Ginseng, Ameliorates Selenium Induced Renal Toxicity in Broilers
Authors: Elgaml Shimaa A
Published: December 2014

Panax Ginseng (PG) has been widely used as natural product for many years with limited knowledge on its effect on renal dysfunction. Ginsenoside (Rb1) is the most clinically effective derivative of ginseng. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of ginsenoside Rb1 on selenium induced renal toxicity in broilers. Forty, one day old chicks acclimatized for 14 days and divided into four groups; negative control, Selenium (Se) treated (0.48 mg Na2SeO3/kg b.wt.), Rb1 plus Se treated (100mg Rb1/kg b.wt. & 0.48 mg Na2SeO3/kg b.wt.) and Rb1 treated (100 mg Rb1/ kg b.wt.) groups. Levels of blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated. The pretreatment of chickens with Rb1 significantly ameliorate the degenerative effect of selenium over the biochemical parameters, electrolytes and improves the antioxidant activity. Taken together, it could be concluded that the pretreatment of ginsenoside Rb1 has a protective effects against renal injury induced by sodium selenite toxicosis. The ginsenoside Rb1 is thus can be utilized as a useful natural product tool to protect against selenium toxicosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21274 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 127-134
Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in the Selected Upazila of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud MAA , Belal SMSH , Shoshe NZ
Published: December 2014

A study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of Bovine tuberculosis at 135 commercial dairy farms of five upazilas of Sirajganj district of Bangladesh during the period from January 2012 to December 2013. During two years study period a total of 270 blood samples were tested by Antigen® Rapid Bovine TB Ab test kit. The overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was recorded as 7.78%. Distribution on the basis of age, sex and breed revealed the significant relationship among the infection, breed, sex and age in the population. The prevalence was relatively high in older cattle (10.23%) and the highest prevalence was observed in the female (9.09%). The prevalence of tuberculosis infection was considerably high in most of large herds. It was evident from the study that cattle were infected with organism and caused a serious economic loss.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21276 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 141-145
Cryopreservation of Semen of Mithun and Siri Bulls
Authors: Dorji P , Pattarajinda V , Vongprolub T
Published: December 2014

The objective of the study was to assess the semen characteristics of Jersey, Mithun and Siri breeds of bulls and to compare the suitability of Tris Eggyolk Citrate and commercial soya lecithin based BIOXcell extenders for cryopreservation of semen from the these breeds of bulls. The mean semen volume was 4.55± 1.57, 4.86±1.33 and 4.83±1.72 ml in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. Mean mass activity of 3, mean initial motility of 78.0±4.22, 80±4.47 and 78.33±4.08%, mean sperm concentration of 1416±484.19, 1530.91±517.41, 1122.83±293.68 x106 and mean livability of 69.20±6.81, 70.45±8.42, 76.67±8.17% was found in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. There is no significant difference in all above mentioned variables among the breeds. The post-thaw motility of semen cryopreserved in Tris Eggyolk Citrate extender was found to be 45.50 ± 4.38, 46.82 ± 6.81 and 47.50 ± 8.22% in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. Whereas in BIOXcell extender, it was 45.50 ± 5.99, 46.36 ± 5.05 and 49.17 ± 5.85 % in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. Similarly, the plasma membrane integrity of thawed spermatozoa in Tris eggyolk extender was 17.50±2.32, 21.00±3.12 and 21.58±3.83% in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. Whereas in BIOXcell extender, it was found to be 20.45±2.86, 20.86±2.281 and 22.33±3.24% in Jersey, Mithun and Siri bulls, respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in post-thaw motility as well as in plasma membrane integrity between extenders and between breeds, and there was no significant effect (p>0.05) of breed x extender interaction. It can be concluded that the semen characteristics of Siri and Mithun bulls fall with the range established for other breeds of bulls. Furthermore, both Tris eggyolk and BIOXcell extenders are equally suitable for the cryopreservation of semen from these three breeds of Bulls.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21277 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 143-153
Prevalence of Brucellosis in Dairy Cattle in Organized and Smallholder Farms in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker MAS , Rahman MS , Islam MT , Rahman AKMA , Rahman MB , Rahman MF
Published: December 2014

Brucellosis causes a great economic loss to the livestock industries through abortion, infertility,birth of weak and dead offspring, increased calving interval and reduction of milk yield and it is endemic in Bangladesh. In this study we collected milk and blood samples simultaneously from533 cows of Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm, Savar, Dhaka and different Upazilas of Gaibandha and Mymensingh District. Five hundred thirty three samples were examined for antibodies to Brucella using the Milk Ring Test (MRT) and Rose Bengal Test (RBT). Overall 2.62 % of milk samples were positive according to MRT, while2.06 % of the serum samples were positive to the RBT. Only 6 (1.13 %) of the samples were positive for both test (MRT and RBT). Out of 312 samples only 10 (3.20 %) were positive to MRT while 8(2.06%) were positive to RBT in Holstein Friesian cross (p>0.05) on the other hand out of 221 samples only 4 (1.80%) were positive to MRT while 3(1.35%) were positive to RBT in Sahiwal cross. The prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in the age group of > 5 years than other age groups (p?0.01) on both test (MRT 2.75%and RBT 2.25%).Based on parity, significantly higher prevalence (MRT 2.93% and RBT 2.44%) of MRT and RBT were obtainedin parity 3-5in comparison to other parity group (p?0.01). It is, however, obvious that although the MRT is 1st-line screening tests for brucellosis in cows in some countries, their lack of specificity is of concern. Therefore, the requirement for other confirmatory tests that are more specific should be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21280 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 167-171
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in Mymensingh Sadar
Authors: Mondal MAH , Parvin MS , Sarker SC , Rahman AKMA , Islam MT
Published: December 2014

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of zoonotic importance as well as high priority all over the world. Risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in cattle are not well investigated in Bangladesh. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the associated risk factors for bTB along with determination of prevalence in cattle of Mymensingh Sadar. A cross-sectional study was carried out to elucidate on 101 cattle from 56 households during January to May 2012. The direct interview using a questionnaire and physical examination of cattle was performed to collect farm and animal level data. Besides data collection, blood samples were collected from study cattle and subjected to immunochromatographic assay (ICGA) by using Anigen Rapid Bovine TB Ab test kit for the diagnosis of bTB. Risk factors analysis was done using bivariable followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise backward elimination method. The results of the study revealed an overall tuberculosis prevalence of 5.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant association of bovine tuberculosis with herd size (more than 4) (Odds Ratio, OR = 5.9, p = 0.03) and history of coughing (OR = 8.9, p = 0.005). The effect of herd size (more than 4) could be minimized by maintaining the cattle in a herd with adequate floor space and better ventilation facilities as it would not be practicable to keep the herd size minimum. Further study should be done to find out more associated risk factors for the occurrence of bTB.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21283 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 179-183
Prevalence of Protozoan Diseases in Pet Dogs at District Veterinary Hospital, Sirajganj, Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud MAA , Belal SMSH , Uddin FMJ
Published: December 2014

A study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of protozoan diseases of 272 sick pet dogs submitted to the District Veterinary Hospital (DVH), Sirajganj during the two years period from January, 2009 to December, 2010. A total 7 types of protozoan diseases were identified in only 61 dogs and their variation in prevalence were analyzed on the basis of age and sex. The overall prevalence of protozoan diseases of pet dogs in the study area was observed 22.42%.The highest prevalence (%) of the diseases was found as Giardiasis (42.62%) followed by Amoebiasis (26.23%), Coccidiosis (14.75%), Balantidiasis (9.84%), Toxoplasmosis (3.28%), Babesiosis (1.64%) and Leishmaniasis (1.64%). Age-wise highest cumulative prevalence (%) of protozoan diseases was identified in age group above 1 year (54.10%), compare to that in less than or equal to 1 year (45.90%) age groups of pet dogs. On the other hand, sex-wise overall cumulative prevalence (%) of the diseases of dog was noticed in the female (55.74%) than male (44.26%). Results of this study revealed that the protozoan disease problems of dogs may be high in Sirajganj district and it also showed that people of this district does not follow scientific method of dogs rearing.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21290 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 191-196
Parasitic Perifollicular Dermatitis in the Egyptian Lesser Blind Mole Rat (Spalax leucodon egyptiacus)
Authors: Tamam Omar AS
Published: December 2014

A field study of outdoor cultivated habitats was conducted in the northern part of the Western Desert in Egypt (Al Dabaa  Marsa Matroh Governorate) between March 2010 and August 2013. Samples were collected from skin lesions occurring on the Egyptian lesser blind mole rat (Spalax leucodon Egyptiacus). Gross examination of the lesions showed alopecia and grey, circumscribed nodules, average size 2-5mm, in the hair-free thigh regions of the animals, varying from three to ten in number. Skin scrapings revealed numerous Lynxacarus egyptiacus, as well as other ectoparasites including Polyplax serrata and gamasid mites. Histopathological examination of the skin lesions showed features of demodetic perifollicular inflammation with aggregations of eggs in the dermis and in the keratin layer. Destroyed hair follicles were associated with fibroblastic proliferation and lymphocytic infiltration. Invasion with Polyplax serrata and gamasid mites resulted in keratinolysis, itching, and slight haemorrhage.This study is the first study to report on mixed lice infestations, and their associated histopathological changes, occurring in the Egyptian lesser blind mole rat. Since the population of this species is in decline, data relating to pathologies that occur in the Egyptian mole rat are of significance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21291 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 197-201
Effects of Butter on Blood Biochemistry and Histotexure of Heart in the Development of Obesity in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Islam MS , Islam MK , Das SK , Hossain MM
Published: December 2014

The study was designed and performed in order to investigate the effects of butter on blood biochemistry and histo-texture of heart in mice. Thirty days old 30 Swiss Albino mice were divided into 3 equal groups (M, M1, and M2). Mice of group M were fed with normal mice pellet and were designated as control. Mice in the group M1 and M2 were fed with 10% and 20% butter supplemented feed respectively. In biochemical study, group M2 showed increase in total plasma cholesterol (P<0.001), LDL (P<0.001), TG (P<0.001), blood glucose (P<0.05), blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05) compared to mice in control group. In group of M1 there were also increase in total plasma cholesterol (P<0.01), LDL (P<0.001), TG (P<0.001), blood glucose (P<0.05), blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05) compared to mice in control group but lesser increased than the mice fed with 20% butter supplemented feed. In histopathological study there was no significant change in the heart of mice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21293 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 203-209
Identifying Diseases of Golden Jackals of Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Yousuf MA , Bashu J , Pervin M , Islam MT , Das PM , Khan MAHNA
Published: December 2014

Golden jackals is one of the semidomestic wild carnivors of the environment of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus and now a days very often share spend their time with native dogs and cats in the gouse food wastes. This is not unusual for jackals to share diseases of dogs and cats. This study was aimed to identify important diseases of golden jackals and categorized to their zoonotic importance. A total of five apparently healthy golden jackals were collected from BAU campus and thorough postmortem examination was carried out during the period from July to December, 2010. Histopathological studies were conducted using routine Hematoxylin & Eosin procedure. The existence of blood parasites were studied by Giemsas staining. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) & Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) were adopted for the detection of tuberculosis (TB), canine distemper (CD) and avain influenza virus (AI). Other diseases investigated were liverfluke, whipworm, lungworm, mites and ascariasis. Out of five jackals examined, four were infected with heartworm Dirofilaria immitis. Gross examination of a Jackal at necropsy revealed nodular lesions in lungs and suspected as a case of TB. Acid fast staining and PCR protocol specific for TB could not detect mycobacterium in the nodular lungs lesions. Results of RT- PCR with the extracted RNA from liver showed amplification of 287bp fragment specific for CD viral infection in two cases. This is the first study in Bangladesh describing infection of CD in jackals. Jackals are scavanging in nature and reasonably AI could have present in jackals. RT-PCR protocol specific for matrix protein gene of AI viruses did not amplify any nucleic acid fragment. Results of this study showed that the golden jackals of BAU campus were infected with heartworm, lungworm, liverfluke, whipeworm, ascarids, mites and CD viruses. Extensive investigation is needed to explore the existance of few other important diseases of jackals including bovine and human TB, AI, leishmaniasis, rabies, Toxoplasmosis, Infectious canine hepatitis, Taeniasis and Canine hookworm infestation. heartworm, whipworm and mites have zoonotic importance, therefore, it needs to develop stretagy to prevent their future dessimination in human and other animals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21295 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 217-224
Performance of Herbal Extracts on Diseased Fish
Authors: Alam MN , Ahmed GU , Chowdhury MBR
Published: December 2014

An experiment was conducted for a period of 28 days to observe the effect of plant extracts on recovery of fish diseases. The experiment was carried out in mini pond (1.75 decimal) behind the Fisheries Faculty in BAU, Mymensingh. Twelve hapas (3 ×2 ×1.5 sq.ft.) and five studies were conducted with control hapa with 3 treatments and two replicates each. Four medicinal plant products were collected and prepared. In study 1 fishes were treated with Neem Seed Oil, study 2 with Kalojira Seed Oil, study 3 with Neem Leaf Extract, study 4 with Mahogoni Seed Oil and the control hapa was provided with normal feed. The treatments were practiced as 2ml, 4ml and 6ml per kg feed. At the beginning of the experiment, fishes had red spots on dorsal and caudal region, scale missing, large abrasions and black to grayish spots. In Kalojira Seed Oil (study 2) treated fish, spots and lesions were totally recovered in T2 and T3 whereas in T1 there were traces spots at the end of the experiment. However, in Neem Seed Oil and Neem Leaf fine extract treated fish (study 1 and study 3), injury, abrasions and lesions were almost healed up in T3 (6ml/kg feed) and moderate recovery in T2 and T3. In Mahogoni Seed Oil (study 4) treated fish, ulcers and lesions were reduced in size but existed distinctly in all the treatments at the end of the experiment. In control study (study 5) injury and abrasions had no recovery but remained almost similar till the end of experiment. Thus it was found that Kalojira Seed Oil performed best recovery (90-95%) followed by Neem Seed Oil (78-84%), Neem Leaf fine extract (70-75%) and poor performance was observed with Mahogoni Seed Oil extract (35-40%). So, kalojira seed oil was the best performed herb and T3(6ml/kg feed) was the best dose followed by T1 and T2.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21299 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 225-230
The Role of Antifungals against Candida Biofilm in Catheter-Related Candidemia
Authors: Bouza Emilio , Guinea Jesús , Guembe María
Published: December 2014

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI) is one of the most frequent nosocomial infections. It is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Candida spp. is the third most common cause of C-RBSI after coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus and is responsible for approximately 8% of episodes. The main cause of catheter-related candidemia is the ability of some Candida strains—mainly C. albicans and C. parapsilosis—to produce biofilms. Many in vitro and in vivo models have been designed to assess the activity of antifungal drugs against Candida biofilms. Echinocandins have proven to be the most active antifungal drugs. Potential options in situations where the catheter cannot be removed include the combination of systemic and lock antifungal therapy. However, well-designed and -executed clinical trials must be performed before firm recommendations can be issued.
Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Peptide Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Band Victor , Weiss David
Published: December 2014

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are important innate immune defenses that inhibit colonization by pathogens and contribute to clearance of infections. Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are a major target, yet many of them have evolved mechanisms to resist these antimicrobials. These resistance mechanisms can be critical contributors to bacterial virulence and are often crucial for survival within the host. Here, we summarize methods used by Gram-negative bacteria to resist CAMPs. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to new therapeutic strategies against pathogens with extensive CAMP resistance.
Wind Regimes above and below a Temperate Deciduous Forest Canopy in Complex Terrain: Interactions between Slope and Valley Winds
Authors: Wang Xingchang , Wang Chuankuan , Li Qinglin
Published: December 2014

The thermally driven wind over mountainous terrains challenges the estimation of CO2 exchange between forests and the atmosphere when using the eddy covariance technique. In this study, the wind regimes were investigated in a temperate deciduous forested valley at the Maoershan site, Northeast China. The wind direction above the canopy was preferentially up-valley in the daytime and down-valley in the nighttime, corresponding to the diurnal patterns of above-canopy temperature gradient and stability parameter. In both leaf-on and -off nighttime, a down-valley flow with a maximum velocity of 1~3 m∙s−1 was often developed at 42 m above the ground (2.3-fold of the canopy height). However, the below-canopy prevailing wind was down-slope in the night, contrast to the below-canopy temperature lapse and unstable conditions. This substantial directional shear illustrated shallow slope winds were superimposed on larger-scale valley winds. As a consequence, the valley-wind component becomes stronger with increasing height, indicating a clear confluence of drainage flow to the valley center. In the daytime, the below-canopy wind was predominated down-slope due to the temperature inversion and stable conditions in the leaf-on season, and was mainly up-valley or down-slope in the leaf-off season. The isolation of momentum flux and radiation by the dense canopy played a key role in the formation of the below-canopy unaligned wind and inverse stability. Significant lateral kinematic momentum fluxes were detected due to the directional shear. These findings suggested a significant interaction between slope and valley winds at this site. The frequent vertical convergence / divergence above the canopy and horizontal divergence/convergence below the canopy in the nighttime / daytime is likely to induce significant advections of trace gases and energy flux.
Basic Concepts for Convection Parameterization in Weather Forecast and Climate Models: COST Action ES0905 Final Report
Authors: Yano Jun–Ichi , Geleyn Jean-François , Köhler Martin , Mironov Dmitrii , Quaas Johannes , Soares Pedro , Phillips Vaughan , Plant Robert , Deluca Anna , Marquet Pascal , Stulic Lukrecia , Fuchs Zeljka
Published: December 2014

The research network “Basic Concepts for Convection Parameterization in Weather Forecast and Climate Models” was organized with European funding (COST Action ES0905) for the period of 2010–2014. Its extensive brainstorming suggests how the subgrid-scale parameterization problem in atmospheric modeling, especially for convection, can be examined and developed from the point of view of a robust theoretical basis. Our main cautions are current emphasis on massive observational data analyses and process studies. The closure and the entrainment–detrainment problems are identified as the two highest priorities for convection parameterization under the mass–flux formulation. The need for a drastic change of the current European research culture as concerns policies and funding in order not to further deplete the visions of the European researchers focusing on those basic issues is emphasized.
Positive-Operator Valued Measure (POVM) Quantization
Authors: Gazeau Jean , Heller Barbara
Published: December 2014

We present a general formalism for giving a measure space paired with a separable Hilbert space a quantum version based on a normalized positive operator-valued measure. The latter are built from families of density operators labeled by points of the measure space. We especially focus on various probabilistic aspects of these constructions. Simple ormore elaborate examples illustrate the procedure: circle, two-sphere, plane and half-plane. Links with Positive-Operator Valued Measure (POVM) quantum measurement and quantum statistical inference are sketched.
Climate Change Effects on Heat Waves and Future Heat Wave-Associated IHD Mortality in Germany
Authors: Zacharias Stefan , Koppe Christina , Mücke Hans-Guido
Published: December 2014

The influence of future climate change on the occurrence of heat waves and its implications for heat wave-related mortality due to ischemic heart diseases (IHD) in Germany is studied. Simulations of 19 regional climate models with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° forced by the moderate climate change scenario A1B are analyzed. Three model time periods of 30 years are evaluated, representing present climate (1971–2000), near future climate (2021–2050), and remote future climate (2069–2098). Heat waves are defined as periods of at least three consecutive days with daily mean air temperature above the 97.5th percentile of the all-season temperature distribution. Based on the model simulations, future heat waves in Germany will be significantly more frequent, longer lasting and more intense. By the end of the 21st century, the number of heat waves will be tripled compared to present climate. Additionally, the average duration of heat waves will increase by 25%, accompanied by an increase of the average temperature during heat waves by about 1 K. Regional analyses show that stronger than average climate change effects are observed particularly in the southern regions of Germany. Furthermore, we investigated climate change impacts on IHD mortality in Germany applying temperature projections from 19 regional climate models to heat wave mortality relationships identified in a previous study. Future IHD excess deaths were calculated both in the absence and presence of some acclimatization (i.e., that people are able to physiologically acclimatize to enhanced temperature levels in the future time periods by 0% and 50%, respectively). In addition to changes in heat wave frequency, we incorporated also changes in heat wave intensity and duration into the future mortality evaluations. The results indicate that by the end of the 21st century the annual number of IHD excess deaths in Germany attributable to heat waves is expected to rise by factor 2.4 and 5.1 in the acclimatization and non-acclimatization approach, respectively. Even though there is substantial variability across the individual model simulations, it is most likely that the future burden of heat will increase considerably. The obtained results point to public health interventions to reduce the vulnerability of the population to heat waves.