bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ice-shelf basal melting in a global finite-element sea-ice/ice-shelf/ocean model
Authors: Timmermann R. , Wang Q. , Hellmer H.H.
Published: October 2012

The Finite Element Sea-ice Ocean Model (FESOM) has been augmented by an ice-shelf component with a three-equation system for diagnostic computation of boundary layer temperature and salinity. Ice-shelf geometry and global ocean bathymetry have been derived from the RTopo-1 dataset. A global domain with a triangular mesh and a hybrid vertical coordinate is used. To evaluate sub-ice-shelf circulation and melt rates for present-day climate, the model is forced with NCEP reanalysis data. Basal mass fluxes are mostly realistic, with maximum melt rates in the deepest parts near the grounding lines and marine ice formation in the northern sectors of the Ross and Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelves, Antarctica. Total basal mass loss for the ten largest ice shelves reflects the importance of the Amundsen Sea ice shelves; the Getz Ice Shelf is shown to be a major meltwater contributor to the Southern Ocean. Despite their modest melt rates, the ‘cold water’ ice shelves in the Weddell Sea are still substantial sinks of continental ice in Antarctica. Discrepancies between the model and observations can partly be attributed to deficiencies in the forcing data or to (sometimes unavoidable) smoothing of ice-shelf and bottom topographies.
Breeding for improving fibre yield and green biomass in sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) germplasm
Authors: Kumar D , Tripathi MK , Sarkar SK , Das Arpita , Shill Sanjoy
Published: October 2012

Fifteen genetically diverse parental genotypes of sunnhemp belonging to different geographical origin were assessed to evaluate general and specific combining ability of parents and cross combinations, respectively, for selecting the superior parent combination. For this, fifteen parents and their 105 F1s were grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and data were collected in respect of plant height, base diameter, green weight, fibre weight, stick weight and fibre percentage. Analyses of variances of diallel revealed that there was predominance of specific combining ability (sca) in almost all the characters except fibre percentage and general combining ability (gca) was significant only in case of plant height. From the gca effect of parents it can be seen that K-12 (B) and SUIN-056 showed good promise as general combiners and able to produce better cross combinations. However only one cross combination viz. SUIN056 × SUIN074 was recorded positive sca effects for all the characters. This cross combination along with SUIN001 × SUIN056 exhibited positive heterosis over the better parents in all the characters studied and can be used in breeding programme for producing improved sunnhemp population. Further, to exploit fully both additive and nonadditive variances present in this population, random as well as chain crossing among the promising crosses was found effective to exploit both additive and fixable epistatic effects. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 369-376, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12080
Population abundance of red spider mite in different vegetables along with its spatial distribution and chemical control in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Dutta NK , Alam SN , Uddin MK , Mahmudunnabi M , Khatun MF
Published: October 2012

Population abundance of red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch., was studied in cucmber, ribbed gourd, bitter gourd, snake gourd, aroids and teasle gourd and efficacy of four new acaricides were tested against this pest in brinjal at the farmers field of Norsingdi during 2009-2010. At the same time, the spatial distribution of this pest in brinjal crop was also studied. Results indicated that all the surveyed vegetables except bitter gourd were attacked by the mite with varying levels of infestation. However, the highest mite population per leaf was observed in brinjal (32.27) which was followed by cucumber (16.08) and teasle gourd (7.2). Mites were most densely populated in the lower canopy region in the brinjal plant. Among the tested acaricides, Lakad 1.8 EC (Abamectin) provided the highest (83.4%) reduction of mite population over control, although the other acaricides also gave good control of this pest. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 399-404, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12083
Agro-economic analysis of tuberose cultivation in selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque MA , Miah MA Monayem , Hossain S , Sharifuzzaman SM
Published: October 2012

The study identified agronomic practices, analyzed relative profitability, and resource use efficiency of tuberose cultivation in Bangladesh during January 2010. Primary data were collected from 100 randomly selected farmers from Jessore and Chuadanga districts. The results revealed that the per hectare costs of tuberose cultivation were estimated at Tk. 2,00,761 and Tk. 1,29,283 over full cost and variable cost, respectively. The major share of total cost was for human labour (30%) followed by land use (23%), and fertilizer (17%). The total cost was 26% and 12% higher than its competitive crops banana and papaya, respectively. The yield of tuberose was 4,54,425 sticks per hectare. The gross margin and net return were Tk. 5,52,354 and Tk.4,80,876 per hectare, respectively. This net return was 65% higher than banana and 71% higher than papaya cultivation. The BCRs (benefit cost ratio) were 5.27 and 3.39 over variable cost and full cost basis, respectively. Production function revealed that human labour, seedling and irrigation had positive effect on tuberose cultivation. The lack of scientific knowledge, high yielding variety and efficient transport facility were reported to be major problems in tuberose cultivation. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 457-464, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12123
Economic analysis of risks in fruit and vegetable farming in Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Fakayode SB , Rahji MAY , Adeniyi ST
Published: October 2012

The study analyzed the risks involved in fruit and vegetable farming in Osun state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the risk attitude of farmers, factors influencing risk attitude as well as farmers perception on major sources of production and market risks. The study was based on a survey of 150 farmers, comprising 75 predominantly fruit and vegetable farmers, respectively, and covering 12 communities within the six agro-ecological zones in the state. Data were collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, discriminant analysis and KruskalWallis ranking analysis were used in the study. The study revealed that the average age of the fruit and vegetable respondent was 58.5 and 40.1, respectively, with the male respondents outnumbering the females in each case. The average year of experience was 30.8 and 15.3 for fruit and vegetable respondent, respectively. An average area of (5.36 and 2.21) ha was cultivated by the fruit and vegetable farmers, while orange and okra are the most widely grown fruit and vegetable crops. Damage by pest and disease, traditional methods of farming and weather dependency were the most perceived sources of production risk by the fruit and vegetable farmers. Perishability of produce, low price of produce, poor product handling and packaging as well as exploitation by middlemen were the most perceived sources of market risk. The study also revealed that maintaining good relationship with traders, selling at low prices due to perishability, selling within the locality and non-farm businesses were the major risk management strategies employed by the farmers. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that introduction of a more comprehensive agricultural insurance scheme and introduction of improved technology can ameliorate the effect of risks on fruit and vegetable farmers. Also, public intervention can facilitate better risk management through improved information system. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 473-491, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12125
A study on the drying behaviour of a local variety (Lalpakri) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Sarker Ayesha , Islam MN , Shaheb MR
Published: October 2012

The study was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Food Technology and Rural Industries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during 2008-09 to analyze the drying behaviour of potato (var. Lalpakri) at variable air dry bulb temperature using a mechanical dryer. Fresh potatoes with 3, 5, 7 mm slices were used as raw materials for drying. The experiment showed that drying rate constant decreases with the increases in thickness and increasing loading density of potato slice, the rate of drying decreases but drying rate constant does not decrease proportionately. From the relationship between drying rate constant and thickness, the value of exponent n of the power law equations was recorded 0.4586. It was observed that higher temperatures gave faster drying rate. From the exponential relationship between diffusion co-efficient (De) versus inverse absolute temperature (Tabs -1), activation energy (Ea) for diffusion of water from local variety of potato (var. Lalpakri) was found to be 5.60 Kcal/gm-mole. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(3): 505-514, September 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i3.12127
Genotype-environment interaction and stability analysis of four fine rice varieties
Authors: Biswas P L , Nath U K , Ghosal S , Patwary A K
Published: October 2012

Genotype-environment interactions through different stability parameters and performance traits of four fine rice genotypes were studied. The traits were; days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of effective tillers per hill, panicle length (cm), number of fertile grains per panicle, number of sterile grains per panicle and yield (t/ha) in four fine rice genotypes across nine environments along with experimental farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding department, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Mymensingh. Significant differences were observed for genotypes, environments and genotypesenvironment interaction. Stability analysis after Eberhat and Russells model suggested that the genotypes used in study were more or less responsive to environmental changes. Most of the genotypes performed better in Comilla. BAU125 was found stable for effective tillers per hill and comparatively less sensitive to other genotypes in panicle length and number of sterile grains per panicle. BR5 was stable for days to maturity and plant height whereas Kalizira performed better than other genotypes for fertile grains per panicle. In general, only the genotype BAU125 was found stable for effective tillers per hill, panicle length and lowest number of sterile grains per panicle.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12011   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 17, 2012
Effects of urea and cowdung on growth and yield of carrot
Authors: Mehedi T A , Siddique M A , Shahid Sonia B
Published: October 2012

A field experiment was carried out to study the effects of inorganic nitrogenous fertilizer and organic cowdung manure on growth and yield of carrot. Three different levels of urea along with three different levels of cowdung were employed in the investigation following randomized complete block design. The result revealed that the application of 150 kg N ha-1 as urea was found suitable for maximum gross and marketable yield (47.35 t ha-1 and 39.0 t ha-1, respectively), while 15 t cowdung ha-1 showed better gross and marketable yield (38.13 t ha-1 and 30.42 t ha-1 , respectively). Regarding the combined effect, the combination of 150 kg N ha-1 and 15 t cowdung ha-1 resulted in the best performance in gross and marketable yields (51.22 t ha-1 and 43.41 t ha-1, respectively). The net return (TK. 211142 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (4.61) were maximum in the treatment combination of 150 kg N ha-1 in the form of urea and 15 t cowdung ha-1.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12012J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 913, 2012
Residual effect of two insecticides and neem oil against epilachna beetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fab.) on bitter gourd
Authors: Mala M , Islam M M U , Islam K S
Published: October 2012

Experiments were conducted in the Laboratory and Entomology Field Laboratory to determine the residual effect of two insecticides (viz. Siperin 10EC, Malathion 57EC) and a botanical (Neem oil) against Epilachna beetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fab.) during the period from February to May 2009. To evaluate the residual effect of one synthetic and one organophosphors pesticides and one botanical pesticide on the mortality of Epilachna beetle, different concentrations of the insecticides (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% of Neem oil, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5% of Malathion and 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of Siperin.) was used. The mortality of the beetles was recorded at 4, 5, 6 and 7 days after treatments. After 7 days the highest mortality was found on first instar larvae (70.0 in laboratory condition and 65.0 in field condition) treated by Siperin 10EC (1.5% conc.) and the lowest mortality was found on adults Epilachna beetle (17.5 in laboratory condition and 15.0 in field condition) treated by Neem oil (1.0% conc.) The results indicated that Siperin 10EC has longer residual effect than Malathion 57EC and Neem oil. The effectivity ranked: Siperin > Malathion > Neem oil. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12034 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 2125, 2012
Salmonellosis in layer chickens: pathological features and isolation of bacteria from ovaries and inner content of laid eggs
Authors: Saha A K , Sufian M A , Hossain M I , Hossain M M
Published: October 2012

We isolated and identified Salmonella organisms from ovaries of dead layer birds and from inner content of laid eggs of different poultry farms. The thirty eight ovarian swabs for bacteriology, visceral organs (liver, lung, spleen, egg follicles and intestine) of 38 dead birds for pathological study from 15 layer farms and 45 laid eggs (5 eggs/farm) from reported 9 Salmonella infected farms constituted samples of the study. Samples were subjected to isolation and identification of the causal agent followed by gross and histopathological study of the affected visceral organs. Seventeen of 38 ovarian swabs (44.7%) were Salmonella positive. The percentage of Salmonella Gallinarum, Salmonella Pullorum and paratyphoid causing Salmonella were 70.6%, 17.6% & 11.8%, respectively. About 53% livers of Salmonella affected birds were enlarged, congested, friable and bronze coloured with white necrotic foci. About 59% egg follicles were congested, hemorrhagic, discoloured with stalk formation and 70.6% intestines showed hemorrhagic to catarrhal enteritis. At histopathology, 76.5% livers were congested with formation of multifocal nodules and 82.4% egg follicles were congested with huge leukocytic infiltration. Infiltration of heterophils in intestinal mucosa was found in 47.1% cases. Four Salmonella isolates were found from 9 laid egg samples (5 eggs content comprised as 1 sample) and isolation rate was 44.4% reporting transovarian transmission in poultry Salmonellosis.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12095   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 6167, 2012
Seroepidemiological study of visceral leishmaniasis and cattle as a possible reservoir host at Trishal Upazila in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter S , Alam M Z , Islam M T , Mondal M M H
Published: October 2012

To study the effect of months, seasons, age and sex on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in human, data were collected   during March 2010 through February 2011 from the register book of Upazila Health Complex (UHC) of Trishal, which  is an endemic region for VL in the Mymensingh district. Besides, 70 blood samples were collected from suspected VL   human patients to compare microscopy with rK39 immunochromatographic strip test. Additionally, 50 cattle blood samples were also collected from houses with active or recently-treated VL patients to determine the possible animal   reservoir of VL through rK39 strip test. Of the suspected VL patients in the UHC registered book, 43.8% were seropositive. The percentages of seropositive cases were higher in September (73.3%), November (67.2%) and   August (65.5%) than in May (18.5%), June (27.5%) and March (36.7%). The rainy season (58.4%) and the winter   season (50.6%) showed higher seropositive than the summer (30.7%) season which was significant (p? 0.001).   Hospital cases of VL were significantly (p?0.05) higher in 3-14 years (49.3%) and 15-45 years (43.5%) than in children <3 years (32.1%) and adults aged >45 years (33.6%) people. The estimated sensitivity of rK39 strip test and   microscopic examination were 100% and 58.8%, respectively and the specificity were 72% and 100%, respectively. Only two cattle blood samples were found positive to rK39 strip test. Our present study indicates that rK39 strip test is   superior to the diagnosis of VL compared with parasitological confirmation by direct microscopy of the peripheral   blood. Further works are needed to focus on molecular approaches for diagnosis and epidemiological study of VL, sand flies investigation and to confirm the cattle as animal reservoir for VL transmission.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12097   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 7986, 2012
Farmers' perception about causes and remedies of Monga in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district
Authors: Sarker J R , Mian M R U , Roy S S
Published: October 2012

The present study was an attempt to analyze the farmers perception about causes and remedies of Monga in some  selected areas of Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh. In order to achieve the objectives, survey was conducted in three villages and one Char area in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district. In total 90 samples were purposively taken of which 45 were from Char area, 25 from rural area, and 20 from urban area. The family size of the respondents revealed that medium family domination in Char area (the poorest area) is an indication of the consciousness of the poor people about population problem. Monga stricken people in terms of less consumption were higher in Char and rural areas compared to urban area. Lack of cultivable land, natural calamities, nonavailability of working facilities at non-agricultural sector, lack of working facilities at agricultural sector due to natural calamities and lack of credit availability and high interest rate were opined by the researcher as their causes of Monga. On the other hand, beef fattening, petty business, plant nursery and poultry farming were addressed as the mitigating activities of Monga undertaken by NGOs. old-age allowance, Hundred-days job scheme and Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) programme were observed as Monga mitigating activities undertaken by GOs in the study area. The difference between the performance of GO and NGO in Monga mitigation was wider in Char area than that of in rural and urban areas. The higher performance of NGOs was due to their better identification, selection and supervision strategy with perfect information. Drawbacks like, corruption, lack of proper management, lack of adequate financial support, etc., might be responsible for the poor performance of GO mitigating activities of Monga in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12101 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 107118, 2012
Investigation of the complete supply chain management for potatoes in Northern Ireland
Authors: Sarma P K , Hossain M A , Golap A K M M R , Mohammed D
Published: October 2012

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an integral approach of management where lots of beneficiaries work together with their professional interest. Potatoes supply chain like other agricultural products in developed country like the  United Kingdom included some important beneficiaries. Interests are not same due to the nature of the professional  activity. In distribution systems in developed country always have problems to organise all beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries are discriminated some are not their status as profitable either company or sole trader. In the study,  potato farmers of Northern Ireland produce potatoes and these potatoes supposed to be distributed directly to the consumers. As the work in the capitalist society divided in many ways with profit motive, therefore there were many intermediaries between producers and consumers who worked for distributing NI potato to the consumers. They were related together with their own interest and goal. One beneficiary was not thinking about another beneficiary with any  kind of interest sacrifice. Finally farmers who were the main producers became discriminated with the price. This is the main problem found in the study. Consumers also have no intention to know the life of farmers. If farmers societyis not survived in sustainable development way then the potatoes will not be cultivated. Therefore in potatoes farming  everybody in the society needs to make their attention for the right of the potatoes farmers of NI.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12104   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 125132, 2012
A survey on commercial fish feed used at Fulpur area in Mymensingh district
Authors: Alam M K , Habib M A B , Tahmid M S
Published: October 2012

This study was performed in Fulpur upazila under Mymensingh district for the period of 13 months from August 2010 to August 2011 to know the socio-economic and aquaculture status of fish farm owners and to assess the nutritive value of commercial fish feed available at Fulpur upazila of Mymensingh district. Fish farm owners were prominent in the study area and majority was illiterate but had the ability of signature. The monoculture and polyculture farm in the studied area were established in ranged from 1995 to 2005, respectively. Most of the fish farm owners followed polyculture system and had small farm area. Majority of fish farm owners leased water body for aquaculture. The minimum size of the farm was 0.162 ha and maximum size of the farm was 3.722 ha. The average depth of the water body in winter season was 1.61 meter and in summer season was 2.32 meter. Majority of fish farm owners followed proper pre-stocking and post stocking management with maintaining high stocking density of fish and using either commercial or farm made fish feed. Among the commercial fish feed tested the highest value of moisture was found in Aftab feed, protein in Nourish feed, lipid in CP feed, ash in Aftab feed, fibre in ACI feed and carbohydrate in ACI feed. Most of the commercial fish feed maintain standard level of chemical composition.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12111   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 175178, 2012
Effect of different feeds on larval development and survival of ornamental koi carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae in laboratory condition
Authors: Mahfuj M S , Hossain M A , Sarower M G
Published: October 2012

The experiment was conducted for 56-day with a view to observe the effects of different feeds on larval development  and survival of 3 day-old ornamental koi carp Cyprinus carpio larvae in fiber glass aquaria to develop rearing technique for promoting its aquaculture and for promoting the aquarium business. There were three treatments, each  having two replications, stocked with 30 larvae having an initial length and weight of 2.31 ± 0.10 mm and weight of  0.005 ± 0.01 g respectively, in a glass aquaria of size 30 × 10 × 6 inch3. Three different feeds i.e. crushed pellet feed, mixed diet i.e. 50% pellet + 50% chopped tubificid worms and live chopped tubificid worms, having different protein  levels were administered to compare their suitability as food for the rearing of C. carpio larvae. The larvae fed with chopped tubificid worms showed significantly better results in terms of length and weight gain, percent length and weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR %) compared to the rest two treatments. The highest survival rate 56.66 ± 2.29% was shown by the chopped tubificid worms fed larvae which was significantly higher than those of crushed pellet feed and mixed diet respectively. Water quality parameters were monitored throughout the experimental periods. On the basis of larval development and survival rate, it could be suggested the live chopped tubificid worms is suitable for the culture of ornamental koi carp C. carpio larvae.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i1.12112   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 179183, 2012
The Forgotten ’45: Donald Dubh's Rebellion in an Archipelagic Context
Authors: Cathcart Alison
Published: October 2012

The final rebellion of Donald Dubh, heir to the forfeited MacDonald lordship of the Isles, is usually examined within the context of Highland rebellions that occurred in the half century after forfeiture. The factors that motivated the Islesmen to rise in rebellion in 1545 were, however, multi-faceted and can only be fully understood by placing the rising in a wider context, which considers national and archipelagic events. The discussion that follows explores the reasons why the Islesmen, almost unanimously, entered into agreement with Henry VIII to attack Scotland from the west and why this endeavour failed. At the same time, the article highlights Henry's recognition of the strategic importance of the west which led him into alliance with Donald Dubh and his supporters.
The Hecke Bicategory
Authors: Hoffnung Alexander E.
Published: October 2012

We present an application of the program of groupoidification leading up to a sketch of a categorification of the Hecke algebroid—the category of permutation representations of a finite group. As an immediate consequence, we obtain a categorification of the Hecke algebra. We suggest an explicit connection to new higher isomorphisms arising from incidence geometries, which are solutions of the Zamolodchikov tetrahedron equation. This paper is expository in style and is meant as a companion to Higher Dimensional Algebra VII: Groupoidification and an exploration of structures arising in the work in progress, Higher Dimensional Algebra VIII: The Hecke Bicategory, which introduces the Hecke bicategory in detail.
Ash Management Review—Applications of Biomass Bottom Ash
Authors: James Adrian , Thring Ronald , Helle Steve , Ghuman Harpuneet
Published: October 2012

In industrialized countries, it is expected that the future generation of bioenergy will be from the direct combustion of residues and wastes obtained from biomass. Bioenergy production using woody biomass is a fast developing application since this fuel source is considered to be carbon neutral. The harnessing of bioenergy from these sources produces residue in the form of ash. As the demand for bioenergy production increases, ash and residue volumes will increase. Major challenges will arise relating to the efficient management of these byproducts. The primary concerns for ash are its storage, disposal, use and the presence of unburned carbon. The continual increase in ash volume will result in decreased ash storage facilities (in cases of limited room for landfill expansion), as well as increased handling, transporting and spreading costs. The utilization of ash has been the focus of many studies, hence this review investigates the likely environmental and technological challenges that increased ash generation may cause. The presence of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, chlorine, sulphur and silicon influences the reactivity and leaching to the inorganic phases which may have significant impacts on soils and the recycling of soil nutrient. Discussed are some of the existing technologies for the processing of ash. Unburned carbon present in ash allows for the exploration of using ash as a fuel. The paper proposes sieve fractionation as a suitable method for the separation of unburnt carbon present in bottom ash obtained from a fixed-bed combustion system, followed by the application of the gasification technology to particle sizes of energy importance. It is hoped that this process will significantly reduce the volume of ash disposed at landfills.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Sintering Red Mud and Bayer Red Mud and the Implications for Beneficial Utilization
Authors: Wang Ping , Liu Dong-Yan
Published: October 2012

Performances of two common types of red mud, Bayer red mud and Sintering red mud, were investigated in this research. Their compositions, mechanical properties and microstructure characterization were measured through XRD, TG and SEM analysis. Their shear strength, particle size, density and hydraulic characteristics also had been performed. Huge differences between the basic mineral types of these two kinds of red mud also can be found. The comparison of compositions shows that CaCO3 content in Sintering red mud is higher, Bayer red mud has more hazardous elements such as As, Pb and Hg and both have a high concentration of radioactivity. The micro particle of Bayer red mud is finer and more disperse, but the Sintering red mud has higher shear strength. Combining the TG and hydraulic characteristics analysis, it can be shown that Bayer red mud has higher value of water content and Sintering red mud has higher hydraulic conductivity. The paper then illustrates that Sintering red mud can become the main filling material of supporting structure of red mud stocking yard. Bayer red mud has a high reuse value and also can be used as a mixing material of masonry mortar.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-glication Effects of the Hexane Extract from Piper auritum Leaves in Vitro and Beneficial Activity on Oxidative Stress and Advanced Glycation End-Product-Mediated Renal Injury in Streptozotocin-Treated Diabetic Rats
Authors: Perez Gutierrez Rosa Martha , Flores Cotera Luis B. , Gonzalez Adriana Maria Neira
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of hexane extracts from leaves of Piper auritum (HS). Eight complementary in vitro test methods were used, including inhibition of DPPH· radicals, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, ion-chelating, ABTS, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, β-carotene bleaching and peroxy radical scavenging. The results indicated that HS possesses high antioxidant activity. To add to these finding we tested the effect against oxidative stress in liver, pancreas and kidney in diabetic rats. Low levels of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in diabetic rats were reverted to near normal values after treatment with HS. These results suggest that P. auritum prevents oxidative stress, acting as a suppressor of liver cell damage. Given the link between glycation and oxidation, we proposed that HS might possess significant in vitro antiglycation activity. Our data confirmed the inhibitory effect of HS on bovine serum albumin, serum glycosylated protein, glycation of LDL, and glycation hemoglobin. The effect of HS on diabetic renal damage was investigated using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of HS at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days significantly reduced advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation, elevated renal glucose and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels in the kidneys of diabetic rats. This implies that HS would alleviate the oxidative stress under diabetes through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. These findings indicate that oxidative stress is increased in the diabetic rat kidney and that HS can prevent renal damage associated with diabetes by attenuating the oxidative stress.
Chemical Genetics — A Versatile Method to Combine Science and Higher Level Teaching in Molecular Genetics
Authors: Sandrock Björn
Published: October 2012

Phosphorylation is a key event in many cellular processes like cell cycle, transformation of environmental signals to transcriptional activation or polar growth. The chemical genetics approach can be used to analyse the effect of highly specific inhibition in vivo and is a promising method to screen for kinase targets. We have used this approach to study the role of the germinal centre kinase Don3 during the cell division in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. Due to the easy determination of the don3 phenotype we have chosen this approach for a genetic course for M.Sc. students and for IMPRS (International Max-Planck research school) students. According to the principle of “problem-based learning” the aim of this two-week course is to transfer knowledge about the broad spectrum of kinases to the students and that the students acquire the ability to design their own analog-sensitive kinase of interest. In addition to these training goals, we benefit from these annual courses the synthesis of basic constructs for genetic modification of several kinases in our model system U. maydis.
Dysregulation of Glutathione Homeostasis in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Johnson William M. , Wilson-Delfosse Amy L. , Mieyal John. J.
Published: October 2012

Dysregulation of glutathione homeostasis and alterations in glutathione-dependent enzyme activities are increasingly implicated in the induction and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Friedreich’s ataxia. In this review background is provided on the steady-state synthesis, regulation, and transport of glutathione, with primary focus on the brain. A brief overview is presented on the distinct but vital roles of glutathione in cellular maintenance and survival, and on the functions of key glutathione-dependent enzymes. Major contributors to initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases are considered, including oxidative stress, protein misfolding, and protein aggregation. In each case examples of key regulatory mechanisms are identified that are sensitive to changes in glutathione redox status and/or in the activities of glutathione-dependent enzymes. Mechanisms of dysregulation of glutathione and/or glutathione-dependent enzymes are discussed that are implicated in pathogenesis of each neurodegenerative disease. Limitations in information or interpretation are identified, and possible avenues for further research are described with an aim to elucidating novel targets for therapeutic interventions. The pros and cons of administration of N-acetylcysteine or glutathione as therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential utility of serum glutathione as a biomarker, are critically evaluated.
Effect of 10 Week Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Competition and Training Performance in Elite Swimmers
Authors: Chung Weiliang , Shaw Greg , Anderson Megan E. , Pyne David B. , Saunders Philo U. , Bishop David J. , Burke Louise M.
Published: October 2012

Although some laboratory-based studies show an ergogenic effect with beta-alanine supplementation, there is a lack of field-based research in training and competition settings. Elite/Sub-elite swimmers (n = 23 males and 18 females, age = 21.7 ± 2.8 years; mean ± SD) were supplemented with either beta-alanine (4 weeks loading phase of 4.8 g/day and 3.2 g/day thereafter) or placebo for 10 weeks. Competition performance times were log-transformed, then evaluated before (National Championships) and after (international or national selection meet) supplementation. Swimmers also completed three standardized training sets at baseline, 4 and 10 weeks of supplementation. Capillary blood was analyzed for pH, bicarbonate and lactate concentration in both competition and training. There was an unclear effect (0.4%; ±0.8%, mean, ±90% confidence limits) of beta-alanine on competition performance compared to placebo with no meaningful changes in blood chemistry. While there was a transient improvement on training performance after 4 weeks with beta-alanine (−1.3%; ±1.0%), there was an unclear effect at ten weeks (−0.2%; ±1.5%) and no meaningful changes in blood chemistry. Beta-alanine supplementation appears to have minimal effect on swimming performance in non-laboratory controlled real-world training and competition settings.
Bioavailability of a Lipidic Formulation of Curcumin in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Pawar Yogesh B. , Munjal Bhushan , Arora Saurabh , Karwa Manoj , Kohli Gunjan , Paliwal Jyoti K. , Bansal Arvind K.
Published: October 2012

Numerous publications have reported the significant pharmacodynamic activity of Curcumin (CRM) despite low or undetectable levels in plasma. The objective of the present study was to perform a detailed pharmacokinetic evaluation of CRM after the oral administration of a highly bioavailable lipidic formulation of CRM (CRM-LF) in human subjects. Cmax, Tmax and AUC0–¥ were found to be 183.35 ± 37.54 ng/mL, 0.60 ± 0.05 h and 321.12 ± 25.55 ng/mL respectively, at a dose of 750 mg. The plasma profile clearly showed three distinct phases, viz., absorption, distribution and elimination. A close evaluation of the primary pharmacokinetic parameters provided valuable insight into the behavior of the CRM after absorption by CRM-LF. CRM-LF showed a lag time (Tlag) of 0.18 h (around 12 min). Pharmacokinetic modeling revealed that CRM-LF followed a two-compartment model with first order absorption, lag time and first order elimination. A high absorption rate constant (K01, 4.51/h) signifies that CRM-LF ensured rapid absorption of the CRM into the central compartment. This was followed by the distribution of CRM from the central to peripheral compartment (K12, 2.69/h). The rate of CRM transfer from the peripheral to central compartment (K21, 0.15/h) was slow. This encourages higher tissue levels of CRM as compared with plasma levels. The study provides an explanation of the therapeutic efficacy of CRM, despite very low/undetectable levels in the plasma.
Model-Free Trajectory Optimisation for Unmanned Aircraft Serving as Data Ferries for Widespread Sensors
Authors: Pearre Ben , Brown Timothy X.
Published: October 2012

Given multiple widespread stationary data sources such as ground-based sensors, an unmanned aircraft can fly over the sensors and gather the data via a wireless link. Performance criteria for such a network may incorporate costs such as trajectory length for the aircraft or the energy required by the sensors for radio transmission. Planning is hampered by the complex vehicle and communication dynamics and by uncertainty in the locations of sensors, so we develop a technique based on model-free learning. We present a stochastic optimisation method that allows the data-ferrying aircraft to optimise data collection trajectories through an unknown environment in situ, obviating the need for system identification. We compare two trajectory representations, one that learns near-optimal trajectories at low data requirements but that fails at high requirements, and one that gives up some performance in exchange for a data collection guarantee. With either encoding the ferry is able to learn significantly improved trajectories compared with alternative heuristics. To demonstrate the versatility of the model-free learning approach, we also learn a policy to minimise the radio transmission energy required by the sensor nodes, allowing prolonged network lifetime.
Fundamental Lifetime Mechanisms in Routing Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey and Open Issues
Authors: Eslaminejad Mohammadreza , Razak Shukor Abd
Published: October 2012

Wireless sensor networks basically consist of low cost sensor nodes which collect data from environment and relay them to a sink, where they will be subsequently processed. Since wireless nodes are severely power-constrained, the major concern is how to conserve the nodes’ energy so that network lifetime can be extended significantly. Employing one static sink can rapidly exhaust the energy of sink neighbors. Furthermore, using a non-optimal single path together with a maximum transmission power level may quickly deplete the energy of individual nodes on the route. This all results in unbalanced energy consumption through the sensor field, and hence a negative effect on the network lifetime. In this paper, we present a comprehensive taxonomy of the various mechanisms applied for increasing the network lifetime. These techniques, whether in the routing or cross-layer area, fall within the following types: multi-sink, mobile sink, multi-path, power control and bio-inspired algorithms, depending on the protocol operation. In this taxonomy, special attention has been devoted to the multi-sink, power control and bio-inspired algorithms, which have not yet received much consideration in the literature. Moreover, each class covers a variety of the state-of-the-art protocols, which should provide ideas for potential future works. Finally, we compare these mechanisms and discuss open research issues.
A TDR-Based Soil Moisture Monitoring System with Simultaneous Measurement of Soil Temperature and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Skierucha Wojciech , Wilczek Andrzej , Szypłowska Agnieszka , Sławiński Cezary , Lamorski Krzysztof
Published: October 2012

Elements of design and a field application of a TDR-based soil moisture and electrical conductivity monitoring system are described with detailed presentation of the time delay units with a resolution of 10 ps. Other issues discussed include the temperature correction of the applied time delay units, battery supply characteristics and the measurement results from one of the installed ground measurement stations in the Polesie National Park in Poland.
Gravity Sensing and Signal Transduction in Vascular Plant Primary Roots
Authors: Baldwin Katherine L. , Strohm Allison K. , Masson Patrick H.
Published: October 2012

During gravitropism, the potential energy of gravity is converted into a biochemical signal. How this transfer occurs remains one of the most exciting mysteries in plant cell biology. New experiments are filling in pieces of the puzzle. In this review, we introduce gravitropism and give an overview of what we know about gravity sensing in roots of vascular plants, with special highlight on recent papers. When plant roots are reoriented sideways, amyloplast resedimentation in the columella cells is a key initial step in gravity sensing. This process somehow leads to cytoplasmic alkalinization of these cells followed by relocalization of auxin efflux carriers (PINs). This changes auxin flow throughout the root, generating a lateral gradient of auxin across the cap that upon transmission to the elongation zone leads to differential cell elongation and gravibending. We will present the evidence for and against the following players having a role in transferring the signal from the amyloplast sedimentation into the auxin signaling cascade: mechanosensitive ion channels, actin, calcium ions, inositol trisphosphate, receptors/ligands, ARG1/ARL2, spermine, and the TOC complex. We also outline auxin transport and signaling during gravitropism.
Shoot phototropism in higher plants: New light through old concepts
Authors: Christie John M. , Murphy Angus S.
Published: October 2012

Light is a key environmental factor that drives many aspects of plant growth and development. Phototropism, the reorientation of growth toward or away from light, represents one of these important adaptive processes. Modern studies of phototropism began with experiments conducted by Charles Darwin demonstrating that light perception at the shoot apex of grass coleoptiles induces differential elongation in the lower epidermal cells. This led to the discovery of the plant growth hormone auxin and the Cholodny–Went hypothesis attributing differential tropic bending to lateral auxin relocalization. In the past two decades, molecular‐genetic analyses in the model flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana has identified the principal photoreceptors for phototropism and their mechanism of activation. In addition, several protein families of auxin transporters have been identified. Despite extensive efforts, however, it still remains unclear as to how photoreceptor activation regulates lateral auxin transport to establish phototropic growth. This review aims to summarize major developments from over the last century and how these advances shape our current understanding of higher plant phototropism. Recent progress in phototropism research and the way in which this research is shedding new light on old concepts, including the Cholodny–Went hypothesis, is also highlighted.
Efficient electroorganic synthesis of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene derivatives
Authors: Regenbrecht Carolin , Waldvogel Siegfried R
Published: October 2012

2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexahydroxytriphenylene of good quality and purity can be obtained via anodic treatment of catechol ketals and subsequent acidic hydrolysis. The electrolysis is conducted in propylene carbonate circumventing toxic and expensive acetonitrile. The protocol is simple to perform and superior to other chemical or electrochemical methods. The key of the method is based on the low solubility of the anodically trimerized product. The shift of potentials is supported by cyclic voltammetry studies.
Les controverses autour du travail en 1848
Authors: Hayat Samuel
Published: October 2012

Résumé En 1848, l'affrontement politique sur le contenu de la République nouvelle passe notamment par un ensemble de controverses autour du concept de travail, au cours desquelles le socialisme et le républicanisme modéré se trouvent constitués comme idéologies antagonistes. Parmi l'ensemble de ces controverses, ancrées dans l'histoire du mouvement ouvrier et du concept de travail, on peut en retenir trois. La première, au printemps 1848, porte sur les liens entre le travail et la citoyenneté, autour de la question des candidatures ouvrières. La seconde controverse, qui commence en juin 1848, oppose Proudhon au National à propos du rôle du travail dans la création de valeur économique. La dernière, qui se confond avec le processus constituant de 1848, porte sur le droit au travail. Lorsqu'elle s'achève, la République et le socialisme sont devenus deux idéologies séparées par un ensemble de positions antagonistes sur le concept de travail.
Controverses savantes et débats militants : mises en abîmes épistémologiques autour de la notion de sens commun
Authors: Pereira Irène
Published: October 2012

Résume> L'article se propose à partir de la sociologie et de la philosophie pragmatiste d'analyser la question du rapport épistémologique savant et militant au sens commun. Il montre tout d'abord comment il est possible, en prenant l'exemple du syndicalisme révolutionnaire, de dégager une épistémologie pragmatiste des rapports entre discours ordinaires dominants et discours militants. L'article met ensuite en valeur l'existence de trois épistémologies implicites à l' uvre dans les débats militants qui peuvent être mises en parallèle avec des épistémologies savantes : une épistémologie rationaliste universaliste, une autre épistémologie rationaliste de la rupture et enfin une dernière épistémologie du point de vue situé. La dernière partie met en évidence une dernière dimension épistémologique, celle selon laquelle le point de vue situé des militants ­ qui peut être qualifié de non-neutre et donc de partial ­ ne constitue néanmoins pas un obstacle absolu à une prétention à l'objectivité.
Surface Roughness Optimization in End Milling Using the Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Al Hazza Muataz H.F. , Adesta Erry Yulian Triblas , Riza Muhammad , Suprianto M.Y.
Published: October 2012

In finishing end milling, not only good accuracy but also good roughness levels must be achieved. Therefore, determining the optimum cutting levels to achieve the minimum surface roughness is important for it is economical and mechanical issues. This paper presents the optimization of machining parameters in end milling processes by integrating the genetic algorithm (GA) with the statistical approach. Two objectives have been considered, minimum arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) and minimum Root-mean-square roughness (Rq). The mathematical models for the surface roughness parameters have been developed, in terms of cutting speed, feed rate, and axial depth of cut by using Response Methodology Method (RSM). Due to complexity of this machining optimization problem, a multi objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) has been applied to resolve the problem, and the results have been analyzed.