bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rail as a natural monopoly and possibilities of its regulation
Authors: Forgács Anna , Szabó Szabolcs
Published: August 2016

Government regulation is required for goods with a gap between social and private costs and social and private benefits. Such goods can be classified into three types: a) toll goods, which are non-rival but exclusion from use is possible; b) common pool goods, which are privately consumed and exclusion is not possible; c) collective goods, which are jointly consumed and exclusion is not. Toll goods (the railway for example) are characterized by the need of a significant amount of capital and an almost zero marginal production cost. As one single asset is enough to meet the entire public demand, providers of such services can be defined as natural monopolies and as so the issue is to avoid those monopolies to supply scarce services at high prices. Efficient regulation requires the government to stand apart from and an independent regulatory agency to restrict monopolist operation. This regulatory task can be accomplished by simulating competition (price cap regulation) or by motivating competition (free access to networks). We address this issue focusing mainly on the Hungarian railways.
Relation of the capital structure and profitability based on literature
Authors: Földi Péter
Published: August 2016

The corporates are regularly forced to use different inner and external capital elements in their life. Of Course, the companies will use that kind of sources, which they are able to achieve a value-creation progress with, thereby contribute to the increment of the trade industry sector. According to many literatures, the income-generating’s ability of the enterprises can be affected by the major financial’s decisions, following the inner and external financing opportunities, strategics, forms and principles, and the capital structure of all these. Of course, we can make differences among the lifecycles of the corporate’s life. The small and medium sized enterprises need to have capital for the fluently running, but it is, that from where and how it is available. The capital structure theories helps us to understand this wide range of consequences. There are also two differencies between the creator’s outlook of the traditional and the new capital structure theories. Modigliani-Miller theorems are classified into the new capital structure theories, where there are no taxes originally, but the effects of the taxes are already taken into count by the modified theories.
Logistical process analysis of a glass factory
Authors: Glózer Zsolt , Pónusz Mónika
Published: August 2016

Our paper is about the Logistical Process Analysis of the Glass Factory. The reason why this topic has been chosen is because in today’s cost-sensitive world, enterprises need to participate in a strong market competition to keep operating and if those companies want to stay capable of living and make the highest profit possible, they need to overtake their competitors. The way for those firms to reduce their expenses is increasing the standards of services linked to their product and integrating, optimising them as much as possible. We had the objective of providing help to make the logistical processes of the company more efficient. During our analyses and examinations, optimisation possibilities were mainly found in fields of stock management, storage and production, which are written about in details in our paper, including solution suggestions. Our hypotheses proved to be true, after finishing our prior examinations and studies, using primary and secondary researches. Consequently, by adapting techniques in particular parts of logistics the found problems could be solved. However, if it comes to implementing our suggestions, it is to be considered that these are only theories at the moment. Hence, without any expertise, foresight is necessary to prevent possible difficulties and solve them.
The innovative EU – the future of Europe
Authors: Keresztes Gábor
Published: August 2016

In this study, I am going to compare the current innovation performance of the European Union with that of its competitors and give guidance on how to promote the flow of knowledge in Europe thereby enhancing the efficiency of the R&D sector. These processes might be solutions to recover from the economic crisis and make progress in the 21st century.
Route planning optimization problem at a logistics company
Authors: Lepsényi Kinga , Pónusz Mónika
Published: August 2016

A 21th century company's main goal is to increase their income and decrease their expense, even so they give great attention to social responsibility, the protection of the environment and other factors, because if does not prospers the company, then it cannot properly strive for their goals. In the light of the current keen competition on the market is essential to minimize the expenses. In the case of a logistics company one of the most determinative cost is the shipping related expenses. To minimize the amount of money spent on shipping a good solution can be the fuel cost reduction. In this study I aimed to minimize the fuel consumption with the optimization of routes. To find the best possible solutions I chose the LP Simplex method, using a highly beneficial add-on of Microsoft Excel called Solver.
Neurobiological Impact of EMDR in Cancer
Authors: Carletto Sara , Pagani Marco
Published: August 2016

The exposure to a life-threatening disease such as cancer may constitute a traumatic experience that in some cases may lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In recent years, several studies investigated this syndrome in patients with cancer, but few focused on the underlying neurobiology. The aim of this work was to review the current literature of neurobiology of PTSD in oncological diseases, focusing on a comparison with the results of neurobiological studies on PTSD in non-oncological patients and on treatments resulted effective for such disorder. Brain structures having a role in the appearance of PTSD in psycho-oncology, and in particular, in intrusive symptoms, seem to be the same involved in non-oncologic PTSD. These findings may have important implications also at clinical level, suggesting that psychotherapies found to be effective to treat PTSD in different populations may be offered also to patients with cancer-induced posttraumatic symptoms. Further studies are needed to deepen our knowledge about cancer-related PTSD neurobiology and its treatment, aiming at transferring the results into clinical practice.
EMDR Therapy as Portal to a Child’s Processing of a Medical Condition: A Case Study and Session Deconstruction
Authors: Klaff Frances
Published: August 2016

This case study demonstrates the effective use of EMDR in helping a child manage fears triggered by a life-threatening chronic medical condition—congenital heart failure. It is well documented that childhood chronic illness creates ongoing stress and psychological problems for children and their families. Evidence suggests that interventions to enhance coping skills improve psychological functioning. EMDR has the potential to contribute to this end. Deconstructive analysis of a single EMDR session illustrates the working of Shapiro’s adaptive information processing (AIP) model. It demonstrates that the child can spontaneously open up channels of association to uncover, process, and resolve fears relating to the medical condition, as well as other concerns. A case is made for targeting whatever current, overt problem or symptom the child presents, because this inevitably serves as a portal to more covert, even unconscious core issues. Past, current, and future fears and traumatic experiences emerge and are processed to resolution. Also highlighted is the importance of integrating the individual EMDR treatment component into a family systems treatment approach for optimum outcome, because the illness impacts the whole family, ergo, the child. Recommendations for EMDR treatment planning and implementation with chronic illness are offered.
Karakteristik Protein dan Nitrogen Non Protein Daging Ikan Cucut Lanyam (Charcharhinus limbatus) (Characteristics of Protein and Non Protein Nitrogen in Lanyam Shark Muscle)
Authors: Fitrial Yuspihana
Published: August 2016

The aim of these research were to study the characteristics of protein and non protein nitrogen contained in Lanyam shark muscle, to obtain the protein solubility curve and iso-electric point. This research begins with the analysis of protein solubility of shark muscle at several levels of pH (from 1.5-12 with intervals of 0.5),. Then, performed classification of shark muscle protein nitrogen solubility in some solvents by using the classification Osborn,  to observed  the influence of the process of washing and boiling on  non-protein nitrogen and urea in shark muscle and to study the thermal stability of muscle protein with differential scanning calorimetric study.
Based on protein solubility of Lanyam muscle at pH 1.5 to 12 obtained two points which is minimum solubility at pH 4.5 and pH 9. Based on the classification Osborn, Lanyam muscle contained albumin (28.64%), globulin (13:44%), prolamin (03.29%), glutelin (33.70%). Observation of non-protein nitrogen levels indicated that the washing process was very effective to reduce non-protein nitrogen levels up to 62.34% and urea levels up to 58% . Differential Scanning Calorimetry Study of Lanyam mince showed two types of protein that has a different stability to heat and after added 2.5% NaCl formed a peak which is a fusion of both these proteins
UJI COBA PENANGKAPAN MENGGUNAKAN AYUNAN DENGAN BENTUK YANG BERBEDA ((EXPERIMENTAL FISHING USING AYUNAN WITH DIFFERENT FORMS)
Authors: Irhamsyah Irhamsyah
Published: August 2016

Ayunan is the trap most widely used by public Sungai Batang Village, in addition to the unique shape of this tool also has an extensive capacity to accommodate good catches of shrimp and fish species. In addition to the village of Sungai Batang, at the Hulu Sungai region there is also the ayunan that looks different from contained in Sungai Batang Village.

This study aims to (1) know the difference between shrimp of catch amor ayunan and box ayunan, and (2) to determine the catch other than shrimp. The results of research, treatment A (amor ayunan) shrimp catches as many as 1464 , with a total weight of 9100 grams. Treatment B (box ayunan), shrimp catches as many as 1443 , with a total weight of 7730 grams. Type of main haul shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man) and Freshwater Shrimp (Palaemon sp), with by catches are  Lundu (Mystus gulio) with a total of 18 and total weight of 215 grams, sapu-sapu (Hypostomus plecostomus ) 2 , weighing a total of 560 grams, Puyau (Osteochilus hasselti) 3 , weighing a total of 35 grams, telan (Macrognathus aculeatus) 2 , weighing 810 grams.
Bamboo and rattan as materials to make the ayunan has a weakness because odor (smell) is not good (bangai) and therefore contributes to the catch. To overcome this weakness it is advisable to replace the wire with the basic material.
Estimation of Chlorophyll‐a Concentration and Trophic States for an Inland Lake from Landsat 8 OLI Data: A Case of Nalban Lake of East Kolkata Wetland, India
Authors: Patra Pulak , Dubey Sourabh Kumar , Kumar Trivedi Raman , Kumar Sahu Sanjeev , Keshari Rout Sangram
Published: August 2016

1) Landsat operational land imager (OLI) data and consequent laboratory measurements were used to predict Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration and the trophic states for an inland lake within the East Kolkata Wetland, India; 2) The most suitable band ratio was identified by performing Pearson correlation analysis between Chl-a concentrations and possible OLI band and band ratios from the study points; 3) The results showed highest correlation coefficient from the band ratio OLI5/OLI4 with an R value of 0.85. The prediction model was then developed by applying regression analysis between the band ratio OLI5/OLI4 and Chl-a concentration of the study points. The reflectance ratios of the validation points were given as input on the prediction model and the model output was considered as predicted Chl-a values of the validation points to check the efficiency of the prediction model. The regression model between laboratory-derived Chl-a value and model-fitted Chl-a value of the validation points revealed a high correlation with an R2 value of 0.78. Trophic State Index (TSI) of the lake was also calculated from laboratory-derived Chl-a value and model-fitted Chl-a value of the validation points. The study presented a high correlation of TSI determined from predicted data with TSI from laboratory reference data (R = 0.88). The TSI values of the lake ranged from 65 to 75 which indicate that the lake is appeared to be eutrophic to hypereutrophic conditions. 4) This empirical study showed that Landsat 8 OLI imagery can be effectively applied to estimate Chl-a levels and trophic states for inland lakes.
Development of Autonomous Robot with Simple Navigation System for Tsukuba Challenge 2015
Authors: Kanuki Yuta ,   Gunma University, Ohta Naoya
Published: August 2016

[abstFig src='/00280004/01.jpg' width='300' text='MercuryMega (SICKLaser-Model)' ] This paper introduces the robot that was developed for Tsukuba Challenge 2015. One of the team’s design goals was to implement a simple sensor configuration and control algorithm. For example, the robot’s laser range finders (LRF) were of fixed type, and localization was accomplished using only a single LRF and no other sensor. Environment map matching was achieved using an algorithm that processed pyramid images using binary image processing to reduce computational cost. Shape information from the LRF and color information from a camera were combined to detect a signboard placed near a person. During an actual test in rainy weather, the robot ran the entire course and, detected two, out of a possible four, number of target persons.
Oncoming Human Avoidance for Autonomous Mobile Robot Based on Gait Characteristics
Authors: Tomizawa Tetsuo ,   The University of Erectro-Communications, Shibata Yuya
Published: August 2016

[abstFig src='/00280004/08.jpg' width='300' text='Overview of oncoming human avoidance' ] When two pedestrians pass one another on busy intersections or pedestrian crossings, they may try to avoid each other by moving in the same direction. Such behavior becomes a factor hindering a smooth walking. When robots will come to be used in our immediate environment in the future, similar situations are likely to occur. The objective of this study is to determine the appropriate avoidance action (direction and timing) that a robot should take in order to minimize the risk of coming face to face with a pedestrian, in situations where the two parties, who share a common travel line, pass one another. First, two experiments were conducted using human subjects to investigate the walking tendencies (gait characteristics) when a person walks past another oncoming person. Here, we examined the relationship between the landed foot and the direction in which it is easier to move and the tendencies of the avoidance direction when a person makes a sudden move to avoid another oncoming person. Based on the results, we proposed the avoidance action that the robot must take when it passes a human pedestrian, and confirmed its effectiveness through a verification experiment.
Performance of Limpograss Breeding Lines under Various Grazing Management Strategies
Authors: Wallau Marcelo O. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Vendramini João M.B. , Gomide Carlos A.M. , Mullenix M. Kimberly , Quesenberry Kenneth H.
Published: August 2016

Limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf et C.E. Hubb.] is a C4, perennial, stoloniferous grass that is well adapted to poorly drained soils and grows throughout frost‐free periods during winter in southern Florida. Its use has increased rapidly in recent decades, but nearly all area in cultivation is planted with one cultivar, ‘Floralta’. A breeding program was initiated to develop improved alternatives to Floralta, resulting in a group of breeding lines requiring evaluation under grazing. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of five limpograss breeding lines (1, 4F, 10, 32, and 34) under combinations of grazing frequency and intensity. During the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons, those lines, plus Floralta, were tested at two pre‐grazing canopy light interception levels (80 and 95%), that triggered the initiation of each grazing event, and two post‐grazing stubble heights (20 and 30 cm). Lines 4F and 10 had greater herbage accumulation, apparent herbage harvested, and persistence than Floralta. Initiation of grazing at 80% canopy light interception resulted in more frequent grazing events, a longer grazing season, shorter pre‐grazing canopy height, greater leaf percentage, less herbage bulk density, and greater herbage crude protein concentration compared with 95% canopy light interception. These data support cultivar release of breeding lines 4F and 10 and suggest that persistence and efficient utilization of limpograss under rotational stocking can likely be achieved by initiating grazing at a pre‐grazing canopy height of ∼60 cm, well before 95% canopy light interception, and by ending grazing at a post‐grazing canopy height of ∼30 cm.
Wavelet analyses of western US streamflow with ENSO and PDO
Authors: Tamaddun Kazi Ali , Kalra Ajay , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the correlation between western US streamflow and two of the most important oceanic–atmospheric indices having significant effects in this region, namely, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Data from 61 streamflow stations across six different hydrologic regions of the western USA were analyzed, using a study period of 60 years from 1951 to 2010. Continuous wavelet transformation along with cross wavelet transformation and wavelet coherence were used to analyze the interaction between streamflow and climate indices. The results showed that streamflows have changed coincidentally with both ENSO and PDO over the study period at different time-scale bands and at various time intervals. Both ENSO and PDO showed correlation with streamflow change behavior from 1980 to 2005. ENSO showed a strong correlation with streamflow across the entire study period in the 10–12 year band. PDO showed a strong correlation in bands of 8–10 years and bands beyond 16 years. The phase relationship showed that both ENSO and PDO preceded streamflow change behavior; in some instances, the variables were found to be moving in opposite directions even though they changed simultaneously. The results can be helpful in understanding the relationship between the climate indices and streamflow.
Почечные аспекты рака легких
Authors: Dumanskyi Yu.V. , Syniachenko O.V. , Stoliarova O.Yu. , Stepko V.A. , Yehudyna Ye.D.
Published: August 2016

Метастазы в почки, паранефральные забрюшинные лимфатические узлы и надпочечники наблюдаются соответственно у 2, 2 и 3 % от числа больных раком легкого, а в 6 % случаев осложнений радиохимиотерапии развивается острый тубулоинтерстициальный нефрит, что ухудшает выживаемость пациентов, зависит от формы и локализации первичного опухолевого процесса, степени его дифференциации, интегральной тяжести и применения в комплексном лечении противоопухолевых препаратов (таксанов).
The Results of the Study of Microbiologic Pattern of the Urinary Tract Infection in Children from Kyiv and Kyiv Region
Authors: Budnik T.V. , Mordovets Ye.M.
Published: August 2016

The article presents the results of a retrospective analysis of the species composition of microbial pathogens of the urinary tract infection according to the results of urine culture and their sensitivity to antibiotics of different classes in children with the active stage of the disease (mainly with pyelonephritis), who were treated in the nephrology unit of Kyiv Children’s City Hospital № 1 in 2009–2014. A consistently high sensitivity (94.1 %) and low resistance (3.2 %) of Escherichia coli strains to a modern derivative of nitrofuran — furazidin K (Furamag) has been shown compared with other classes of antibacterial agents. The findings correspond with the international literature data and allow us to recommend this drug for empiric therapy of uncomplicated infections of the urinary system in children.
Renal Parenchymal Hypoxia in Young Children in the Period of Complete Remission of Acute Uncomplicated Pyelonephritis without Renal Impairment
Authors: Lukianenko N.S. , Kens K.A. , Petritsa N.A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction. After establishing the diagnosis of pyelonephritis, there is a need to determine, whether renal parenchymal hypoxia remains in the period of remission. The least studied methods up to now are functional ones, which allow to verify the presence and degree of tissue hypoxia in secondary pyelonephritis and to evaluate the results of the medical measures to restore kidney function. Objective: to clarify the presence of renal parenchymal hypoxia and membrane destruction of the renal epithelium in young children with pyelonephritis without anatomic congenital malformations of the urinary system during its remission.Materials and methods of the study. The study involved 65 children with acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, who after nephro-urological examination did not reveal anatomical malformations of the urinary system. General clinical examination was carried out, markers of tissue hypoxia and morphofunctional state of cell membranes of renal epithelium were determined.Discussion of the study results. The ability of urine to prevent crystal formation was significantly reduced to oxalates and phosphates in 40.0 and 47.7 % of the surveyed children. In one-third of children with pyelonephritis, oxalate excretion was significantly higher than in healthy children, hypophosphaturia was detected in 52.3 % of cases and the tendency to reduce the excretion of urates in 10.8 % of pediatric patients with pyelonephritis. The content of lipid peroxidation products in urine was increased in 41.5 % of the surveyed children with pyelonephritis, and appearance of polar lipids was observed in 46.2 % of patients.Conclusions. To predict the formation and for the purpose of early diagnosis of renal parenchymal hypoxia and the processes of nephrothelial membrane destruction in young children with pyelonephritis, it is recommended to use such markers, as indicators of urine ability to prevent crystal formation, daily excretion of salts, excretion of lipid peroxidation products and polar lipids in the urine. It is recommended to apply the methods to correct these changes.
An outbreak of a possibly new Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar with the antigenic formula 11:z41:e,n,z15, Greece, March to May 2016: preliminary results
Authors: Mandilara Georgia , Mellou Kassiani , Karadimas Kleon , Georgalis Leonidas , Polemis Michalis , Georgakopoulou Theano , Vatopoulos Alkiviades
Published: August 2016

Eleven Salmonella spp. isolates with the antigenic type 11:z41:e,n,z15 - not referred to in the 9th edition of the White-Kauffman–Le Minor Scheme - were identified at the National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella in Greece. Their pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles were indistinguishable. No apparent epidemiological link has yet been identified; the results of a case–case study are pending.
Antibiotic prescribing and expenditures in outpatient adults in Greece, 2010 to 2013: evidence from real-world practice
Authors: Kourlaba Georgia , Gkrania-Klotsas Effrossyni , Kourkouni Eleni , Mavrogeorgos Georgios , Zaoutis Theoklis E
Published: August 2016

We provide a representative analysis of antibiotic prescribing, identify factors associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing and assess the costs associated with antibiotic use in adult outpatients in Greece. Outpatient antibiotic prescriptions for patients older than 19 years between 2010 and 2013 in Greece were extracted from the IMS Health Xponent database. Prescribing rate and total cost for prescribed antibiotics were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors related to broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. More than 20 million antibiotics were prescribed during the study period, an annual rate of 768 prescribed antibiotics per 1,000 adults. Overall, 33.5% of antibiotics were prescribed for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) for which antibiotics are often not indicated. Macrolides (29.9%), cephalosporins (26.9%) and fluoroquinolones (21.0%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes. The majority (89.0%) of antibiotics were broad-spectrum. Antibiotic expenditures were approximately EUR 185 million during the study period. Factors associated with broad-spectrum prescribing included older patient age, specialty pulmonologists or otorhinolaryngologists, training in eastern Europe, diagnosis of ARTI, acute diagnosis, and first episode of disease. Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs is common in adult Greek outpatients and frequently inappropriate. These data indicate the need for initiatives aiming to control antibiotic prescribing.
MCR-1 in multidrug-resistant and copper-tolerant clinically relevant Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- and S. Rissen clones in Portugal, 2011 to 2015
Authors: Campos Joana , Cristino Luís , Peixe Luísa , Antunes Patrícia
Published: August 2016

The mcr-1 gene was found in 11 isolates from a Portuguese Salmonella collection (n = 1,010; 58 serotypes; 2002–15) of clinical samples, foodstuff, food-animals and water. Mcr-1 has been located on different plasmids (IncX4/IncHI2) in pig-associated multidrug-resistant, copper-tolerant S.1,4,[5],12:i:-/ST34 and S. Rissen/ST469 clones from human and pork products since at least 2011. Our data highlight dissemination of mcr-1 by successful resistant clones in Europe and raise questions about the efficacy of copper-based interventions to reduce colistin use.
A major outbreak of conjunctivitis caused by coxsackievirus A24, Réunion, January to April 2015
Authors: Marguerite Nadège , Brottet Elise , Pagès Frédéric , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie Christine , Schuffenecker Isabelle , Josset Laurence , Vilain Pascal , Filleul Laurent
Published: August 2016

From January to April 2015, Réunion experienced a major outbreak of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) caused by coxsackievirus A24, which heavily impacted the healthcare system. According to the general practitioners’ (GP) sentinel network, the number of medical consultations due to conjunctivitis during this period was estimated at ca 100,000. This report describes the characteristics of the outbreak, which were obtained through several different yet complementary surveillance systems on the island. These included the network of hospital emergency departments (OSCOUR network), the GPs’ sentinel network, an Internet-based population cohort (‘Koman i lé’) participating in a survey on distinct symptoms including ‘red eyes’ and the monitoring of eye drop sales. Overall the results of the different surveillance approaches were in good agreement regarding the outbreak dynamic. A peak of patients with conjunctivitis was detected in the first 15 days of March (week 10 and 11), coinciding with increased eye drop sales on the island. Strains recovered from outbreak cases belonged to genotype IV and were most closely related to strains identified in AHC outbreaks in China, Egypt and Japan since 2010. Continued surveillance of AHC in Réunion remains important not only locally, but also because frequent exchanges between the island and mainland France may lead to introduction of this virus in Europe.
Integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and urea super granules for improving yield and protein content of aromatic rice (cv. BRRI dhan50)
Authors: Biswas T , Paul SK , Sarkar MAR , Sarkar SK
Published: August 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from December 2013 to May 2014 to evaluate the integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and USG for improving the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment comprised 14 treatments viz. control (no manure and no fertilizer), recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1), urea super granules (USG) 1.8 g (55 kg N ha-1), USG 2.7 g (80 kg N ha-1), poultry manure (PM) 2.5 t ha-1, PM 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 2.5t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 5 t ha-1, 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 2.5 t ha-1, 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 2.7 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1and USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Morphological characteristics, yield contributing characters and yield of aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) were significantly influenced by integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and  USG. USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 gave the highest plant height, number of tillers hill-1 and total dry matter production at all sampling dates while their corresponding lowest values were recorded in control. The highest yield contributing characters viz. number of effective tillers hill-1 (13.08), grains panicle-1 (124.26g) and 1000-grain weight  (21.41g) were recorded in USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 and the lowest values were recorded in control. The highest grain yield (5.33 t ha-1) and protein content (7.49%) were obtained at USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 which was as good as recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1) + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 2.7 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1) + PM 2.5 t ha-1 while the lowest one (2.00 t ha-1) was obtained in control plots. The integrated use of poultry manure (5 t ha-1) with USG 1.8 g (55 kg N ha-1) appeared as the promising practice because of reducing considerable amount of prilled urea or USG in aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) cultivation in terms of grain yield and grain protein content.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 86-93, 2016
Efficacy of pretilachlor and oxadiazon on weed control and yield performance of transplant Aman rice
Authors: Shahabuddin M , Hossain MM , Salim M , Begum M
Published: August 2016

Two experimentswere carried out at the Agronomy Field laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July to December 2014 to study the effectiveness of pretilachlor and oxadiazon on weed control and yield performance oftransplant aman rice. In experiment I BRRI dhan31and in experiment II BRRI dhan46 was transplanted with eight weeding practices viz., weedy check; one hand weeding; two hand weeding; weed free;Pretilachlor only;Oxadiazon only;Pretilachlor + one hand weeding; and Oxadiazon+ one hand weeding. The design was split-plot with three replications. Eleven weed species were found to be infested in the experimental plots. Although weeds were completely controlled in weed free treatment, it is not practicable.Pretilachlor oroxadiazon with one hand weeding performed the best in terms of weed density and weed biomass over single application of each and even manual weeding. Weeds were completely resistant to weedy check, poorly susceptible to one hand weeding, moderately susceptible to two hand weeding and single application of both herbicide and highly susceptible to both herbicides with one hand weeding while weeds were completely susceptible to weed free treatment. Herbicides produced slight phyto-toxicity which was recovered by two weeks of application. The highest grain yield was recorded from weed free treatment and was statistically identical to pretilachlor oroxadiazon with one hand weeding. Single application of pretilachlor oroxadiazon ranked the third in terms of yield and statistically similar to two hand weeding followed by one hand weeding. Weedy check performed the worst.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 119-127, 2016
Effects of moringa leaf extract on growth and yield of maize
Authors: Biswas AK , Hoque TS , Abedin MA
Published: August 2016

The present study was conducted in the Soil Science Field Laboratory at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2014 to April 2015 to study the effect of moringa leaf extract on growth and yield of maize. The experiment comprised of five treatments viz., T1 (control), T2 (water sprayed at every 2 weeks, starting from 2 weeks after emergence), T3 (moringa leaf extract sprayed at 2 weeks after emergence), T4 (moringa leaf extract sprayed at 2 and 4 weeks after emergence) and T5 (moringa leaf extract sprayed at 2 weeks after emergence and at every 2 weeks thereafter). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Application of moringa leaf extract at 2 weeks after emergence and at every 2 weeks thereafter (T5) significantly increased growth parameters like plant height, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of shoot, and yield components like number of grains cob-1, 100-grain weight, grain weight plant-1. The highest grain yield (9.2 t ha-1), stover yield (10.1 t ha-1) and harvest index (48%) were obtained from T5 while the lowest grain yield (6.3 t ha-1), stover yield (8.6 t ha-1) and harvest index (42%) were found in the treatments where no moringa leaf extract was used (T1 or T2). From the results it can be concluded that moringa leaf extract should be applied for better growth and yield performance of maize in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil of Bangladesh.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 136-143, 2016
Improvement yield and nitrogen uptake of wheat through application of organic and inorganic fertilizers
Authors: Islam MR , Siraj S , Huda A , Begum MLN , Bilkis S
Published: August 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during winter (Rabi) season of 2013-14 to evaluate the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and nitrogen (N) uptake of wheat. There were six treatments such as T0 (control), T1 [STB-CF (HYG)], T2 [STB-CF (HYG) + CD (5 t/ha)], T3 [STB-CF (HYG) +PM (3 t/ha)], T4 [STB-CF (HYG) COM (5 t/ha)] and T5 [FP (Farmers practice)]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Soil test based nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc and boron were used @ 100, 20, 60, 10, 3 and 2 kg ha-1, respectively. The integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased the yield attributes as well as grain and straw yields of wheat. The treatment T3 [STB-CF (HYG) + PM (3 tha-1)] produced the highest grain yield of 3554 kg ha-1 (69.67% increase over control) and straw yield of 3635 kg ha-1 (62.83% increase over control). The lowest grain yield (2094 kg ha-1) and straw yield (2232 kg ha-1) were found in control treatment. The N content and uptake by wheat were also markedly influenced by combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and the treatment T3 demonstrated superior performance to other treatments. So, the applications of fertilizers in combination with poultry manure @ 3 t ha-1 can be used for the successful cultivation of wheat in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil. Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 149-153, 2016
Present status of dried fish markets in Sylhet of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan MM , Rasul MG , Ferdausi HJ , Hossain MM , Shah AKMA , Bapary MAJ
Published: August 2016

This study was aimed to assess the present status of retail market of dried fishery products in Sadar Upazila, Sylhet, Bangladesh during the period of January to May, 2015. A survey questionnaire was developed, pre-tested and finally used for the collection of data from 21 fish retailers from 5 different markets. It was observed that the dried fish distribution chain from producers to consumers run through a number of intermediaries: wholesalers, paikers, local vendors and retailers. The number of retailer in the markets varied between 2 to 12. A total of 22 freshwater sun dried fish products were found in the different markets of which 17 were small in size and 5 were big sized that represented 77% and 23% of market share, respectively. The price variation of the selected fish products depends on markets, species, size, quality and availability of the dried fish. The price of small dried fish species varied from BDT 300-800 per kg. The price of Punti, Tengra, Taki and Guchi baim ranged between BDT 300-400, BDT 450-500, BDT 500-600 and BDT 700-800 per kg, respectively.  It was found that the retailers usually sell their products within 5-7 days after collection from the aratdars and they do not use any preservatives or insecticides within this period. It was also found that a retailer usually sell up to 10 kg of dried fish products per day in a larger market whereas in a smaller market it was about 4 kg per day. Lack of capital, higher transport cost, inadequate storage facilities and unhygienic market place were the major constraints as claimed by the retailers. The constraints identified in this study could be solved by providing participatory training for the producers to produce good quality products, providing loan facilities to poor retailers, ensuring proper marketing facilities and introducing modern packaging techniques to increase the shelf life of dried fish products.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 235-241, 2016
Quantifying Mosaic Development: Towards an Evo-Devo Postmodern Synthesis of the Evolution of Development via Differentiation Trees of Embryos
Authors: Alicea Bradly , Gordon Richard
Published: August 2016

Embryonic development proceeds through a series of differentiation events. The mosaic version of this process (binary cell divisions) can be analyzed by comparing early development of Ciona intestinalis and Caenorhabditis elegans. To do this, we reorganize lineage trees into differentiation trees using the graph theory ordering of relative cell volume. Lineage and differentiation trees provide us with means to classify each cell using binary codes. Extracting data characterizing lineage tree position, cell volume, and nucleus position for each cell during early embryogenesis, we conduct several statistical analyses, both within and between taxa. We compare both cell volume distributions and cell volume across developmental time within and between single species and assess differences between lineage tree and differentiation tree orderings. This enhances our understanding of the differentiation events in a model of pure mosaic embryogenesis and its relationship to evolutionary conservation. We also contribute several new techniques for assessing both differences between lineage trees and differentiation trees, and differences between differentiation trees of different species. The results suggest that at the level of differentiation trees, there are broad similarities between distantly related mosaic embryos that might be essential to understanding evolutionary change and phylogeny reconstruction. Differentiation trees may therefore provide a basis for an Evo-Devo Postmodern Synthesis.
Effects of the Electrodeposition Time in the Synthesis of Carbon-Supported Pt(Cu) and Pt-Ru(Cu) Core-Shell Electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolye Fuel Cells
Authors: Caballero-Manrique Griselda , Nadeem Immad , Brillas Enric , Centellas Francesc , Garrido José , Rodríguez Rosa , Cabot Pere-Lluís
Published: August 2016

Pt(Cu)/C and Pt-Ru(Cu)/C electrocatalysts with core-shell structure supported on Vulcan Carbon XC72R have been synthesized by potentiostatic deposition of Cu nanoparticles on the support, galvanic exchange with Pt and spontaneous deposition of Ru species. The duration of the electrodeposition time of the different species has been modified and the obtained electrocatalysts have been characterized using electrochemical and structural techniques. The High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalyses allowed the determining of the effects of the electrodeposition time on the nanoparticle size and composition. The best conditions identified from Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) corresponded to onset potentials for CO and methanol oxidation on Pt-Ru(Cu)/C of 0.41 and 0.32 V vs. the Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE), respectively, which were smaller by about 0.05 V than those determined for Ru-decorated commercial Pt/C. The CO oxidation peak potentials were about 0.1 V smaller when compared to commercial Pt/C and Pt-Ru/C. The positive effect of Cu was related to its electronic effect on the Pt shells and also to the generation of new active sites for CO oxidation. The synthesis conditions to obtain the best performance for CO and methanol oxidation on the core-shell Pt-Ru(Cu)/C electrocatalysts were identified. When compared to previous results in literature for methanol, ethanol and formic acid oxidation on Pt(Cu)/C catalysts, the present results suggest an additional positive effect of the deposited Ru species due to the introduction of the bifunctional mechanism for CO oxidation.
Computational Analysis of Enhanced Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) Separation in a Microfluidic System with an Integrated Dielectrophoretic-Magnetophorectic (DEP-MAP) Technique
Authors: Low Wan , Kadri Nahrizul
Published: August 2016

Cell based cancer analysis is an important analytic method to monitor cancer progress on stages by detecting the density of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in the blood. Among the existing microfluidic techniques, dielectrophoresis (DEP), which is a label-free detection method, is favoured by researchers. However, because of the high conductivity of blood as well as the rare presence of CTCs, high separation efficiency is difficult to achieve in most DEP microdevices. Through this study, we have proposed a strategy to improve the isolation performance, as such by integrating a magnetophoretic (MAP) platform into a DEP device. Several important aspects to be taken into MAP design consideration, such as permanent magnet orientation, magnetic track configuration, fluid flow parameter and separation efficiency, are discussed. The design was examined and validated by numerical simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics v4.4 software (COMSOL Inc., Burlington, MA, USA), mainly presented in three forms: surface plot, line plot, and arrow plot. From these results, we showed that the use of a single permanent magnet coupled with an inbuilt magnetic track of 250 μm significantly strengthens the magnetic field distribution within the proposed MAP stage. Besides, in order to improve dynamic pressure without compromising the uniformity of fluid flow, a wide channel inlet and a tree-like network were employed. When the cell trajectory within a finalized MAP stage is computed with a particle tracing module, a high separation efficiency of red blood cell (RBC) is obtained for blood samples corresponding up to a dilution ratio of 1:7. Moreover, a substantial enhancement of the CTCs’ recovery rate was also observed in the simulation when the purposed platform was integrated with a planar DEP microdevice.
3D DNA Crystals and Nanotechnology
Authors: Paukstelis Paul , Seeman Nadrian
Published: August 2016

DNA’s molecular recognition properties have made it one of the most widely used biomacromolecular construction materials. The programmed assembly of DNA oligonucleotides has been used to create complex 2D and 3D self-assembled architectures and to guide the assembly of other molecules. The origins of DNA nanotechnology are rooted in the goal of assembling DNA molecules into designed periodic arrays, i.e., crystals. Here, we highlight several DNA crystal structures, the progress made in designing DNA crystals, and look at the current prospects and future directions of DNA crystals in nanotechnology.
An Algorithmic Game Approach for Demand Side Management in Smart Grid with Distributed Renewable Power Generation and Storage
Authors: Liu Ren-Shiou
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the problem of minimizing electricity cost and the peak system load in smart grids with distributed renewable energy resources is studied. Unlike prior research works that either assume all of the jobs are interruptible or power-shiftable, this paper focuses on more challenging scenarios in which jobs are non-interruptible and non-power-shiftable. In addition, as more and more newly-built homes have rooftop solar arrays, it is assumed that all users are equipped with a solar-plus-battery system in this paper. Thus, power can be drawn from the battery as needed to reduce the cost of electricity or to lower the overall system load. With a quadratic load-dependent cost function, this paper first shows that the electricity cost minimization problem in such a setting is NP-hard and presents a distributed demand-side management algorithm, called DDSM, to solve this. Experimental results show that the proposed DDSM algorithm is effective, scalable and converges to a Nash equilibrium in finite rounds.
Study on Reaction Characteristics of Chemical-Looping Combustion between Maize Stalk and High Index Facet Iron Oxide
Authors: Qin Wu , Lin Changfeng , Wang Jianye , Xiao Xianbin , Dong Changqing , Wei Li
Published: August 2016

In this work, experiments were performed to investigate the activity and regeneration ability of iron-based oxygen carrier with high index facet (104) during chemical looping combustion (CLC), suggesting that morphological control of the oxygen carrier is very rewarding. Fe2O3(104) supported on Al2O3 was synthesized by a morphology controlled method to undertake maize stalk CLC experiments. Compared with the referenced Fe2O3/Al2O3 prepared by the impregnation method, Fe2O3(104)/Al2O3 presents better reactivity, showing higher fuel conversion rate and CO2 concentration in gaseous products. Further, structural characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (LEO-1450) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and multi-cycles CLC reactions were performed to verify the good regeneration and stability of the Fe2O3(104)/Al2O3. The findings indicate that the Fe2O3(104)/Al2O3 is efficient when used for CLC of maize stalk.
Variation in Mountain Vegetation Composition between the East and the West Sides of Southern Taiwan
Authors: Chian Yi-Shin , Yeh Ching-Long , Wang Chih-Chiang
Published: August 2016

In this study, we classified twenty associations, 179 families, 810 genera, 1897 species, and identified 291 rare species. The vegetation units were named following floristic-sociological approach. A cocktail determination key was used to classify the following vegetation units of association. More of the west side than the east side of the study area was at a higher altitude, and the vegetation experienced significant compression. Follow the result of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), winter rainfall and average January temperature were the main environmental factors affecting variation in vegetation distribution by elevation gradient in this area. The particular association type on the eastern side of the study area is attributable to the northeast monsoon experienced year-round in this area, which causes relatively low temperature and humidity and wind rush, as well as the compression of the elevation range in each forest. The monsoon deciduous vegetation area exists only on the west of the low altitude mountains.
Evidence of Subterranean Termite Feeding Deterrent Produced by Brown Rot Fungus Fibroporia radiculosa (Peck) Parmasto 1968 (Polyporales, Fomitopsidaceae)
Authors: Kamaluddin Nadia , Nakagawa-Izumi Akiko , Nishizawa Shota , Fukunaga Ayuko , Doi Shuichi , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi , Horisawa Sakae
Published: August 2016

We found that decayed wood stakes with no termite damage collected from a termite-infested field exhibited a deterrent effect against the termite Reticulitermes speratus, Kolbe, 1885. The effect was observed to be lost or reduced by drying. After identification, it was found that the decayed stakes were infected by brown rot fungus Fibroporia radiculosa (Peck) Parmasto, 1968. In a no-choice feeding test, wood blocks decayed by this fungus under laboratory condition deterred R. speratus feeding and n-hexane extract from the decayed stake and blocks induced termite mortality. These data provided an insight into the interaction between wood-rot fungi and wood-feeding termites.