bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental verification of gamma-efficiency calculations for scintillation detectors in ANGLE 4 software
Authors: Thabet Abouzeid , Dlabac Aleksandar , Jovanovic Slobodan , Badawi Mohamed , Mihaljevic Nikola , El-Khatib Ahmed , Gouda Mona , Abbas Mahmoud
Published: May 2015

ANGLE software for semiconductor detector efficiency calculations - long
existing and widely accepted tool in quantitative gamma spectrometry - has
been recently extended to scintillation NaI detectors. The extension features
in the latest edition (ANGLE 4) and it is briefly outlined. Discretization of
reference efficiency curve, meaning possibility of using ANGLE 4 for
particular gamma energies without constructing the complete reference
efficiency curve, is particularly emphasized. This yields both in enhanced
practicality and higher accuracy, while reducing the potential for systematic
errors. The present work is primarily focussed on experimental verification
of ANGLE 4 for NaI detectors. Two detectors (2 ? 2 and 3 x 3 inches) were
employed in the experiment. Commercially calibrated gamma sources (in the
forms of quasi point and cylinder) and homemade solutions (diluted from
calibrated ones) were measured at various distances from the detector(s),
ranging 0 cm to 50 cm. Energy range observed was 59 keV to 1408 keV.
Versatility of counting conditions, in terms of detectors and sources used,
gamma energies observed, source detector separations, etc., was aimed at
creating as large experimental evidence as possible for verification
purposes. Experimentally obtained efficiencies are compared with those
calculated by ANGLE 4. Very good agreement is obtained - well within the
experimental uncertainties - thus proving the reliability of the software.
Estimation of scattering contribution in the calibration of neutron devices with radionuclide sources in rooms of different sizes
Authors: Khabaz Rahim
Published: May 2015

Calibrations of neutron devices used in area monitoring are often performed
by radionuclide neutron sources. Device readings increase due to neutrons
scattered by the surroundings and the air. The influence of said scattering
effects have been investigated in this paper by performing Monte Carlo
simulations for ten different radionuclide neutron sources inside several
sizes of concrete wall spherical rooms (Rsp = 200 to 1500 cm). In order to
obtain the parameters that relate the additional contribution from scattered
neutrons, calculations using a polynomial fit model were evaluated. Obtained
results show that the contribution of scattering is roughly independent of
the geometric shape of the calibration room. The parameter that relates the
room-return scattering has been fitted in terms of the spherical room radius,
so as to reasonably accurately estimate the scattering value for each
radionuclide neutron source in any geometry of the calibration room.
The effect of mesh division of a volume source on calculated radiation flux distribution
Authors: Kim Kyung-O , Seo Chul-Gyo , Lee Chul
Published: May 2015

A sensitivity analysis of a point kernel code was performed to investigate
the effect of mesh division of a volume source on the radiation flux at
points of interest. The QAD-CGGP, known as a representative point kernel
code, was employed for a series of calculations and these calculation results
compared with the reference data obtained from the MCNP5-1.60 code. The
spherical volume source widely used in radiation shielding was also
considered in this work and the mesh division along the radius was performed
in two ways (regular and irregular). In addition, an approximate equation was
defined to correct the significant error that occurs as an outcome of the
point source assumption. As a result, in the case of a regular mesh division,
a minimum mesh size of 1 cm is required to produce accurate results in
comparison to the MCNP ones, while in the other instance, a half-level mesh
division is sufficient to obtain the same result from the standpoint of the
level of accuracy. In addition, by introducing the approximate equation
presented in this paper, a significant error resulting from the point source
assumption is exponentially reduced from a maximum of ~30% to a maximum of
~11%. Therefore, it is to be expected that the appropriate level of mesh
division is required so as to increase the accuracy of the calculation using
a point kernel method.
Enhanced radiation shielding with galena concrete
Authors: Hadad Kamal , Majidi Hosein , Sarshough Samira
Published: May 2015

A new concrete, containing galena mineral, with enhanced shielding properties
for gamma sources is developed. To achieve optimized shielding properties,
ten types of galena concrete containing different mixing ratios and a
reference normal concrete of 2300 kg/m3 density are studied experimentally
and numerically using Monte Carlo and XCOM codes. For building galena
concrete, in addition to the main composition, micro-silica and water, galena
mineral (containing lead) were used. The built samples have high density of
4470 kg/m3 to 5623 kg/m3 and compressive strength of 628 kg/m2 to 685 kg/m2.
The half and tenth value layers (half value layer and tenth value layers) for
the galena concrete, when irradiated with 137Cs gamma source, were found to
be 1.45 cm and 4.94 cm, respectively. When irradiated with 60Co gamma source,
half value layer was measured to be 2.42 cm. The computation modeling by
FLUKA and XCOM shows a good agreement between experimental and computational
results.
WNV infection - an emergent vector borne viral infection in Serbia: Current situation
Authors: Petrovic Tamas , Lupulovic Diana , Petric Dusan , Vasic Ana , Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic Ivana , Milosevic Vesna , Vidanovic Dejan , Sekler Milanko , Lazic Sava , Djuricic Bosiljka , Plavsic Budimir , Saiz Juan-Carlos
Published: May 2015

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurovirulent mosquito-borne Flavivirus with
zoonotic potential. Virus is maintained in nature in an enzootic
transmission cycle between avian hosts and mosquito vectors, but
occasionally infects other vertebrates. The infection in horses and humans
can be asymptomatic or it can have different clinical manifestations ranging
from light febrile diseases to fatal meningoencephalitis. Recently, the
number, frequency and severity of outbreaks with neurological consequences
for birds, humans and horses have increased dramatically throughout central
and south Europe, including Serbia, posing a serious veterinary and public
health problem. The emergency of WNV infections in Serbia is described
through the current epidemiology situation based on recent data on the
incidence of WNV infection among virus natural hosts and vectors; sentinel
(horses) and other animal species, and in human population. The results of
the WNV serology studies conducted on horse blood samples collected in
different occasions during the last six years, and the results of the
serology studies conducted among other animal species like pigs, wild boars,
roe deer and dogs in Serbia are presented and discussed. Also, the results
of the first studies on WNV presence in mosquito vectors and in wild birds
as virus natural hosts in Serbia are presented and analyzed. In addition,
the data on the WNV serology studies conducted in human population in Serbia
in the last few years, and the existing data of WNV outbreaks in 2012 and
2013 are included. Regarding the existing knowledge on WNV epidemiology
situation, the crucial role of veterinary service in early detection of WNV
presence and ongoing national program of WNV surveillance in sentinel
animals, mosquitoes and wild birds are discussed.
The importance and use of nanopacking in food industry
Authors: Dimitrijevic Mirjana , Boskovic Marija , Baltic Milan , Karabasil Nedjeljko , Teodorovic Vlado , Vasilev Dragan , Katic Vera
Published: May 2015

In order to satisfy the increasing demand for food production which will
reach the consumers in a safe condition, and at the same time meet their
expectations in terms of quality, the packaging industry has been continually
developing and striving to implement new technologies such as nanotechnology.
By application of nanoparticles and other nanomaterials of various organic
and inorganic compounds in standard packaging materials, the quality of
packaging such as polymer-flexibility, gas barrier properties,
temperature/moisture/ light stability, thermal and chemical stability and
biodegradability has been improved. Moreover, the use of polymer
nanotechnology enables constant monitoring of packaging conditions, providing
in that way the preservation of fresh food, extension of shelf life of foods
and improvement of products quality and safety. The application of
nanopackaging on the market is slowed due to lack of data on potential risk
to human health and the impact on the environment, as well as to lack of
legal regulations. These shortcomings affect public perception of
nanotechnology, but when these problems are overcome application of
nanopackaging promises to become an irreplaceable part of industrial
production of food.
Comparison of shear bond strength and bonding time of a novel flash-free bonding system
Authors: Lee Moonyoung , Kanavakis Georgios
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To evaluate the bonding time, shear bond strength (SBS), and adhesive residue index (ARI) of APC(TM) Flash-Free bonding system.

Materials and Methods: 

Thirty-six extracted human maxillary premolars were randomly divided into three groups (12 per group) and used for this in vitro study: group 1, APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated Appliance System; group 2, Clarity ADVANCED Ceramic Bracket pasted manually; group 3 (control group), 3M APC PLUS Adhesive prepasted brackets bonded with the extruded flash removed. Bonding time was measured using a stopwatch. Bond strength was measured using an Instron at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The ARI was graded on a scale from 1 to 5. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: 

It took significantly (P < .001) less time to bond in the APC Flash-Free Adhesive group (30.7 ± 3.3 seconds) compared with the control group (41.8 ± 4.0 seconds) and the manual group (39.2 ± 2.8 seconds). The APC Flash-Free Adhesive coated bracket had significantly (P < .001) greater SBS (13.7 ± 2.2 MPa) compared with the control group (10.8 ± 2.0 MPa) and the manual group (10.4 ± 1.4 MPa). The ARI was significantly (P < .001) greater with the APC Flash-Free Adhesive coated bracket compared with that of the other two groups.

Conclusions: 

Compared with other methods of bonding, the APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated System can potentially reduce bonding time while increasing SBS.
Significance of C4d Immunostaining in Placental Chronic Intervillositis
Authors: Bendon Robert W. , Coventry Susan , Thompson Matthew , Rudzinski Erin R. , Williams Elizabeth M. , Oron Assaf P.
Published: May 2015

Deposition of the complement split product C4d is a phenomenon studied extensively as a marker for complement activation in antibody-mediated transplant rejection. C4d also is observed in placental disease processes including spontaneous abortion, infarct, and villitis of unknown origins. Massive chronic intervillositis is a rare placental abnormality associated with increased risk of growth restriction, fetal death, and recurrent fetal loss. In this study, we evaluated C4d immunostaining in placentas with accumulation of intervillous monocytes with and without villitis. Archived placentas from Kosair Children's Hospital (Louisville, KY) and Seattle Children's Hospital (Seattle, WA) were selected and divided into 4 groups, 16 cases of intervillositis with complicated pregnancy, 15 cases of uncomplicated intervillositis, 20 cases of complicated villitis, and 13 cases of uncomplicated villitis, all with varying degrees of monocytic cells in the intervillous space. Representative specimen blocks were immunohistochemically stained for C4d. The percentage of positive staining of the microvillous surface of the syncytiotrophoblast was scored by five pathologists, and the following consensus score was determined: 0 = 0% to 5%; 1 = 5% to 25%; 2 = 25% to 75%; and 3 ≥ 75%. C4d immunostain localized to the microvillous border of syncytiotrophoblast in many of the placentas. C4d staining was more strongly associated with intervillositis than with villitis (odds ratio: 6.3; confidence interval: 2.1–18.7; P = 0.001).
Results of magnetic resonance imaging performed within 48 hours after head trauma in dogs and association with outcome: 18 cases (2007–2012)
Authors: Yanai Hadar , Tapia-Nieto Roberto , Cherubini Giunio B. , Caine Abby
Published: May 2015

Objective—To review results of MRI performed within 48 hours after head trauma in dogs and identify associations between MRI findings and outcome.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—18 dogs that underwent MRI within 48 hours after known head trauma.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, history, clinical findings, MRI findings, treatment, and outcome.

Results—2 dogs were euthanized, 1 died, and 1 had major persistent deficits. The remaining 14 dogs had a good outcome, including 9 that recovered completely and 5 that had minor persistent deficits. The most common MRI abnormalities were intra-axial changes (n = 13) and extra-axial hemorrhage (13). Intra-axial changes were best seen on T2-weighted and fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. A mass effect was detected in 9 dogs, 6 of which had a midline shift (mean, 2.18 mm). Three dogs had transtentorial herniation, and 2 had transcranial herniation. Extra-axial hemorrhage was best seen on FLAIR images. The most common location was subdural, with subdural extra-axial hemorrhage most often seen on the same side as the injury. Epidural hemorrhage was seen in 2 dogs. The affected area was larger in these dogs than in dogs with subdural hemorrhage. One dog required surgery and the other was euthanized.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in dogs with acute (< 48 hours’ duration) head trauma, T2-weighted and FLAIR images provided the most diagnostic information. Dogs with injuries affecting the caudal fossa or affecting both the rostral and caudal fossae typically had poorer outcomes.
The Use of the Development Index in the Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Conditions - Case Study
Authors: Boháč Zdeněk , Korban Zygmunt
Published: May 2015

Both one- and multi-criteria tasks can be distinguished depending on the number of criteria being considered. Illustrated with an example of seven selected underground workplaces, each described by the set of 10 elements, this article discusses the possibilities to use the development index mi for determination of the workplaces which, in the light of the multi-criteria evaluation, are characterised by the worst and most favourable working conditions.
Quantification of the Hazard Due to Releases of Radioactive Substances in Accidents and Fires in Workplaces with Radioactive Sources
Authors: Hudzietzová Jana , Sabol Jozef
Published: May 2015

In the Czech Republic, under normal conditions, the radioactive sources are used transported and stored in accordance with the relevant regulations and instructions of the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SONS), which is the regulatory authority of the state administration. Its main task is to ensure adequate safety and protection of persons in accordance with current international standards and guidelines. However, if there is an incidence, accident, or other emergency, these circumstances require taking some specific measures aimed at minimizing the impact of such situations on human health and the environment. During a fire in the workplace, the radioactive sources can get out of control or radioactive substances may begin to leak into the environment. In these cases, it is necessary to evaluate the radiation situation by means of measurement and monitoring both the external radiation and radioactive contamination of the air and the surrounding environment. For this purpose, a system of quantities and units has been developed for this purpose. If the system is not used correctly, this may cause serious confusion in some cases. Inappropriate use of quantities may also result in some misunderstanding regarding the evaluation of the severity of the radiation situation. The paper gives an overview of the relevant quantities and units in accordance with the latest recommendations of international organizations which are active in this area.
Quantifying The Combustion Behavior of Polymers by the Combustion Efficiency with Regard to the Weighting of Fire Loads
Authors: Hahn Sarah-Katharina , Rost Michael , Krause Ulrich
Published: May 2015

For assessing fire loads in industrial buildings it is essential to quantify the burning behavior of materials as accurate as adequate. There for the combustion efficiency is used. To determine the combustion efficiency required energies and energy rates can be measured via Cone Calorimeter. Exemplified by two polymers, polyethylene and polymethylmethacrylate, these parameters are determined and analyzed with regard to the calculation of the combustion efficiency.
Measurement Matters
Authors: Duckworth Angela L. , Yeager David Scott
Published: May 2015

There has been perennial interest in personal qualities other than cognitive ability that determine success, including self-control, grit, growth mind-set, and many others. Attempts to measure such qualities for the purposes of educational policy and practice, however, are more recent. In this article, we identify serious challenges to doing so. We first address confusion over terminology, including the descriptor noncognitive. We conclude that debate over the optimal name for this broad category of personal qualities obscures substantial agreement about the specific attributes worth measuring. Next, we discuss advantages and limitations of different measures. In particular, we compare self-report questionnaires, teacher-report questionnaires, and performance tasks, using self-control as an illustrative case study to make the general point that each approach is imperfect in its own way. Finally, we discuss how each measure’s imperfections can affect its suitability for program evaluation, accountability, individual diagnosis, and practice improvement. For example, we do not believe any available measure is suitable for between-school accountability judgments. In addition to urging caution among policymakers and practitioners, we highlight medium-term innovations that may make measures of these personal qualities more suitable for educational purposes.
Construction of a Virtual Washing Machine
Authors: Lasic Emir , Stamminger Rainer , Nitsch Christian , Kessler Arnd
Published: May 2015

In the past years some researches were conducted to model laundry washing in the automatic washing machine. The most studies, however, were focused to some aspects of the automatic laundry washing (e. g. spinning cycle) and not on the washing process as whole. In this paper a model of a washing machine is presented that is based on measured data of 9 different washing machines with rated capacity between 5 kg and 11 kg, which are produced by six different manufacturers. The proposed approach is based on multiple linear regression analysis to extract the systematic, model independent behavior of washing machines and is used to calculate the consumption of the water, energy and detergent in dependence of the rated capacity, washing temperature, duration of the main wash, load size and washing performance.
A new Iodobismuthate Method with a Low Volume Filtration Device as a New Tool for the Determination of Microgram Oxyethylate Amounts
Authors: Wyrwas Bogdan , Zgoła-Grześkowiak Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

The standard procedure of non-ionic surfactant detection by using the Bismuth Active Substances method offers low sensitivity, precision and a high consumption of the reagents. A new spectrophotometric (λmax = 460 nm of the visible spectrum) iodobismuthate method was developed, which may be successfully used to determine the presence of non-ionic surfactants at microgram levels. The oxyethylates were precipitated with the modified Dragendorff reagent, filtered, dissolved and afterwards the spectrophotometric determination of the equivalent bismuth amount was carried out. Several key factors, which influence the results of the proposed oxyethylate determination method, were optimized. The consumption of chemical reagents was notably decreased and the sensitivity of the method increased significantly in comparison to the standard method of non-ionic surfactant determination.
Hybrid Biosurfactant: Syntheses of Hybrid Corynomycolic Acid and its Monolayer Formation
Authors: Kawase Tokuzo , Sumida Sho , Oida Tatsuo
Published: May 2015

Corynomycolic acids have two hydrophilic heads (OH and COOH) and two hydrophobic tails on adjacent carbon atoms. In this work, hybrid type corynomycolic acids (syn- and anti-isomers) were synthesized via the following three steps: 1) crossed Claisen condensation of t-butyl tridecanoate with ethyl per fluorooctanoate, 2) reduction of C = O to OH, and 3) conversion of COO-t-Bu to COOH using CF3COOH. Both hydrophilic groups (OH and COOH) of hybrid corynomycolic acid would dissociate to –O– and –COO– at alkaline condition (pH = 12) while they remain unchanged at acidic condition (pH < 3). The effect of hybrid structure on the surfactant properties was investigated by the surface tension and surface pressure-area (π-A) measurements. Hybrid type corynomycolic acid gave smaller cmc and γcmc than dialkyl type one due to fluoroalkyl chain. With respect to the stereochemistry, the anti-isomer attained a smaller γcmc value than the syn-isomer. In π-A measurements, the monolayer of the syn-isomer showed a lower collapsing pressure (∼15 mN m–
1) than that of the anti-isomer.
Initialization of an ice-sheet model for present-day Greenland
Authors: Lee Victoria , Cornford Stephen L. , Payne Antony J.
Published: May 2015

We construct initial conditions for an ice flow model of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS). GrIS has been losing mass at an increasing rate over the past two decades, and a significant proportion of this loss is due to dynamic thinning of narrow outlet glaciers. We solve an inverse problem to estimate poorly known basal and englacial parameters given observed geometry and surface velocities. A weighted cost function, resolved to 4 km in the interior of the ice sheet and 1 km in regions of fast-flowing ice at the margin, is minimized to find two-dimensional fields for a stiffness factor, which is a coefficient of the effective viscosity, and basal traction coefficient. Using these fields, we run the model under present-day climate to damp large-amplitude, short-wavelength fluctuations in the flux divergence. The time-dependent model uses an adaptive mesh with resolution ranging from 8 km of the base grid to 500 m in areas of fast-flowing ice to capture the behaviour of the main outlet glaciers. The ice discharge calculated from the initial conditions for GrIS and individual glaciers compares well with values calculated from observations.
Ichthyofauna of the river Halda, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Azadi Mohammad Ali , Alam Mohammad Arshad Ul
Published: May 2015

Eighty-three species of finfish belonging to 13 Orders, 35 Families, and 69 genera including three exotic species, and 10 species of shellfish (crustaceans) under one order, 3 families and 3 genera were identified from the River Halda during September 2004 to December 2011. Thus a total of 93 species of Ichthyofauna (finfish and shellfish) were recorded from this river during the seven years (2004-2011) of investigation. Maximum number of finfish species were recorded under the family Cyprinidae (19 species) followed by the family Gobiidae (11 species), whereas maximum number of shellfish species were recorded under the family Palaemonidae (8 species) followed by Penaeidae (1 species) and Portunidae (1 species). Of the 83 finfish species, three belonged to the critically endangered, nine to the endangered and eight to the vulnerable category according IUCN (2000). Four species of finfish were new records from inland waters of Bangladesh. A systematic list of the ichthyofauna with local and English names, and habitat preference are provided.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 113-133, 2013
Food consumption of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus) in a reptile farm of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Sakhawat , Jaman M Firoj , Ahmed Mushtaq , Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Uddin Mayen
Published: May 2015

An extensive study was conducted on food consumption and feeding behavior of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the Reptiles Farm Ltd. (RFL) located at Hatiber village, Bhaluka, Mymensingh. The study was mainly based on direct observation and previous data collected by the technicians of the RFL. Average temperature (0C) in the farm area was significantly correlated with average food consumption (g) of the hatchlings (r = 0.714, p<0.05, n = 12). The average temperature and the average food consumption were highest in August and it was 30.5 ±5.5 0C and 45.02 ±13.05 g, respectively. Monthly feeding of hatchlings was different in three individual tubs. The highest food consumption was in August although; hatcherys temperature was constant (320C). Crocodilians can increase their level of consumption during warmer months of the year while decreasing it in the cooler months. The highest quantity of food was given in October, probably for accumulation of fat in their body which would provide energy in the whole winter season. A total of 93.1 kg provisioned food was supplied to an adult crocodiles per year. Food consumption of crocodile is temperature dependent and the potentiality of crocodile farming is embedded in it, by considering this factor it may gain prosperity of crocodile farming in our country.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 173-179, 2013
Evaluation of some control methods against the jackfruit trunk borer, Batocera rufomaculata de geer (Cerambycidae: coleoptera)
Authors: Ahmed KU , Rahman MM , Alam MZ , Hossain MM , Miah MG
Published: May 2015

The study was conducted on effectiveness of different management practices of the trunk borer infestation in farmers jackfruit orchards at Kapasia upazila under Gazipur district of Bangladesh during 2009-2010. Among the ten treatments, the T5 (placing aluminium phosphide + sealed hole with bordeaux paste) ensured the highest (83.33 %) control of infestation and the highest increase in yield (51.30%) over the control. The cost: benefit of T6 (placing aluminium phosphide into the hole + sealing the hole with cow dung) (1:10.21) was higher than T5 (1: 7.75) but in terms of infestation control and total yield T5 was higher than T6.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 181-187, 2013
Activity pattern of white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) at Jahangirnagar university campus, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Akhtar Sharmin , Kabir MM , Begum Sajeda , Hasan MK
Published: May 2015

Activity pattern of white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) was studied during May 2007 to April 2008 at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. They spent most of the daily time (35.46%) for foraging and feeding. Hiding was the second highest activity (26.75%) while moving, preening, calling, resting activities and changing other wetland birds constituted 11.33%, 8.59%, 6.13%, 5.20% and 5.12%, respectively. Breeding season lasted from February to July with the breeding activities found in April (9.41%). The white-breasted waterhens avoided the conflict with other wetland birds by hiding themselves.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 189-198, 2013
Morphometry of indian roofed turtle, Pangshura tecta (Gray 1831) in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Sarker Shorab Uddin , Sarker Noor Jahan
Published: May 2015

Morphometric study was conducted on Indian roofed turtle, Pangshura tecta, between January 1997 and December 2000 in several district of Bangladesh. The mean weight of adult male was 92.6 ± 13.3 g and of female 441.1 ± 185.4 g. The length and width of carapace as well as those of the plastron and the height of the shell varied with the body weight of the turtle. The percentage of hard parts of the body weight of P. tecta was 35.8 ± 2.5 %, whereas percentage of soft parts of the body weight was 64.2 ± 2.5 %. The average weight of the female P. tecta was 4.8 times higher than that of the male.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 207-215, 2013
Diagnosis of imported malaria in Japan by using microtiter plate-hybridization technique
Authors: Akter Tangin
Published: May 2015

In Japan, malaria has been successfully eradicated but imported malaria is still a great problem. Blood samples of malaria patients were collected from different hospitals of Japan. The samples were diagnosed by PCR based Microtiter plate-hybridization technique (MPH). The results of MPH were compared with microscopic diagnosis done at the laboratories of different hospitals. Among the total 23 blood samples examined, 19 were diagnosed as malaria parasite positive by MPH technique. The malaria parasites found were Plasmodium falciparum 7 (36.7%), Plasmodium vivax 6 (31.6%), Plasmodium ovale 1 (5.3%), Plasmodium ovale variant 3 (15.8%), Plasmodium malariae 1 (5.3%). One mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. ovale (5.3%) were also recorded. The area of acquisition of malaria was highest from Africa followed by Oceania, Asia, South America and others. This investigation indicated the MPH technique was more specific than microscopy for the diagnosis of imported malaria.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 241-246, 2013
Some limnological characteristics of Dhaka-Narayangonj-Demra dam canal, Bangladesh
Authors: Habib AHM Shafiullah , Alam M Mahbub , Mahjabeen Suraiya , Naser M Niamul
Published: May 2015

Some limnological parameters of water of Dhaka-Narayongonj-Demra (DND) dam canal were studied for one year period from May 2010 to April 2011. Sampling points were selected on the basis of human activities around the dam. The maximum water temperature was recorded in May 2010 (31.5 ± 0.2041°C) and minimum in December 2010 (18.3 ± 0.1925°C). Water transparency was highest in February 2011(38.1 ± 3.48 cm) and lowest in May 2010 (24.56 ± 2.722 cm). The maximum concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) was found in winter month December 2010 (6.83 ± 0.4735 mg/l) and the minimum in summer month May 2010 (4.00 ± 0.2378 mg/l). The BOD was highest in August (34 ± 0.122 mg/l) and lowest in January (15 ± 0.274 mg/l). The highest amount of free carbon dioxide (free CO2) was recorded as 29.67 ± 4.4514 mg/l in January 2011 and the lowest 3.81 ± 0.8972 mg/l in August 2010. Maximum amount of hardness was found in December 2010 (271.20 ± 94.6597 mg/l) and minimum in September 2010 (196.20 ± 66.3963 mg/l) with a year round average of 229.51 ± 7.82 mg/l. pH was found fair (average 7.15 ± 0.08) during the study period. Maximum pH value 7.66 ± 0.14420 was recorded in the month of August while the minimum 6.74 ± 0.0574 in the month of May 2010. Although some water quality parameters of DND canal were found to be suitable for aquaculture but it was organically polluted. Further investigation on the heavy metal pollution is necessary before using the water and crops produced from DND canal for anthropological use.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 257-264, 2013
Status of vulnerable leopard whip ray (Himantura undulata) at two landing centres of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Bikram Jit , Singha Nripendra Kumar , Ali SM Hasan , Rahman Md Gaziur , Alam Md Fokhrul
Published: May 2015

Landing of vulnerable ray species, Leopard whip ray, Himantura undulata (Bleeker, 1852) was recorded from two fish landing centers of Bangladesh Fisheris Development Corporation. The highest landing volume was recorded 0.420 mt in March 2010 and the lowest 0.112 mt in August 2011. Average highest and lowest landings were 52.5 kg and 2.88 kg in the months of November2012 and in March 2009 respectively. During 2009-2010 H. undulata contributed only 0.560 MT (0.33 %) followed by 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012- 2013 period were 0.893 MT (0.28%), 0.882 MT (0.23% ) and 0.434MT (0.12%) of the year wise total landing volume of sharks and rays respectively. Month wise maximum and minimum recorded numbers of landed H. undulata were 59 and 4 in the month of November, 2012 and July, 2009 respectively. The highest and lowest percentage contributions were 2.54% and 0.28% in July, 2009 and March, 2013 respectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 11-17, 2014
Abundance and diversity of aquatic insects in two water bodies of Chittagong university campus
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Reza Md Selim
Published: May 2015

Abundance and diversity of aquatic insects was studied in two water bodies, (a pond and a lake) of Chittagong University campus during October 2009 to September 2010. A total of 4406 insects belonging to 32 genera, under 20 families and 6 orders were recorded. In both the water bodies, the representatives of the orders Hemiptera and Odonata were the most abundant groups. During the study period highest abundance of the total insects was recorded in November 2009 and the lowest in July 2010. Abundance of insects was comparatively higher in the pond habitat than in the lake. The Quotient of Similarity (QS) of the insects between the two water bodies was found to be the highest in October 2009 and lowest in July 2010. Species diversity, species richness and species evenness values of the lake were higher than that of the pond. Hydrophilus sp. and Sphaerodema sp. were the most dominant insects in the pond, while Chironomous sp. and Gerris sp. in the lake.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 19-33, 2014
Nectar feeding behavior of some butterflies in the botanical garden of Dhaka university
Authors: Begum Murshida , Habiba Ummey , Howlader Moksed Ali
Published: May 2015

Nectar feeding behavior of butterflies belonging to the families Nymphalidae, Danaidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Papilionidae were studied in the Botanical garden of Dhaka University. The highest and the lowest duration of searching time was 39 ± 2 and 36 ± 5 seconds respectively for the Catopsila pomona and Zizina otis. The highest and the lowest duration of feeding was 13.0 ± 1 and 9.9 ± 0.9 seconds respectively for the Danaus chrysippus and Zizina otis. The longest proboscis (12.6 ± mm) was recorded in Danaus chrysipus. The deepest corolla (22 ± 5mm) was found in the flower of Cosmos bipinnatus plants. The proboscis of 4 butterfly species named Eurema hecabe, Jononia almana, Catochrysopes strabo and D. chrysipus was highly correlated with the corolla tube of Cosmos bipinnatus, Tephrosia purpurea and Tagetes erecta repectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 85-90, 2014
Species diversity and habitat preferences of amphibian fauna in six protected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Kamrul , Feeroz Mohammed Mostafa
Published: May 2015

Study on amphibian species diversity and habitat preferences was conducted in six protected areas of Bangladesh between March 2011 and July 2012. A total of 32 species of amphibians were recorded under six families. Family Dicroglossidae comprised the highest number of species (12) where Bufonidae the lowest (1 species). Among these species 34% were uncommon, 31% common, 19% rare and 16% very common. Alpha diversity was the highest in Dudpukuria- Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary (28) and the lowest in Sitakunda Eco-park (13). Beta diversity was the highest (11) between Inani Protected Forest and Sitakunda Eco-park and the lowest (3) between Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary and Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary. Jaccard index of similarity among the amphibian communities was the highest (J=0.90) between Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary and Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary and the lowest (J=0.54) between Inani Protected Forest and Sitakunda Eco-park. Fifty percent of the species were found to use more than two habitats, while only 16% species were restricted to a single habitat. Significant number of the species (20 species) were found to use forest edges, aquatic environment (19 species), forest floor (15 species), agricultural land (13 species), bushes (7 species) and tree habitats (3 species).Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 105-116, 2014
Astonishing scenes at the Scottish Lourdes: masculinity, the miraculous, and sectarian strife at Carfin, 1922–1945
Authors: Harris Alana
Published: May 2015

This article examines the little-known history and, for a time, notoriety of Carfin, a ‘Scottish Lourdes’, re-created in 1921 in rural Lanarkshire. It explores the ways in which gendered, ethnic, sectarian and nationalist identities were negotiated and re-inscribed at this shrine commemorating the Virgin Mary and a pantheon of saints, in the context of interwar institutional insecurities about socialism, secularisation and the feminisation of religion. As a site for the materialisation and mobilisation of a robust Catholic masculinity, Carfin provided a space – outside of paid employment and beyond the labour movement – for channelling male piety, pride and self-esteem.
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Monitoring of Nitrogen Volatilization from Beef Cattle Feces and 15N-Labeled Synthetic Urine
Authors: Ayadi Ferouz , Cortus Erin , Clay David , Hansen Stephanie
Published: May 2015

A 15-day bench-scale manure storage experiment with a slurry mixture comprising beef cattle feces and synthetic urine with 15N-labeled urea was conducted to evaluate the source of volatilized ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Beef cattle feces was mixed daily in a 1:2.2 mass ratio with 15N-labeled urine and added for four consecutive days to 2-L storage containers and then left undisturbed for eleven days. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to determine the origin of aerial NH3-N losses from the relative isotopic abundance of N in the 15N-labeled slurry mixture. On average 84% of total NH3-N losses originated from the urine portion and were highest during the first two to four days, when fresh material was added. After fresh material addition ceased, daily NH3-N emission from the urine decreased gradually, whereas emission from the feces remained relatively constant. Calculations showed that over 34% of aerial N was not captured, suggesting that other N gas emission is significant from slurry mixtures. Likely all uncaptured N losses were from urinary urea. The study verified the applicability of 15N-labeled synthetic urine for beef slurry mixtures. However, the results suggest further research to explain and model the NH3 and N release from fecal material is warranted and to determine the identity of the uncaptured N losses.
Exact Solutions of Non-Linear Lattice Equations by an Improved Exp-Function Method
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Li Jiahong , Zhou Yingying
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the exp-function method is improved to construct exact solutions of non-linear lattice equations by modifying its exponential function ansätz. The improved method has two advantages. One is that it can solve non-linear lattice equations with variable coefficients, and the other is that it is not necessary to balance the highest order derivative with the highest order nonlinear term in the procedure of determining the exponential function ansätz. To show the advantages of this improved method, a variable-coefficient mKdV lattice equation is considered. As a result, new exact solutions, which include kink-type solutions and bell-kink-type solutions, are obtained.
Quantum Data Locking for Secure Communication against an Eavesdropper with Time-Limited Storage
Authors: Lupo Cosmo
Published: May 2015

Quantum cryptography allows for unconditionally secure communication against an eavesdropper endowed with unlimited computational power and perfect technologies, who is only constrained by the laws of physics. We review recent results showing that, under the assumption that the eavesdropper can store quantum information only for a limited time, it is possible to enhance the performance of quantum key distribution in both a quantitative and qualitative fashion. We consider quantum data locking as a cryptographic primitive and discuss secure communication and key distribution protocols. For the case of a lossy optical channel, this yields the theoretical possibility of generating secret key at a constant rate of 1 bit per mode at arbitrarily long communication distances.
The Seasonal KPSS Test: Examining Possible Applications with Monthly Data and Additional Deterministic Terms
Authors: Montasser Ghassen
Published: May 2015

The literature has been notably less definitive in distinguishing between finite sample studies of seasonal stationarity than in seasonal unit root tests. Although the use of seasonal stationarity and unit root tests is advised to determine correctly the most appropriate form of the trend in a seasonal time series, such a use is rarely noted in the relevant studies on this topic. Recently, the seasonal KPSS test, with a null hypothesis of no seasonal unit roots, and based on quarterly data, has been introduced in the literature. The asymptotic theory of the seasonal KPSS test depends on whether data have been filtered by a preliminary regression. More specifically, one may proceed to extracting deterministic components, such as the mean and trend, from the data before testing. In this paper, we examine the effects of de-trending on the properties of the seasonal KPSS test in finite samples. A sketch of the test’s limit theory is subsequently provided. Moreover, a Monte Carlo study is conducted to analyze the behavior of the test for a monthly time series. The focus on this time-frequency is significant because, as we mentioned above, it was introduced for quarterly data. Overall, the results indicated that the seasonal KPSS test preserved its good size and power properties. Furthermore, our results corroborate those reported elsewhere in the literature for conventional stationarity tests. These subsequent results assumed that the nonparametric corrections of residual variances may lead to better in-sample properties of the seasonal KPSS test. Next, the seasonal KPSS test is applied to a monthly series of the United States (US) consumer price index. We were able to identify a number of seasonal unit roots in this time series. [1] [1] Table 1 in this paper is copyrighted and initially published by JMASM in 2012, Volume 11, Issue 1, pp. 69–77, ISSN: 1538–9472, JMASM Inc., PO Box 48023, Oak Park, MI 48237, USA, ea@jmasm.com.
How Sensitive Are Ecosystem Services in European Forest Landscapes to Silvicultural Treatment?
Authors: Biber Peter , Borges José , Moshammer Ralf , Barreiro Susana , Botequim Brigite , Brodrechtová Yvonne , Brukas Vilis , Chirici Gherardo , Cordero-Debets Rebeca , Corrigan Edwin , Eriksson Ljusk , Favero Matteo , Galev Emil , Garcia-Gonzalo Jordi , Hengeveld Geerten , Kavaliauskas Marius , Marchetti Marco , Marques Susete , Mozgeris Gintautas , Navrátil Rudolf , Nieuwenhuis Maarten , Orazio Christophe , Paligorov Ivan , Pettenella Davide , Sedmák Róbert , Smreček Róbert , Stanislovaitis Andrius , Tomé Margarida , Trubins Renats , Tuček Ján , Vizzarri Matteo , Wallin Ida , Pretzsch Hans , Sallnäs Ola
Published: May 2015

While sustainable forestry in Europe is characterized by the provision of a multitude of forest ecosystem services, there exists no comprehensive study that scrutinizes their sensitivity to forest management on a pan-European scale, so far. We compile scenario runs from regionally tailored forest growth models and Decision Support Systems (DSS) from 20 case studies throughout Europe and analyze whether the ecosystem service provision depends on management intensity and other co-variables, comprising regional affiliation, social environment, and tree species composition. The simulation runs provide information about the case-specifically most important ecosystem services in terms of appropriate indicators. We found a strong positive correlation between management intensity and wood production, but only weak correlation with protective and socioeconomic forest functions. Interestingly, depending on the forest region, we found that biodiversity can react in both ways, positively and negatively, to increased management intensity. Thus, it may be in tradeoff or in synergy with wood production and forest resource maintenance. The covariables species composition and social environment are of punctual interest only, while the affiliation to a certain region often makes an important difference in terms of an ecosystem service’s treatment sensitivity.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders in 6–16-Year-Old Students in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Qu Yuan , Jiang Hongyun , Zhang Ni , Wang Dahai , Guo Lanting
Published: May 2015

To investigate the point prevalence of mental disorders in school students, multistage cluster stratified random sampling and two-phase survey methods were used to identify 40 primary and middle schools. The students were screened using the Chinese version of the Child Behavior Checklist and diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The prevalence of behavioral problems was 19.13%. The prevalence of behavioral problems significantly differed by sex, age, city of residence, and caretaker. The six-month prevalence of any mental disorder was 15.24% (95% CI: 15.49%–16.97%). Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent in boys (17.33%) relative to girls (13.11%; p < 0.01). The prevalence of mental disorders significantly differed by community and caretaker, and 36.46% of students exhibited comorbidity. Results demonstrated important mental health issues, with a high incidence of comorbidities, in this population. Students’ mental health requires increased attention, particularly in poverty-stricken areas and left-behind children and adolescents.
Exposure Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Biphenyl in the Workplace
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Yeong , Shin Sae-Mi , Ham Miran , Lim Cheol-Hong , Byeon Sang-Hoon
Published: May 2015

This study was performed to assess exposure to and the risk caused by biphenyl in the workplace. Biphenyl is widely used as a heat transfer medium and as an emulsifier and polish in industry. Vapor or high levels of dust inhalation and dermal exposure to biphenyl can cause eye inflammation, irritation of respiratory organs, and permanent lesions in the liver and nervous system. In this study, the workplace environment concentrations were assessed as central tendency exposure and reasonable maximum exposure and were shown to be 0.03 and 0.12 mg/m3, respectively. In addition, the carcinogenic risk of biphenyl as determined by risk assessment was 0.14 × 10−4 (central tendency exposure) and 0.56 × 10−4 (reasonable maximum exposure), which is below the acceptable risk value of 1.0 × 10−4. Furthermore, the central tendency exposure and reasonable maximum exposure hazard quotients were 0.01 and 0.06 for oral toxicity, 0.05 and 0.23 for inhalation toxicity, and 0.08 and 0.39 for reproduction toxicity, respectively, which are all lower than the acceptable hazard quotient of 1.0. Therefore, exposure to biphenyl was found to be safe in current workplace environments. Because occupational exposure limits are based on socioeconomic assessment, they are generally higher than true values seen in toxicity experiments. Based on the results of exposure monitoring of biphenyl, the current occupational exposure limits in Korea could be reviewed.