bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process-Design Considerations for a Compressor Dry-Gas Seal-System Interface
Authors: Leong Chung , Goyal Sanjiv
Published: December 2015

The dry-gas seal (DGS) is a critical integrity component of the centrifugal or screw compressor, providing shaft sealing and preventing uncontrolled escape of process gas from the casing. Failure of this component in the compressor can result in plant outage and considerable revenue loss to the operating company.

The DGS relies on a very thin gas film that is formed between a stationary ring and a rotating ring. Pressurized and clean seal gas is introduced to work as the gas film, preventing leakage of the compressor casing gas. Minor seal-gas leakage from the gas seal is at low pressure, and is usually collected in an enclosed system for disposal (e.g., low-pressure or atmospheric flare).

Failure of the DGS seal is often not caused by its intrinsic design issues, but rather by aspects peripheral to the seal. The need for pressurized seal gas necessitates the evaluation of possible sources of gas supply during normal operation and startup. Possible sources of supply evaluated in this study include high-pressure gas-export pipeline, multitrain arrangement to supply gas from the operating train to the standby train, and the use of gas boosters. Seal-gas cleanliness demands fine gas filtration as mandatory before gas entry to the seals. Because the seal gas undergoes different levels of pressure reduction within the seal, potential liquid (or condensation) and, in some cases, solid (hydrate) formation in the gas seals must be studied together with its mitigating measures in the design to avoid seal failure. The possible presence of other contaminants because of sour-gas components is addressed, along with suggested treatment methods. Other design considerations, such as reverse rotation, depressurization limitations, and reverse pressurization, are also addressed.

Whether engineers are engaged in designing the gas-compression system or in troubleshooting the facilities operation, a clear understanding of these various aspects is important. This paper does not address the design of the DGS, which is proprietary to the manufacturer. On the basis of past experiences, this paper describes the various salient features and peripheral requirements of the DGS, and offers recommendations for interfacing with the compressor vendor from the process-system-design and -operation perspectives.
Extending the Marker × Environment Interaction Model for Genomic‐Enabled Prediction and Genome‐Wide Association Analysis in Durum Wheat
Authors: Crossa José , de los Campos Gustavo , Maccaferri Marco , Tuberosa Roberto , Burgueño J. , Pérez‐Rodríguez Paulino
Published: December 2015

The marker × environment interaction (M×E) genomic model can be used to generate predictions for untested individuals and identify genomic regions in which effects are stable across environments and others that show environmental specificity. The objectives of this study were (i) to extend the M×E model using priors that produce shrinkage and variable selection such as Bayesian ridge regression (BRR) and BayesB (BB), respectively, and (ii) to evaluate the genomic prediction accuracy of M×E, single‐environment, and across‐environment models using a multiparental durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. spp. duram) population characterized for grain yield (GY), grain volume weight (GVW), 1000‐kernel weight (GWT), and heading date (HD) in four environments. Breeding value predictions were generated for two prediction problems: cross‐validation problem 1 (CV1) and cross‐validation problem 2 (CV2). In general, results showed that the M×E model performed better than the single‐environment and across‐environment models, in terms of minimizing the model residual variance, for both CV1 and CV2. The improved data‐fitting gain over the other models was more evident for GWT and HD (up to twofold differences) than to GY and GVW, which showed more complex genetic bases and smaller single‐marker effects. Considering the Bayesian models used, BB showed better overall prediction accuracy than BRR. As proof‐of‐concept for the M×E model, the major controllers of HD—Ppd and FT on chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 7A—showed stable effects across environments as well as environment‐specific effects. For GY, besides the regions on chromosomes 2B and 7A, additional chromosome regions with large marker effects were detected in all chromosome groups.
Gene Action and Heterotic Groups of Early White Quality Protein Maize Inbreds under Multiple Stress Environments
Authors: Badu‐Apraku B. , Fakorede M.A.B. , Talabi A.O. , Oyekunle M. , Akaogu I.C , Akinwale R.O. , Annor B. , Melaku G. , Fasanmade Y. , Aderounmu M.
Published: December 2015

Food insecurity and malnutrition are major challenges facing rural populations in sub‐Saharan Africa. A total of 150 quality protein maize (Zea maysL.) (QPM) hybrids generated from 30 early‐maturing QPM inbreds plus six checks were evaluated under drought, low soil N, andStriga[Striga hermonthica(Delile) Benth.]‐infested environments in Nigeria for 2 yr. The objectives were to (i) examine the gene action conditioning the traits in the inbreds, (ii) classify them into heterotic groups using two methods, (iii) identify the best QPM inbred testers across environments, and (iv) identify stable and high‐yielding hybrids. General and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA, respectively) mean squares were significant (P< 0.01) for grain yield and other traits across environments, indicating that additive and nonadditive gene actions were important in the inheritance of most traits of the inbreds. Preponderance of SCA sum of squares over GCA for most measured traits across environments indicated that nonadditive gene action largely modulated inbred trait inheritance. The GCA effects of multiple traits (HGCAMT) method classified the inbreds into three heterotic groups each under drought and across environments and four groups under low N andStriga‐infested environments. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based method placed the inbreds into three groups across environments and was more efficient. TZEQI 6 and TZEQI 55 were identified as testers across environments. TZEQI 44 × TZEQI 4, TZEQI 35 × TZEQI 39, TZEQI 35 × TZEQI 59, TZEQI 6 × TZEQI 35, and TZEQI 45 × TZEQI 33 were the most stable and highest‐yielding hybrids across environments and should be commercialized for improved nutrition and food security in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Novel FAD2–1A Alleles Confer an Elevated Oleic Acid Phenotype in Soybean Seeds
Authors: Thapa Rima , Carrero‐Colon Militza , Crowe Marissa , Gaskin Erik , Hudson Karen
Published: December 2015

To identify novel sources of genetic variation for the high oleic acid seed trait, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] lines containing a higher fraction of oleic acid were identified through a forward‐genetic screen of a chemically mutagenized population. Mutant lines contained 30 to 40% of the total fatty acids as oleic acid. Nine of the lines identified contained novel point mutations in the FAD2–1A gene, which is known to be required for the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid. Mutation‐specific markers were developed to follow the mutant alleles in segregating populations and confirmed the genetic association of the novel polymorphisms with the elevated oleic acid trait. These lines can be used in breeding approaches and in combination with other genes to generate new soybean germplasm with high levels of oleic acid for the edible oil market.
An economical, environmental, and social comparison between vacuum and gravity sewers in decentralized sanitation systems, with Egypt as a case study
Authors: Elawwad Abdelsalam , Ragab Mostafa , Abdel-Halim Hisham
Published: December 2015

The conventional gravity sewer is the most commonly used rural sewerage system in developing countries. However, this system has many technical, economic, environmental, and social disadvantages. Vacuum sewers could serve as a good competitor as an alternative system to conventional gravity sewers. A sample of 33 rural villages with populations of <10,000 people is selected from Egypt. A statistical analysis was done using SPSS and STATISTICA software where population and area variables had the most significant effect on the calculation of investment, operation, and maintenance costs. It was found that investment costs for the vacuum system were mostly lower than for the conventional one, while operational and maintenance costs played significant roles. Prediction models were obtained based on multiple quadratic regression models. It was found that the vacuum system was economically competitive in large villages with low population densities. Environmentally and socially, the vacuum sewers proved to be better than gravity sewers.
Local self-governance, ethnic division in slums and preference for water supply institutions in Kolkata, India
Authors: De Indranil , Nag Tirthankar
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the preferences for institutional mechanisms for improved water supply services across different ethnic communities in slums of Kolkata. The Muslim community prefers privatization of water supply as against paid public supply. The backward caste community prefers both paid public delivery and privatization. Residents of non-notified (NN) slums prefer paid public delivery as against privatization. Access to accountability mechanisms for water supply is lower for residents of Muslim dominated regions and NN areas. This is reflected by household perception about awareness of councilors regarding water supply conditions in the slums. The choice of alternative institution depends on the degree of risk of exclusion due to lack of access to accountability mechanisms. Notification of NN slums, higher revenue autonomy and capacity of local bodies, and innovations in scale neutral technologies may improve access to water supply by marginalized communities in slums.
Constructed wetlands: a solution to water quality issues in Mexico?
Authors: García-García P. L. , Ruelas-Monjardín L. , Marín-Muñíz J. L.
Published: December 2015

Historically, water sanitation has not been a priority for any sector of society in Mexico, and substantial technical and ecological problems exist in this country's wastewater treatment systems. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have proven to be an exceptional alternative, particularly for rural areas in developing countries. This paper identifies the status of research on CWs in Mexico, and discusses the possibilities for their use. Our review showed that interest in CWs in Mexico is growing exponentially, particularly in academic institutions. Consequently, published documents are mostly on experimental wetlands, although there are a few experienced groups devoted to producing technology and providing training needed to apply CWs. CWs are generally used for domestic wastewater treatment, disregarding other pollution sources such as agriculture and industry. Rural communities have the most potential to obtain and apply this technology, but unfortunately their degree of use of these systems is still very low. The current status of research and application of CWs leads to a few options discussed in this paper to promote their use in Mexico, taking into account that the success of these alternatives can only be achieved by partnering with governments, water treatment companies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and rural communities.
Quality of water from subsidence area: a case study in the Luling coal mine, northern Anhui Province, China
Authors: Sun Linhua , Liu Xianghong , Cheng Chen
Published: December 2015

Quality of water in the subsidence area related to coal mining is important for water usage in the coal mining areas. In this study, forty-two samples from the subsidence pools in the Luling coal mine, northern Anhui Province, China have been collected and measured for their major ion concentrations, and the data have been applied for quality evaluating of drinking and irrigation purposes. The results suggest that the water samples from different pools have different concentrations of major ions and all of them can be classified to be Na-HCO3 type. According to the results of water quality index, all of them are suitable for drinking (considering only about the major ion concentrations). However, sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) give different answers about irrigation purpose, the water can be used for irrigation according to SAR whereas cannot be used according to RSC, and can be attributed to the high concentrations of CO32− and HCO3−. Gibbs diagrams and relationships between Na+ normalized Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3− suggest that different extents of contributions from weathering of silicate, dissolution of carbonates and evaporates are the main mechanism controlling the major ion concentrations of water from the subsidence areas in this study, which is related to the natural conditions of the pools.
Partial nitrification in MBBRs for mainstream deammonification with thin biofilms and alternating feed supply
Authors: Piculell M. , Christensson M. , Jönsson K. , Welander T.
Published: December 2015

A new principle for mainstream nitrogen removal through nitritation followed by anammox was studied in a two-stage moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) configuration. The first stage was optimized for nitritation by using thin biofilms and a feed alternating between synthetic mainstream wastewater at 15°C and, for shorter periods, synthetic reject water at 30 °C. The exposure of the biofilm to reject water conditions aimed to improve the growth conditions for ammonia oxidizing bacteria, while inhibiting nitrite oxidizing bacteria. The biofilm thickness was maintained below 200 μm to ensure high exposure of the total biomass to the bulk reactor conditions. Nitritation was successfully achieved in the configuration, with a nitrite accumulation ratio above 75% during the majority of the study, and ammonia removal rates between 0.25 and 0.50 g NH4-N/L,d. The anoxic second stage, optimized for anammox, was fed with the effluent from the nitritation reactor, reaching nitrogen removal rates above 0.20 g TN/L,d.
Hexavalent chromium removal performance of anionic functionalized monolithic polymers: column adsorption, regeneration and modelling
Authors: Barlik Necla , Keskinler Bülent , Kocakerim M. Muhtar
Published: December 2015

Anionic functionalized monolithic macro-porous polymers were used for the removal of hexavalent chromium(VI) anions from aqueous solution in column experiments. At a flux of 1.0 cm min and 30 mg Cr(VI) L−1 feed concentration, breakthrough capacity and apparent capacity were 0.066 g Cr(VI) g−1 anionic monolith and 0.144 g Cr(VI) g−1 anionic monolith, respectively. The degree of column utilization was found to lie in the range 41–46%. Two kinetic models, theoretical and Thomas models, were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column useful for process design. The simulation of the whole breakthrough curve was effective with the models. At a flux of 1.0 cm min and 30 mg Cr(VI) L−1 feed concentration, the dispersion coefficient and adsorption equilibrium constant (K) were 3.14 × 10−7 m s−1 and 3,840, respectively. Also, Thomas model parameters k1 (rate constant of adsorption) and qm (equilibrium solid-phase concentration of sorbed solute) were 1.08 × 10−3 L mg−1 min−1 and 0.124 g g−1, respectively. After reaching equilibrium adsorption capacity, the monoliths were regenerated using 1 N HCl and were subsequently re-tested. It was found that the regeneration efficiency reduced from 98% after second usage to 97% after the third usage.
Targeted Deep Sequencing in Multiple-Affected Sibships of European Ancestry Identifies Rare Deleterious Variants in PTPN22 That Confer Risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ge Yan , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Quinlan Aaron R. , Mackey Aaron J. , Wright Jocyndra A. , Buckner Jane H. , Habib Tania , Rich Stephen S. , Concannon Patrick
Published: December 2015

Despite finding more than 40 risk loci for type 1 diabetes (T1D), the causative variants and genes remain largely unknown. Here, we sought to identify rare deleterious variants of moderate-to-large effects contributing to T1D. We deeply sequenced 301 protein-coding genes located in 49 previously reported T1D risk loci in 70 T1D cases of European ancestry. These cases were selected from putatively high-risk families that had three or more siblings diagnosed with T1D at early ages. A cluster of rare deleterious variants in PTPN22 was identified, including two novel frameshift mutations (ss538819444 and rs371865329) and two missense variants (rs74163663 and rs56048322). Genotyping in 3,609 T1D families showed that rs56048322 was significantly associated with T1D and that this association was independent of the T1D-associated common variant rs2476601. The risk allele at rs56048322 affects splicing of PTPN22, resulting in the production of two alternative PTPN22 transcripts and a novel isoform of LYP (the protein encoded by PTPN22). This isoform competes with the wild-type LYP for binding to CSK and results in hyporesponsiveness of CD4+ T cells to antigen stimulation in T1D subjects. These findings demonstrate that in addition to common variants, rare deleterious variants in PTPN22 exist and can affect T1D risk.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Infants Born to Obese Mothers Exhibit Greater Potential for Adipogenesis: The Healthy Start BabyBUMP Project
Authors: Boyle Kristen E. , Patinkin Zachary W. , Shapiro Allison L.B. , Baker Peter R. , Dabelea Dana , Friedman Jacob E.
Published: December 2015

Maternal obesity increases the risk for pediatric obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms in human infants remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from infants born to obese mothers would demonstrate greater potential for adipogenesis and less potential for myogenesis, driven by differences in β-catenin, a regulator of MSC commitment. MSCs were cultured from the umbilical cords of infants born to normal-weight (prepregnancy [pp] BMI 21.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2; n = 15; NW-MSCs) and obese mothers (ppBMI 34.6 ± 1.0 kg/m2; n = 14; Ob-MSCs). Upon differentiation, Ob-MSCs exhibit evidence of greater adipogenesis (+30% Oil Red O stain [ORO], +50% peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ protein; P < 0.05) compared with NW-MSCs. In undifferentiated cells, total β-catenin protein content was 10% lower and phosphorylated Thr41Ser45/total β-catenin was 25% higher (P < 0.05) in Ob-MSCs versus NW-MSCs (P < 0.05). Coupled with 25% lower inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β in Ob-MSCs (P < 0.05), these data suggest greater β-catenin degradation in Ob-MSCs. Lithium chloride inhibition of GSK-3β increased nuclear β-catenin content and normalized nuclear PPAR-γ in Ob-MSCs. Last, ORO in adipogenic differentiating cells was positively correlated with the percent fat mass in infants (r = 0.475; P < 0.05). These results suggest that altered GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in MSCs of infants exposed to maternal obesity may have important consequences for MSC lineage commitment, fetal fat accrual, and offspring obesity risk.
Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hamilos Daniel L.
Published: December 2015

The goal of this review is to elucidate the pathogenic factors, histopathologic features, and special considerations that relate to pediatric versus adult chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to emphasize differences and similarities between the adult and pediatric conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding of the differences in pathogenic mechanisms, host-microbial interactions, potential defects in innate antimicrobial immunity, and the role of biofilm formation in pediatric versus adult CRS and how these translate to different approaches toward both medical and surgical management. Pediatric CRS can be viewed as evolving from acute bacterial rhinosinusitis into an uncomplicated “early” stage of CRS, later evolving into a persistent stage and, in some cases, evolving into a late “maladaptive-eosinophilic” stage disease. Given this potential evolution toward more irreversible disease, a plea can be made for improved recognition of and more aggressive early intervention for pediatric CRS, it is hoped, to prevent these long-term consequences. For the primary care physician, this may necessitate enlisting the support of a sinus specialist before the symptoms of CRS have persisted for months or years. It may also necessitate, in some cases, the use of sinus computed tomography imaging to demonstrate that sinus abnormalities have resolved. Other arguments can be made for prompt and comprehensive management of pediatric CRS, including the need to reduce the burden of illness, reduce health care costs, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and its attendant effects toward promoting antibiotic resistant infections and, potentially, to reduce the development of important comorbidities, e.g., asthma.
Magic Tricks
Authors: Bhattacharya Himika
Published: December 2015

This article traces the memories surrounding the death of an adivasi woman, Shalini, from the northwestern Himalayan (adivasi/tribal) region of Lahaul, India. By focusing on how the memories of her death evolve in both official and community discourses, this article sheds light on some key issues within the complex web of tribe and state politics in India. These two discourses co-constitute each other and transform Shalini's death from pertaining to (gendered) violence to eventually being dismissed as an accident. Thus, violence (against adivasi women) becomes the register on which the otherwise oppositional patriarchies of state and tribe collude and produce the woman as both an unreliable subject and a target of violence. Finally, the article explores counter-memory as a means to rearticulate and reframe the memory of Shalini's death where her subject position is that of a believable agent, one who is not (pre)determined (as unreliable) by state and tribal patriarchies.
Black Feminism on Capitol Hill
Authors: Curwood Anastasia
Published: December 2015

Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) conducted a long political career in the service of black feminist ideas. Her 1972 run for President is the most famous of her efforts, but she also served fourteen years in Congress (1969–1983), serving Brooklyn, New York. As a holder of national elected office at the same time that black feminists were institutionalizing their activism into organizations, Chisholm bridged grassroots and local activism with the national state. She also bridged the ongoing black freedom struggle and women's movements, though not without complication and controversy. This essay uses Chisholm's writings and speeches, as well as government documents, newspaper archives, and interviews to demonstrate Chisholm's dual engagement with the antiracist and antifeminist movements of her time within the context of legislative politics.
Study of the stability of the perturbed solutions of the restricted three body problem
Authors: Khan MAA , Hassan MR , Thapa RR
Published: December 2015

In this paper we have been examined the stability of the perturbed solutions of the restricted three body problem. We have been restricted ourselves only to the first order variational equations. Our variational equations depend on the periodic solutions. Here the applications of the method of Fuchs and Floquet Proves to be complicated and hence we have been preferred Poincare's Method of determination of the characteristic exponents. With the determination of the characteristic exponents we have been abled to conclude regarding the stability of the generating solution. We have obtained that the motions are unstable in all the cases. By Poincare's implicit function theorem we have concluded that the stability would remain the same for small value of the parameter m and in all types of motion of the restricted three-body problem.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 18-22
Perception of fish farmers to wildlife predator attacks of fish ponds in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Adelakun KM , Adeola AJ , Ayeni SM , Bakare K
Published: December 2015

The study assessed the perception of fish farmers to wildlife predators’ attack of fish ponds in Borgu Local Government area of Niger state, Nigeria. The study covered three wards; Bussa, Karabonde and Rafi which were purposively sampled. Questionnaire, personal interview and physical observation were employed to collect necessary data. A face to face questionnaire survey was carried out on a total of thirty-two (32) fish farmers and pond managers to elicit information on extent of predator’s activities by wildlife, and frequency of occurrence and period or season of predation. The result revealed that predation occurred both day and night. Most respondents (65.63%) attested to the predator attack in the fish farm. The most preferred prey size appeared to be fish fingerlings which were consumed wholly. Five (5) wildlife species include frog (Rana sp) 16.66%, wildcat (Felis silvestris) 8.3%, water snake (Grayia smithii) 11.66%, monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) and birds like kingfisher( Alcedo sp) 26.66% were identified as the predators of fish. From the wildlife species identified, birds mostly attack fish in ponds in the study area. Wildlife predators including reptiles and amphibians are some of the numerous challenges to culture fisheries in the study area. However, the preventive measures and controls of wild animals attacked fish in farms are netting (59.38%) which is the best method to prevent predators from fish ponds, fencing (28.13%) and security guards (12.50%). In control measure, 68.75% confirmed that the physical method usually works better than biological and chemical control measures. Hence, its adoption for the management of the pest and predators is essential for sustainable culture fisheries in the study area.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 29-37
Traction and drawbar performance characteristics of power tiller attached cage wheel
Authors: Pradhan Piyush , Verma Ajay , Naik Rajesh , Guru Prabhat
Published: December 2015

The study was carried out in the research farm of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Raipur Chhattisgarh in June 2014. To evaluate drawbar and tractive power of  4.85kW of  power tiller cultivator attached with two different types of cage wheel of half width (C1) and angle type wheels (C2) for a small power tiller operated in clay soil of  wet land and flood condition. It was found that the maximum draft values of C1 and C2 were 1192N and 1039N in flood condition and 1318N and 1225N in wet condition. The results showed that maximum tractive efficiency was for cage wheel  C1 and C2 values were 72.91% and 69.86% in puddle soil. The maximum field capacity was 0.084 ha/h for cage wheel C2 in puddle soil.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 38-49
First-principles study of a molecular adsorption of fluorine on monolayer MoS2
Authors: Paudyal Hari , Pantha Nurapati , Adhikari Narayan Prasad
Published: December 2015

We have performed density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations to study the stability, geometrical structures and electronic properties of pure monolayer Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and Fluorine (F2) adsorbed monolayer MoS2 within the DFT-D2 level of approximations. Present study shows that a F2 molecule adsorbed MoS2 monolayer system is stable. From the geometry and in- formation of adsorption energy of F2 molecule on the different occupation sites of  MoS2 monolayer, it has been found that Fluorine prefers atomic adsorption above sulphur (S) atom. The binding energy per equivalent molecular Fluorine above the sulfur (S) atom is found to be 1.83 eV. The electronic structure calculations of MoS2 and F2 adsorbed MoS2 monolayer shows that there is a band gap of 1.14 eV and 1.01 eV respectively, at the Fermi level. Further, the symmetry of total DOS for up and down spin calculations reveals that the F2 adsorbed MoS2 monolayer is non-magnetic as similar to that of pure MoS2 monolayer. The projected density of states (PDOS) of a F2 adsorbed MoS2 monolayer is studied to understand the weighted contributions of different orbitals.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 50-59
Analytical solution of system of differential equations by variational iteration method
Authors: Ahmed Jamshad , Hussain Faizan
Published: December 2015

In this paper, Varitational Iteration Method using He’s Polynomials is used to construct the exact as well as approximate solutions of differential equations. From the obtained numerical results, it has been observed that this proposed technique is very efficient and reliable for the solution of the linear and non-linear system of differential equations. Numerical results and graphical representation reflect the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed modification.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 77-86
Structural and electronic properties of perovskite hydrides ACaH3 (A=Cs and Rb)
Authors: Lamichhane S , Aryal B , Kaphle GC , Adhikari NP
Published: December 2015

We have performed structural properties, electronic properties, charge density and potential distribution of CsCaH3 and RbCaH3 using TB-LMTO-ASA approach under local density approximation.  Our findings show that both CsCaH3 and RbCaH3 are non-magnetic and then insulators with estimated direct band gaps (M-M) of 3.15 eV and 3.17 eV respectively. Our estimated values of band gap suggest to both materials as better candidate for the high frequency ultra-violet devices. Furthermore, role of corner atoms in perovskite hydrides are also presented in this study. Present calculations agree well with the previous work.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 94-99
Food and feeding habit of Tor putitora of Mahakali River, Nepal
Authors: Mahasetha Vinod Kumar
Published: December 2015

T.putitora is a sight feeder and can be categorized as column feeder, which at some stage resorts to bottom feeding as well. Depending upon the availability of food, the fish consumes a wide spectrum of dietary items varying from microscopic organisms and macrophytes to large number of insects and even small fishes.The feeding activities of T. putitora appeared to be good during pre-spawning (pre-monsoon) and post-spawning season while poor during monsoon or spawning season, which is directly related to the availability of food and maturation of gonads. The estimation of GSI (Gastro-somatic Index) also supported this fact.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 115-125
Finite partially ordered set and some of its properties
Authors: Yadav RN , Chakrabarti SK , Jha IS , Yadav UP
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on some main properties of the finite partially ordered sets. These properties are furnished in the form of theorems. Here we have presented three such theorems. The first theorem is called as ‘duality theorem’. This fundamental theorem was first obtained by Greene. Few years later it was rediscovered and given an alternative proof by Fomin. The second theorem bestows the functionality property. The proof of this was also done by Greene. However, Gansner gave an alternative proof of the theorem taking advantage of a connection between poset and linear algebra. The proof of the third theorem is fully due to us. This theorem gives rise to a recursive computation of the shape. In the present paper we have discussed the first two properties through suitable illustrations only whereas a complete proof is furnished for the last one.   BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 126-130
Sandhyopaasan:The Hindu Ritual as a Foundation of Vedic Education
Authors: Timilsina Rajendra Raj
Published: December 2015

Yoga, meditation and Hasta Mudra Chikitsa (medication through the exercise or gesture of hands) known as spiritual activities in the past have been emerged as bases to maintain  one’s health, peace and tranquility. Some people follow yoga, some focus on meditation and others apply “Hasta Chikitsa” or “Mudra”. They are separate traditional exercises. They require to spend 10 to 30 minutes once or twice a day for their optional exercise/s. It is proved that such practice has productive effect in different health treatments. This paper has applied the methods of observation, interview and literature review as qualitative paradigm in exploring their original roots of Vedic Sandhyopaasan. Twice born castes (Brahman, Chhetri and Baishya) of Nepali Hindu society has been found practicing all components of the exercises as a unified ritual of Sandhyopaasan. Upanayan (Bratabandha) ritual teaches Sandhyopaasan procedures for self control and self healing of the performers. Brahman is not eligible as Brahman without doing the ritual daily. However, this study has found that some Dalits have also been practicing Sandhyopaasan daily and feeling relaxed. Findings of this study show that Sandhyopaasan is a compact package of yoga, meditations and Hasta Chikitsa. Students and gurus of Vedas have been regularly following the compact package for inner peace and self control. Root of yoga, meditation and “Mudra” is Sandhyopaasan and this is the base of Hindu education system. The paper analyzes the ritual through Hindu educational perspective.
Human Ecological Analysis of the Life of Pi
Authors: Khattri Man Bahadur
Published: December 2015

In this article, I have discussed how can we analyze an adventurous and fantasy Novel like “Life of Pi” from human ecological perspective. Knowledge is generated and applied in diverse spatial and temporal contexts, which has varied implication to individuals, households, communities, and human kind as a whole. The implication confines not only to human being would be equally implicate to the surrounding of biotic and abiotic elements. The human ecological knowledge of “Life of Pi” is one of such case. The early life of Mr. Pi and his social educational background had great implication on his later academic life, thinking, acting and feeling as well as for livelihood. How diversity plays a great role in our perception and creates beautify of life around us? The difference between 'knowing how' and 'knowing that' is felt by people of different socio-economic background. Knowing how is more relevant in the context of practical or empirical knowledge. Knowing that is a formal informed knowledge with little connotation of empirical understanding. Combination of both types of knowledge is important in human ecological analysis. In this article I have tried to explore complex connectivity in relation with human being, diverse animal’s world, and landscape relation from human ecological perspective which can be vividly locate in the Novel.
Auto/ethnography: A Transformative Research Paradigm
Authors: Qutoshi Sadruddin Bahadur
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to address the key question, ‘How far autoethnography contributes towards enriching the field of transformative learning?’ Using my lived experiences as a teacher educator/autoethnographer/researcher and contextualizing self/others within a particular socio-pedagogical life courses I build the basis through addressing questions: Why auto/ethnography is one of the most suitable spaces for transformative researchers and to what extent it serves the agenda of envisioning a transformative teacher education. To achieve this objective I use autobiographies, stories, reflections and poems etc. as narratives with multiple logics and genres; pictography as art-based expression; and ethnography as methodological space within multiparadigmatic design space. In so doing autoethnographer has to delve into whole process of research along a continuum of self and beyond within a particular sociocultural context to understand the phenomena at deeper level of consciousness. This transformative paradigm holds a strong basis in the process of research as: re/reading, re/viewing, critically reflecting on self/others, re/writing for meaning making and developing a subjective understanding of phenomena under exploration. This process of research is found to be an innovative way of knowing through ‘interpreting and constructing (Luitel, 2009)within Interpretivism, critically thinking and reflecting within Criticalism, and adding both ‘pluralism and playfulness’ (Taylor, 2013) within Postmodernism. In so doing it raises awareness, develops consciousness and improves capacities constantly that ultimately alters our way of seeing and being in the world differently- a paradigm shift in self/others. It is found to be highly rigorous, dialectically eloquent, dialogically rigorous, critically reflective, consciously awakening, and innovative critical discourse that greatly contributes to transform researcher/s. Therefore, it seems illustrious for teacher educators/teachers to embrace this paradigm in order to foster their transformative learning so that to transform self/others.
Predicting Iron Losses in Laminated Steel with Given Non-Sinusoidal Waveforms of Flux Density
Authors: Chen Wei , Ma Jien , Huang Xiaoyan , Fang Youtong
Published: December 2015

In electrical machines, iron losses are essential for electromagnetic and thermal designs and analyses. Although many models have been proposed to predict iron losses in magnetic materials, the calculation of iron losses under non-sinusoidal excitations is still an open field. Most works concern the influences of the value, the change rate or the frequency of flux density in the frequency domain. In this paper, we propose an engineering model for predicting loss characteristics with given waveforms of flux density in the time domain. The characteristics are collected from the knowledge of the iron loss in a laminated ring-shaped transformer. In the proposed model, we derive mathematical formulas for exciting currents in terms of flux density by describing the function methods through multi-frequency tests with sinusoidal excitations. The non-linearity of the material is interpreted by branches of conductances accounting for hysteresis and eddy-current losses. Then, iron losses are calculated based on the law of conservation of energy. An experimental system was built to evaluate the magnetic properties and iron losses under sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal excitations. Actual measurement results verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Biosorption Potential of Bacillus salmalaya Strain 139SI for Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dadrasnia Arezoo , Chuan Wei Kelvin , Shahsavari Nasser , Azirun Mohd , Ismail Salmah
Published: December 2015

The present study investigated the biosorption capacity of live and dead cells of a novel Bacillus strain for chromium. The optimum biosorption condition was evaluated in various analytical parameters, including initial concentration of chromium, pH, and contact time. The Langmuir isotherm model showed an enhanced fit to the equilibrium data. Live and dead biomasses followed the monolayer biosorption of the active surface sites. The maximum biosorption capacity was 20.35 mg/g at 25 °C, with pH 3 and contact time of 50 min. Strain 139SI was an excellent host to the hexavalent chromium. The biosorption kinetics of chromium in the dead and live cells of Bacillus salmalaya (B. salmalaya) 139SI followed the pseudo second-order mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared indicated significant influence of the dead cells on the biosorption of chromium based on cell morphological changes. Approximately 92% and 70% desorption efficiencies were achieved using dead and live cells, respectively. These findings demonstrated the high sorption capacity of dead biomasses of B. salmalaya 139SI in the biosorption process. Thermodynamic evaluation (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0) indicated that the mechanism of Cr(VI) adsorption is endothermic; that is, chemisorption. Results indicated that chromium accumulation occurred in the cell wall of B. salmalaya 139SI rather than intracellular accumulation.
Next-Generation Sequencing Workflow for NSCLC Critical Samples Using a Targeted Sequencing Approach by Ion Torrent PGM™ Platform
Authors: Vanni Irene , Coco Simona , Truini Anna , Rusmini Marta , Dal Bello Maria , Alama Angela , Banelli Barbara , Mora Marco , Rijavec Erika , Barletta Giulia , Genova Carlo , Biello Federica , Maggioni Claudia , Grossi Francesco
Published: December 2015

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a cost-effective technology capable of screening several genes simultaneously; however, its application in a clinical context requires an established workflow to acquire reliable sequencing results. Here, we report an optimized NGS workflow analyzing 22 lung cancer-related genes to sequence critical samples such as DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks and circulating free DNA (cfDNA). Snap frozen and matched FFPE gDNA from 12 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, whose gDNA fragmentation status was previously evaluated using a multiplex PCR-based quality control, were successfully sequenced with Ion Torrent PGM™. The robust bioinformatic pipeline allowed us to correctly call both Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) and indels with a detection limit of 5%, achieving 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity. This workflow was also validated in 13 FFPE NSCLC biopsies. Furthermore, a specific protocol for low input gDNA capable of producing good sequencing data with high coverage, high uniformity, and a low error rate was also optimized. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining gDNA from FFPE samples suitable for NGS by performing appropriate quality controls. The optimized workflow, capable of screening low input gDNA, highlights NGS as a potential tool in the detection, disease monitoring, and treatment of NSCLC.
Magnetic and Photo-Physical Properties of Lanthanide Dinuclear Complexes Involving the 4,5-Bis(2-Pyridyl-N-Oxidemethylthio)-4′,5′-Dicarboxylic Acid-Tetrathiafulvalene-, Dimethyl Ester Ligand
Authors: Pointillart Fabrice , Speed Saskia , Lefeuvre Bertrand , Riobé François , Golhen Stéphane , Le Guennic Boris , Cador Olivier , Maury Olivier , Ouahab Lahcène
Published: December 2015

The reaction between the 4,5-bis(2-pyridyl-N-oxidemethylthio)-4′,5′-dicarboxylic acid-tetrathiafulvalene-, dimethyl ester ligand (L) and the metallo-precursors Ln(hfac)3·2H2O leads to the formation of two dinuclear complexes of formula [Ln2(hfac)6(L)]·(CH2Cl2)·(C6H14)0.5 (LnIII = DyIII (1) and YbIII (2)). The X-ray structure reveals a quite regular square anti-prism symmetry for the coordination sphere of the lanthanide ion. UV-visible absorption properties have been experimentally measured and rationalized by TD-DFT calculations. The functionalization of the tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) core by two methyl ester moieties induces the appearance of an additional absorption band in the lowest-energy region of the spectrum. The latter has been identified as a HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital)→LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) Intra-Ligand Charge Transfer (ILCT) transition in which the HOMO and LUMO are centred on the TTF and methyl ester groups, respectively. Irradiation at 22,222 cm−1 of this ILCT band induces an efficient sensitization of the YbIII-centred emission that can be correlated to the magnetic properties.
Briarenolides U–Y, New Anti-Inflammatory Briarane Diterpenoids from an Octocoral Briareum sp. (Briareidae)
Authors: Su Yin-Di , Wu Tung-Ying , Wen Zhi-Hong , Su Ching-Chyuan , Chen Yu-Hsin , Chang Yu-Chia , Wu Yang-Chang , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: December 2015

Five new 13,14-epoxybriarane diterpenoids, briarenolides U–Y (1–5), were isolated from the octocoral Briareum sp. The structures of briaranes 1–5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Briarenolides U–Y (1–5) were found to significantly inhibit the expression of the pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
Influence of Temperature on Growth and Production of Pectenotoxin-2 by a Monoclonal Culture of Dinophysis caudata
Authors: Basti Leila , Uchida Hajime , Matsushima Ryoji , Watanabe Ryuichi , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Yamatogi Toshifumi , Nagai Satoshi
Published: December 2015

The effects of temperature on growth and production of Lipophilic Toxins (LT) by a monoclonal culture of Dinophysis caudata was studied. The cell density of D. caudata increased significantly with increasing temperature, and was the highest under 27, 30, and 32.5 °C. Temperature affected the average specific growth rate (µ) during the exponential growth phase (EG), which increased from 15 °C to 30 °C, and then decreased at 32.5 °C. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed that this strain of D. caudata produced only pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) whose concentration increased significantly with incubation period, except at 32.5 °C. It was significantly different between temperatures ≤18 °C, ≥21 °C, and 32.5 °C. The cellular toxin production (CTP, pg·cell−1·day−1) showed variation with growth phase and temperature, except at 32.5 °C. The average net toxin production (Rtox) was not affected by temperature. During EG, the average specific toxin production rate (µtox) increased significantly with increase in temperature, reaching a peak of 0.66 ± 0.01 day−1 at 30 °C, and then decreased. Over the entire growth span, µtox was significantly correlated to µ, and this correlation was most significant at 27 and 30 °C. During EG, µtox was affected by both temperature and growth. This study shows that temperature affects growth and toxin production of this strain of D. caudata during EG. In addition, a positive correlation was found between toxin production and growth.
Major and Trace Element Geochemistry of Coals and Intra-Seam Claystones from the Songzao Coalfield, SW China
Authors: Zhao Lei , Ward Colin , French David , Graham Ian
Published: December 2015

Silicic, mafic and alkali intra-seam tonsteins have been known from SW China for a number of years. This paper reports on the geochemical compositions of coals and tonsteins from three seam sections of the Songzao Coalfield, SW China, and evaluates the geological factors responsible for the chemical characteristics of the coal seams, with emphasis on the influence from different types of volcanic ashes. The roof and floor samples of the Songzao coal seams mostly have high TiO2 contents, consistent with a high TiO2 content in the detrital sediment input from the source region, namely mafic basalts from the Kangdian Upland on the western margin of the coal basin. The coals from the Songzao Coalfield generally have high ash yields and are highly enriched in trace elements including Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, rare earth elements (REE), Y, Hg and Se; some variation occurs among different seam sections due to input of geochemically different volcanic ash materials. The geochemistry of the Songzao coals has also been affected by the adjacent tonstein/K-bentonite bands. The relatively immobile elements that are enriched in the altered volcanic ashes also tend to be enriched in the adjacent coal plies, possibly due to leaching by groundwaters. The coals near the alkali tonstein bands in the Tonghua and Yuyang sections of the Songzao Coalfield are mostly high in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Th, U, REE and Y. Coal samples overlying the mafic K-bentonite in the Tonghua section are high in V, Cr, Zn and Cu. The Datong coal, which has neither visible tonstein layers nor obvious volcanogenic minerals, has high TiO2, V, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn concentrations in the intervals between the coal plies affected by mafic and alkaline volcanic ashes. This is consistent with the suggestion that a common source material was supplied to the coal basin, derived from the erosion of mafic basaltic rocks of the Kangdian Upland. Although the Songzao coal is generally a high-sulfur coal, most of the chalcophile trace elements show either poor or negative correlations with total iron sulfide contents. The absence of traditional pyrite-metal associations may reflect wide variations in the concentrations of these elements in individual pyrite/marcasite components, or simply poor retention of these elements in the pyrite/marcasite of the relevant coals.