bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Fruits on Public Health
Authors: Asaduzzaman M , Islam MA , Islam MM
Published: April 2013

An investigation was carried out on the role of fruits on public health. Amount of nutrition value on different fruits of Bangladesh also examined. Fruits are not only good source of vitamins and minerals but also highly nutritive with anti carcinogenic value. The role of sufficient intake of fruits can prevent many life threatening diseases of human beings like diabetics, blood pressure, heart diseases and cancer. Altogether 39 fruits, the highest water portion 96.6 g was found in black berry and Jamun, and the lowest 4.3 g were found in coconut. The highest total minerals 1.7g was measured in date palm and the lowest 0.1 g was found in orange, black berry and Jamun. The maximum fiber 6.6 mg was found in coconut and the lowest 0.2 g was found in jackfruit and water melon. The highest Calorie 662 Kcal was found in coconut and the lowest 11 Kcal was measured in black berry and Jamun. The highest protein 3.5 g was found in elephants foot apple and the lowest 0.2 g was found in water melon. The highest fat 62.3 g was found in coconut and the lowest 0.1 g was found in jackfruit, ber, elephants foot apple, orange, Bullocks heart/Custard apple, Hogplum, Olive, Aonla, River ebony and Water chestnut. The highest Carbohydrate 33.8 g was found in date palm and the lowest 1.4 g was found in black berry and Jamun. The highest 90 mg was found in Lime and the lowest 0.01g was found in River ebony. The highest amount of Fe 7.9 mg was found in water melon and the lowest 0.2 mg was found in Pummelo. The highest amount of Carotene 8300 ?g was found in mango and the lowest 0 ?g was found in litchi, ber, elephants foot apple, orange, lemon, Bullocks heart/Custard apple, coconut, banana, Aonla and water chestnut. The highest amount of vitamin B-1 0.8 mg was found in elephants foot apple and the lowest 0.01 mg was found in Wax apple, tamarind and Rose apple. The highest amount of vitamin B-2 0.19 mg was found in Burmese grape and the lowest B-2 0.01 mg was found in orange, coconut and olive. The highest amount of vitamin C 463 mg was found in Aonla and Stargareberry, and the lowest 1 mg was found in coconut and water melon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14633 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 111-118, June-December 2010
Morphological Characterization of Isolates of Phomopsis vexans of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MM , Asaduzzaman M , Hoque ME , Meah MB
Published: April 2013

Forty four isolates of Phomopsis vexans from different eggplant cultivars collected from core eggplant growing regions of Bangladesh which were characterized using mycological characteristics. Variation exists among the isolates of Phomopsis vexans of Bangladesh covering two types of farm having two ecosystems and the isolates were grouped into five distinct groups based on their cultural properties. The highest sized ? conidia were observed in group -1 and the lowest size in-group -2. The highest sized ? conidia were recorded in group -5 and the lowest in-group 2. The highest pycnidial size noted in-group -3 and the smallest sized pycnidia were recorded in group 1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14635 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 123-130, June-December 2010
Effect of Trichoderma on Seed Germination and Seedling Parameters of Chili
Authors: Asaduzzaman M , Alam MJ , Islam MM
Published: April 2013

T. virens IMI-392430, T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431, T. harzianum IMI-392432, T. harzianum IMI-392433 and T. harzianum IMI-392434 were evaluated for their potentiality on seed germination and seedling parameters in chili both laboratory and field conditions. Chili seeds were coated with spore suspension of each test strains of Thichoderma supplemented with 2 % of starch (w/v) as an adhesive. Seed germination percentages and the vigour index were significantly affected by the application of different strains of Trichoderma. Among the five Trichoderma strains, T. harzianum IMI-3924332 gave the highest germination percentage followed by T. harzianum IMI-3924333, T. harzianum IMI-3924334, T. virens IMI-392430 and T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431 treatment both in laboratory and field conditions, respectively while control decrease these value. Chili seeds also gave the highest vigour index values with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 which confirmed to better germination. Seed treatment with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 can be useful to enhance the germination of chili seeds as well as reduce to delayed germination. Further investigations however are required to study in vivo effect of Trichoderma strains on morphological and physiological characteristics in chili plant and fruit production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14637 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 141-150, June-December 2010
The Complementary Roles of Information and Communication Technology in Bangladesh Agriculture
Authors: Kashem MA , Faroque MAA , Ahmed GMF , Bilkas SE
Published: April 2013

Agriculture is the important sector and key contributors to the national GDP of Bangladesh. Around 20.60% of the total GDP of the country comes from the agricultural sector. But, most of the farmers of Bangladesh are still in lack of modern agricultural knowledge. Farmers need to access ICT and take information of agriculture and others which put them in better position in economic activities. So, it is very important to provide the farmers with the modern ICT facilities as soon as possible. This paper also provides a present status of ICT in agriculture for the potential users (policy makers, researchers, teachers and students, and other activists) of agricultural information to work cooperatively. In this paper gives a concept of database that may be applied to provide agricultural information in the effective way in digitally divided geographical areas using Location Based Services. Proposed system will assist the govt. to provide services & accessibility of proper digital contents not only the farmers but also the researchers and other people who are interested in this sector. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14639 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 161-169, June-December 2010
Study on Morphological Characteristics of Different Genotypes of Gladiolus Flower
Authors: Hossain MD , Talukder KH , Asaduzzaman M , Mahmud F , Amin N , Sayed MA
Published: April 2013

The experiment was carried out during the period from November2008 to October, 2009 to compare the morphology of five gladiolus flowers genotypes with respect to plant height, length and breadth of leaf, number of leaves per plant, length of flowers, breadth of flower, weight of flower, weight of single stick, length of spike, length of rachis, flowers per plant, days to reach 50% spike initiation, number of corm and cormel per plant, breadth of corm and weight of cormel per plant. The results indicated the significant variation amongst the gladiolus genotypes with respect to studied morphological characteristics as well as with yield, yield attributes and plant height. The plant height was higher (58.6cm) and lower (46.52cm) in yellow and orange /red respectively due to genotype. The lengths of leaves were almost same but higher with yellow and violet (42.25/42.05 cm) than the white and orange ones where the smallest length was recorded for red (33.36cm) one. Almost same trends were recorded for breadth of leaves with the exception of few. The average number of leaves was highest for white (12.25) followed by red, violet, orange and yellow respectively. Most of the parameters of flower characteristics did not maintain regular trend and correlation when considered in terms of sequences starting from white to red as shown in the table 1, 2 and 3. The recorded results clearly indicate that the white genotype has the best planting materials which may be planted for luxuriant growth of plants and production of excellent flowers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14642 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 1-8, June-December 2011
Effect of Weeding Regime on the Weed Infestation and Crop Performance of Transplant Aman Rice
Authors: Hoque SMA , Hossain MD , Talukder KH , Asaduzzaman M , Sayed MA , Hoque MN
Published: April 2013

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenshingh to study the effect of weeding regime on the weed infestation and crop performance on transplant aman rice. The treatments included 10 weeding regime - i) no weeding, ii) one hand weeding at 21 DAT, iii) two hand weeding at 21 and 42 DAT, iv) three hand weeding at 21, 42 and 63 DAT, v) Ronstar 25 EC @ 2.0 1ha-1 at pre-emergence, vi) 2, 4-D amine @ 1.84 1ha-1 at 42 DAT, vii) Ronstar 25 EC @ 2.0 1ha-1 at Pre-emergence + 2, 4-D amine @ 1.84 1ha-1 at 42 DAT, viii) Ronstar 25 EC @ 2.0 1ha-1 at Pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 42 DAT, ix) one hand weeding at 21 DAT + 2. 4-D amine @ 1.84 1ha-1 at 42 DAT and X) weed free. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Weeding regime had significant effect on weed density and dry weight. Weed density and dry weight were significantly highest in the crop not weeded at all and lowest in Ronstar 25 EC @ 2.0 l ha -1 + one hand weeding . Plant height, total number of tillers hill-1, number of ear bearing tillers hill-1 , number of non ear bearing tillers hill-1 , number of grains panicle -1 ,number of sterile spike lets panicle -1, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index were significantly affected by weeding regime. Ronstar 25 EC @ 2.0 1ha-1 + one hand weeding controlled the weeds to the greatest extent and produced the yield and yield attributes similar to those in weed free treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14645 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 27-41, June-December 2011
Earthquake and Dhaka City - An Approach to Manage the Impact
Authors: Rahman MM , Paul SK , Biswas K
Published: April 2013

Dhaka city, the soul of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the earthquake disaster due to high density of population, unplanned infrastructure and close proximity with India and Myanmars active seismic area, poor economic condition, poor emergency preparation and recovery capability. A major earthquake might kill about 88,000 people and demolish 72,000 buildings and damage 86,000 others and economic loss due to damage of structures will be from US $ 650 million to US $ 1,075 million in the capital Dhaka [9]. The government organizations and strategies and community based organizations is important for the management of devastating impact of earthquake in Dhaka city. By introducing proper policy and planning for disaster management, community awareness build up and training, proper implementation of national building code, well coordination among government organizations and infrastructures and nongovernment organizations, enrichment of well equipped rescue team can limit the impact in a manageable boundary. The policy issues regarding disaster like earthquake could be handled mostly at the national level but planning and implementation issues are to be handled at the local community level. The earthquake hazards can never be resisted but the severe damages of earthquake disaster in Dhaka city can be reduced by increasing capacity as it reduces the risk and vulnerability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14649 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 65-75, June-December 2011
Comparison of Serum Total Protein and Serum Albumin after Infusion of Amino Acid of the 15%-30% Burn Patients
Authors: Kamrun N , Un-Naher Zeba , Ali M , Bashar T , Arslan MI
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study to find out the ratio of raise of serum total protein and serum albumin during amino acid supplementation in burn patients. This interventional study cross sectional study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during January 2008 to December 2008. A total of 40 acute burn injury (within 24 hours of burn) patients of 20-45 years age with 15%-30% burn were selected for this study as case. The study subjects were divided into two groups: Group I represent superficial burn & Group II represents deep burn. In group-I, serum albumin was decreased by 19.24% after infusion and in group-II, that was decreased by 22.45% (p<0.05). Serum total protein significantly increased after infusion of amino acid but serum albumin significantly decreased after infusion of amino acid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14653 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 109-113, June-December 2011
Ecology of Cyprinus carpio var. specularis (Physico-Chemical Conditions of the Habitat)
Authors: Manon MR , Hossain MD
Published: April 2013

The study was carried out from November 2010 to August 2011. The study was conducted on the Atrai river, a flood plain and a culturable pond of Naogaon district for the find out of ecology of Cyprinus carpio var. specularis. The mean values of air temperature of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 28.17. The mean values of water temperature of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 26.39, 26.61 and 25.81°C, respectively. The mean values of water transparency of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 57.25, 47.20 and 41.32cm, respectively. The mean values of rainfall of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 121.19. The mean values of pH of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 8.03, 7.91 and 7.73, respectively. The mean values of DO of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 5.99, 6.43 and 5.93 mg/l, respectively. The mean values of CO2 of Atrai river, flood plain and pond was 6.87, 6.87 and 6.77 mg/l, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14656 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 133-139, June-December 2011
Implementation of Water Safety Plans in Bangladesh: Situation and Need Analysis
Authors: Rahman MM , Paul CK
Published: April 2013

Water safety plans (WSPs) is a comprehensive health-based risk assessment and risk management approach to optimizing drinking-water safely from catchments to consumer. The focus of this research is the development and implementation of water safety plans (WSPs) to be used by the water supplier. The study was conducted at 13 districts and 18 upazills (rural and urban) among the whole Bangladesh. The data were collected during March to May, 2008 to conduct the study. In the study, primary data were collected directly from the respondents while secondary data were collected from different records available at different office, internet and journals. It was found that deep tube well and shallow tube well water was used for drinking purposes by 31.43% and 24.29% respondents respectively where as minority of the respondents used other sources. Perception about the safe drinking water for the respondents was found mostly 63% among all the respondents followed by moderately safe 21%. About 54.29% respondents were found to be fully satisfied about their drinking water followed by moderately satisfied 30%. Among all the beneficiaries 82.86% beneficiaries have been indicated communication materials like booklet, leaflet, poster, manuals, etc was available. This investigation found that 83.33% rain water harvesting plant and 66.67% deep tube well water source were in high risk category. The chances of contamination were high in the period of covering the water vessels during storage of water 64.71%. About 88.10% respondents among all the official respondents received the water safety plans training. About 66.67% officials have been responded that no sanitary inspection was done. Most of the respondents (78.57% beneficiaries and 76.19% organizational personnel) had high perception about the selected benefits of water safety plans. Among all the officials and beneficiaries i.e. 66.67% organizational personnel and 75.71% beneficiaries had high perception in selected limitations to implement the water safety plans. Finally 95.24% organizational personnel and 81.43% beneficiaries had high perception about the selected necessities to successful implementation of water safety plans in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14657 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 141-161, June-December 2011
Food and Feeding Habit of Cyprinus carpio var. specularis
Authors: Manon MR , Hossain MD
Published: April 2013

The study was carried out from November 2010 to August 2011. A total of 137 specimens of Cyprinus carpio var. specularis were collected from Naogaon municipal fish market, Shabi hat fish market, Niamatpur fish market and directly from the culture pond of Naogaon district The month-wise collection and experiments were made to show the seasonal variation in food choice, and feeding habit of the fish. The highest percentage of empty stomach was in the month of April 2011 (56.67%) and the lowest percentage of empty stomach was in the month of August 2011 (26.32%). The highest percentage of full stomachs was found in the month of August 2011 (73.68%) and the lowest percentage of full stomachs was found in April 2011 (43.33%). The analysis of stomach contents of C. carpio var. specularis revealed that the food of the fish consists of aquatic plant parts (20.12%), phytoplankton (16.46%), zooplankton (19.69%), debris and detritus (22.00%), insects (6.78%) and semi-digested materials (14.83%). The highest percentage (33.26%) of aquatic plant parts were observed in June 2011 and the lowest percentage (8.80%) in December 2010. The average total length was 37.83±6.96 cm and the average alimentary canal length was 100.63±7.89 cm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14658 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 163-169, June-December 2011
Biochar Impacts on Soil Physical Properties and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Mukherjee Atanu , Lal Rattan
Published: April 2013

Biochar, a co-product of a controlled pyrolysis process, can be used as a tool for sequestering C in soil to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and as a soil amendment. Whereas the impacts of biochar application on soil chemical properties are widely known, the research information on soil physical properties is scarce. The objectives of this review are to (i) synthesize available data on soil physical properties and GHG emissions, (ii) offer possible mechanisms related to the biochar-amended soil processes, and (iii) identify researchable priorities. Application rates of 1%–2% (w/w) of biochar can significantly improve soil physical quality in terms of bulk density (BD), and water holding capacity (WHC). However, little data are available on surface area (SA), aggregation stability, and penetration resistance (PR) of biochar-amended soil. While biochar amendment can initially accentuate the flux of carbon dioxide (CO2), the emission of GHGs may be suppressed over time. A 2-phase complexation hypothesis is proposed regarding the mechanisms of the interaction between soil and biochar.
Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and Broadleaf Weed Control in Winter Wheat with Acetolactate Synthase-Inhibiting Herbicides
Authors: Reddy Seshadri , Stahlman Phillip , Geier Patrick
Published: April 2013

A study was conducted for three seasons in northwest Kansas, USA to evaluate acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides for downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and winter annual broadleaf weed control in winter wheat. Herbicides included pyroxsulam at 18.4 g ai ha−1, propoxycarbazone-Na at 44 g ai ha−1, premixed propoxycarbazone-Na & mesosulfuron-methyl at 27 g ai ha−1, and sulfosulfuron at 35 g ai ha−1. The herbicides were applied postemergence in fall and spring seasons. Averaged over time of application, no herbicide controlled downy brome more than 78% in any year. When downy brome densities were high, control was less than 60%. Pyroxsulam controlled downy brome greater than or similar to other herbicides tested. Flixweed (Descurainia sophia L.), blue mustard [Chorispora tenella (Pallas) DC.], and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.) control did not differ among herbicide treatments. All herbicides tested controlled flixweed and blue mustard at least 87% and 94%, respectively. However, none of the herbicides controlled henbit more than 73%. Fall herbicide applications improved weed control compared to early spring applications; improvement ranged from 3% to 31% depending on the weed species. Henbit control was greatly decreased by delaying herbicide applications until spring compared to fall applications (49% vs. 80% control). Herbicide injury was observed in only two instances. The injury was ≤13% with no difference between herbicides and the injury did not impact final plant height or grain yield.
Phenotypic Resistance to Antibiotics
Authors: Corona Fernando , Martinez Jose
Published: April 2013

The development of antibiotic resistance is usually associated with genetic changes, either to the acquisition of resistance genes, or to mutations in elements relevant for the activity of the antibiotic. However, in some situations resistance can be achieved without any genetic alteration; this is called phenotypic resistance. Non-inherited resistance is associated to specific processes such as growth in biofilms, a stationary growth phase or persistence. These situations might occur during infection but they are not usually considered in classical susceptibility tests at the clinical microbiology laboratories. Recent work has also shown that the susceptibility to antibiotics is highly dependent on the bacterial metabolism and that global metabolic regulators can modulate this phenotype. This modulation includes situations in which bacteria can be more resistant or more susceptible to antibiotics. Understanding these processes will thus help in establishing novel therapeutic approaches based on the actual susceptibility shown by bacteria during infection, which might differ from that determined in the laboratory. In this review, we discuss different examples of phenotypic resistance and the mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between bacterial metabolism and the susceptibility to antibiotics. Finally, information on strategies currently under development for diminishing the phenotypic resistance to antibiotics of bacterial pathogens is presented.
Embroidered Coils for Magnetic Resonance Sensors
Authors: Morris Robert , McHale Glen , Dias Tilak , Newton Michael
Published: April 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging is a widely used technique for medical and materials imaging. Even though the objects being imaged are often irregularly shaped, suitable coils permitting the measurement of the radio-frequency signal in these systems are usually made of solid copper. One problem often encountered is how to ensure the coils are both in close proximity and conformal to the object being imaged. Whilst embroidered conductive threads have previously been used as antennae in mobile telecommunications applications, they have not previously been reported for use within magnetic resonance. In this paper we show that an embroidered single loop coil can be used in a commercial unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance system as an alternative to a solid copper. Data is presented showing the determination of both longitudinal (T1) and effective transverse (T2eff) relaxation times for a flat fabric coil and the same coil conformed to an 8 cm diameter cylinder. We thereby demonstrate the principles required for the wider use of fabric based conformal coils within nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging.
Single Switched Capacitor Battery Balancing System Enhancements
Authors: Daowd Mohamed , Antoine Mailier , Omar Noshin , Van den Bossche Peter , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: April 2013

Battery management systems (BMS) are a key element in electric vehicle energy storage systems. The BMS performs several functions concerning to the battery system, its key task being balancing the battery cells. Battery cell unbalancing hampers electric vehicles’ performance, with differing individual cell voltages decreasing the battery pack capacity and cell lifetime, leading to the eventual failure of the total battery system. Quite a lot of cell balancing topologies have been proposed, such as shunt resistor, shuttling capacitor, inductor/transformer based and DC energy converters. The shuttling capacitor balancing systems in particular have not been subject to much research efforts however, due to their perceived low balancing speed and high cost. This paper tries to fill this gap by briefly discussing the shuttling capacitor cell balancing topologies, focusing on the single switched capacitor (SSC) cell balancing and proposing a novel procedure to improve the SSC balancing system performance. This leads to a new control strategy for the SSC system that can decrease the balancing system size, cost, balancing time and that can improve the SSC balancing system efficiency.
Economic Modeling of Compressed Air Energy Storage
Authors: Gu Yang , McCalley James , Ni Ming , Bo Rui
Published: April 2013

Due to the variable nature of wind resources, the increasing penetration level of wind power will have a significant impact on the operation and planning of the electric power system. Energy storage systems are considered an effective way to compensate for the variability of wind generation. This paper presents a detailed production cost simulation model to evaluate the economic value of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in systems with large-scale wind power generation. The co-optimization of energy and ancillary services markets is implemented in order to analyze the impacts of CAES, not only on energy supply, but also on system operating reserves. Both hourly and 5-minute simulations are considered to capture the economic performance of CAES in the day-ahead (DA) and real-time (RT) markets. The generalized network flow formulation is used to model the characteristics of CAES in detail. The proposed model is applied on a modified IEEE 24-bus reliability test system. The numerical example shows that besides the economic benefits gained through energy arbitrage in the DA market, CAES can also generate significant profits by providing reserves, compensating for wind forecast errors and intra-hour fluctuation, and participating in the RT market.
Bacterial Contamination on Household Toys and Association with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions in Honduras
Authors: Stauber Christine , Walters Adam , De Aceituno Anna , Sobsey Mark
Published: April 2013

There is growing evidence that household water treatment interventions improve microbiological water quality and reduce diarrheal disease risk. Few studies have examined, however, the impact of water treatment interventions on household-level hygiene and sanitation. This study examined the association of four water and sanitation conditions (access to latrines, improved sanitation, improved water and the plastic biosand filter) on the levels of total coliforms and E. coli on existing and introduced toys during an on-going randomized controlled trial of the plastic biosand filter (plastic BSF). The following conditions were associated with decreased bacterial contamination on children’s toys: access to a latrine, access to improved sanitation and access to the plastic BSF. Overall, compared to existing toys, introduced toys had significantly lower levels of both E. coli and total coliforms. Results suggest that levels of fecal indicator bacteria contamination on children’s toys may be associated with access to improved water and sanitation conditions in the home. In addition, the fecal indicator bacteria levels on toys probably vary with duration in the household. Additional information on how these toys become contaminated is needed to determine the usefulness of toys as indicators or sentinels of water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, behaviors and risks.
MiR-590-5P Inhibits Growth of HepG2 Cells via Decrease of S100A10 Expression and Inhibition of the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Shan Xiangxiang , Miao Yufeng , Fan Rengen , Qian Haixin , Chen Ping , Liu Hongqi , Yan Xiaomei , Li Jianping , Zhou Fen
Published: April 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide, especially in developing countries. In the present study, we found that the expression of a microRNA, miR-590-5P, was down-regulated and S100A10 was up-regulated in six hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. The reporter gene assay showed that overexpression of miR-590-5P effectively reduced the activity of luciferase expressed by a vector bearing the 3' untranslated region of S100A10 mRNA. Ectopic miR-590-5P overexpression mediated by lentiviral infection decreased expression of S100A10. Infection of Lv-miR-590-5P inhibited cell growth and induced cell cycle G1 arrest in HepG2 cells. In addition, miR-590-5P expression suppressed the expression of Wnt5a, cMyc and cyclin D1, and increased the phosphorylation of β-catenin and expression of Caspase 3, which may contribute to the inhibitory effect of miR-590-5P on cell growth. Taken together, our data suggest that down-regulation of miR-590-5P is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma and the restoration of miR-590-5P can impair the growth of cancer cells, suggesting that miR-590-5P may be a potential target molecule for the therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Triacylglyceride, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Features of Virgin Camellia oleifera, C. reticulata and C. sasanqua Oils
Authors: Feás Xesús , Estevinho Leticia , Salinero Carmen , Vela Pilar , Sainz María , Vázquez-Tato María , Seijas Julio
Published: April 2013

Virgin oils obtained from seeds of Camellia oleifera (CO), Camellia reticulata (CR) and Camellia sasanqua (CS) were studied for their triacylglyceride composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Levels of fatty acids determined by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis were similar to those reported for olive oils (82.30%–84.47%; 5.69%–7.78%; 0.26%–0.41% and 8.04%–11.2%, for oleic, linoleic, linolenic and saturated acids, respectively). The CR oil showed the best antioxidant potential in the three in vitro models tested. With regard to EC50 values (µg/mL), the order in DPPH radical-scavenging was CR (33.48) < CO (35.20) < CS (54.87). Effectiveness in reducing power was CR (2.81) < CO (3.09) < CS (5.32). IC50 for LPO inhibition were 0.37, 0.52 and 0.75 µg/mL for CR, CO and CS, respectively. All the oils showed antimicrobial activity, and exhibited different selectivity and MICs for each microorganism tested (E. coli, B. cereus and C. albicans). B. cereus was the less sensitive species (MIC: 52.083 ± 18.042 for CO; 41.667 ± 18.042 for CR; 104.167 ± 36.084 for CS mg/mL) and the E. coli was the most sensitive to camellia oil’s effect. The standard gentamicin presented higher MIC for E. coli (4.2) than the CR (MIC= 2.6) and CO (MIC = 3.9) oils.
Chemical Composition, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Cassia bakeriana Craib. against Aerobic and Anaerobic Oral Pathogens
Authors: Cunha Luís , De Morais Sérgio , Martins Carlos , Martins Mário , Chang Roberto , De Aquino Francisco , De Oliveira Alberto , Moraes Thaís , Machado Fabrício , Da Silva Cláudio , Do Nascimento Evandro
Published: April 2013

The chemical composition of the essential oils from leaves, bark and wood of Cassia bakeriana Craib. was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Alcohols, aldehydes and fatty acids were the major components in leaf and bark oil, while wood essential oil was rich in fatty acids. Terpenes such as linalool, (E)-nerolidol and phytol were present in low concentrations. The antimicrobial activity against aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria was evaluated using the microdilution method, as was the cell viability test carried out with Vero cells. The oils from leaves and bark showed high antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations between 62.5 and 125 µg·mL−1 for most of the tested bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, the main etiological agent of dental caries. Leaves oil displayed the lowest cytotoxic effect (EC50 of 153 µg·mL−1), while wood oil exhibited the highest toxicity to Vero cells. C. bakeriana oils are thus a source of biologically active compounds against aerobic and anaerobic oral microorganisms. This study is the first report on the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of C. bakeriana.
Undernutrition in Patients with COPD and Its Treatment
Authors: Itoh Masayuki , Tsuji Takao , Nemoto Kenji , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Aoshiba Kazutetsu
Published: April 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lung and whole body caused mainly by tobacco smoking. Patients with advanced COPD are in a state of undernutrition, referred to as pulmonary cachexia; the exercise performance and quality of life (QOL) of these patients are deteriorated, the vital prognosis is unfavorable, and the medico-economic burden posed by poorly nourished COPD patients is high. The mainstays of COPD treatment are pharmacotherapy, mainly with bronchodilators, and non-pharmacotherapeutic approaches such as respiratory rehabilitation and nutrition counseling. Nutritional supplement therapy, consisting primarily of high calorie intake, has been demonstrated to be effective for maintaining and improving the muscle strength and exercise tolerance in poorly nourished COPD patients. The efficacy of intake of various nutrients, besides a high calorie intake, for amelioration of the disease state of COPD has also been reported. The roles of adipokines in the pathophysiology of COPD have begun to receive attention recently, and not only their regulatory effects on appetite and nutritional status, but also their influence on systemic inflammation have been increasingly clarified. We review the papers on COPD and nutrition and discuss the role of nutritional supplement therapy in the treatment of COPD.
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu — The Master Who Revealed Dzogchen to the Western World
Authors: Roberti di Sarsina Paolo , Colitto Alfredo , Risolo Fabio
Published: April 2013

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is one of the last great masters of Dzogchen to have been born and fully educated in Tibet, before the Chinese takeover. He was soon recognized as a great reincarnated lama. This short biography is divided in two parts: the first retraces his steps from his birth in the Tibetan region of Kham until his flight from Tibet to Sikkim, reporting also teachings and initiations he received from his Masters. The second part starts when he arrived in Italy in 1960, invited by Professor Giuseppe Tucci, the greatest Italian Orientalist of his time, to work at the IsMeO, now the Italian Institute for Africa and the Orient (IsIAO). In the 70s Chögyal Namkhai Norbu began to teach Dzogchen to his first students. Interest soon became widespread and having received invitations from all continents, he began to travel and teach throughout the world, founding the worldwide Dzogchen Community, whose main objective is to preserve and develop an understanding of Dzogchen, as well as preserving Tibet's extraordinary cultural patrimony.
Caffeine as a Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitor
Authors: Norizan Siti , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: April 2013

Quorum sensing enables bacteria to control the gene expression in response to the cell density. It regulates a variety of bacterial physiological functions such as biofilm formation, bioluminescence, virulence factors and swarming which has been shown contribute to bacterial pathogenesis. The use of quorum sensing inhibitor would be of particular interest in treating bacterial pathogenicity and infections. In this work, we have tested caffeine as quorum sensing inhibitor by using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as a biosensor. We verified that caffeine did not degrade the N-acyl homoserine lactones tested. In this work, it is shown that caffeine could inhibit N-acyl homoserine lactone production and swarming of a human opportunistic pathogen, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation providing evidence on the presence of anti-quorum sensing activity in caffeine. Our work will allow caffeine to be explored as anti-infective drugs.
Targeting agr- and agr-Like Quorum Sensing Systems for Development of Common Therapeutics to Treat Multiple Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections
Authors: Gray Brian , Hall Pamela , Gresham Hattie
Published: April 2013

Invasive infection by the Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is controlled by a four gene operon, agr that encodes a quorum sensing system for the regulation of virulence. While agr has been well studied in S. aureus, the contribution of agr homologues and analogues in other Gram-positive pathogens is just beginning to be understood. Intriguingly, other significant human pathogens, including Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis contain agr or analogues linked to virulence. Moreover, other significant human Gram-positive pathogens use peptide based quorum sensing systems to establish or maintain infection. The potential for commonality in aspects of these signaling systems across different species raises the prospect of identifying therapeutics that could target multiple pathogens. Here, we review the status of research into these agr homologues, analogues, and other peptide based quorum sensing systems in Gram-positive pathogens as well as the potential for identifying common pathways and signaling mechanisms for therapeutic discovery.
Experimental Investigation on Adaptive Robust Controller Designs Applied to Constrained Manipulators
Authors: Nogueira Samuel , Pazelli Tatiana , Siqueira Adriano , Terra Marco
Published: April 2013

In this paper, two interlaced studies are presented. The first is directed to the design and construction of a dynamic 3D force/moment sensor. The device is applied to provide a feedback signal of forces and moments exerted by the robotic end-effector. This development has become an alternative solution to the existing multi-axis load cell based on static force and moment sensors. The second one shows an experimental investigation on the performance of four different adaptive nonlinear H∞ control methods applied to a constrained manipulator subject to uncertainties in the model and external disturbances. Coordinated position and force control is evaluated. Adaptive procedures are based on neural networks and fuzzy systems applied in two different modeling strategies. The first modeling strategy requires a well-known nominal model for the robot, so that the intelligent systems are applied only to estimate the effects of uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. The second strategy considers that the robot model is completely unknown and, therefore, intelligent systems are used to estimate these dynamics. A comparative study is conducted based on experimental implementations performed with an actual planar manipulator and with the dynamic force sensor developed for this purpose.
An Ink-Jet Printed Eddy Current Position Sensor
Authors: Jeranče Nikola , Bednar Nikola , Stojanović Goran
Published: April 2013

An eddy current sensor with an ink-jet printed flexible inductor has been designed and fabricated. The inductor has been designed by means of software developed in-house. It has been fabricated by ink-jet printing with silver ink on a flexible substrate. The inductor is a part of the oscillator circuit whose oscillating frequency is measured by a microcontroller. The sensor characteristics have been analyzed for two types of application. The first considered application is the displacement of a large conductive target in a direction perpendicular to the inductor plane. The second considered application is the displacement of a small steel ball parallel to the inductor plane. Inductance and oscillating frequency have been measured in order to completely characterize the sensor. The obtained results validate the use of the sensor for both considered applications, and are in good agreement with the simulations. The advantages of this type of sensor are low cost, the possibility for the inductor to match any curved surface and flexibility and precision of the inductor design.
Spreading the Eco-Message: Using Proactive Coping to Aid Eco-Rep Behavior Change Programming
Authors: Bloodhart Brittany , Swim Janet , Zawadzki Matthew
Published: April 2013

Making pro-environmental behavior changes can be difficult, particularly when these changes challenge daily routines and comfortable lifestyles. We designed and implemented an eco-representative intervention program to help students reduce their energy use by proactively coping with barriers to pro-environmental behavior change, and then communicate effective behavior change strategies to student peers. Twenty-nine first-year college students participated in a four-week proactive coping training to change five environmentally impactful behaviors and then spread behavior change messages to fellow residents during a two-week energy challenge. Eco-reps successfully changed their own behaviors in a pro-environmental direction by generating important barriers and successful facilitators for behavior change, and eco-rep residence halls were more likely to reduce energy and maintain reductions compared to non-eco-rep halls. Implications for future environmental behavior change interventions are discussed.
Oxidative Stress-Related Transcription Factors in the Regulation of Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Hong Sung-Yong , Roze Ludmila , Linz John
Published: April 2013

There is extensive and unequivocal evidence that secondary metabolism in filamentous fungi and plants is associated with oxidative stress. In support of this idea, transcription factors related to oxidative stress response in yeast, plants, and fungi have been shown to participate in controlling secondary metabolism. Aflatoxin biosynthesis, one model of secondary metabolism, has been demonstrated to be triggered and intensified by reactive oxygen species buildup. An oxidative stress-related bZIP transcription factor AtfB is a key player in coordinate expression of antioxidant genes and genes involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. Recent findings from our laboratory provide strong support for a regulatory network comprised of at least four transcription factors that bind in a highly coordinated and timely manner to promoters of the target genes and regulate their expression. In this review, we will focus on transcription factors involved in co-regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis with oxidative stress response in aspergilli, and we will discuss the relationship of known oxidative stress-associated transcription factors and secondary metabolism in other organisms. We will also talk about transcription factors that are involved in oxidative stress response, but have not yet been demonstrated to be affiliated with secondary metabolism. The data support the notion that secondary metabolism provides a secondary line of defense in cellular response to oxidative stress.
The use of Network Analysis to Assess Relationships Among Stakeholders Within a Tourism Destination: An Empirical Investigation on Costa Smeralda-gallura, Italy
Authors: Del Chiappa Giacomo , Presenza Angelo
Published: April 2013

Previous destination marketing and management literature has focused on the importance of establishing effective relationships between the various tourism organizations (both private and public) involved in a tourism offer, in order to improve the competitiveness of a destination. However, very few works examine tourism destinations from a network perspective. Networks can be analyzed from either a relationship or a structural perspective. The aim of the present article is to adopt both of these perspectives to assess the different relationships that exist between tourism stakeholders (both private and public) within a specific Italian 3S tourism destination: Costa Smeralda-Gallura in the North-East of the island of Sardinia. Data were gathered from destination management organization (DMO) internal documents, local press, and through a questionnaire completed by a number of tourism organizations chosen from a list provided by the DMO, which at the time was the public body instructed to keep the official register. Our findings describe the Gallura-based destination as a network specifically defined by a relatively low level of density, collaboration, and integration in the relationships between local stakeholders. The study suggests that destination marketers and policy makers should run internal marketing and branding operations in order to enhance their collaboration, and therefore reach a strategic consensus among stakeholders.
Community Case Study Research: Researcher Operacy, Embeddedness, and Making Research Matter
Authors: Dredge Dianne , Hales Rob , Jamal Tazim
Published: April 2013

Research performance is increasingly measured in terms of the number of publications, the quality of the outlet, citations, and other key performance indicators. This performance-driven approach means that output is viewed as the object of research rather than the knowledge created
and researchers adopting methodologies that do not easily fit within this neoliberal paradigm experience tensions and dilemmas. This article argues that researchers should be directly engaged, often embedded in the community, as a methodological necessity of social research: the researcher's
positionality involves a critical self-reflexive stance towards knowledge production and transformative change—it enables an ethical stance on the politics of placemaking and the discursive constructions by self and other, and facilitates responsibility to social action (performative
praxis). On a practical note, tourism community case study has rewards and benefits for research productivity over the long term. Deep engagement in the complexities of wicked problems closes the gap between research and practice; allows personal and professional growth through reflexive engagement;
assists exploring alternative knowledge; and increases the capacity for knowledge sharing and coproduction of knowledge. Researchers' self-reflexive accounts of engaging in embedded tourism case study are offered to illustrate the politics of coknowledge production, performative action, and
change.
Assessing Visitors Preference of Various Roles of Tour Guides in the Himalayas
Authors: Poudel Surya , Nyaupane Gyan P. , Timothy Dallen J.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study is to explore the role structure framework and assess the importance of tour guides in the Himalayas. The data for this study were collected from 225 trekkers to Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Three distinct components—social, instrumental, and educational—were
identified in the roles of tour guides. Visitors' evaluation of the three components showed that the instrumental sphere was the most important followed by the educational and social spheres. Additionally, it was also found that visitors' preferences for the roles of tour guides vary with
sociodemographic and trip characteristics. Management implications of the study results were also discussed.