bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseball and Softball
Authors:   COUNCIL ON SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESS, Rice Stephen G. , Congeni Joseph A. , McCambridge Teri , Brenner Joel , Benjamin Holly , Cappetta Charles , Demorest Rebecca , Halstead Mark , Kelly Amanda Weiss , Koutures Chris , LaBella Cynthia , Labotz Michele , Loud Keith , Martin Stephanie
Published: February 2012

This Policy Statement was retired June 2020.

Baseball and softball are among the most popular and safest sports in which children and adolescents participate. Nevertheless, traumatic and overuse injuries occur regularly, including occasional catastrophic injury and even death. Safety of the athlete is a constant focus of attention among those responsible for modifying rules. Understanding the stresses placed on the arm, especially while pitching, led to the institution of rules controlling the quantity of pitches thrown in youth baseball and established rest periods between pitching assignments. Similarly, field maintenance and awareness of environmental conditions as well as equipment maintenance and creative prevention strategies are critically important in minimizing the risk of injury. This statement serves as a basis for encouraging safe participation in baseball and softball. This statement has been endorsed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Swelling and Release Properties of Functional κ-carrageenan Hydrogel Nanocomposites
Authors: Daniel da Silva Ana Luísa , Salgueiro Ana M. , Fateixa Sara , Moreira Joana , Estrada Ana C. , Gil Ana M. , Trindade Tito
Published: February 2012

Today polysaccharide based hydrogel nanocomposites are receiving high importance as biomaterials for drug delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated into the polymer matrix to provide novel functionalities to the hydrogels. However, the effect of nanofillers on the release properties has not been totally understood. In this work, we investigate the influence of inorganic functional nanofillers (Fe3O4 and Au NPs) with variable size and shape on the structure of κ-carrageenan hydrogels and on the kinetics and release mechanism of methylene blue (MB) as model drug. It was shown that, depending on the nature of the nanofiller incorporated, and for equivalent nanofiller content, the mechanism of MB release can be adjusted either to by diffusion or polymer relaxation mechanism. The mechanism of the MB release was found to be determined by the strength and microstructure of the gel network and extent of gel swelling, which are affected by the extent of incorporation of the nanofillers.
3-dimensional imaging of dislocation microstructures by electron beams
Authors: Barnard J. S. , Sharp J. H. , Hata S. , Mitsuhara M. , Kaneko K. , Higashida K.
Published: February 2012

We review the progress in the electron tomography of dislocation microstructures in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Dislocation contrast is visible both in conventional TEM and scanning TEM (STEM) modes and, despite the complicated intensity variations, dislocation contrast can be isolated using computational filtering techniques prior to reconstruction. We find that STEM annular dark-field (STEM-ADF) imaging offers significant advantages in terms of dislocation contrast and background artifacts. We present several examples, both in semiconducting and metallic systems, illustrating the properties of 3D dislocations. We present the high-angle triple-axis (HATA) specimen holder where the diffraction condition can be chosen at will and dislocation tomograms of multiple reflections can be combined. 3D dislocations are analyzed in terms of dislocation density and dislocation nodal structures. Several avenues of study are suggested that may exploit the 3D dislocation data.
X-ray and FIB Tomography of Extremely High Surface Area Nanostructured Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Grano Amy J. , Sayler Franchessa M. , Genau Amber , Graves Keana L. , Patterson Brian M. , Wang Yuxin , Smått Jan-Henrik , Bakker Martin G.
Published: February 2012

Hierarchically porous materials are of interest in a wide range of applications. If the materials are electronic, or ionic conductors, such materials are of interest as electrodes for use in fuel cells. Using hierarchically porous silica as templates, we have demonstrated the formation of hierarchically porous metal and metal oxide structures. Through the control of the synthesis conditions, we have produced partial replicas ca. 1 cubic centimeter in volume, in which two macroporous networks are separated by a nanoporous membrane. The macroporous network in the silica template is known to be bicontinuous. Our underlying model predicts that the second, induced, macroporous network should be similarly bicontinuous.

Micrometer resolution X-ray tomography of the whole sample confirms that the synthesis produces one bicontinuous macroporous network, and is consistent with the existence of a second set of macropores. Preliminary experiments were carried out using FIB/SEM serial tomography to image the second macropore network, however, the length scale of the structures is such that this approach it is unable to firmly establish that the second macropore network is bicontinuous throughout the entire sample volume.
Fear of Home Birth in Doctors and Obstetric Iatrogenesis
Authors: Lokugamage Amali
Published: February 2012

Home births are physiological births and form part of the social model of birth. Doctors, traditionally, have been very fearful of out-of-hospital birth, and physiological births happen less frequently in obstetric units. Normal/physiological birth contributes to improving public health, and doctors are often not aware of the extent of this benefit. Normal birth leads to adaptive physiological function in the baby (endocrine, immune system, thyroid function, respiration, neurology, temperature regulation), more mother and baby bonding, and promotes higher breastfeeding rates, which in turn lead to better lifelong emotional and physical health in babies. Normal birth affirms health, promotes empowerment in mothers, and is a societal event that has been linked to promoting positive emotional qualities in society via the birthing hormone, oxytocin. Training within the medical model constrains doctors’ appreciation of normal birth. Experience of complications, a lack of awareness of the evidence surrounding home birth, compounded by failure to understand the concept of iatrogenesis, perpetuates fear of home birth among doctors.
Application of risk assessment tools to small drinking water systems in British Columbia
Authors: Summerscales Ian Michael , McBean Edward A.
Published: February 2012

A number of risk assessment tools have been developed for drinking water systems, but there is a lack of published independent evaluation of how well the tools incorporate the multiple barrier approach to drinking water safety. Selected risk assessment tools were evaluated by applying the tools to five small drinking water systems serving residential developments in British Columbia. The selected risk assessment tools generally identified hazards and vulnerabilities in the source, distribution, storage and monitoring barriers of the water systems. The risk assessment tools had varying levels of success identifying vulnerabilities in the treatment barrier. In some cases, the existing tools consider the presence or absence of a water system barrier, such as a disinfection process or a monitoring procedure, but do not consider how effective or appropriate that barrier is. A common shortcoming of the risk assessment tools is the failure to identify the need for multiple treatment processes capable of removing or inactivating pathogens, which is particularly important for surface water supplies. In addition to not incorporating the multiple barrier approach into the evaluation of the treatment barrier, none of the risk assessment tools successfully reflected the interconnected nature of the water system barriers.
Effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on unsteady MHD flow of non-Newtonian fluid over a stretching porous sheet
Authors: Rahman Abdel-Gamal
Published: February 2012

The unsteady flow and heat transfer in an incompressible laminar,
electrically conducting and non-Newtonian fluid over a non-isothermal
stretching sheet with the variation in the viscosity and thermal conductivity
in a porous medium by the influence of an external transverse magnetic field
have been obtained and studied numerically. By using similarity analysis the
governing differential equations are transformed into a set of non-linear
coupled ordinary differential equations which are solved numerically.
Numerical results were presented for velocity and temperature profiles for
different parameters of the problem as power law parameter, unsteadiness
parameter, radiation parameter, magnetic field parameter, porous medium
parameter, temperature buoyancy parameter, Prandtl parameter, modified Eckert
parameter, Joule heating parameter , heat source/sink parameter and others. A
comparison with previously published work has been carried out and the
results are found to be in good agreement. Also the effects of the pertinent
parameters on the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer are obtained
and discussed numerically and illustrated graphically.
Fracture toughness of zirconia ceramic crowns made by feather-edge tooth preparation design
Authors: Mirkovic Nemanja , Spadijer-Gostovic Aleksandra , Lazic Zoran , Trifkovic Branka
Published: February 2012

Background/Aim. Fracture toughness determines functional crown strenght and
prevents damages on ceramics during mastication. There is a lack of relevant
literature data about fracture toughness of crowns made by feather-edge
preparation. Mechanical testing of ceramic samples is supposed to show if
feather-edge tooth preparation is a successful method for making ceramic
crowns without any risk of reduction of their mechanical properties. This
research was done to establish effects of feather-edge tooth preparation on
fracture toughness of single zirconia ceramic crowns. Methods. The research
was performed as an experimental study. Sixty (60) ceramic crowns were made
on non-carious extracted human premolars. Thirty (30) crowns were made on the
basis of feather-edge preparation (experimental group I). The group II
included 30 crowns made on 1 mm rounded shoulder. Crowns fabrication was
executed on a copy mill production system ?Zirkonzahn? (Zirkonzahn GMBH,
Gais, Germany). The spherical compression test was used to determine fracture
toughness, using 6 mm diameter ceramic ball. Fracture load for damaging
ceramic crown was recorded on a universal testing machine - Zwick, type 1464,
with the speed of 0.05 mm/min. Results. The results of this research
introduced significant differences between fracture toughness of ceramic
samples in every examined group. However, fracture toughness of crowns from
both group was above 2 000 N, what was double beyond a recommended value. The
mean value of fracture toughness in the feather-edge group was 2 090 N, and
in shoulder group it was 2 214 N. Conclusion. This research showed a high
fracture toughness of zirconia crowns made on feather-edge preparation. The
examined crowns showed a fracture resistance at a sufficient distance in
relation to the minimum values of functional loads. Further research of
functional loads of these crown is necessary, as well as research of marginal
adaptation of cemented crowns and gingival inflammatory response.
Evaluation of a fracture pain model in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Desmarchelier Marion , Troncy Eric , Beauchamp Guy , Paul-Murphy Joanne R. , Fitzgerald Guy , Lair Stéphane
Published: February 2012

Objective—To validate a model of postfracture pain in perching birds.

Animals—21 adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

Procedures—In each bird, a standardized osteotomy of 1 femur was performed and the fracture was immobilized with an intramedullary pin. Degree of postoperative pain was evaluated 6 times/d for 4 days by use of 3 methods: an electronic perch for assessment of weight-bearing load differential of the pelvic limbs, 4 numeric rating pain scales for assessment of pain (all of which involved the observer in the same room as the bird), and analysis of video-recorded (observer absent) partial ethograms for bird activity and posture. Measurements obtained were compared with data collected before the surgery to evaluate the ability of these methods to detect pain.

Results—The weight-bearing load differential was a sensitive, specific, reliable, and indirect measure of fracture-associated pain in the model used. Two of 4 tested pain scales (fractured limb position and subjective evaluation of degree of pain) were sensitive and specific for detecting pain and were reliable in a research setting. Interobserver reliability of the 4 pain scales was excellent. Partial ethograms were sensitive for identifying pain-associated behavior in pigeons, particularly during the first 2 days after surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The fracture pain model was reliable and reproducible and may be useful for experimental studies involving postsurgical pain in pigeons. Weight-bearing load differential was the most sensitive and specific means of determining degree of pain in pigeons during the first 4 days after hind limb fracture induction.
Comparison of an inertial sensor system with a stationary force plate for evaluation of horses with bilateral forelimb lameness
Authors: Keegan Kevin G. , MacAllister Charles G. , Wilson David A. , Gedon Carl A. , Kramer Joanne , Yonezawa Yoshiharu , Maki Hiromitchi , Pai P. Frank
Published: February 2012

Objective—To assess the analytic sensitivity of an inertial sensor system for detection of the more severely affected forelimb in horses with bilateral lameness.

Animals—18 adult horses with forelimb lameness.

Procedures—Horses were fitted with inertial sensors and evaluated for lameness with a stationary force plate as they were trotted in a straight line. Inertial sensor-derived measurements for vertical head movement asymmetry (HMA) and vector sum (VS) of maximum and minimum head height differences between right and left halves of the stride were used to predict differences in mean peak vertical force (PVF) as a percentage of body weight between the right and left forelimbs. Repeatability was compared by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each variable. Correct classification percentages for the lamer forelimb were determined by use of a stationary force plate as the standard.

Results—SEs of the prediction of difference in PVF between the right and left forelimbs from HMA and VS were 6.1% and 5.2%, respectively. Head movement asymmetry (ICC, 0.72) was less repeatable than PVF (ICC, 0.86) and VS (ICC, 0.84). Associations were positive and significant between HMA (R2 = 0.73) and VS (R2 = 0.81) and the difference in PVF between the right and left forelimbs. Correct classification percentages for HMA and VS for detecting the lamer forelimb were 83.3% and 77.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that an inertial sensor system to measure vertical asymmetry (HMA and VS) due to forelimb lameness in horses trotting in a straight line has adequate analytic sensitivity for clinical use. Additional studies are required to assess specificity of the system.
Isometric responses of isolated intrapulmonary bronchioles from cats with and without adult heartworm infection
Authors: Wooldridge Anne A. , Dillon A. Ray , Tillson D. Michael , Zhong Qiao , Barney Sharron R.
Published: February 2012

Objective—To determine the isometric responses of isolated intrapulmonary bronchioles from cats with and without adult heartworm infection.

Animals—13 purpose-bred adult cats.

Procedures—Cats were infected with 100 third-stage larvae or received a sham inoculation, and the left caudal lung lobe was collected 278 to 299 days after infection. Isometric responses of intrapulmonary bronchiolar rings were studied by use of a wire myograph. Three cycles of contractions induced by administration of 10μM acetylcholine were followed by administration of the contractile agonists acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxy-tryptamine. To evaluate relaxation, intrapulmonary bronchiolar rings were constricted by administration of 10μM 5-hydroxytryptamine, and concentration-response curves were generated from administration of sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, and substance P.

Results—Compared with tissues from control cats, contractile responses to acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were reduced in tissues from heartworm-infected cats. Relaxation to isoproterenol was significantly reduced in tissues from heartworm-infected cats. Relaxation to substance P was increased in tissues from heartworm-infected cats, but relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was unchanged.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that despite increased bronchiolar wall thickness in heartworm-infected cats, a hyperreactive response of the bronchiolar smooth muscle is not the primary mechanism of respiratory tract clinical signs. Reduced response of the airway to isoproterenol may indicate refractoriness to bronchiolar relaxation in heartworm-infected cats.
Black Carbon Aerosol Characteristics and Its Radiative Impact over Nainital: A High-Altitude Station in the Central Himalayas
Authors: Srivastava AK , Pant P , Dumka UC , Hegde P
Published: February 2012

Ground-based measurements of aerosol black carbon (BC), from a high altitude location at Nainital in the central Himalayas (during June 2006 to May 2007), were used to study its temporal variability and impact on the atmospheric radiative forcing. Diurnal variation of BC mass concentration shows single enhanced peak in the late afternoon hour. The peak is rather pronounced in winter months due to shallow and stable boundary layer condition, which is largely associated with low surface temperature. The mean BC mass concentrations were found to be as ~0.6 (±0.2), 1.4 (±0.1), 1.2 (±0.3) and 1.5 (±0.2) μg m-3 during monsoon, post-monsoon, winter and spring periods, respectively while its maximum value was ~1.8 (±0.8) μg m-3 during April. The prevailing winds revealed to facilitates the transport of BC from the distant sources to the observing site. A radiative transfer model was used in conjunction with an aerosol optical model to estimate the BC radiative forcing over the station. Results show BC forcing at the top-of-atmosphere (TOA), surface and in the atmosphere varies between about +3 to +7, -6 to -14 and +8 to +21 Wm-2, respectively which is more pronounced during spring then during monsoon depending upon BC mass loading. The positive atmosphere forcing represents a considerable amount of heating to the lower atmosphere and has been conjectured as potential factor causing global warming. The estimated heating rate of the lower atmosphere over the station was found to be ranging from 0.24 Kday-1 during monsoon to 0.58 Kday-1 during spring season. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5926 JIE 2011; 8(3): 1-10
Impact of Post-Harvest Biomass Burning on Aerosol Characteristics and Radiative Forcing over Patiala, North-West region of India
Authors: Sharma Deepti , Singh Manjit , Singh Darshan
Published: February 2012

The present study deals with impact of post-harvest biomass burning on aerosol characteristics over Patiala (Lat: 30.33°N; Long: 76.4°E), Punjab state, India during 2008-09, using ground based and satellite data. Results of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) measurements using MICROTOPS II show significant variations with highest AOD500 ≈2.65 in October 2008 and ≈1.71 in November 2009. The maximum monthly mean values of angstrom parameters “α” and “β” are 1.13±0.16 and 0.39±0.20, respectively. Daily averaged values of Black Carbon (BC) mass concentration during day time show significant variations (8-18μg/m³) yielding SSA varying from 0.76-0.88 during highly turbid days and 0.95-0.97 during less turbid days. During highly turbid days, the estimated atmospheric radiative forcing using SBDART varies from +43.0 to +86.5Wm-2 suggesting high BC concentration in the atmosphere associated with paddy residue burning in the fields. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5927 JIE 2011; 8(3): 11-24
An Algorithm for the Retrieval of Aerosol Optical Depth from Geostationary Satellite Data in Thailand
Authors: Masiri Itsara , Janjai Serm , Jantarach Treenuch
Published: February 2012

An algorithm was developed to estimate aerosol optical depth (AOD) from geostationary satellite data. The 6S radiative transfer computer code was employed to generate a look-up table (LUT) which incorporates several combinations of satellite-derived variables including earthatmospheric reflectivity, atmospheric reflectivity and surface albedo. The parameterization of the satellite-derived atmospheric reflectivity accounted for the scattering of solar radiation by clouds, absorption of solar radiation by water vapour, ozone and gases and solar radiation depletion by aerosols. The digital data of the MTSAT-1R satellite were used as the main input of the algorithm. For the validation, the values of AOD derived from this algorithm were compared with those obtained from four sites of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) in Thailand, and a reasonable agreement was found. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5929 JIE 2011; 8(3): 32-41
Columnar Aerosol Extinction Characteristics: Measurements from a Free-Tropospheric Observatory in Western-Himalayas
Authors: Gogoi Mukunda M , Chaubey Jai Prakash , Sreekanth V , Kompalli Sobhan Kumar , Babu S Suresh , Prabhu Tushar P , Moorthy K Krishna
Published: February 2012

Continuous measurements of spectral aerosol optical depths (AOD) were made over a very high altitude aerosol observatory at Hanle (32.76°N, 78.95°E, 4520 m amsl), during the summer and autumn of 2009 and 2010, by using a 10-channel multi-wavelength radiometer (MWR). The results depicted very low values of AOD (with a mean for the measurement period as ~ 0.071 ± 0.003 at 500 nm), but with a spectral dependence that changed with the months from ~ 0.8 to 1.3, with a mean value of ~ 1.01 ± 0.06. The AODs though were in general comparable to those seen over pristine Antarctic environments, are quite significant when we consider the altitude of the station. The details are presented. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5931 JIE 2011; 8(3): 52-57
Long Term Observation of Atmospheric Aerosols at Sakai, Osaka, Japan
Authors: Ito Norio , Mizohata Akira
Published: February 2012

We have continuously observed the aerosols with 3 kinds of samplers; automatic daily sampler (DS), Andersen sampler (AS) and Low pressure Andersen Sampler (LPAS) at Sakai, Osaka, Japan. We started these sampling from 1986 (DS), 1993 (AS) and 2000 (LPAS). Yearly mean of fine particles (< 2.1μm) has decreased by about 10 μg/m3 from 1993 to 2009. By contrast the coarse particles (> 2.1μm) do not have explicit decrease. The main constituents in fine particles are carbon matters (EC and OC) and ions (sulphate and nitrate). Ions do not have decrease trend. These trends indicate that the decrease of fine particles might be caused by the decrease of carbon matters. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5933 JIE 2011; 8(3): 72-74
Study on the Air Dispersion Characteristics along the West Coast of Korean Peninsula
Authors: Pokhrel Rajib , Cho Inhyeong , Sharma Ram K , Lee Heekwan
Published: February 2012

When the temperature difference between land and sea surface along coastline is large enough, thermally induced circulation is likely developed in the coastal region, called as Sea/Land (S/L) breeze. It has been an important issue in coastal region because of its significant role for the transport, dispersion of air pollutants generated in coastal regions. Meso-scale modeling was carried out using the commercial modeling tool ‘A2C flow / A2C t&d (A2C represents the Atmospheric to Computational fluid dynamics and t&d represents the transport and diffusion)’ to characterize the meso-scale circulation of pure breeze in the study region (125.22E, 36.32N to 127.95E, 38.39N) in late July for typical summer conditions of Korea. Maximum potential temperature differences were approximately 5K and 14K in early morning and mid day, respectively in the study domain. Strong land breeze was observed around 6AM and it was neutralized to transition stage between 9AM ~ 10AM then the sea breeze started. Maximum speed of sea breeze, approximately 2.5m/s was found around 3PM which is about double of land breeze (1.5m/s). With the declination of sun energy with the passing of time, sea breeze lost its momentum and reached to transition stage between (9PM ~ 10PM). The penetration lengths of sea breeze and land breeze are approximately 25km~30km and 20km~25km, respectively while the suction lengths of sea breeze and land breeze are approximately 15km~20km each. In addition, the maximum depths of the S/L breeze are approximately 400m and 1200m, respectively in early morning and sometimes in mid day along the coastal area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5936 JIE 2011; 8(3): 94-104
Aerosol Number Size Distribution Measurements at Hanle, a Free Tropospheric High-Altitude Site in Western Himalayas
Authors: Kompalli Sobhan Kumar , Sreekanth V , Chaubey Jai Prakash , Gogoi Mukunda M , Babu S Suresh , Prabhu Tushar P , Moorthy K Krishna
Published: February 2012

Aerosol characteristics over the high altitude stations, akin to pristine and free conditions are important to understand the background aerosol features against which polluted and urban environments could be compared. In addition it is also important to monitor the changes brought about by the large-scale processes, which result in lofting and transporting of aerosols from different source regions to higher altitude levels. Moreover, these aerosols have a significant role in modifying clouds especially cold clouds. The availability of significant amount of solar UV radiation at these altitudes, along with water vapour and OH, if present, makes these regions conducive for formation of new particles from gas phase reaction products involving precursors of natural or anthropogenic origin. Such processes play a significant role in modulating the size distribution of free tropospheric aerosols and hence their radiative impacts. In this work, aerosol number size distribution measurements carried out from a high altitude free tropospheric Himalayan location, Hanle (32.78°N, 78.96°E, 4530 m amsl) during the period from May through December 2010 are examined. The monthly mean total number concentration (Nt) increased from May (614 ± 188 cm-3) to October (1498 ± 792 cm-3) and decreased slightly through December (1158 ± 470 cm-3). Fine mode aerosols (size < 100nm) contributed mostly to the total number concentration. The fractional contribution of the fine mode aerosols to the total number concentration, showed a clear increasing trend from May (~ 0.57) to December (~ 0.81). The number size distribution, which remained unimodal in May, June months with a mode in accumulation size range (around 100nm), changed to a bimodal distribution subsequently with a mode in the nucleation size range (< 25nm), indicating the possibility of new particle formation. The results are discussed in light of the possible association between the variation of the aerosol number concentration to long-range transport and thermally driven mesoscale processes such as mountain/valley winds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5940 JIE 2011; 8(3): 140-146
Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Paddy Yield: A Case Study of Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Tarahara, Nepal
Authors: Rai Yam K , Ale Bhakta B , Alam Jawed
Published: February 2012

Climate change and global warming are burning issues, which significantly threat agriculture and global food security. Change in solar radiation, temperature and precipitation will influence the change in crop yields and hence economy of agriculture. It is possible to understand the phenomenon of climate change on crop production and to develop adaptation strategies for sustainability in food production, using a suitable crop simulation model. CERES-Rice model of DSSAT v4.0 was used to simulate the rice yield of the region under climate change scenarios using the historical weather data at Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) Tarahara (1989-2008). The Crop Model was calibrated using the experimental crop data, climate data and soil data for two years (2000-2001) and was validated by using the data of the year 2002 at NARC Tarahara. In this study various scenarios were undertaken to analyze the rice yield. The change in values of weather parameters due to climate change and its effects on the rice yield were studied. It was observed that increase in maximum temperature up to 2°C and 1°C in minimum temperature have positive impact on rice yield but beyond that temperature it was observed negative impact in both cases of paddy production in ambient temperature. Similarly, it was observed that increased in mean temperature, have negative impacts on rice yield. The impact of solar radiation in rice yield was observed positive during the time of study period. Adjustments were made in the fertilizer rate, plant density per square meter, planting date and application of water rate to investigate suitable agronomic options for adaptation under the future climate change scenarios. Highest yield was obtained when the water application was increased up to 3 mm depth and nitrogen application rate was 140 kg/ha respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5941 JIE 2011; 8(3): 147-167
Relation between Global Solar Radiation and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Different Parts of Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Rudra P , Bhattarai Binod K
Published: February 2012

Part of the solar spectrum whose wavelength lies between 40 to 400 nm is called Solar Ultraviolet radiation. Solar UV Index (UVI) is the measure of the UV radiation level at a place, which plays the important role to raise public awareness and alert people to use protective measures when exposed to UV radiation. This study tries to find out the UV radiation level at a place by knowing the global radiation and will help to find out the UV radiation level at different places where UV radiation measuring instruments are not easily accessible. By the study of the relationship between global solar radiation and Solar Ultraviolet radiation at different sites (Biratnagar, Lukla, Kathmandu and Pokhara) of Nepal, simple regression equations were obtained. UV radiation level at a place was retrieved by using this equation. Ground based global solar radiation were measured by using radiation measuring instrument, Pyranometer (CMP6), manufactured by Kipp and Zonen, Netherland. A comparison between equation based calculation and ground based measurement of UV level (using NLU-UV meter) shows the average deviation of 3% at Lukla, 7% at Kathmandu and Pokhara and 6% Biratnagar in the year 2009 and 2010. It is also noted that Lukla is clearer among the four stations. This deviation might be due to effect of aerosols, humidity and non-ideal cosine response of the instrument. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5942 JIE 2011; 8(3): 169-175
Ground-Based Solar UV Radiation Monitoring Technique Using Photocell
Authors: Koirala Paribesh , Tripathee Raj K , Pandey Nitesh
Published: February 2012

This paper presents Solar UV radiation monitoring technique using a photo voltaic cell. The data obtained by such technique can be used to calculate the UV index and measure risk of UV exposure. UV irradiance at the surface is affected by the solar elevation, total ozone, clouds, aerosol, surface albedo etc. This paper presents results from the designed instrument to evaluate the UV index. The data obtained from such method will have benefit in installation, maintenance, data transfer and operational cost. This paper highlights the development and initial validation of standard UV data along with the portable embedded device for personalized UV monitoring which is based on a novel programming technique, photo Voltaic Cell as UV sensor, and a microcontroller PIC16F877A. This portable personalized UV monitoring device just provides the tentative UVI as it does not take the depth of ozone layer into account. Rough estimation of UVI can be obtained with such embedded system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5943 JIE 2011; 8(3): 177-189
Solar Radiation Potential at Four Sites of Nepal
Authors: Pondyal Khem N , Bhattarai Binod K , Sapkota Balkrishna , Kjeldstad Berit
Published: February 2012

The intensity of solar radiation available at the horizontal surface are measured by a CMP6 Pyranometer in Biratnagar (26.45°N, 87.27°E), Pokhara (28.22°N, 83.32°E), Kathmandu (27.72°N, 85.32°E ) and Lukla (26.69°N,86.73°E), which are 72m, 800m, 1350m, and 2850m, above from the sea level. This paper compares the seasonal and altitude variations of total solar radiation measured at above mentioned sites. The maximum total solar radiation of about 704.51 W/m2, 815.97 W/m2 777.27 W/m2 and 914.03 W/m2, are observed in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Lukla respectively. Solar radiation available in any location is affected by topography and pollution. It is found that the more solar energy is available during spring than in summer in Lukla. The solar radiation is observed higher in Pokhara than in Kathmandu. It might be due to absorption of solar energy by air pollutants which are higher in Kathmandu as compared to Pokhara.In addition we also discussed the diurnal variation of measured and calculated data of solar radiation on clear sky day. The annual average solar energy measuring 4.95, 5.44, 5.19 and 4.61 kWh/m2/day is found in Biratnagar, Pokhara Kathmandu and Lukla respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i3.5944 JIE 2011; 8(3): 189-197
Effect Of Curing On The Quality Of Beef And Buffen
Authors: Islam R , Hossain MM , Akhter S , Malek MA
Published: February 2012

123456The study was conducted to investigate the effect of curing on the quality of beef and buffen and also to find out the relationship between the quality of beef and buffen with their storage time. Six treatments of which three from beef were taken as dry salt cured beef (A), dry sugar cured beef (A), brine cured beef (A) and three from buffen as dry salt cured buffen (A), dry sugar cured buffen (A) and brine cured buffen (A). These samples were cured at room temperature for 10 days and then dried. The dried sample was stored for 120 days and analyzed on first day, 30th day, 60th day and 120th day. The quality of cured meat samples were studied by chemical analysis. All the samples were acceptable up to the end of the storage time. Dry matter, ash, crude protein and ether extract of all the samples decreased gradually with elapse of storage time. The initial (0 day) dry matter, ash, crude protein and ether extract content of the samples were ranged from 98.00-99.10%, 13.07-15.33%, 75.01-81.07% and 3.70-5.50%, respectively and at the end of 120 days of storage the dry matter, ash, crude protein and ether extract content of the samples ranged from 89.50-90.50%, 12.80-14.802%, 73.68-74.97% and 3.35-4.25%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that with the elapse of storage time quality parameters of meat samples decreased significantly (P<0.01). Quality parameters also varied among the samples. A significant difference exists in species when considering the value of fat. The relationship between the quality of beef and buffen shows that dry matter and crude protein are highly significant (P<0.01), ether extract is significant (P<0.05) and ash was statistically not significant with their storage times. Although the values are non significant, the loss of protein was lower in brine cured meat than other sample. It may be concluded that, brine curing could be a useful technique for beef and buffen preservation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9917 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 92-101
Utilization Of Leucaena And Sesbania Leaf Meals As Protein Supplements In Broiler Ration
Authors: Khan MKA , Akbar MA , Khaleduzzaman ABM , Rahman MM
Published: February 2012

One hundred twenty, two weeks old ISA Vedette broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments to investigate the effect of replacing fishmeal with two unconventional sources of leaf meals. The chicks were distributed into dietary treatments A (control-12% CP from fish meal), B (5% CP of fish meal replaced by Leucaena), C (5% CP of fish meal replaced by Sesbania) and D (2.5% CP of fish meal by Leucaena + 2.5% CP of fish meal by Sesbania) having three replications in each treatment group having 10 chicks in each replication. The results showed that Leucaena and Sesbania could be well utilized in broiler ration with no deleterious effects. Replacement of CP at 5% level by Sesbania leaf meal was slightly superior to that of Leucaena or a mixture of Sesbania and Leucaena in respect of broiler performance. Profit per kg live weight gain and per kg dressing yield at 5% level of CP replaced by Sesbania were only slightly superior over 12% CP from fish meal, 5% level of CP from Leucaena or a mixture of two leaf meals respectively. The findings also revealed that Leucaena and Sesbania leaf meals might replace individually or mixture of two leaf meals at 5% level of CP of fish meal for broiler production without affecting performance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9921 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 123-131
Availability Of Fish Fauna In Some Selected Districts In Bangladesh
Authors: Chandra KJ
Published: February 2012

A check-list of 139 species of fishes of both exotic and indigenous origin belonging to 34 families and 87 genera available in the rivers, beels, haors, ponds and swamps of the greater Mymensingh (Mymensingh, Kishoregonj, Netrakona, Jamalpur and Sherpur) districts of Bangladesh is presented. The number of species, genera and family of fishes reported in Mymensingh regions is still rich in fresh water fish fauna. The systematic, ecology, Distribution, habits of these fish fauna of greater Mymensingh region need to be studied. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9924 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 151-163
Heterotopic Pregnancy: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Chowdhury S , Chowdhury T
Published: February 2012

Heterotopic pregnancy is coexistence of intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancies that is ectopic pregnancies. It is said to be rare. Here we report a case of 27 years old woman with heterotopic pregnancy. Patient had a typical presentation of severe lower abdominal pain following amenorrhoea for 2½ months. On clinical examination, there was suspicion of ectopic pregnancy but ultrasonography revealed early intrauterine pregnancy along with right tubal pregnancy with huge collection in abdomen . Immediate laparotomy was done and diagnosis was confirmed as a case of heterotopic pregnancy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v39i3.9950 BMJ 2010; 39(3)
Evaluation Of The Trochantertc Fracture Of The Femur Treated By Uniaxial External Fixator In Risk Elderly Patient.
Authors: Zahiruddin AKM , Paul SK , Khan MLR , Alam SN
Published: February 2012

Trochanteric fractures occur in elderly osteoporotic patients with concomitant medical disorders, who are unable to tolerate lengthy periods of anaesthesia or any appreciable blood loss. For this reason, external fixation represents an attractive alternative. External fixation can be easily applied by modern equipments like c-arm. It is simple, quick, low cost with minimal surgical trauma, lower rate of morbidity, less operation time, shorter duration of hospital stay and early mobilization.This clinical study is the result of trochanteric fractures of the femur in high risk elderly patients treated with an external fixator on 11 patients over a period of 2 years from July 2005 to June 2007 at NITOR.The object of the study was to evaluate the outcome of operation. All the patients were in a poor general condition and with severe associated medical diseases and also more than one condition were present. The external fixator was removed after adequate clinical radiological sign of fracture union (averaged 16.54 weeks) as an out patient procedure. The overall radiological improvement was observed in 11 cases in 6 months followup. The overall satisfactory result was observed in 9 (81.8%) and unsatisflictory in 2(18.2%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v39i3.9951 BMJ 2010; 39(3)
Letter to the Editor: Postmortem tissue and organ donation
Authors: Akhtar Shakeel
Published: February 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v39i3.9953 BMJ 2010; 39(3)
Major Congenital Malformations Among The Newborns in BSMMU Hospital
Authors: Fatemaq K , Begum F , Akter N , Zaman SMM
Published: February 2012

Congenital anomalies make an important contribution to infant mortality and they remain a leading cause of death in many countries of the world. Many babies also died in our country due to congenital anomalies. So this study was done to find out proportion, types of congenital anomalies at birth and immediate outcome of anomalous neonates. This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital Shahbagh, Dhaka during the period January 2007 to December 2007. All the women giving birth to babies with congenital anomalies during this period were included. Types of congenital anomalies in neonates were recorded. Diagnosis of congenital anomalies was based on ultrasonography and clinical evaluation of the newborn was done by experienced neonatologist. During the study period 1630 patients delivered, of which 60 had congenitally malformed babies making the occurance of 3.68%. Neural tube defect was found to be the commonest (33.33%) type of anomaly. Among the most frequent NTD was hydrocephalus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9955 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 7-12
Histological Changes of Human Kidney with Age in Bangladeshi People
Authors: Zaman UKS , Khalil M , Rahman MM , Ara ZG , Afrin S , Sultana ZR
Published: February 2012

Kidney disease is one of the world's major public health problems and the prevalence of kidney failure is rising day by day. The structure and function of the kidney changes with advancing age. This study is to find out the histological architecture of kidney in Bangladeshi people related to age. The study was descriptive type of cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, from July 2006 to June 2007. For this study 30 pairs of postmortem human kidneys of age ranging from 3 years to 60 years were selected. The kidneys were collected from dead bodies autopsied in the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College. The collected sample was divided into three age groups. They are as follows, group A (3-20 years), group B (21-40 years) and group C (41-60 years). All the samples were examined histologically by staining with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. It was found that the number of renal corpuscles per square millimeter of both right and left kidney showed significant difference between group A and B (P<0.00), group B and C (P<0.00) and group A and C (P<0.000) . Diameter of renal corpuscles and renal glomeruli in μm of both right and left kidney showed significant difference between group A and B (P<0.00), group B and C (P<0.00) and group A and C (P<0.000). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9956 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 13-17
Suicidal Death Autopsy Analysis at Dhaka Medical College
Authors: Hossain MN , Rahman Z , Akhter S
Published: February 2012

A cross sectional study was carried out at the department of Forensic Medicine in Dhaka Medical College during the period of January 2008 to December 2009. Data were collected from 3rd copy of the post mortem reports which were preserved in the department of Forensic Medicine with the verbal consent of the doctors who performed autopsy report. During this period total 5114 autopsies were conducted. Out of this 970 cases (19%) were suicidal in nature. It was noticed that all suicidal deaths occurred from 10 years to all age group respectively, but top amongst age group of suicidal deaths occurred in between 21 to 30 years of people. Suicidal deaths are more common in female than male. Suicidal deaths due to hanging is highest, next common causes of death due to organophosphorus compund poisoning. Suicidal deaths by hanging is more in female than male but in poisoning cases male are more lvictimised than female. Objectives of our study are to see the occurrence and methods of suicidal death. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9957 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 18-21
Effects of Preeclampsia on Perinatal Outcome- A Study Done in the Specialized Urban Hospital Set Up in Bangladesh
Authors: Kishwara S , Tanira S , Omar E , Wazed F , Ara S
Published: February 2012

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy related disorder in Bangladesh that originates in the placenta and causes variable maternal and fetal problems. A prospective study was designed to see the associated maternal factors and fetal outcome in preeclampsia and to compare with that of normal pregnancy. The study was done in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from August 2005 to June 2006. Sixty Bangladeshi pregnant women were taken in this study, of which thirty were normal uncomplicated pregnancies (considered as control group or group A) and another thirty having pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (considered as preeclampsia group or group B), where the patients were normotensive previously. Both the maternal and fetal outcomes were observed and recorded. The mean age of the mother was 26.53±5.26 years and 26.67±5.27 years in group A and group B respectively. The mean gestational age of the mother was 38.27±1.26 weeks and 36.90±1.03 weeks in group A and group B respectively and the difference in between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean birth weight of the neonate was 2.80±0.27 kg. and 2.26±0.41 kg. in group A and group B respectively and the difference was significant (p<0.001). The mean APGAR score of the neonate at one minute was 9.00±1.02 and 8.40±0.93 in group A and group B respectively and the difference was significant (p<0.05). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9960 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 33-36
Relationship of Glycosylated Hemoglobin with Fasting and Postprandial Plasma Glucose in Nondiabetic, Pre-diabetic and Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Saiedullah M , Begum S , Shermin S , Rahman MR , Khan MAH
Published: February 2012

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is considered as an index of glycemic status of previous 2 to 3 months. HbA1c in diabetic subjects is translated to average glucose (eAG) and well correlated to mean plasma glucose (MPG). This study was performed to assess the relationship of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) with HbA1c in nondiabetic, pre-diabetic and newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. Seven hundred subjects of both sexes were included conveniently in this study. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose concentrations were measured by hexokinase method. HbA1c was measured by high performance liquid chromatyography (HPLC) based hemoglobin assay system. Subjects were classified into three groups according to WHO criteria. The correlation coefficient between FPG and HbA1c were 0.2495 (P<0.001), 0.2665 (P<0.001) and 0.8010 (P<0.001) in the nondiabetic, pre-diabetic and newly diagnosed diabetic subjects respectively. The correlation coefficient between PPG and HbA1c were -0.0661 (P>0.05), 0.2447 (P<0.01) and 0.7812 (P<0.001) in the nondiabetic, pre-diabetic and newly diagnosed diabetic subjects respectively. This study revealed that fasting plasma glucose had a modest higher relation with HbA1c than 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose in the newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. It can be concluded that evaluation of FPG may provide better outcome than PPG in the newly diagnosed never treated diabetic subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9961 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 37-38
Vesicocervical Fistula: An Uncommon Presentation
Authors: Azim AKMA
Published: February 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9965 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 51-52