bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access and Usage of ICTs for Agriculture and Rural Development by the tribal farmers in Meghalaya State of North-East India
Authors: Syiem Rebekka , Raj Saravanan
Published: October 2015

A study was conducted to find out the level of access and usage of ICTs among farmers of Meghalaya state of India. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected for the study during November 2013 to May 2014. The results showed that majority of the farmers owned mobile phones as well as television and radio. The most frequently used ICT was mobile phone. Mobile phones were widely used by the farmers for social communication, contacting middle men for the marketing of produce and contacting experts on real time basis for getting agricultural advisories. Farmers also reported that mobile phones proved to be useful during health emergencies. Information services on availability of inputs, quality of inputs, and pest and disease management of crops were also used by the farmers through ICTs. Major problems in the use of ICTs by the farmers were lack of confidence in operating ICTs, erratic power supply, low network connectivity and lack of awareness of the benefits of ICTs.
Features of coagulation hemostasis and anticoagulation system in patients with chronic heart failure due to ischemic heart disease
Authors: Mirsaeva G Kh , Mironchuk N N
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the features of coagulant and anticoagulant systems in patients with varoious functional classes of congestive heart failure secondary to coronary heart disease (according to New York Heart Association criteria) and to determine the most informative method for diagnosing the hemostasis disorders.
Methods. 82 patients with congestive heart failure, who had previously survived myocardial infarction with Q-wave formation, and left ventricle ejection fraction (by Simpson) less than 50%, were included. Average age was 54.0 [50.0-64.0] years. Control group of 30 healthy people was formed. All patients were allocated to two groups. 1st group included patients with I-II functional class of congestive heart failure (n=57), 2nd group - patients with III-IV functional class of congestive heart failure (n=25). Activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin and fibrinogen levels, international normalized ratio, heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin, D-dimer level were measured in blood serum.
Results. Only D-dimer level and heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin were changed in the main group compared to the controls. D-dimer level in patients of the general group was 0.2 [0.2-0.4] mg/L versus 0.2 [0.2-0.2] mg/L in control group (p=0.000064). There was no obvious deficit of heparin cofactor activity of antithrombin in patients with congestive heart failure, but the values were lower in the main group - 90.5 [82,7-100,4]% compared to the control group - 102 [90,0-104,0]% (p=0.0068). In subgroups, there were indicators (prothrombin, international normalized ratio, D-dimer) that changed according to the functional class. The lowest values of prothrombin were found in patients with III-IV functional class, the highest - in patients with I-II functional class. Indicators (prothrombin, INR, D-dimer) which changing with the growth of CHF FC were identified by separating the patients into subgroups. FC, the largest - in patients with FC I-II. Serum D-dimer level increased in accordance with congestive heart failure functional class (р1-2=0.0065).
Conclusion. Congestive heart failure contributes to prothrombotic changes in hemostasis. The severity increases with increasing congestive heart failure functional class. D-dimer is the most sensitive marker of hemostasis activation at congestive heart failure. This parameter should be included in the routine hemostasis testing in patients with congestive heart failure.
The level of vitamin D and parameters of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in primary school children living in the south of Bashkortostan
Authors: Bikmetova E R , Golovatskikh I V , Kuznetsova E V , Kozlov V N , Ivanov V G
Published: October 2015

Aim. Estimation of vitamin D level and calcium-phosphorus metabolism in urban and rural school children of 8-9 years old, living in the south of Bashkortostan.
Methods. The study included two groups of 2-3 class pupils: 87 children living in Meleuz and 93 children of Meleuz Region (Zirgan village). The average age was 8.3±0.66 years. The following parameters were analyzed: serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, phosphorus, total calcium level, urine calcium level, and daily calcium intake.
Results. 72.4% of children from Meleuz and 30.1% of rural children had vitamin D deficiency, subclinical vitamin D-deficiency was detected in 27.6 and 63% of primary school children, respectively. The average serum calcium level in schoolchildren living in town was somewhat lower than in rural residents (p=0.0012), and was close to the lower limit of the reference values. Serum phosphorus levels and urine calcium levels were within the physiological range in the examined children no matter of where they lived. The leading causes of calcium-phosphorus metabolism alterations are reduced calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusion. The vast majority of primary school children on the south of Bashkortostan had vitamin D-deficiency or subclinical vitamin D-deficiency. Dietary calcium intake is 60 to 70% of the age norm, which is characterized as a moderate deficit.
Peculiarities of immunogramm shifts and free radical oxidation markers of blood plasma in HIV-infected heroin addicts
Authors: Shatirko M A , Reshetniov I V , Golodnii S V , Mingazov A Ch , Kozochkin D A , Izarovsky B V , Tseilikman V E
Published: October 2015

Aim. The contribution of heroin addiction in particular immunogram and oxidative stress in HIV-infected individuals.
Methods. The study was performed on 104 patients of working age (23-40 years). The first group consisted of 17 HIV-infected patients with stage III disease, intravenous drug users; the second group - 30 HIV-infected patients not taking the drugs; the third group - 25 injecting drug users not infected with HIV; the fourth group - 32 apparently healthy person. Determination of leukocyte subpopulation composition performed on a flow cytometer «Beckman CoulterFC 500». The blood was determined by the content of lipid peroxidation products and carbonylated proteins.
Results. In HIV-infected heroin addicts compounded was the deficit of T-helper cells. Furthermore, there was increase in CD16+-monocytes. In the group of HIV not-infected drug users also showed a reduction in the number of T-helper cells. Other parameters of the immunogram did not differ significantly from control values. In the group of HIV-infected drug addicts found was more distinct decrease in T-helper cells. The number of T-helper cells decreased both in relation to a group of HIV-infected persons who do not inject drugs and in relation to a group of non-infected drug users. Oxidative stress was manifested in a further strengthening of the carbonylation of proteins. In HIV-infected drug users carbonylated protein content was 4.5 times higher than the control level, and was significantly higher than non-infected drug addicts and HIV-infected persons who do not inject drugs.
Conclusion. Heroin addiction exacerbates characteristic for HIV-infected individual decrease in CD4+-lymphocytes along with increased free radical oxidation.
Structure, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of postoperative complications of childbirth perineal tears complicated by anal incontinence
Authors: Sultanova S G
Published: October 2015

Aim. Improving the results of surgical treatment of complications of second and third degree perineal tears complicated by anal incontinence.
Methods. The study included 248 patients aged 16 to 50 years. The patients were allocated to three groups: the first group - 40 women who underwent traditional surgery and conservative treatment; the second group - 128 women with second degree perineal tear; group III - 80 women who underwent sphincteroplasty (I option) and sphincteroplasty combined with levatorplasty (II option) in our modification (sphincter-saving surgery with precision sutures). The main group included 111 patients who additionally received conservative treatment [1 mL of 1% enoxaparin sodium intravenously and 1 ml of 30% vitamin E (alfa-tocopherol acetate) by intramuscular injection]; control group - 97 patients who underwent standard treatment. Long-term results were assessed by a survey, physical examination in the clinic, telephone and Internet surveys in 35 patients of the main group and 31 women of the control group.
Results. In 91 (82%) patients of the main group, the pain intensity decreased after 7-10 days of treatment was antioxidants, 8 (7.2%) patients had pain in the perineum or anal canal, in 12 (10.8%) cases intense pain in the anal canal were still present. Long-term results were evaluated as good in 16 (51.6%) and 25 (69.4%) patients, as satisfactory - in 9 (29%) and 8 (22.2%) patients, as unsatisfactory - 6 (19.4 %), and 3 (8.3%) patients of the main and the control groups, respectively. The test group showed earlier formation of granulation tissue (3.1±0.3 days earlier compared to the control group). At sphincterometry on the 12th day, 6 patients of the control group had first degree anal incontinence, 3 - second degree anal incontinence compared with only 1 (1.8%) case in the study group (second degree sphincter incontinence).
Conclusion. A proposed diagnostic strategy in women with anal incontinence due to perineal tears of II-III degrees after the labor trauma, allowed choosing the optimal method of surgical treatment and improving treatment outcomes.
Studying the blood clotting investigation in prescence of boron-dipyrrin fluorescent dyes
Authors: Aleksakhina E L , Marfin Yu S , Merkushev D A , Tomilova I K , Rumyantsev E V
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the blood clotting in prescence of boron-dipyrrin fluorescent dyes.
Methods. Photophysical properties of several boron-dippiryn based fluorescent dyes were examined in presence of blood plasma biomolecules and in model system containing bovine serum albumin using electron absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Results. The interaction between the investigated dyes and protein plasma components changes spectral characteristics of the dyes and leads to bathochromic and hypochromic shifts of absorption spectra accompanied by changing of fluorescence intensity. The mechanism of fluorescence changing was defined within the Stern-Folmer theory. It was shown that the static factor prevails due to dye-biopolymers molecular complex formation at plasma protein concentration up to 1 g/l, while the higher levels are characterized mainly by nonspecific interactions of fluorophores. The increase of fluorescent characteristics of phenyl-substituted BODIPY in the presence of proteins caused by resonance energy transfer and physicochemical features changes of the fluorophore molecular environment was shown.
Conclusion. The gained results demonstrate the possibility of using the BODIPY dye for determination of blood clotting activity. Specific interactions of dye molecules with studied biological objects allows to analyze the contents and dynamic processes in biological objects at blood serum clotting.
Effect of chondroitin sulfate on the type I collagen metabolism in the compact bone in alloxan-induced rats
Authors: Vyatkin V A , Butolin E G , Ivanov V G
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the type I collagen metabolism in the compact bone in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes receiving sulfated glycosaminoglycans.
Methods. The study was performed on 67 white outbred male rats with body weight of 180-220 g. Mortality at diabetes reproduction was 44.8%. To clarify the role of exogenous glycosaminoglycans on bone collagen metabolism at diabetes mellitus, 16 animals with alloxan-induced diabetes received 1 mg/kg of chondroitin sulfate intramuscularly every second day. The second group (21 animals) with alloxan-induced diabetes did not received any chondroitin sulfate. Control group included 10 intact animals who were administered a single injection on 0.5% ml of normal saline. The levels of type I collagen metabolism markers (PINP - aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen, a marker of bone formation; β-CrossLaps - β-isomerized carboxy-terminal cross-linking region of type I collagen, a marker of bone resorption) and the amount of total collagen were determined in homogenates of femoral shaft.
Results. Administration of alloxan to the animals has induced the development of diabetes mellitus. The levels of PINP and β-CrossLaps was significantly higher in alloxan-induced rats which were administered chondroitin sulfate compared to rats with «isolated» alloxan-induced diabetes by 21 (p=0.001) and 28 (p=0.01) days of follow-up, the level of total collagen was higher at 70% at 28 day of the experiment (p=0.0004).
Conclusion. Effect of sulfated glycosaminoglycans on type I collagen metabolism of the compact bone in animals with «isolated» alloxan-induced diabetes is manifested by intensified catabolic and anabolic processes with a predominance of the latter over the control and alloxan-induced rats at 21 and 28 days of the experiment.
Levels of biogenic amines in the brain of rats at experimental post-traumatic stress disorder development
Authors: Deev R V , Shatrova Yu M , Sinitskiy A I , Molchanova N S , Yunusova A K , Tseylikman O B , Kozochkin D A , Lapshin M S
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the changes in levels of biogenic amines-neurotransmitters in the brain at experimental post-traumatic stress disorder development in rats.
Methods. Post-traumatic stress disorder was modeled by keeping 48 outbred male rats in under constant and inescapable strong unconditioned stimulus. The control group included 16 intact animals, not exposed to stress influences. The levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid were determined by fluorometric methods. Behavioral activity of animals was evaluated on the day 3, 7, 10 and 14 by «open field» and «elevated plus maze» actinographs.
Results. When comparing the concentrations of studied neurotransmitters in the brain of control animals with experimental groups, reflecting the development of post-traumatic stress disorder at the time, adrenaline and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine levels were increased on the third day, level of norepinephrine was reduced on the seventh day, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, dopamine, norepinephrine levels were elevaled, gamma-aminobutyric acid level was reduced on the tenth day, gamma-aminobutyric acid level was increased on the fourteenth day after the stress.
Conclusion. According to the results of the correlation analysis, the largest contribution to the development of behavioral disorders are made by altered brain level of gamma-aminobutyric acid at the time of post-traumatic stress disorder formation (tenth and fourteenth day). At the earlier stages (third and seventh day), the relationship of rats behavioral activity and altered 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and norepinephrine brain levels was shown.
Biochemical markers of bone and osteoclastic differons in plasma at subacute dichloroethane intoxication
Authors: Kamilov F Kh , Farshatova E R , Enikeev D A , Ivanova G V
Published: October 2015

Aim. To explore the plasma level of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and sclerostin in a model of subacute dichloroethane intoxication in rats.
Methods. Experiments were carried out on 20 adult male rats weighing 180-200 g. The rats of the experimental group were administered dichloroethane at the dose of 0.84 mg/kg, mixed with olive oil by a gastric tube daily for two months, which amounted to 0,1 LD50. Control animals received an adequate amount of olive oil. Levels of soluble RANKL, osteoprotegerin and sclerostin were determined in blood serum by ELISA using commercially available reagent kits (reagents «Free RANKL», «Osteoprotegerin» and «Sclerostin» by «Biomedica Medizinprodukte Gmb and CoKG» company. Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 6.0 (Stat Soft) software package.
Results. Exposure to dichloroethane resulted in increased levels of soluble RANKL, reduced levels of osteoprotegerin, reflecting the intense new bone formation and the functional state of osteoclasts. The level of sclerostin, which is the negative regulator for new bone formation, was elevated, indicating osteoblast precursors’ differentiation inhibition and decreased function of osteoblasts.
Conclusion. In subacute dichloroethane intoxication, the serum level of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) increases, osteoprotegerin level reduces, sclerostin level increases.
In vitro effects of L-arginine on lysosomal cysteine proteases activity in isolated experiment and in the state of oxidative stress
Authors: Fomina M A , Kudlaeva A M
Published: October 2015

Aim. Assessment of direct influence of arginine on lysosomal cysteine proteases activity in vitro, in isolation as well as the stimulation of oxidative stress.
Methods. The study was conducted on the 72 female conventional mature Wistar rats 280-320 g divided into 6 series of 12 rats each. Lysosome slurries were isolated from the liver of intact animals with a subsequent in vitro incubation in a sucrose solution, in the presence of L-arginine, as well as in the presence of L-arginine accompanied by the stimulation of oxidative stress. Samples of control groups were exposed in vitro with the addition of isolate and oxidant, respectively. Each batch was reproduced three times, incubation was performed at 37 °C in a water bath for 1, 2 and 4 hours. The activity of cathepsins B, L and H was studied using spectrofluorimetric method in two fractions - intra- and extralysosomal. Acid phosphatase activity was used as the main marker of membrane labialization.
Results. One hour Incubation with 5 mM arginine in vitro led to inhibition of the cathepsin H activity and lysosomal membrane damage, however, further increase in incubation time led to its stabilization. In vitro exposure to 5 mM H2O2 caused an increase in activity of cathepsines B and L and the drop in the cathepsin H activity without obvious changes in the distribution of enzymes between extra and intralysosomal fractions. In a state of oxidative stress 2-hour in vitro incubation with 5 mM arginine reduced the permeability of lysosomal membranes for cathepsines B, H and L; while 4-hour incubation led to the destabilization of lysosomal membranes.
Conclusion. The direct effect of arginine at a concentration of 5 mM within the 1,2 and 4-hour time intervals leads to a distinct change as a lysosomal cysteine protease activity and stability of lysosomal membranes.
Evaluation and connotation: contemporary approaches
Authors: Vestfalskaya A.V.
Published: October 2015

The article deals with two main approaches to connotation in contemporary linguistics. Within the approaches academic works where the connection between connotation and evaluation is studied are reviewed.
Traditional and individual in ancient literature: Bible quote-topos in the Tale of Boris and Gleb
Authors: Ranchin A.M.
Published: October 2015

The problem of this article is considered by the relation of topic, which is dictated by tradition and individual beginning in ancient hagiography. This problem is also guided by the canon, on the principles of "aesthetic identity." As an example, the quote from the Gospel of Matthew (5: 14-15) is a hagiographical topos, which is analyzed. It is shown that the originality of the text lies in its variation. Obviously, a such variation is typical for topics in ancient hagiography, as in traditionalist literature in general.
St. Theophan (Govorov) and the Greek theological school on the island of Halki
Authors: Shcherbakova M.I.
Published: October 2015

The article deals with the activity of St. Theophanes (Govorov), whose attention was drawn to the general state of the Orthodox Church in the East and, in particular, for the preparation of priests).
"We should live the people's lives ..." K.P. Pobedonostsev About the main characteristics of Russian literature
Authors: Shmeleva A.V.
Published: October 2015

This publication reveals the tradition of Russian literature, based on the principles of historicism and nationalities. The connection of speech and outlook of the writer as an example of creativity one of the outstanding figures of the second half of the XIX century – K.P Pobedonostsev. Research subject is the basic thesis of Pobedonostsev which is addressed to the writers - "We should live the people's lives ...." Accumulation of the ideals of the people, which are elaborated throughout the history of Russia. It allows to preserve the culture of artistic expression and national historic appearance.
Gender stereotypes in gustics discourse
Authors: Minyar-Beloroucheva A.P. , Pokrovskaya M.E.
Published: October 2015

The article deals with gender stereotypes in gustics discourse. A gender stereotype is one of the most important components of the linguistic Weltbild of every nation. The study of gender stereotypes through gustics discourse allows us to identify cultural and linguistic features of a particular nation, to create collective masculine and feminine images that facilitate effective intra- and intercultural communication.
Lingvoecology of ethnic stereotypes of the modern media space
Authors: Turanskaya N.V.
Published: October 2015

This article touches upon the ethnic stereotypes of the category of persons a separate ethnic group. According to the Russian National Corpus (NKRYA), information resources of Runet, and media texts are analyzed the lingvoecology of the use of linguistic resources.
International scientific conference “Kuskovskie Readings - 2015. Actual questions of textual criticism: tradition and innovation”
Authors: Dergacheva I.V. , Sasim A.S. , Chekalkin A.V.
Published: October 2015

This article focuses on the result of the scientific conference "Kuskovskie Readings - 2015. Actual questions of textual criticism: tradition and innovation”. "The issue of the conference as part of the synthesis of philosophical, aesthetic, historical and cultural sights V. Kuskova, which playing a big role in the modern educational process, as well as in the formation of spiritual and moral ideas of young generation.
The Use of Fantasy in Doris Lessing’s Selected Fictions
Authors: Mirenayat Sayyed Ali , Soofastaei Elaheh
Published: October 2015

Doris Lessing (1919 – 2013) was one of the greatest British writers and the oldest winner to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Since 1969, she started to use fantasy in her works as a mode of fictional expression. Fantasy is a genre in literature that contains supernatural phenomena in fictional worlds. This paper’s central concern is also the use of fantasy in her works. For her, fantasy is a tool used to separate present day reality. Fantasy allows her to cope with themes that could not have been used in realistic works. This paper explores the question of fantasy in Lessing’s selected novels.
Influence of Psychological Empowerment on Organizational Commitment among Medical Employees in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Kebriaei Ali , Rakhshaninejad Meysam , Afshari Zahra
Published: October 2015

Introduction: people within organizations are a key factor for efficiency. Thus employee empowerment has become a popular management strategy. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment and organizational commitment among medical staff of a hospital in Zahedan city. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in 2013. A random sample of 172 medical employees in Khatam-ol-Anbia hospital at Zahedan city was selected and responded to items of the questionnaires using a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7. For measuring psychological empowerment and organizational commitment, Mishra & Spreitzer’s scale and Meyer and Allen’s questionnaire were used. A higher score means a higher degree of psychological empowerment or organizational commitment. Analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results: The level of organizational commitment and psychological empowerment significantly were higher than average. There was a significant positive relationship between employees’ empowerment and their commitment to organization. Psychological empowerment was a significant predictor of organizational commitment (β = .524). Out of the five dimensions of empowerment three dimensions are significant predictors of commitment and explain 37.1% of the variance in commitment. Conclusions: Due to The positive influence of psychological empowerment on organizational commitment, programs for in-service education should focus on facilitating psychological empowerment to improve and increase organizational commitment. Also, since impact of employees psychological empowerment on organizational commitment partially supported, there are other variables that influence the organizational commitment.
Synoptic Pattern of Deep Trough Led to Strong Winds of Zab Basin in Iran
Authors: Asheri Emam Ali , Parvin Nader
Published: October 2015

One of the most important natural disasters are storms that each year, causing financial losses and Johnny are Frequency. Sometimes damage to the extent that the economic system, social disrupts a country. The aim of this study is to analyze the synoptic conditions of severe storms is Zab basin. In this study, given the scale of temporal and spatial distribution, wind speed and comprehensiveness of the three threshold size and calculate the 90th percentile wind speed, Forty days pervasive and severe storms were selected. Sea level pressure data and the elevation data of 500hp level from the database NCEP/NCAR were extracted. Matrix was formed that storm was on the rows and elevation data middle levels of the atmosphere, was on the columns. Then, principal components that explain the variation in height level pressure hp500 were identified. To identify synoptic patterns, cluster analysis integration "ward's" was performed on these components.The results showed that five synoptic pattern of atmospheric middle level, in the form of three major causes of severe storms in the Zab River Basin: Cut off low pattern, Shallow trough pattern of long wave and deep trough pattern of short wave. The most frequent traffic synoptic pattern of a synoptic pattern of middle levels and 60% of the patterns assigned to itself, causing severe storms in the Zab River Basin. Irregularities in the movement and position of the polar vortex caused the jet stream and storm paths meridian winds greater control and troughs are driven towards the low latitudes deeper. Because of the special arrangement of relatively strong and contrasting surface synoptic, the pressure gradient and energy exchange at its maximum reached compression Isobaric lines and as a result, Strong winds in the catchment area level has been created.
Effects of Two Methods on Student’s Achievement in Junior Secondary Schools in Yakurr, Cross River State
Authors: Gbenga Adewale J. , Effiong Oji Ekpo
Published: October 2015

In Nigeria, student’s performances in basic science in the public examinations have not been encouraging over the years. The conventional method of teaching employed by the teachers has been one of the salient factors contributing to the discouraging performance. Previous studies have examined different instructional methods in different subjects without paying much attention to the use of guided inquiry and expository lecture methods on student’s achievement in Basic science in Yakurr. This study therefore investigates the effects of guided inquiry and expository lecture methods on students’ achievement in junior secondary school Basic science in Yakurr, Cross River State.
Governance of Citizen Participation and its Related Concepts: A Review of Literature
Authors: Li Michael
Published: October 2015

This article reviews the concept of citizen participatory governance or citizen participation in public policy-making, a new mode of institutional arrangement increasingly becoming popular in many industrialized democracies. The governance of citizen participation may take different forms, and past studies used different terms in describing the concept. This article take a brief look at various forms of citizen participation (citizen participation in budgeting, collaborative governance, public-private partnership, and citizen coproduction of public service) and explain their concepts as demonstrated in prior research. In a nutshell, this article conclude that these various forms of citizen participation are not well conceptualized in the past literature and calls for future research in this research area with growing importance.
Fiscal viability of pulses cultivation in Punjab: An economic analysis
Authors: Grover D.K. , Singh J.M.
Published: October 2015

Punjab being a pioneer state in early adoption of green revolution technology resulted in making India self-sufficient in foodgrains production. The drastic change in cropping pattern during seventies in the state resulted in relegating pulses and coarse cereals to marginal and sub-marginal lands. India is dependent on pulses import to feed its ever growing population. To augment the production of pulses in India, National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - pulses was started in 2007-08 in some of the selected districts of various states which was later extended to the other districts of the country also. This study was conducted with the objective to see the relative profitability of pulses vis-à-vis their major competing crops. The selected districts of the study included one NFSM district- Ferozepur and non-NFSM district- Moga. The results of the study indicated that the returns per hectare from summer moong in Ferozepur and Moga districts increased after the initiation of NFSM- pulses programme. In case of Kharif moong and gram also, the returns per hectare increased in Ferozepur district but this increase was not much sharp. The profitability from total pulses vis-à-vis total major competing crops was little less despite additional returns from summer moong crop in total pulse production. The study highlighted that pulse crops are risky in terms of yield and thereby profitability, therefore, for promotion of these crops in the state, insurance cover to the growers should be provided to compensate the damage to the crop in case of severe incidence of insect-pest and diseases, unseasonal rainfalls and natural calamities. The study emphasised the need for development of efficient marketing mechanism as in case of wheat and paddy for pulse crops also in order to establish them as more lucrative and alternative enterprise to augment the farmers income.
Antihyperglycemic activity of Ophiocordyceps sinensis: A Review
Authors: Sirisidthi Kanjana , Kosai Piya , Jiraungkoorskul Wannee
Published: October 2015

Diabetes mellitus, one of the non-communicable diseases, is still the seriously problem due to leading the causes of death in the developed countries. Therefore it is important to identify novel nutraceuticals or drugs for curing or preventing diabetes because the existing synthetic drugs have several limitations. Traditional medicinal plants and medicinal mushrooms are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus more than century, but only a few of these have proofed their safe and efficacy. Aim of this review article is focused Ophiocordyceps sinensis one of the edible and medicinal mushrooms used for therapeutic effects and antioxidant activities. It contains several kinds of polysaccharides, proteins, nitrogen compounds, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and isoflavones. Many researches have evaluated that these phytochemical substances have the major impact on diabetes mellitus. This review focuses on the antihyperglycemic activity of this mushroom and clears that it has the potential to be considered as a candidate for preparing the new treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and water stress on phytohormones and polyamines of soybean
Authors: Zahedi Hossein , Abbasi Samira
Published: October 2015

The effect of inoculation of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that is Rhizobium japonicum, Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum brasilense and mixture of them on phytohormones and polyamines of soybean under different irrigation regimes was investigated. Drought stress induced by irrigation withholding until 40, 80 and 120 mm evaporation from evaporation pan. However seed bacterization of soybean was accompanied with 20 kg ha-1 nitrogen. In addition, 20 and 100 kg ha-1 nitrogen were considered as control treatments. The results showed that drought stress significantly decreased cytokinin, gibberellin and auxin accumulation in plant tissues. By contrast, drought stress led to increase in abscisic acid accumulation in soybean plants. Polyamines that are putrescine and spermidine increased due to drought stress and then decreased under severe drought stress. PGPR application had positive effect on growth promoting phytohormones compared to control treatment. However the highest accumulation of cytokinin, gibberellin and auxin was related to 100 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatment. In case of abscisic acid PGPR application decreased its accumulation. A significant decrease as observed on polyamines accumulation when PGPRs were applied on stressed soybean plants.
Targeted yield based fertilizer prescriptions for autumn rice (Oryza sativa L.) in inceptisols of Assam, India
Authors: Ahmed Sabina , Basumatary A. , Das K.N. , Medhi B.K.
Published: October 2015

Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) study was conducted during 2010-11 for autumn rice under integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) in Inceptisols (Aeric Endoaquepts) in Jorhat district of Assam. The basic parameters were computed from the STCR data, and the fertilizer prescription equations were developed for recommending fertilizer doses in autumn rice. The nutrient requirement (NR) for producing one quintal of autumn rice was found to be 2.40 kg, 0.84 kg and 2.25 kg of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. The percent contribution of nutrients from soil (CS), fertilizer (CF) and FYM (CO) were calculated as 12.49, 45.31 and 32.92 for N, 13.42, 28.52 and 11.84 for P2O5 and 21.99, 47.58 and 29.76 for K2O, respectively. These equations were validated in farmers’ fields during 2012 and the variation between actual yield and targeted yield ranged from +1.36 to +5.33.The fertilizer estimates under STCR-IPNS for 3000 and 4000 kg ha-1 targeted yield recorded maximum response ratio and economic benefit in the field trial and confirmed the validity of proposed fertilizer prescription equations for autumn rice.
Assessment of genetic divergence in diverse maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes
Authors: Sharma Radheshyam , Maloo S.R. , Joshi Arunabh , Choudhary Sharda
Published: October 2015

Genetic divergence assessed in twenty diverse genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) using D2 statistics for eleven characters enabled grouping of all the genotypes in five clusters. Test weight, leaf number, harvest index, days to 50 percent flowering and plant height were the major contributors for genetic diversity among the genotypes. Cluster II was the largest contained 6 genotypes followed by cluster III which possessed 5 genotypes. The cluster I, V and IV possessed 4, 3 and 2 genotypes, respectively. Each cluster has different types of genotypes irrespective to their nature of genetic make up belonging to hybrids, composites and land races. The cluster III exhibited maximum intra-cluster distance (30.92), while maximum inter-cluster distance was noted between cluster I and III (91.55).
Structural complexity and component type increase intertidal biodiversity independently of area
Authors: Loke Lynette H. L. , Todd Peter A.
Published: October 2015

Complexity is well accepted as one of the primary drivers of biodiversity, however, empirical support for such positive associations is often confounded with surface area and undermined by other potential explanatory factors, especially the type of structural component (e.g., pits, crevices, overhangs, etc.). In the present study, sample units (artificial substrates) of equal surface area (±0.2%) were used to simultaneously examine the independent effects of complexity and different structural component types on species richness (S), abundance (N), and community composition. We created simple and complex concrete substrates of four different geometric designs using novel software. The substrates (n = 8) were mounted onto granite seawalls (at two tidal heights) on two islands south of Singapore Island. After 13 months of colonization, all 384 tiles were collected and their assemblages compared. A total of 53 744 individuals of 70 species/morphospecies were collected and identified. Our results show that greater complexity can support greater species richness and different communities that are independent of surface area. Furthermore, the type of structure (e.g., “pits,” “grooves,” “towers”) can have an effect on richness and community composition that is independent of complexity.
Preformed-Particle-Gel Extrusion Through Open Conduits During Conformance-Control Treatments
Authors: Imqam Abdulmohsin , Bai Baojun , Ramadan Mustafa Al , Wei Mingzhen , Delshad Mojdeh , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: October 2015

Millimeter-sized (10 μm–mm) preformed particle gels (PPGs) have been used successfully as conformance-control agents in more than 5,000 wells. They help to control both water and CO2 production through high-permeability streaks or conduits (large pore openings), which naturally exist or are aggravated either by mineral solution or by a high injection pressure during the flooding process. This paper explores several factors that can have an important impact on the injectivity and plugging efficiency of PPGs in these conduits. Extensive experiments were conducted to examine the effect of the conduit inner diameter and the PPG strength on the ratio of the particle size to the opening diameter, injectivity index, resistance factor, and plugging efficiency. Five-foot tubes with four internal diameters were designed to emulate the opening conduits. Three pressure taps were mounted along the tubes to monitor PPG transport and plugging performance. The results show that weak gel has less injection pressure at a large particle/opening ratio compared to strong gel. PPG strength affected injectivity more significantly than did particle/opening ratio. Resistance factor increased as the brine concentration and conduit inner diameter increased. PPGs can significantly reduce the permeability of a conduit, and their plugging efficiency depends highly on the particle strength and the conduit inner diameter. The particle size of PPGs was reduced during their transport through conduits. Experimental results confirm that the size reduction was caused by both dehydration and breakdown. On the basis of the laboratory data, two correlations were developed to quantitatively calculate the resistance factor and the stable injection pressure as a function of the particle strength, particle/opening ratio, and shear rate. This research provides significant insight into designing better millimeter-sized particle-gel treatments intended for use in large openings, including open fractures, caves, worm holes, and conduits.
Sixth SPE Comparative Solution Project: A Comparison of Dual-Porosity Simulators
Authors: Firoozabadi A. , Thomas L. K.
Published: October 2015

Two problems for the comparison of fractured reservoir models are presented. The first problem is a simple single block example. The second problem is a more complicated cross-sectional example. The cross-sectional example has been developed to simulate depletion, gas injection and water injection cases.

In selecting the problems for the present Comparative Solution Project, various aspects of the physics of multiphase flow in fractured porous media have been considered. The question of fracture capillary pressure and its influence on reservoir performance has been addressed by including cases with zero and non-zero gas-oil capillary pressure in the fractures.

Ten organizations participated in the Sixth Comparative Solution Project. Most of the current techniques in dual-porosity simulation are represented in the results of the participants.
Submarine Channel Facies Control on Reservoir Performance
Authors: Cutler W. G. , Montoya G. L. , Ucok H.
Published: October 2015

A comprehensive geologic and engineering study of the A-10 North Pool of the Sansinena Oil Field has revealed the presence of two distinct reservoir facies, the Channel Core and the Channel Flank facies. The Channel Core sands are coarse-grained, locally pebbly and contain very little associated clay minerals. These sands have high permeability and good lateral continuity. The Channel Flank sands, however, are fine-grained, silty and contain abundant dispersed and laminar clay minerals. The Channel Flank sands have low permeability and poor lateral continuity.

A closer look at the internal arrangement of reservoir facies, coupled with historical production performance, explains the large differences in oil recovery from the Channel Core and Channel Flank sands, and provides a better understanding of the producing mechanisms within these different facies. In the Channel Core facies, considerations are focused on improving gravity drainage, which is the primary producing mechanism. In the Channel Flank facies, where fresh water clay-based drilling mud is believed to have caused significant formation damage, the main focus is on well stimulation and infill drilling.

The geologic and engineering study has also helped distinguish sands with good potential for enhanced oil recovery in the A-10 North Pool of the Sansinena Field.
A Fully Implicit Thermal Wellbore Model for Multi-Component Fluid Flows
Authors: Siu A. , Rozon B. , Li Y.-K. , Nghiem L. X. , Acteson W. H. , McCormack M.
Published: October 2015

Steam injection processes have been used successfully in recovering heavy oil from hydrocarbon reservoirs. These methods have also been shown to increase oil recoveries from light oil reservoirs. The increased applications of thermal methods emphasize the importance of optimal thermal wellbore designs and efficient field operations for injectors and producers.

This paper describes a transient thermal wellbore model which simulates the flow hydraulics in the wellbore, and the heat transfer between the wellbore fluid and the overburden.

The equations of the thermal wellbore model consist of the transient differential equations for the multi-component three-phase fluid flow in the wellbore, and the transient heat conduction equation in the overburden. Phase behavior of the wellbore fluids is obtained from isenthalpic flash calculations which compute the phase splits and compositions at a specified pressure and enthalpy. The wellbore and overburden equations in the entire discretization domain are solved simultaneously with a fully implicit Newton's method.

The thermal wellbore model has been validated using steam injection and gas-condensate production field data. The calculated heat losses and pressure drops compared favorably with published models. The thermal wellbore model is also used to predict the critical production rate of methane above which hydrate will not form.
Sand Control in Horizontal Wells in Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Islam M. R. , George A. E.
Published: October 2015

Horizontal wells are of great interest to most oil companies operating in heavy oil fields. Due to more extensive contact with the reservoir, horizontal wells allow fluid flow at lower fluid velocities yet providing total flows which are economic. While horizontal wells have the potential to make many more heavy oil reservoirs economic, one of the most pressing concerns has been to be able to complete the wells properly. Unfortunately, likely candidates of horizontal wells are mostly "quicksand" type formations and the critical velocities of sand in a wellbore is extremely low. Consequently, sand is very likely to enter the horizontal wellbore if not preventive measure is taken. Problems of sand production in a horizontal well is more complicated than in a vertical well due to difficulty in cleaning sands in horizontal wellbores.

The present study discusses the problems of sand production in a horizontal well and offers recommendation in controlling them. Physical simulation of the top part of the horizontal well showed that both gravitational and inertial forces help minimizing sand production. This will mean that increasing flow rates will decrease sand production. Experimental evidence showed that selection of liner diameter and wire spacing are important parameters in controlling sand productions. Permeability damage due to particle mixing in the annulus was quantified. It was shown that smaller annulus is of more importance in the case of smaller wire spacing, lower oil viscosity and thinner pay zone.
Formation of conjugated double bonds in soybean oil with iodine as a catalyst
Authors: Yan Jie , Yang Jinlan , Yang Rifu , He Haifen , Liu Qihai , Lin Hailin
Published: October 2015

A method for the iodine-catalyzed conjugation of soybean oil was developed,
and the conjugated product was analyzed by UV, IR, and 1H NMR. The results
indicated that the optimal conditions for conjugation included a temperature
of 180?C, a catalyst loading of 0.5 wt.% and a reaction time of 3 h, at which
the concentration of conjugated linoleic acid was 1.51 mol L-1, with 92 %
conversion, the CLNA reached 0.225 mol L-1 when the temperature was 130?C, a
catalyst loading of 0.5 wt.%, and a reaction time of 3 h with a conversion
rate of 99.9 %. The reaction predominantly produced trans-trans, trans-cis
and cis-trans isomers. It was also revealed that the conjugation of linolenic
acid was much faster than that of linoleic acid. The method possessed the
advantages of a short procedure, a high conversion rate, and no methyl
esterification of the raw material, and it was an environmentally friendly
technology that does not use solvents.
Design, synthesis and antimycobacterial evaluation of some new azaheterocycles with the 4,7-phenanthroline skeleton. Part VI
Authors: Al Matarneh , Ciobanu Catalina , Mangalagiu Ionel , Danac Ramona
Published: October 2015

A feasible study concerning the synthesis, structure and in vitro
antimycobacterial evaluation of new 4,7-phenanthroline derivatives is
reported. The preparation is straight and efficient, involving an
N-alkylation reaction of 4,7-phenanthroline. The structure of the new
compounds have been proved by elemental and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR)
analysis. The in vitro antimycobacterial evaluation of five synthesized
compounds was investigated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv under
aerobic conditions. A certain influence of substituents from the para
position of the benzoyl moiety was observed, the 4,7-phenanthrolin-4-ium salt
substituted with (p)chloro-benzoyl showing the most pronounced
antimycobacterial activity.
Copper(II) complex of (±)trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine azo-linked Schiff base ligand encapsulated in nanocavity of zeolite-Y for the catalytic oxidation of olefins
Authors: Lashanizadegan Maryam , Shayegan Sahar , Sarkheil Marzieh
Published: October 2015

A Schiff base ligand derived from 4-(benzeneazo) salicylaldehyde and
(?)trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (H2L) and its corresponding Cu(II) complex
(CuL) has been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-VIS and 1H NMR. The
copper Schiff base complex encapsulated in the nanopores of zeolite-Y (CuL-Y)
by flexible ligand method and its encapsulation have been ensured by
different studies. The homogeneous and its corresponding heterogeneous
catalysts have been used for oxidation of different alkenes with tert-butyl
hydroperoxide. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the oxidation of
cyclooctene, cyclohexene, styrene and norbornene catalyzed by CuL gave 89,
63, 46 and 13% conversion, respectively. These olefins were oxidized
efficiently with 50, 96, 96 and 92% conversion in the presence of CuL-Y,
respectively. Comparison of the catalytic behavior of CuL and CuL-Y showed
the higher catalytic activity and selectivity of the heterogeneous catalyst
with respect to the homogenous one.