bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERKEMBANGAN KARET ALAM DI MYANMAR
Authors: Vachlepi Afrizal , Wijaya Thomas
Published: November 2016

Kebutuhan karet di dunia terus mengalami peningkatan seiring dengan bertambahnya penduduk. Akibatnya banyak berkembang negara-negara produsen karet alam baru terutama di daerah tropis di Asia. Myanmar merupakan salah satu produsen karet alam dunia yang terus menunjukkan peningkatan baik luasan maupun jumlah produksinya. Produktivitas tanaman karet di Myanmar masih rendah, yaitu sekitar 659 kg/ha/tahun untuk tanaman asal biji dan 852 kg/ha/tahun untuk okulasi. Perkebunan karet Myanmar didominasi perkebunan rakyat. Produksi karet alam Myanmar tahun 2011-2012 meningkat menjadi 78,09 ribu ton dengan nilai ekpor sekitar US$ 309,42 juta dengan China sebagai negara tujuan ekspor utama. Pengolahan karet alam di Myanmar masih belum baik dan sebagian besar dilakukan secara manual. Produk karet yang dihasilkan masih bermutu rendah dengan jenis produk yang paling besar adalah RSS 3 dan sisanya berupa RSS 5, MSR 20, dan MSR 50. Pemasaran karet alam di Myanmar umumnya dilakukan melalui pusat pembelian karet sebelum diekspor ke berbagai negara tujuan.
UPAYA PERBAIKAN GENETIK DAN PENYEDIAAN BIBIT TANAMAN KARET (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) MELALUI PENDEKATAN BIOTEKNOLOGI
Authors: Darojat Muhamad Rizqi , Tistama Radite
Published: November 2016

Beberapa tantangan dalam kegiatan perakitan klon unggul baru tanaman karet (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) melalui metode persilangan buatan (konvensional) diantaranya adalah membutuhkan waktu yang lama, sifat heterozigositas yang tinggi dan tingkat keberhasilan yang belum optimal. Bioteknologi diharapkan dapat menjadi metode pendukung dalam menjawab tantangan yang terjadi tersebut. Perkembangan teknik in vitro dan rekayasa genetika telah memberikan terobosan baru dalam perbanyakan dan perbaikan genetik tanaman karet. Pemanfaatan bioteknologi telah berdampak pada proses perbaikan genetik tanaman karet dalam hal produktivitas, kesehatan tanaman, dan peningkatan toleransi terhadap cekaman. Selain itu penggunaan marka molekuler sangat bermanfaat untuk percepatan seleksi dalam kegiatan pemuliaan tanaman karet. Teknik tersebut juga berguna dalam identifikasi klon dan tetua, analisis keanekaragaman genetik, pengawasan hasil persilangan buatan, penciri klon dan biologi reproduksi. Tulisan ini menjabarkan tentang pendekatan bioteknologi untuk meningkatkan potensi genetik tanaman karet.
PENGGUNAAN STIMULAN GAS ETILEN PADA TANAMAN KARET (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Atminingsih Atminingsih , Siregar Tumpal H. S.
Published: November 2016

Penggunaan stimulan gas dapat menjadi alternatif untuk mengoptimalkan produksi tanaman. Mekanisme kerja stimulan gas etilen hampir sama dengan etefon. Perbedaannya adalah pada stimulan etefon bahan aktif terhidrolisis dalam jaringan tanaman menghasilkan gas etilen, sedangkan pada stimulan gas langsung diberikan dalam bentuk gas etilen. Beberapa hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa stimulan gas lebih tepat digunakan pada klon slow starter (SS) yang sudah dewasa dengan irisan ke arah atas pada kulit perawan. Penggunaan gas etilen pada tanaman muda maupun pada kulit pulihan tidak memberikan peningkatan produksi yang signifikan. Penyesuaian tata guna panel pada tanaman produktif dapat diadopsi dari tata guna panel klon SS dengan penggunaan stimulan gas etilen memasuki tahun ke-16 dengan irisan S/4U d/3.ETG. Penggunaan teknologi ini harus diikuti dengan penyesuaian sistem pendukung seperti manajemen hanca, peningkatan pengamanan, manajemen pengumpulan hasil, pemeliharaan alat, isi ulang gas dan pemindahan aplikator. Dengan pertimbangan kestabilan produksi dan umur ekonomis tanaman, penggunaan stimulan gas pada tanaman tua (2-3 tahun menjelang diremajakan) dinilai lebih realistis untuk diterapkan.
PERKEMBANGAN DAN UPAYA PENGENDALIAN KERING ALUR SADAP (KAS) PADA TANAMAN KARET (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Andriyanto Mochlisin , Tistama Radite
Published: November 2016

Salah satu penyebab menurunnya produksi karet (Hevea brasiliensis) adalah gangguan Kering Alur Sadap (KAS). Hampir semua negara penghasil karet mengalami gangguan KAS. KAS telah ditemukan di perkebunan karet sejak tahun 1920. Penyebab kejadian ini adalah over exploitation yang memicu peningkatan senyawa radikal yang menyebabkan koagulasi lateks di dalam pembuluh lateks dan pembentukan sel tilasoid. Luka kayu juga menjadi penyebab terjadinya KAS pada panel bawah. KAS dapat ditemukan baik di kulit perawan (BO-1 dan BO-2) maupun kulit pulihan (BI-1 dan BI-2) bahkan di panel HO. Potensi terjadinya KAS meningkat seiring pertambahan umur tanaman. Intensitas KAS diklasifikasikan tinggi bila mencapai 7,3 % untuk klon slow starter, dan 9,2 % untuk klon quick starter dengan potensi kehilangan produksi berturut-turut mencapai 114,74 kg/ha/t dan 183,05 kg/ha/th. Tanaman terserang KAS memiliki kandungan unsur hara makro dan mikro yang lebih rendah baik di dalam lateks maupun kulit dibandingkan dengan tanaman sehat. Pengendalian preventif dapat dilakukan dengan kultur teknis seperti pemeliharaan optimal, penerapan sistem eksploitasi sesuai tipologi klon, dan monitoring gejala awal KAS secara rutin melalui diagnosa lateks. Pengendalian secara kuratif dapat dilakukan dengan teknik bark scraping, aplikasi formula NoBB, atau antico F-96.
PENGERINGAN KARET REMAH BERBASIS SUMBER ENERGI BIOMASSA
Authors: Vachlepi Afrizal , Suwardin Didin
Published: November 2016

Produksi karet alam Indonesia terbesar berupa karet remah yang mencapai 93,4%. Pengeringan merupakan kritikal proses yang menentukan mutu akhir produk dan salah satu tahapan yang memerlukan energi cukup besar. Energi yang digunakan dalam industri umumnya bersumber dari energi fosil. Sayangnya ketersediaan sumber energi dari fosil semakin lama cenderung menurun. Oleh karena itu perlu sumber energi alternatif yaitu biomassa dari limbah industri pengolahan produk pertanian. Salah satu contohnya adalah industri pengolahan kelapa sawit. Biomassa dari industri ini berupa tandan kosong sawit (TKS) sebesar 4,8 juta ton, cangkang 1,5 juta ton dan sekitar 1,8 juta ton berupa serabut. Dalam pengeringan karet remah, biomassa dikonversi menjadi sumber energi panas dengan teknik gasifikasi dalam sistem unit pengering. Panas dari hasil pembakaran dipindahkan ke media pengering berupa udara panas. Keuntungan meng-gunakan biomassa sebagai sumber energi adalah dapat mengurangi biaya produksi, lebih ramah lingkungan, dan tersedia dalam jumlah yang banyak sehingga lebih terjamin dalam keberlangsungannya. Biaya penggunaan biomassa sebagai bahan bakar pengeringan karet remah sekitar Rp78 per kg karet kering.
STRATEGI PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI LATEKS SECARA KONTINU DENGAN TEKNOLOGI STIMULAN GAS ETILEN RIGG-9
Authors: Rouf Akhmad , Nugrahani Mudita Oktorina , Pamungkas Ari Santosa , Setiono Setiono , Hadi Hananto
Published: November 2016

Penerapan teknologi penyadapan melalui penggunaan stimulan telah banyak dilakukan pada perkebunan karet. Ada dua jenis stimulan yang dapat dipilih, yaitu stimulan cair atau gas. Kedua jenis stimulan ini dapat meningkatkan produksi lateks. Bahan aktif stimulan cair adalah etefon (2-chloro ethyl phosphonic acid) yang akan menghasilkan gas etilen, sedangkan stimulan gas adalah gas etilen. Peningkatan produksi lateks dengan menggunakan stimulan cair lebih rendah dibandingkan stimulan gas. Penggunaan stimulan cair hanya dapat meningkatkan produksi lateks sekitar 30%, sedangkan stimulan gas dapat mencapai lebih dari 100% di atas kontrol (tanpa stimulan). Stimulan gas etilen RIGG-9 merupakan teknologi hasil penelitian dan pengembangan Balai Penelitian Getas dengan sebuah perusahaan mitra. Penelitian stimulan gas etilen RIGG-9 yang telah dilakukan pada Kebun Kahuripan dan Kebun Cimangsud PT. Wiriacakra. Hasil penelitian selama 3 tahun (tahun 2010-2012) menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan produksi yang kontinu. Rata-rata produksi karet kering per pohon per sadap pada tahun pertama menggunakan stimulan gas etilen RIGG-9 sekitar 101,8 gram/pohon/sadap (g/p/s); pada tahun kedua meningkat menjadi 137,9 g/p/s; dan pada tahun ketiga sudah mencapai 143,0 g/p/s. Hasil penelitian tersebut membuktikan bahwa aplikasi stimulan gas etilen tidak memberikan dampak negatif berupa penurunan produksi apabila prosedur aplikasinya benar dan kesehatan tanaman dijaga. Selain diterapkan secara selektif pada tanaman yang potensial dan sehat, juga diperlukan strategi berupa penerapan sistem sadap yang tepat, prosedur pemasangan aplikator stimulan gas yang benar, dan pemenuhan pupuk sesuai kebutuhan tanaman.
ANALISIS USAHATANI DAN OPTIMALISASI PEMANFAATAN GAWANGAN KARET MENGGUNAKAN CABAI RAWIT SEBAGAI TANAMAN SELA
Authors: Sahuri Sahuri , Rosyid M. J.
Published: November 2016

Usahatani cabai rawit (Capsicum frutescens Linn.) sebagai tanaman sela karet muda berpengaruh terhadap keragaan pertumbuhan lilit batang tanaman karet, meningkatkan produktivitas lahan, dan meningkatkan pendapatan petani. Pengkajian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Balai Penelitian Sembawa, Desa Sembawa, Kecamatan Sembawa, Kabupaten Banyuasin, Sumatera Selatan dan pada musim hujan (MH) tahun 2013 di lahan kering dataran rendah. Tujuan pengkajian adalah untuk meningkatkan produksi cabai rawit dengan penerapan teknologi tumpang sari cabai rawit + karet, mengetahui pengaruhnya terhadap tanaman karet dan mengetahui peningkatan pendapatan petani. Hasil pengkajian menunjukkan pertumbuhan tanaman karet tidak mengalami kelambatan dan tumbuh lebih dari kondisi normal karena adanya tanaman sela cabai rawit. Produksi buah segar cabai rawit sebagai tanaman sela karet adalah 6.750 kg/ha. Usahatani cabai rawit sebagai tanaman sela karet pada saat harga rendah masih menguntungkan dengan R/C ratio 1,50 dan B/C ratio 0,50, sedangkan pada saat harga tinggi sangatÂ  menguntungkan dengan R/C ratio 4,29 dan B/C ratio 3,29. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa teknologi pola tanam cabai sebagai tanaman sela karet secara ekonomis menguntungkan dan layak untuk dikembangkan pada areal perkebunan karet baik perkebunan karet besar maupun perkebunan karet rakyat.
PRODUKSI MEDIUM DENSITY FIBREBOARD (MDF) DARI KAYU KARET DI SUMATERA SELATAN : POTENSI, MUTU DAN PROSES PENGOLAHANNYA
Authors: Vachlepi Afrizal
Published: November 2016

Ketersediaan kayu hutan alam sebagai bahan baku industri pengolahan kayu terus menurun. Kondisi ini memaksa para pelaku industri pengolahan kayu mencari sumber alternatif yang potensial digunakan sebagai bahan baku. Kayu karet merupakan salah satu tanaman perkebunan yang sangat berpotensi dikembangkan sebagai alternatif pilihan bahan baku bagi industri pengolahan kayu. Kayu karet dapat tersedia secara berkelanjutan dan jaminan bahan bakunya tidak terbatas sehingga mempunyai nilai ekonomis cukup signifikan. Untuk meningkatkan sifat fisik dan mekanisnya, kayu karet perlu diolah lebih lanjut. Salah satunya dengan pengolahan kayu karet menjadi papan serat MDF yang memenuhi persyaratan mutu SNI No. 01-4449-2006 tentang papan serat. Papan serat MDF dikualifikasikan ke dalam beberapa jenis berdasarkan keadaan permukaan, keteguhan lentur dan patah, emisi formaldehida dan pengujian pengembangan ketebalan. Tahapan proses pengolahan kayu karet menjadi MDF terdiri dari pengelupasan kulit kayu, pembentukan chip, pembersihan, penghalusan, pengeringan, pencetakan papan, pra pengempaan, pengempaan panas, dan pemotongan. Papan serat MDF dari kayu karet dapat diolah menjadi berbagai produk seperti mebel dan pintu.
Cover Warta Perkaretan
Authors: Perkaretan Cover Warta
Published: November 2016

Warta Perkaretan vol.34 no.2 2015
The effect of false-twist texturing parameters on the structure and crimp properties of polyester yarn
Authors: Stojanovic Petar , Savic Marija , Trajkovic Dusan , Stepanovic Jovan , Stamenkovic Miodrag , Kostic Mirjana
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the effect of false-twist texturing parameters (texturing speed, heater temperature, draw ratio and disc-to-yarn speed ratio (D/Y ratio)) on the structure and crimp properties of polyester yarn has been studied using a high temperature heater and high texturing speeds. Textured yarn was analyzed and characterized in terms of the degree of crystallinity, degree of orientation and crimp properties (crimp contraction, crimp module and crimp stability). The most important parameters, significantly affecting yarn temperature and its uniformity and thus textured yarn structure and crimp properties, are texturing speed and heater temperature. Depending on these texturing parameters, the degree of crystallinity and orientation varied in the range of 24.48 to 36.66% and 0.371 to 0.595, respectively. The crimp characteristics increase with the increase in heater temperature, and decrease with the increase in texturing speed. The effect of draw ratio and D/Y ratio on the textured yarn structure and properties is less pronounced. Obtained results show that partially oriented polyester yarn used in this study can be textured at significantly higher texturing speed (up to 1100 m/min) than the standard texturing speed (up to 700 m/min) used for the yarn count examined.
Modified Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy for Zygomatic Implant Salvage
Authors: Schwartz Joseph S. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an epidemiologically important disease process due, in part, to the increasingly commonplace use of dental restorative procedures such as zygomatic implantation. Traditional management of this clinical entity typically entails extraction of the infected hardware via an open or endoscopic approach. We describe a novel management strategy of odontogenic CRS following bilateral zygomatic implantation for oral rehabilitation that we surgically salvaged via a modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy.

Methods

We describe the presentation and management of a case of metachronous development of bilateral CRS subsequent to zygomatic implantation.

Results

The patient's postoperative course was characterized by marked endoscopic, radiologic, and symptomatic improvement as measured by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test.

Conclusion

We describe a novel treatment strategy for the management of odontogenic sinusitis resulting from erroneous zygomatic implant placement. Modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy in this clinical context facilitates mucosal normalization of the affected sinus, while permitting preservation of oral function through salvage of the displaced implant.
Evaluation of the Skin-prick Test for Predicting the Outgrowth of Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Kido Jun , Hirata Megumi , Ueno Hiroe , Nishi Natsuko , Mochinaga Masaho , Ueno Yasushi , Yanai Masaaki , Johno Masayoshi , Matsumoto Tomoaki
Published: November 2016

Background

Although considerable efforts have been made to develop diagnostic tools for predicting the outcome of oral food challenges, tests for predicting the outgrowth of food allergies are lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the wheal size and skin index (SI) (the ratio of an allergen-induced wheal to a histamine-induced wheal diameter) of the skin-prick test based on the outcome of a controlled oral provocation test for cow's milk. Moreover, we assessed whether wheal size and/or SI were useful for predicting the outgrowth of cow's milk allergy (CMA).

Methods

This study included 135 children with suspected CMA. Eighty-one patients were definitely diagnosed by oral provocation tests for cow's milk, and their wheal diameters, SIs, and cow milk's–specific serum immunoglobulin E concentrations were determined.

Results

The wheal diameters were significantly larger and the SIs significantly higher in children with positive oral provocation test results than in those with negative test results. We found that 50% of the patients were expected to be able to drink cow's milk by age 5 years. In these patients, the wheal diameters were significantly smaller and the SIs significantly lower at the time of CMA outgrowth than at the time of diagnosis, whereas these values were apt to increase in patients who did not outgrow CMA, with no significant difference.

Conclusions

The skin-prick test can be used to diagnose CMA and predict CMA outgrowth. A wheal diameter of 8 mm or/and an SI of 1.0 is informative, not only in diagnosing CMA but also in predicting a natural CMA outgrowth.
Testing the Themes in the New Brunswick Voting Behaviour Literature: An Analysis of the 2014 Provincial Election Study
Authors: Everitt Joanna , Sanford Joseph
Published: November 2016

This article examines voting behaviour and support for the Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties in New Brunswick. Using a logistic regression analysis, a block recursive model, and data from the 2014 New Brunswick Provincial Election Survey, we empirically tested common beliefs about party support in this province. We conclude that unlike arguments found in the literature, these two parties drew their support from very different groups of individuals who have distinct values and beliefs underpinning their voting decisions.
The Effects of the Congrès mondial acadien 2014 on la grande Acadie
Authors: Keppie Christina
Published: November 2016

This article analyzes Acadie's most celebrated organization, the World Acadian Congress, a civil society platform established over 20 years ago as a means of building bridges between Acadians from around the world. Despite the most recent attempt in 2014 to promote Acadie in a manner that would stimulate community building through economic cooperation, I argue that, in scholarship primarily, the congress is (naturally) a product of the history of the New Brunswick Acadian national ideology and that despite an idealistic desire to embrace a movement of cultural change that would see all diasporic Acadians in social agreement, the organization continues to rest on the modernizing ideology in a manner that benefits chiefly the Acadian territorial/hegemonic beacon of New Brunswick. To counter this natural, yet hegemonic, trend, I follow the call of certain Acadian elites by proposing that scholarship in Acadian studies leads the way by diversifying itself to include more expanded representation of la grande Acadie (the full diaspora) so that Acadians and Acadian enthusiasts may better understand their role and options in the new economy and establish educational institutions more firmly within the debate platform of Acadie as a civil society.
A Comprehensive Kinetic Study of the SO2 Removal Reaction by Pure CuO with the Random Pore Model
Authors: Bahrami Reza , Ebrahim Habib Ale , Halladj Rouein , Afshar Ali
Published: November 2016

An experimental investigation of the SO2 removal reaction by pure CuO was performed by thermogravimetry. In addition, mathematical modelling of this non-catalytic gas-solid reaction was performed using the random pore model. Modelling predictions of CuO conversion-time profiles at various temperatures and SO2 partial pressures compared well with the experimental results. The inherent rate constants and the product layer diffusivities were estimated between 400 and 600 °C.
Optimization of cropping pattern and stocking density for production of brackishwater shrimp, Penaeus monodon
Authors: Saha SB , Nahar Shamsun , Ali Azhar , Rahman SL
Published: November 2016

An experiment was conducted to develop a culture system for producing brackishwater shrimp, Penaeus monodon, at a management strategy affordable for marginal to medium farmers. Shrimp was produced by two cropping patterns viz., short cycle (60 days) double crops and long cycle (120 days) single crop each at three stocking densities viz., 3, 5, 7 nos./m2. The analysis of results revealed that production of shrimp of 913.57 - 1429.38 kg/ha in long cycle single crop was higher than that of 804.42 - 1296.87 kg/ha in aggregate of short cycle double crops at 3 - 5 nos./m2 density, but at 7 nos./m2 density, production of shrimp of 1899.39 kg/ha was higher in short cycle double crops than that of 1857.31 kg/ha in long cycle single crop. The differences in production between two cropping patterns at different densities were not significant. Gross margin was higher in high stocking ponds in both short and long cycle cropping pattern and it was 1.75 - 2.24 times higher in long cycle culture than that short cycle culture. However, considering higher benefit cost ratio and requirement of supply of oxygen for the production management, it can be surmised that production of shrimp in short cycle double crops at 5 nos./m2 densities will be better affordable for marginal to medium farmers having limited resource.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 31-40, 2016
Fish diseases and strategies taken by the farmers in freshwater aquaculture at southwestern Bangladesh
Authors: Aftabuddin Sheikh , Islam M Nurul , Bhuyain Mohammad Abdul Baten , Mannan M Abdul , Alam M Mahbub
Published: November 2016

To understand the present status of fish diseases and their remedial measures taken by the fish farmers, a questionnaire survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools including Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted in seven districts of Bangladesh. In total 196 farmers were interviewed and nine FGD sessions were conducted. Disease occurs immediately after stocking (24%) and during the rainy season (21%) followed by cold season (19%). Mortality, abnormal swimming and feeding behavior, unusual appearance, some localized lesions and reduced growth are the main clue to recognize the fish disease. The most frequently observed diseases were epizootic ulcerative syndromes (18.72%) followed by tail and fin rot (13.19%), red spot (11.49%), gill rot (9.36%), parasitic disease (8.93%), broken prawn antennae (7.23%), and other environmental and nutritional diseases. To cure these diseases, farmers applied the following treatments: lime and potash, liming, lime and salt, lime alone, salt and potash, antibiotics, various chemicals, high doses of vitamin C, complete water exchange, and transport to another pond. This study showed that diseases can play important roles in freshwater aquaculture, but this role is often not recognized due to a lack of knowledge and veterinary backstopping services.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 111-122, 2016
Some health hazard metals in commercially important coastal molluscan species in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Bhuyan Md Simul , Monwar Md Mostafa , Akhtar Aysha
Published: November 2016

The present study was conducted to measure the heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) concentrations in the muscles of four edible mollusk species (Perna viridis, Crassostrea crassostrea, Sepia officinalis and Loligo edulis) for two seasons. The heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The wet weight concentration of heavy metals varied for Pb: 0.03 - 0.05 1mg/kg, Cd 0.03 - 0.04 mg/kg and Hg 0.01 - 0.023 mg/kg. The trend of metals in mollusk muscles were found as Pb > Cd > Hg. There was no significant variation of Cd and Hg concentrations in mollusk species that were analyzed, but Pb varied (F = 22.297; p = 0.00), in terms of both seasons and species. Principal Component Analysis and correlation matrix showed significant anthropogenic intrusions of Pb, Cd and Hg in mollusks. There was significant positive correlation between Cd vs Pb (1.00) and Hg vs Cd (0.447) indicates their common origin especially from industries and municipal wastes. The determined concentrations of all metals in the present study were lower than the limits permitted by World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) guidelines.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 123-131, 2016
Food habits of checkered keelback, Xenochrophis piscator (Schneider, 1799), in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman
Published: November 2016

Checkered Keelback, Xenochrophis piscator, was found to inhabit aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial and fossorial habitats. The average body weight of Checkered Keelback was 233 ± 107.25 g. The average weight of the consumed food by each animal was 10.28 ± 6.78 g, which was 4.41% of their body weight. A total of 23 food items were found in the stomachs of 40 snakes. All the food items were animal food, but three categories of accidental food items were found in the stomachs. Based on food contents the snake fed mainly on arthropods (56.52%), fish (26.80%) and amphibians (17.39%). The consumption of food varied seasonally, being much less in winter compared to summer and rainy seasons but the per cent frequency of occurrence of insects in relation to the total number of food items was more or less the same in all seasons. Insects belonged to 14 families under seven orders, mostly harmful to agriculture, fish ponds, gardens and human residences.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 153-161, 2016
TRAP: A Three-Way Handshake Server for TCP Connection Establishment
Authors: Hsu Fu-Hau , Hwang Yan-Ling , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Cai Wei-Tai , Lee Chia-Hao , Chang KaiWei
Published: November 2016

Distributed denial of service attacks have become more and more frequent nowadays. In 2013, a massive distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack was launched against Spamhaus causing the service to shut down. In this paper, we present a three-way handshaking server for Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection redirection utilizing TCP header options. When a legitimate client attempted to connect to a server undergoing an SYN-flood DDoS attack, it will try to initiate a three-way handshake. After it has successfully established a connection, the server will reply with a reset (RST) packet, in which a new server address and a secret is embedded. The client can, thus, connect to the new server that only accepts SYN packets with the corrected secret using the supplied secret.
Review: Improving the Impact of Plant Science on Urban Planning and Design
Authors: Wootton-Beard Peter , Xing Yangang , Durai Prabhakaran Raghavalu , Robson Paul , Bosch Maurice , Thornton Judith , Ormondroyd Graham , Jones Phil , Donnison Iain
Published: November 2016

Urban planning is a vital process in determining the functionality of future cities. It is predicted that at least two thirds of the world’s citizens will reside in towns and cities by the middle of this century, up from one third in the middle of the previous century. Not only is it essential to provide space for work and dwelling, but also for their well-being. Well-being is inextricably linked with the surrounding environment, and natural landscapes have a potent positive effect. For this reason, the inclusion and management of urban green infrastructure has become a topic of increasing scientific interest. Elements of this infrastructure, including green roofs and façades are of growing importance to operators in each stage of the planning, design and construction process in urban areas. Currently, there is a strong recognition that “green is good”. Despite the positive recognition of urban greenery, and the concerted efforts to include more of it in cities, greater scientific attention is needed to better understand its role in the urban environment. For example, many solutions are cleverly engineered without giving sufficient consideration to the biology of the vegetation that is used. This review contends that whilst “green is good” is a positive mantra to promote the inclusion of urban greenery, there is a significant opportunity to increase the contribution of plant science to the process of urban planning through both green infrastructure, and biomimicry.
Advances in the Knowledge of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes Properties. The Backing of the Electrochemical Investigation
Authors: Feroci Marta , Chiarotto Isabella , Inesi Achille
Published: November 2016

In the last twenty years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have acquired considerable popularity as ligands for transition metals, organocatalysts and in metal-free polymer synthesis. NHCs are generally derived from azolium based salts NHCH+X− by deprotonation or reduction (chemical or electrochemical) of NHCH+. The extensive knowledge of the physicochemical properties of NHCH+/NHC system could help to select the conditions (scaffold of NHC, nature of the counter-ion X−, solvent, etc.) to enhance the catalytic power of NHC in a synthesis. The electrochemical behavior of NHCH+/NHC system, in the absence and in the presence of solvent, was extensively discussed. The cathodic reduction of NHCH+ to NHC and the anodic oxidation of NHC, and the related effect of the scaffold, solvent, and electrodic material were emphasized. The electrochemical investigations allow acquiring further knowledge as regards the stability of NHC, the acidic and nucleophilic properties of NHCH+/NHC system, the reactivity of NHC versus carbon dioxide and the effect of the hydrogen bond on the catalytic efficiency of NHC. The question of the spontaneous or induced formation of NHC from particular ionic liquids was reconsidered via voltammetric analysis. The results suggested by the classical and the electrochemical methodologies were compared and discussed.
Global Atmospheric Dynamics Investigated by Using Hilbert Frequency Analysis
Authors: Zappalà Dario , Barreiro Marcelo , Masoller Cristina
Published: November 2016

The Hilbert transform is a well-known tool of time series analysis that has been widely used to investigate oscillatory signals that resemble a noisy periodic oscillation, because it allows instantaneous phase and frequency to be estimated, which in turn uncovers interesting properties of the underlying process that generates the signal. Here we use this tool to analyze atmospheric data: we consider daily-averaged Surface Air Temperature (SAT) time series recorded over a regular grid of locations covering the Earth’s surface. From each SAT time series, we calculate the instantaneous frequency time series by considering the Hilbert analytic signal. The properties of the obtained frequency data set are investigated by plotting the map of the average frequency and the map of the standard deviation of the frequency fluctuations. The average frequency map reveals well-defined large-scale structures: in the extra-tropics, the average frequency in general corresponds to the expected one-year period of solar forcing, while in the tropics, a different behaviour is found, with particular regions having a faster average frequency. In the standard deviation map, large-scale structures are also found, which tend to be located over regions of strong annual precipitation. Our results demonstrate that Hilbert analysis of SAT time-series uncovers meaningful information, and is therefore a promising tool for the study of other climatological variables.
Experimental Investigation on Wall Film Distribution of Dimethyl Ether/Diesel Blended Fuels Formed during Spray Wall Impingement
Authors: Yu Hanzhengnan , Liang Xingyu , Shu Gequn , Wang Xu , Wang Yuesen , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: November 2016

Dimethyl ether (DME)/diesel blended fuels are used to improve the emissions caused by spray wall impingement during the early injection period. However, experimental results have showed that the spray wall impingement still cannot be avoided due to the engine structure and low density of the in-cylinder charge at the early injection timing. Furthermore, the wall film formed in the spray wall impingement process directly affects fuel/air mixture formation, combustion, exhaust emissions and oil quality subsequently. In this paper, the wall film distribution of DME/diesel blended fuels formed during the spray wall impingement process has been experimentally investigated. The variations of wall film distribution, wall film area and average thickness with different injection pressures, impingement distances, impingement angles and blending ratios have been discussed under both dry wall and wet wall conditions. Results showed that the wall film distribution styles were mainly determined by the spray impingement momentum. The variation of the wall film area and average thickness were affected by three factors including the impingement momentum, wall film mass and fuel properties. Correlation analysis was introduced in order to evaluate the effect of each impact factor on the variation of wall film area and average thickness.
Back to the Future: The Persistence of Horse Skidding in Large Scale Industrial Community Forests in Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: Bray David , Duran Elvira , Hernández-Salas Javier , Luján-Alvarez Concepción , Olivas-García Miguel , Grijalva-Martínez Iván
Published: November 2016

Horse skidding for extracting logwood is characterized as a niche activity in small-scale forestry, limited to small tracts and low volumes, where environmental impacts and aesthetics are concerned, and to operations with no wood-processing facilities. This article documents and analyzes the widespread persistence, current magnitude, and multiple advantages of horse skidding in large-scale industrial community forest enterprises in Chihuahua, Mexico. We extracted data from the logging permit files of 59 communities in the Sierra Tarahumara and conducted semi-structured interviews with community leaders and foresters in 18 communities, 17 random selections, and one purposefully selected case. There are nine communities that can be considered large-scale. Six of them use animal traction for 20%–100% of their volume. All have sawmills integrated with their operations. This includes the El Largo community with a ten-year volume of 3,169,019 m3 extracted from 123,810 ha entirely with horses. Respondents to the interviews report that horse skidding is more cost-effective than mechanized skidding, generates more employment, and has less impact on forests due to reduced carbon emissions. The widespread use of animal traction in large-scale industrial community forestry in Chihuahua demonstrates that horse skidding is not only a niche activity in small-scale forestry. Our data is preliminary, but we suggest that it highlights a need for further assessments of whether animal traction should be part of future efforts towards reduced impact, lower carbon emissions, and socially and economically just forest management.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Induced Polarization for Mapping the Subsurface of Alluvial Fans: A Case Study in Punata (Bolivia)
Authors: Gonzales Amaya Andres , Dahlin Torleif , Barmen Gerhard , Rosberg Jan-Erik
Published: November 2016

Conceptual models of aquifer systems can be refined and complemented with geophysical data, and they can assist in understanding hydrogeological properties such as groundwater storage capacity. This research attempts to use geoelectrical methods, Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Induced Polarization parameters, for mapping the subsurface in alluvial fans and to demonstrate its applicability; the Punata alluvial fan was used as a case study. The resistivity measurements proved to be a good tool for mapping the subsurface in the fan, especially when used in combination with Induced Polarization parameters (i.e., Normalized Chargeability). The Punata alluvial fan characterization indicated that the top part of the subsurface is composed of boulders in a matrix of finer particles and that the grain size decreases with depth; the electrical resistivity of these deposits ranged from 200 to 1000 Ωm, while the values of normalized chargeability were lower than 0.05 mS/m. The bottom of the aquifer system consisted of a layer with high clay content, and the resistivity ranged from 10 to 100 Ωm, while the normalized chargeability is higher than 0.07 mS/m. With the integration of these results and lithological information, a refined conceptual model is proposed; this model gives a more detailed description of the local aquifer system. It can be concluded that geoelectrical methods are useful for mapping aquifer systems in alluvial fans.
Conjugation with RGD Peptides and Incorporation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Are Equally Efficient for Biofunctionalization of Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts
Authors: Antonova Larisa , Seifalian Alexander , Kutikhin Anton , Sevostyanova Victoria , Matveeva Vera , Velikanova Elena , Mironov Andrey , Shabaev Amin , Glushkova Tatiana , Senokosova Evgeniya , Vasyukov Georgiy , Krivkina Evgeniya , Burago Andrey , Kudryavtseva Yuliya , Barbarash Olga , Barbarash Leonid
Published: November 2016

The blend of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has recently been considered promising for vascular tissue engineering. However, it was shown that PHBV/PCL grafts require biofunctionalization to achieve high primary patency rate. Here we compared immobilization of arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD)-containing peptides and the incorporation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as two widely established biofunctionalization approaches. Electrospun PHBV/PCL small-diameter grafts with either RGD peptides or VEGF, as well as unmodified grafts were implanted into rat abdominal aortas for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following histological and immunofluorescence assessment. We detected CD31+/CD34+/vWF+ cells 1 and 3 months postimplantation at the luminal surface of PHBV/PCL/RGD and PHBV/PCL/VEGF, but not in unmodified grafts, with the further observation of CD31+CD34−vWF+ phenotype. These cells were considered as endothelial and produced a collagen-positive layer resembling a basement membrane. Detection of CD31+/CD34+ cells at the early stages with subsequent loss of CD34 indicated cell adhesion from the bloodstream. Therefore, either conjugation with RGD peptides or the incorporation of VEGF promoted the formation of a functional endothelial cell layer. Furthermore, both modifications increased primary patency rate three-fold. In conclusion, both of these biofunctionalization approaches can be considered as equally efficient for the modification of tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
Patterned Fibers Embedded Microfluidic Chips Based on PLA and PDMS for Ag Nanoparticle Safety Testing
Authors: Liu Yaowen , Wang Shuyao , Wang Yihao
Published: November 2016

A new method to integrate poly-dl-lactide (PLA) patterned electrospun fibers with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip was successfully developed via lithography. Hepatocyte behavior under static and dynamic conditions was investigated. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated good hepatocyte survival under the dynamic culture system with effective hepatocyte spheroid formation in the patterned microfluidic chip vs. static culture conditions and tissue culture plate (TCP). In particular, hepatocytes seeded in this microfluidic chip under a flow rate of 10 μL/min could re-establish hepatocyte polarity to support biliary excretion and were able to maintain high levels of albumin and urea secretion over 15 days. Furthermore, the optimized system could produce sensitive and consistent responses to nano-Ag-induced hepatotoxicity during culture. Thus, this microfluidic chip device provides a new means of fabricating complex liver tissue-engineered scaffolds, and may be of considerable utility in the toxicity screening of nanoparticles.
Detection of Multiple Stationary Humans Using UWB MIMO Radar
Authors: Liang Fulai , Qi Fugui , An Qiang , Lv Hao , Chen Fuming , Li Zhao , Wang Jianqi
Published: November 2016

Remarkable progress has been achieved in the detection of single stationary human. However, restricted by the mutual interference of multiple humans (e.g., strong sidelobes of the torsos and the shadow effect), detection and localization of the multiple stationary humans remains a huge challenge. In this paper, ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radar is exploited to improve the detection performance of multiple stationary humans for its multiple sight angles and high-resolution two-dimensional imaging capacity. A signal model of the vital sign considering both bi-static angles and attitude angle of the human body is firstly developed, and then a novel detection method is proposed to detect and localize multiple stationary humans. In this method, preprocessing is firstly implemented to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the vital signs, and then a vital-sign-enhanced imaging algorithm is presented to suppress the environmental clutters and mutual affection of multiple humans. Finally, an automatic detection algorithm including constant false alarm rate (CFAR), morphological filtering and clustering is implemented to improve the detection performance of weak human targets affected by heavy clutters and shadow effect. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can get a high-quality image of multiple humans and we can use it to discriminate and localize multiple adjacent human targets behind brick walls.
A Deformable Smart Skin for Continuous Sensing Based on Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Visentin Francesco , Fiorini Paolo , Suzuki Kenji
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present a low-cost, adaptable, and flexible pressure sensor that can be applied as a smart skin over both stiff and deformable media. The sensor can be easily adapted for use in applications related to the fields of robotics, rehabilitation, or costumer electronic devices. In order to remove most of the stiff components that block the flexibility of the sensor, we based the sensing capability on the use of a tomographic technique known as Electrical Impedance Tomography. The technique allows the internal structure of the domain under study to be inferred by reconstructing its conductivity map. By applying the technique to a material that changes its resistivity according to applied forces, it is possible to identify these changes and then localise the area where the force was applied. We tested the system when applied to flat and curved surfaces. For all configurations, we evaluate the artificial skin capabilities to detect forces applied over a single point, over multiple points, and changes in the underlying geometry. The results are all promising, and open the way for the application of such sensors in different robotic contexts where deformability is the key point.
The Delimitation of Urban Growth Boundaries Using the CLUE-S Land-Use Change Model: Study on Xinzhuang Town, Changshu City, China
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhang Hao , Ye Xin-Yue , Wang Xin-Jun , Su Hai-Long
Published: November 2016

Over the past decades, urban growth boundaries (UGBs) have been regarded as effective tools applied by planners and local governments to curb urban sprawl and guide urban smart growth. The UGBs help limit urban development to suitable areas and protect surrounding agricultural and ecological landscapes. At present, China’s Town and Country Planning Act officially requires the delimitation of UGBs in a city master planning outline and in central urban area planning. However, China’s practices in UGBs are usually determined by urban planners and local authorities, and lack a sound analytical basis. Consequently, Chinese UGBs are often proven to be inefficient for controlling urban expansion. In this paper, take the fast-growing Xinzhuang town of Changshu city, eastern China as an example, a new method towards establishing UGBs is proposed based on land-use change model (the Conversion of Land Use and its Effects at Small regional extent, CLUE-S). The results of our study show that the land-use change and urban growth simulation accuracy of CLUE-S model is high. The expansion of construction land and the decrease of paddy field would be the main changing trends of local land use, and a good deal of cultivated land and ecological land would be transformed into construction land in 2009–2027. There is remarkable discordance in the spatial distribution between the simulated UGBs based on the CLUE-S model and the planned UGBs based on the conventional method, where the simulated results may more closely reflect the reality of urban growth laws. Therefore, we believe that our method could be a useful planning tool for the delimitation of UGBs in Chinese cities.
Evaluation of the use of intra-operative radiology for open placement of lag screws for the stabilization of sacroiliac luxation in cats
Authors: Quinn Robert , Adrian Anna , Owen Martin , Bush Mark , Silveira Francisco
Published: November 2016

Objectives: To assess the effect of intra- operative radiology on the quality of lag screw insertion for the management of sacroiliac joint luxations in cats.

Methods: In this retrospective single-centre study, the surgical, anaesthetic and imaging records of 40 screws (32 cats) placed with lag effect for management of sacroiliac luxation were reviewed. Postoperative radio-graphs were assessed for sacroiliac joint reduction, screw position, and sacral width purchased by each screw. Cases were divided into two groups according to the use of (IOR) or the absence of intra-operative radiology (NIOR).

Results: A total of 23 lag screws were placed with the aid of intra-operative radiology and 17 without. Three of the 23 screws placed in the IOR group exited the sacrum as opposed to eight of 17 screws in the NIOR group (p = 0.03). Mean sacral width purchased by the screws in the IOR group (70.8%) was also significantly higher (p = 0.002) than in the NIOR group (54.6%). Mean general anaesthetic times for unilateral and bilateral screw placement for the IOR group and NIOR group were not significantly different.

Clinical significance: The use of intra-operative radiology can significantly improve the quality of lag screw insertion for the stabilization of sacroiliac luxations in cats, which should lead to a reduced incidence of postoperative screw loosening.
Sagittal accuracy of tibial osteotomy position during in vivo tibial plateau levelling osteotomy performed without an alignment jig and cutting guide
Authors: Witte Philip , Scott Harry , Craig Andrew
Published: November 2016

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of tibial osteotomy location for tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) in the sagittal plane and its effect on the postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), when performed without an alignment jig and saw guide. Also, to document the improvement gained with experience.

Methods: Medical records and stifle radio-graphs of dogs undergoing TPLO, without the use of an alignment jig and saw guide, by one surgeon were reviewed (2010–2014). Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to record the distance and direction of eccentricity. Postoperative TPA was also recorded.

Results: In a series of 401 TPLO procedures, 231 met the inclusion criteria. The absolute distance of eccentricity (DOE) for all dogs was 3.0 ± 1.6 mm. When evaluating surgical experience, the DOE for the final 77 cases (2.72 ± 1.43 mm), the middle 77 cases (3.18 ± 1.49 mm), and the first 77 cases (3.24 ± 1.7 mm) were not significantly different (p = 0.07157). There was a very weak correlation between DOE and postoperative TPA (R = 0.029).

Clinical significance: The location of the tibial osteotomy when performing TPLO without an alignment jig and saw guide compared favourably with previously documented use of an alignment jig and saw guide. Whilst the location of the tibial osteo -tomy has a theoretical impact on the post -operative TPA, other factors appear to be of greater importance. Surgeon experience did not result in significant improvement in accuracy up to 231 procedures.