bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Henry James, Shakespeare's Biography, and the Question of National Identity in "The Birthplace" and "The Introduction to TheTempest "
Authors: McCombe John P.
Published: May 2010

Three essays by Henry James—"The Question of Our Speech," "The Speech of American Women," and "The Manners of American Women"—comprise what he calls an "exceptional inquiry" into the changing cultural status of American women and the shifting American scene. Pursuing a line of reasoning that these essays demonstrate a deliberate series in which the ideas of the later two essays build upon the themes and implications set forth in the first, this article argues that James fosters the development of a critical acumen that would allow women to make penetrating distinctions that go beyond the superficial or the tacit and to acquire a keen practical judgment that recognizes the relations among these distinctions.
The Importance of Linkage Arguments for the Theory and Practice of Human Rights: A Response to James Nickel
Authors: Gilabert Pablo
Published: May 2010

In his article, "Rethinking Indivisibility: Towards a Theory of Supporting Relations between Human Rights," James Nickel challenges the common view that human rights are mutually linked in such a way that they are "indivisible." Although Nickel compellingly shows that the ideas of indivisibility and linkage arguments, as they have been used by many proponents, are ultimately unsatisfactory; I argue that we should not drop them or downplay their importance. We certainly must avoid exaggerated construals of indivisibility and linkage claims. They are not only false, but also could weaken the force of human rights discourse. But we should also avoid viewing such claims as too weak. Nickel warns against the first mistake, and I warn against the second. Rather, we should provide weaker, but still robust, versions of linkage arguments. I offer some hypotheses for those reformulations and suggest some examples of their fruitful application. In conclusion, this response maintains that the exploration of supporting relations between human rights retains great significance for the theory and practice of human rights.
The Struggle for Roma Rights: Arguments that Have Worked
Authors: Goldston James A.
Published: May 2010

The Roma represent the quintessential pan-European ethnic minority, present in almost all Council of Europe member states, but lacking a territory or government of their own. Over the past decade, Roma rights advocates have succeeded in persuading the European Court of Human Rights to significantly expand the protection afforded to victims of violence and discrimination by the European Convention of Human Rights. Three sets of arguments have proven central: (i) process-based claims, relating to positive obligations, burdens of proof, and rebuttable presumptions; (ii) arguments premised on a body of factual evidence that accumulates gradually; and (iii) arguments that address systemic problems, even when focusing on the claims of individual applicants in specific cases. As the Roma rights movement looks to the future, the challenge is increasingly to find arguments that compel reform outside the courtroom in parliaments, local governments, and other centers of political power capable of translating judicial decisions into change on the ground.
Advancing the Rights of Non-Citizens in Canada: A Human Rights Approach to Migrant Rights
Authors: Basok Tanya , Carasco Emily
Published: May 2010

Focusing on seasonal agricultural migrant workers in Canada, this article illustrates how local migrant rights activists have utilized different judicial fora to claim rights for non-citizen migrant workers under the international human rights framework. The article underscores the role of litigation by activists who, citing international norms and conventions, claim that protections provided by domestic constitutional provisions and labor laws should be extended to non-citizen migrants. The importance of judges' willingness to recognize the international law framework is also underscored. This article contributes to human rights studies by emphasizing the transformative role of judicial agency in the fight for the extension of human rights protections. Relative to citizens, non-citizens are a group lacking in political power and as such vulnerable to having their interests overlooked and their rights to equal concern and respect violated.
Measuring Charter School Efficiency: An Early Appraisal
Authors: Carpenter Dick M. , Noller Scott L.
Published: May 2010

In an era of increased accountability and challenging times for public finance, charter schools built on decentralization, grassroots accountability, and market forces may provide, in the spirit of "educational laboratories," lessons for increasing student achievement more efficiently through diverse and innovative management, organization, structures, and operations. Using stochastic frontier analysis, this study put that proposition to the test and found limited difference in technical efficiency, favoring noncharter public schools over charters.
Knowing What Matters: An Expanded Study of School Bond Elections in Michigan, 1998–2006
Authors: Bowers Alex J. , Metzger Scott Alan , Militello Matthew
Published: May 2010

This study investigates what factors are associated with the likelihood of passing school facility construction bonds by local district election. It uses statewide data from Michigan, 1998–2006, to examine the outcome of 789 bond elections in terms of the following ten variables: amount of the bond request; district enrollment; district locale; percentage of students receiving free school lunches; percentage of the district population with only a high school degree; the district's long-term debt; voter turnout; the day of the calendar year on which the election is held; the number of the bond proposal on the ballot; and the inclusion of technology in the ballot proposal's wording. The logistic regression analysis finds that bond amount—percentage of students receiving free lunches, percentage of district population with only a high school degree, voter turnout, and being further down on the ballot—are all negative and significant factors. District long-term debt and holding the election later in the calendar year are both positive and significant factors. District enrollment numbers are non-significant. In terms of district locale—using mid-sized city and suburban districts as the reference group—being a small town and rural district is a negative and significant factor.
On the System of Person-Denoting Signs in Estonian Sign Language: Estonian Personal Name Signs
Authors: Paales Liina
Published: May 2010

This article discusses Estonian personal name signs. According to study there are four personal name sign categories in Estonian Sign Language: (1) arbitrary name signs; (2) descriptive name signs; (3) initialized-descriptive name signs; (4) loan/borrowed name signs. Mostly there are represented descriptive and borrowed personal name signs among the Estonian Deaf people.
Biopower, Biosociality, and Community Formation: How Biopower Is Constitutive of the Deaf Community
Authors: Friedner Michele
Published: May 2010

Key thinkers within Deaf Studies (e.g., Lane 1992 and Ladd 2003) have utilized the work of Michel Foucault on biopower in order to critically examine the ways in which the Hearing community oppresses the Deaf community through medical, audiological, social service, and educational institutions. In this article I argue that biopower is not just oppressive but that it is actually productive as well and creates the conditions of possibility for the formation of the Deaf community. I use recent anthropological works on biopower and community formation in order to make this argument and I situate the emergence of the Deaf community within the current neo-liberal political, economic, and social moment.
American Sign Language Curricula: A Review
Authors: Rosen Russell S.
Published: May 2010

There is an exponential growth in the number of schools that offer American Sign Language (ASL) for foreign language credit and the different ASL curricula that were published. This study analyzes different curricula in its assumptions regarding language, learning, and teaching of second languages. It is found that curricula vary in their assumptions, and can be classified along the three main theoretical frameworks: behaviorism, linguisticism, and communication. Strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical framework are identified in second language acquisition research. Current second language theories of language, learning, and teaching are described, and suggestions are offered for future curriculum in ASL.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Properties of Periodontal Ligament Cells From Deciduous and Permanent Teeth
Authors: Silvério Karina Gonzales , Rodrigues Thaisângela Lopes , Coletta Ricardo Dela , Benevides Luciana , Da Silva João Santana , Casati Márcio Zaffalon , Sallum Enilson Antônio , Nociti Francisco Humberto
Published: May 2010

Background: Human postnatal stem cells have been identified in periodontal ligaments (PDLs). In this study, the in vitro biologic properties of CD105+ enriched cell subsets from PDLs harvested from deciduous (DePDL) and permanent (PePDL) teeth are comparatively assessed.

Methods: PDL tissue was obtained from 12 teeth (six primary and six permanent) from which CD105+ CD34− CD45− cells were isolated by magnetic cell sorting. To identify and quantitatively compare the stem cell markers, DePDL and PePDL cells were assessed for CD166 surface antigen expression by flow cytometry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunostaining for Stro‐1 and Oct‐4, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and proliferation rate by trypan blue method.

Results: Magnetic cell sorting isolated cell populations containing 23.87% (± 11.98%) and 11.68% (± 6.27%) of CD105+ expressing cells from PePDL and DePDL, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a higher proportion of CD105+ cells coexpressing CD166 surface antigen in PePDL, whereas immunostaining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that both cell subsets expressed Stro‐1 and Oct‐4. DePDL‐CD105+ subsets were more proliferative compared to PePDL subsets, and both cell populations showed multipotential capabilities to differentiate in vitro to osteoblast/cementoblast– and adipocyte‐like cells. However, a higher expression of adipogenic‐related genes was observed in DePDL cells, whereas PePDL‐CD105+ cell subset presented a more homogeneous osteoblast/cementoblast response.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that highly purified mesenchymal progenitor cell subsets can be obtained from the PDLs of both deciduous and permanent teeth, and further indicate phenotype dissimilarities that may have an impact on their clinical applications.
Periodontal Disease in Association With Systemic Levels of Interleukin‐18 and CXC Ligand 16 in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Schallhorn Rachel A. , Patel Devang N. , Chandrasekar Bysani , Mealey Brian L.
Published: May 2010

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is present in chronically inflamed tissues; IL‐18 was positively associated with periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD). CXC ligand (CXCL) 16, a recently discovered chemokine, was identified in atherosclerotic lesions; its role in periodontal disease is largely unknown. This research study correlates periodontal parameters with systemic levels of IL‐18 and CXCL16.

Methods: Fifty‐one patients who presented for clinically indicated coronary angiography received full‐mouth periodontal examinations. The periodontal status of patients was defined using frequency distributions of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Blood samples were collected during cardiac catheterization, and plasma levels of IL‐18 and CXCL16 were analyzed. The severity of CAD was determined by the presence and extent of coronary artery stenosis. Correlations between periodontal parameters, levels of inflammatory mediators, and CAD status were analyzed.

Results: The extent of BOP exhibited a significant positive correlation with IL‐18 in the Spearman rank correlation analysis (P = 0.039), which indicated a correlation between periodontal inflammation and systemic IL‐18 levels. When multiple regression analysis was performed, the extent of clinical AL ≥3 mm (P = 0.045) and ≥5 mm (P = 0.024) exhibited an association with IL‐18, whereas CXCL16 was associated with clinical AL ≥5 mm (P = 0.040) and PD ≥7 mm (P = 0.047).

Conclusion: A significant correlation is identified between periodontitis and systemic levels of IL‐18 and CXCL16 in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography.
Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B Ligand/Osteoprotegerin Ratio in Sites of Chronic Periodontitis of Subjects With Poorly and Well‐Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Santos Vanessa Renata , Lima Jadson Almeida , Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo Dias , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Shibli Jamil Awad , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: May 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of osteoclastogenesis‐related factors (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand [sRANKL] and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from subjects with poorly and well‐controlled type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal therapy.

Methods: Eighteen subjects with well‐controlled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] levels ≤8%) and 20 subjects with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c levels >8%) were enrolled in this study. All subjects were submitted to non‐surgical periodontal therapy. GCF sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. Total amounts and concentrations of sRANKL and OPG in GCF were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Total amounts and concentrations of sRANKL and RANKL/OPG ratios were higher in poorly controlled subjects than in well‐controlled subjects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post‐therapy (P <0.05). In addition, RANKL/OPG ratios decreased in well‐controlled subjects (P <0.05) but not in poorly controlled subjects (P >0.05) at 3 months post‐therapy. Almost all clinical parameters improved significantly for both groups post‐treatment (P <0.05).

Conclusion: RANKL/OPG ratios in untreated and treated periodontitis sites may be negatively influenced by poor glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Nitrates/nitrites concentration estimation in wastewater samples using transmittance curve models optimized by evolutionary computation techniques
Authors: López-Espí Pablo , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho , Pérez-Bellido Ángel M. , de Bustamante Irene , López-Ferreras Francisco
Published: May 2010

This paper presents an application of evolutionary computation algorithms in the estimation of the concentration of nitrates/nitrites in water. Specifically, we start from the measured transmittance curves of a water sample and a model of the curve consisting of a mixture of polynomial, Fermi and Gaussian functions. An evolutionary programming algorithm is then used to obtain the optimal parameters of the model which minimize the distance between the measured and the modeled transmittance curves. This process allows us to separate the modeled transmittance curve into several components, one of them associated with the nitrate/nitrite concentration. We can extract the nitrate/nitrite concentration of the water sample using this component of the transmittance model. We test our proposal on several laboratory samples and on three real samples measured in different locations around Madrid, Spain.
A hybrid model coupled with singular spectrum analysis for daily rainfall prediction
Authors: Chau K. W. , Wu C. L.
Published: May 2010

A hybrid model integrating artificial neural networks and support vector regression was developed for daily rainfall prediction. In the modeling process, singular spectrum analysis was first adopted to decompose the raw rainfall data. Fuzzy C-means clustering was then used to split the training set into three crisp subsets which may be associated with low-, medium- and high-intensity rainfall. Two local artificial neural network models were involved in training and predicting low- and medium-intensity subsets whereas a local support vector regression model was applied to the high-intensity subset. A conventional artificial neural network model was selected as the benchmark. The artificial neural network with the singular spectrum analysis was developed for the purpose of examining the singular spectrum analysis technique. The models were applied to two daily rainfall series from China at 1-day-, 2-day- and 3-day-ahead forecasting horizons. Results showed that the hybrid support vector regression model performed the best. The singular spectrum analysis model also exhibited considerable accuracy in rainfall forecasting. Also, two methods to filter reconstructed components of singular spectrum analysis, supervised and unsupervised approaches, were compared. The unsupervised method appeared more effective where nonlinear dependence between model inputs and output can be considered.
Pipe roughness calibration in water distribution systems using grey numbers
Authors: Alvisi Stefano , Franchini Marco
Published: May 2010

This paper presents a procedure based on the use of grey numbers for the calibration (with uncertainty) of pipe roughness in water distribution systems. The pipe roughness uncertainty is represented through the grey number amplitude (or interval). The procedure is of a wholly general nature and can be applied for the calibration (with uncertainty) of other parameters or quantities, such as nodal demands. In this paper, for the purpose of roughness calibration, a certain number of nodal head measurements made under different demand conditions is assumed to be available at different locations (nodes); all other topological and geometric characteristics of the system are considered to be known exactly. The general approach to pipe roughness calibration (taking account of uncertainty) focuses on identifying the grey roughness values which produce grey head values at the measuring nodes such as to encompass the observed values grouped on the basis of the different demand scenarios and, at the same time, have as small an ‘amplitude’ as possible. The proposed procedure was applied to two synthetic case studies and to one real network. The tests on the synthetic case studies show that the proposed procedure is able to correctly solve the inverse problem, i.e. it can identify the known grey roughness numbers even when they overlap; the same applies when the known grey roughness numbers collapse into known white roughness numbers. The test on the real case offers the possibility of highlighting the potentials of the procedure when applied within a context where measurement errors and other uncertainties are present. The procedure entails computing times that may become lengthy. However, it is possible to reduce these computing times considerably by replacing the hydraulic simulator—to which a number of calls must be made during the calibration procedure (for objective function evaluation)—with an approximation based on a first-order Taylor series expansion. This approach introduces acceptable approximations within the context of the problem considered.
Editorial Vol.23(2)
Authors: Begum Firoza
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4957Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 44
Primary Amenorrhoea - Analysis of 44 cases
Authors: Forhad Quorrata Eynul , Tasnim Sumayya , Begum Anowara
Published: May 2010

Objective: To determine the etiologic factors responsible for primary amenorrhoea on the basis of clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Materials & Methods: This retrospective study was done in a private setting from the records of the patients between January 2005 - December 2007. Results: During three years of study period, 44 cases of primary amenorrhoea were analyzed. Two most common etiologic factors were mullerian agenesis (36.3%) and gonadal dysgenesis (29.5%). Range of average age of the patients when they first consulted the physician was 13- 32 years. Karyotyping was done on 10 of13 cases of gonadal dysgenesis; 46, XX karyotype was found in 50% and 45, XO in 10% of analyzed cases. Clinical examination gave wrong diagnosis of absent uterus in two cases who were in the hypoestrogenic stage with hypoplastic uterus; ultrasonography gave the wrong diagnosis in one case in this study. These patients successfully menstruated after hormone replacement therapy. Conclusion: The etiologic causes and cytogenetic study of primary amenorrhoea in our study is different from earlier reports. Racial and environmental differences may play a role in these differences. The facilities for diagnostic tools may also play a part. Both clinical examinations and many laboratory investigations have to be completed before final diagnosis of etiologic causes of primary amenorrhoea are elucidated. Diagnosis based on inadequate data can be misleading. DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4958 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 46-50
Surgical Management and Outcome of Adnexal Masses during Pregnancy: A 2 Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Begum Taslima , Nahar Lutful , Siddique Tanzeema , Rani Chalontika , Raihan-ul-Kabir Mohammad
Published: May 2010

Objective: To demonstrate adnexal masses during pregnancy Materials and Methods: This retrospective hospital based study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Sir Salimullah medical college & Mitford hospital, Dhaka, between June 2007 to June 2009. Results: Among 5320 live births fourteen pregnancies with adnexal masses were detected during the study period. The mean age group of the patients was 26.6 year (range 18-42 yrs), the mean gestational age at which adnexal masses were detected was 17 weeks (range 5-36 wks) and the mean gestational age at the time of surgery was 24 weeks (range 6-41wks). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high rate of surgical intervention of adnexal masses during pregnancy. Most cases were benign in character and malignancy rate was very low. DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4959 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 51-55
A Prospective Randomised Trial of Nifedipine Versus Placebo in Preterm Labour
Authors: Ara Iffat , Banu Hashina
Published: May 2010

Objective: To evaluate nifedipine as a tocolytic agent and measure the side-effectsMethods : Prospective randomized study of 89 singleton pregnancies with preterm labour between 30-34 weeks of gestation. The capacity to delay delivery 48 h,7 days, til 36 weeks were the outcome variable assessed.Results: Nifedipine could successfully prolong delivery in about 82 % of cases. There were fewer side-effects. Main side-effects were flushing and head-ache. Most of the patients complained of no side-effects.Conclusion : Nifedipine is a well tolerated tocolytic drug with fewer side-effects.Key word: Nifedipine; tocolysis; preterm labourBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 61-64
Antihypertensives in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Begum Firoza , Parveen Tabassum
Published: May 2010

Hypertension is the most common medical disorder in pregnancy. It complicates about 15% of all pregnancies and is an important cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is diagnosed from an absolute rise in blood pressure at or above 140/90 mm of Hg. There is general consensus that severe hypertension should receive pharmacological treatment but the value of treating mild hypertension is controversial. The threshold for treatment is 140-150 mm of Hg systolic and/ or 95-100 mm of Hg diastolic to prevent worsening complications of hypertensive mother. Opinions differ as to which is the best antihypertensive during pregnancy. All antihypertensives are either shown or assumed to cross the placenta and reach foetal circulation. While the goal of treatment is to reduce maternal risk, agents selected must be efficacious and safe for the foetus. Methyldopa and labetolol are considered as the first line antihypertensives. As second line therapy, calcium channel blocker, oral hydralazine are recommended. As third line agent, beta-adrenergic blockers are used. For immediate lowering of blood pressure sublingual Nifidipine , parenteral or oral Labetolol, parenteral Hydralazine are used. Atenolol use should probably be avoided in pregnancy because of its association with low birth weight. Both Angiotensin converting enzymes and Angiotensin receptor blockers are fetotoxic and contraindicated during pregnancy. This review article was done with the aim to update knowledge regarding indication, safety, side effects as well as impact of anti-hypertensives on the foetus. DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4963 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 65-77
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in a Woman with Uterine Myoma
Authors: Nawaz R , Haque S , Shaha K
Published: May 2010

Background:. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are rare complications of uterine myoma. There have been few reports on these associations. Case: A 41 year old para 1+0 presented with 20 weeks size fibroid uterus, which had compressed the pelvic veins and caused unilateral deep vein thrombosis of right leg with subsequent pulmonary embolism. After anticoagulation therapy, a total abdominal hysterectomy was performed, with an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: Although deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism associated with uterine myoma is a rare event, it can be managed successfully with anticoagulants and hysterectomy. A uterine myoma with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is an indication for hysterectomy. DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4965 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 78-81
Abstracts: Vol.23(2)
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4966 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 82-83
Society News Vol.23(2)
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4967 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 84-85
Comparative study on carcass characteristics between Black Bengal and crossbred goats
Authors: Asaduzzaman M , Alam MR , Amin MR , Faruque MO
Published: May 2010

This study was conducted on Black Bengal and crossbred goats thrives in the western part of Bangladesh for comparative evaluation of their carcass yield and meat quality. Thirty male goats (15 Black Bengal and 15 crossbreds) slaughtered in the slaughter house of Rajshahi city corporation were evaluated for carcass quantity and quality. The average slaughtering age was 12.60 and 12.40 months, and dressing percentage 43.71% and 45.86% for Black Bengal and crossbred goats, respectively. Crossbred goats had significantly (P<0.01%) higher dressing percentage than the Black Bengal goats. The total edible and non edible portions of Black Bengal and crossbred goats did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The percentage of moisture, crude protein, ether extract and ash contents were 72.79, 21.90, 3.72 and 1.15 for Black Bengal goat and 73.46, 20.85, 4.51 and 1.08 for crossbred goats, respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among moisture, crude protein, ash content (%) of Black Bengal and Crossbred goats. However, the carcass of crossbred goats contained more fat (ether extract) (p<0.05) compared to the Black Bengal goat. The higher carcass yield and dressing percentage observed in crossbred goats reflected to yield more meat compared to the Black Bengal goat. Keywords: Black Bengal and Crossbred goat; Dressing percentage; Chemical composition DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4968 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 87-90, 2009
Gastro-intestinal helminths of ducks: Some Epidemiologic and pathologic aspects
Authors: Yousuf MA , Das PM , Anisuzzaman M , Banowary B
Published: May 2010

A total of 206 ducks were subjected to routine postmortem examinations from July 2007 to June 2008. Of the ducks examined, 167 (81.1 %) were infected by one/more species of gastro-intestinal helminths. A total of ten species of helminth parasites were recovered from gastrointestinal tract, of which four species were trematodes namely: Echinostoma revolutum, Notocotylus attenuatus, Hypoderaeum conoideum and Echinoparyphium recurvatum; two were nematodes, namely, Amidostomum anseris, Capillaria contorta; two were cestodes, viz, Hymenolepis coronula and Fimbriaria fasciolaris and two species belonged to acanthocephala such as, Arythmorhynchus anser and Filicollis anatis. Single double and mixed infections were found in 78 (46.7%), 46 (27.5%) and 43 (25.8%) ducks, respectively. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth was significantly (P<0.05) higher in female ducks (82.7 %) than male ducks (77.6%). Ducks above six month to one year of age were more affected (53.9%) than the ducks < 6 month (15.0%) and > 1 year of age (31.1%). Helminth infection was significantly (P<0.05) lower in rainy season (64.9%) in contrast to summer (75.7 %) and winter season (91.1 %). In heavy infections of E. revolutum haemorrhagic enteritis were noticed and parasites were firmly attached with the mucosa. E. recurvatum caused thickening of the serosal surface of intestinal wall. N. attenuatus produced catarrhal tryplitis characterized by thickening of the villi and formation of oeosinophilic granulomas. Massive infections with H. coronula produced inflammatory changes in the small intestine. Grossly petechial haemorrhages to ulcerative lesions were produced by A. anseris. In proventriculus circular ulcerative and necrotic areas with degeneration of the glandular tissues were seen. A. anser was also found in between the horney and muscular layer of the gizzard where they produced pin pointed haemorrhagic lesions and in severe case parasites were embedded into the mucosal layers of gizzard. For the control of helminths infections mass deworming is necessary. Keywords: Gastro-intestinal helminths; Ducks; Epidemiology; Pathology DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4969 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 91-97, 2009
Immunogenicity of fowl typhoid vaccine in layer chickens
Authors: Ferdous J , Khan MSR , Begum F , Hassan J
Published: May 2010

The immunogenicity of available fowl typhoid vaccine was studied in layer chickens following usual and suggested schedule of vaccination. A total of 30 chickens were divided into three groups; group A (vaccinated following usual schedule of vaccination), B (vaccinated following suggested schedule of vaccination) and C (as control), each containing 10 layer chickens of Fayoumi breed. Chickens of group A and B were vaccinated with available fowl typhoid vaccine produced by the Governments laboratory at a dose rate of 0.5ml at each occasion through SC route, where 1st dose was administered at 42 days and 35 days of age, respectively, and 2nd dose at 72 days and 65 days of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected to obtain sera from each chicken at every 7 days interval up to 105 days post vaccination for determination of antibody titre following primary and secondary vaccination using microplate agglutination test. The highest mean antibody titre obtained from Group A was 460.8 than that of B was 435.2, respectively. Among the two groups, the highest mean antibody titre of 460.8 was obtained at 56 days post vaccination in group A following usual schedule of vaccination. It revealed that government supplied fowl typhoid vaccine induced higher level of antibody production in both usual and suggested schedule of vaccination. Keywords: Immunogenicity; Fowl Typhoid; Vaccine; Layer chicken; Suggested; Usual DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4970 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 99-102, 2009
Economics of BRAC credit operation in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan J , Mian MRU , Islam AHMS
Published: May 2010

BRAC borrowers received 100 percent credit of their applied amount. Maximum of the credit money was utilized purposively and rickshaw pulling borrowers showed the highest purposive utilization. All the borrowers satisfactorily repaid their loan within the specified term. The important factors for timely loan repayment were found to be self awareness, installment mode of payment and group pressure. Borrower's income proved to be the most significant factor contributing repayment process. Grocery shop borrowers experienced the highest increase in income and expenditure while rickshaw pulling borrowers experienced the same in saving. Though BRAC credit brought positive change to its borrowers, the impact was not satisfactory. So, other related programs with credit support were suggested to bring desired change for the borrowers. Keywords: Credit; Adequacy; Utilization; Repayment; Impact DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4971 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 103-107, 2009
Prospects of beekeeping in Bangladesh
Authors: Moniruzzaman M , Rahman MS
Published: May 2010

The main focus of the study was to examine the scope of beekeeping in Bangladesh. The data were collected from beekeepers of Tangail and Gopalgonj districts, because this enterprise is working more in these areas than others in Bangladesh. Fifty-four beekeepers were selected randomly and they were interviewed for getting the necessary data to determine the costs and return of beekeeping and to assess the scope of beekeeping. Forty six percent of the total beekeepers had own land of 0.51 to 1.50 acres and 37 per cent of them were young beekeepers in the age group of 15-30 years. Most of the beekeepers took it as a main occupation. The benefit cost ratio of beekeeping was 1.59 which showed that this business was profitable. It will be a great source of employment creation for the rural poor people to reduce the poverty. There is a great prospect of beekeeping in Bangladesh on the basis of the socio-economic context of the country and some special features of the enterprise. There are some problems identified by the beekeepers and they have suggested some solutions also. Finally the authors have drawn some recommendations to expand beekeeping enterprise in Bangladesh. Keywords: Beekeeping; Net return; Employment; Prospects DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4972 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 109-116, 2009
Inequality and economic growth in Bangladesha diversified evidence on Kuznets pattern `U` hypothesis
Authors: Islam SMA
Published: May 2010

The study of inequality and economic growth to the developing countries are now a days a comprehensive issue since the growth stimulate the standard of living to the poor people and accordingly reduce income inequality. The improvement of inequality and growth may reduce the social movement to the government and may keep the economic and social integrity amongst the different ethnic groups by efficient resource allocation and income redistribution in Bangladesh. The objective of this research is to assess long term relationship between inequality and growth in Bangladesh with a methodology of Kuznets pattern inverted U hypothesis first introduced by Simon Kuznets since 1955. The popular concept of Kuznets hypothesis suggests that as economic growth occurs, income inequality first increase and then decline after a certain turning point. The study of Kuznets hypothesis is popular to the international economic environment rather than domestic, especially to the developing countries where the per capita GDP is below the level of world average. This study found the evidence that the presumption of Kuznets hypothesis has satisfied in the economy of Bangladesh in national level. In low income countries, structural adjustment is necessary to satisfy the Kuznets hypothesis. Keywords: Kuznets Hypothesis; Inequality; Growth DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4973 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 117-123, 2009
Enzymatic synthesis of low-trans blends from fractionated mustard oil and palm stearin with linoleic acid by response surface methodology
Authors: Alim MA , Lee JH , Akoh CC , Lee KT
Published: May 2010

Low-trans blend (LTB) was produced from the fractionated mustard oil (solid phase, S-MO) and palm stearin (PS) through lipase-catalyzed reaction, in which linoleic acid (LA) was intentionally incorporated. For optimizing the reaction condition, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed with three reaction variables such as substrate mole ratio of S-MO to PS (X1), reaction temperature (X2) and reaction time (X3). The predictive models were adequate and reproducible due to no significant lack of fit and the P-value of the model was very small ω6/ω3 ratio, and satisfactory level of coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.89) for ω6/ω3 ratio. The ω6/ω3 ratio of LTB was affected by substrate mole ratio and reaction temperature but reaction time had no significant effect. For considering the ω6/ω3 ratio, the optimum condition found 1:1.7 substrate mole ratio, 61.42 _ reaction temperature and 25.85 h reaction time. Keywords: Low-trans blend; Mustard oil; Palm stearin; Lipase-catalyzed reaction; Response surface methodology; Solid fat content DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4974 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 125-132, 2009
Fecundity of guchibaim, Mastacembelus pancalus
Authors: Rahman MM , Miah MI
Published: May 2010

Fecundity of guchibaim, Mastacembelus pancalus was described based on 100 samples collected from the experimental ponds of the Field Laboratory Complex, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from May to July 2007. The surveyed sample ranged from 115 to165mm in total length and 6.97±0.44 to 10.52±0.22g in average body weight. The ovary weight of the specimens varied from 0.77±2.61 to 5.19±0.29g. The fecundity was found to vary from 881.50±44.03 to 1182.30±27.33 eggs. The relationship between fecundity and total length was linear and it was expressed as: Y= 4.3927x+398.02 (R2=0.5336). The relationship between fecundity and body weight was linear and it was expressed as: Y= 67.319x+449.62 (R2=0.7446). The relationship between fecundity and ovary weight was also linear and it was expressed as: Y=72.36x+799.77 (R2=0.9189). The fecundity was highly correlated with the total length, body weight and ovary weight of fish and the Mastacembelus pancalus is a low fecund fish. Keywords: Fecundity; Guchibaim; Mastacembelus pancalus DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4975 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 133-137, 2009
Comparison of growth performance between cryopreserved and fresh sperm-originated fry of Barbonymus gonionotus
Authors: Rahman F , Sarder MRI , Rouf MA
Published: May 2010

This experiment was conducted to compare the growth performance of silver barb fry produced from cryopreserved sperm with those produced from fresh sperm. Cryopreserved sperm used for fry production was preserved with three extenders, Alsever's solution, urea egg-yolk, egg-yolk citrate solution and one cryoprotectant, DMSO. Cryodiluents were prepared by mixing the cryoprotectants at 10% concentration of the extender (% v/v). Fry produced with fresh sperm was considered as control. For comparing the growth, 60 fry of 15 day-old for each treatment of both cryopreserved and control groups were stocked to glass aquarium (50 cm x 30 cm x 28 cm) and reared them for ten weeks. Growth of fry in terms of length and weight increment in both cryopreserved and control groups were measured weekly. The growth pattern was more or less similar for all the treatments and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between them. The survival rate of fry produced from cryopreserved sperm was 82.3% and that from fresh sperm 88%, and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between two groups. It is therefore, concluded that the use of cryopreserved sperm does not impair survival and growth of fry. Keywords: Silver barb; Cryopreservation; Growth; Survival DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4977 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 145-149, 2009
Comparative study of mud crab (Scylla serrata) fattening practices between two different systems in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum M , Shah MMR , Mamun Abdullah-Al , Alam MJ
Published: May 2010

A study was conducted to compare the survival, production and economics of mud crab fattening in cage with fattening in encircled earthen brackishwater pond. Thirty cages of 1m (L) × 1m (W) × 0.3m (H) partitioned into 16 compartments (each 25 × 25 × 30 cm) were set in a 40 m2 pond and another pond with same area was encircled with bamboo fence. Mud crab fattening in cage and in encircled earthen area were considered as Treatment-1 and Treatment-2, respectively with three replications each to compare the fattening system. Single adult non-gravid female crab (204.42 ± 2.58g) was stocked into each compartment of the cages and 80 crabs (204.42± 2.58g) were also stocked into earthen pond @ 2 indiv./ m2. The crabs were fed with chopped tilapia @ 8% of body weight twice daily. Survival rate of crab was found 93.75 ± 6.25% and 86.12 ± 2.16% respectively in cages and encircled earthen area. Significantly (P<0.05) higher total production of crab from cages (3.30±0.08 kg/m2) was recorded than the encircled earthen area (0.37±0.01 kg/m2). Comparative benefit-cost analysis showed that bamboo cage fattening attained higher net profit (Tk 91,630.00) than crab fattening in encircled earthen area (Tk 9,345.00) from 12 crops (12-16 days per crop) fattening period. The present study revealed that mud crab fattening using bamboo cage might be better than encircled earthen area with fencing in Bangladesh. Keywords: Mud crab; Fattening; Bamboo cage; Encircled earthen pond; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4978 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 151-156, 2009
Evaluation of the efficacies of selected antibiotics and medicinal plants on common bacterial fish pathogens
Authors: Rahman T , Akanda MMR , Rahman MM , Chowdhury MBR
Published: May 2010

An experiment was conducted to compare the efficacies of some selected antibiotics and medicinal plants against common bacterial fish pathogens viz., Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Edwardsiella tarda. Four different antibiotics viz., CFCIN (ciprofloxacin), Renamycin (oxytetracycline), DT-10 (doxycicline) and Sulfatrim (sulphadiazine + trimethoprim) were exposed in different doses (100, 75, 50 and 25 ppm) to the culture of freshly isolated bacteria under the in vitro condition for sensitivity test and minimum inhibitory dose (MID) was determined. Based on in vitro results, antibiotics were applied to the experimental infection of Thai silver barb, Barbonymus gonionotus. CFCIN showed the best result with 100% recoveries of challenged fish in prolonged bath treatment. Medicinal plants were selected on the basis of previous studies. Crude extracts were prepared from various parts (leaves and bulb) of garlic, turmeric, akand and neem and four different doses were applied to the fresh culture of pathogenic isolates under the in-vitro condition to determine minimum inhibitory dose (MID). However, garlic offered the best result with 90.00 ± 2.89% recoveries of challenged fish in aquarium trial. Akand + neem, turmeric and akand showed moderate to weak recovery rates with the same dose. The present study thus showed that medicinal plants would be an effective control measure along with antibiotics against bacterial fish diseases. Keywords: Efficacy; Medicinal plants; Bacterial fish pathogens DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4980 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 163-168, 2009
Effects of different dietary levels of vitamin E on the ovarian development and breeding performances of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus)
Authors: Roy A , Mollah MFA
Published: May 2010

To observe the effects of vitamin E on the ovarian development and breeding performances of Clarias batrachus an experiment was conducted in two phases. The first phase concentrated on studying the effects of vitamin E on ovarian development and the second phase on breeding performances. Eighty female C. batrachus broodfish were stocked in 8 cisterns (2.38 × 1.45m2 each) divided into 4 treatments each having two replicates. Each of the cistern was stocked with 10 females. The fish were fed with feed having different levels of vitamin E viz. 0 mg (served as control), 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg vitamin E/kg feed for 3 months to study the effects of vitamin E on the growth and ovarian development of C. batrachus broodfish. It was found that growth in terms of body weight of fish fed with 200 mg vitamin E/kg feed (under T4) was higher, while 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed (under T2) gave the poorest result. There was no significant difference among different treatments. Gonadosomatic index and fecundity were highest in fish treated with 100 mg vitamin E/kg feed (under T3), but there was no significant difference among the treatments. After rearing for 3 months fish were used for induction of breeding to study breeding performance. A pituitary gland (PG) dose of 100 mg/kg body weight was used in all treatments. Ovulation rate was 100% in females of all treatments. In case of fertilization and hatching rate the highest result (88.33±2.51 and 82.33±3.05 respectively) was obtained in T2 (50 mg vitamin E / kg feed), but there was no significant difference between T2 and T3. The overall result of this experiment indicates that 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed is the best dose for the breeding performance of female C. batrachus broods. Keywords: Clarias batrachus; Vitamin E; Ovarian development; Breeding performance; Larval growth DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4983 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 183-191, 2009
Embryonic and larval development of guchibaim, Mastacembelus pancalus (Hamilton)
Authors: Rahman MM , Miah MI , Taher MAH , Hasan MM
Published: May 2010

The embryonic and larval development of local Guchibaim, Mastacembelus pancalus (Hamilton) was studied during May to October 2007. This study presents preliminary observations on the embryonic and larval development of Mastacembelus pancalus under laboratory conditions. The parents stock was collected from different places of Mymensingh district. The eggs were obtained through induction of spawning by use of hormones. At fertilization; the eggs were 0.50 mm in diameter. Samples were taken every 10 minutes interval till completion of morula and then every 1 hour interval up to hatching. After hatching, daily observations took place until the attainment of the fingerling stage. The eggs presented coloration varying from yellow to brownish-green. They were spherical, demersal and adhesive. The stages of embryonic development observed with cleavage, followed by blastula, morula, early gastrula, middle gastrula, late gastrula and until hatching of non-pigmented larvae which displayed total average length of 1.3 mm ± 0.22, 35 hours after fertilization. First cleavage was recorded within 1.05 hrs after fertilization and the embryonic rudiments of developing eggs appeared at 24.30 hrs at 27.0-31.0°C. The yolk sac was completely absorbed at 67 hrs during embryonic development on attainment of 5.50 mm total length. At the same time the digestive system became fully developed and the larvae searched for feeding. Keywords: Embryo; Larvae; Guchibaim; Mastacembelus pancalus DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4984 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 193-204, 2009
In vitro protein digestibility of different feed ingredients in Thai koi (Anabas testudineus)
Authors: Ali H , Haque MM , Chowdhury MMR , Shariful MI
Published: May 2010

The study was carried out to determine relative protein digestibility (RPD) of different feed ingredients for Thai koi (Anabas. testudineus; n=22) using in vitro digestibility technique. Gut crude enzyme extracted from the experimental species was used to assay RPD using pH drop method. The RPD of fish meal (FM), meat & bone meal (M&B), shrimp meal (SM), soybean meal (SM), mustard oilcake (MOC) and rice polish (RP) were 78.08%, 72.82%, 20.65%, 76.08%, 67.39% and 35.86%, respectively when the respective ingredients were hydrolyzed by the gut crude enzyme extract of A. testudineus and caesin was used as the standard. The highest relative protein digestibility was found in fish meal (78.08 %) and the lowest was found in shrimp meal (35.65 %). The determined RPD of different feed ingredients can be used as the base information for the feed preparation of A. testudineus. Keywords: Protein digestibility; Thai koi (A. testudineus); In vitro digestibility DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4985 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 205-210, 2009