bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Seed Protein and Protein Profile Pattern of Chickpea (Cice arietinum L.) by SDS-PAGE under Drought Stress and Fertilization
Authors: Ashrafi Vahid , Pourbozorg Hoorieh , Moradi Kor Nasroallah , Ajirloo Abasalt Rostami , Shamsizadeh Morteza , Shaaban Morad
Published: June 2015

A field experiment was performed in order to evaluate the effects of drought stress and application of starter nitrogen fertilizer on seed storage proteins and protein pattern in chickpea cultivars. Experiment was performed in split-factorial using randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was laid out in a split-factorial design with drought stress in main plots and cultivar with nitrogen fertilizer in subplots with three replications. The experimental treatments consisted of three levels of drought stress [severe drought stress (S2), moderate drought stress (S1) and no drought stress(S0)] and two cultivars of chickpea consist of Azad and Bivanij and 2 N levels. Plants were either not given any N fertilizer (N0), or fertilized by N fertilizer at the rate of 25 kg ha-1 (N25). The results of this study showed that the effects of drought stress on seed storage proteins and protein yield, effect of cultivars on protein yield were significant. With increase of drought stress seed storage proteins was increased and protein yield decreased. Severe drought stress treatment has the highest seed protein and the control treatment has the lowest seed protein. Non stress treatment has the highest protein yield and the severe  drought stress treatment has the lowest protein yield. The SDS- PAGE results revealed that no effects treatments on the protein banding patterns but the related severe drought stress bands were chromatic, because they have highest protein concentration in some protein bands.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12704
Investigation of growth analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars under drought stress
Authors: Azimi Seyed Mostafa , Kor Nasroallah Moradi , Ahmadi Madeh , Shaaban Morad , Motlagh Zahra Rahmati , Shamsizadeh Morteza
Published: June 2015

A field experiment performed in order to evaluate the effects of drought stress on growth indices of chickpea cultivars. This experiment was performed in factorial using randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were drought stress treatment in in three levels consisting of no drought stress (control), moderate drought stress (irrigation at planting and early flowering) and severe drought stress (no irrigation) and cultivar treatment (three cultivars Azad, Grit and ILC482). Results showed that LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR reduced with increased in drought stress level. Also, LAR decreased after short time increasing. Non stress condition caused to improve growth stages and increase accumulation of dry matter and yield in chickpea. Maximum LAI, LAR and CGR obtaind at 56 days after sowing under non irrigation condition, but under complete irrigation they were observed at 77 days after sowing. RGR and NAR reduced with increasing the age of the plant. Thus we concluded that drought stress decreased growth of chickpea and final yield of it.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12705
Changes in Yield and Yield Components of Wheat Cultivars under Water Stress Condition
Authors: Farnia Amin , Tork Amin
Published: June 2015

A field experiment was laid out in order to evaluation of effects water stress on yield and yield components of wheat cultivars in Lorestan province in Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd branch, Iran at 2014. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design based on randomized block design with three replications. Treatments were irrigation in five levels such as 1: four period irrigation after anthesis, 2: three period irrigation after anthesis, 3: two period irrigation after anthesis, 4: one period irrigation after anthesis and 5: control in main plots and  three wheat cultivars (Shiraz, Pishtaz and Bahar) in sub plots.  The results showed that, the effect of water stress, cultivar and interaction between them on all parameters were significant at 1% level. The height of Pishtaz cultivar was taller than other cultivars. The Pishtaz cultivar with one period irrigation after anthesis had the highest number of spike per square and Bahar cultivar with one period irrigation after anthesis had the lowest number of spike per square. However, 1000- grainwas decreased in water deficit treatment.  However, the Pishtaz cultivar with four period irrigation had the highest plant dry weight and grain yield and Bahar cultivar non irrigation treatment after anthesis had the lowest plant dry weight and Shiraz cultivar in non-irrigation treatment had the lowest grain yield. The results showed that yield and yield components of common wheat decreased with increasing of water deficit and for increasing in grain yield of wheat complete irrigation are needed. However, Pishtaz cultivar had a highest grain yield and dry matter production. Then we can increase grain yield and production of wheat with cultivation of Pishtaz cultivar and avoid of water stress.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12707
Comparison of the Plant Plantago Major and the Drug Colofac on Clinical Symptoms in IBS Patients
Authors: Nagafabadi Mostafa Salehi , Aghah Shahram , Yousefi Seyde Sedighe , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Mahdaviyan Farzane , Jafarian Ali Akbar
Published: June 2015

Background and Aim: Despite the frequency with which IBS is encountered in clinical practice, it remains an important medical problem for both health care providers and patients. Unfortunately, so far no single treatment option has been effective for managing IBS. Therefore we decided to Comparison of the plant Plantago major and the drug Colofac on clinical symptoms in IBS patients. Method of investigation: This study was done as a double-blinded clinical trial in Aug 2014 until Nov 2014. 51 patients (male and female) were included in the study after considerations of inclusion and exclution criteria. Diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome II Criteria and organic causes were ruled out. Patients were divided randomly into the two groups, A and B. In the first visit, all patients were observed for two weeks without any medication. Patients in group A were given a 4.5 g dose of powdered plantago plant per day in two administrations, (2 hours before eating lunch and dinner) in the form of an oral capsule. Patients in Group B received a Colofac capsule (200 mg) morning and night for 3 months. Patients in both groups were visited for an examination to evaluate their condition in terms of diarrhea, constipation, number of defecations. Visits and examinations were made every week in the first month and every two weeks in the second month plus one at the end of the third month. Data were further analyzed by SPSS-17 software and statistical test of chi-square was done, and a repeated measure. Findings: Evaluations for number of days of diarrheal defecation per day show significant difference at each visit in repeated measurements; however, average of the descending trend for number of days of diarrheal defecation showed no significant difference between the two therapeutic methods. The effectiveness of plantago in reducing numbers of diarrheal defecations in a day was higher than that of Colofac. number of defecations per week showed no significant difference in relation to each of the visits in repeated measures. However, there was no significant difference between the two treatments in terms of the mean of descending trend of number of defecations during a week, although the effectiveness of plantago in for reducing the number of defecations per week was greater than that of Colofac. Conclusion: The present study is the clinical trial to Comparison of the plant Plantago major and the drug Colofac on clinical symptoms in IBS patients. Our study demonstrated that two therapeutic methods are effective in the management of IBS symptoms, although the effectiveness of plantago was greater than that of Colofac. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12708
Determine the Adequacy of the Cytochemical Staining and Operation of a Pap Smear to Determine the Degree and Type of Neutrophil Blood Cell and Vaginal Tissue Changes in Myeloid Leukocytes
Authors: Irani Maryam , Nosrati Arash Chaichi , Modiri Leila
Published: June 2015

Neutrophil cytoplasmic granules are abundant and have a smaller size than monocytes and eosinophils and larger than lymphocytes.Cluster sample were collected in AliNasab hospital Department of Pathology patients pathology with age from 19 to 53 years Provided that the total of 94 patients and 11 samples from each patient were available slides. Samples immediately after sampling were fixed with ethanol, methanol and acetone and transported to the laboratory According to Sigma - Aldrich Cytochemical staining was performe. .First Infection was assessed by staining agents Papa Nicolas hospital and then to confirm the Color Gram, Giemsa and Periodic acid Schiff was performed. In the age group of 15-25 years, 7,14% neutrophils were observed as normal, 14-29% neutrophils were bound form and 57,78% were remained as the segmented neutrophil. In the age group of 25-35 years, normal neutrophils were 11,63%  and 34,88% neutrophils were bound form, 49,53% neutrophils were observed as the segmented form.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12710
Effect of Nitrogen Biofertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Different Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars
Authors: Farnia Amin , Ashjardi Vahid Kazemi
Published: June 2015

In order to evaluate the effect of nitrogen bio-fertilizers on yield and yield and yield components of different maize (zea mays L.) cultivars  a field experiment was conducted in Islamic Azad University of Boroujerd, Iran (at Isfahan region), during the growing seasons 2013- 2014. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design based on randomized block design with three replications. Treatments were different cultivars (Siloking, NS4015, Maxima and SC704) in main plots and nitrogen bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, Nitroxin and Supernitroplus) with control in sub plots. The results reviled that the effect of cultivar treatmenton all traits was significant. Effect of N bio-fertilizer treatment was significant on stem weight, leaf weight, ear weight and biomass yield only. Interaction effect of them was significant on all traits excepting number of leaf per plant and ear weight.   Application of nitrogen biofertilizers increased yield components of different cultivars of maize specially, for Siloking cultivar and Supernitroplus bio-fertilizer. Siloking cultivar with application of Supernitroplus biofertilizer had the highest plant height and leaf weight and Maxima cultivar with application of Nitroxin biofertilizer had the lowest plant height and leaf weight. However, NS4015 cultivars with non-application of any of N biofertilizer had the highest stem weight. Siloking cultivar had the highest number of leaf per plant and NS4015 cultivar had the lowest number of leaf per plant. Siloking cultivar had the highest all of the traits excepting stem weight. So, this cultivar was more useful than other cultivars for achieve to maximum production of foliage in Isfahan province. However Siloking cultivar with application of Supernitroplus nitrogen biofertilizer treatment had the highest biomass yield as foliage yield and we propose this treatment for maximum production of maize in Isfahan environmental condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12711
Determination of Antioxidant Activity of Selected Vegetables Grown in Iran under Reversed Phase Conditions with UPLC
Authors: Rastakhiz Nahid , Khosravi Fereshteh , Jafari Olia Seyyed Sina Seyyed , Iranmanesh Behzad
Published: June 2015

This study describes the determination of some phenolic compounds in four different vegetables of Kerman in Iran including Carrots, Celery, Lettuce and red cabbage .The  phenolic compounds analyzed were (Ascorbate, Ferulic acid, Naringin) using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RPUPLC). The results of analysis showed in vegetables ranged between 90 and 1080mg /kg. A high and significant correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content was determined in vegetables (r2 = 0.9461 P < 0.06). However, flavonoid content was not significantly correlated with antioxidant activity in vegetables. It was observed that total phenolic content is the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of vegetables.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12712
Yield performance of lentil as a mixed crop with rapeseed
Authors: Islam MS , Islam MA , Begum MA , Maniruzzaman M , Alam MAU
Published: June 2015

Mixed crop cultivation of lentil and rapeseed could be a promising technology for yield maximization. The field experiment was carried out at multilocation testing site, Kashinathpur, Pabna during the rabi season of 2011-12 and 2012-13 to verify the performance of rapeseed as mixed crop with lentil at different seeding ratios. The treatment comprises for the experiment were T1: Sole lentil (100%), T2: Sole rapeseed (100%), T3: Lentil (100%) + Rapeseed (10%), T4: Lentil (100%) + Rapeseed (20%), T5: Lentil (100%) + Rapeseed (30%) and T6 :Farmers practice :Lentil (100%) + Rapeseed (15%). The highest lentil equivalent yield (2.22 t ha-1 in and 2.48 ) and maximum land equivalent ratios (1.27 and 1.28) were observed in T4 treatment in 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively.. It was noted that all the mixed cropping systems produced higher equivalent yield and LER than that of their corresponding sole crops. . Cost and return analysis showed that the highest net return (Tk. 127774 ha-1) was found in T4 treatment while sole rapeseed gave the lowest net return (Tk. 60540 ha-1). Net return was always higher under mixed cropping system than that of sole cropping. The highest benefit cost ratio 3.48 was recorded from Lentil (100%) + Rapeseed (20%) where as the minimum (1.39) from soli rapeseed.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2014, 17(1): 33-40
Foliar and soil fertilization effect on seed yield and protein content of soybean
Authors: Mannan MA
Published: June 2015

A field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, from December 2011 to March 2012, to study the effects of nutrient foliar spray on soybean growth, yield and protein content. Soybean variety Shohag was used as the test crop. N, NPK, NPKS and NPKMg were sprayed and applied in the soil at vegetative and pod filling stages. Soil fertilizations were done as recommended dose, and no soil and foliar fertilization were considered as control. Plants were sprayed at the rate of 100 mg/L of water corresponding to each nutrient. The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. Result indicated that nutrient foliar spray, either singly or in combination, enhanced the growth and yield of the soybean as well as protein content in soybean seed, at the two growth stages compared to soil fertilization. However, spraying nutrients during pod filling stage was better than vegetative spraying stage in all characters studied. The highest amount of protein content in soybean seed and grain yield were obtained by spraying NPKMg.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2014, 17(1): 67-72
Variations in salinity tolerance of selected mango rootstocks
Authors: Roy RK , Robbani M , Ali M , Bhowal SK , Erfan ANM
Published: June 2015

An experiment was conducted at the Germplasm Centre, Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) during the period from July 2011 to March 2013 to study the performance of selected mango rootstocks in the saline area in Bangladesh. The experiment consisted of four mango rootstock lines collected from Rangpur, Dumki, Khulna and Kuakata, and five salinity treatments namely control (0 dSm-1), low (4 dSm-1), medium (6 dSm-1), high (8 dSm-1) and very high (10 dSm-1). A two factor experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (factorial) with four replications. Results revealed that rootstock line and salinity levels had significant influences on various crop characters viz. length of rootstocks, diameter of rootstocks, number of leaves and percent rootstocks success and survivability. In case of rootstocks, the longest rootstock length (41.38 cm), highest number of leaves (37.58) and survivability (71.73%) were recorded in Rangpur line. In case of salinity treatments, rootstock diameter (16.09 mm), number of leaves/graft (36.47) and survivability (67.37%) were recorded in low salinity treatment. Interaction of rootstock lines and different salinity treatments showed significant variation on the length and diameter of rootstocks at 120 DAT. The maximum diameter of rootstock (17.63 mm) was recorded in high (8 dSm-1) salinity treatment in rootstock line of Kuakata, followed by the same stages of rootstock lines of Khulna (17.56 mm). The longest rootstock (46.75 cm) was recorded in control treatment (0 dSm-1) with rootstock line of Rangpur followed by the same stages of rootstock (41.75 cm) with medium salinity treatment (6 dSm-1). Rangpur rootstock line performed best from 0-8 dSm-1 salinity. The overall salinity tolerance was graded as follows: Rangpur rootstock line > Dumki rootstock line > Kuakata rootstock line > Khulna rootstock line.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2014, 17(1): 89-94
Physico-mechanical, thermal and activation energy studies of Jute-Mat/ polyvinylchloride sandwich composites
Authors: Mobarak Taimur Al , Mina Md Forhad , Gafur Md Abdul
Published: June 2015

Polyvinylchloride sheets (PVCS) as well as sandwiched composites of untreated jute-mat (JM)/PVC (UJPC) and organic acid treated JM/PVC (TJPC) were prepared with various JM contents by compression molding method at 160ºC. Mechanical, chemical textural, surface morphological, thermal and water intake (WI) properties of these samples were measured using a universal testing machine, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a scanning electron microscope, a thermal analyzer and the gravimetric method, respectively. Young modulus (Y) and tangent modulus (G) of TJPC are found to increase from UJPC. FTIR spectra clearly exhibited distinct absorption peaks of UJPC and TJPC, indicating a modified texture of treated JM. The observed WI value was lower in TJPC than UJPC. Fiber-tearing of fractured surface micrographs observed for TJPC and fiber pull-out for UJPC suggested a good adhesion between JM and PVC in the former one. Most importantly, the activation energy (Ea) analysis by Ozawa method gives its value of 164 KJ/mol for TJPC and 135 KJ/mol for UJPC.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 13-23, 2015
Optical properties of spray pyrolysis deposited Cds:Al thin films
Authors: Rubel A Hasnat , Podder J
Published: June 2015

Aluminium doped cadmium sulphide thin films were prepared on glass substrate using aqueous solution of cadmium sulphide and thiourea salts by spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) technique. Its optical properties were analyzed as a function of doping concentration. The direct energy band-gap of Al-doped CdS films was estimated in the range of 2.25 to 2.48 eV. The optical spectra of Cd1-xAlxS ternary system exhibit high absorption near visible region and transmission throughout the near-infrared region (600 - 1200 nm). Thus so obtained hetero-junction films are suitable for fabrication of photo detectors, solar cells and other optoelectronics devices.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 25-30, 2015
Physiological analysis of growth and yield of potato in relation to planting date
Authors: Begum Farida , Kundu BC , Hossain MI
Published: June 2015

Experiments on planting date on growth and yield of potato revealed that planting date had a significant effect on plant height, crop growth and yield. Higher leaf area index (LAI) was observed in case of optimum sowing date (16 Nov.) which resulted in higher total dry matter (TDM) production and ultimately gave higher yield. Delayed planting gave lower LAI, lower TDM and had adverse effect on tuber yield. No significant variation was observed in tuber yield due to interaction effect of variety and planting date.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 45-51, 2015
Exploring the best possible route of infection of Verotxin producing Escherichia coli in development of experimental gastroenteritis among streptomycin treated murine model
Authors: Mosharraf Fahareen Binta , Ahsan Chowdhury Rafiqul , Nessa Jamalun , Yasmin Mahmuda
Published: June 2015

The prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 induced bacteremia generate a critical problem in modern medical therapy for bacterial infections. This study sought to find out the best possible route and dose of E. coli 0157:H7 infection in experimental murine model by periodic stool and blood culture count of relevant bacterial strains. Streptomycin treated mouse model were used for investigating the clinical manifestation exerted by stx1A and stx2A positive E. coli O157:H7 with increasing doses applied through three alternative routes (oral, intramuscular and intraperitoneal). The highest titer of orally added E. coli 0157:H7 among five test doses started showing symptoms at the earliest time and reached moribund condition about 48 hours just before being dead. The oral way of E.coli O157:H7 at the dose of 100 ml suspension containing 1 ´ 109CFU ml-1 was taken as the most potent concentration in producing bacterial fatality and hence was selected as the minimum lethal dose (MLD).Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 53-58, 2015
Microstructure and magnetic properties of soft nickel ferrite
Authors: Bhuiyan Mahabub Alam , Hoque Sheikh Manjura , Choudhury Shamima
Published: June 2015

Polycrystalline NiFe2O4 samples were prepared from analytical grade powder of NiO and Fe2O3 by conventional double sintering technique. The samples were sintered at 1000 - 1400°C. The scanning electron micrographs (magnification ´ 10000) of the samples revealed that the grain size increases and the porosity decreases with the increase in sintering temperature. These changes in microstructure, grain size and porosity with sintering temperature have great influence on the magnetic properties of NiFe2O4. Complex permeability (u) over the frequency range from 1 kHz to 13 MHz for the samples at different sintering temperatures (1000-1400°C) has been observed. Variation of permeability with the applied temperature has been observed at various sintering temperature from which Curie temperature have been calculated. Decreased value of Curie temperature (Tc) has been found with the increase of sintering temperature.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 59-64, 2015
Cypselar anatomy of five species of the tribe Calenduleae, family Asteraceae
Authors: Jana Bidyut Kumar , Mukherjee Sobhan Kumar
Published: June 2015

Detailed anatomical features of cypselas of five species (Calendula arvensis L., Calendula maderensis DC., Calendula stellata Cav., Calendula suffruticosa Vahl ssp. suffruticosa and Osteospermum vaillantii (Decne.) Norl.) of the tribe Calenduleae have been studied to observe the variation pattern among them. Among the five cypselas, in case of C. stellata, mesocarpic region is made up of only parenchyma cells, containing pits. In remaining four cypselas, mesocarpic region is made up of both parenchyma and sclerenchyma cells. In the cypsela of O. vaillantii, vallecular cavity is present in mesocarpic region. This cavity is absent in remaining four cypselas. In the cypsela of C. arvensis and C. suffruticosa, secretory duct exists in mesocarpic region, which is absent in remaining three cypselas. In the cypsela of C. arvensis and C. maderensis, six vascular traces are present in mesocarpic region, whereas in O. vaillantii, eight vascular traces; in C. stellata, five vascular traces; in C. suffruticosa, four vascular traces are present in mesocarpic region. Based on the above mentioned anatomical features, an artificial key to the species has been constructed.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 65-71, 2015
Climatic change of Bangladesh over a cycle of period 35 years
Authors: Ansary M Abdullah , Hossain M Alamgir
Published: June 2015

Bangladesh has been undergoing hazardous climatic changes. Monsoon is changing its pattern. Variations of temperature, humidity, rainfall are remarkable. The seasonal changes of Bangladesh such as the transition from winter to spring, summer to autumn in temperate zone, and from wet to dry in the tropics are remarkable to take into consideration. The climatic changes have great influence on the distribution of plants and animals and in the formation of soils through the weathering of geological materials and the decomposition or preservation of organic matter. Various weather parameters over a cycle were studied and determined the coefficient of variations to compare the past, present and future situation in Bangladesh. The frequency distribution and the shift in distribution of monsoon rainfall were determined and analyzed to show the trend of climate changes and their impact on environment. The important findings are the surface temperature rise by 0.60C and the rainfall in monsoon likely to be increased by 12% in the year 2030. However, the seasonal rainfall trend is decreasingJournal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 73-82, 2015
An approximate analytical technique for solving second order strongly nonlinear generalized duffing equation with small damping
Authors: Uddin M Alhaz , Ullah M Wali , Bipasha Rehana Sultana
Published: June 2015

In this paper, Hes homotopy perturbation method has been extended for obtaining the analytical approximate solution of second order strongly nonlinear generalized duffing oscillators with damping based on the extended form of the Krylov-Bogoliubov-Mitropolskii (KBM) method. Accuracy and validity of the solutions obtained by the presented method are compared with the corresponding numerical solutions obtained by the well-known fourth order Rangue-Kutta method. The method has been illustrated by examples.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 103-114, 2015
Generalized (U, M)-derivations of completely semiprime r-rings
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanor , Paul Akhil Chandra
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the authors extend and generalize some results of previous workers to completely semiprime G-rings. If U is an admissible Lie ideal of a completely semiprime G-ring M, d is a (U, M)-derivation of M and f is a generalized (U, M)-derivation of M then under some suitable conditions, workers prove that f(uav) = f(u) av + uad(v) holds for all u, v Î U and a Î G.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 115-123, 2015
Unmet needs in continuing medical education programs for rural Chinese township health professionals
Authors: Yi Yanhua , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Sriplung Hutcha , Hu Guijie , McNeil Edward , Feng Qiming , Zhou Hongxia , Wei Bo
Published: June 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the system of continuing medical education (CME) in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and to ascertain the perceived needs related to that system, in order to improve the performance of health professionals in Chinese township health centers (THCs). Methods: In-depth key informant interviews were conducted to gain insights into the current CME system. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire was also carried out from March to August 2014 in order to identify perceived needs among THC personnel in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to respondents’ interest in pursuing different levels of degree study. Results: The areas of need perceived by the respondents included general clinical competence and emergency or first aid knowledge. Most respondents wanted to study at medical colleges in order to obtain a higher degree. Respondents aged below 45 years with neutral or positive attitudes about the benefit of degree study for the licensure examination were more likely to attend a bachelor-level CME program than their older peers and respondents with negative attitudes towards degree study. Female respondents and respondents aged below 45 years were more likely to attend a junior college CME program than males and older respondents, respectively. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop degree-linked CME programs to meet the need for young health professionals in Chinese THCs; therefore, this programs can improve the expertise of poorly educated young health workers, who overwhelm rural Chinese heath systems.
Knowledge of evidence-based dentistry among academic dental practitioners of Bhopal, India: a preliminary survey
Authors: Singh Aishwarya , Saxena Sudhanshu , Tiwari Vidhatri , Tiwari Utkarsh
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to characterize the knowledge of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dental faculty members in the city of Bhopal in central India. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered at two dental colleges in Bhopal City. All dental faculty members who were present on the day of the study and who agreed to participate were included in the study. A total of 50 dental faculty members returned the questionnaire. Six Likert-type questions were asked, and the percentages of various responses were used for analysis. Sixteen faculty members (32.0%) strongly agreed that EBD is a process of making decisions based on scientifically proven evidence. Fifteen faculty members (30.0%) strongly disagreed or disagreed with the item stating that the best and quickest way to find evidence is by reading textbooks or asking experienced colleagues. Thirteen faculty members (26.0%) strongly agreed that EBD allows dentists to improve their scientific knowledge and clinical skills. It is recommended that EBD be included in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and in intensive continuing dental education programs that are conducted for dental faculty members.
The need for redesigned pharmacy practice courses in Pakistan: the perspectives of senior pharmacy students
Authors: Umair Khan Muhammad , Ahmad Akram , Hussain Kazim , Salam Aqsa , Hasnain Zain-ul , Patel Isha
Published: June 2015

Purpose: In Pakistan, courses in pharmacy practice, which are an essential component of the PharmD curriculum, were launched with the aim of strengthening pharmacy practice overall and enabling pharmacy students to cope with the challenges involved in meeting real-world healthcare needs. Since very little research has assessed the efficacy of such courses, we aimed to evaluate students’ perceptions of pharmacy practice courses and their opinions about whether their current knowledge of the topics covered in pharmacy practice courses is adequate for future practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over two months among the senior pharmacy students of two pharmacy colleges. A content- and face-validated questionnaire was used to collect data, which were then analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed. Results: Research in pharmacy practice (30.2%), applied drug information (34.4%), health policy (38.1%), public health and epidemiology (39.5%), pharmacovigilance (45.6%), and pharmacoeconomics (47.9%) were the major courses that were covered to the least extent in the PharmD curriculum. However, hospital pharmacy practice (94.4%), pharmacotherapeutics (88.8%), and community pharmacy practice (82.8%) were covered well. Although 94% of students considered these courses important, only 37.2% considered themselves to be competent in the corresponding topics. Of the participants, 87.9% agreed that the pharmacy courses in the present curriculum should be redesigned. Conclusion: Our results showed that the pharmacy practice courses in the current PharmD curriculum do not encompass some important core subjects. A nationwide study is warranted to further establish the necessity for remodelling pharmacy practice courses in Pakistan.
Comparison of the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of barriers regarding adverse drug reaction reporting between pharmacy and medical students in Pakistan
Authors: Umair Khan Muhammad , Ahmad Akram , Ejaz Areeba , Ata Rizvi Syed , Sardar Ayesha , Hussain Kazim , Zaffar Tayyaba , Q. Jamshed Shazia
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare the knowledge and attitudes of pharmacy and medical students regarding adverse drug reactions (ADRs), as well as their perceptions of barriers to ADR reporting, in a Higher Education Commission-recognised Pakistani university.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year pharmacy (n=91) and medical (n=108) students in Pakistan from June 1 to July 31, 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The responses of pharmacy students were compared to those of medical students.Results: Pharmacy students had a significantly better knowledge of ADRs than medical students (mean±SD, 5.61±1.78 vs. 3.23±1.60; P<0.001). Gender showed a significant relationship to knowledge about ADRs, and male participants were apparently more knowledgeable than their female counterparts (P<0.001). The attitudes of pharmacy students regarding their capability to handle and report ADRs were significantly more positive than those of medical students (P<0.05). In comparison to pharmacy students, a lack of knowledge of where and how to report ADRs was the main barrier that medical students perceived to ADR reporting (P=0.001).Conclusion: Final-year pharmacy students exhibited more knowledge about ADRs and showed more positive attitudes regarding their capacity to handle and report ADRs than final-year medical students.
Sarcoidosis in Melanoma Patients: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Beutler Bryce , Cohen Philip
Published: June 2015

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the development of noncaseating granulomas in multiple organ systems. Many hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, including melanoma, have been associated with sarcoidosis. We describe the clinical and pathologic findings of a 54-year-old man with melanoma-associated sarcoidosis. In addition, we not only review the literature describing characteristics of other melanoma patients with sarcoidosis, but also the features of melanoma patients with antineoplastic therapy-associated sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis has been described in 80 melanoma patients; sufficient information for analysis was provided in 39 of these individuals. In 43.6% of individuals (17 out of 39), sarcoidosis was directly associated with melanoma; in 56.4% of oncologic patients (22 out of 39), sarcoidosis was induced by antineoplastic therapy that had been administered for the treatment of their metastatic melanoma. The discovery of melanoma preceded the development of sarcoidosis in 12 of the 17 (70.5%) individuals who did not receive systemic treatment. Pulmonary and/or cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis were common among both groups of patients. Most patients did not require treatment for sarcoidosis. Melanoma patients—either following antineoplastic therapy or without systemic treatment—may be at an increased risk to develop sarcoidosis. In antineoplastic therapy naive melanoma patients, a common etiologic factor—such as exposure to ultraviolet light—may play a role in their developing melanoma and sarcoidosis.
Effects of Urbanization-Induced Cultivated Land Loss on Ecosystem Services in the North China Plain
Authors: Song Wei , Deng Xiangzheng
Published: June 2015

Since the implementation of market oriented economic reform in 1978, China has been on the track of rapid urbanization. The unprecedented urbanization in China has resulted in substantial cultivated land loss and rapid expansion of urban areas. The cultivated land loss due to urbanization not only threatens food security in China, but has also led to ecological system degradation to which close attention should be paid. Therefore, we examined the effects of the conversion from cultivated to urban areas on the ecosystem service in the North China Plain on the basis of a net primary productivity based ecosystem service model (NESM) and a buffer comparison method. Cultivated land loss due to urbanization in the North China Plain led to a total loss of ecosystem service value of 34.66% during the period 1988–2008. Urban expansion significantly decreased the ecosystem service function of water conservation (–124.03%), nutrient cycling (–31.91%), gas regulation (−7.18%), and organic production (–7.18%), while it improved the soil conservation function (2.40%). Land use change accounted for 57.40% of the changes in ecosystem service and had a major influence on the changes in nutrient cycling and water conservation. However, climate change mainly determined the changes in gas regulation, organic production, and soil conservation.
Highly Stretchable, Biocompatible, Striated Substrate Made from Fugitive Glue
Authors: Li Wei , Lucioni Tomas , Guo Xinyi , Smelser Amanda , Guthold Martin
Published: June 2015

We developed a novel substrate made from fugitive glue (styrenic block copolymer) that can be used to analyze the effects of large strains on biological samples. The substrate has the following attributes: (1) It is easy to make from inexpensive components; (2) It is transparent and can be used in optical microscopy; (3) It is extremely stretchable as it can be stretched up to 700% strain; (4) It can be micro-molded, for example we created micro-ridges that are 6 μm high and 13 μm wide; (5) It is adhesive to biological fibers (we tested fibrin fibers), and can be used to uniformly stretch those fibers; (6) It is non-toxic to cells (we tested human mammary epithelial cells); (7) It can tolerate various salt concentrations up to 5 M NaCl and low (pH 0) and high (pH 14) pH values. Stretching of this extraordinary stretchable substrate is relatively uniform and thus, can be used to test multiple cells or fibers in parallel under the same conditions.
Volatile Compounds from Grape Skin, Juice and Wine from Five Interspecific Hybrid Grape Cultivars Grown in Québec (Canada) for Wine Production
Authors: Slegers Amélie , Angers Paul , Ouellet Étienne , Truchon Tamara , Pedneault Karine
Published: June 2015

Developed from crosses between Vitis vinifera and North American Vitis species, interspecific hybrid grape varieties are becoming economically significant in northern areas, where they are now extensively grown for wine production. However, the varietal differences between interspecific hybrids are not well defined, nor are the relationships between hybrid grape and wine composition, which causes significant drawbacks in the development of viticulture and winemaking of northern wines. In an effort to increase our understanding of interspecific hybrids, we have characterized the free volatile compounds profiles of berries (juice and skin) and wines of five red hybrid varieties (Frontenac, Marquette, Maréchal Foch, Sabrevois and St. Croix) grown in Québec (Canada), using GC-MS(TOF)-SPME. In grapes and wines, significantly higher levels of C6 and other fatty acid degradation products (FADP) were found in Frontenac, Maréchal Foch and Marquette. Terpenes were primarily located in the skin, with Marquette showing the highest level for these compounds. Both the level of terpenes and the level of FADP in grape were strongly correlated with their respective levels in wine, as demonstrated by the redundancy analyses. Nonanal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, β-damascenone, ethyl octanoate and isoamyl acetate showed the highest OAVs in the wines of the studied varieties.
Dietary Patterns Modulate the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chinese Adults
Authors: Yang Chao-Qun , Shu Long , Wang Shuai , Wang Jia-Jia , Zhou Yu , Xuan Yu-Jie , Wang Su-Fang
Published: June 2015

Although previous studies reported the associations between the intakes of individual foods or nutrients and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD in the Chinese population has been rarely studied to date. This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of NAFLD in a middle-aged Chinese population. The Study subjects were 999 Chinese adults aged 45–60 years in the Anhui province who participated in the Hefei Nutrition and Health Study. Dietary intake was collected by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. NAFLD was defined as the presence of moderate-severe hepatic steatosis (by B-ultrasonic examination); the absence of excessive alcohol use (>20 g day−1 in men and 10 g day−1 in women); no use of steatogenic medications within the past six months; no exposure to hepatotoxins; and no history of bariatric surgery. Log-binomial regression analysis was used to examine the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD with adjustment of potential confounding variables. Out of 999 participants, 345 (34.5%) were classified as having NAFLD. Four major dietary patterns were identified: “Traditional Chinese”, “Animal food”, “Grains-vegetables” and “High-salt” dietary patterns. After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects in the highest quartile of the “Animal food” pattern scores had greater prevalence ratio for NAFLD (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.354; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.063–1.724; p < 0.05) than did those in the lowest quartile. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), compared with the lowest quartile of the “Grains-vegetables” pattern, the highest quartile had a lower prevalence ratio for NAFLD (PR = 0.777; 95% CI: 0.618–0.977, p < 0.05). However, the “traditional Chinese” and “high-salt” dietary patterns showed no association with the risk of NAFLD. Our findings indicated that the “Animal food” dietary pattern was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.
VIS-NIR, SWIR and LWIR Imagery for Estimation of Ground Bearing Capacity
Authors: Fernández Roemi , Montes Héctor , Salinas Carlota
Published: June 2015

Ground bearing capacity has become a relevant concept for site-specific management that aims to protect soil from the compaction and the rutting produced by the indiscriminate use of agricultural and forestry machines. Nevertheless, commonly known techniques for its estimation are cumbersome and time-consuming. In order to alleviate these difficulties, this paper introduces an innovative sensory system based on Visible-Near InfraRed (VIS-NIR), Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) and Long-Wave InfraRed (LWIR) imagery and a sequential algorithm that combines a registration procedure, a multi-class SVM classifier, a K-means clustering and a linear regression for estimating the ground bearing capacity. To evaluate the feasibility and capabilities of the presented approach, several experimental tests were carried out in a sandy-loam terrain. The proposed solution offers notable benefits such as its non-invasiveness to the soil, its spatial coverage without the need for exhaustive manual measurements and its real time operation. Therefore, it can be very useful in decision making processes that tend to reduce ground damage during agricultural and forestry operations.
A Review of Membrane-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection
Authors: Hurk Remko , Evoy Stephane
Published: June 2015

Biosensors are of increasing interest for the detection of bacterial pathogens in many applications such as human, animal and plant health, as well as food and water safety. Membranes and membrane-like structures have been integral part of several pathogen detection platforms. Such structures may serve as simple mechanical support, function as a part of the transduction mechanism, may be used to filter out or concentrate pathogens, and may be engineered to specifically house active proteins. This review focuses on membrane materials, their associated biosensing applications, chemical linking procedures, and transduction mechanisms. The sensitivity of membrane biosensors is discussed, and the state of the field is evaluated and summarized.
Local Knowledge of Pond Fish-Farming Ecosystem Services: Management Implications of Stakeholders’ Perceptions in Three Different Contexts (Brazil, France and Indonesia)
Authors: Mathé Syndhia , Rey-Valette Hélène
Published: June 2015

This article addresses ecosystem service perceptions in the case of pond fish-farming systems in Brazil, France and Indonesia. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment vision suggests a more integrated reflection on environmental policies with greater adaptability to local knowledge and the development of social learning processes, which tend to promote more sustainable changes in behavior and practice than do sanctions. This study considers a part of the identification of ecosystem services. It shows that perceptions differ with the context, and found few differences depending on the type of stakeholders (fish farmers and other stakeholders). From a methodological viewpoint, this paper opens up new prospects for valuing ecosystem services through a perception study.
Contribution of Water Saving to a Stable Power Supply in Vietnam
Authors: Otani Takayuki , Toyosada Kanako , Shimizu Yasutoshi
Published: June 2015

In Vietnam, the rapid expansion of cities is exceeding the supply capacity for water and electricity, and restrictions on water supply and blackouts occur on a daily basis. In this study, the authors examined whether water-saving equipment could solve these problems. This paper focused on toilet bowls that consumed a large amount of water, and on showers for which heat consumption was high. In Vietnam, the main heat source for showers is the electric water heater, typically having a power consumption of 2500–4500 W. Although the current diffusion rate of such water heaters is just 13%, their use will spread widely in the future. These heaters have already placed a peak load on electricity consumption in winter when a large amount of energy is consumed for heating water, and they will become a significant factor in blackout risks as their use becomes commonplace nationwide. It is clear that the introduction of water-saving showers will allow not only a more efficient use of water resources, but will also mitigate against the risk of blackouts.
Mécanismes climatiques et oscillations actuelles du climat sur la bordure méditerranéenne du Sahara
Authors: Dorize Lucien , Rognon Pierre
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Sur la bordure méditerranéenne du Sahara, les pluies sont engendrées par des processus d'instabilité en altitude (passage de "vallées planétaires" profondes, "coulées" ou "gouttes" d'air froid). L'intensité des cyclogénèses est liée à l'origine des masses d'air en présence et à la température des eaux superficielles dans les confins maritimes du Maghreb.
A propos d'une nouvelle économie politique sous l'Ancien Régime : formation du territoire national et travaux de la carte de France
Authors: Vayssiere Bruno-Henri , Pinchemel Philippe
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - On a beaucoup parlé des Cassini mais peu du véritable enjeu du projet masqué par la cartographie générale de la France ; commencé sous Colbert et Vauban, immédiatement après Descartes, puis achevé à la veille de la Révolution dont il sera l'un des outils, ce travail semble être aussi important pour l'histoire des Etats modernes et de leurs politiques que l'Encyclopédie et les tableaux d'Economie. Cet article rend compte des principales questions soulevées par une recherche, commencée il y a un an, sur la Carte de 1680 à 1802. N'est-ce pas le creuset opératoire de tout l'aménagement du territoire jusqu'à nos jours (via les Grands Corps, les rapports centre-périphérie, les schémas d'infrastructure et les analyses urbaines) ?
Les inondations en milieu urbain et la gestion du risque ; l'exemple de l'agglomération nancéienne (Floods as a natural hazard in urban areas ; the case of Nancy)
Authors: Roussel Isabelle
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Considering the dangers which threaten town life, the development officer can't entirely get rid of natural constraining. Nevertheless, thanks to a wise and concerted policy, natural risk can be appreciated and managed. Floods which threaten the agglomeration of Nancy are generated by the river overflows as well as by the obstruction of the sewers networks during strong storms. Urban works carried out to protect the town against these dangers must take into account the overall town planning and a better knowledge of the phenomenon. Particularly, the storm risk must be assassed on criteria other than the statistical concept of decennal frequency.