bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Butta Kodi, Biné Kodi’: Stigma dan Dampaknya Terhadap Tu Tamanang di Kabupaten Gowa
Authors: Syam Mirawati - , Idrus Nurul Ilmi
Published: August 2018

Tu tamanang is a Makassar term for bad soil (butta kodi) for women and bad seed (biné kodi) for men, as sexual intercourse is analogised with planting (lamung-lamung). Whether or not one is considered as tu tamanang is not based on biomedical check-up, but simply on the basis ofmarital duration (5 years and more) and the attributes attached to tu tamanang which may be different by gender. The importance of the existence of children in the family has caused social stigma among tu tamanang. Such stigma is based on the  attributes that can be observed, the gendered parable, the reproductive health-related perception towards the couple, and the label that tu tamanang are infortune persons. In dealing with such social stigma, tamanang women tend to be passive, while men are more aggressive, by showing their refusal to stigma through polygyny or divorce to get married. However, women also become agents in regard to divorce and polygyny. But, refusal towards social stigma is also the case for couple who does not problematised lack of children in the family, and tamanang is not simply a source of conflict. Stigma towards tu tamanang significantly affects the social life of tu tamanang, which is classified into 3 categories: self-isolation, demanding divorce and polygyny. There is a need to educate the society regarding the cause of infertility and how to deal with it, since existing various stigma against tu tamanang are based on social perception, which are non-medical and presumption. In addition, since biomedical service is not the main priority for tu tamanang, they need relevant information regarding existing service and service procedures because even though they access medical service, it has never been continued. This is because accessing medical service is identical with handling of various documents which they consider rather complicated.
HATERS di Instagram: Antara Meluapkan Kebencian dan Memeroleh Keuntungan
Authors: Hildawati Hildawati -
Published: August 2018

News around celebrity’s life has been the topic of interest of televition audience and netizens, and causes pros and cons. Those who pros claim to be the fans of the celebrity. On the contrary, those who cons refer themselves as haters. This article focuses on how haters express their hate through haters account in Instagram and how the owner of haters account earn money from their account, using two most popular celebrities who have the highest number of haters account in Indonesia, Mulan Jameela and Ayu Ting Ting. The study indicates that in spreading hatred of celebrities in Instagram, there are generally two categories of haters, the owner and the followers of haters account. In regard to their activities, followers of haters account can be divided into three: followers who only observe the uploads, followers who only ‘like’ the uploads through ‘love’ symbol, and followers who comment on the uploads. But, not all followers of haters account are haters. Whether or not one is a hater, this can be seen from one’s hatred comments. On the contrary, by solely observing or liking uploads one cannot be perceived as a non-hater. Passivity of followers to uploads can happen because of various reasons (i.e. using original identity, afraid of bullying from the lovers of hated celebrity). Haters account is not just a media to express their hate, but also a way to earn money for those who have lots of followers, by promoting online shop in their own haters account, called paid promote.
Cyber Kartini: Aktivitas Pendidik Perempuan di Media Sosial
Authors: Anwar Chitra Rosalyn
Published: August 2018

The existence of Indonesia women through media has been pioneered by R.A Kartini who is known for hes ability in voicing his opinions and thoughts into her writing ability through letters. These letters in the present transformed into social media that became the medium of self-actualization of women. This Article focuses on how women educators in Makassar activity in the Facebook and Whatsapp.  The study indicates that there are two main reasons why Facebook and Whatsapp are the preferred informative social media in this research, both of which are the most popular (because they are mostly used by one’s networking) and practical social media (because people can be easily found and to be found through these two social media and because of the facilities of these social media, they can share (like photos, documents, videos, etc.), and interact in various forms (such as video call, online games, etc.). Facebook and Whatsapp are used to connect each other, as the source of information, as an online shopping venue, a place hobby channeling, as well as a space to share moments. Their activities on Facebook and Whatsapp can be classified into silent readers, commentators, broadcasters, promoters, and owners of the stage. In fact, social media users are inversely proportional to the ability to understand Facebook and Whatsapp as ‘private spaces’ rather than as ‘public spaces’ where content are shared openly.
Public health experiences from
interwar Croatia (Yugoslavia) and making western medicine in the 1930s China
Authors: Dugac Željko
Published: August 2018

To gain control and domination over a particular territory, medicine was often used as a
tool for promoting different interests. Using the activities of the League of Nations Health
Organization and the Rockefeller Foundation on the territory of China in 1930s, this paper
analyses the interconnection of the international and local factors in the transformation
of the traditional Chinese milieu to suit the new and trendy public health projects. These
activities were conducted not only to improve the public health conditions in the country,
but also to introduce the Chinese public health to the processes of internationalization and
standardization to the west oriented type of medicine and medical education. Initiated processes
necessarily interfered with the political influences, economical interests and cultural
environment as well as with military actions in this very turbulent time of Chinese history.
Public health activities were carried out by the group of international experts. Among them
the main position took two Croatian physicians: Andrija Štampar (one of the founders of
the World Health Organisation later) and Berislav Borčić (a director of the School of Public
Health in Zagreb). On the basis of correspondence between these two physicians, as well as the travel diary of Andrija Štampar, this essay presents some less known details about the
situation in China and the interlacing between politics and medicine.
Pheidias Apollonius (ca. 4th century BC),
unveiling the ancient Greek medico philosophical school of the island of Rhodes
Authors: Tsoucalas Gregory , Choremi Eirini
Published: August 2018

The ancient Greek medico-philosophical school of the island of Rhodes was lost in the fog of
history. However, the discovery of a stone column dedicated to Pheidias unveiled somehow
some parts of its tale. The Island of Rhodes became in the 4th century BC a place of significant
process in philosophy and medicine. Having both an Asclepieion and a Medical School
with a rich library, the Rhodian Asclepiades transmitted their knowledge to future schools.
Pheidias Apollonius was a member of the School of Rhodes, who was celebrated for his practise
by the city-state of Athens. His magnitude testified in a way the supremacy of the school
that he originated from.
Tapping on the chest of history. Lost
and found memories of Leopold Auenbrugger, inventor of percussion, in Austria
and beyond
Authors: Borghi Luca
Published: August 2018

Leopold Auenbrugger (1722-1809), the inventor of percussion, joins Rene Laennec as the father
of modern physical examination. On the occasion of the bicentennial of the invention of
the stethoscope (1816), I went in search of the material footprints left by Auenbrugger in his
homeland, Austria. This attempt led me to construct a rather fragmented picture, with some
disillusionment (e.g. about his tomb) and some pleasant surprise (e.g. a new interpretation of
the extant iconography). Apparently, posterity has not been sufficiently mindful of or grateful
towards this great innovator of medical science. All the more reason for knowing and protecting
what is left of him: buildings, monuments, portraits… Anyway, Leopold Auenbrugger
is honored and implicitly remembered today, as he was in the past, every time a doctor practices
the percussion on the chest of a patient (i.e. billions of times each year).
Giovan Battista Rini e Paolo Gorini
Authors: Piombino-Mascali Dario
Published: August 2018

This short paper aims to explore analogies between the two famous embalmers from
Lombardy, Giovan Battista Rini and Paolo Gorini. These extraordinary figures are wellknown
due to their petrified specimens and are compared on the basis of preparation typologies,
materials employed and the shroud of mystery that characterized their stories.
Innovative use of magnesium oxide in
the treatment of “neuralgia of the celiac plexus of rheumatic origin” by G.
Moscati in 1923
Authors: Colaci Michele , Ponti Giovanni
Published: August 2018

We presented and discussed one interesting medical prescription by doctor Giuseppe
Moscati (1880-1927), who prescribed magnesium oxide (magnesia usta) to a patient with
the diagnosis of “neuralgia of the celiac plexus of rheumatic origin”. Besides the traditional
use of magnesium as antacid remedy at the time, we raised the hypothesis that magnesium
could be administered by Moscati in order to treat the neuralgia itself. Considering the scientific
background of Moscati at the school of Filippo Bottazzi (1867-1941), a father of Italian
biochemistry, we suggested that the doctor tried to apply the preliminary concepts acquired
from electrophysiological studies on magnesium to his clinical practice. Only after decades,
magnesium was recognized a fundamental ion in the energy metabolism and in contributing
to maintain the ionic intracellular homeostasis, including for neurons.
Increasing rice production through adoption of improved variety in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Sheshi Umar Isah , Usman Mohammed
Published: August 2018

The study examined the performance of Faro 44 improved rice variety in increasing rice production in Niger State, Nigeria. To achieve the objectives of the study, 203 farmers were randomly selected from three Local Government Areas in the State. Validated interview schedule with reliability co-efficient of 0.89 was used for collecting data and collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation analysis. The result indicated that the mean age of the respondents was 43 years, with mean farm size of 2.1ha. Finding also revealed that a total 97.54% of the respondents adopted Faro 44 improved rice variety in their farms. The mean yield of the respondents was 6 Tons/ha., which increased the rice output of more than half (52.22%) of the respondents twice. The mean income was N675, 000.00 ($ 1,824.32); this led to empowerment of the respondents in the areas of attending to family welfare needs (89.66%), re-investment in farming businesses (70.94%) and acquisition of landed properties (50.73%). Challenges of adoption were complexity of some components of improved variety (39.90%) and late delivery of improved seeds (35.47%). The result further showed that respondent’s educational level (r = 0.285), farm size (r = 0.309) and extension contacts (r = 0.236) had significant relationship with adoption of improved rice variety. Thus, it was recommended that extension service providers should provide follow-up information to the farmers to educate them more on the agronomic practices of the improved rice variety. It was also suggested that back-up inputs such as improved seeds should be made available to farmers adequately and on time by relevant stakeholders.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 182-186, August 2018
Chitosan and yeast elicitor in suppressing seed-borne fungi of cucurbitaceous vegetables
Authors: Tumpa Farzana Haque , Alam Md Zahangir , Hossen Kawsar , Khokon Md Atiqur Rahman
Published: August 2018

Experiments were conducted under laboratory condition to examine the efficacy of Chitosan and Yeast Elicitor to suppress the growth of seed-borne fungi of cucurbitaceous vegetables. Seeds of bottle gourd, sweet gourd, snake gourd, wax gourd and cucumber were collected from seed traders of Mymensingh districts and different seed borne fungi were isolated, purified and identified. Fourteen fungal species belonging to twelve genera consisting of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Phoma exigua, Rhizopus stolonifer, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium spp., Curvularia lunata, Chaetomium spp., Colletotrichum spp., Cercospora spp. and Alternaria alternata were isolated and identified. Four concentrations of Chitosan and Yeast Elicitors solutions (200, 500, 1000 & 2000 ppm) including one positive control Vitavax-200 WP (0.35%) were evaluated for controlling seed-borne fungi. Among the seed treating agents Chitosan (2000 ppm) and Yeast Elicitor (2000 ppm) showed better performance in suppressing the seed-borne fungi. Chitosan (2000 ppm) showed superior performance than Yeast Elicitor (2000 ppm). Results from the present study revealed that application of elicitors as seed treatment is a potential alternative of chemical fungicide for selective vegetables.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 187-192, August 2018
Performances of improved and traditional rice based jhum cultivation in a hill district of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Sujan , Alam Md Rashidul , Amin Mohammed , Hassan Md Mahmudul
Published: August 2018

Jhum is a customary farming which is very important for the livelihood of the alpine people of Bangladesh. Total productivity of the traditional practice of jhum cultivation is very low. The study was conducted to identify the yield gap between improved and local practices in Bandarban district of Bangladesh during March to September; 2017.The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten replications. Improved jhum practice produced the higher yields of rice (3113kg/ha), seed cotton (456 kg/ha), sesame (478 kg/ha) and maize (627 kg/ha) than traditional local jhum. Rice Equivalent Yield (REY) was also higher (40.23%) in improved jhum (6786.8kg/ha) than local jhum (4339.8 kg/ha). Improved jhum’s rate of returns (2.15) was higher than traditional jhum’s rate of returns (1.56). Improved practice in jhum cultivation increased yield and it was economically profitable over traditional practice.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 193-197, August 2018
Reassessment of cyperaceous weed biodiversity at Bangladesh Agricultural University campus
Authors: Tajkia Jannat E , Sagar Ashaduzzaman , Sarwar AKM Golam
Published: August 2018

A floristic survey has been carried out from January 2015 to January 2016 to investigate the species diversity of Cyperaceous weeds present at Bangladesh Agricultural University campus. A total of 48 species belonging to 11 genera has been collected and identified. Among these, the prominent genus was Fimbristylis (13 species) followed by Cyperus (12 species) and three genera viz. Actinoscirpus, Bolboshoenus and Fuirena were represented by single species. Result of the present study revealed that some of these species are major and common obnoxious weeds in different crop fields. A good number of these species have great medicinal uses, fodder, raw materials for small industries and other economic values. The detailed taxonomic studies of these weeds will be helpful for the management practices of Cyperaceous weeds at this campus as well as in the whole country. It might be concluded that development of improved cultivation procedures will be helpful for getting high economic benefits from Cyperaceous weeds without affecting our crop yield and agro-ecosystem. There is no direct evidence of climate change threatening or eliminating Cyperaceae taxa from this locality.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 221-226, August 2018
Post-harvest biodegradation of bioactive substances and antioxidant activity in microgreens
Authors: Polash Mohammed Arif Sadik , Sakil Md Arif , Hossain Md Alamgir
Published: August 2018

Low consumption of vegetables due to unavailability and unscrupulous application of chemicals and pesticides leads to malnutrition and chronic diseases. In this regards, microgreens technology could be a boon to mankind because they are grown in chemicals and pesticides free environment and offer functional food along with proper nutrient supply. But a little knowledge has been developed about the consumption period from harvesting, because being perishable in nature their bioactive substances and antioxidant activity get deteriorate. Therefore, the goal of this study was to explore the best consumption period of microgreens for obtaining the maximum bioactive substances (such as chlorophyll, ß-carotene and lycopene), vitamin C and the activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The experiment revealed that after 1st day of harvest the microgreens of four tested varieties (mustard, leaf mustard, radish and cabbage) showed the maximum bioactive substances such as total chlorophyll (8.22, 10.28, 7.62 and 7.63mg/100g respectively), ß-carotene (2.41, 2.88, 2.11 and 2.06 mg/100g respectively), lycopene (4.37, 5.24, 4.91 and 4.44mg/100g respectively), vitamin C (16.23, 13.17, 8.57 and 8.03mg/100g, respectively) and the activity of DPPH (0.75, 1.20, 2.90 and 3.57μg/ml respectively) whereas these substances deteriorated significantly on 3rd or 5th day of harvest. Considering all, it can be concluded that consumption of microgreens immediately after harvesting was the best time getting ample amount of bioactive substances, vitamin C and antioxidant (DPPH) activity.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 250-253, August 2018
Formulation of value added beef meatball using tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract as a source of natural antioxidant
Authors: Siddiqua Tahmina , Hossain Md Anwar , Khan Muckta , Hashem Md Abul
Published: August 2018

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different levels of tulsi leaf extract on fresh and preserved beef meatballs. Four types of beef meatballs were formulated for this purpose. Meatballs were made with 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% tulsi leaf extract, respectively and preserved at-20°C. Quality and safety evaluation of meatballs were determined by sensory, physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological tests. The analyses were conducted at 0, 15th, 30th and 60th days of interval. Considering CP, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability, cooking loss, Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Per oxide Value (POV) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) value, it can be concluded that tulsi leaf extract @ 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% can be used in the formulation of beef meatball. In case of sensory evaluation 0.2% tulsi leaf extract is appreciated but on the basis of nutrient quality, physicochemical properties, biochemical analysis and microbial analysis 0.3% tulsi leaf extract is more satisfactory as a source of natural antioxidant than that of other treatment groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that 0.3% tulsi leaf extract can be added as a functional ingredients in beef meatball.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 260-265, August 2018
Water supplementation of Moringa oleifera as a substitute for antibiotics on performance and blood parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Paul Torun Kumar , Sarker Yousuf Ali , Tarafder Moniruzzaman , Rimon Md Asaduzzaman , Haque Md Anowarul , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan
Published: August 2018

There is a serious public health concern of the use of antibiotics sub-therapeutically and/or as growth promoter in poultry feed and water. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternatives. Moringa oleifera is a phytobiotic, which has been reported to possess antimicrobial and immuno-modulatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous M. oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) supplementation on growth performance and hematological indices of broiler chickens. The 36 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into three dietary groups (group A, B and C) having 12 birds in each. The group A was considered as negative control which had received the basal diet and fresh drinking water. The group B was fed with basal diet and antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin) plus Vitamin B-complex mixed drinking water(Positive control). The group C was fed with basal diet and drinking water supplemented with 1% MOLE. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratios of the birds were recorded on weekly basis. On day 35th of the feeding trail, blood samples from five birds per replicate were used for the study of hematological indices. Birds under Group C attained intermediate body weight (1892 g) and best FCR (1.48) those were comparable with that of Group B but better (p<0.05) than those of Group A. There was a trend of decrease (p>0.05) internal organs weight in Group C compared to other groups. However, zero mortality rate and similar hematological indices were observed in the birds across the treatments. Here, the results suggested that, the aqueous MOLE can be included in the drinking water of broiler chicken for reduced feed intake and improved feed conversion efficiency and it can be considered as an alternate to synthetic antibiotics as growth promoter to fight the emergence of antibiotic resistance phenomena in poultry industry.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 266-270, August 2018
Freshwater pond fish farming in Bangladesh: A micro level land use analysis
Authors: Palash Md Salauddin , Rahman Kazi Tamim , Salam Shakila , Nasrin Mahmuda
Published: August 2018

Market-oriented farming has been started in Bangladesh over last two decades. As a consequence, diversified agricultural products are now produced which changing the land use pattern. This study conducted in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district, a major freshwater pond fish farming area of Bangladesh. Secondary data from different relevant government offices (Upazila Agriculture, Fisheries, and Statistical office) were collected to find out how much cropland has been converted to pond fish farming and what will be the future trend of land use in the afore mentioned area. Total land area of Trishal sub-district is 33876 ha and since last three-decade cropland has been converted to commercial freshwater fish farming. As a consequence, the area under commercial fish farming is now 4542 ha (13.41 per cent total area of Trishal upazila); which was only 1920 ha in the year of 2010. The commercial fish farming land area was converted mostly from cropland area and then a little portion came from Khas (Government owned fallow land) and fallow land area. Within six years (2010-2016), agricultural cropland area had decreased by 6.68 percent (1.11 per cent per year) and pond fish farming area had increased by 7.74 percent (1.29 percent per year). By 2021, following non-linear (quadratic) trend projection model, about 2000 ha more land will be occupied by pond fish farming.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 276-282, August 2018
Historical trends and variability of temperature extremes in two climate vulnerable regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Khalid , Saha Susmita , Ahmad Tanvir , Satu Ummay Saima
Published: August 2018

Research on temperature extremes deserves more importance because it reacts sensitively to climate change. As elsewhere across the world, Bangladesh has already become a victim of temperature extremes. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the trends and variability of 11 temperature-related extreme indices based on daily maximum (TX) and daily minimum (TN) temperature recorded at Rajshahi and Barisal over the period 1976–2015. The indices were calculated on annual basis and their average annual and decadal trends were evaluated by non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate. Significant (p ≤ 0.01) upward trend was observed in some of the hot extremes, such as SU35: number of days with TX > 35°C and TR25: number of days with TN > 25°C, indicating that the number of days and nights with extreme hot temperature are increasing in both sites. Significant decreasing rate (-0.308 day/year) of SU25: number of days with TX > 25°C and increasing rate (1.00 day/year) of SU35 demonstrate that moderate hot days are converting to extreme hot days at Rajshahi. All cold indices showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) variations at Rajshahi implying that cold extremes are becoming severe in this area. Significant rising trend of diurnal temperature range (DTR) indicated the higher rate of increase in TX than in TN at Rajshahi. The increasing trend of all hot indices at Barisal, close to the coast, reveals more warming in hot extremes. However, no significant trends of cold indices were observed at Barisal. Significant average decadal variations of temperature indices were only observed for hot index TNx: annual maximum TN (0.372 °C/decade) and cold index CD25: number of days with TX < 25°C (4.70 days/decade) at Rajshahi and hot index SU35 (5.650 days/decade) at Barisal. So, the relatively dry western region of the country is vulnerable to both hot and cold extremes, whereas coastal area is susceptible to only hot extremes.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 283-292, August 2018
Non-destructive maturity index of “Amritsagor” banana using RGB and HSV values
Authors: Toma FA , Ahmmed R , Hasan MF , Haque MR , Monju MB , Surovi MSH
Published: August 2018

Massive changes in physicochemical composition and color variation usually occur in fruits during maturation and ripening. This study is conducted to implement an image processing system and develop a maturity color chart of banana. Actually, natural ripening color is different than impose ripening. Maturity color chart will help the consumer when it will be in the packet of banana. The earliest physiological maturity (stage-1) was marked as the stage when the flesh color was olive green and the pulp turning yellow and the subsequent maturity stages determined whenever changes the color as stage-2 (green smoke), stage-3 (apple green), stage-4 (olive drab), stage-5 (yellow) and stage-6 (golden rod) color. For each of the maturity stages, physical (peel color, firmness, and weight loss) and biochemical (anthocyanin content, carotenoids content, titrable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar) maturity indices were determined. We had classified the maturity stages of banana based on the RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) and HSV (Hue, Saturation and Value) values. Average, median, minimum and maximum values were used in this study. After completing the qualitative analysis of RGB and HSV values we found the correlation coefficient of RGB and HSV values. The red color (R) values of bananas would increase when stages increase and the hue (H) means the pure color of bananas decreases when stages increase. Therefore, we can say that maturity stages of bananas mainly depend on R and H values. In case of Amritsagor banana at stage-6 (golden rod) color, TSS (Total Soluble Solid) (2.1%), TA (Titrable Acidity) (0.96%), pH (5.2), sugar (1.25%), vitamin C (2.5 mg/100g), reducing sugar (1.04%), non-reducing sugar (0.2%), anthocyanin (0.55 mg/100g) carotenoids (0.38 mg/100g) and at stage-1 (olive green) color, pH (6.8), vitamin C (8.75 mg/100g) are significantly highest. The results show that as maturation progressed, firmness decreased gradually and flesh color turned olive green to golden rod with ripening. Total soluble solids increased while TA (Titrable acidity) gradually increased with maturity. The results revealed that, there is a significant relationship between nutritional value, firmness and fruit skin color. So, the fruit of stage-1 (olive green) is suitable for harvesting and stages-6 (golden rod) color is suitable for consumption. Actually this message for grower/ owner or who would like to harvest and consumer. Fruit is banana, to observe the change of color keep it at room temperature. Neither artificial nor chemical system used here. Each and every box will carry the real maturity color chart.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 293-302, August 2018
Preparation of wheat-potato-peanut composite flour cakes
Authors: Akter N , Alim Md Abdul
Published: August 2018

This study reports on the suitable formulation of cake using potato and peanut flour with wheat flour. Fresh potato and peanut were analyzed for their chemical compositions and then dried in cabinet dryer. Four samples of cake: containing wheat flour only; containing 70% wheat flour, 5% potato flour and 25% peanut flour; containing 70% wheat flour, 15% potato flour and 15% peanut flour; and containing 70% wheat flour, 20% potato flour and 10% peanut flour were analyzed for proximate compositions. The properties of cakes were evaluated in terms of volume, moisture content, weight, and crumb and crust characteristics. The prepared cake samples were also judged in categories of color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. Among the formulations, cake sample containing 70% wheat flour, 15% potato flour and 15% peanut flour secured the highest score with respect to color, texture and overall acceptability. Finally, the storage stability of the composite cake, packaged with single layer polythene, was evaluated in terms of moisture uptake by storing it in room temperature (25°C).J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 315-321, August 2018
Large airway ventilatory functions in female patients of rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate therapy- is there any change?
Authors: Yasmin Fatema , Begum Shelina
Published: August 2018

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as first line disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drug. Low dose MTX may reduce lung function status in RA patients.Objective: To observe the changes in large airway ventilatory variables in RA patients after MTX therapy.Methods: For this prospective observational study, 24 female RA patients of age ranges between 15 to 65 years were selected from the Out-Patient Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Age and BMI matched 24 apparently healthy females were also selected Control. To assess the large airway ventilatory function, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC% and PEFR of all subjects were measured with a portable digital Spirometer, PONY FX (Cosmed, Italy) at Day 0. In addition, all these variables were again measured in the RA patients after 180 days of MTX therapy. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test and paired sample t test were performed.Results: All the study variables (except FEV1/FVC%) were significantly (p<0.001) lower in RA groups at day 0 as well as at day 180, compared to healthy controls. Again all these variables were almost similar in the RA patients at day 180 when compared to those of day 0.Conclusion: Large airway ventilatory function deteriorated in RA patients, which may not be recovered by six months methotraxate therapy.J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2018, June; 13(1): 35-40
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators with Carbon Nanotube Electrodes Painted with a Soft Brush
Authors: Shigemune Hiroki , Sugano Shigeki , Nishitani Jun , Yamauchi Masayuki , Hosoya Naoki , Hashimoto Shuji , Maeda Shingo
Published: August 2018

We propose a simple methodology to paint carbon nanotube (CNT) powder with a soft brush onto an elastomer. A large deformation of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) occurs according to the small constraint of the electrodes. Uniform painting with a soft brush leads to a stable deformation, as demonstrated by the results of multiple trials. Unexpectedly, painting with a soft brush results in aligned materials on the elastomer. The oriented materials demonstrate anisotropic mechanical and electronic properties. This simple methodology should help realize innovative DEA applications.
Enhancing Target Speech Based on Nonlinear Soft Masking Using a Single Acoustic Vector Sensor
Authors: Zou Yuexian , Liu Zhaoyi , Ritz Christian H.
Published: August 2018

Enhancing speech captured by distant microphones is a challenging task. In this study, we investigate the multichannel signal properties of the single acoustic vector sensor (AVS) to obtain the inter-sensor data ratio (ISDR) model in the time-frequency (TF) domain. Then, the monotone functions describing the relationship between the ISDRs and the direction of arrival (DOA) of the target speaker are derived. For the target speech enhancement (SE) task, the DOA of the target speaker is given, and the ISDRs are calculated. Hence, the TF components dominated by the target speech are extracted with high probability using the established monotone functions, and then, a nonlinear soft mask of the target speech is generated. As a result, a masking-based speech enhancement method is developed, which is termed the AVS-SMASK method. Extensive experiments with simulated data and recorded data have been carried out to validate the effectiveness of our proposed AVS-SMASK method in terms of suppressing spatial speech interferences and reducing the adverse impact of the additive background noise while maintaining less speech distortion. Moreover, our AVS-SMASK method is computationally inexpensive, and the AVS is of a small physical size. These merits are favorable to many applications, such as robot auditory systems.
Effects of Northern Hemisphere Atmospheric Blocking on Arctic Sea Ice Decline in Winter at Weekly Time Scales
Authors: Yao Yao , Luo Dehai , Zhong Linhao
Published: August 2018

In this study, the effects of the Northern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking circulation on Arctic sea ice decline at weekly time scales are examined by defining four key regions based on observational data analysis. Given the regression analysis, the frequently occurring atmospheric patterns related to the sea ice decline in four key sea regions (Baffin Bay, Barents-Kara Seas, Okhotsk Sea and Bering Sea) are found to be Greenland blocking (GB), Ural blocking (UB), western Pacific blocking (PB-W) and eastern Pacific blocking (PB-E), respectively. The results show that the regional blocking frequency is higher (lower) in lower (higher) sea ice winters for each key region. Moreover, composite analysis indicates that blocking evolution is usually accompanied by significant sea ice decline at weekly time scales during the blocking life cycle for each key region. In addition, the intensified surface downward infrared radiation (IR) anomaly and the precipitable water for the entire atmosphere (PWA) in each key region are found to make significant contributions to the positive surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly, which is beneficial for the reduction in sea ice. The approximate quantitative analysis of different surface energy fluxes induced by blocking is also applied. Further analysis shows that the blocking event and the associated changes in SAT and radiation anomalies for each key region lead the sea ice decline by approximately 3~6 days. This result indicates that regional blocking can contribute to regional sea ice decline at weekly time scales through surface warming associated with enhanced water vapor and associated IR variations. Further quantitative estimates indicate that regional blocking can reduce regional sea ice cover (SIC) by 49.6%, 49.4%, 52.2% and 49.5% for Baffin Bay, Barents-Kara Seas, Okhotsk Sea and Bering Sea, respectively, during the blocking life cycle. Finally, a physical process diagrammatic sketch is given to illustrate how blocking affects SIC decline.
Membrane Active Peptides and Their Biophysical Characterization
Authors: Avci Fatma Gizem , Sariyar Akbulut Berna , Ozkirimli Elif
Published: August 2018

In the last 20 years, an increasing number of studies have been reported on membrane active peptides. These peptides exert their biological activity by interacting with the cell membrane, either to disrupt it and lead to cell lysis or to translocate through it to deliver cargos into the cell and reach their target. Membrane active peptides are attractive alternatives to currently used pharmaceuticals and the number of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptides designed for drug and gene delivery in the drug pipeline is increasing. Here, we focus on two most prominent classes of membrane active peptides; AMPs and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Antimicrobial peptides are a group of membrane active peptides that disrupt the membrane integrity or inhibit the cellular functions of bacteria, virus, and fungi. Cell penetrating peptides are another group of membrane active peptides that mainly function as cargo-carriers even though they may also show antimicrobial activity. Biophysical techniques shed light on peptide–membrane interactions at higher resolution due to the advances in optics, image processing, and computational resources. Structural investigation of membrane active peptides in the presence of the membrane provides important clues on the effect of the membrane environment on peptide conformations. Live imaging techniques allow examination of peptide action at a single cell or single molecule level. In addition to these experimental biophysical techniques, molecular dynamics simulations provide clues on the peptide–lipid interactions and dynamics of the cell entry process at atomic detail. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in experimental and computational investigation of membrane active peptides with particular emphasis on two amphipathic membrane active peptides, the AMP melittin and the CPP pVEC.
Effect of the Time of Salivary Contamination during Light Curing on Degree of Conversion and Microhardness of a Restorative Composite Resin
Authors: Sahebalam Rasoul , Boruziniat Alireza , Mohammadzadeh Fahimeh , Rangrazi Abdolrasoul
Published: August 2018

Saliva contamination is a major clinical problem in restorative procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the time of salivary contamination during light curing on the degree of conversion and the microhardness of a restorative composite resin. Eight groups of 10 samples for measuring the microhardness and eight groups of 5 samples for evaluating the degree of conversion were prepared. The samples of each group were contaminated with human saliva at a certain time. The first group (T0) was contaminated before light curing. The specimens in groups T2–T30 were contaminated at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 s after the start of light curing, respectively. The samples of group T40 were contaminated after light curing. The degree of conversion and the microhardness of the specimens were measured by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Vickers hardness testing techniques, respectively. The results of this study revealed that there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the degree of conversion of the composite resin. Consistent with the findings for the degree of conversion, significant differences in the microhardness between the groups were not found. In conclusion, from a clinical point of view, the results of our study showed that the time of salivary contamination (before, during or after light curing of composite resin) has no significant effect on the polymerization (degree of conversion) and one of the important mechanical properties of dental composite resins (microhardness).
CX-4945 Induces Methuosis in Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines by a CK2-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Lertsuwan Jomnarong , Lertsuwan Kornkamon , Sawasdichai Anyaporn , Tasnawijitwong Nathapol , Lee Ka , Kitchen Philip , Afford Simon , Gaston Kevin , Jayaraman Padma-Sheela , Satayavivad Jutamaad
Published: August 2018

Cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence and hence there is a pressing unmet clinical need for new adjuvant treatments. Protein kinase CK2 (previously casein kinase II) is a ubiquitously expressed protein kinase that is up-regulated in multiple cancer cell types. The inhibition of CK2 activity using CX-4945 (Silmitasertib) has been proposed as a novel treatment in multiple disease settings including cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we show that CX-4945 inhibited the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines in vitro. Moreover, CX-4945 treatment induced the formation of cytosolic vacuoles in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and other cancer cell lines. The vacuoles contained extracellular fluid and had neutral pH, features characteristic of methuosis. In contrast, simultaneous knockdown of both the α and α′ catalytic subunits of protein kinase CK2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) had little or no effect on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and failed to induce the vacuole formation. Surprisingly, low doses of CX-4945 increased the invasive properties of cholangiocarcinoma cells due to an upregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP-7), while the knockdown of CK2 inhibited cell invasion. Our data suggest that CX-4945 inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell death via CK2-independent pathways. Moreover, the increase in cell invasion brought about by CX-4945 treatment suggests that this drug might increase tumor invasion in clinical settings.
Spark Plasma Sintered Zirconia Ceramic Composites with Graphene-Based Nanostructures
Authors: Gallardo-López Ángela , López-Pernía Cristina , Muñoz-Ferreiro Carmen , González-Orellana Carmen , Morales-Rodríguez Ana , Poyato Rosalía
Published: August 2018

The addition of graphene-based nanostructures (GBNs) can improve the inherent fragility of ceramics and provide them with improved electrical and thermal conductivities. However, both the starting material (ceramic matrix and GBNs) and the processing/sintering approach are crucial for the final composite microstructure and properties. This work focuses on the influence of the content and dimensions of the GBN filler (10 and 20 vol%; 3 and ~150 layers), the powder-processing conditions (dry versus wet), and the homogenization method (ultrasound sonication versus high-energy planetary ball milling) on GBN/tetragonal zirconia (3YTZP) composites. The microstructure and electrical properties of the spark plasma sintered (SPS) composites were quantified and analyzed. The highest microstructural homogeneity with an isotropic microstructure was achieved by composites prepared with thicker GBNs milled in dry conditions. A high content (20 vol%) of few-layered graphene as a filler maximizes the electrical conductivity of the composites, although it hinders their densification.
The Effect of Laser Power on the Interface Microstructure of a Laser Remelting Nano-SiC Modified Fe-Based Ni/WC Composite Coating
Authors: Zhao Yuncai , He Wen , Du Huihui , Luo Peng
Published: August 2018

The plasma sprayed Fe-based Ni/WC composite coating on the surface of 45 steel was post-treated by laser remelting with the addition of nano-SiC. The effect of laser power on the interface microstructure of a laser remelting nano-SiC modified Fe-based Ni/WC composite coatings were researched. The metallographic structure, microscopic morphology, phase composition, and microhardness of the remelted layer were visually analyzed by metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and microhardness tester, respectively. The results showed that the nano-SiC modified remelted coating was smooth and compact, and with no fine cracks. The remelted layer was mainly composed of [Fe,Ni], Cr, Fe0.04Ni0.36 phase. The metal elements Fe, Ni, Cr, and Si, and non-metallic element C, appeared to diffuse, and there was metallurgical bonding between the coating and the matrix. With the increase of laser power, the smaller the average grain size, the wider the half-peak height (FWHM), and the more obvious the grain refinement. When the laser power was 500 W, the interface metallurgical showed the best effect. Furthermore, the nano-sized SiC particles served as the core of the heterogeneous nucleation to refine the grains on the one hand, and promoted the formation of a hard intermediate phase in the coating on the other hand. Therefore, the laser remelting and the addition of nano-SiC particles greatly improved the microhardness of the coating. The larger the laser power, the smaller the microstructure characteristics and the fewer the number of holes. With increasing laser power, the hardness increased in general terms and the maximum hardness increased by 51%.
Special Issue on Cryptographic Protocols
Authors: Vogt Andreas
Published: August 2018

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Optimal Scheduling of Power System Incorporating the Flexibility of Thermal Units
Authors: Guo Tong , Gao Yajing , Zhou Xiaojie , Li Yonggang , Liu Jiaomin
Published: August 2018

Due to the randomness, volatility and intermittent nature of wind power, power systems with significant wind penetration face serious “curtailment” problems. The flexibility of a power system is an important factor that affects the large-scale consumption of wind power. Based on this fact, this paper takes into account the economics and flexibility of the system, and proposes an optimal scheduling method that takes the flexibility of each thermal power unit into account. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation index system of thermal power unit flexibility is designed by an analytic hierarchy process and entropy method. The system covers the technical indexes and economic characteristics of thermal power units and is able to quantitatively evaluate the different types of thermal power units in the system. Secondly, a multi-objective optimization scheduling model involving the overall flexibility of the unit and the total power generation cost is established. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed indicators and models are verified by a case study.
A Study to Investigate Fluid-Solid Interaction Effects on Fluid Flow in Micro Scales
Authors: Chen Mingqiang , Cheng Linsong , Cao Renyi , Lyu Chaohui
Published: August 2018

Due to micro-nanopores in tight formation, fluid-solid interaction effects on fluid flow in porous media cannot be ignored. In this paper, a novel model which can characterize micro-fluid flow in micro scales is proposed. This novel model has a more definite physical meaning compared with other empirical models. And it is validated by micro tube experiments. In addition, the application range of the model is rigorously analyzed from a mathematical view, which indicates a wider application scope. Based on the novel model, the velocity profile, the average flow velocity and flow resistance in consideration of fluid-solid interaction are obtained. Furthermore, the novel model is incorporated into a representative pore scale network model to study fluid-solid interactions on fluid flow in porous media. Results show that due to fluid-solid interaction in micro scales, the change rules of the velocity profile, the average flow velocity and flow resistance generate obvious deviations from traditional Hagen-Poiseuille’s law. The smaller the radius and the lower the displacement pressure gradient (∇P), the more obvious the deviations will be. Moreover, the apparent permeability in consideration of fluid-solid interaction is no longer a constant, it increases with the increase of ∇P and non-linear flow appears at low ∇P. This study lays a good foundation for studying fluid flow in tight formation.