bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warm-Mix Asphalt Pilot Project in Connecticut
Authors: Bernier Alexander , Zofka Adam , Josen Ramandeep , Mahoney James
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the details on the first official state warm-mix asphalt (WMA) pavement project in Connecticut. The construction took place between July 20 and July 22, 2010, and it involved three experimental sections: a control section with a conventional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and two WMA sections that used wax and foamed asphalt. All three sections are located on Route 70 in central Connecticut. Each section is approximately 1 km long and includes lanes in both directions. The construction was done as a 50-mm overlay with 12.5-mm Superpave® mix. Each mix was sampled over a 3-day construction period for further evaluation in the laboratory. The materials were collected in loose form and reheated and compacted under laboratory conditions (laboratory-fabricated specimens). This paper discusses the effect of mixture type as shown by the results from several tests conducted in the laboratory, including the semicircular bending test, the Hamburg wheel tracking test, the indirect tensile test, and the disk-shaped compact tension test. The results from the WMA specimens were also compared with conventional HMA specimens. Finally, the paper presents the performance data from all three test sections after the first winter season and correlates these observations with the laboratory results.
Electric Bikes and Transportation Policy
Authors: Dill Jennifer , Rose Geoffrey
Published: January 2013

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are increasingly common in China but are relatively rare in the United States. The findings from interviews with 28 e-bike owners in the Portland, Oregon, region provide insight into the potential market for and use of e-bikes in the United States. The interviews revealed several possible demographic markets for e-bikes that could expand the bicycling population: women, older adults, and people with physical limitations. Owners of e-bikes noted their ability to travel longer distances and over hills with relative ease and to arrive at a destination, such as work, less sweaty and less tired than a regular bicycle would allow. These features may overcome some of the common barriers to bicycling for all demographics. Most of the interviewed e-bike owners used their e-bikes to substitute for travel by either human-powered bicycles or traditional motor vehicles. Therefore, the e-bike can address concerns about health problems related to inactivity, pollution, and other public policy problems to which private vehicles contribute. Further research is needed to determine whether specific policies are needed to increase adoption of e-bikes. The potential for conflict between riders of e-bikes and of regular bikes because of speed differentials is a concern. Whether speed differentials will pose a significant problem will depend not only on the extent of adoption of e-bikes but the characteristics of the riders.
Evaluation of Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon at Pinellas Trail Crossing in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Authors: Hunter William W. , Srinivasan Raghavan , Martell Carol A.
Published: January 2013

The performance of a pedestrian safety device, the rectangular rapid flash beacon (RRFB), was evaluated at a street crossing of Florida's Pinellas Trail, a shared-use path where the majority of trail users were bicyclists. An elevated video camera beside the trail and several hundred feet from the crossing was used to collect before-and-after data for more than 1,000 bicyclists and pedestrians. The delay before trail users began to cross was reduced after the RRFB was installed. Bicyclists and pedestrians yielded considerably less, and motorists considerably more, after the installation. Yielding by motorists increased from 2% before to 35% after installation of the RRFB. When the flasher was activated, motorist yielding was 54%. In the before period, 82% of trail users were able to cross the intersection, whereas 18% were trapped in the middle. In the after period, these values were 94% and 6%, respectively. Installation of the RRFB increased the safety of trail users at the crossing. However, the device is not fail-safe, and communities that use it at trail crossings should be aware of this limitation. Education could help increase the percentage of trail users who push the button to activate the RRFB and increase motorist knowledge about the requirement to yield to pedestrians at crossings. Periodic police enforcement or the development of a passive detection system could also be helpful.
Lateral Placement of Motor Vehicles When Passing Bicyclists
Authors: Savolainen Peter T. , Gates Timothy J. , Todd Ryan G. , Datta Tapan K. , Morena Jill G.
Published: January 2013

This study assessed the lateral placement of motor vehicles as they passed bicyclists, with a focus on the influence of centerline rumble strips. Driver behavioral data were collected through field studies on two segments of a high-speed (55-mph speed limit) rural two-lane highway. The study segments were similar for key traffic and geometric characteristics, but only one of the segments had centerline rumble strips. The segments were located close to one another; this feature ensured a relatively uniform sample of drivers and bicyclists. Centerline rumble strips were found to decrease the likelihood of a motor vehicle driving onto the center line. However, this decrease in the probability of centerline encroachment was less pronounced in comparison with similar data collected in the absence of bicyclists; this increased probability of encroachment suggests a compensatory effect. Drivers were also more likely to contact or cross over the centerline when bicyclists were nearer to the travel lane. The type of motor vehicle also played a role in that motorcycles and passenger cars were less likely to contact the centerline, and the presence of opposing traffic was found to reduce the likelihood of contact with the centerline.
Multiuser Perspectives on Separated, On-Street Bicycle Infrastructure
Authors: Monsere Christopher M. , McNeil Nathan , Dill Jennifer
Published: January 2013

In the early fall of 2009, the Bureau of Transportation in Portland, Oregon, installed a cycle track and a pair of buffered bike lanes in downtown Portland. A major objective was to test facilities that were thought to bring higher levels of comfort to bicycle riders through increased separation from motor vehicle traffic. After one year of use, an evaluation was conducted to determine how the facilities affected the experience of the various users. Intercept surveys of cyclists (n = 248), motorists (n = 262), pedestrians (n = 198), and adjacent businesses (n = 59) showed improved perceptions of safety and comfort among cyclists, particularly women. Cyclists also preferred the new facilities to alternative routes and facility types. Both motorists and cyclists liked the additional separation of users. Motorists were more likely to attribute additional travel delays and inconvenience to the facilities; this attitude was especially true for motorists who never rode a bicycle and those surveyed on the buffered bike lane facility. Pedestrians liked the increased separation from traffic but had concerns about interactions with cyclists when crossing the cycle track. Businesses expressed support for these and other new bicycle facilities but had concerns about parking and deliveries.
Traveler Perspectives of Greenway Quality in Northern New England
Authors: Pettengill Peter R. , Lee Brian H. Y. , Manning Robert E.
Published: January 2013

Greenways across a range of landscapes from urban to natural serve society as both transportation corridors and recreational pathways. Because of these dual functions, planning and management of greenways warrant an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates frameworks from the fields of transportation and outdoor recreation. Research was conducted to (a) investigate the relationship between transportation and recreation from a greenway user's perspective, (b) consider and integrate transportation and recreation frameworks that measure quality of greenway travel, and (c) determine the significance of settings in user perceptions of quality. On-site surveys of users (n = 841) across three greenways in northern New England were administered to learn how travelers used and perceived the quality of these facilities. Findings showed that greenways were used primarily for recreation but often incorporated varying elements of transportation. Furthermore, traveler perceptions of quality differed across settings. Transportation and recreation planning frameworks can be integrated to provide a more holistic approach to greenway planning and management.
Assessment of Communitywide Bikeability with Bicycle Level of Service
Authors: Lowry Michael B. , Callister Daniel , Gresham Maureen , Moore Brandon
Published: January 2013

A novel method assessed the quality of bicycle travel throughout a community. Most previous research on the quality of bicycle travel assessed bicycle suitability, that is, the perceived comfort and safety of a linear section of bikeway. Assessment of bikeability (as defined by authors), however, considers comfort and safety of the entire bikeway network for access to important destinations, and there is ample research concerning the related concept of accessibility. A proposed calculation for bikeability was developed on the basis of a common accessibility equation and was demonstrated through a case study of three capital investment scenarios. The analysis used a geographic information system. Engineers and planners can follow a similar procedure to the one used in the calculation development to prioritize improvement projects or to communicate the benefits of new projects.
Traffic Safety for Electric Bike Riders in China
Authors: Yao Lin , Wu Changxu
Published: January 2013

The use of electric bikes (e-bikes) in China has grown tremendously in the past decade. Traffic safety for e-bike riders is an issue of growing public concern because the number of fatalities and injuries is increasing. A study was conducted to identify risk factors affecting involvement of e-bike riders in accidents and to establish the relationships between safety attitudes, risk perception, and aberrant riding behaviors. The data used for analysis were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire survey of a sample of 603 e-bike riders in two large cities in China. The results showed that both gender and automobile driving experience were significantly associated with at-fault accident involvement. Males were more likely to have at-fault accidents than were females, and riders with an automobile driver's license were less likely to have accidents than were those without a driver's license. Two types of aberrant riding behaviors, errors and aggressive behaviors, were found to be significant factors for predicting at-fault accident involvement. Analysis with a structural equation model indicated that safety attitudes and risk perception both significantly affected aberrant riding behaviors. E-bike riders with stronger positive attitudes toward safety and more worry and concern about their traffic risk tended to be less likely to have aberrant riding behaviors. Practical implications for improving road safety of e-bike riders are discussed.
Relationships between Self-Reported Bicycling Injuries and Perceived Risk of Cyclists in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Washington Simon , Haworth Narelle , Schramm Amy
Published: January 2013

Government focus on increasing active travel has motivated renewed interest in cycling safety. Because bicyclists are up to 20 times more likely to be involved in crashes with serious injury than are automobile drivers, an understanding of the relationships between risk factors for bicyclist crashes is necessary for identifying effective policy tools, for informing bicycle infrastructure investments, and for identifying high-risk bicycling contexts. A study was conducted to gain understanding of the complex relationships between bicyclist self-reported injuries resulting from crashes (e.g., hitting a car) and noncrashes (e.g., spraining an ankle) and perceived risk of cycling as a function of cyclist exposure, rider conspicuity, riding environment, rider risk aversion, and rider ability. Self-reported data from 2,500 Queensland, Australia, cyclists were used to estimate a series of seemingly unrelated regressions to examine the relationships between factors. The major findings suggest that perceived risk does not appear to influence injury rates, nor do injury rates influence perceived risks of cycling. Riders who perceived cycling as risky tended not to be commuters, did not engage in group riding, tended to always wear mandatory helmets and front lights, and lowered their perception of risk by increasing days per week of riding and by riding more on bicycle paths. Riders who always wore helmets had lower risk for crash injury. An increase in the number of riding days per week tended to decrease both crash injury and noncrash injury risk (e.g., a sprain). Further work is needed to replicate some of the study findings.
Better Understanding of Factors Influencing Likelihood of Using Shared Bicycle Systems and Frequency of Use
Authors: Bachand-Marleau Julie , Lee Brian H. Y. , El-Geneidy Ahmed M.
Published: January 2013

Planning and transportation professionals are promoting a variety of sustainable travel alternatives, such as public transit usage, walking, and cycling, as affordable transportation options to counter the negative effects of widespread car use. In their traditional form, these alternative transport modes do not always offer the flexibility or convenience of the car; therefore, innovative solutions have been developed to allow active and public transport to compete better with the car. Shared bicycle systems have been adopted by a growing number of cities and regions throughout the world, yet little is known about the users of the systems and their motivations. A survey was conducted in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in the summer of 2010 to determine the factors that encouraged individuals to use the system and the elements that influenced frequency of use. The factor found to have the greatest effect on the likelihood for use of a shared bicycle system was the proximity of home to docking stations. Ownership of a yearly shared bicycle membership was associated with cyclists riding shared bicycles 15 additional times per year. Respondents indicated that they valued the shared bicycle's trendy status and the role that it could play in bicycle theft prevention. The potential of shared bicycle systems can be maximized by increasing the number of docking stations in residential neighborhoods and by emphasizing the popularity of shared bicycles and theft prevention in advertising campaigns.
Are Longitudinal Data Unavoidable?
Authors: Heinen Eva , Maat Kees
Published: January 2013

Mode alternation in the Netherlands was compared, and data from a longitudinal survey were compared with a single-moment survey that focused on bicycle commuting to evaluate its reliability. Travel data are usually collected at a single moment in time. The use of single-moment survey data to investigate variable behavior raises questions about the reliability of such data. Repeated measures, resulting in longitudinal data, may be the solution because in that case individuals would have to report only 1 day at a time, a relatively easy task. Collection of longitudinal data, however, is more expensive and takes more time. Analyses showed that mode alternation occurred frequently, especially for car and bicycle commuters. Single-moment surveys appeared to be unable to measure this accurately. Many respondents inaccurately reported being part-time cyclists although they always cycled to work or, conversely, claimed to be full-time cyclists although they varied modes. Moreover, many did not accurately report cycling frequency in a single-moment survey. However, it is difficult to determine the characteristics that predict the probability of an accurate report. In addition, the degree of accuracy is not readily linked to individual characteristics. Thus, it appears that the error in single-moment surveys cannot be easily corrected. Even repetitive behavior is subject to much variation, so surveys should include specific questions that would increase insight into this phenomenon and transport models should include mode variation. For this innovation in transport models to occur, longitudinal data must be collected and analyzed.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Bicycle–Vehicle Interactions on Urban Roadways by Ordered Probit Regression
Authors: LaMondia Jeffrey J. , Duthie Jennifer C.
Published: January 2013

A study of the impacts of roadway environment, motorist behavior, and bicyclist behavior on bicyclist–motorist interactions was based on video footage of traffic movements during peak commuting hours at four locations in Austin, Texas. The study developed three unique models of ordered probit regression that describe bicyclist lateral location, bicyclist–motorist interaction movement, and bicyclist–motorist lateral interaction distance. This structure of discrete choice model was used for the first time to address bicycle–vehicle interactions and offered more meaningful results because it used a latent measure of bicyclists’ and motorists’ mutual acceptance and comfort level sharing a roadway. It was demonstrated that adding “sharrows” and “Share the Road” signage promoted safer interactions on narrow urban roadways, whereas simply widening travel lanes and adding on-street parking did not necessarily improve bicyclist–motorist interactions.
Investigating Behavior of Active Cyclists
Authors: Andrade Katia , Kagaya Seiichi
Published: January 2013

The behavior of active cyclists in Japan and their motivations for cycling were investigated. In Japan, bicycles were often used either as the main transportation mode or as part of a multimodal journey. However, few Japanese transportation policies and strategies address cycling. The current investigation thus addressed the reasons why people cycled although the cycling system had yet to achieve high levels of service. Commuters’ views on cycling were investigated in a behavioral analysis. In a statistical analysis, discrete choice models were estimated to assess the factors that had a strong influence on cycling. Results of the behavioral and statistical analyses are discussed with a focus on unimodal commuting trips. The findings of the models suggest that the single-person household type influences the choice of nonmotorized modes and that owning a car is not significant when people choose to cycle. Those who regularly cycle to perform other activities and those who regularly exercise are more likely to commute by bicycle. The possibility of sharing sidewalk space with pedestrians appears to have a strong positive impact on cycling. In addition, longer distances to public transport stations motivate the use of bicycle in multimodal journeys. The insight gained can be used by transport planners and government bodies in Japan and elsewhere in planning for more cycling-friendly cities.
Airports and Bicycles
Authors: Orrick Phyllis , Frick Karen Trapenberg
Published: January 2013

Case studies examined how airport operators addressed bicycle access to their properties and the motivations and obstacles that they faced in light of new policies to integrate bicycles, along with transit and walking, into transportation planning, design, and construction and to increase the bicycle's role in the transportation system. Eight influential elements that emerged from the review of policy documents and research literature were used to guide interviews: governance structure, location, access roads, self-perceived environmental stewardship, spending restrictions on nonaviation transportation improvements, proximity to transit, policies and mandates to reduce environmental impacts, and land use constraints. Seven cases were selected on the basis of their inclusion in studies on key aspects of airport ground access: Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport, California; Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Washington; Boston Logan International Airport, Massachusetts; Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Minnesota; and Portland International Airport, Oregon, an exemplar recommended by several informants. The discussion was limited to employee bicycle access, the focus of airport operators that invested in programs to reduce single-occupancy-vehicle travel at airports. During aggregation of the interviews, replicable approaches for improving bicycle access were identified, as were examples of innovative funding for multimodal access that used revenues generated through passenger facilities charges. The following areas are suggested for additional research: commute needs of airport employees, mode choice for ground access, and airport operator costs and benefits of bicycle access investments.
To Bike or Not to Bike
Authors: Sears Justine , Flynn Brian S. , Aultman-Hall Lisa , Dana Greg S.
Published: January 2013

Research with a panel of working adults in northern communities was conducted to assess the impact of weather on commuting to work by bicycle. Participants commuted at least 2 mi each way and commuted by bike more than twice annually. Transportation mode was recorded for four 7-day periods in 2009 and 2010 (one sampling period per season). Mode, personal characteristics, and commute length were linked to location- and time-specific weather conditions and to daylight hours on commuting days. Analyses focused on the effects of season, weather, and other factors to develop binary models for commuting by bicycle. The likelihood of bike commuting increased 3% with every 1°F increase in morning temperature and decreased by 5% with a 1 mph increase in wind speed. Likelihood of biking to work was more than double on days with no morning precipitation. Hours of daylight had no discernible effect, although study participants cited this as a barrier in the baseline survey. Distance to work negatively affected the likelihood of bike commuting. Men were nearly twice as likely to bike commute on a given day as were women. Separate models for men and women suggested that these groups responded similarly to adverse weather conditions, although some effects were less pronounced among women because of a smaller sample size. An appreciable portion of participants biked to work throughout the year in a variety of weather conditions, a result that suggested that a northern climate might not necessarily preclude year-round bike commuting. Multimodal commuting was prevalent in the sample: on 20% of the days that participants reported biking to work, they reported returning home by another mode. Helping cyclists learn to deal safely with cold and dark conditions and facilitation of multimodal bicycle commuting may promote wider use of bicycle commuting and extend the northern bicycle commute season.
Factors that Influence University Employees to Commute by Bicycle
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Handy Susan L.
Published: January 2013

The environmental, economic, and health benefits of bicycling provide motivation for policy makers to promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Research has linked sociodemographic factors, individual attitudes, and characteristics of the social and physical environments to the decision to bicycle. A study was conducted to identify and estimate the effects of individual and sociodemographic factors on the decisions of university employees to bicycle to work in the context of a bicycle-friendly community with historically high bicycling rates. Results of binary logistic regression with data from an annual campus travel survey at the University of California, Davis, indicated that for university employees, individual attitudes and preferences were key determinants of bicycling, whereas sociodemographic factors such as age, income, and gender did not have direct effects on bicycling. Because many studies have found gender to influence bicycling significantly behavior, gender-specific models were developed, and several significant interaction effects were identified in the final model. Having a graduate degree and rating parking costs as important had positive effects on bicycling for women, whereas only rating travel costs as important had positive effects for men. For both genders, bicycling comfort and liking to bicycle increased the likelihood of commuting by bicycle, whereas general need for a car, need for a vehicle for work activities, liking driving, and rating travel convenience as important decreased the likelihood of bicycling.
Estimating Latent Cycling Trips in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Godefroy François , Morency Catherine
Published: January 2013

About 1.8% of the residents of the Island of Montreal, in Quebec, Canada, ride a bicycle at least once a day during the fall season. These people make nearly 76,990 daily trips, 2.0% of the total number of commuter trips. Of these cyclists, 65% are men, although men represent only 48.1% of residents, and nearly 63.8% are employed, although the employed represent only 45.2% of the island's population. Data from a large-scale travel survey were used to confirm the influence of various factors on bike use. The study showed that men were 1.99 times more likely to make a trip by bike than were women, individuals who lived in a nonmotorized household were 2.35 times more likely to take a trip by bike than were those who lived in motorized households, people who commuted on a sunny day were 1.46 times more likely to travel by bike, and people who lived more than 9.3 mi (15 km) from the downtown area were 0.29 times less likely to travel by bike compared with people who lived nearer. The study also proposed a methodology for estimating latent bicycle trips, that is, the number of car trips that could be made by bike. When a criterion of travel range based on age cohorts and genders was applied, it appeared that about 50.7% of car trips would be made by bike. When more restrictive criteria were used (consideration of trip chains, shopping), it appeared that 18.2% of car trips would be made by bike.
In vitro micropropagation of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth through induction of direct and indirect organogenesis
Authors: Bhadra SK , Bhowmik TK , Singh P
Published: January 2013

Leaf and nodal segments of two months old field grown seedlings of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth were aseptically cultured on agar solidified MS medium supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of auxins (NAA, IAA, 2,4-D and picloram) and cytokinins (BAP and Kn). The nodal segments produced highest number of multiple shoot buds (5.85/explant) on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1 BAP + 0.2 mgl-1 NAA or 2.0 mgl-1 BAP + 0.1 mgl-1 IAA. Whereas nodal segment produced callus tissue of different nature on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mgl-1 BAP + 0.5 mgl-1 IAA+ 1.5 mgl-1 2,4-D; 3.0 mgl-1 BAP + 1.0 mgl-1 NAA + 1.5 mgl-1 Kn and 0.1 mgl-1 Pic + 1.0 mgl-1 Kn. The callus tissue of light green and nodular nature on further subculture in a wide range of plant growth regulators (PGRs) supplemented media, differentiated into multiple shoot buds that underwent rapid elongation on 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l NAA supplemented media. The elongated shoot buds on further subculture in rooting media produced strong and stout roots. Half strength MS with 1.5% (w/v) sucrose was most effective for enhancing rooting. Finally those plantlets were acclimatized in field. Thus a protocol was established for rapid micropropagation of this medicinal plant through induction of direct and indirect organogenesis from nodal explant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13401 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):01-09, 2008
Factors responsible for production of amylases from Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius
Authors: Akhter Munira , Hossain Md Towhid , Anwar MN
Published: January 2013

Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius showed maximum amylase production at 27°C with an initial culture pH of the medium 6.0 after 72 h. of incubation. One per cent soluble starch and 0.15% ammonium nitrate in the medium supported the highest amylase activity. During enzyme-substrate reaction maximum enzyme activity was observed at 50°C and pH 4.0 with 2% starch. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13402 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):11-20, 2008
Morphometric and meristic study of Gudusia chapra (Ham. 1822) and Gonialosa manmina (Ham. 1822) (Clupeidae) from the Kaptai lake, Bangladesh
Authors: Azadi Mohammad Ali , Rahman ASM Sharifur
Published: January 2013

Twenty-two morphometric and nine meristic characters of 280 Gudusia chapra (Total length 30-210mm) and 264 Gonialosa manmina (Total length 40-150 mm), the two important clupeids from the Kaptai lake, were studied during 1996-1997 to detect the plastic and non-plastic characters. Wide and medium range characters are plastic characters and hence are controlled by the environment while the narrow range characters are genetically controlled and non-plastic and hence can be used for differentiation of stock or sub-species. Three different categories of morphometric characters of the two species were recognised, viz., wide range, medium range and narrow range. Wide range morphometric characters varied within the range of 21.47% to 140.62% in the case of G. chapra and 24.04% to 87.19% in the case of G. manmina while the medium range characters varied within the range of 11.76% to 13.75% in the case of G. chapra and 11.55% to 18.92% in the case of G. manmina and less than 10% range characters were designated as narrow range. The relationships between the different morphometric characters (both dependent and independent variables) were found to be linear and in all the cases the relationships were found to be highly significant (P< 0.001). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13403 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):21-31, 2008
Antimicrobial evaluation of methyl 4-O-Acetyl-α-L-Rhamnopyranoside derivatives
Authors: Matin Mohammed M , Ibrahim Mohammad , Rahman Md Shafiqur
Published: January 2013

A number of 2,3-di-O-acyl derivatives (6-11) of methyl 4-O-acetyl-a-Lrhamnopyranoside (5) obtained by using various acylating agents were screened for in vitro antifungal activity against four plant pathogenic fungi, viz., Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata. Fusarium equiseti and Macrophomina phaseolina. These compounds were also screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against ten human pathogenic bacteria, viz., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, INABA ET (Vibrio), Pseudomonas species, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella typhi. The study reveal that these 4-O-acetyl-?-L-rhamnopyranoside derivatives are more prone towards antifungal activities than that of antibacterial activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13404 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):33-43, 2008
Two species of euphorinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Habibur
Published: January 2013

Two species of Euphorinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been described and illustrated from Bangladesh. The species are: Mateorus erratus Achterberg, 1997 and Perilitus lateropus Achterberg, 1997. These two species are new record to the fauna of Bangladesh. Mateorus erratus and Perilitus lateropus were collected from Tangail and Dhaka districts, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13405 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):45-52, 2008
Biological evaluation of some octanoyl derivatives of methyl 4,6-O-cyclohexylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside
Authors: Kabir Abul KMS , Kawsar Sarkar MA , Bhuiyan Mohammad MR , Rahman Md Safiqur , Banu Bilkiss
Published: January 2013

Some acylated derivatives of methyl 4,6-O-cyclohexylidene-?-D-glucopyranoside, including the precursor, were employed as test compounds for in vitro antimicrobial functionality test against ten human pathogenic bacteria and six phytopathogenic fungi. For comparative studies, biological activity of standard antibiotics, Ampicillin and Nystatin were also carried out against these microorganisms. The study revealed that the tested samples exhibited moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activities. It was also observed that the test substances were more effective against fungal phytopathogens than those of the bacterial strains. Encouragingly, a good number of test compounds exhibited better antimicrobial activity than the standard antibiotics employed. Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) test of methyl 4,6-O-cyclohexylidene-3-Odecanoyl- 2-O-octanoyl-?-D-glucopyranoside was conducted against INABA ET (Vibrio) and MIC was found to be 12.5 ?g/disc. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13406 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):53-64, 2008
Essential oils of leaves and rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga Linn.
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Nazrul Islam , Begum Jaripa , Anwar MN
Published: January 2013

Kaempferia galanga Linn. leaf and rhizome oils, obtained by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). One hundred and eight components were identified in the leaf oil. The major components were linoleoyl chloride (21.42%), caryophyllene oxide (11.75%), cubenol (9.66%) and caryophyllene (5.60%). Eighty one components were identified in rhizome oil with the main components being 2-propenoic acid, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl),-ethyl ester (63.36%), ethyl cinnamate (6.31%), 4-cyclooctene -1-methanol (4.61%), caryophyllene oxide (4.37%) and limonene (3.22%). The compositions of both oils varied qualitatively and quantitatively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13407 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):65-76, 2008
Volatile constituents of essential oils isolated from leaf and inflorescences of Piper longum Linn.
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Nazrul Islam , Begum Jaripa , Anwar MN
Published: January 2013

Essential oil compositions of the inflorescences and leaf of Piper longum Linn. were investigated by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS). P. longum oils were found to contain few monoterpene hydrocarbons, a moderate content of sesquiterpenes and high content of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The inflorescences oil rich in eugenol (33.11%), caryophyllene (9.29%), cinnamyl acetate (5.91%) and b-pinene (4.74%), whereas leaf oil rich in trans-nerolidol (19.08%), caryophyllene (12.25%), 3-heptene, 7-phenyl- (3.71%), benzyl benzoate (3.68%), caryophyllene oxide (3.62%) and ?-elemene (3.28%). The compositions of both oils varied qualitatively and quantitatively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13408 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):77-85, 2008
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of crude extracts of Plumeria rubra L.
Authors: Jarin Laila , Rahman Md Shafiqur , Anwar MN
Published: January 2013

Petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Plumeria rubra leaves were studied for their antimicrobial activities against eleven human pathogenic bacteria, viz., Shigella dysenteriae, S. sonnei, Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi, Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae and four human pathogenic fungi, viz., Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. ustus and Candida albicans using disc diffusion and poisoned food method, respectively. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extract exhibited moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activity against all the pathogens tested. The ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (25 mm in diameter with 2000 mg/disc extract) against E. coli. The highest inhibition of fungal radial mycelial growth (62.00% with 100 mg extract/ml medium) was recorded against A. ustus with ethyl acetate extract. The MICs were determined by broth macrodilution technique. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the lowest MIC (750 mg/ml) against E. coli. However, for fungi the lowest MIC was 500 mg/ml against A. ustus with the same extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13409 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):87-94, 2008
Mental health and social support
Authors: Islam Md Nurul , Iqbal Kazi Ferdous
Published: January 2013

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of social support on mental health. A total of 100 adult respondents (50 normal, 50 mental patients) of age ranging from 18 to 45 were selected as the sample of the study. The Bangla version of Social Support Scale & Mental Health Questionnaire or GHQ-12 was used in the study. Three aspects of social support were measured: number of social support (SSN), importance of social support (SSI) and satisfaction of social support (SSS). Results of the present study indicated that normal and mental patients differed significantly from each other in terms of social support. This means that the more the social support the better was the respondents mental health. The result also indicated that normal people had the better mental health than mental patients. Gender had no significant effect on normal & mental patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13410 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):95-107, 2008
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Moringa oleifera stem bark
Authors: Rahman Md Shafiqur , Zerin Laila , Anwar MN
Published: January 2013

Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and carbon tetrachloride extracts of Moringa oleifera stem bark were studied for their antimicrobial activities against eleven human pathogenic bacteria (Shigella dysenteriae, S. sonnei, Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi, Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae) and four human pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. ustus and Candida albicans) using disc diffusion and poisoned food method, respectively. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activity against all the pathogens tested. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (21 mm in diameter with 2000 mg/disc extract) against S. sonnei. The highest inhibition of fungal radial mycelial growth (52. 00% with 100 mg extract/ml medium) was recorded against C. albicans with ethyl acetate extract. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the lowest MIC (750 mg/ml) against B. megaterium, S. dysenteriae, V. cholerae and E. coli. For fungi, the lowest MIC was 500 mg/ml against C. albicans with crude extract of ethyl acetate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13411 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):109-117, 2008
Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the ribbon fish, Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Azadi Mohammad Ali , Ullah Mohammad
Published: January 2013

Length-weight relationship of 1119 specimens of Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier 1829) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, was found to be curvilinear (W= 0.0003612 TL3.18) and linear (LogW= -3.44+3.18 LogTL) for both the sexes combined in arithmetic and logarithmic scales, respectively. The values of regression co-efficient (b) ranged from 3.002 to 3.337 (? ± 0.167) at 95% confidence limit. The regression 'b' value (3.18) followed the cube law and did not significantly (P>0.05) differ from the cube. The growth of the fish was found to be isometric. Relative condition factor (Kn) was also within the ideal range (0.9695 to 1.1155, mean 1.001± 0.033). Seasonal or in different length groups no dramatic changes in relative condition factor were observed. Length frequency distribution was found to be normal with maximum number of fish in mid length groups and minimum in the lowest and highest length groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13412 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):119-126, 2008
Nitrogen transforming organisms in some forest soils of Chittagong University camputs
Authors: Chowdhury N , Islam MS , Osman KT
Published: January 2013

Association of nitrogen transforming bacteria in soils under six-forest tree plantations viz. Lagerstroemia speciosa, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Tectona grandis, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis were assessed in the present study. Azotobacter population was the least among the nitrogen-transforming bacteria in all soils. Soils under L. speciosa had the lowest population of ammonifying, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and denitrifying bacteria and A. auriculiformis had higher average MPN values, although E. camaldulensis had the highest Nitrobacter population. Population of the microorganisms was positively and significantly correlated with each other, except Azotobacter. Azotobacter was only significantly correlated with the denitrifying bacteria. The nitrogen-transforming microorganisms were significantly related with the total nitrogen content and pH of the forest soils. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13413 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):127-138, 2008
Reproduction biology of the clupeid. Gonialosa manmina (Hamilton, 1822) from the Kaptai Lake Bangladesh
Authors: Azadi MA , Rahman ASM Sharifur
Published: January 2013

Gonialosa manmina was found to spawn once in a year from February to July in the Kaptai Lake. The fish was found to attain sexual maturity at 80 mm total length. Sex ratio of male and female was 1:2.39 (?2 = 26.25, df = 1, P<0.01). Female dominated significantly over male throughout the year. Seven stages of maturity were determined on the basis of morphological characteristics of gonads and diameter of ova. Fecundity of 24 fishes ranged from 13460 eggs to 56980 eggs with a mean of 32003±12612 eggs. Fecundity factor was 1882 eggs g-1 body weight. Fecundity (F) was highly correlated (P<0.001) with total length (TL), body weight (BW), ovary length (OL) and ovary weight (OW) and the relationships were as follows:F = 1.0080 TL 2.1648 or Log F = 0.0035 + 2.1648 Log TL (r = 0.977, t = 21.49) F = 2.8807 SL 2.0420 or Log F = 0.4595 + 2.0420 Log SL (r = 0.958, t = 15.66) F = 5477.722 BW 0.6332 or Log F = 3.7386 + 0.6332 Log BW (r = 0.990, t = 32.91) F = 12.516 OL 2.2057 or Log F = 1.0975 + 2.2057 Log OL (r = 0.987, t = 28.80) F = 934.544 OW 0.5062 or Log F = 2.9706 + 0.5062 Log OW (r = 0.996, t = 52.28) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13414 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):139-148, 2008
People's perception on urban traffic congestion; a case study on Chittagong Metropolitan City, Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Qadery Shahek MMA , Muhibbullah Md
Published: January 2013

An attempt has been taken to identify the major causes of traffic congestion along with existing system deficiencies, their consequences, and finally a policy options are recommended on Chittagong Metropolitan City. For the study primary data were collected through questionnaire survey and secondary data were used from various sources. The collected data were analyzed by using statistical techniques. It was found that rapid growth of population, inefficient land use pattern, indiscriminate roadside uses, past urban development trends and inadequate land use planning are responsible for traffic congestion in the city area. Lack of coordination and integration of concerned institutions is one of the major system deficiencies of traffic congestion situation in the study area. Opinion survey revealed that the overall quality of transportation system of Chittagong city is unsatisfactory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1.13415 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):149-160, 2008
Toxic response of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) to some indigenous plant seed extracts
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Rahman Monika , Akhter Rozina
Published: January 2013

Toxic responses of distilled water, 50% ethyl and absolute ethyl alcohol extracts of six indigenous plants, Datura innoxia (Mill), Clerodendrum viscosum (Vent), Amoora rohituka (Roxb) Wt. et. Arnott, Acacia auriculaeformis A. Cunn. ex. Benth., Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre and Acacia catechu Willd were studied on a predatory fish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) in laboratory conditions. Amongst the extracts the toxicity range varied, absolute ethyl alcohol extract of A. rohituka seeds being the most toxic (LC50 = 8.67 ppm) whilst distilled water extract of D. innoxia seeds was the least toxic (LC50 = 1950.03 ppm). On the basis of LC50 and relative potency values the relative toxicity of the six plants was in the order- A. rohituka > C. viscosum > P. pinnata > A. auriculaeformis > A. catechu > D. innoxia seed extracts. These six indigenous plant seed extracts assayed might be helpful as controlling agent of undesirable fishes in fish culture ponds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v4i1.13382 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 4(1&2):1-12, 2009
Effect of chromium, cadmium and mercury on the gill histology of Clarias batrachus L.
Authors: Begum Shawkat Ara , Banu Qamar , Hoqure Baharul
Published: January 2013

Effect of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) on the gill histology of Clarias batrachus L. was investigated following 28 days exposure to their sublethal concentrations under laboratory condition. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the lamellar epithelium, necrosis, partial lifting of epithelial layer, damage of gill ray, oedema of primary lamellae, damage of pillar cells and congestion of blood vessels were the main histopathological changes. In Cd treated fishes the interlamellar spaces were abolished but distended gill rays were characteristics of Cr treatment. Extensive cellular and tissue damages were prominent in Hg treated fishes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v4i1.13383 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 4(1 &2):13-23, 2009
Survival strategies among erosion-induced displacees at Haimchar Upazila, Chandpur District, Bangladesh
Authors: Taleb Md Abu , Kabir Md Humayun , Muhibbullah Md
Published: January 2013

The present study has been taken to discuss the human dimension of the phenomenon and argues the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying erosion-induced people at Haimchar upazila in Bangladesh. The paper emphasizes the importance and need for looking into the phenomena of riverbank erosion, course shifting tendency, population displacement and its impact in socio-economic condition at national scale in order to understand and competently deal with the problem. In this study both primary and secondary data have been used. The primary data include field survey and victims opinion survey from erosion-affected villagers through questionnaire. During the last three decades about 35,605 peoples were displaced in the study area due to river bank erosion. Most of the affected people were living on the embankment. It was noted that there is a great degree of uncertainty as to when land would be devoured by the river; and on an average people were affected 3 times during the last three decades. Some of the techniques to survival strategies for the affected households are also discussed in this study. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v4i1.13384 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 4(1&2):25-39, 2009
Piscicidal effects of Albizzia procera (Benth) seeds, Swientenia mahagoni (Jacq) and Azadirachta indica (A. juss) seed kernels and Camellia sinensis (Wiild) seed cake extracts on Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) and Channa punctatus (Bloch.)
Authors: Nasiruddin Munra , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Begum Nasima
Published: January 2013

Piscicidal effects of distilled water and fifty percent ethyl alcohol extracts of Albizzia procera seeds, Swietenia mahagoni and Azadirachta indica seed kernels and Camellia sinensis seed cake were bioassayed upon Oreochromis mossambicus and Channa punctatus under normal laboratory conditions. Due to the toxic effects, the piscicide treated fishes showed irritability, excitement and gradual loss of balance. Mortality in both the species showed dose dependent increase with increasing concentrations. From the LC50 values, the relative toxicities of the plant extracts for both the fishes were found to be A. procera seeds > C. sinensis seed cake > S. mahagoni seed kernels> A. indica seed kernel extracts. The degree of tolerance of the test fishes to any of the two extracts was in the order C. punctatus > O. mossambicus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v4i1.13385 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 4(1&2):41-52, 2009