bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial profitability and resource use efficiency of boro rice production in some selected areas of Mymensingh in Bangladesh
Authors: Rasha Rezoyana Kabir , Liza Hafija Akter , Manjira Shirajum , Kazal Mohammad Mizanul Haque , Rayhan Shah Johir 
Published: December 2018

Bangladesh is predominantly an agricultural country. Agriculture provides employment to nearly about 47.33 percent of its total labor forces (BER, 2015). Broad agriculture sector which includes crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry contributes 16 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a whole in the FY 2013-14 (BER, 2016). Mymensingh district was selected for the study to calculate the profitability and to assess the resource use efficiency of Boro rice production. Simple random sampling technique had been used for collecting data from 60 sample farmers through interview schedule. Both descriptive studies and functional analysis was done to achieve the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that per hectare gross return, net return, and gross margin were found to be BTD110680.00, BTD 25208.94 and BTD 48158.95, respectively. Total costs of rice production were calculated at BTD 85471.06 per hectare. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) was found to be 1.29 for Boro rice production. Thus it was found that Boro rice production was profitable. Production function analysis suggested that, among the variables included in the model, quantity of seed, animal labor and power tiller cost, No. of human labor, quantity of fertilizer, cost of irrigation, had a positive and significant effect on the gross yield of Boro rice production, except for cost of manure and cost of pesticides had an insignificant effect on the gross yield of rice production. Efficiency analysis indicated that most of the farmers inefficiently used their inputs. This study also identified some problems associated with Boro rice production. Problems faced by the farmers were ranked on the basis of corresponding percentages. This study provides appropriate suggestion and policy recommendations which will help the development agencies and policy makers of the country for improving the livelihood of the people in the study area.
Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(3): 293-300, December 2018
Adoption and farmer’s perceptions of BARI Aam-3 Mango variety in selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Shahrukh , Khatun Mashrufah 
Published: December 2018

The study was conducted to assess the level of BARI Aam-3 mango variety adoption, factors affecting adoption and farmer’s perceptions about this variety in four districts namely Khagrachori, Bandorban, Naogaon, and Satkhira of Bangladesh during February to March, 2018. A total of 128 BARI Aam-3 growers and 72 non-growers were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. Logit model was used to assess the determinants of adoption. The study revealed that BARI Aam-3 was the most adopted variety (57%) than other and it covered 47.5% of the total mango production in the study areas. Most of the rice and vegetable fields are occupied by BARI Aam-3 and majority of the respondents practiced intercropping with BARI Aam-3. Family size, sex, training, and extension linkage had significant positive effect on adoption of BARI Aam-3 mango variety while age and farm size had negative effect. Three fourth (75%) of the respondents collected information about this variety from other neighbor farmers while about 43% learned from Department of Agricultural Extension office. More than half of the respondents (63%) have strong ambition to enlarge their BARI Aam-3 mango variety orchard in the future for its unique features such as non-alternate bearing and early fruiting. Climate change, price fluctuation, higher labour costs and access of Indian mango to the market prior releasing this variety were the major bottlenecks for wider adoption of this variety. The study concluded that there is an urgent need to create a sustainable market environment to ensure a better market price for the mango growers. In addition, training and extension services need to expand all over the country to increase the rate of adoption of BARI Aam-3 mango variety.
Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(3): 301-311, December 2018
Effect of bitter melon and garlic on blood glucose level and blood cholesterol level in rats in diabetic condition
Authors: Akhter Rupaly , Rasel Imrul Hasan , Islam Mohammad Saiful 
Published: December 2018

The aim of this research was designed to investigate the single and combine effect of bitter melon and garlic on blood glucose level and blood cholesterol level in rats in diabetic condition. In this study 60 rats (12 normal rats and 48 alloxan induced diabetic rats) was used for trials. The rats were divided into 5 groups for each trial, each containing 12 individuals as follows: First group was normal control (A), Second group was diabetic control (B), third group was alloxan with bitter melon treated (C). Group D was alloxan and Garlic treated and Group E was alloxan, bitter melon, garlic treated. Then alloxan injection was injected at the dose rate of 100mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally to each rate to induce diabetes in groups B, C, D and E. On 10th day blood glucose level, blood cholesterol level and the body weights were measured for the first time to ensure diabetic induction as well as hypercholesterolemia. Then all the rats of that group were kept for more 21 days for the treatment of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. During that period on Day 0, 7, 14 and 21st the body weight, blood cholesterol level and blood glucose level were measured. Aqueous extract of bitter melon and garlic were fed at a dose rate of 300mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight for 21 days in group C and D respectively and combine in group E. The blood sugar level and blood cholesterol level were reduced in bitter melon, garlic & combine treatment groups compare with untreated group. From these findings it is concluded that the combination of bitter melon and garlic can be used as anti-hyperglycemic and anti- hypercholesterolemic agent.
Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(3): 359-363, December 2018
Structural performance of fish market in Bogura district, Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md Helal , Sirazunnesa - , Haq Muhammad Shahidul , Ahmed Zoarder Faruque , Fatema Jannatul , Fatema Mst Kaniz 
Published: December 2018

One of the most important blossom trades in the economy of Bangladesh is fish marketing. To understand the current practices of fish market and marketing systems in Bogura district of Bangladesh, an investigation was conducted based on existing marketing system and economic features of marketing activities and inefficiencies. Fish marketing is almost exclusively maintained by the private sector and large number of intermediaries such as local traders, agents/suppliers, and retailers are involved in the distribution process of fish marketing. Data were collected from 45 fish traders through questionnaire interviews and participatory rural approach methods during December 2011 to May 2012 from three different fish markets named as Fateh Ali Fish Market, Godarpara Fish market and Khandar Fish market of Bogura district. The daily supply of fish in Fateh Ali Fish market, Godarpara Fish market and Khandar Fish market were estimated at 6.75 tons, 0.765 tons and 0.495 tons, respectively. Present supply and requirement of the fish showed a wide gap and virtually most of the fish (85%) is imported from outside where the local supply of fish is only 15%. There is a high consumer preference for Indian major carps i.e. rohu, catal, mrigal and exotic carps silver carp, grass and common carp, tilapia, pangas etc. The price of fish depends on market structure, species, quality, size, weight and season that’s why a well-systematized marketing setup is crucial for reasonable price for fishes. The study revealed that almost all traders in three markets made a considerable amount of profit and broadly improved their food consumption facilities, standards of living, purchasing power, choice and ability as an economic sector. However concerns arise about the sustainable marketing system due to higher transport costs, poor transport facilities, inadequate supply of ice, lack of money for business, and poor institutional support. It is an urgent issue to establish ice factory, improvement of transport facilities, provision of governmental, institutional and banking assistance, introduction of fish quality control measures and training of fish market operators for improved their marketing system. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the fundamental marketing system, market flow of fish, availability of fish in these three markets, and market related constraints in Bogura district, Bangladesh.
Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(3): 399-410, December 2018
Actinide Production in the Neutron-rich Ejecta of a Neutron Star Merger
Authors: Holmbeck Erika M. , Sprouse Trevor M. , Mumpower Matthew R. , Vassh Nicole , Surman Rebecca , Beers Timothy C. , Kawano Toshihiko 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The rapid neutron-capture (“r-”) process is responsible for synthesizing many of the heavy elements observed in both the solar system and Galactic metal-poor halo stars. Simulations of r-process nucleosynthesis can reproduce abundances derived from observations with varying success, but so far they fail to account for the observed overenhancement of actinides, present in about 30% of r-process-enhanced stars. In this work, we investigate actinide production in the dynamical ejecta of a neutron star merger (NSM) and explore whether varying levels of neutron-richness can reproduce the actinide boost. We also investigate the sensitivity of actinide production on nuclear physics properties: fission distribution, β-decay, and mass model. For most cases, the actinides are overproduced in our models if the initial conditions are sufficiently neutron-rich for fission cycling. We find that actinide production can be so robust in the dynamical ejecta that an additional lanthanide-rich, actinide-poor component is necessary in order to match observations of actinide-boost stars. We present a simple actinide-dilution model that folds in estimated contributions from two nucleosynthetic sites within a merger event. Our study suggests that while the dynamical ejecta of an NSM are likely production sites for the formation of actinides, a significant contribution from another site or sites (e.g., the NSM accretion disk wind) is required to explain abundances of r-process-enhanced, metal-poor stars.
Effect of Punctal Plugs in Patients With Low Refractive Errors Considering Refractive Surgery
Authors: Khalil Monica B , Latkany Robert A , Speaker Mark G , Yu Guopei 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study the effect of punctal plug placement in patients undergoing refractive surgery for correction of poor vision.
METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 12 patients (21 eyes) who presented for initial refractive surgery or retreatment after LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy to improve visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was documented in each eye. If tear normalization test was positive (indicating dry eye), silicone punctal plugs were placed in the lower lids of both eyes. Subjective patient UCVA and Snellen UCVA were assessed at 1 month.
RESULTS: At 1 month, two eyes improved by three Snellen lines, nine eyes improved by two lines, seven eyes improved by one line, and three eyes remained unchanged. Uncorrected visual acuity was considered statistically significant (P<.0001) using the paired t test. No eye demonstrated decrease in visual acuity. One patient experienced punctal plug extrusion in both eyes. No other adverse outcomes were reported. One patient pursued additional refractive surgery after plug placement. No patient requested plug removal.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low refractive errors note improvement in visual acuity after punctal plug placement. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:467-471.]
Buttonholes During LASIK: Etiology and Outcome
Authors: Lichter Henia , Stulting R Doyle , Waring George O , Russell Gregg E , Carr Jonathan 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report the clinical features and outcome of eyes with flap buttonhole during LASIK.
METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify eyes that developed flap buttonhole during Hansatome microkeratome translation. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were obtained to identify factors predictive of buttonhole.
RESULTS: Five patients with buttonhole were identified from June 2001 through September 2002 (5 [0.06%] eyes of 7672 primary LASIK procedures). Mean patient age was 49.2±11.3 years (range: 37 to 66 years). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -4.92±2.90 diopters (D) (range: -2.25 to -9.50 D). Mean keratometry was 45.59±1.15 D (range: 43.90 to 47.60 D). All 5 flap buttonholes occurred in the second of 2 consecutively treated eyes (P=.03). Buttonhole occurred in 2 (0.26%) of 778 eyes where the 160-µm microkeratome plate was used, and 3 (0.06%) of 4350 eyes where the 180-µm plate was used (P=.16). Two eyes received laser ablation at the time of buttonhole formation. In the untreated cases, the buttonhole flap itself caused a myopic spherical change of -0.50 D and 0.70 D of astigmatism. One of 5 eyes lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity; this eye received laser ablation immediately after buttonhole formation.
CONCLUSIONS: Buttonholes are significantly more likely to occur in the second of two consecutively treated eyes. A new blade for the second eye when the flap in the first eye appears to be thin should be considered. Caution should be exercised when considering laser ablation immediately following buttonhole formation. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:472-476.]
Description, Etiology, and Prevention of an Outbreak of Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis After LASIK
Authors: Villarrubia Alberto , Palacín Elisa , del Río Miguel Gómez , Martínez Purificación 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe an outbreak of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and provide a hypothesis about the etiology.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 328 eyes of 220 patients who underwent LASIK over 9 months. The occurrence of DLK using two different methods of cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and an autoclave reservoir were analyzed. Microbial analyses were carried out by two laboratories on samples obtained from the original autoclave reservoir and tubing. A chi-square test was used to compare qualitative values. The Student t test was used to compare numerical values.
RESULTS: Forty-six (24.5%) of 188 cases of DLK were diagnosed. Sphingomona paucimobilis and Burkholderia pickettii were isolated in the reservoir of the steam sterilizer. Electron microscopy revealed gram-negative microbes on the tubing walls. After changing the reservoir of the steam sterilizer and implementing a new cleaning and sterilization protocol based on air-drying the instruments and draining and drying the reservoir of the sterilizer, the occurrence of DLK stopped. No statistically significant correlation was noted between the occurrence of DLK and gender, age, or volume of tissue removed.
CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained during this DLK outbreak support the theory that a bacterial endotoxin, which can survive short-cycle steam sterilization, could be responsible for an outbreak of DLK. We recommend cleaning and sterilization protocols based on air-drying surgical instruments and leaving the reservoirs completely dry at the end of each surgical day. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:482-486.]
Takagi Glare Tester CGT-1000 for Contrast Sensitivity and Glare Testing in Normal Individuals and Cataract Patients
Authors: Pesudovs Konrad 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the sensitivity and repeatability of the Takagi Contrast Glare Tester CGT-1000 in normal individuals and those with cataracts.
METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed. The Takagi Contrast Glare Tester measures contrast sensitivity (CS) at 6 target sizes and 13 contrast levels (2.00 to 0.34 logCS). Testing follows a method of descending limits paradigm with a single reversal determining threshold. The CGT-1000 was administered with and without glare in 95 eyes of 61 cataract patients and 13 controls. The percentage floor (unable to see the highest contrast) and ceiling (able to see the lowest contrast) effects and correlations between CS and cataract grades were determined. The repeatability was evaluated using Bland-Altman limits of agreement and expressed as the coefficient of repeatability (COR). Factor analysis was used to test for redundancy within the 6 spatial frequencies.
RESULTS: In normal individuals, a high rate of ceiling effect varying with target size was noted-for 6.3°, 4.0°, 2.5°, 1.6°, 1.0°, 0.7°, ceiling effects were 68%, 58%, 18%, 11%, 4%, 2%, respectively, for no glare, and 47%, 42%, 8%, 2%, 2%, 2%, respectively, with glare. In cataract patients, floor effects were noted-3%, 0%, 3%, 7%, 19%, 62%, respectively, for no glare, and 3%, 3%, 6%, 14%, 44%, 79%, respectively, with glare. Correlations with cataract grades ranged from 0.10 to 0.61, being best for nuclear cataract. Repeatabilities expressed as COR were ±0.11, ±0.14, ±0.28, ±0.38, ±0.38, ±0.47 logCS, respectively. All spatial frequencies loaded heavily on one factor, indicating no gain in information from testing multiple target sizes.
CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity to the presence of cataract was good, but ceiling effects in normal individuals and floor effects in cataract patients limit accuracy. Repeatability was poor, but could be improved by testing less spatial frequencies more rigorously. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:492-498.]
Corneal Suture for the Correction of Hyperopia Following Radial Keratotomy
Authors: Nosé Walton , Endriss Daniela , Forseto Adriana S 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report the visual and refractive changes observed after double concentric corneal suture to correct hyperopic shift after radial keratotomy (RK).
METHODS: This retrospective consecutive case series comprised 17 eyes (15 patients) that underwent two concentric corneal sutures (modified Grene Lasso suture) to correct hyperopic shift after RK. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon between 2000 and 2003.
RESULTS: The mean time after RK was 11.6±3.2 years. The mean follow-up was 20.3±11.3 months. The spherical equivalent refraction was reduced from a preoperative mean of +4.38±2.87 diopters (D) to -0.54±2.59 D at last postoperative follow-up (P<.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean refractive astigmatism before and after the corneal suture (P=.15). Before surgery, no eye presented with best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) ≥20/20. At final follow-up, 3 (17.6%) eyes attained this level. Seven (41.2%) eyes improved their BSCVA by ≥2 Snellen lines. One (5.9%) eye lost 2 Snellen lines of BSCVA.
CONCLUSIONS: Corneal suture can be used to correct RK-induced hyperopia, improving the corneal asphericity in an attempt to stabilize these corneas. It appeared to be effective even for high degrees of hyperopia and in cases with associated irregular astigmatism or open incisions. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:523-527.]
Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women on Ocular Refractive Status and Aberrations
Authors: Erdem Üzeyir , Muftuoglu Orkun , Goktolga Umit , Dagli Selim 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on refractive status, corneal topography, and aberrations of the eye in postmenopausal women.
METHODS: Thirty-six healthy postmenopausal women (72 eyes) were included in the study. All patients received HRT that consisted of 0.625 mg/day conjugated estrogen and 5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate in a continuous combined regimen. Schirmer Il test and tear film break-up time (BUT) were performed on all patients at the time of enrollment and 6 months after initiation of HRT. Refractive status, corneal topography, and wavefront aberrations were evaluated with the NIDEK Optical Path Difference-Scan before and 6 months after HRT was initiated.
RESULTS: Mean patient age was 50.8+2.6 years (range: 47 to 57 years). The mean duration of menopause was 2.7+0.8 years (range: 1.4 to 3.5 years). The Schirmer Il test and tear film BUT measurements were significantly lower after HRT (P<.05). Before HRT, the mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.19+1.79 diopters (D) (range: -4.38 to +3.00 D). After HRT, the mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.22+1.81 D (range: -4.63 to +2.63 D). No significant differences were noted between refractive status, corneal topography, and wavefront aberrations of eyes of patients before and 6 months after HRT (P>.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women does not significantly affect refractive status, corneal topography, and wavefront aberrations of the eye at 6-month follow-up. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:567-572.]
Corneal Wavefront-guided Ablation With the Schwind ESIRIS Laser for Myopia
Authors: Zhou Chuanqing , Jin Min , Wang Xiaoyuan , Ren Qiushi 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of corneal wavefront-guided LASIK for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.
METHODS: This study included 56 myopic virgin eyes of 28 patients with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of -4.40 + 1.83 diopters (D) (range: -1.25 to -9.75 D) and astigmatism <2.50 D. The corneal wavefront aberrations were analyzed using a corneal topography system. The preoperative corneal wavefront aberration data obtained from the above analyses combined with manifest refraction were used to generate a customized ablation profile. The safety, efficacy, and predictability of the correction, contrast sensitivity, and corneal higher order wavefront aberrations were evaluated.
RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, the mean residual spherical equivalent refractive error was -0.15?0.3 D (range: 0 to -1.25 D) and mean cylinder was -0.54?0.34 D (range: 0 to -1.50 D). Ninety-five percent of eyes were in the residual refractive error range of ?0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity improved by 1.00 D or better in 94% of eyes. The safety index and efficacy index were 1.13 and 0.92, respectively. After treatment, corneal higher order wavefront aberrations with a 6-mm pupil diameter increased significantly (paired sample t test, P<.01), and contrast sensitivity with glare had small reductions at high spatial frequencies. Changes in spherical-like aberration (R=0.708, P<.001) and higher order wavefront aberration (R=0.449, P=OOl), except for coma-like aberration (P=. 238), were positively correlated with the amount of achieved correction.
CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of clinical results showed that corneal wavefront-guided LASIK for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism was safe and effective. There was an increase in all higher order aberrations postoperatively. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:573-580.]