Abstract: The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
(PGPR) on seed germination, seedling growth and yield of field
grown maize were evaluated in three experiments. In these
experiments six bacterial strains include P.putida strain R-168,
P.fluorescens strain R-93, P.fluorescens DSM 50090, P.putida
DSM291, A.lipoferum DSM 1691, A.brasilense DSM 1690 were
used. Results of first study showed seed Inoculation significantly
enhanced seed germination and seedling vigour of maize. In second
experiment, leaf and shoot dry weight and also leaf surface area
significantly were increased by bacterial inoculation in both sterile
and non-sterile soil. The results showed that inoculation with
bacterial treatments had a more stimulating effect on growth and
development of plants in nonsterile than sterile soil. In the third
experiment, Inoculation of maize seeds with all bacterial strains
significantly increased plant height, 100 seed weight, number of seed
per ear and leaf area .The results also showed significant increase in
ear and shoot dry weight of maize.
Abstract: The study entitled “The Construction of Interactive
Computer Multimedia Instruction on Basic Japanese Vocabulary"
was aimed: 1) To construct the interactive computer multimedia
instruction on Basic Japanese Vocabulary, 2) To find out
multimedia-s quality, 3) To examine the student-s satisfaction and 4)
To study the learning achievement in Basic Japanese vocabulary. The
sampling group used in this study was composed of 40 1st year
student in Educational Communications and Technology Department,
Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut-s
University of Technology Thonburi, in the academic year 2553 B.E.
(2010). According to research results, we found that 1). The quality
assessment by 3 mass media experts was at 4.72 on average or at high
level. 2) In terms of contents, the evaluation by 3 experts was at 4.81
on average or at high level. 3) In terms of achievement, there was a
statistical significance between before and after the treatment at the
.05 level. 4) The satisfaction of students towards the interactive
computer multimedia Instruction on “Basic Japanese Vocabulary"
was 4.35 on average, or at high level.
Abstract: Combined therapy using Interferon and Ribavirin is the standard treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the number of responders to this treatment is low, whereas its cost and side effects are high. Therefore, there is a clear need to predict patient’s response to the treatment based on clinical information to protect the patients from the bad drawbacks, Intolerable side effects and waste of money. Different machine learning techniques have been developed to fulfill this purpose. From these techniques are Associative Classification (AC) and Decision Tree (DT). The aim of this research is to compare the performance of these two techniques in the prediction of virological response to the standard treatment of HCV from clinical information. 200 patients treated with Interferon and Ribavirin; were analyzed using AC and DT. 150 cases had been used to train the classifiers and 50 cases had been used to test the classifiers. The experiment results showed that the two techniques had given acceptable results however the best accuracy for the AC reached 92% whereas for DT reached 80%.
Abstract: This paper highlights some interesting facts on South African-s waste situation and management strategies, in particular the Integrated Waste Management. South Africa supports a waste hierarchy by promoting cleaner production, waste minimisation, reuse, recycling and waste treatment with disposal and remediation as the last preferred options in waste management. The drivers for waste management techniques are identified as increased demand for waste service provision; increased demand for waste minimisation; recycling and recovery; land use, physical and environmental limitations; and socio-economic and demographic factors. The South African government recognizes the importance of scientific research as outlined on the white paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management (IP and WM) (DEAT, 2000).
Abstract: In a 10-week (May – August, 2008) Phase I trial, 840, 1+ rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, received a commercial oral immunomodulator, Fin Immune™, at four different dosages (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg g-1) to evaluate immune response and growth. The overall objective of was to determine an optimal dosage of this product for rainbow trout that provides enhanced immunity with maximal growth and health. Biweekly blood samples were taken from 10 randomly selected fish in each tank (30 samples per treatment) to evaluate the duration of enhanced immunity conferred by Fin-Immune™. The immunological assessment included serum white blood cell (lymphocyte, neutrophil) densities and blood hematocrit (packed cell volume %). Of these three variables, only lymphocyte density increased significantly among trout fed Fin- Immune™ at 20 and 30 mg g-1 which peaked at week 6. At week 7, all trout were switched to regular feed (lacking Fin-Immune™) and by week 10, lymphocyte levels decreased among all levels but were still greater than at week 0. There was growth impairment at the highest dose of Fin-Immune™ tested (30 mg g-1) which can be associated with a physiological compensatory mechanism due to a dose-specific threshold level. Thus, our main objective of this Phase I study was achieved, the 20 mg g-1 dose of Fin-Immune™ should be the most efficacious (of those we tested) to use for a Phase II disease challenge trial.
Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effects of ketum extract on development of Chrysomya rufifacies and to analyze the presence of mitragynine in the larvae samples. 110 newly emerged first instar larvae of C. rufifacies were introduced on ketum extract-mixed cow liver at doses of 0, 20, 40 and 60g. Blowfly development rate was determined with 12 hour intervals and
mitragynine in larvae was extracted and quantitated. C. rufifacies in control group took about 192 hours to complete their development from first instar larvae to adult blowfly; meanwhile blowfly form from the highest dose of ketum was 264 hours. Mitragynine was detected in all groups of treatment, except for control. In conclusion, the presence of mitragynine in C. rufifacies is affected in delaying development rates of the blowfly for up to 62 hours or 3 days. Chemical analysis of mitragynine from larvae samples showed that this alkaloid present in all specimens analyzed.
Abstract: Synchronization between 0.1 Hz oscillations in heart rate and blood pressure is studied and its change during vertical tilt is evaluated in 37 myocardial infarction patients. Two groups of patients are identified with decreased and increased, respectively, synchronization of the studied oscillations as a response to a tilt test. It is shown that assessment of synchronization of 0.1 Hz oscillations as a response to vertical tilt can be used as a guideline for selecting optimal dose of beta-blocker treatment in post-myocardial infarction patients.
Abstract: The effect of cross linking of the protein isolates of
three legumes with the microbial enzyme transglutaminase (EC
2.3.2.13) on the functional properties at different NaCl concentration
was studied. The reduction in the total free amino groups (OD340) of
the polymerized protein showed that TGase treatment cross-linking
the protein subunit of each legume. The solubility of the protein
polymer of each legume was greatly improved at high concentration
of NaCl. At 1.2 M NaCl the solubility of the native legumes protein
was significantly decreased but after polymerization slightly
improved. Cross linked proteins were less turbid on heating to higher
temperature as compared to native proteins and the temperature at
which the protein turns turbid also increased in the polymerized
proteins. The emulsifying and foaming properties of the protein
polymer were greatly improved at all concentrations of NaCl for all
legumes.
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic
relapsing-remitting condition that afflicts millions of people
throughout the world and impairs their daily functions and quality of
life. Treatment of IBD depends largely on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-
ASA) and corticosteroids. The present study aimed to clarify the
effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid, budesonide and currcumin on 90
male albino rats against trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNB) induced
colitis. TNB was injected intrarectally to 50 rats. The other 40 rats
served as control groups. Both 5-ASA (in a dose of 120 mg/kg) and
budesonide (in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg) were administered daily for one
week whereas currcumin was injected intraperitonially (in a dose of
30 mg/kg daily) for 14 days after injection of either TNB in the
colitis rats (group B) or saline in control groups (group A). The study
included estimation of macroscopic score index, histological
examination of H&E stained sections of the colonic tissue,
biochemical estimation of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide
(NO), and caspase-3 levels, in addition to studying the effect of tested
drugs on colonic motility. It was found that budesonide and curcumin
improved mucosal healing, reduced both NO production and caspase-
3 level. They had the best impact on the disturbed colonic motility in
TNBS-model of colitis.
Abstract: The effect of magnetic field on germination
characteristics of two wheat Seeds has been studied under laboratory
conditions. Seeds were magnetically exposed to magnetic field
strengths, 125 or 250mT for different periods of time. Mean
germination time and the time required to obtain 10, 25, 50, 75 and
90%of seeds to germinate were calculated. The germination time for
each treatment were in general, higher than corresponding control
values, in the other word in treated seeds time required for mean seed
germination time increased nearly 3 hours in compared non treated
control seeds. T10 for doses D5, D6, D11 and D12 significantly higher
than the control values for both cultivars. Mean germination time
(MGT) in both cultivars significantly increased when the time of
seed exposed at magnetic field treatments increased , about 3 and 2
hour respectively for Omid and BCR cultivars.
Abstract: Viral influenza A subtypes H5N1 and pandemic
H1N1 (pH1N1) have worldwide emerged and transmitted. The most
common anti-influenza drug for treatment of both seasonal and
pandemic influenza viruses is oseltamivir that nowadays becomes
resistance to influenza neuraminidase. The novel long-acting drug,
laninamivir, was discovered for treatment of the patients infected
with influenza B and influenza A viruses. In the present study,
laninamivir complexed with wild-type strain of both H5N1 and
pH1N1 viruses were comparatively determined the structures and
drug-target interactions by means of molecular dynamics (MD)
simulations. The results show that the hydrogen bonding interactions
formed between laninamivir and its binding residues are likely
similar for the two systems. Additionally, the presence of
intermolecular interactions from laninamivir to the residues in the
binding pocket is established through their side chains in accordance
with hydrogen bond interactions.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the Effects of dual inoculation of
Azotobacter and Mycorrhiza with Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels on
yield and yield components of spring safflower, this study was
carried out in field of Farahan university in Markazi province in
2007. A factorial in a randomized complete block design with three
replications was used inoculation of Azotobacter (with inoculation
and without inoculation) and Mycorrhiza (with inoculation and
without inoculation ) with Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels [F0= N0+
P0 (kg.ha-1), F1= N50+ P25(kg.ha-1), F2= N100+ P50(kg.ha-1) and
F3= N150+ P75 (kg.ha-1)] on spring safflower (cultivar IL-111). In
this study characteristics such as: Harvest index, Hectolitre weight,
Root dry weight, Seed yield, Mycorrhizal Colonization Root,
Number of days to maturity were assessed. Results indicated that
treatment (A0M1F3) with grain yield (1556 kg.ha-1) and treatment
(A0M1F0) with grain yield (918 kg.ha-1) were significantly superior
to the other treatments and according to calculated, inoculation seeds
in plantig date with Azotobacter and Mycorrhiza to cause increase
grain yield about 5/38 percentage. we can by inoculation safflower
seeds with Azotobacter and Mycorrhiza too easily at the time sowing
date. The purpose of this research, study and evaluation the role of
biological fixation N and P, to provide for feeds plants.
Abstract: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by
Mycobacterium Leprae, this disease, generally, compromises
the neural fibers, leading to the development of disability.
Disabilities are changes that limit daily activities or social life
of a normal individual. When comes to leprosy, the study of
disability considered the functional limitation (physical
disabilities), the limitation of activity and social participation,
which are measured respectively by the scales: EHF, SALSA
and PARTICIPATION SCALE. The objective of this work is
to propose an on-line monitoring of leprosy patients, which is
based on information scales EHF, SALSA and
PARTICIPATION SCALE. It is expected that the proposed
system is applied in monitoring the patient during treatment
and after healing therapy of the disease. The correlations that
the system is between the scales create a variety of
information, presented the state of the patient and full of
changes or reductions in disability. The system provides
reports with information from each of the scales and the
relationships that exist between them. This way, health
professionals, with access to patient information, can
intervene with techniques for the Prevention of Disability.
Through the automated scale, the system shows the level of
the patient and allows the patient, or the responsible, to take a
preventive measure. With an online system, it is possible take
the assessments and monitor patients from anywhere.
Abstract: The purpose of the present work was to study the
production and process parameters optimization for the synthesis of
cellulase from Trichoderma viride in solid state fermentation (SSF)
using an agricultural wheat straw as substrates; as fungal conversion
of lignocellulosic biomass for cellulase production is one among the
major increasing demand for various biotechnological applications.
An optimization of process parameters is a necessary step to get
higher yield of product. Several kinetic parameters like pretreatment,
extraction solvent, substrate concentration, initial moisture content,
pH, incubation temperature and inoculum size were optimized for
enhanced production of third most demanded industrially important
cellulase. The maximum cellulase enzyme activity 398.10±2.43
μM/mL/min was achieved when proximally analyzed lignocellulosic
substrate wheat straw inocubated at 2% HCl as pretreatment tool
along with distilled water as extraction solvent, 3% substrate
concentration 40% moisture content with optimum pH 5.5 at 45°C
incubation temperature and 10% inoculum size.
Abstract: This study aims to determine the level of resistance of Hevea brasiliensis and Paraserianthes falcataria (synonym: Falcataria molucana) against wood rot fungi Pleurotus ostreatus based on Indonesian standard SNI 01.7207-2006 and Japanese standard JIS K 1571-2004. The variables measured were visual appearance and weight loss percentage of wood based on longitudinal and cross section fiber directions of rubber wood and sengon wood. Measurement of oven dry weight loss of wood samples performed after 12 weeks incubation. Replication performed was 10 times at each treatment combination. The results based on SNI 01.7207-2006, weight loss value of H. brasiliensis and P. falcataria wood with fiber direction longitudinal were 23,12 and 22,25% respectively and cross section were 20,77 and 18,76% respectively, and all were classified to resistance class IV (no resistance). The results based on JIS K 1571-2004, weight loss value of both woods with fiber direction cross section were 10,95 and 14,20% respectively.
Abstract: the effects of refining and alkaline chemicals on potential of recycling bleached chemical pulp of bagasse were investigated in this study. Recycling was done until three times. Handsheet properties such as, apparent density, light scattering coefficient, tear index, burst index, breaking length, and fold number according to TAPPI standard were measured. Water retention value also was used to considering the treatments during recycling. Refining enhanced the strength of recycled pulp by increasing fiber flexibility and swelling ability, whereas by applying chemical treatment didn't observe any improvement. The morphology of recycled fiber was considered with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Abstract: Chikungunya virus (CHICKV) is an arboviruses belonging to family Tagoviridae and is transmitted to human through by mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) bite. A large outbreak of chikungunya has been reported in India between 2006 and 2007, along with several other countries from South-East Asia and for the first time in Europe. It was for the first time that the CHICKV outbreak has been reported with mortality from Reunion Island and increased mortality from Asian countries. CHICKV affects all age groups, and currently there are no specific drugs or vaccine to cure the disease. The need of antiviral agents for the treatment of CHICKV infection and the success of virtual screening against many therapeutically valuable targets led us to carry out the structure based drug design against Chikungunya nSP2 protease (PDB: 3TRK). Highthroughput virtual screening of publicly available databases, ZINC12 and BindingDB, has been carried out using the Openeye tools and Schrodinger LLC software packages. Openeye Filter program has been used to filter the database and the filtered outputs were docked using HTVS protocol implemented in GLIDE package of Schrodinger LLC. The top HITS were further used for enriching the similar molecules from the database through vROCS; a shape based screening protocol implemented in Openeye. The approach adopted has provided different scaffolds as HITS against CHICKV protease. Three scaffolds: Indole, Pyrazole and Sulphone derivatives were selected based on the docking score and synthetic feasibility. Derivatives of Pyrazole were synthesized and submitted for antiviral screening against CHICKV.
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy; to device suitable weed control measures for direct seeded puddled rice and to study the effect of the weed control measures on the soil microbial population. The treatments comprised of incorporation of pressmud @ 6.25 t ha-1 and application of herbicide butachlor @1.5 kg a. i. ha- 1 with and without safener 4 days after sowing (DAS), 8 DAS alone and also in conjunction with hand weeding at 30 DAS. Hand weeding twice and a weedy check were also maintained. At maximum tillering stage, the population of bacteria was significantly reduced by butachlor application. The injury to microbes caused by herbicide disappeared with the advancement of crop's age and at flowering stage of crop, there was no significant difference among the treatments. The fungal and actinomycetes population remained unaltered by weed control treatments at both the stages of observation.
Abstract: A shaft-type activated sludge reactor has been
developed in order to study the feasibility of high-rate wastewater
treatment. The reactor having volume of about 14.5 L was operated
with the acclimated mixed activated sludge under batch and
continuous mode using a synthetic wastewater as feed. The batch
study was performed with varying chemical oxygen demand (COD)
concentrations of 1000–3500 mg·L-1 for a batch period up to 9 h. The
kinetic coefficients: Ks, k, Y and kd were obtained as 2040.2 mg·L-1
and 0.105 h-1, 0.878 and 0.0025 h-1 respectively from Monod-s
approach. The continuous study showed a stable and steady state
operation for a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8 h and influent
COD of about 1000 mg·L-1. A maximum COD removal efficiency of
about 80% was attained at a COD loading rate and food-tomicroorganism
(F/M) ratio (COD basis) of 3.42 kg·m-3d-1 and 1.0
kg·kg-1d-1 respectively under a HRT of 8 h. The reactor was also
found to handle COD loading rate and F/M ratio of 10.8 kg·m-3d-1
and 2.20 kg·kg-1d-1 respectively showing a COD removal efficiency
of about 46%.
Abstract: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common
nosocomial infection in surgical patients resulting in significant
increases in postoperative morbidity and mortality. The commonly
causative bacteria developed resistance to virtually all antibiotics
available. The aim of this study was to isolation and identification the
most common bacteria that cause SSIs in Medical Research Institute,
and to compare their sensitivity to selected group of antibiotics and
natural products (garlic, oregano, olive, and Nigella sativa oils). The
isolated pathogens collected from infected surgical wounds were
identified, and their sensitivities to the antibiotics commonly
available for clinical use, and also to the different concentrations of
the used natural products were investigated. The results indicate to
the potential therapeutic effect of the tested natural products in
treatment of surgical wound infections.