Nature and Science

297 Pages·2011·12.98 MB·English

An International Journal

Nature and Science

ISSN 1545-0740

Volume 8 - Number 12 (Cumulated No. 45), December 1, 2010

Marsland Press

P.O. Box 21126, Lansing, Michigan 48909, USA

525 Rockaway PKWY, #B44, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, USA

http://www.sciencepub.net
http://www.sciencepub.org
[email protected]
[email protected]

347-321-7172

http://www.sciencepub.net/nature [email protected]
Nature and Science ISSN 1545-0740

Nature and Science
ISSN: 1545-0740

The Nature and Science is an international journal with a purpose to enhance our natural and scientific knowledge dissemination in the world
under the free publication principle. Papers submitted could be reviews, objective descriptions, research reports, opinions/debates, news, letters,
and other types of writings that are nature and science related. All manuscripts submitted will be peer reviewed and the valuable papers will be
considered for the publication after the peer review. The Authors are responsible to the contents of their articles.

Editor-in-Chief: Ma, Hongbao, [email protected]
Associate Editors-in-Chief: Cherng, Shen, Fu, Qiang, Ma, Yongsheng
Editors: Ahmed, Mahgoub; Chen, George; Edmondson, Jingjing Z; Eissa, Alaa Eldin Abdel Mouty Mohamed; El-Nabulsi Ahmad Rami; Ezz,
Eman Abou El; Fateen, Ekram; Hansen, Mark; Jiang, Wayne; Kalimuthu, Sennimalai; Kholoussi, Naglaa; Kumar Das, Manas; Lindley, Mark;
Ma, Margaret; Ma, Mike; Mahmoud, Amal; Mary Herbert; Ouyang, Da; Qiao, Tracy X; Rasha, Adel; Ren, Xiaofeng; Sah, Pankaj; Shaalan,
Ashrasf; Teng, Alice; Tripathi, Arvind Kumar; Warren, George; Xia, Qing; Xie, Yonggang; Xu, Shulai; Yang, Lijian; Young, Jenny; Yusuf,
Mahmoud; Zaki, Maha Saad; Zaki, Mona Saad Ali; Zhou, Ruanbao; Zhu, Yi
Web Design: Young, Jenny

Introductions to Authors

1. General Information
(1) Goals: As an international journal published both in print and on Reference Examples:
internet, Nature and Science is dedicated to the dissemination of Journal Article: Hacker J, Hentschel U, Dobrindt U. Prokaryotic
fundamental knowledge in all areas of nature and science. The main chromosomes and disease. Science 2003;301(34):790-3.
purpose of Nature and Science is to enhance our knowledge spreading Book: Berkowitz BA, Katzung BG. Basic and clinical evaluation of
in the world under the free publication principle. It publishes full- new drugs. In: Katzung BG, ed. Basic and clinical pharmacology.
length papers (original contributions), reviews, rapid communications, Appleton & Lance Publisher. Norwalk, Connecticut, USA. 1995:60-9.
and any debates and opinions in all the fields of nature and science. (10) Submission Address: [email protected], Marsland
(2) What to Do: Nature and Science provides a place for discussion Press, PO Box 180432, Richmond Hill, New York 11418, USA, 347-
of scientific news, research, theory, philosophy, profession and 321-7172.
technology - that will drive scientific progress. Research reports and (11) Reviewers: Authors are encouraged to suggest 2-8 competent
regular manuscripts that contain new and significant information of reviewers with their name and email.
general interest are welcome.
(3) Who: All people are welcome to submit manuscripts in any fields 2. Manuscript Preparation
of nature and science. Each manuscript is suggested to include the following components but
(4) Distributions: Web version of the journal is freely opened to the authors can do their own ways:
world, without any payment or registration. The journal will be (1) Title page: Including the complete article title; each author’s full
distributed to the selected libraries and institutions for free. For the name; institution(s) with which each author is affiliated, with city,
subscription of other readers please contact with: state/province, zip code, and country; and the name, complete mailing
[email protected]; [email protected]. address, telephone number, facsimile number (if available), and e-mail
(5) Advertisements: The price will be calculated as US$400/page, i.e. address for all correspondence.
US$200/a half page, US$100/a quarter page, etc. Any size of the (2) Abstract: Including background, materials and methods, results,
advertisement is welcome. and discussions.
(3) Keywords.
2. Manuscripts Submission (4) Introduction.
(1) Submission Methods: Electronic submission through email is (5) Materials and Methods.
encouraged. (6) Results.
(2) Software: The Microsoft Word file will be preferred. (7) Discussions.
(3) Font: Normal, Times New Roman, 10 pt, single space. (8) Acknowledgments.
(5) Manuscript: Don’t use “Footnote” or “Header and Footer”. (9) References.
(6) Cover Page: Put detail information of authors and a short title in
the cover page. Journal Address:
(7) Title: Use Title Case in the title and subtitles, e.g. “Debt and Marsland Press
Agency Costs”. PO Box 180432, Richmond Hill, New York 11418, USA
(8) Figures and Tables: Use full word of figure and table, e.g. Telephone: [phone]
“Figure 1. Annul Income of Different Groups”, Table 1. Annual Emails: [email protected];
Increase of Investment”. [email protected];
(9) References: Cite references by “last name, year”, e.g. “(Smith, Websites: http://www.sciencepub.net;
2003)”. References should include all the authors’ last names and
initials, title, journal, year, volume, issue, and pages etc.
ISSN: 1545-0740

ª 2003-2011 Marsland Press
http://www.sciencepub.net [email protected]
Nature and Science

ISSN: 1545-0740

Volume 8 - Number 12 (Cumulated No. 45), December 1, 2010

Cover Page, Introduction, Contents, Call for Papers, ns0812

Welcome to send your manuscript(s) to: [email protected].
CONTENTS
No. Titles / Abstracts / Authors Full Text No.
Current Situation of Edible Vegetable Oils and Some Propositions to Curb the Oil Gap in Full
Egypt Text

Monia Bahaa El-Din Hassan and Fatma Ahmeed Sahfique
Department of Agricultural Economy, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: Egypt's total production of oil crops has been declining, which resulted in lower self-
sufficiency rates thus higher imports of edible vegetable oils during the study period 1990-2007. The
study aims to explore the possibilities of curbing the food gap in edible oils and identify the
efficiency of operation capacities in public and private oil extraction plants. Findings revealed
1 shrinks in the areas of oil crops under study (cottonseeds, sunflower, and soybeans), which represent 1
one of the main reasons for the lower volume of oil crops thus oil production. The study indicated
that the main reasons influencing consumption of vegetable oils include vegetable oils imports
volume, average per capita consumption of vegetable oils, and the value of domestic support to
vegetable oils. The study concludes that public and private sectors' plants have idle capacities
estimated at 50% and 19%, respectively. Finally, the study recommends expanding the areas under
oil crops to boost the domestic production of vegetable oils, and to cut the volume and value of oil
imports in order to reduce the deficit in Egypt's commodity balance of vegetable oils. [Nature and
Science 2010;8(12):1-7] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Keywords: Oil crops – cottonseed – soybeans – sunflower – vegetable oils consumption – vegetable
oils imports – vegetable oils production – vegetable oils gap
A new report of the species Balanophora dioica in Koubru Hill Range of Manipur, India. Full
Text
Lunminlal Kipgen, Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh
Research and Development Division
North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research,
Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak, Imphal – 795 001, Manipur, India
2 Email: [email protected] 2

Abstract: Balanophora dioica is here reported as a new report of Balanophora (Balanophoraceae)
from the Koubru Hill Range of Senapati District in the Indian state of Manipur. The botanical
description of this species and a key to the North East Indian species of the genus are provided.
Balanophora dioica is the rarest among the species of the genus in North East India and special
attention should be given for its in-situ and ex-situ conservation. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):8-]
i
(ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: Balanophora dioica, root parasite, endangered species, shifting cultivation, Koubru Hill
Range, Manipur
Consumer Perceptions, Knowledge and Preferences for Aromatic Rice Types in Ghana Full
Text
Diako, C. 2, *, Sakyi-Dawson, E.1, Bediako-Amoa, B.1, Saalia, F.K.1 and Manful, J.T.2
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, P.O. Box LG34, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
2CSIR-Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
*Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: Even though rice forms a major part of the Ghanaian diet, locally produced rice is not
patronized as it should. A survey of 390 rice consumers was conducted in Accra, Ghana to ascertain
consumer perceptions, knowledge and preferences for aromatic rice as a basis for quality
3 3
improvement of local rice. Results showed that most consumers (94.9%) were more familiar with
imported rice and this was reflected in their patronage patterns. The reasons why consumers did not
patronize locally cultivated rice are poor post harvest handling, non-availability, and the generally
perceived poor quality. The few (29%) who consume local rice do so out of the perception that it is
inexpensive and has better nutritional quality. Both cooked and raw attributes of rice influence
consumer preference. Whilst the appearance of raw rice (Friedman rank mean = 2.86) was critical to
consumers’ choice, taste and aroma determined consumer preference for cooked rice; being ranked
4.96 and 4.46 respectively. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):12-19] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: rice; preferences; perceptions; consumer knowledge; aromatic
Some growth metabolites of two cyanobacteria species as affected by mineral nutrition Full

Text
*1El-Sayed, A.B; 1El Fouly, M.M; 2Ghazy, S.M; 2El Semary, N.A and 1Hassoub, M.A
1 Fertilization Technology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo-Dokki, Egypt
2Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt
[email protected]
Abstract: Two blue green algae species belonging to Cyanophyta (Anabaena flos-aquae and
Calothrix sp.) were exposed to different nutrient concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous and iron to
claim the biologically effect of such nutrients on pigmentation, peptide nitrogen and carbohydrates.
Growth media of BG-II was used for vegetative control growth, while experimental growth was
4 performed under different concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous and iron. The applied 4
concentrations were 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 fold of the original BG-II growth medium. Growth
parameters were peptide nitrogen, total sugars and pigments fraction including chlorophyll-a, total
carotenes and phycobiliproteins. Nutritional regime affected the evaluated parameters and seems to
be algal dependent, Peptide nitrogen was linearly stimulated due to the elevated nutrient, however the
increment were found towards Fe, P, N. Total sugars were more affected, however both algae mostly
represented different manner especially with nitrogen and iron treatment. On the other hand,
phosphorous cultures represented the same for both algae. Chlorophyll-a and phycobiliproteins were
found in relative to the rise of all nutrient used, although carotenes exhibited a variable response
under different nutrient used or their concentration. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):20-28] (ISSN:
1545-0740).

Key words: Anabaena, Calothrix, Mineral Nutrition, Pigments, Carbohydrates, Protein
Genetic Variability Assessed by Competitive Ability and ISSR Markers in the Members of the Full
5 5
Text
ii
Nasuta-albomicans Complex of Drosophila
THONGATABAM BIJAYA & NALLUR B RAMACHANDRA*
Unit on Evolution and Genetics, Drosophila Stock Centre, Department of Studies in Zoology,
University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570 006, Karnataka, India. Tel: [phone];
Fax: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The nasuta-albomicans complex (NAC) of Drosophila is an assemblage comprising of
two morphologically indistinguishable members of the nasuta subgroup of the immigrans species
group namely, Drosophila nasuta nasuta, Drosophila nasuta albomicans and 16 cytoraces, which
have been evolved through a long range hybridization between D. n. nasuta and D. n. albomicans.
This complex is an artificial hybrid zone of Drosophila with “allo-sympatric” populations, which
exhibits differences in their cytogenetic differentiation, incipient sexual isolation, body size and
fitness. The objectives of our study were to (a) assess the competitive ability of four laboratory
evolved races - cytorace 1, cytorace 2, cytorace 3, cytorace 4 along with their parents, D. n .nasuta
and D. n. albomicans (b) examine the DNA polymorphism among these hybrid races and their
respective parents based on ISSR markers and (c) bring out the correlation, if any, between the above
two. Among the six races, overall competitive ability was higher in D. n. nasuta, D. n. albomicans
and cytorace 1 than other races. Cytorace 1, cytorace 2 and cytorace 4 are with 20-23% of DNA
polymorphism while cytorace 3 is with 10.7% of DNA polymorphism with reference to four ISSR
profiles. Thus, one can surmise that cytorace 1, cytorace 2 and cytorace 4 with increased genetic
variability exhibited better fitness while cytorace 3 with the least DNA polymorphism showed
reduced competitive ability. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):29-42] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: Nasuta-albomicans Complex; Competitive ability, ISSR, Polymorphism
Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium guajava Linn. Leaf Full
Text
1*Egharevba, Henry Omoregie; 1Iliya, Ibrahim; 2Ibekwe Nneka; 3Abdullahi, Makailu Sabo; 4Okwute,
Simon Koma; 1Okogun, Joseph Ibumeh
1Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine
National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research &Development (NIPRD), Idu Industrial Layout, Idu,
P.M.B. 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, NIPRD
3National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria.
4Department of Chemistry, University of Abuja, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: Phone number: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT: Psidium guajava Linn. leaf was extracted successively with hexane, ethylacetate and
6 6
methanol. Another crude extract of aqueous methanol was also carried out. The extracts were tested
in vitro for activity against standard strains microbes and clinical isolates. The zones of inhibition,
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum
fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The in vitro antimicrobial screening revealed that
the extract exhibited varying activity against different microbes with zones of inhibition ranging
from 14-35mm, MIC ranging from 1.25 - 10mg/ml, and MBC/MFC of 2.5-20mg/ml for the sensitive
organisms at the tested concentrations. The highest activity was an MIC of 1.25 mg/ml and MBC of
2.5mg/ml. None of the extract exhibited activity against fungi isolates except the standard strains of
Candida albicans. The activities observed could be due to the presence of some of the secondary
metabolites like, Tannins, saponins, terpenes and flavonoids which were detected and have
previously been reported in the plant. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):43-50] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: Psidium guajava, extracts, phytoconstituents, antimicrobial, MIC, MBC, MFC
iii
Market Balance of the most Important Egyptian Agricultural Commodities under the Full
Economic Reform Policy Text

Nayera Y. S., Soheir M. M. and Hamdia M. M.
National Research Center - Dept. of Agricultural Economics - Cairo- Egypt

Abstract: The implementation of economic reform policy has negative effects on market balance.
Balance has been achieved in various commodities during the period of study by 4.2%. The
comparison of the supplied quantity to the actual consumed quantity shows hat balance does not
actually exist. The study has shown the surplus of certain supplied commodities such as rice, sugar
7 cane, sugar, beef, white poultry meat and fish. It has shown as well deficit of certain supplied 7
commodities such as wheat, maize, lentil, sugar beet, cotton oil and sunflower oil. The comparison of
the balance quantity to the consumed one, whenever the balance rate is equal to the actual rate, shows
the imbalance except to the case of sunflower. Therefore, the most important recommendations of the
study are represented in the necessity of government interference to amend the implemented
agricultural policies in order to achieve market balance of agricultural commodities being studied
through providing different-form subsidy for farmers. This will help increase production size
particularly for the deficit-supplied quantity commodities. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):51-60]
(ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: Market balance- agricultural commodities- Egyptian economic reform
Scaly Scalp in Different Dermatological Diseases: Full
A Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopical study. Text

Amr A. Rateb1, Wafaa E. Abdel-Aal2, Nermeen M. Shaffie2, Rehab M. Sobhi1 and Faisal N.
Mohammed3
1- Dermatology Department, Kasr El-Einy, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
2- Pathology Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
3- Dermatology Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Center, Cairo,
12622, Egypt. [email protected]

8 8
Abstract: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
examination of the scales in different scaly scalp disorders reveal the importance of alteration in the
stratum corneum in the diagnosis of these disorders. Each disease has its own characteristic scale
features that are distinguished from other scaly disorders. Specimens from 20 patients with different
scaly scalp conditions were randomly taken and examined by both SEM and TEM. Each scaly scalp
disorder expressed its characteristic SEM and TEM findings. These findings may pave the way for
further understanding of the differences between scaly scalp disorders that may look alike or slightly
different in their clinical presentation. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):61-69] (ISSN: 1545-0740).
Key words: scanning EM – transmission EM – epidermis – corneum – psoriasis – seborrheic
dermatitis – tinea capitis – dandruff – pityriasis rubra pylaris
Performance of Yam as an Alternative to Frozen Potato French Fries Full
Text
*Quansah Joycelyn K.1 [email protected] ([phone]
Firibu K. Saalia1, [email protected] ([phone]
Lawrence Abbey2, [email protected] ([phone]
9 George A. Annor1. [email protected] ([phone]
1. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon- Accra, Ghana.
2. Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana.

Abstract: Yam is produced in large quantities in Ghana. Although a highly perishable commodity, it
has not been processed to any significant extent commercially like potato. Yam tubers were
iv
processed into frozen yam chips that can be used like frozen potato chips in baked or fried products.
The effects of yam variety (Dioscorea rotundata poir (puna) and Dioscorea rotundata (white yam)),
Blanching time (0, 2.5 and 5 minutes) and Blanching temperature (70ºC, 80ºC, 90ºC) on the sensory
and physicochemical properties of frozen yam chips were studied using a 2X3X3 full factorial
design. Yam variety, blanching time and temperature affected moisture content, oil absorption,
hardness, chewiness and gumminess of the fried yam chips. Blanching at 90ºC for 2.5 minutes gave
products which were more preferred by sensory panelists than commercial potato chips. The
commercial success of this product will reduce the huge postharvest losses of yams and provide
income to the farmers. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):70-78] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: Yam; French fries; blanching; texture; fat content; peroxidase activity
Assessing possible Different routes of HCV transmission Full
Text
Mosa TE1, *, Abd Elmaksoud MD1 Hawas M2; Abo-Zeid MM2.
1Biochemistry Department .National Research Centre, Egypt
2Gasteroentrology Center, Faculty of medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
[email protected]

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide public health problem. The World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3% (nearly 170 million people) of the world’s population
are chronically infected with HCV and that it accounts for around 20% of cases of acute hepatitis and
70% of cases of chronic hepatitis. This work aimed to detect possible other routes of HCV
10 transmission. This is because body fluids other than blood might be potential sources of HCV 10
infection. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of 25 meningitis patients infected with HCV,
serum and cord samples from 25 pregnant women infected with HCV in addition, serum and urine
samples of 25 patients infected with HCV were included in this study. Also serum, CSF, cord and
urine samples were collected from 30 healthy volunteers as negative controls. HCV antigen was
detected in these body fluids using ELISA and western blotting techniques. Western blot analysis
showing a single immunoreactive band in cord, CSF, urine and serum of HCV infected patients at
27-kDa. ELISA showed high degrees of sensitivity (92%) and specificity (93.3%). The antigen
detection method showed high predictive values of positive (97.2%) and negative (82.4%). [Nature
and Science 2010;8(12):79-84] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Key words: HCV; transmission; body fluids
IR Spectroscopic Analysis of Polymorphism in Diphenyl Carbazide Full
Text
F. El-Kabbany, S. Taha* and M. Hafez
*Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Fayoum University. Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Cairo
University. *E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: IR analysis is used here to investigate the changes in N-N, N-H, C=O …modes of
thermally treated diphenyl carbazide (DPC) during the variation of temperature from room
11 temperature up to ≈ 160oC. 11
Polymorphism in DPC compound has been studied here by detecting the changes in some IR
spectroscopic parameters (e.g., mode shift, band contour…) during the elevation of temperature.
Also, DSC, X-ray, NMR and atomic mass spectra are used as confirming tools for what is obtained
by IR. All of the vibrations of DPC were found to be due to ionic fundamentals 3311 cm-1, 3097 cm-
1, 3052 cm-1, 1677 cm-1, 1602 cm-1, 1492 cm-1, 1306 cm-1, 1252 cm-1, 887 cm-1 and 755 cm-1. The
results revealed for the first time that the thermally treated DPC traverse four different phase
transformations at 50oC, 90oC, 125oC and 140oC. The crystal structure was found to be amorphous,
monoclinic, tetragonal, orthorhombic and amorphous within a temperature range (30oC-160 oC). X-
ray diffraction patterns support the results obtained by IR and DSC. [Nature and Science
v
2010;8(12):85-95] (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Keywords: Diphenyl carbazide; FT-IR, Phase transformation
A Study on Fish Marketing System in Swarighat, Dhaka, Bangladesh Full
Text
Md. Jobaer Alam, Rumana Yasmin, Arifa Rahman, Nazmun Nahar, Nadia Islam Pinky, Monzurul
Hasan

Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: The study was conducted at fish marketing system in Swarighat, Dhaka, attempts to study
of existing marketing system, economic features of marketing activities and inefficiencies. This
paper attempts to identify infrastructure facilities, present market structure, nature of costs, profit
margins and the factor influence the marketing system. In Swarighat, almost all fish traded internally
move through the privet sector where a large number of people are dealing with fish distribution and
marketing system. The market chain from producers to retailers goes onward through a number of
intermediaries: traders, broker, aratdar, wholesalers, mahajans, and dadondars. On the basis of a
12 12
sample of 20 traders from the market, the usual amount of the daily turnover of fish in this market is
between Tk 2.5 and 3 million and the volume varies relying on the variation in catches during peak
or off-season. Virtually most of the fish (Near about 60%) is locally supplied, near about 40% brings
in from all over the country including Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Chittagong, Mohangang, Chandpur,
Barisal, Kuliarchar, Jessor and Satkhira, Khulna, Bicrompur, Mymensingh. The marine fish supply
and freshwater fish supply amount is near about 20% and 80% respectively. It is estimated that near
about 15% of fish supplied in markets is Indian major carps, 10% exotic carps, 5% other carps, 25%
hilsa, 10% catfish, 5% snake-heads, 3%live-fish, 5% small indigenous fish, 7% prawn and shrimp,
5% tilapia and 10% others including small chingri and marine fishes. Market structure, species
quality, size and weight have an influence on the price of fish and it was obtained from the survey
that the price of fish increases per kilogram with size and species wise. A great amount of profit is
made by all traders in the market in a successful manner. [Nature and Science 2010;8(12):96-103]
(ISSN: 1545-0740).

Keywords: Fish marketing, marketing channel, profit margin, Swarighat, Bangladesh
Climate Warming Studies in Alpine Habitats of Indian Himalaya, using Lichen based Passive Full
Temperature-enhancing System Text

Himanshu Rai 1, 3 *, Pramod Nag 2, D.K. Upreti 1, Rajan K Gupta3
1. Lichenology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, CSIR, Lucknow, Uttar
Pradesh-226001, India
2. Department of Botany, Mahendra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepalgunj,
Banke-21900, Nepal
3. Department of Botany, Pt.L.M.S Govt. P.G College, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-
249201, India
13 *[email protected] 13

Abstract: Increase in the average annual temperature of the planet is posing an intimate threat to
global biodiversity. Though high altitude alpine habitats, due to their physic-chemical constrains are
some of the extremely fragile habitats, they harbor unique diversity of life forms. Indian Himalayan
habitats are abode of a diverse lichen community, and have evolved into various growth forms.
Lichens inhabit nearly all the terrestrial and boreal domains of the region. Lichens are more sensitive
to changes in environmental conditions than all other plant forms. Passive temperature enhancing
systems (PTES) such as open top chambers (OTC) are most appropriate devices to experimentally
simulating the global temperature alleviation as they use trapped solar energy to enhance the ambient
temperature of experimental area. PTES experimental setups utilizing lichens can be a very efficient
vi
method for studying effect of temperature alleviation on plants.
[Himanshu Rai, Pramod Nag, D.K. Upreti, Rajan K Gupta. Climate Warming Studies in Alpine
Habitats of Indian Himalaya, using Lichen based Passive Temperature-enhancing System. Nature and
Science 2010; 8(12):104-106]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Keywords: biodiversity; alpine; physic-chemical constrain; Himalayan; Passive temperature
enhancing systems (PTES); open top chambers (OTC)
Inhibitory interactions of glutathione derivatives, coumarins and quercetins with dominant Full
onion bulb glutathione S-transferases: a structural analysis Text

M. M. Rohman1, M. D. Hossain2 and Masayuki Fujita3
1Molecular Breeding Laboratory, Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh
2Farm Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh
3Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan
[email protected]

Abstract: The dominant onion bulb glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) (named as GSTc, GSTd and
GSTe) were separated by DEAE cellulose column chromatography, and the inhibitory interactions of
glutathione (GSH) derivatives (S-methyl GSH, S-propyl GSH, S-butyl GSH, and S-hexyl GSH), four
coumarins (coumarin, 7-hydroxy coumarin, esculetin and scopoletin) were tested with theses GSTs.
The activities of GSTs were found to be inhibited differently by different compounds. The longer
alkyl chained GSH derivatives viz. S-hexyl GSH (IC 25 μM) followed by S-butyl GSH (IC 28
14 50 50 14
μM) showed stronger inhibitory effect on the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) conjugated
activity of GSTe than shorter ones (S-propyl and S-methyl GSH). Among the coumarins tested, only
esculetin had very strong inhibitory effects on GSTc and GSTd with IC values of 25 and 28 μM,
50
respectively, but the activity of GSTe was poorly inhibited by this compound. Among the quercetins,
quercetin-4′-clucoside showed strongest inhibitory effect on the activities of GSTc and GSTd with
IC s of 8.6 and 7.1 µm, respectively. The IC s of quercetin, quercetin-3βD-glucoside and quercetin-
50 50
3,4′-diglucoside were 21.1, 76.3, 76 µm on GSTc, respectively and 20.4, 69.3, 67.7 µm on GSTd,
respectively. The structure-activity relationships suggested that hydroxyl groups at C6 and C7
positions of the coumarin skeleton played an important role in the expression of GST inhibitory
activity. On the other hand, addition of glucoside at C4′ position of quercetin increased inhibitory
activities on GSTc and GSTd.
[Rohman MM, Hossain MD, Fujita M. Inhibitory interactions of glutathione derivatives, coumarins
and quercetins with dominant onion bulb glutathione S-transferases: a structural analysis. Nature and
Science 2010; 8(12):107-114]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
Keywords: Glutathione derivatives; coumarins, quercetins; onion GSTs; interaction; structural
relation
Monitoring Land-Cover in the New Reclaimed Area: A Case Study in EL-Nubaria, Egypt Full
Text
*Abou-Hadid A. F., M.A. A. Abdrabbo, A.A. Khalil and M. K. Hassanein
The Central laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza- Egypt
*[email protected]

Abstract: Agricultural production in Egypt is limited by urban encroachment and soil salinity. On
15 15
the other hand, continuous reclamation efforts in the desert and coastal regions succeeded in
establishing new agricultural communities and increased the area of cultivated land and the amount
of final product in the last decade. In the present study a suitable methodology is developed for
monitoring land cover in the new reclaimed area EL-Nubaria region by integrating remote sensing
and GIS based on land survey approach. Area frame surveys are common approaches together land
cover data. In contrast to mapping approaches, area frame sampling is a statistical method. Based on
the visual observation of sample geo-referenced points, area estimates are computed and used as a
vii
valid generalization without studying the entire area under investigation. The approach has also the
important advantage of not involving/disturbing the land owners and the farmers. Digital topographic
maps 1:50000, SPOT5, 2,5m resolution satellite images and Ortho-rectified Digital Topographic
Maps (DTM) were used. The total area for EL-Nubaria is 5670 km²; most of land cover areas are
permanent crops 1899 km², cropland 985 km² and desert 845 km². Most of crop area decreased
between 1999 and 2009 except the sugar beet and potatoes increased by 6191 and 16245 feddan. The
present study proved that integration between remote sensing and GIS is a powerful tool for
sustainable land use planning.
[Abou-Hadid A. F., M.A. A. Abdrabbo, A.A. Khalil and M. K. Hassanein. Monitoring Land-Cover in
the New Reclaimed Area: A Case Study in EL-Nubaria, Egypt. Nature and Science 2010; 8(12):115-
122]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature.

Keywords: Remote sensing, GIS, EL-Nubaria, Land cover
Microsatellite allele size profiling to determine varietal identity and genetic diversity among Full
groundnut varieties in Bangladesh Text

MR Molla1*, MN Islam2, MM Rohman3 and L Rahman4
1Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur,
Bangladesh
2Department of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka
3Molecular Breeding Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur,
Bangladesh
4Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisingh
[email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: Cultivated peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop for oil and
protein source in Bangladesh. A number of varieties have so far been released or registered for
cultivation in the country. These have been distinguished only through morphological traits.
16 Microsatellite markers, also known as SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats), have proved to be an 16
excellent tool for the identification of the plant varieties and determining genetic relationship
between the varieties of a crop species. A set of three SSR markers namely, PM36, PM50 and
PM238 were used to identify ten cultivated groundnut varieties (Dhaka-1, Bashanti, Tridana, Zhinga
badam, BARI badam 5,6,7; BINA Cheenabadam 1,2,3) available in Bangladesh. All the cultivars
were successfully discriminated by these three SSR primers. The primer PM50 alone was able to
distinguish four varieties (Dhaka-1, Bashanti, Tridana and Zhinga Badam). Six variety- specific
alleles were identified, these are, PM36/227, PM50/110, PM50/116, PM50/118, PM50/137,
PM238/200. The three primers produced a total of 13 alleles with size ranging from 109bp to 241bp.
The PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) value for the primer PM36, PM50 and PM238 was
found 0.81, 0.76 and 0.82 respectively. This approach will be useful for developing a set of limited
number of SSR loci for the identification of commercially important groundnut varieties for purpose
of obtaining plant variety protection (PVP) in Bangladesh.
[Molla MR, Islam MN, Rohman MM, Rahman L. Microsatellite Allele Size Profiling to Determine
Varietal Identity and Genetic Diversity among Groundnut Varieties in Bangladesh. Nature and
Science 2010; 8(12):123-129]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net
Correlation between Academic Cheating Behavior and Achievement Motivation Full
Text
ADEBAYO Sulaiman Olanrewaju
Department of Psychology, University of Ado- Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, 234, NIGERIA
17 [email protected], [email protected] 17

Abstract: Attempt was made to investigate the relationship between achievement motivation (n-
Ach) and academic cheating behavior. 150 undergraduates drawn from the 200 and 300 levels of the
social and management sciences faculty of a Nigeria university were asked to respond to Cheating
viii